Water purifier assembly and refrigerator including the same

Abstract

This invention discloses a water purification filter assembly and a refrigerator including the water purification filter assembly. The water purification filter assembly according to the invention includes: a filter body having an inlet port for supplying raw water from the outside and an outlet port for discharging the purified raw water; a water purification tank disposed on one side of the filter body and storing purified water from the filter; a first housing housing the water purification tank at a predetermined angle relative to at least one side of the ground; and a second housing vertically joined from one end of the first housing and housing the filter body.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a water purification filter assembly and a refrigerator including the water purification filter assembly, and more specifically, to a water purification filter assembly and a filter disposed within a housing for storing and purifying water, and a refrigerator including the water purification filter assembly. Background Technology

[0002] Typically, a water purifier purifies tap water and provides users with high-quality drinking water, including at least one filter for removing microorganisms, minerals, or odors from the tap water.

[0003] The filter gradually loses its filtering function as it purifies the tap water, thus requiring periodic replacement. Therefore, a structure is needed that allows users to easily replace the filter.

[0004] A "water purification filter combination structure for a water purification system" is disclosed in Korean Utility Model Publication No. 20-2011-0001021 (publication date: January 31, 2011) (hereinafter referred to as the "Prior Art").

[0005] In the prior art, the cover fastened to the filter has an inlet and an outlet formed in a protruding shape, and the inlet and outlet are rotatably fastened to a pair of brackets, so that the user can rotate the cover so that the inlet and outlet rotate about the pair of brackets as the rotation center, thereby making it easy to replace the filter.

[0006] In addition, refrigerators that also function as water purifiers have recently been introduced, and these refrigerators also have the filter for the water purifier function.

[0007] Therefore, it is necessary to ensure space within the limited space of home appliances such as water purifiers or refrigerators through the effective arrangement of filters and other structures. Summary of the Invention

[0008] Technical issues

[0009] The present invention is proposed to solve the above-mentioned technical problems. The purpose of the present invention is to provide a water purification filter assembly, including a water purification tank and a filter, with a specific structure that can be installed in the limited space of a water purifier or refrigerator, thereby enabling the efficient use of the limited space of the water purification filter assembly and the refrigerator including the water purification filter assembly.

[0010] As described above, the present invention provides a water purification filter assembly and a refrigerator including the water purification filter assembly, which includes a structure capable of stably supporting the water purification tank or the filter according to a specific arrangement structure of the water purification filter assembly containing the water purification tank and the filter.

[0011] The present invention provides a water purification filter assembly and a refrigerator including the water purification filter assembly, which can sequentially discharge the raw water flowing into the water purification tank, thereby enabling the inflow and discharge to be cyclical.

[0012] The present invention provides a water purification filter assembly and a refrigerator including the water purification filter assembly, which includes a structure that allows residual water to be easily discharged to the outside during the water supply and discharge process in the water purifier or refrigerator when the filter is installed or removed.

[0013] The technical problems of this invention are not limited to those mentioned above. Those skilled in the art to which this invention pertains can clearly understand other technical problems not mentioned through the following description.

[0014] Technical solution

[0015] To achieve the aforementioned goal, the water purification filter assembly according to the present invention may include: a filter body having an inlet port for supplying raw water from the outside and an outlet port for discharging the purified raw water; a purified water tank disposed on one side of the filter body and storing purified water purified by the filter; a first housing for housing the purified water tank; and a second housing for housing the filter body.

[0016] In one embodiment of the present invention, the first housing housing the water purifier can be arranged on the back side with the front of the second housing housing the filter body as the center.

[0017] In one embodiment of the present invention, the second housing may be joined vertically from one side of the first housing.

[0018] The water tank housed in the first housing can be arranged such that at least one side is tilted relative to the ground at a predetermined angle.

[0019] In one embodiment of the present invention, the first housing may include a valve arranged at the inclined portion of the water purification tank.

[0020] In one embodiment of the invention, at least one of the first housing and the second housing may be provided with a valve.

[0021] In one embodiment of the present invention, the valve may be formed at the connection point where purified water is discharged from the filter body to the water tank and at the point where it is discharged from the water tank to the outside.

[0022] In one embodiment of the invention, the purified water can be directly supplied from the filter body to an ice maker for making ice via the valve.

[0023] In one embodiment of the present invention, the valve may be a DC valve or an AC valve.

[0024] In one embodiment of the present invention, the first housing and the second housing can be rotatably joined together at a predetermined angle.

[0025] In one embodiment of the present invention, the first housing and the second housing can be detachably combined with each other.

[0026] In one embodiment of the present invention, it may further include: at least one support portion supporting at least one side of the filter body or the water purification tank, the support portion including: an extended fitting portion supporting at least a portion of the water purification tank or the filter body; and a limiting portion formed to support at least a portion of a fastening unit of the water purification tank or the filter body from the extended fitting portion.

