WO2012165812A2

WO2012165812A2 - Instantaneous heating apparatus

Info

Publication number: WO2012165812A2
Application number: PCT/KR2012/004150
Authority: WO
Inventors: Kyung-Heon LEE; Tae-Yong Son; Soo-Young Lee; Hyoung-Min MOON; Hee-Do Jung; Jin-Pyo Hong; Yong-Bum Kim; Young-Gun Cho; Hyun-Woo Lee
Original assignee: Woongjin Coway Co., Ltd
Priority date: 2011-05-27
Filing date: 2012-05-25
Publication date: 2012-12-06
Also published as: CN103562650B; EP2718633A4; MY181039A; CN103562650A; WO2012165812A3; EP2718633A2

Abstract

There is provided an instantaneous heating apparatus configured to heat introduced water, while water is flowing therein, to a certain temperature by means of a heating unit during which the generation of steam is minimized. The instantaneous heating apparatus includes: a main body having an inlet through which water is introduced and an outlet through which water is expelled; and a heating unit provided in the main body and configured to heat water introduced into the main body, wherein at least one of the main body and the heating unit is configured such that water introduced into the main body through the inlet is heated to a predetermined required temperature while flowing for a certain period of time and the generation of steam is minimized.

Description

INSTANTANEOUS HEATING APPARATUS

The present invention relates to an instantaneous heating apparatus heating introduced water to a certain temperature within a short period of time and expelling heated water to the outside, and more particularly, to an instantaneous heating apparatus configured to heat introduced water, while water is flowing therein, to a certain temperature by means of a heating unit during which the generation of steam is minimized.

An instantaneous heating apparatus is an apparatus heating introduced water to a certain temperature within a short period of time and expelling the heated water to the outside. Such an instantaneous heating apparatus may be used in a water purifier, a bidet, or the like.

A related art instantaneous heating apparatus includes a main body having an inlet through which water is introduced and an outlet through which water is expelled, and a heating unit provided inside or outside of the main body to heat introduced water.

Meanwhile, in order to heat water to a certain temperature within a relatively short period of time, when heat generated by the heating unit is introduced into the instantaneous heating apparatus, as much heat as possible is required to be transmitted in as short a time as possible to water flowing within the instantaneous heating apparatus. To this end, there is provided a method of inducing a significant difference between a temperature of water flowing within the instantaneous heating apparatus and a temperature of the heating unit so as to increase an amount of heat transmitted to the water flowing within the instantaneous heating apparatus by the heating unit. Another method is allowing water to flow sufficiently within the instantaneous heating apparatus within a relatively short period of time such that the water can continuously receive heat from the heating unit while flowing within the instantaneous heating apparatus.

Among these methods, the method of inducing a significant difference between the temperature of water flowing within the instantaneous heating apparatus and the temperature of a heating unit is limited by the capacity of a heater included in the heating unit and various other factors. Thus, the method of allowing water to flow sufficiently within the instantaneous heating apparatus within a relatively short period of time, such that the water can continuously receive heat from the heating unit while flowing within the instantaneous heating apparatus, is commonly used.

However, it is technically difficult to form a flow path, allowing water to flow sufficiently within the related art instantaneous heating apparatus within a relatively short period of time, within the instantaneous heating apparatus. In addition, an excessive amount of costs and time may be required for fabricating the instantaneous heating apparatus.

Also, the related art instantaneous heating apparatus has a problem in which it may be locally overheated to generate steam. The generation of steam may cause hot water (or warm water) to splash or break up a flow of hot water when hot water is expelled to the outside. In addition, an accident in which a user may be burned, or the like, may occur.

The present invention is based upon recognition of at least any one of the requirements or problems arising from the above-referenced related art instantaneous heating apparatus.

An aspect of the present invention is provided to heat introduced water to a certain temperature within a certain period of time with a heating unit, while the water is flowing.

Another aspect of the present invention is provided to additionally provide a flow path formation unit including a flow path for continuously heating introduced water within a certain period of time while the water is flowing therein, to an instantaneous heating apparatus.

Another aspect of the present invention is provided to facilitate fabrication of an instantaneous heating apparatus.

Another aspect of the present invention is provided to reduce costs and time required for fabricating an instantaneous heating apparatus.

Another aspect of the present invention is provided to prevent water from being locally overheated to thereby generate steam.

Another aspect of the present invention is provided to allow a bimetal (or a bimetallic strip) to be operated rapidly when water is overheated, although the bimetal is not directly provided in a heating unit, has a low sensitivity, and is relatively low in price.

The instantaneous heating apparatus in relation to an embodiment of the present invention for realizing at least one of the foregoing aspects may have the following characteristics.

The instantaneous heating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention is based on a configuration in which introduced water, flowing within the instantaneous heating apparatus, is heated to a certain temperature by a heating unit such that steam generation is minimized.

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided an instantaneous heating apparatus including: a main body having an inlet through which water is introduced and an outlet through which water is expelled; and a heating unit provided in the main body and configured to heat water introduced into the main body, wherein at least one of the main body and the heating unit is configured such that water introduced into the main body through the inlet is heated to a predetermined required temperature while flowing for a certain period of time and the generation of steam is minimized.

The main body may include a first main body formation member and a second main body formation member coupled to the first main body formation member, wherein the inlet or the outlet may be provided in at least any one of the first main body formation member and the second main body formation member.

The instantaneous heating apparatus may further include a flow path formation unit provided in the main body and having a flow path connected to the inlet and the outlet such that introduced water is heated by the heating unit while flowing for a certain period of time.

The flow path formation unit may be provided between the first main body formation member and the second main body formation member included in the main body.

