WO2019151624A1

WO2019151624A1 - Water dispensing device

Info

Publication number: WO2019151624A1
Application number: PCT/KR2018/013786
Authority: WO
Inventors: Sangsoo AHN; Sangki Woo; Jintae Kim; Jongjin Park
Original assignee: Lg Electronics Inc.
Priority date: 2018-01-31
Filing date: 2018-11-13
Publication date: 2019-08-08
Also published as: KR20190092971A; KR102063223B1

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a water dispensing device in which a hot water tank through which purified water passes to generate hot water includes a planar first cover arranged on one side of the hot water tank, a second cover, at least a part of which is coupled to the other surface of the first cover while being in surface contact with the other surface of the first cover, at least a part of a surface facing the first cover of which is formed concavely toward the other side to be spaced apart from the first cover, and which thus defines a heating passage together with the first cover, an input pipe which extends outwardly of the second cover while communicating with the heating passage, and to which the purifiedwaterfor heating is supplied, and an output pipe which is arranged above the input pipe and extends outwardly of the second cover while communicating with the heating passage, and through which completely heated hot water is discharged, and a steam pipe which is arranged above the output pipe and extends outwardly of cover while communicating with the heating passage, and through which steam generated in the heating passage is discharged.

Description

WATER DISPENSING DEVICE

The present disclosure relates to a water dispensing device.

In general, a water dispensing device, which is a device configured to supply water, is a device that may discharge a desired amount of water according to user’s manipulation.

In such a water dispensing device, when a general user manipulates a lever or a button, stored water may be discharged through a nozzle. In detail, the water dispensing device is configured such that while the user manipulates the lever or the button, a valve of the nozzle is opened so that the water is discharged, and the user terminates the manipulation of the lever or the button while identifying an amount of water being filled in a cup or a container.

Although such a water dispensing device may be applied to various fields, the water dispensing device may typically be applied to a refrigerator and a water purifier. In particular, the water dispensing device provided in the refrigerator and the water purifier may function to automatically supply a set amount of water according to user’s manipulation. In recent years, a water dispensing device has been developed which may supply cold water and hot water as well as simply supply purified water.

As an example, an instantaneous hot water supplying device and hot water supplying method which may discharge hot water in a short time through control of a flow rate is disclosed in Korean Patent Application Publication No. 10-2017-0105466 (hereinafter, referred to as the related art 1). In detail, disclosed is an instantaneous hot water supplying device and hot water supplying method, the instantaneous hot water supplying device including a heater configured to heat introduced water in a heat capacity, an inlet valve configured to adjust an amount of water introduced into the heater, and a valve controller configured to calculate a flow rate of water to be introduced into the heater using the temperature of the introduced water, a target water temperature, and the heat capacity of the heater, and to control an opening/closing degree of the inlet valve depending on the calculated flow rate.

In the above-described related art 1, the temperature of hot water is adjusted as the opening/closing degree of the inlet valve is controlled depending on the introduced water and the target water temperature.

As another example, a control method including a heating step of heating the inside of a water storage tank by operating a heater for a predetermined time, and then terminating the operation of the heater, a measurement step of measuring a value by which the internal temperature of the water storage tank rises after the heating step, a comparison step of comparing the measured value of the measurement step with a reference value, and a step of operating the heater when the measured value is not more than the reference value is disclosed in Korean Patent Application Publication No. 10-2017-0096783 (hereinafter, referred to as the related art 2).

The related art 2 corresponds to a scheme in which based on a storage-type hot water supplying device, when a sufficient amount of water is stored in a water storage tank, the inside of the water storage tank is heated by operating the heater for a predetermined time, and the operation of the heater is then terminated. After the heating step, the value by which the internal temperature rises is measured, the measured value is compared with the reference value, and the heater is then operated.

In the case of the above-described related arts, an induction heating scheme which may rapidly generate hot water even without occupying a large volume is adopted in accordance with miniaturization of a water dispensing device configured to provide hot water and preference of a directly draining type water dispensing device. However, an induction heating module adopted in the water dispensing device in accordance with the miniaturization and the preference of the directly draining type water dispensing device has problems in that the induction heating module is deformed due to an increase in a pressure during an operation process, and liquid is not sufficiently heated.

Further, there is a problem in that since a time consumed for instantly heating water contained inside a hot water tank is required, it is difficult to satisfy the temperature of hot water discharged as a first cup, and a water discharging time is delayed to satisfy the temperature of the hot water.

Further, in the case of the above-described induction heating type hot water generating device, steam is generated simultaneously while heating is instantly progressed by a hot water discharging command. Accordingly, as the high temperature steam is exposed to the outside of the device together with the hot water, component failure may occur or a safety accident may occur.

A water dispensing device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a body including a filter configured to purify raw water introduced from the outside to purified water and a hot water module configured to heat the purified water having passed through the filter in an induction heating scheme while the purified water passes through a hot water tank, and a faucet having a water discharging nozzle formed therein to provide hot water supplied from the hot water tank to the outside of the body.

Also, the hot water tank may include a planar first cover arranged on one side of the hot water tank, a second cover, at least a part of which is coupled to the other surface of the first cover while being in surface contact with the other surface of the first cover, at least a part of a surface facing the first cover of which is formed concavely toward the other side to be spaced apart from the first cover, and which thus defines a heating passage together with the first cover, an input pipe which extends outwardly of the second cover while communicating with the heating passage, and to which the purified water for heating is supplied, an output pipe which is arranged above the input pipe and extends outwardly of the second cover while communicating with the heating passage, and through which completely heated hot water is discharged, and a steam pipe which is arranged above the output pipe and extends outwardly of the second cover while communicating with the heating passage, and through which steam generated in the heating passage is discharged.

Also, the output pipe may extend from the hot water tank to one side to be upward inclined, and the input pipe may extend from the hot water tank to the other side to be downward inclined.

Also, a discharge chamber having an extending cross section may be formed at an upper end of the heating passage, and the output pipe and the steam pipe may extend from the discharge chamber.

Also, a steam piping through which steam is discharged is connected to the steam pipe, and the steam piping extends outwardly of the body.

Also, the heating passage may be formed in an open curved shape.

Also, the heating passage may be formed in a spiral shape.

A water dispensing device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may have the following effects.

First, when hot water is instantly generated, generated steam may be discharged promptly, so that stability may be secured.

Further, even when discharged hot water corresponds to a first cup, hot water having a temperature selected by a user may be generated promptly, and may be provided to the user.

Further, a residence time of purified water introduced into a hot water tank inside the hot water tank increases, so that the hot water is sufficiently heated.

Further, a contact area between the purified water introduced into the hot water tank and the hot water tank increases, so that the hot water is sufficiently heated.