[0027] In one embodiment of the present invention, at least one of the support portion, the limiting portion, and the fastening unit may be a bar shape or a rib shape extending at a predetermined length.

[0028] In one embodiment of the present invention, fastening portions for mutual engagement may be formed in the support portion and the fastening unit, respectively.

[0029] In one embodiment of the present invention, the limiting portion may be formed in a shape that supports at least a portion of the fastening unit.

[0030] In one embodiment of the present invention, the limiting portion may be formed such that at least a portion of its cross-section is curved or bent.

[0031] In one embodiment of the present invention, when the water purification tank or the filter body is attached to the housing at a predetermined inclination with the ground as the center, the limiting part may be formed in a direction opposite to the direction of the center of gravity generated by the load.

[0032] In one embodiment of the present invention, a flow reduction section may be included, formed on the inner surface of the water purification tank and guiding the raw water.

[0033] In one embodiment of the present invention, the flow reduction section may include: a distribution section formed at a location that obstructs the flow direction of the purified raw water flowing into the water purification tank; and at least one partition section connected to the distribution section from one bottom surface of the water purification tank and formed at a predetermined interval.

[0034] In one embodiment of the present invention, the purified raw water flowing into the water purification tank can impact the distribution section and then flow into the space between the partition sections.

[0035] In one embodiment of the present invention, the water purification tank may include:

[0036] The filter body has a purified water inlet section for receiving purified water discharged from the outlet port of the filter body; and a purified water outlet section for discharging the purified water to the outside.

[0037] In one embodiment of the present invention, the flow reduction section may be formed at the portion connected to the purified water inlet section.

[0038] In one embodiment of the present invention, a space may be formed in the water purification tank for collecting and removing air bubbles between the uppermost part of the incoming raw water and the purified water outflow section.

[0039] In one embodiment of the invention, it may further include: a drainage section, which is detachable from one side of the housing and formed on one side of the filter body to collect dripping water, wherein one end of the drainage section is formed to collect a predetermined length of the water dripping from the filter body.

[0040] In one embodiment of the invention, the drainage section may include: an inclined surface formed to be inclined at a predetermined angle along one side, such that the water dripping from the water purifier or the filter body can be moved; and a take-out section extending from one side of the inclined surface to be able to be grasped by a user for introduction or extraction.

[0041] In one embodiment of the invention, at least a portion of the extraction portion of the drain section may be exposed outside the housing for a user to grip.

[0042] In one embodiment of the present invention, the drain section may be arranged on the lower side of the filter body or the water purification tank, and may be configured to be detachable from the front part of the housing.

[0043] In one embodiment of the invention, the predetermined length (W2) of the drainage section may include the length extending to the end of the head that is coupled to one side of the filter body.

[0044] In one embodiment of the present invention, the housing may be provided with an outlet hole for inserting or leading out the drain section.

[0045] In one embodiment of the invention, a protective cover may be formed on one side of the housing to accommodate at least a portion of the filter body or the water purification tank.

[0046] In one embodiment of the invention, the filter body can be rotated to engage with or remove from the protective cover while at least a portion is exposed.

[0047] In one embodiment of the present invention, a refrigerator or water purifier may be provided that includes a water filter assembly according to any one of the items.

[0048] Invention Effects

[0049] The water purification filter assembly and refrigerator including the water purification filter assembly according to the present invention have the effect of effectively utilizing the limited space by improving the water purification filter assembly including the water purification tank and the filter into a specific structure that can be installed in the limited space of the water purifier or refrigerator.

[0050] The water purification filter assembly and the refrigerator including the water purification filter assembly according to the present invention have the effect of stably supporting the water purification tank or the filter according to a specific arrangement structure of the water purification filter assembly containing the water purification tank and the filter.

[0051] The water purification filter assembly and the refrigerator including the water purification filter assembly according to the present invention have the effect of sequentially discharging the raw water flowing into the water purification tank after it flows in, thereby enabling the inflow and discharge to be cyclical.

[0052] The present invention has the effect of easily draining residual water to the outside during the water supply and discharge process in a water purifier or refrigerator when installing or removing the filter.

[0053] The effects of this invention are not limited to those mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description in the claims. Attached Figure Description

[0054] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing a refrigerator equipped with a water purification filter assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0055] Figure 2 This is a perspective view showing the appearance of the filter body according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0056] Figures 3 to 4 This is a diagram showing the interior of a water purification filter assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0057] Figures 5 to 7 This is a diagram showing the configuration of a tank installed in a water filter housing according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0058] Figure 8 This is a diagram showing the configuration of a water purification tank installed in a housing according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0059] Figures 9 to 11 This is a partially enlarged view of the support portion according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0060] Figures 12 to 13 This is a partially enlarged view showing the state of the water purification tank combined with the support according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0061] Figure 14 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a water purification tank according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0062] Figure 15 yes Figure 14 A magnified view of a portion of the image.