The flow path formation unit may include an edge member forming edges of the flow path.

The inlet may be provided in a lower portion of the first main body formation member or the second main body formation member included in the main body, and the outlet may be provided in an upper portion of the first main body formation member or the second main body formation member such that it opposes the inlet in a vertical manner.

The flow path formation unit may further include one or more flow path formation members connected to the edge member to form the flow path.

A plurality of flow path formation members may be connected to the edge member in a crisscross manner to form the flow path in which introduced water flows in zigzags.

The inlet may be provided in the lower portion of the first main body formation member or the second main body formation member included in the main body, and the outlet may be provided in the upper portion of the first main body formation member and the second main body formation member such that it faces the inlet diagonally.

The flow path may include one or more horizontal portions in which water flows horizontally; and one or more vertical portions connected to the horizontal portions, in which water flows vertically.

A plurality of horizontal portions may be provided, and the width of the horizontal portions may be increased in a direction toward the outlet from the inlet.

A plurality of vertical portions may be provided, and the length of the vertical portions may be increased in a direction toward the outlet from the inlet.

A plurality of horizontal portions may be provided, and the length of the horizontal portions may be increased in a direction toward the outlet from the inlet.

Portions connecting the horizontal portions and the vertical portions may have curved surfaces.

The heating unit may be installed on an outer surface of the main body.

The heating unit may include a surface type heater.

The surface type heater may be a ruthenox heater.

Heating elements included in the surface type heater may be electrically connected in series.

The heating elements included in the surface type heater may be electrically connected in parallel.

The heating unit may include a first heating unit provided in the first main body formation member; and a second heating unit provided in the second main body formation member.

The first heating unit and the second heating unit may have different heating capacities.

One or more bimetals may be provided in the first main body formation member or the second main body formation member at the outlet side.

The bimetals may be disposed on a portion of the first main body formation member or the second main body formation member in which the first heating unit or the second heating unit is not disposed, and the flow path formed in the flow path formation unit provided between the first main body formation member and the second main body formation member may be in contact with the portion of the first main body formation member or the second main body formation member in which the bimetal is disposed.

The portion of the first main body formation member or the second main body formation member in which the bimetal is disposed may be formed to extend from the first main body formation member or the second main body formation member, and the flow path may extend up to the extended portion of the first main body formation member or the second main body formation member.

The inlet may be provided in a lower portion of the main body, the outlet may be provided in an upper portion of the main body, and the main body may be made to stand such that water introduced through the inlet fills from a lower portion of the main body or a lower portion of the flow path formed in the flow path formation unit provided in the main body.

A sectional area of the inlet may be smaller than that of the outlet.

One or more bimetals may be provided on the main body at the outlet side.

The bimetals may be provided on a portion of the main body in which a heating unit is not disposed.

The portion of the main body in which the bimetal is disposed may be formed to extend from the main body.

An inner surface of the portion of the main body in which the bimetal is disposed may be configured to be in contact with water introduced into the main body.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, water introduced into the instantaneous heating apparatus can be heated to a certain temperature within a certain period of time with a heating unit, while flowing within the instantaneous heating apparatus.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, a flow path formation unit including a flow path allowing introduced water to be continuously heated within a certain period of time, while the water is flowing, may be additionally provided in the instantaneous heating apparatus.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, the instantaneous heating apparatus can be easily fabricated.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, costs and time required for fabricating the instantaneous heating apparatus can be reduced.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, water flowing in the flow path is prevented from being locally overheated to thereby generate steam.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, although a bimetal which is not directly provided in the heating unit, has low sensitivity, and is relatively low in price is used, the bimetal can be operated rapidly when water is overheated.

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of an instantaneous heating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the instantaneous heating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a flow path formation unit of the instantaneous heating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a sectional view showing an operation of the instantaneous heating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a view showing an instantaneous heating apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention, wherein (a) is a perspective view of a flow path formation unit, (b) is a front view of the instantaneous heating apparatus, and (c) is a rear view of the instantaneous heating apparatus;

FIG. 6 is a view showing an instantaneous heating apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention, wherein (a) is a perspective view of a flow path formation unit, (b) is a front view of the instantaneous heating apparatus, and (c) is a rear view of the instantaneous heating apparatus;

FIG. 7 is a view showing an instantaneous heating apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention, wherein (a) is a perspective view of a flow path formation unit, (b) is a front view of the instantaneous heating apparatus, and (c) is a rear view of the instantaneous heating apparatus;

FIG. 8 is a view showing an instantaneous heating apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention, wherein (a) is a front view of the instantaneous heating apparatus, (b) is a rear view of the instantaneous heating apparatus, and (c) is a sectional view taken along line A-A'in (a);

FIG. 9 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion 'B' in FIG. 8; and

FIG. 10 is a view showing examples of a heating unit of the instantaneous heating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Hereinafter, in order to help understand the characteristics of the present invention, an instantaneous heating apparatus in relation to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. In the drawings, the shapes and dimensions of elements may be exaggerated for clarity, and the same reference numerals will be used throughout to designate the same or like components.

Embodiments of the present invention are based on a configuration in which introduced water, flowing within the instantaneous heating apparatus, is heated to a certain temperature by a heating unit such that the generation of steam is minimized.

As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 5 through 8, the instantaneous heating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a main body 200 (i.e., the apparatus main body 200) and a heating unit 300. At least one of the main body 200 and the heating unit 300 may be configured to heat water introduced into the instantaneous heating apparatus to a certain intended temperature, while flowing within the instantaneous heating apparatus, such that steam generation is minimized.

As shown in the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2, and 5 through 8, the main body 200 may have an inlet 200a through which water is introduced and an outlet 200b through which water is expelled.