Further, a flow path of the purified water introduced into the hot water tank inside the hot water tank increases, so that the hot water is sufficiently heated.

Further, the purified water introduced into the hot water tank may consistently flow in the flow path inside the hot water tank without congestion, so that the hot water may be promptly and evenly heated.

Furthermore, the present disclosure has an effect capable of providing hot water having a uniform temperature range.

Further, since a first cover and a second cover constituting a hot water tank are in surface contact with each other, the hot water tank is structurally stable, and heat transfer may be performed more certainly.

Further, the hot water tank in which instant hot water is generated may be prevented from being damaged and deformed.

Further, a hot water generating component and a controller may be easily inspected and replaced.

FIG. 1 is a view schematically illustrating a state in which a water dispensing device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is mounted on a sink;

FIG. 2 is a water piping diagram for explaining a process of discharging hot water from the water dispensing device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 3 to 4 are perspective views illustrating a hot water module which is a partial component of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the hot water module which is a partial component of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 is a front view illustrating an example of a hot water tank which is a partial component of the present disclosure;

FIG. 7 is a front view illustrating another example of the hot water tank which is a partial component of the present disclosure;

FIG. 8 is a partial sectional view of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view illustrating a state in which a hot water module which is a partial component of the present disclosure and a control assembly are coupled to each other;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view illustrating the control assembly which is a partial component of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the control assembly which is a partial component of the present disclosure.

Hereinafter, detailed embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to proposed embodiments, and other regressive inventions or other embodiments included in the scope of the spirit of the present disclosure may be easily proposed through addition, change, deletion, and the like of other elements.

FIG. 1 is a view schematically illustrating a state in which a water dispensing device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is mounted on a sink. Further, FIG. 2 is a water piping diagram for explaining a process of discharging hot water from the water dispensing device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure.

The water dispensing device according to the present disclosure may correspond to a water purifier, a refrigerator, and the like. As an example, the water dispensing device may be provided as an under-sink-type water purifier.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the water dispensing device according to the present disclosure includes an under-sink portion 100 installed inside a sink 10, and a faucet 200, at least a part of which is installed to be exposed to the outside of the sink 10.

First, the under-sink portion 100 includes a raw water pipe 11 through which raw water supplied from the outside flows, a filter 60 configured to purify water supplied along the raw water pipe 11 to purified water, a water discharging passage 30 through which the purified water passing through the filter 60 flows, a hot water module 70 configured to heat the purified water supplied along the water discharging passage 30 in an induction heating scheme, and a hot water passage 33 through which the water passing through the hot water module 70 flows.

That is, the under-sink portion 100 includes a water purifier body and a plurality of pipes.

The water purifier body includes the filter 60, the hot water module 70, the water discharging passage 30, and the like. The water purifier body may be provided in a box shape, and may be arranged in a storage space inside the sink 10. Also, the raw water pipe 11 connects an external water supply source, for example, a water pipe, and the filter 60 inside the water purifier body. Further, the hot water passage 33 connects the hot water module 70 and the faucet 200, which will be described below.

Accordingly, the raw water supplied from the water supply source is introduced into the water purifier body and is supplied to the filter 60, through the raw water pipe 11. The raw water passing through the filter 60 is purified to purified water, which is supplied to the hot water module 70 along the water discharging passage 30. The purified water supplied to the hot water module 70 is heated to hot water, which is provided to the faucet 200 described later through the hot water passage 33.

Meanwhile, at least one of a flow rate detecting unit 14 configured to detect a flow rate of water supplied to the hot water module 70, a flow rate adjusting unit 20 configured to adjust the flow rate of the water supplied to the hot water module 70, a flow velocity valve (not illustrated) configured to adjust a flow velocity of the water supplied to the hot water module 70, and

valves

13 and 19 configured to control flow of the water supplied to the hot water module 70 may be installed in the raw water pipe 11 or the water discharging passage 30.

When the flow rate detecting unit 14 is provided, the flow rate of the water supplied to the hot water module 70 may be detected, and an output of the hot water module 70 may be adjusted using information on the flow rate. Further, when the flow rate adjusting unit 20 or the flow velocity valve (not illustrated) is provided, the flow rate of the water supplied to the hot water module 70 may be adjusted, so that hot water having a temperature desired by a user may be generated. Further, the hot water may be generated by an amount desired by the user. Further, when the

valves

13 and 19 are provided, the flow of the water supplied to the hot water module 70 may be controlled. The opening/closing valve 19 may be opened only when it is necessary to generate the hot water, to supplythe water to the hot water module 70.

As a modification, at least one of the flow rate detecting unit 14, the flow rate adjusting unit 20, the flow velocity valve (not illustrated), and the opening/closing valve 19 may be installed on the hot water passage 33.

Further, the under-sink unit 100 may include an output controller configured to control the output of the hot water module 70. The output controller is connected to a second temperature sensor configured to detect the temperature of the hot water module 70, to enable a feedback control to adjust the output of the hot water module 70 in real-time depending on the temperature of the hot water.

Further, the under-sink portion 100 may further include a valve controller configured to control openness, opening degrees, or opening positions of the flow rate adjusting unit 20, the flow velocity valve (not illustrated), the

valves

13 and 19, and a passage switching valve 300, which will be described below.

Further, the output controller and the valve controller may transmit/receive various kinds of data while communicating with a main control device (PCB) through a communication unit. The communication unit may connect the output controller, the valve controller, and the main control device (PCB) in a wired scheme or a wireless scheme (for example, Wi-Fi or Bluetooth).

Further, the faucet 200 includes a water discharging nozzle 210 configured to supply the hot water supplied from the hot water passage 33 to the user, and the passage switching valve 300 having a first temperature sensor configured to measure the temperature of the water supplied from the hot water passage 33, one inlet, and a plurality of outlets, and configured to supply the hot water supplied from the hot water passage 33 to the water discharging nozzle 210 or drain the hot water to the outside, according to whether the hot water supplied from the hot water passage 33 corresponds to the first cup or a repeated cup.

At this time, the first temperature sensor may be installed inside the passage switching valve 300.

In the present embodiment, opening/closing of the passage switching valve 300 is determined by the valve controller.

When the hot water introduced into the passage switching valve 300 corresponds to the first cup, the valve controller controls the passage switching valve 300 to drain the hot water to the outside.

For reference, in a standby mode in which the hot water has not been discharged, the passage switching valve 300 may be opened to a drain side.

As an example, when the hot water introduced into the passage switching valve 300 corresponds to the first cup, the valve controller controls the passage switching valve 300 to perform the drain for a predetermined time. Thereafter, when the drain is completed, the passage switching valve 300 is controlled such that the hot water is supplied toward the water discharging nozzle 210.