[0063] Figure 16 This is a schematic perspective view of the flow reduction section according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0064] Figure 17 This is a diagram showing the purified water inflow state of the water purifier tank according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0065] Figure 18 This is a diagram showing the internal configuration of a water filter assembly having a protective cover and a drain section according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0066] Figure 19 yes Figure 18 A magnified view of a portion of the image.

[0067] Figure 20 This is a partial cross-sectional view showing a water purification filter assembly draining water through a drain section according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0068] Figure 21 This is a schematic perspective view of the drainage section according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0069] Figure 22 This is a perspective view of the filter body according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0070] Figure 23 This is a diagram showing the usage state of the drainage section according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0071] Figure 24 This is a cross-sectional view showing the filter body according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0072] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that when assigning reference numerals to the constituent elements of the various drawings, the same reference numerals should be assigned to the same constituent elements as much as possible, even if they are shown in different drawings. Furthermore, in the process of describing the embodiments of the present invention, detailed descriptions of related well-known structures or functions will be omitted if it is determined that such detailed descriptions would impede understanding the embodiments of the present invention.

[0073] In describing the constituent elements of embodiments of the present invention, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), and (b) may be used. These terms are used only to distinguish one constituent element from another, and the nature, order, or sequence of the constituent elements is not limited by these terms. Furthermore, unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein (including technical and scientific terms) have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. Terms identical to those defined in commonly used dictionaries should be interpreted as having the same meaning as they have in the context of the relevant art, and should not be construed as having an ideal or overly formal meaning unless explicitly defined herein.

[0074] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing a refrigerator equipped with a water purification filter assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0075] Reference Figure 1 A refrigerator equipped with a water purification filter assembly 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a main body 7 having a refrigerator compartment and a freezer compartment, and doors 8A, 8B, and 9 for opening and closing the front of the main body 7.

[0076] The main body 7 can be formed into a rectangular shape with an opening on the front. The front of the opening of the main body 7 can be the front of the opening of the refrigerator compartment and the freezer compartment.

[0077] Doors 8A, 8B, and 9 may include refrigerator door 8A, 8B for opening and closing the refrigerator compartment and freezer door 9 for opening and closing the freezer compartment. Refrigerator door 8A, 8B may be located above freezer door 9. However, if the refrigerator compartment is located below the freezer compartment, refrigerator door 8A, 8B may also be located below freezer door 9.

[0078] The refrigerator doors 8A and 8B can be configured as two. That is, the refrigerator doors 8A and 8B can include a first refrigerator door 8A for opening and closing a portion of the refrigerator compartment and a second refrigerator door 8B for opening and closing the remaining portion of the refrigerator compartment. The first refrigerator door 8A can rotate with its left side as the center of rotation to open and close the left side of the refrigerator compartment, and the second refrigerator door 8B can rotate with its right side as the center of rotation to open and close the right side of the refrigerator compartment. When the refrigerator is viewed from the front, the first refrigerator door 8A can be positioned to the left of the second refrigerator door 8B, and the second refrigerator door 8B can be positioned to the right of the first refrigerator door 8A.

[0079] The freezer door 9 can be equipped as a single unit. The freezer door 9 can be opened and closed by sliding back and forth.

[0080] A water purification filter assembly 10 may be installed on the upper right side of the refrigerator compartment. However, the water purification filter assembly 10 may also be installed on the upper left side of the refrigerator compartment, the upper right side of the freezer compartment, or the upper left side of the freezer compartment.

[0081] Of course, the refrigerator can also be configured as a freezer that does not have a refrigerator compartment but only a freezer compartment, or as a refrigerator box that does not have a freezer compartment but only a refrigerator compartment.

[0082] In addition, refrigerator doors 8A and 8B can be set as one door instead of two doors, and freezer door 9 can be set as two doors instead of one door.

[0083] That is, the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention is provided with a refrigerator compartment at the top and a freezer compartment at the bottom, and the refrigerator compartment is provided with two doors 8A and 8B that open and close by rotating to both sides. Although a French door refrigerator (FDR) type refrigerator with a drawer-type door 9 that slides back and forth in the freezer compartment has been described as an example, it is not limited to the FDR type refrigerator, and may also include a double door (SBS) type refrigerator with two doors that open to both sides.

[0084] When one of the refrigerator compartment and the freezer compartment is defined as the first compartment and the other as the second compartment, the water purification filter assembly 10 can be disposed on the upper side inside the first compartment or the second compartment.

[0085] Figure 2 This is a perspective view showing the appearance of a filter assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figures 3 to 4 This is a diagram showing the interior of a water purification filter assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figures 5 to 6This is a diagram showing the configuration of a tank installed in a water filter housing according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0086] Reference Figures 2 to 6 The water purification filter assembly 10 according to the present invention includes: a filter body 500 for purifying raw water flowing in from the outside; a water purification tank 300 connected to one side of the filter body 500 and storing the purified raw water; a second housing 12 for storing the filter body 500; and a first housing 11 for storing the water purification tank 300.