The inlet 200a may be connected to a water source (not shown) by a connection pipe (not shown). Accordingly, water stored in the water source may be introduced to the main body 200 through the inlet 200a as shown in FIG. 4.

The outlet 200b may be connected to a water expelling member (not shown), such as, for example, a cock, a faucet, a bidet nozzle, or the like, by a connection pipe (not shown). Accordingly, water introduced into the main body 200 through the inlet 200a may flow in the main body 200 as shown in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 8, or flow in a flow path (P) formed in a flow path formation unit 400 provided in the main body 200, while being heated by the heating unit 300, and then, be expelled to the outside through the outlet 200b as shown in the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1, 5 through 7.

The main body 200 may be made of stainless steel. Thus, water flowing within the main body 200 may not be contaminated by the main body 200. However, the material of the main body 200 is not limited to stainless steel and any material may be used as long as it does not contaminate water flowing therein.

Meanwhile, as shown in the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2, 5 through 8, the inlet 200a is provided in a lower portion of the main body 200, and the outlet 200b may be provided in an upper portion of the main body 200. Namely, the main body 200 of the instantaneous heating apparatus 100 may be made to stand such that the inlet 200a is positioned in a lower portion and the outlet 200b is positioned in an upper portion.

Accordingly, water introduced through the inlet 200a is heated, while filling up starting from a lower portion of the main body 200 or from a lower portion of the flow path (P) formed in the flow path formation unit 400 (to be described later) provided in the main body 200, and then, is expelled through the outlet 200b.

Accordingly, heat may be constantly exchanged between the heating unit 300 (to be described later) provided in the main body 200 or a first heating unit 310 or a second heating unit 320 included in the heating unit 300 as shown in the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2, 5 through 8 and water flowing in the main body 200 or water flowing in the flow path (P) formed in the flow path formation unit 400 provided in the main body 200 (to be described later). Thus, the heating unit 300, or the first heating unit 310 or the second heating unit 320 in the illustrated embodiment, can be prevented from being overheated to be damaged.

Also, as shown in the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8, a sectional area of the inlet 200a may be smaller than that of the outlet 200b. Thus, the velocity of water introduced through the inlet 200a may be faster than that of water flowing out through the outlet 200b. Accordingly, a channeling phenomenon in the inlet 200a side may be prevented, a dead zone in which water is stagnant may be decreased, and turbulent flow is more generated. Thus, water may be relatively readily mixed in the inlet 200a side, so heat can be easily transmitted from the heating unit 300 to water. Also, since the sectional area of the outlet 200b is larger than that of the inlet 200a, water may flow out through the outlet 200b relatively smoothly.

As shown in the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2, 5 through 8, the main body 200 may include a first main body formation member 210 and a second main body formation member 220.

The first main body formation member 210 may include at least one of the inlet 200a and the outlet 200b as described above. For example, when the inlet 200a is provided on the first main body formation member 210, the outlet 200b may be provided on the second main body formation member 220, and when the outlet 200b is provided on the first main body formation member 210, the inlet 200a may be provided on the second main body formation member 220.

Also, both the inlet 200a and the outlet 200b may be provided on the first main body formation member 210. In this case, neither of the inlet 200a and the outlet 200b is provided on the second main body formation member 220. Conversely, when both the inlet 200a and the outlet 200b are provided on the second main body formation member 220, neither of the inlet 200a and the outlet 200b is provided on the first main body formation member 210.

The shape, size, thickness, or the like, of the first main body formation member 210 is not particularly limited. Namely, the first main body formation member 210 may have any shape, size, or thickness as long as it may be coupled to the second main body formation member 220 to form a space allowing water to flow therein or the flow path formation unit 400 (to be described later) to be formed therein.

As shown in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, the second main body formation member 220 may be coupled to the first main body formation member 210. As the first main body formation member 210 and the second main body formation member 220 are coupled, a space allowing water to flow therein as shown in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 8 or the flow path formation unit 400 to be provided therein as shown in the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1, 5 through 7.

For example, as shown in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 8, the edges of the first main body formation member 210 are bent while those of the second main body formation member 220 are not bent, so when the first main body formation member 210 and the second main body formation member 220 are coupled, a space allowing water to flow therein may be formed. Conversely, the edges of the first main body formation member 210 may not be bent while those of the second main body formation member 220 may be bent, so when the first main body formation member 210 and the second main body formation member 220 are coupled, a space allowing water to flow therein may also be formed. Alternatively, both of the edges of the first main body formation member 210 and those of the second main body formation member 220 may be bent, so when the first main body formation member 210 and the second main body formation member 220 are coupled, a space allowing water to flow therein may be formed.

With such a configuration, a relatively large amount of water flowing in the main body 200 is simultaneously heated by the heating unit 300 (to be described later), thus preventing water from being locally overheated to thereby generate steam. Here, although a temperature rise rate of water flowing in the main body 200 may be slightly reduced, an appropriate temperature rise rate may be set by adjusting a heating capacity of the heating unit 300 or the position of the heating unit 300. In addition, since the flow path formation unit 400 (to be described later) is not required to be fabricated, the fabrication of the instantaneous heating apparatus 100 can be facilitated, reducing fabrication costs and time of the instantaneous heating apparatus 100.

The first main body formation member 210 and the second main body formation member 220 may be coupled through welding, or the like. However, the configuration of coupling the first main body formation member 210 and the second main body formation member 220 is not limited to the welding and any known configuration may be used as long as the first main body formation member 210 and the second main body formation member 220 are coupled.