As another example, when the hot water introduced into the passage switching valve 300 corresponds to the first cup, the valve controller controls the passage switching valve 300 to perform the drain until the temperature of the water detected by the first temperature sensor arrives at a reference temperature. Thereafter, when the drain is completed, the passage switching valve 300 is controlled such that the hot water is supplied toward the water discharging nozzle 210.

On the other hand, when the hot water introduced into the passage switching valve 300 corresponds to the repeated cup, the valve controller controls the passage switching valve 300 such that the hot water is supplied toward the water discharging nozzle 210 without drain.

In the above description, the meaning “first cup” may be defined according to various criteria.

As an example, the hot water may be classified into the first cup and the repeated cup depending on a time passed after the hot water is discharged to the water discharging nozzle 210. In detail, in a state in which a reference time t1 is set, when the hot water is discharged for the N^thtime, the hot water is determined as the first cup if the reference time t1 elapses after the hot water is discharged for the previous (N-1)^thtime. On the other hand, the hot water is determined as the repeated cup when the reference time t1 does not elapse after the hot water is discharged for the previous (N-1)^thtime.

As an example, the hot water may be classified into the first cup and the repeated cup depending on a time passed after operation of the hot water module 70 is terminated. In detail, in a state in which a reference time t2 is set, when the hot water is discharged, the hot water is determined as the first cup if the reference time t2 elapses after the operation of the hot water module 70 is terminated. On the other hand, the hot water is determined as the repeated cup when the reference time t2 does not elapse after the operation of the hot water module 70 is terminated.

As yet another example, the hot water may be classified into the first cup and the repeated cup depending on the temperature of water filled in the hot water passage 33. In detail, in a state in which a reference temperature is set, when the hot water is discharged, the hot water is determined as the first cup when the temperature of water introduced into the hot water passage 33 or the passage switching valve 300 is lower than the reference temperature. On the other hand, the hot water is determined as the repeated cup when the temperature of the water introduced into the hot water passage 33 or the passage switching valve 300 is equal to or higher than the reference temperature.

As yet another example, the hot water may be classified into the first cup and the repeated cup depending on a difference between the temperature of the water filled in the hot water passage 33 and the temperature of the water filled in the water discharging passage 30. In detail, in a state in which a reference value is set, when the hot water is discharged, the hot water is determined as the first cup when a difference between the temperature of the water introduced into the hot water passage 33 or the passage switching valve 300 and the temperature of the water filled in the water discharging passage 30 is lower than the reference value. On the other hand, the hot water is determined as the repeated cup when a difference between the temperature of the water introduced into the hot water passage 33 or the passage switching valve 300 and the temperature of the water filled in the water discharging passage 30 is equal to or higher than the reference value.

In addition, various embodiments may be generated as criteria of classifying the hot water into the first cup and the repeated cup.

Further, the hot water may be determined as the first cup when any one of the criteria to define the first cup according to the various examples is satisfied, or the hot water may be determined as the first cup only when some of the criteria are satisfied. Further, the hot water may be determined as the first cup only when all the criteria are satisfied.

Meanwhile, as illustrated in FIG. 1, the entire faucet 200 may be mounted to be exposed to the upper side of the sink 10. Accordingly, a body 220 in which the passage switching valve 300 is embedded and the water discharging nozzle 210 extending from an upper portion of the body 220 may be located above the sink 10.

As another example, a lower portion of the faucet 200 may be mounted inside the sink 10. Accordingly, the body 220 in which the passage switching valve 300 is embedded is arranged inside the sink 10, and the water discharging nozzle 210 extending from the upper portion of the body 220 may be mounted to be exposed to the upper side of the sink 10.

In the present embodiment, the passage switching valve 300 may be provided as a two-way valve. The passage switching valve 300 may include an inlet connected to the hot water passage 33, an outlet communicating with the inlet and connected to the water discharging nozzle 210, a body communicating with the inlet and having a drainage hole formed therein and connected to a drain pipe 23 or a drainage hole (not illustrated), and an opening/closing unit provided inside the body and configured to selectively open/close the outlet and the drainage hole.

The opening/closing unit selectively opens/closes the outlet and the drainage hole while being operated by the valve controller.

Also, the first temperature sensor may be provided inside the passage switching valve 300 to detect the temperature of the hot water introduced into the passage switching valve 300.

Also, a display and input unit 240 may be provided in the faucet 200.

The display and input unit 240 may be provided in a touch screen manner.

As an example, the display and input unit 240 may be provided on the upper surface of the water discharging nozzle 210. The display and input unit 240 may have a function of selecting hot water, purified water, and cold water, a water discharging command function, a function of setting the temperatures of the cold water and the hot water, a drain selecting function, a filter replacement period notifying function, and the like.

Also, a sterilized water cork 230 may be provided in the faucet 200. Further, a sterilized water generating unit (not illustrated) is provided in the under-sink portion 100. Thus, sterilized water generated by the sterilized water generating unit may be supplied to the outside of the sink 10 through the sterilized water cork 230.

Also, the water discharging nozzle 210 and the sterilized water cork 230 may be mounted rotatably about the body 220.

Hereinafter, a process of discharging purified water, cold water, and hot water from the water dispensing device according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIG. 2.

The under-sink portion 100 is connected to a water pipe through the raw water pipe 11 to receive raw water. A pressure reducing valve 12 is installed on the raw water pipe 11, and the pressure of the raw water passing through the pressure reducing valve 12 is reduced to a predetermined pressure.

Further, the raw water, the pressure of which is reduced, flows toward the filter 60 along a pipe connecting the pressure reducing valve 12 and the filter 60. Foreign matters are removed from the raw water passing through the filter 60, so that the raw water is changed to purified water. Further, as an inlet valve 13 is opened, the purified water sequentially passes through the inlet valve 13 and the flow rate detecting unit 14 along the water discharging pipe 30.

At this time, the flow rate detecting unit 14 may be connected to a valve controller 510, and an opening degree of the flow rate adjusting unit 20 may be adjusted according to a signal transmitted from the valve controller 510. Further, a flow rate detected by the flow rate detecting unit 14 is transmitted to an output controller 520, which will be described below, and may be used as date necessary for controlling an output of the hot water module 70.

Meanwhile, the purified water passing through the flow rate adjusting unit 20 may be branched to a cold water and purified water side and a hot water side through a branching pipe 15.

Also, the purified water branched to the cold water and purified water side is branched to a cold water side and a purified water side by a T connector 16 in turn, and flows to a purified water pipe 31 and a cold water pipe 32. A purified water discharging valve 18 and a cold water discharging valve 17 are installed in the purified water pipe 31 and the cold water pipe 32, respectively. The purified water discharging valve 18 and the cold water discharging valve 17 are connected to the valve controller so that opening/closing thereof may be determined. The purified water discharging valve 18 and the cold water discharging valve 17 may be selected according to the user’s setting, and the selected valve is opened through manipulation of a water discharging button provided outside the water purifier, so that the purified water or the cold water may be discharged.