[0087] The first housing 11 for storing the water tank 300 can be arranged perpendicular to the second housing 12 for storing the filter body 500. Depending on the situation, the first housing 11 and the second housing 12 can be configured to be adjustablely joined at a predetermined angle. This is so that, when installed in the refrigerator or freezer compartment, the defined internal space of the refrigerator or freezer compartment can be used more efficiently by having a connection structure that bends at various angles depending on the external structure. This structure provides a form that overcomes the structural limitations of storing the filter and water tank in one space in the past.

[0088] A filter body 500 may be arranged in the second housing 12. The filter body 500 is the space for purifying raw water supplied from the outside. The specific structure of the filter body 500 will be described in detail with reference to the following figures. The second housing 12 is rectangular in shape with a predetermined space, and the filter body 500 can be arranged horizontally. The filter body 500 can be connected to the purified water tank 300 in the state of being arranged in the second housing 12. That is, the purified raw water can be introduced from the filter body 500 into the purified water tank 300 for storage.

[0089] An inlet 210 for raw water to flow in from the outside can be formed in the filter body 500. Figure 24 ) and the outlet 220 for discharging the raw water ( Figure 24 The third connecting pipe H3 can be connected to the inlet 210 of the filter body 500. Figure 24 ), and the first connecting pipe H1 can be connected to the outlet 220 via the auxiliary pipe H0 ( Figure 24 ). Connected to the outlet 220 of the filter body 500 via auxiliary pipe H0 ( Figure 24 An alternating current (AC) valve 13 may be formed at the connection point of the first connecting pipe H1. The filter body 500 may be fixed to the second housing 12 by means of fastening component 12-1.

[0090] The water purification tank 300 may have a purified water inlet 310 for the raw water to flow into from the filter body 500 and a purified water outlet 320 for the raw water to be discharged. The purified water inlet 310 of the water purification tank 300 may be connected to a fourth connecting pipe H4, so that the purified raw water flows into the water purification tank 300 from the filter body 500 via the AC valve 13.

[0091] Specifically, the water purification filter assembly 10 according to the present invention may include: a second housing 12 for storing a filter body 500 for purifying raw water flowing in from the outside; and a first housing 11 for storing a water purification tank 300 containing the purified raw water supplied from the filter body 500. The filter body 500 may be helically fastened to the lower part of the inner surface of the second housing 12 by a plurality of fastening members 12-1. According to the present invention, since the first housing 11 and the second housing 12 may be arranged to be connected to each other in a vertical direction, the filter body 500 and the water purification tank 300 may also be arranged in a vertical direction in the same way.

[0092] The filter body 500 may have the aforementioned inlet 210 ( Figure 24 ), and the raw water can pass through inlet 210 ( Figure 24 The raw water is supplied from the outside through the third connecting pipe H3 connected to the filter body 500. This raw water can be supplied through the inlet 210 of the filter body 500. Figure 24 ) flows in and is purified, and then can be discharged through auxiliary pipe H0 to outlet 220 ( Figure 24 The first connecting pipe H1 is moved. At this time, an AC valve 13 can be formed on the first connecting pipe H1, and the purified raw water can be supplied through this AC valve 13 and directly connected to an external device (e.g., an ice maker (not shown)) connected to one end of the first connecting pipe H1.

[0093] The fourth connecting pipe H4 is a branch pipe from the AC valve 13 formed on the first connecting pipe H1 and connected to the water purification tank 300. The fourth connecting pipe H4 can extend from the AC valve 13 and pass through the purified water inlet 310 of the water purification tank 300 to connect to the water purification tank 300. The AC valve 13 can be opened and closed automatically or manually according to the signal, and can perform functions such as regulating the flow rate.

[0094] The raw water that flows into the purified water inlet 310 of the water purifier tank 300 and is purified in the filter body 500 is supplied to the dispenser or the like exposed to the outside of the refrigerator for drinking by the purified water outlet 320 of the water purifier tank 300.

[0095] The water purification filter assembly 10 according to the present invention is characterized in that, in the structure in which the second housing 12 storing the filter body 500 and the first housing 11 storing the water purification tank 300 are vertically connected, space efficiency can be significantly improved by means of the water purification tank 300 being inclinedly arranged on the first housing 11. That is, the water purification tank 300 can be inclined on the first housing 11 at a predetermined angle with respect to the horizontal plane relative to the ground, and space efficiency can be significantly improved by means of this inclined arrangement of the water purification tank 300 to allow for additional internal structures to be arranged in the spare space.

[0096] Figure 7 This is a diagram showing the configuration of a tank installed in a water filter housing according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0097] Refer to together Figure 7 As described above, in the structure of the water purifier filter assembly 10 according to the present invention, in which the second housing 12 for storing the filter body 500 and the first housing 11 for storing the water purifier tank 300 are vertically connected, further, in the first housing 11, one side of the water purifier tank 300 can be arranged at an inclined angle relative to the other side. The present invention is characterized in that, as Figure 7 As shown, the inclined arrangement of this water purification tank 300 ensures separate installation spaces on the upper left and lower right sides, in which other pipes, including the AC valve 14, can also be installed.