Also, as shown in the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2, and 6, a first insertion space 210a allowing half of the flow path formation unit 400 (to be descried later) to be inserted therein may be formed on the first main body formation member 210, and a second insertion space 220a allowing the other half of the flow path formation unit 400 to be inserted therein may be formed on the second main body formation member 220.

When the first main body formation member 210 and the second main body formation member 220 are coupled in a state in which half of the flow path formation unit 400 (to be described) is insertedly positioned in the first insertion space 210a of the first main body formation member 210 or the second insertion space 220a of the second main body formation member 220, the main body 200 is configured by the first main body formation member 210 and the second main body formation member 220. Also, the flow path formation unit 400 may be inserted into the first insertion space 210a of the first main body formation member 210 and the second insertion space 220a of the second main body formation member 220 so as to be provided within the main body 200.

Thus, the first main body formation member 210 may be fabricated such that the first insertion space 210a is formed, and the second main body formation member 220 may be fabricated such that the second insertion space 220a is formed. And, the flow path formation unit 400 may be fabricated separately. Also, as described above, after the flow path formation unit 400 is inserted into the first insertion space 210a or the second insertion space 220a, the first main body formation member 2120 and the second main body formation member 220 may be coupled.

However, the configuration in which the first main body formation member 210 and the second main body formation member 220 are coupled to form the space for the flow path formation unit 400 is not limited thereto, and an insertion space may be formed in only any one of the first main body formation member 210 and the second main body formation member 220, and the first main body formation member 210 and the second main body formation member 220 may be coupled to form a space for the flow path formation unit 400.

Besides, as shown the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 7, the first main body formation member 210, the second main body formation member 220, and the flow path formation unit 400 (to be described) may be fabricated to have the same size, and in a state in which the flow path formation unit 400 is positioned between the first main body formation member 210 and the second main body formation member 220, they may be coupled through a method such as welding, or the like. Accordingly, a flow path (P) may be formed by the flow path formation unit 400 between the first main body formation member 210 and the second main body formation member 220 constituting the main body 200.

According to such a configuration, when water is introduced through the inlet 200a, water, flowing within the main body 200, i.e., in the flow path (P) formed in the flow path formation unit 400, may be heated to a certain temperature by the heating unit 300 provided in the main body 200 during a certain period of time, and then, expelled through the outlet 200b. Thus, there is no need to additionally connect a member for forming a flow path to the first main body formation member 210 or the second main body formation member 220 or there is no need to process the first main body formation member 210 or the second main body formation member 220 such that a flow path is formed. Thus, the fabrication of the instantaneous heating apparatus 100 is facilitated, reducing fabrication costs and time of the instantaneous heating apparatus 100.

Meanwhile, at least one of the outlet 200b and the inlet 200a as described above may be provided in the second main body formation member 220. The shape, size, thickness, or the like, of the second main body formation member 220 is not particularly limited. Namely, as mentioned above, the second main body formation member 200 may have any shape, size, or thickness as long as it may be coupled to the first main body formation member 210 to form a space allowing water to flow therein or the flow path formation unit to be formed therein.

As shown in the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2, 5 through 8, the heating unit 300 may be provided in the main body 200. The heating unit 300 may be configured to heat water introduced into the main body 200 through the inlet 200a. The heating unit 300 may be provided on an outer surface of the main body 200 as shown in the embodiment illustrated the drawings. The heating unit 300 may be provided in any of the first main body formation member 210 and the second main body formation member 220 constituting the main body 200, or as illustrated in the drawings, the heating unit 300 may be provided on both outer surfaces of the first main body formation member 210 and the second main body formation member 220.

Namely, as shown in the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2, 5 through 8, the heating unit 300 may include the first heating unit 310 provided in the first main body formation member 210 and the second heating unit 320 provided in the second main body formation member 220. In such a case, both the first heating unit 310 and the second heating unit 320 may be operated or only any one thereof may be operated to heat water flowing in the flow path (P) formed in the flow path formation unit 400 to produce hot water having a certain temperature.

The first heating unit 310 and the second heating unit 320 may have different heating capacities. Thus, either of the first heating unit 310 and the second heating unit 320 may be operated or both of them may be operated in order to supply quantity of heat as much as required for producing hot water.

Meanwhile, as shown in the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2, and 5 through 8, the heating unit 300 may include a surface type heater. Thus, when water is introduced into the main body 200 through the inlet 200a, the introduced water, while flowing in the main body 200 or the flow path (P) formed in the flow path formation unit 400, can be continuously heated. Accordingly, heating efficiency of the instantaneous heating apparatus 100 can be enhanced and the size of the instantaneous heating apparatus 100 can be reduced.

The surface type heater included in the heating unit 300 may be a ruthenox heater as shown in the illustrated embodiment. However, the surface type heater included in the heating unit 300 may not be limited to the ruthenox heater and any other known surface type heater may be used.

Also, as shown in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 10(a), heating elements included in the surface type heater may be electrically connected in series. Also, as shown in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 10(b), heating elements included in the surface type heater may be electrically connected to be parallel.

Meanwhile, as shown in the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2, and 5 through 7, the instantaneous heating apparatus 100 may further include the flow path formation unit 400. The flow path formation unit 400 may be provided in the main body 200 as shown in the illustrated embodiment. Also, as shown in the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 3, 5 through 7, the flow path (P) may be formed to be connected to the inlet 200a and the outlet 200b. Water introduced into the main body 200 may be heated by the heating unit 300, while flowing in the flow path (P) for a certain period of time as shown in FIG. 4.

As shown in the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2, and 5 through 7, the flow path formation unit 400 may be provided between the first main body formation member 210 and the second main body formation member 220 included in the main body 200 as described above.