At this time, the water passing through the cold water pipe 32 and the cold water discharging valve 17 connected to the cold water side of the T connector 16 passes through a cooling coil inside a cooling tank 40. The water flowing along the cooling coil is cooled to cold water through heat exchange with a coolant inside the cooling tank 40. To this end, the coolant is cooled to maintain a predetermined temperature.

A compressor connected to the output controller may be driven to cool the coolant. The driving of the compressor may be determined by a cold water temperature sensor provided inside the cooling tank 40. Thus, the coolant may always maintain a predetermined temperature. To this end, the driving of the compressor may be adjusted. The frequency of the compressor which is an inverter compressor may be adjusted to correspond to a required load, and cooling ability of the compressor may be adjusted. That is, the compressor may be driven by inverter control, and may cool the coolant at an optimum efficiency.

Meanwhile, the user may manipulate a manipulation unit of the water purifier to forcibly set the operation of the compressor to an off state. When it is winter with low cold water consumption, power saving is required, or use of the cold water is not desired, the compressor may be forcibly maintained in an off state.

The cold water passing through the cooling tank 40 may be discharged to the outside through the water discharging pipe 34 and the water discharging nozzle 210.

Meanwhile, when the purified water discharging valve 18 is opened, the purified water passing through the purified water pipe 31 and the purified water discharging valve 18 connected to the purified water side of the T connector 16 may be discharged to the outside through the water discharging pipe 34 and the water discharging nozzle 210.

Meanwhile, when the user selects discharging of the hot water, the purified water flows to the hot water side of the branching pipe 15, and then flows to the hot water pipe 33.

At this time, the hot water discharging valve 19 and the flow rate adjusting unit 20 may be opened by control of the valve controller, and the water flowing in the hot water pipe 33 through the flow rate adjusting unit 20 may be adjusted to have a flow rate suitable for heating the hot water. In detail, the valve controller adjusts an amount of the purified water supplied to a hot water tank of the hot water module 70 such that the water may be heated to a predetermined temperature by the hot water module 70.

As above, the purified water passing through the flow rate adjusting unit 20 passes through the hot water module 70. Further, the purified water may be heated to a predetermined temperature while passing through the hot water module 70. The hot water module 70 may be heated in an induction heating scheme. To this end, the output controller 520 adjusts an output of a working coil included in the hot water module 70.

The purified water passing through the hot water module 70 may be heated to the predetermined temperature.

The hot water heated while passing through the hot water module 70 may flow toward the water discharging nozzle 210 along the hot water passage 33 and may be discharged to the outside through the water discharging pipe 34 and the water discharging nozzle 210.

Further, the hot water module 70 may further be connected to the drain pipe 23. The drain pipe 23 discharges, to the outside, steam generated when the water inside the hot water module 70 boils. Further, a safety valve 231 is provided in the drain pipe 23. Thus, when a pressure that is not less than a predetermined pressure occurs, the safety valve 231 is opened to discharge the steam to the outside.

In detail, the safety valve 231, which is configured to discharge the steam generated when the hot water is heated in the hot water tank, prevents the internal pressure of the hot water tank from excessively increasing due to the steam. The safety valve 231 may be configured to be opened under a predetermined pressure, and may have various structures in which the steam inside the hot water tank may be smoothly discharged.

Meanwhile, in the case of the water dispensing device according to the present disclosure, the cold water, the purified water, and the hot water may be discharged to the outside through one water discharging pipe 34 and one water discharging nozzle 210.

As above, when the cold water, the purified water, and the hot water are discharged through the one water discharging pipe 34, a thermal effect has no choice but to be generated.

In detail, when the cold water is discharged after the hot water is discharged, as the temperature of the cold water increases due to influence of the hot water, relatively less cold water is discharged through the water discharging nozzle 210.

Further, when the hot water is discharged after the cold water is discharged, as the temperature of the hot water decreases due to influence of the cold water, relatively less hot (tepid) water is discharged through the water discharging nozzle 210.

Thus, measures should be taken such that the hot water and the cold water may be discharged at a satisfactory temperature through the water discharging nozzle 210 without a thermal effect between the hot water and the cold water even when the one water discharging pipe 34 and the one water discharging nozzle 210 are used.

Further, in the case of an under-sink water purifier, the water discharging nozzle 210 through which the hot water is discharged is installed outside the sink 10, and the hot water module 70 by which the hot water is generated is installed inside the sink 10. Thus, the length of the hot water passage connecting the hot water module 70 and the water discharging nozzle 210 has no choice but to be lengthened. Further, in a standby mode, the hot water is filled in the hot water passage 33.

In this state, when a time elapses, the hot water filled in the hot water passage 33 has no choice but to be cooled as the temperature of the hot water is lowered due to external influences. Further, there is a problem in that when the hot water is discharged, the cooled hot water filled in the hot water passage 33 is discharged to the water discharging nozzle 210, and the user receives the hot water having a not high temperature.

According to the present disclosure, at least a part of the water filled in the long hot water passage 33 is drained and newly generated hot water is supplied to the water discharging nozzle 210 according to conditions, so that the hot water having a temperature satisfied by the user may be provided. That is, the temperature of the hot water corresponding to the first cup may increase, and the hot water having a desired temperature may be provided.

To this end, when the hot water introduced into the passage switching valve 300 corresponds to the first cup, the valve controller 510 determines that the water filled in the hot water passage 33 is cooled, and controls the passage switching valve 300 to drain the hot water to the outside.

As an example, when the hot water introduced into the passage switching valve 300 corresponds to the first cup, the valve controller 510 controls the passage switching valve 300 to perform the drain for a predetermined time. Thereafter, when the drain is completed, the passage switching valve 300 is controlled such that the hot water is supplied toward the water discharging nozzle 210. Here, the drain may be performed until all the water filled in the hot water passage is drained.

As another example, when the hot water introduced into the passage switching valve 300 corresponds to the first cup, the valve controller 510 controls the passage switching valve 300 to perform the drain until the temperature of the water detected by the first temperature sensor 410 arrives at a reference temperature. Thereafter, when a temperature condition of the hot water is satisfied, and the drain is completed, the passage switching valve 300 is controlled such that the hot water is supplied toward the water discharging nozzle 210.

On the other hand, when the hot water introduced into the passage switching valve 300 corresponds to the repeated cup, the valve controller 510 controls the passage switching valve 300 such that the hot water is supplied toward the water discharging nozzle 210 without separate drain.