[0098] One end of the water purification tank 300 may have a circular shape, and the water purification tank 300 may be arranged in the first housing 11 with said side inclined upward or downward. This provides the effect of storing various valves and pipes in the space provided by the inclined arrangement.

[0099] Figure 8 This is a diagram showing the configuration of the water purification tank installed in the housing according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figures 9 to 11 This is a partially enlarged view of the support portion according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figures 12 to 13 This is a partially enlarged view showing the state of the water purification tank combined with the support according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0100] Referring to these figures, the water purification filter assembly 10 according to the present invention can be configured to include: a filter body 500 for purifying raw water flowing in from the outside; a water purification tank 300 connected to one side of the filter body 500 and storing the purified raw water; a second housing 12 for storing the filter body 500; and a first housing 11 for storing the water purification tank 300. As described above, the water purification tank 300 according to the present invention can be arranged at a predetermined angle on the first housing 11 with reference to a horizontal plane relative to the ground.

[0101] Since the water purification tank 300 is formed on the first housing 11 with one side inclined upward in the longitudinal direction, the center of gravity may be shifted to a predetermined position due to its own weight. Therefore, the water purification filter assembly 10 according to the present invention can effectively support the unbalanced center of gravity by forming at least one support portion 700 at both ends of the upper and lower portions of the water purification tank 300 to support the center of gravity.

[0102] Specifically, the water tank 300 of the water filter assembly 10 according to the present invention can be fixedly attached to the support portion 700 formed in the first housing 11. The support portion 700 can be formed at the upper and lower edges of the inclined water tank 300 on the inner surface of the first housing 11. The support portion 700 can be integrally injection molded with the first housing 11. A fastening hole 311 for inserting a bolt 30 can be formed in the water tank 300, and a corresponding fastening hole 722 can be formed in the support portion 700.

[0103] First, fastening units 330 extending to one side can be formed at the upper and lower ends of the water purifier 300. Considering the fastening with the support 700, a fastening hole 311 for inserting a bolt 30 can be formed at the center of the fastening unit 330 of the water purifier 300.

[0104] Additionally, the support portion 700 may be configured to include: an extended fitting portion 710 having a curved surface 711 forming on one side supporting the water purifier tank 300 or the filter body 500; and a limiting portion 720 formed from the extended fitting portion 710 in the shape of a fastening unit 330 supporting the water purifier tank or the filter body 500. Similarly, a fastening hole 722 may be formed at the center of the limiting portion 720 for inserting a bolt 30 that passes through the fastening hole 311 of the water purifier tank 300 and is screwed in. The shape of the curved surface 711 of the extended fitting portion 710 supporting the filter body 500 may also be various shapes depending on the shape of the contact portion of the filter body 500.

[0105] Furthermore, a stop 721 is formed on the limiting portion 720 in a shape that extends upward and protrudes from a predetermined length. The stop 721 of the limiting portion 720 can be formed in a wrapping shape that protrudes upward to support a part of the fastening unit 330 of the water tank 300.

[0106] As described above, the water purifier 300 according to the present invention can be arranged obliquely on the first housing 11. The stop 721 formed on the limiting portion 720 can be formed in a wrapping shape according to the position and shape of the fastening unit 330 formed on the upper or lower end of the water purifier 300, thereby supporting the fastening unit 330 in different shapes. In one example, when the water purifier 300 has a structure with one side facing downward and the other side facing upward, such as... Figure 6 As shown, in the stop 721 of the limiting portion 720 according to the present invention, the stop 721 formed on the upper part of the water tank 300 can be formed to cover the upper surface of the fastening unit 330 formed on the upper end of the inclined water tank 300. In contrast, as Figure 7 As shown, the stop 721 formed on the lower portion can be shaped to support the lower surface of the fastening unit 330 formed on the lower end of the inclined water tank 300. Therefore, the water tank 300 can be stably and non-flowingly supported on the support portion 700 formed on the first housing 11.

[0107] That is, in the stop member 721 of the support portion 700 according to the present invention, the shape of the stop member 721 of the support portion 700 formed on the upper side and the lower side of the water tank 300 can be formed differently according to the tilt angle based on the center of gravity of the water tank 300, so as to stably support the center of gravity that changes according to the tilt angle based on the center of gravity of the water tank 300.