To this end, as shown in the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2, and 6, after the flow path formation unit 400 is inserted between the first insertion space 210a of the first main body formation member 210 and the second insertion space 220a of the second main body formation member 220, the first main body formation member 210 and the second main body formation member 220 may be connected to allow the flow path formation unit 400 to be positioned within the main body 200.

Besides, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 7, the first main body formation member 210, the second main body formation member 220, and the flow path formation unit 400 may be fabricated to have the same size, and in a state in which the flow path formation unit 4000 is positioned between the first main body formation member 210 and the second main body formation member 220, they may be coupled through a method such as welding, or the like.

As shown in the embodiment illustrated in FGIS. 3, 5 through 7, the flow path (P) may be formed to be connected to the inlet 200a and the outlet 200b such that water introduced into the main body 200 through the inlet 200a may be heated by the heating unit 300 while flowing in the main body 200 for a certain period of time.

To this end, as shown in the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 3 and 5 through 7, the flow path formation unit 400 may include an edge member 410. The edge member 410 may form edges of the flow path (P) as shown in the illustrated embodiment. As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the edge member 410 may have a quadrangular shape. However, the shape of the edge member 410 is not limited thereto and, the edge member 410 may have any shape such as, for example, a circular shape, a triangular shape, or the like, as long as it can form the edges of the flow path (P).

As shown in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 7, the flow path formation unit 400 may include only the edge member 410. Accordingly, only the flow path (P) may be formed in the flow path formation unit 400 as shown in the illustrated embodiment.

According to this configuration, a relatively large amount of water flowing in the flow path (P) of the flow path formation unit 400 is simultaneously heated by the heating unit 300, water can be prevented from being locally overheated to thereby generate steam. Also, since a flow path formation member 420 is not required to be fabricated, facilitating the fabrication of the instantaneous heating apparatus 100, fabrication costs and time of the instantaneous heating apparatus 100 can be reduced.

In this case, as shown in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 7, the inlet 200a may be provided in a lower portion of the first main body formation member 210 or the second main body formation member 220 of the main body 200, and the outlet 200b may be provided in an upper portion of the first main body formation member 210 or the second main body formation member 220 such that the inlet 200a and the outlet 200b face up and down.

Accordingly, a channeling phenomenon in which a large amount of water concentratively flows to a portion without resistance at a time can be prevented.

Also, as shown in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 7, the corner portions of the edge member 410 may be formed to have curved surfaces. Accordingly, the foregoing channeling phenomenon can also be prevented.

Also, as shown in the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 3, 5, and 6, the flow path formation unit 400 may further include the flow path formation member 420. As shown in the illustrated embodiment, one or more flow path formation members 420 may be connected to the edge member 410, and here, the flow path (P) may be formed by the flow path formation members 420.

For example, as shown in the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 3, 5, and 6, a plurality of flow path formation members 420 may be connected in a crisscross manner to the edge member 410 such that the flow path (P) allowing water introduced into the main body 200 through the inlet 200a to flow in zigzags is formed. Namely, as shown in the illustrated embodiment, the plurality of flow path formation members 420 may be connected in a crisscross manner to the edge member 410. Accordingly, as shown in the illustrated embodiment, the zigzag flow path (P) may be formed in the flow path formation unit 400.

In this case, as shown in the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 3, 5, and 6, the inlet 200a may be provided in a lower portion of the first main body formation member 210 or the second main body formation member 220 of the main body 200, and the outlet 200b may be provided in an upper portion of the first main body formation member 210 or the second main body formation member 220 of the main body 200 such that it faces the inlet 200a diagonally. Accordingly, the flow path (P) formed by the edge member 410 and the flow path formation members 420 may be lengthened.

According to the configuration, as shown in FIG. 4, water introduced into the main body 200 through the inlet 200a may be heated by the heating unit 300 while flowing along the flow path (P) formed by the edge member 410 and the flow path formation members 420 as described above. The water heated to a certain temperature may be expelled to the outside through the outlet 200b as illustrated.

As shown in the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 3, 5, and 6, the flow path (P) may include one or more horizontal portions P1 in which water flows horizontally and one or more vertical portions P2 in which water flows vertically.

As shown in the embodiment illustrated FIGS. 5 and 6, a plurality of horizontal portions P1 may be provided. The width (d) of the horizontal portion P1 may be increased in a direction toward the outlet 200b from the inlet 200a as shown in the illustrated embodiment.

Accordingly, the amount of water flowing in the horizontal portions P1 at the inlet 200a side may be smaller than the amount of water flowing in the horizontal portions P1 at the outlet 200b side. Accordingly, a temperature rise rate of water flowing in the horizontal portions P1 at the inlet 200a side having a relatively low temperature may be higher than that of water flowing in the horizontal portions P1 at the outlet 200b side having a relatively high temperature.

Namely, a temperature of water at the inlet 200a side having a relatively low temperature may be increased relatively faster than that of water at the outlet 200b side having a relatively high temperature. Accordingly, after the temperature of water at the inlet 200a side is rapidly increased, the temperature of water at the outlet 200b side may be slowly increased to a required temperature. In addition, water at the outlet 200b side having a relatively high temperature can be prevented from being locally overheated to thereby generate steam.

As shown in the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6, a plurality of vertical portions P2 may be provided. Also, as shown in the illustrated embodiment, the length (l) of the vertical portions P2 may be increased in a direction toward the outlet 200b from the inlet 200a.

Accordingly, a larger number of horizontal portions P1 may be positioned at the inlet 200a side than at the outlet 200b side. Accordingly, water at the inlet 200a side having a relatively low temperature may be relatively rapidly increased, but water at the outlet 200b side having a relatively high temperature may be relatively slowly increased. Thus, after the temperature of water at the inlet 200a side is rapidly increased, the temperature of water at the outlet 200b side may be slowly increased to a certain required temperature. Also, water can be prevented from being locally overheated to thereby generate steam at the outlet 200b side having a relatively high temperature.