Accordingly, the user advantageously receives the hot water having a desired temperature.

Hereinafter, the “hot water module”, which is a partial component of the present disclosure, will be described in more detail.

FIGS. 3 to 4 are perspective views illustrating a hot water module which is a partial component of the present disclosure. Further, FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the hot water module which is a partial component of the present disclosure.

The hot water module 70, which is configured to receive the purified water to heat the purified water to the hot water, is configured to perform heating in an induction heating scheme.

Referring to the drawings, the hot water module 70 may include a hot water tank 71 through which the purified water passes, a working coil 72 configured to heat the water passing through the hot water tank 71, and a heating bracket 73 on which the working coil 72 and the hot water tank 71 are mounted.

The heating bracket 73 provides a space for mounting the hot water tank 71, the working coil 72, and ferrite cores 74. Further, the heating bracket 73 may be formed of resin that is not deformed or damaged even at a high temperature.

Bracket coupling portions 731 for coupling with a control assembly 80 are formed at edges of the heating bracket 73. The bracket coupling portions 731 may be provided in plurality, and extending ends of the bracket coupling portions 731 may have different shapes, and directionality. Thus, the hot water module 70 may have a structure that is joined with the control assembly 80, and the hot water module 70 may be mounted at an accurate position.

Further, an edge 732 having a predetermined width is formed along an edge of the heating bracket 73, and spaces in which the hot water tank 71 and the working coil 72 are accommodated are formed on opposite surfaces of the heating bracket 73, respectively.

Further, a bracket recessed portion 733 on which a temperature sensor bracket 76 is to be mounted may further be formed at the center of one surface of the heating bracket 73 on which the hot water tank 71 is mounted. The bracket recessed portion 733 is recessed in a corresponding shape such that the temperature sensor bracket 76 may be press-fitted therein. Further, an opening 7331 through an electric wire connected to a hot water temperature sensor 761 and a fuse 762 is input/output is formed at the center of the bracket recessed portion 733.

The hot water temperature sensor 761 configured to measure the temperature of the hot water tank 71 may be mounted on the temperature sensor bracket 76. The hot water temperature sensor 761 may measure the temperature of the center of the hot water tank 71 to determine the temperature of the hot water even without directly measuring the temperature of the hot water inside the hot water tank 71. Thus, the temperature of the discharged hot water may be maintained in a proper range by the hot water temperature sensor 761. That is, whether additional heating is performed or heating is terminated may be determined based on the temperature detected by the hot water temperature sensor 761.

Further, the fuse 762 may be mounted on the temperature sensor bracket 76, The fuse 762 interrupts the power of the hot water module 70 when the water inside the hot water tank 71 is excessively heated.

A sensor mounting groove 763 on which the hot water temperature sensor 761 is mounted is formed on a rear surface (a right surface of FIG. 5) of the temperature sensor bracket 76 that is in contact with the hot water tank 71. Thus, the hot water temperature sensor 761 is in contact with the hot water tank 71 to effectively measure the surface temperature of the hot water tank 71. Also, a fuse mounting groove 764 on which the fuse 762 is mounted is formed on a front surface of the temperature sensor bracket 76. A fuse mounting protrusion 7332 is formed in the bracket recessed portion 733 corresponding to the fuse mounting groove 764, so that the fuse 762 may be fixed by mounting the temperature sensor bracket 76.

The working coil 72 is provided on the front surface of the heating bracket 73. The working coil 72 forms a magnetic field line causing heating of the hot water tank 71. When a current is supplied to the working coil 72, a magnetic field line is formed in the working coil 72. The magnetic field line affects the hot water tank 71, and the hot water tank 71 is affected by the magnetic field line to be heated.

The working coil 72 is arranged on the front surface of the heating bracket 73, and is arranged to face one surface having a planar shape among opposite surfaces of the hot water tank 71. Further, the working coil 72 is formed by multiple strands of copper wires or other conductor wires, and the strands are insulated from each other. The working coil 72 forms a magnetic field or a magnetic field line by the current applied to the working coil 72.

Thus, the front surface of the hot water tank 71, which faces the working coil 72, is affected by the magnetic field line formed by the working coil 72 to generate heat.

In FIG. 4 and 5, the strands of the working coil 72 are not illustrated in detail, and only the entire outline of the working coil 72 formed by winding the strands on the outside of the bracket recessed portion 733 is illustrated.

Mica sheets 75 are provided on the front surface and the rear surface of the working coil 72. The mica sheets 75 correspond to the shape of the front surface and the rear surface of the working coil 72, and shield the entire front surface and the entire rear surface of the working coil 72.

The mica sheets 75 have a predetermined thickness. Thus, a constant interval between the hot water tank 71 and the ferrite cores 74, and the working coil 72 is maintained, so that the hot water tank 71 may be effectively heated by the magnetic field line formed by the working coil 72. Of course, the mica sheets 75 may also be provided only one surface among the front surface and the rear surface of the working coil 72 as needed.

Further, the ferrite cores 74 are provided on the front surfaces of the mica sheets 75. The ferrite cores 74, which are configured to suppress loss of a current, serve as a shielding film for the magnetic field line. The working coil 72 may include the plurality of ferrite cores 74, and the plurality of ferrite cores 74 may be arranged radially with respect to a central portion of the working coil 72.

Core fixing portions

734 and 735 are formed in the heating bracket 73 to fix the ferrite cores 74. The

core fixing portions

734 and 735 include inner fixing portions 734 and outer fixing portions 735, and protrude from a position corresponding to a position where the ferrite cores 74 are arranged. The inner fixing portions 734 support surfaces close to the center of rotation of the working coil 72 among circumferential surfaces of the ferrite cores 74, and the outer fixing portions 735 are located on surfaces facing the inner fixing portions 734 to support circumferential surfaces of the ferrite cores 74. The plurality of

core fixing portions

734 and 735 may be radially formed, which is like the arrangement of the ferrite cores 74.

The hot water tank 71 is mounted on the rear surface of the heating bracket 73. The hot water tank 71 is affected by the magnetic field line formed by the working coil 72 to generate heat. Thus, the purified water is heated while passing through an inner space of the hot water tank 71 to become the hot water.

Further, the entire hot water tank 71 may be formed to have a flat and compact shape. Further, the hot water tank 71 may be formed to correspond to the entire shape of the hot water module 70, and may be accommodated in a slim space provided inside the water dispensing device. Also, the hot water tank 71 is formed to have a wide area, thereby sufficiently securing a heating area, and enabling instantaneous heating.