[0108] Furthermore, based on this effective inclined arrangement structure of the water purification tank 300, a flow reduction section 800 for controlling fluid flow can be formed in the water purification tank 300 according to the present invention. Hereinafter, the flow reduction section 800 incorporated in the inclined arrangement of the water purification tank 300 will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0109] Figure 14 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a water purification tank according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 15 yes Figure 14 A magnified view of a portion of the image. Figure 16 This is a schematic perspective view of the flow reduction section according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 17 This is a diagram showing the state of purified water flowing into the water purifier tank according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0110] Referring to these figures, the water purification filter assembly 10 according to the present invention can be configured to include: a filter body 500 for purifying raw water flowing in from the outside; a water purification tank 300 connected to one side of the filter body 500 and storing the purified raw water; a second housing 12 for storing the filter body 500; and a first housing 11 for storing the water purification tank 300. As described above, the water purification tank 300 according to the present invention can be arranged at a predetermined angle on the first housing 11 with reference to a horizontal plane relative to the ground.

[0111] Since the water purification tank 300 is formed on the first housing 11 with one side inclined upward in the longitudinal direction, the purified raw water flowing into the purified water inlet 310 of the water purification tank 300 can flow towards the purified water outlet 320 of the water purification tank 300. However, in this case, the purified raw water flowing into the purified water inlet 310 of the water purification tank 300 may not flow towards the purified water outlet 320 in the order of inflow, and a situation of first in and last out may occur. Therefore, in the present invention, a flow reduction section 800 can be provided so that the purified raw water flowing into the purified water inlet 310 of the water purification tank 300 forms a vortex at the inlet side as it is distributed.

[0112] The flow reduction section 800 according to the present invention may include: a distribution section 810 formed at a location that obstructs the flow direction of the purified raw water flowing into the water purification tank 300; and a partition section 820 formed from one bottom surface of the water purification tank to the distribution section 810 and spaced apart by a predetermined interval.

[0113] The flow reduction section 800 can be configured to communicate with and extend along with the purified water inlet section 310 of the water purification tank 300. Therefore, by directly guiding the purified raw water flowing into the purified water inlet section 310 of the water purification tank 300, the flow direction of the raw water can be controlled. This flow reduction section 800 can temporarily obstruct the direction in which the purified raw water flowing through the purified water inlet section 310 directly collides with the distribution section 810 and forms a vortex. At this time, after colliding with the distribution section 810, the purified raw water is distributed between the partitions 820 extending from one side of the water purification tank 300 and flows in multiple directions.

[0114] That is, the purified raw water flowing into the purified water inlet 310 of the water purification tank 300 is pushed sequentially towards the purified water outlet 320 of the water purification tank 300 by the first inlet raw water, so that the first inlet raw water begins to be discharged sequentially, thereby suppressing the phenomenon of the later inlet raw water being discharged first.

[0115] Furthermore, such as Figure 17As shown, since the water purification tank 300 is formed at an upward angle on one side of the length direction of the first housing 11, that is, the purified water outflow portion 320 in the water purification tank 300 is formed at an upward angle compared to the purified water inflow portion 310, air bubbles can be collected and discharged between the uppermost water surface of the purified raw water flowing naturally into the water purification tank 300 and the purified water outflow portion 320. Therefore, by arranging the water purification tank 300 at an angle, a space can be formed in which air can be collected and removed inside the water purification tank 300 when the raw water flows in.

[0116] Figure 18 This is a diagram showing the internal configuration of a water filter assembly having a protective cover and a drain section according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 19 yes Figure 18 A magnified view of a portion of the image. Figure 20 This is a partial cross-sectional view showing a water purification filter assembly discharging water through a drainage section according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 21 This is a schematic perspective view of the drainage section according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0117] Referring to these figures, the water purification filter assembly 10 according to the present invention can be configured to include: a filter body 500 for purifying raw water flowing in from the outside; a purified water tank 300 connected to one side of the filter body and storing the purified raw water; a second housing 12 for storing the filter body 500; and a first housing 11 for storing the purified water tank 300. The second housing 12 may have a drain section 900 for collecting water dripping from the filter body 500. This drain section 900 can be installed so that it can be removed from the second housing 12.

[0118] The filter body 500 can be stored in the second housing 12. The second housing 12 can be generally shaped into a rectangle, and may include a removable cover 15 for opening and closing. A protective cover 12-3, allowing a portion of the filter body 500 to be inserted, can be attached to the ends of the second housing 12 and the cover 15. The protective cover 12-3 can be shaped to extend to one side from the ends of the second housing 12 and the cover 15 to facilitate the removal and replacement of the filter body 500. It can be made removable, for example, without particular limitation if the protective cover 12-3 is a structure that can be removed from the ends of the second housing 12 and the cover 15; for example, it can be fastened by a pressure hook or by a screw fastening method using bolts or the like.

[0119] The protective cover 12-3 is formed to extend from one end in a combined state with the second housing 12 and the cover 15, so that one end of the filter body 500 can be easily inserted into the protective cover 12-3. That is, one end of the filter body 500 can be inserted into the protective cover 12-3 with its surface exposed to the outside of the second housing 12 and the cover 15. Therefore, after removing the protective cover 12-3 from the second housing 12 and the cover 15, the user can easily replace and repair the filter body 500, etc. As described above, the method of removing the filter body 500 from the protective cover 12-3 will be explained in more detail with reference to the following drawings.