As shown in the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6, a plurality of horizontal portions P1 may be provided and the length l2 of the horizontal portion P1 may be increased in a direction toward the outlet 200b from the inlet 200a.

Accordingly, as shown in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 6, the flow path (P) may be brought into contact with a portion of the first main body formation member 210 or the second main body formation member 220 having bimetals 500.

Also, as shown in the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6, portions connecting the horizontal portion P1 and the vertical portion P2 may have curved surfaces. Accordingly, water flowing in the flow path (P) can be prevented from generating the vortex at the portions connecting the horizontal portion P1 and the vertical portion P2.

When water flowing in the flow path (P) is rapidly heated, in order to prevent water flowing in the flow path (P) from being locally overheated to thereby generate steam, the thickness (t) of the flow path (P), namely, the thickness (t) of the flow path formation member 420 in the illustrated embodiment, may be adjusted besides the adjustment of the width (d) of the horizontal portion P1 of the flow path (P), the length (l) of the vertical portion P2 of the flow path (P) or the length l2 of the horizontal portion P1.

For example, in the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6, a minimum thickness t1 and a maximum thickness t2 of the flow path (P) may be set such that water flowing in the flow path (P) can be prevented from being locally overheated to thereby generate steam when rapidly heated.

Thus, if the thickness (t) of the flow path (P) is less than the minimum thickness t1, the amount of water flowing in the flow path (P) is reduced and relatively rapidly heated, but the phenomenon in which water flowing in the flow path (P) is locally overheated to thereby generate steam cannot be prevented.

If the thickness (t) of the flow path (P) exceeds the maximum thickness t2, the amount of water flowing in the flow path (P) is increased so the phenomenon in which water flowing in the flow path (P) is locally overheated to thereby generate steam can be prevented, but water flowing in the flow path (P) cannot be rapidly heated.

The minimum thickness t1 and the maximum thickness t2 of the flow path (P) may vary according to conditions, e.g., a range of a heating temperature, a heating capacity of the heating unit 300, a quantity of flow (or a flow rate), or the like.

Also, as shown in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 7, even when the flow path formation unit 400 does not have the flow path formation member 420, the thickness (t) of the flow path (P) may be adjusted in order to prevent water flowing in the flow path (P) from being locally overheated to thereby generate steam when rapidly heated.

Also, in this case, the minimum thickness t1 and the maximum thickness t2 of the flow path (P) may be set such that water flowing in the flow path (P) is prevented from being locally overheated to thereby generate steam when rapidly heated, and here, the minimum thickness t1 and the maximum thickness t2 of the flow path (P) may vary according to conditions, e.g., a range of a heating temperature, a heating capacity of the heating unit 300, a quantity of flow (or a flow rate), or the like.

Also, as shown in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 8, when the instantaneous heating apparatus 100 does not include the flow path formation unit 400, the size of the internal space of the main body 200 in which water flows may be adjusted such that water flowing in the main body 200 is prevented from being locally overheated to thereby generate steam when rapidly heated.

For example, as shown in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 8, when the first main body formation member 210 and the second main body formation member 220 are included, the size of the internal space of the main body 200 may be adjusted by adjusting a distance between the first main body formation member 210 and the second main body formation member 220.

Also, in this case, a minimum distance and a maximum distance between the first main body formation member 210 and the second main body formation member 220 may be set in order to prevent water flowing in the flow path (P) from being locally overheated to thereby generate steam when rapidly heated, and here, the minimum distance and the maximum distance between the first main body formation member 210 and the second main body formation member 220 may vary according to conditions, e.g., a range of a heating temperature, a heating capacity of the heating unit 300, a quantity of flow (or a flow rate), or the like.

Meanwhile, in the illustrated embodiments, the flow path (P) formed by the flow path formation member 420 is formed to allow water to flow in zigzags, but the preset invention is not limited thereto and the flow path (P) may be formed to allow water to flow in a spiral form. Namely, one side of the flow path formation member 420 having a spiral shape may be connected to the edge member 410.

Accordingly, the spiral flow path (P) is formed in the flow path formation unit 400. The inlet 200a or the outlet 200b may be connected to the center and the edge of the spiral flow path (P). Accordingly, water introduced into the main body 200 through the inlet 200a may be heated to a certain temperature by the heating unit 300 while flowing in the spiral flow path (P) of the flow path formation unit 400, and then, expelled to the outside through the outlet 200b. The spiral flow path (P) formed in the flow path formation unit 400 may have any shape such as a circular spiral, a triangular spiral, a quadrangular spiral, or the like.

Meanwhile, like the foregoing main body 200, the flow path formation unit 400 may also be made of stainless steel. Namely, as mentioned above, the edge member 410 included in the flow path formation unit 400 or both the edge member 410 and the flow path formation member 420 may be made of stainless steel. Thus, water may not be contaminated by the flow path formation unit 400.

However, the material used for forming the flow path formation unit 400 may not be limited to stainless steel, and any known material may be used as long as it does not contaminate water flowing in the flow path (P) formed in the flow path formation unit 400.

One or more bimetals 500 may be provided on the main body 200 at the outlet 200b side, or on the first main body formation member 210 or the second main body formation member 220 of the outlet 200b side in the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 6 through 8. The bimetals 500 may be electrically connected to, for example, the heating unit 300 or the first heating unit 310 or the second heating unit 320 in the illustrated embodiment. To this end, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the bimetal 500 and a power input side of the heating unit 300, in a state in which they are separated, may be connected by an electrical wire (not shown) such as a wire harness, or the like.

However, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the bimetal 500 and the power input side of the heating unit 300 may be positioned to be adjacent. One side of a connection member 510 may be connected to the bimetal 500 as shown in the illustrated embodiment. The connection member 510 may be made of a conductor such as metal, or the like. Also, as shown in FIG. 9, when the bimetal 500 is provided in the main body 200, the other side of the connection member 510 may be in contact with the power input side of the heating unit.

Accordingly, once the bimetal 500 is disposed in the main body 200, the bimetal 500 and the power input side of the heating unit 300 may be electrically connected. Thus, even an unskilled operator or assembly line worker may easily connect the bimetal 500 and the power input side of the heating unit 300, reducing a production time and costs.

When water flowing in the main body 200 or the flow path (P) of the flow path formation unit 400 is overheated, namely, heated to above a required certain temperature, the operation of the heating unit 300, or the operation of the first heating unit 310 or the second heating unit 320 in the illustrated embodiment, may be stopped by the bimetal 500.

The bimetal 500 may be provided on a portion of the main body 200 in which the heating unit 300 is not provided or on a portion of the first main body formation member 210 or the second main body formation member 220 in which the first heating unit 310 or the second heating unit 320 is not provided as shown in the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7. It may be configured such that the foregoing flow path (P) in which water introduced into the main body 200 flows is in contact with an inner surface of the portion of the main body 200 in which the bimetal 500 is disposed or an inner surface of the portion of the first main body formation member 210 or the second main body formation member 220 in which the bimetal 500 is disposed in the illustrated embodiment.

To this end, the portion of the main body 200 in which the bimetal 500 is disposed may extend from the main body 200. The bimetal 500 may be provided in the main body 200 at the outlet 200b side. Namely, the portion of the main body 200 in which the bimetal 500 is disposed may extend from the main body 200 at the outlet 200b side.

A temperature of water at the outlet 200b side of the main body 200 is higher than that of water at the inlet 200a side. In this case, there is a high possibility that water will be locally overheated to thereby generate steam. When the bimetal 500 is disposed at the outlet 200b side, it can stop the operation of the heating unit 300 before water at the outlet 200b side having a relatively high temperature is locally overheated. Thus, water can be prevented from being locally overheated to thereby generate steam.

As shown in the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7, the portion of the first main body formation member 210 or the second main body formation member 220 in which the bimetal 500 is disposed may be formed to extend from the first main body formation member 210 or the second main body formation member 220. Water introduced into the main body 200 may flow up to the extended portion of the main body 200, or the flow path (P) in which water introduced into the main body 200 flows may extend up to the extended portion of the main body 200.

Water introduced into the main body 200 may flow up to the extended portion of the first main body formation member 210 or the second main body formation member 220 as shown in the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7. Also, foregoing flow path (P) in which water introduced into the main body 200 flows may extend up to the extended portion of the first main body formation member 210 or the second main body formation member 220.

Thus, the bimetal 500 is able to directly sense a temperature of water flowing in the flow path (P) at the outlet 200b side, so in the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7, the operation of the foregoing bimetal 500 can be rapidly performed without having to use a relatively high-priced bimetal 500 having excellent sensitivity and directly provided in the first heating unit 310 or the second heating unit 320.

However, as shown in FIG. 8, the bimetal 500 may be directly provided in the first heating unit 310 or the second heating unit 320. Also, in this case, the portion of the main body 200 in which the bimetal 500 is disposed, or the portion of the first main body formation member 210 or the second main body formation member 220 in which the bimetal 500 is disposed as shown in the illustrated embodiment, may be formed to extend from the first main body formation member 210 or the second main body formation member 220. Water introduced into the main body 200 may flow up to the portion of the main body 200 in which the bimetal 500 is disposed or the foregoing flow path (P) in which water introduced into the main body 200 flows may extend up to the extended portion of the main body 200. In the illustrated embodiment, water introduced into the main body 200 may flow up to the portion of the first main body formation member 210 or the second main body formation member 220 in which the bimetal 500 is disposed. Also, the flow path (P) in which water introduced into the main body 200 flows may extend up to the extended portion of the first main body formation member 210 or the second main body formation member 220.

Meanwhile, in the instantaneous heating apparatus 100 in the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 5 through 8, a flow rate of water flowing in the flow path (P) may be adjusted to heat water to a required certain temperature. Namely, a temperature of water introduced through the inlet 200a is measured by a temperature sensor (not shown), and then, a difference between the measured temperature and a required certain temperature is calculated.

Also, when the quantity of heat generated from the heating unit 300, or the first heating unit 310 or the second heating unit 320 in the illustrated embodiment, is fixed, a flow rate of water flowing in the flow path (P) to heat water to the required certain temperature can be obtained. In this case, both the first heating unit 310 and the second heating unit 320 may be operated, or only either of them may be operated.

Also, water may flow to the main body 200 or the flow path (P) through the inlet 200a at the flow rate obtained as described above by means of a flow rate sensor (not shown) and a flow rate adjustment valve (not shown). Accordingly, water flowing in the main body 200 or the flow path (P) of the flow path formation unit 400 may be heated to a required certain temperature by the heating unit 300.

Employment of the instantaneous heating apparatus 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention as described above has the following advantages. That is, introduced water can be heated to a certain temperature by the heating unit while flowing for a certain period of time. The follow path formation unit in which the flow path is formed may be additionally provided in the instantaneous heating apparatus such that introduced water can be continuously heated while flowing in the flow path for a certain period of time. The instantaneous heating apparatus can be easily fabricated. Costs and time required for fabricating the instantaneous heating apparatus can be reduced. Water can be prevented from being locally overheated to thereby generate steam. And, although the bimetal which is relatively low in price, has low sensitivity, and is not directly provided in the heating unit, is used, the bimetal can be operated rapidly when water is overheated.