The hot water tank 71 is formed as a first cover 711 having a planar shape and at least a part of a second cover 712 having an uneven shape are joined to each other while being in surface contact with each other. Further, an output pipe 713 through heated water is discharged is formed at an upper end of the hot water tank 71, and an input pipe 714 through which water for heating is supplied is formed at a lower end or a central portion of the hot water tank 71. The output pipe 713 extends sidewards to be upward inclined, and the input pipe 714 extends sidewards to be downward inclined. Thus, the water may easily flow such that a connection space for a pipe connected to the hot water tank 71 is secured.

The hot water passage 33 extending toward the water discharging nozzle 210 is connected to the output pipe 713. Also, the hot water passage 33 extending toward the filter 60 is connected to the input pipe 714.

As illustrated in the drawing, the hot water tank 71 is formed by coupling the first cover 711 and the second cover 712 to each other. The first cover 711 and the second cover 712 may be coupled to each other through welding and the like such that airtightness therebetween is maintained.

The first cover 711 has a planar shape to generate heat under the influence of the magnetic field line formed by the working coil 72. Further, the first cover 711 may be formed of a material suitable for generating heat. The first cover 711 may be formed of stainless steel, preferably, 4 series stainless steel. More preferably, the first cover 711 may be formed of STS 439 (the Korean Industrial Standard).

Since the second cover 712 is arranged to be opposite to the working coil 72 with respect to the first cover 711 and is less affected by the magnetic field line, the second cover 712 is less related to generation of heat as compared to the first cover 711. Thus, it is preferable that the second cover 712 is formed of a material having a corrosion resistance property rather than a material having heat generation characteristics. Further, the output pipe 713 and the input pipe 714 are provided at the centers of an upper end and a lower end of the second cover 712. The output pipe 713 and the input pipe 714 may extend in opposite directions.

The second cover 712 includes a base surface 7121 formed by a plane and a protrusion 7122. The base surface 7121 and the protrusion 7122 may be integrally formed by press processing. When the second cover 712 having the base surface 7121 is partially press-processed, the protrusion 7122 protruding in a direction that is opposite to the first cover 711 may be formed in the second cover 712.

The base surface 7121 is coupled to the first cover 711 while being in surface contact with the first cover 711. Further, the protrusion 7122 protrudes from the base surface 7121 in the direction that is opposite to the first cover 711, and when the first cover 711 and the second cover 712 are joined to each other, the protrusion 7122 is spaced apart from the first cover 711. Further, the circumference of the protrusion 7122 may be inclined or rounded. As an example, the cross section of the protrusion 7122 may be formed in a semicircular shape or an arc shape.

The protrusion 7122 may be located between the input pipe 714 and the output pipe 713, and may be bent several times to extend a residence time of the water inside the hot water tank 71.

The protrusion 7122 is formed to be concave when viewed from the first cover 711, and is formed to be convex when viewed from a side that is opposite to the first cover 711.

The protrusion 7122 together with the first cover 711 defines a “heating passage” through which the purified water passes. In the following description, the heating passage is defined by the protrusion 7122, and since the shape of the heating passage is determined based on the shape of the protrusion 7122, the protrusion 7122 is referred to as the heating passage. That is, the protrusion and the heating passage may be understood as the same concept.

According to the present disclosure, the purified water introduced into the input pipe 714 is heated while passing through the heating passage 7122, and is discharged to the output pipe 713.

At this time, the flowing direction of the purified water introduced into the hot water tank 71 changes several times while the purified water passes through the heating passage 7122 bent several times.

In the above case, a residence time of the purified water introduced into the hot water tank 71 inside the hot water tank 71 increases as compared to the related art, so that the hot water may be sufficiently heated.

Also, as a contact area between the purified water introduced into the hot water tank 71 and the hot water tank 71 increases, the hot water may be sufficiently heated. In detail, the purified water introduced into the hot water tank 71 may mostly come into contact with the hot water tank 71, and may be heated instantly.

Also, as a flow passage of the purified water introduced into the hot water tank 71 inside the hot water tank 71 increases, the hot water may be sufficiently heated.

That is, the hot water having a high temperature desired by the user may be provided promptly.

Meanwhile, in the above instant heating process, steam is generated in the heating passage 7122. In the case of the present disclosure, a steam pipe 719 is formed separately from the output pipe 713 to discharge steam generated in the hot water tank 71.

In detail, the steam pipe 719 is arranged above the output pipe 713, extends to the outside of the second cover 712 while communicating with the heating passage 7122, and discharges the steam generated in the heating passage 7122.

In the case of an instantaneous hot water generating device according to the related art, when heating is instantly performed during discharging of the hot water, water and steam are simultaneously generated, the steam together with the water is exposed to the user through a water discharging nozzle, and thus a safety accident occurs.

However, in the case of the present disclosure, the steam pipe 719 through which the steam is discharged is separately formed in the hot water tank 71, the steam generated during instant heating may be separated immediately and discharged, and a problem that the steam is discharged to the user through the water discharging nozzle may be solved. That is, the present disclosure may promptly discharge the steam generated when the hot water is generated instantly, thereby securing stability.

Also, a phenomenon may be prevented in which the hot water tank is damaged or deformed by the steam generated when the hot water is generated instantly.

In the present embodiment, a discharge chamber 7124 having an extending cross section is formed at an upper end of the heating passage 7122, and the output pipe 713 and the steam pipe 719 may extend from the discharge chamber 7124.

The discharge chamber 7124 has a cross sectional area that is larger than that of the heating passage 7122. Thus, the hot water heated while passing through the heating passage 7122 is collected inside the discharge chamber 7124. Thereafter, the hot water is discharged to the output pipe 713.

On the other hand, the steam inside the discharge chamber 7124 may be collected at an upper portion of the discharge chamber 7124, and the steam collected at the upper portion of the discharge chamber 7124 may be discharged separately from the hot water through the steam pipe 719.

When the discharge chamber 7214 is formed as above, a space where the hot water stays before being discharged is secured. Also, while the hot water stays in the discharge chamber 7124, the hot water and the steam may be separated from each other, and the hot water and the steam may be discharged while being separated from each other.

For reference, a steam piping through which the steam is discharged is connected to the steam pipe 719, and the steam piping extends outwardly of the body 100. As an example, the steam piping may be connected to a drain piping in which drain is progressed.

Hereinafter, the shape of the heating passage 7122 will be described in more detail.

Further, FIG. 6 is a front view illustrating an example of a hot water tank which is a partial component of the present disclosure. Further, FIG. 7 is a front view illustrating another example of the hot water tank which is a partial component of the present disclosure. Further, FIG. 8 is a partial sectional view of FIG. 7.

Referring to FIGS. 6 to 8, the heating passage may be formed in an open curved shape.

In detail, the

heating passage

7122 and 7123 at least partially have a curved shape, and each have one end and the other end which do not meet each other.