[0120] Furthermore, outlet holes 12-2 can be formed in the second housing 12 and the cover 15 so that the drain section 900 can be introduced and led out to the outside when they are fastened together. This drain section 900 is arranged in the lower part of the filter body 500 of the second housing 12 and the cover 15, so that water dripping from the filter body 500 can be guided and stored.

[0121] The drain section 900 may be configured to include an inclined surface 920 formed at a predetermined angle along its length and a take-out section 910 extending from one side of the inclined surface 920, which can be introduced or withdrawn from the second housing 12 when the user is gripping it, so that the water or other substances dripping from the filter body 500 can be moved to one side after dripping. In this case, the drain section 900 is not particularly limited to a structure that allows the dripping water or other substances to flow to one side. As mentioned above, it may be a structure in which the inclined surface 920 is formed with a decreasing height to one side, or a structure in which it is inserted at an angle when installed in the second housing 12 without requiring an additional inclined surface of height. Preferably, considering visibility and usability, this drain section 900 may be a plastic molded product made of transparent or translucent material, but it is not limited to this.

[0122] Therefore, by using transparent or semi-transparent materials to form the drainage section 900, not only can external visibility be ensured to confirm whether there is internal leakage, but the internal filter can also be directly inspected for abnormalities through the transparent front section, allowing for replacement or repair. For example, the internal structure can be directly inspected through the drainage section 900, thus allowing for early detection and prevention of filter cracking due to system errors such as internal overcooling.

[0123] The drain section 900 is located on the lower side of the filter body 500. The length W1 of the drain section 900 can be located between the joint between the filter body 500 and the head 200, so that when disassembling to replace the filter body 500, residual water in the filter body 500 can be completely dripped off and collected in the drain section 900. Since water may also be generated at the points where the raw water flowing from the inlet 210 and outlet 220 of the head 200 flows into the filter body 500, it is preferable to form a length extending to these points. Of course, in some cases, the length W1 of the drain section 900 can also be formed to extend to one end of the head 200. Therefore, during the disassembly of the filter body 500 and the head 200, even if fluid flows back at the joint and flows out between the lengths W1 and W2, it can be easily removed.

[0124] Figure 22 This is a perspective view of the filter body according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 23 This is a diagram showing the usage state of the drainage section according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0125] Referring to these accompanying drawings, the method for leading out the filter body 500 and the drain section 900 is described. As previously mentioned, the filter body 500 and the drain section 900 of the present invention can be detachably coupled to the second housing 12. The filter body 500 can be configured to include: a main sleeve 510; an upper sleeve 520 rotatably coupled to the head 200; and a lower sleeve 530 forming a user handle portion 531.

[0126] In the structure described above, the user can easily detach the filter body 500 from the second housing 12 by rotating the handle portion 531 formed on the lower end sleeve 530 exposed on the outside of the protective cover 12-3 while the filter body 500 is mounted on the second housing 12. Furthermore, a gripping groove (not shown) is formed in the removal portion 910 of the drain portion 900, so the user can grip the recessed gripping groove formed in the removal portion 910 of the drain portion 900 as needed and pull it outwards, thereby removing water and other substances accumulated inside.

[0127] Figure 24 This is a partial cross-sectional view of the filter body according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0128] Reference Figure 24 A head 200 is provided on the upper side of the filter housing 100. The head 200 can be formed by protruding upward from the upper side of the filter housing 100.

[0129] Inlet 210 and outlet 220 may be formed at head 200. Inlet 210 and outlet 220 may protrude radially from the outer edge of head 200. Inlet 210 and outlet 220 may protrude in opposite directions. Inlet 210 may protrude radially from one side of the outer edge of head 200, and outlet 220 may protrude radially from the other side of the outer edge of head 200.

[0130] The inlet 210 and outlet 220 can be formed into a tubular shape. Raw water can flow into the inlet 210. In the outlet 220, the purified water can flow out from inside the filter body 500. The raw water flowing into the filter housing 100 through the inlet 210 can be purified inside the filter housing 100, and then flow out to the outside of the filter body 500 through the outlet 220.

[0131] Those skilled in the art will understand that the present invention can be implemented in other specific forms without altering its technical concept or essential features. Therefore, it should be understood that the above embodiments are exemplary in all respects, and not limiting. The scope of the invention is defined by the following claims rather than by the foregoing detailed description, and all modifications or variations derived from the meaning and scope of the claims, and their equivalents, should be interpreted as being included within the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A water purification filter assembly, comprising: The filter body has an inlet for supplying raw water from the outside and an outlet for discharging the purified raw water. A water purification tank is arranged on one side of the filter body and stores the purified water purified by the filter; The first housing contains the purified water tank; A second housing, which accommodates the filter body; and The drainage section allows for installation and removal from one side of the second housing and collects water dripping from one side of the filter body. The drain section has a predetermined length (W2) to collect dripping water, and the predetermined length (W2) extends to the end of the head attached to one side of the filter body. The second housing has an outlet hole for inserting or leading out the drain section.