The instantaneous heating apparatus according to the embodiments as described above is not limited in its application of the configurations, but the entirety or a portion of the embodiments may be selectively combined to be configured into various modifications.

Claims

An instantaneous heating apparatus comprising:

a main body having an inlet through which water is introduced and an outlet through which water is expelled; and

a heating unit provided in the main body and configured to heat water introduced into the main body,

wherein at least one of the main body and the heating unit is configured such that water introduced into the main body through the inlet is heated to a predetermined required temperature while flowing for a certain period of time and the generation of steam is minimized.
The instantaneous heating apparatus of claim 1, wherein the main body comprises a first main body formation member and a second main body formation member coupled to the first main body formation member,

wherein the inlet or the outlet may be provided in at least either of the first main body formation member and the second main body formation member.
The instantaneous heating apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a flow path formation unit provided in the main body and having a flow path connected to the inlet and the outlet such that introduced water is heated by the heating unit while flowing for a certain period of time.
The instantaneous heating apparatus of claim 3, wherein the flow path formation unit is provided between the first main body formation member and the second main body formation member included in the main body.
The instantaneous heating apparatus of claim 3, wherein the flow path formation unit comprises an edge member forming edges of the flow path.
The instantaneous heating apparatus of claim 5, wherein the inlet is provided in a lower portion of the first main body formation member or the second main body formation member included in the main body, and

the outlet may be provided in an upper portion of the first main body formation member or the second main body formation member such that it opposes the inlet in a vertical manner.
The instantaneous heating apparatus of claim 5, wherein the flow path formation unit further comprises one or more flow path formation members connected to the edge member to form the flow path.
The instantaneous heating apparatus of claim 7, wherein a plurality of flow path formation members are connected to the edge member in a crisscross manner to form the flow path in which introduced water flows in zigzags.
The instantaneous heating apparatus of claim 8, wherein the inlet is provided in the lower portion of the first main body formation member or the second main body formation member included in the main body, and

the outlet may be provided in the upper portion of the first main body formation member and the second main body formation member such that it faces the inlet diagonally.
The instantaneous heating apparatus of claim 8, wherein the flow path comprise:

one or more horizontal portions in which water flows horizontally; and

one or more vertical portions connected to the horizontal portions, in which water flows vertically.
The instantaneous heating apparatus of claim 10, wherein a plurality of horizontal portions are provided, and the width of the horizontal portions is increased in a direction toward the outlet from the inlet.
The instantaneous heating apparatus of claim 10, wherein a plurality of vertical portions are provided, and the length of the vertical portions is increased in a direction toward the outlet from the inlet.
The instantaneous heating apparatus of claim 10, wherein a plurality of horizontal portions are provided, and the length of the horizontal portions is increased in a direction toward the outlet from the inlet.
The instantaneous heating apparatus of claim 10, wherein portions connecting the horizontal portions and the vertical portions have curved surfaces.
The instantaneous heating apparatus of claim 1, wherein the heating unit is installed on an outer surface of the main body.
The instantaneous heating apparatus of claim 15, wherein the heating unit comprises a surface type heater.
The instantaneous heating apparatus of claim 16, wherein the surface type heater is a ruthenox heater.
The instantaneous heating apparatus of claim 16, wherein heating elements included in the surface type heater are electrically connected in series.
The instantaneous heating apparatus of claim 16, wherein the heating elements included in the surface type heater are electrically connected in parallel.
The instantaneous heating apparatus of claim 2, wherein the heating unit comprises:

a first heating unit provided in the first main body formation member; and

a second heating unit provided in the second main body formation member.
The instantaneous heating apparatus of claim 20, wherein the first heating unit and the second heating unit have different heating capacities.
The instantaneous heating apparatus of claim 20, wherein one or more bimetals are provided in the first main body formation member or the second main body formation member at the outlet side.
The instantaneous heating apparatus of claim 22, wherein the bimetal is disposed on a portion of the first main body formation member or the second main body formation member in which the first heating unit or the second heating unit is not disposed, and

the flow path formed in the flow path formation unit provided between the first main body formation member and the second main body formation member is in contact with the portion of the first main body formation member or the second main body formation member in which the bimetal is disposed.
The instantaneous heating apparatus of claim 23, wherein the portion of the first main body formation member or the second main body formation member in which the bimetal is disposed is formed to extend from the first main body formation member or the second main body formation member, and the flow path extends up to the extended portion of the first main body formation member or the second main body formation member.
The instantaneous heating apparatus of claim 1, wherein the inlet is provided in a lower portion of the main body, the outlet is provided in an upper portion of the main body, and

the main body is made to stand such that water introduced through the inlet fills from a lower portion of the main body or a lower portion of the flow path formed in the flow path formation unit provided in the main body.
The instantaneous heating apparatus of claim 1, wherein a sectional area of the inlet is smaller than that of the outlet.
The instantaneous heating apparatus of claim 1, wherein one or more bimetals are provided on the main body at the outlet side.
The instantaneous heating apparatus of claim 27, wherein the bimetals are provided on a portion of the main body in which a heating unit is not disposed.
The instantaneous heating apparatus of claim 27, wherein the portion of the main body in which the bimetal is disposed is formed to extend from the main body.
The instantaneous heating apparatus of claim 27, wherein an inner surface of the portion of the main body in which the bimetal is disposed is configured to be in contact with water introduced into the main body.