As an example, the heating passage 7122 includes a plurality of horizontal portions 7122b horizontally extending from one side to the other side and formed at an upper portion and a lower portion of the heating passage 7122 to be mutually parallel to each other, and connection portions 7122a connecting ends or the other ends of the respective horizontal portions 7122b.

At least parts of the connection portions 7122a are formed in a curved shape.

At this time, the input pipe 714 may be formed to communicate with the lowermost end of the heating passage 7122. Also, the discharge chamber 7124 is formed at an upper portion of the heating passage 7122 to communicate with the uppermost end of the heating passage 7122. Also, the steam pipe 719 and the output pipe 713 are formed to communicate with the discharge chamber 7124, and the steam pipe 719 through which the steam is discharged is located above the output pipe 713.

As another example, the heating passage 7122 may also include a plurality of vertical portions formed vertically in a straight line and continuously formed to be mutually parallel to each other, and connection portions connecting upper ends or lower ends of the respective vertical portions.

As yet another example, the heating passage 7122 may be formed in a “S” shape or a “Z” shape.

Also, the heating passage 7123 may be formed in a spiral shape. Thus, the heating passage 7123 starts from a central portion and ends at an upper portion with respect to the flow direction of the water.

At this time, the input pipe 714 may be formed to communicate with a central portion of the heating passage 7123. Also, the discharge chamber 7124 is formed at the upper portion of the heating passage 7123 to communicate with the uppermost end of the heating passage 7123. Also, the steam pipe 719 and the output pipe 713 are formed to communicate with the discharge chamber 7124, and the steam pipe 719 through which the steam is discharged is located above the output pipe 713. Thus, in the present embodiment, all the sections of the heating passage 7123 may be formed only in a curved shape. As an example, the heating passage 7123 may be provided in a circular shape.

Also, at least a part of the heating passage 7123 may be formed in a straight line, and the other part of the heating passage 7123 may be formed in a curved line. In detail, the heating passage 7123 includes straight sections 7123b formed in a straight line and curved sections 7123a formed in a curved line. As an example, the heating passage 7123 may be formed in a rounded quadrangle.

In addition, various embodiments may be applied to the

heating passages

7122 and 7123 in a range in which while the purified water introduced through the input pipe 714 exits to the output pipe 713, the water may consistently flow along the

heating passages

7122 and 7123 without being stagnated.

Also, portions of the first cover 711 and the second cover 712 constituting the hot water tank 71 except for the

heating passages

7122 and 7123 are in surface contact with each other.

Thus, a stable coupling state of the first cover 711 and the second cover 712 may be maintained while the shapes of the first cover 711 and the second cover 712 are maintained.

Also, heat transfer of the first cover 711 and the second cover 712 may be progressed more certainly.

Also, the water passing through the

heating passage

7122 and 7123 may be heated more quickly.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view illustrating a state in which a hot water module which is a partial component of the present disclosure and a control assembly are coupled to each other. Further, FIG. 10 is a perspective view illustrating the control assembly which is a partial component of the present disclosure. Further, FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the control assembly which is a partial component of the present disclosure.

As illustrated in the drawings, the hot water module 70 and the control assembly 80 may be coupled to each other as one module. Hereinafter, an assembly in which the hot water module 70 and the control assembly 80 are coupled to each other is referred to as a heating and control module 50.

The control assembly 80, which is configured to control the entire operation of the water dispensing device, has a main printed circuit board (PCB) 82 configured to control the compressor and various valves, an induction heating PCB 84 configured to control the hot water module 70, a power supply PCB 86 configured to supply electric power, and a near field communication (NFC) PCB 88, which are mounted thereon.

To this end, the outer appearance of the control assembly 80 may be defined by a control base 81, a first control cover 83 configured to shield the rear surface of the control base 81, a second control cover 85 configured to shield the front surface of the control base 81, and a third control cover 87 configured to shield the side surfaces of the control base 81.

The control base 81 provides a space on which the main PCB 82, the induction heating PCB 84, the power supply PCB 86, and the NFC PCB 88, which constitutes the control assembly 80, may be mounted.

A first mounting surface on which the main PCB 82 is mounted is formed on the rear surface (the right surface of FIG. 11) of the control base 81. The main PCB 82 controls the overall operation of a water supplying device such as a water purifier 1. For example, the main PCB 82 may control driving of various valves in addition to a compressor 51 and a cooling fan 53.

Further, the first control cover 83 is provided on a first mounting surface 811 of the control base 81 on which the main PCB 82 is mounted. The main PCB 82 may be arranged inside a space formed by coupling the first mounting surface 811 and the first control cover 83.

A second mounting surface 812 on which the induction heating PCB 84 is mounted is formed on the front surface (the left surface of FIG. 27) of the control base 81. The induction heating PCB 84 controls an induction heating operation of the working coil 72. For example, the induction heating PCB 84 performs a control such that a current flows in the working coil 72, and the hot water tank 71 is heated by the current supplied to the working coil 72, to heat the hot water.

Further, the second control cover 85 is provided on the second mounting surface 812 of the control base 81 on which the induction heating PCB 84 is mounted. The induction heating PCB 84 may be arranged inside a space formed by coupling the second mounting surface 812 and the second control cover 85.

The induction heating PCB 84 may consume a large amount of electric power, and accordingly, may generate high-temperature heat. A heat dissipation member 841 may be provided on the induction heating PCB 84 to cool the induction heating PCB 84. Further, a heat sink 851 may be formed in the second control cover 85 at a position corresponding to the heat dissipation member 841.

Further, coupling bosses 852 coupled to the bracket coupling portions 731 may further be formed in the second control cover 85. The coupling bosses 852 extend from positions corresponding to the bracket coupling portions 731 by a predetermined length, and are coupled to the bracket coupling portions 731. The coupling bosses 852 extend by a predetermined length, and maintain a state in which the hot water module 70 and the second control cover 85 are spaced apart from each other by a specific distance. Thus, the control assembly 80 may be prevented from being malfunctioned or damaged by the high-temperature hot water tank 71 or the hot water module 70.

The second mounting surface 812 may form a partial area among the entire front surface of the control base 81. A cable fixing portion 813 may further be formed above the second mounting surface 812 among the front surface of the control base 81. The cable fixing portion 813 may be formed by a pair of bosses protruding forward and having a ring shape, and electric wires connected to the plurality of PCBs may pass between the pair of bosses, and thus may be fixed.

A third mounting surface 814 may be formed on a lateral side of the second mounting surface 812. The third mounting surface 814, which provides a space on which the power supply PCB 86 is to be mounted, may extend to vertically cross the front surface of the control base 81.