2. The water purification filter assembly as described in claim 1, wherein, The first housing that houses the water purifier is arranged on the back side with the front of the second housing that houses the filter body as the center.

3. The water purification filter assembly as described in claim 1, wherein, It has a structure in which the second housing is joined vertically from one side of the first housing.

4. The water purification filter assembly as described in claim 1, wherein, The water tank housed in the first housing is arranged such that at least one side is tilted relative to the ground at a predetermined angle.

5. The water purification filter assembly as described in claim 1, wherein, The first housing includes a valve, which is arranged at an inclined portion of the purified water tank.

6. The water purification filter assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein, A valve is arranged in at least one of the first housing and the second housing.

7. The water purification filter assembly as described in claim 6, wherein, The valve is formed at the connection point where purified water is discharged from the filter body to the water tank and at the point where it is discharged from the water tank to the outside.

8. The water purification filter assembly as described in claim 6, wherein, The purified water is supplied directly from the filter body through the valve to the ice maker for making ice.

9. The water purification filter assembly as claimed in claim 6, wherein, The valve is a DC valve or an AC valve.

10. The water purification filter assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The first housing and the second housing are rotatably joined together at a predetermined angle.

11. The water purification filter assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The first housing and the second housing are detachably connected to each other.

12. The water purification filter assembly as claimed in claim 1, further comprising: At least one support portion supports at least one side of the filter body or the water purification tank. The support portion includes: An extended fitting portion supports at least a portion of the water purification tank or the filter body; and The limiting portion is shaped to support at least a portion of the fastening unit that extends from the extended fitting portion to support the water purifier tank or the filter body.

13. The water purification filter assembly as claimed in claim 12, wherein, At least one of the support portion, the limiting portion, and the fastening unit is a strip or rib shape extending to a predetermined length.

14. The water purification filter assembly as claimed in claim 12, wherein, Fastening portions for mutual engagement are formed in the support portion and the fastening unit, respectively.

15. The water purification filter assembly as claimed in claim 12, wherein, The limiting portion is formed to support at least a portion of the fastening unit.

16. The water purification filter assembly as claimed in claim 12, wherein, The limiting part is formed such that at least a portion of its cross-section is curved or bent.

17. The water purification filter assembly of claim 12, wherein, When the water purification tank or the filter body is attached to the housing at a predetermined inclination with the ground as the center, the limiting part is formed in a direction opposite to the direction of the center of gravity generated by the load.

18. The water purification filter assembly as claimed in claim 1, comprising: A flow reduction section is formed on the inner surface of the water purification tank and guides the raw water.

19. The water purification filter assembly as claimed in claim 18, wherein, The flow reduction section includes: A distribution section is formed at a location that obstructs the flow direction of the purified raw water into the water purification tank; and At least one partition is formed by connecting the distribution section to one bottom side of the water purification tank and being spaced apart by a predetermined interval.

20. The water purification filter assembly of claim 19, wherein, The purified raw water flowing into the water tank impacts the distribution section and then flows into the space between the partitions.

21. The water purification filter assembly as claimed in claim 18, wherein, The water purification tank includes: A purified water inlet section is provided for purified water discharged from the outlet of the filter body; and The purified water outlet discharges the purified water to the outside.

22. The water purification filter assembly as claimed in claim 21, wherein, The flow reduction section is formed at the location connected to the purified water inlet section.

23. The water purification filter assembly as claimed in claim 21, wherein, The water purification tank has a space formed between the uppermost part of the incoming raw water and the outlet of the purified water to collect and remove air bubbles.

24. The water purification filter assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein, One end of the drainage section is formed to the predetermined length (W2).

25. The water purification filter assembly as claimed in claim 24, wherein, The drainage section includes: An inclined surface is formed to be inclined at a predetermined angle along one side, allowing water dripping from the water tank or the filter body to move; and The extraction section extends from one side of the inclined surface to allow it to be grasped and introduced or withdrawn by the user.

26. The water purification filter assembly as claimed in claim 25, wherein, At least a portion of the drain section's extraction portion is exposed outside the housing for the user to grip.

27. The water purification filter assembly of claim 24, wherein, The drain section is located on the lower side of the filter body or the water tank and is configured to be detachable from the front of the housing.

28. The water purification filter assembly as claimed in claim 24, wherein, A protective cover is formed on one side of the housing to accommodate at least a portion of the filter body or the water purification tank.

29. The water purification filter assembly as claimed in claim 28, wherein, The filter body is rotated to engage with or remove from the protective cover while at least a portion of it is exposed.

30. A refrigerator comprising a water purification filter assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 29.

31. A water purifier comprising a water filter assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 29.

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