The power supply PCB 86 is configured to supply electric power to the induction heating PCB 84. Since an output voltage for induction heating is very high, sufficient electric power should be supplied. Thus, the separate power supply PCB 86 may be provided to supply separate electric power to the induction heating PCB 84 so as to satisfy the output voltage for the induction heating. The power supply PCB 86 may provide electric power to the main PCB 82 as well as the induction heating PCB 84, and may provide auxiliaryelectric power even to other components.

Further, the third control cover 87 is provided on the third mounting surface of the control base 81 on which the power supply PCB 86 is mounted. The power supply PCB 86 may be arranged inside a space formed by coupling the third mounting surface 814 and the third control cover 87.

Meanwhile, a fourth mounting surface 815 may be formed at an upper end of the control base 81. The fourth mounting surface 815 extends forward/rearward to form a space on which the NFC PCB 88 may be mounted.

The NFC PCB 88 is configured to transmit/receive data to/from a terminal such as a cell phone. Usage information, operation information, or state information of the water purifier 1 may be transmitted to the terminal of the user through the NFC PCB 88, and setting of the water purifier 1 may be manipulated using the terminal.

For example, usage amounts of the purified water, the cold water, and the hot water may be transferred to the terminal through the NFC PCB 88, and a daily usage amount, a weekly usage amount, or a monthly usage amount may be transferred. Further, a replacement period of the filter 60 or information on the temperatures of the cold water and the hot water may be transmitted so that the user may identify the information through the terminal.

Further, the user may also set the temperatures of the cold water and the hot water through the terminal, and may set an amount of water discharged one time. This process may also be automatically performed by only manipulation in which settings of such a water purifier 1 are bound, and the terminal is placed at a specific position of the top cover adjacent to the NFC PCB 88. A position where communication with the NFC PCB 88 may be achieved may be displayed on the top cover, and the user may place the terminal at the corresponding position to achieve a state in which the communication with the NFC PCB 88 may be achieved.

Meanwhile, the control assembly 80 may be provided with various options according to models of the water purifier 1. That is, although the control base 81 and the main PCB 82 are used as it is, when only functions corresponding to the purified water and the cold water are used, the induction heating PCB 84 and the power supply PCB 86 may be omitted. Further, in a model in which an NFC function is omitted, the NFC PCB 88 may be omitted.

In this way, the water purifier may have a structure in which PCBs are arranged on the one control base 81 according to functional modules. Thus, PCBs having functions corresponding to options of the water purifier 1 may be mounted at a designated location on the control base 81. Thus, a space structure inside the water purifier 1 may be used commonly, and various options may be selected without changing a design of the existing configuration.

According to the above-described present disclosure, while the purified water introduced through the input pipe 714 exits to the output pipe 713, the water may consistently flow without being stagnated, so that the temperature of the hot water may be secured more quickly. Further, as the first cover 711 and the second cover 712 constituting the hot water tank 71 are in surface contact with each other, a state in which the first cover 711 and the second cover 712 are stably coupled to each other, and as heat transfer of the first cover 711 and the second cover 712 is progressed more surely, the water passing through the

heating passages

7122 and 7123 may be heated more quickly. Further, a steam pipe is formed at the uppermost end of the hot water tank 71 so that steam may be easily discharge. Further, a hot water generating component may be easily inspected and replaced.

Claims

1. A water dispensing device comprising: a body including a filter configured to purify raw water introduced from the outside to purified water and a hot water module configured to heat the purified water having passed through the filter in an induction heating scheme while the purified water passes through a hot water tank; and a faucet having a water discharging nozzle formed therein to provide hot water supplied from the hot water tank to the outside of the body,

wherein the hot water tank includes:

a planar first cover arranged on one side of the hot water tank;

a second cover, at least a part of which is coupled to the other surface of the first cover while being in surface contact with the other surface of the first cover, at least a part of a surface facing the first cover of which is formed concavely toward the other side to be spaced apart from the first cover, and which thus defines a heating passage together with the first cover;

an input pipe which extends outwardly of the second cover while communicating with the heating passage, and to which the purified water for heating is supplied;

an output pipe which is arranged above the input pipe and extends outwardly of the second cover while communicating with the heating passage, and through which completely heated hot water is discharged; and

a steam pipe which is arranged above the output pipe and extends outwardly of the second cover while communicating with the heating passage, and through which steam generated in the heating passage is discharged.

The water dispensing device of claim 1, wherein the output pipe extends from the hot water tank to one side to be upward inclined, and the input pipe extends from the hot water tank to the other side to be downward inclined.

The water dispensing device of claim 1, wherein a discharge chamber having an extending cross section is formed at an upper end of the heating passage, and the output pipe and the steam pipe extend from the discharge chamber.

The water dispensing device of claim 1, wherein a steam piping through which steam is discharged is connected to the steam pipe, and the steam piping extends outwardly of the body.

The water dispensing device of claim 1, wherein the heating passage is formed in an open curved shape.

The water dispensing device of claim 1, wherein the heating passage includes,

a plurality of horizontal portions horizontally extending from one side to the other side and formed at upper portions and lower portions of the heating passage to be mutually parallel to each other, and

connection portions connecting ends or the other ends of the respective horizontal portions.

The water dispensing device of claim 6, wherein at least a part of each of the connection portions is formed in a curved line.

The water dispensing device of claim 6, wherein the heating passage is formed in an "S" shape or a "Z" shape.

The water dispensing device of claim 1, wherein the heating passage is formed in a spiral shape.

The water dispensing device of claim 9, wherein at least a part of the heating passage is formed in a straight line, and the other part of the heating passage is formed in a curved line.

The water dispensing device of claim 1, wherein at least a part of a cross section of the heating passage is formed in an arc shape.

The water dispensing device of claim 1, wherein the body is installed inside a sink, and at least a part of the faucet, including the water discharging nozzle, is installed outside the sink.

The water dispensing device of claim 1, wherein the hot water module includes,

a heating bracket mounted inside the body in an upright state and having the hot water tank mounted on one side of the heating bracket, and

a working coil mounted on the other side of the heating bracket in parallel to the hot water tank, wound in an elliptical shape several times, and configured to emit an electromagnetic force to the hot water tank.

The water dispensing device of claim 13, wherein the hot water module is coupled to a control assembly configured to control driving of a water purifier as a module.

The water dispensing device of claim 13, further comprising:

a plurality of ferrite cores arranged radially with respect to a center of the working coil, and configured to prevent loss of the electromagnetic force of the working coil; and

mica sheets provided on opposite sides of the working coil to maintain distances between the working coil and the hot water tank, and the ferrite cores.

The water dispensing device of claim 13, wherein core fixing portions protruding to fix inner sides and outer sides of the ferrite cores are formed in the heating bracket.