Water outlet module for water purifier or cold and hot water machine

Abstract

The utility model provides a water outlet module for a water purifier or a water chiller-heater, which is mounted in a manner of protruding upwards from a shell body of the water purifier or the water chiller-heater and is formed to be capable of discharging water, and the water outlet module for the water purifier or the water chiller-heater comprises a support pipe, a water inlet pipe, a water outlet pipe and a water outlet pipe, the lower end of the water outlet pipe is fixedly combined with one side of the upper end of the shell body, and a water outlet pipeline is arranged in the water outlet pipe; and a water outlet cock module connected to an upper end portion of the support pipe and formed so as to be able to discharge water supplied through the water outlet line, the support pipe being formed so as to be able to be rotatably folded about a horizontal rotation axis at an intermediate point.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to a water outlet module for a water purifier or hot and cold water machine. More specifically, it relates to a water outlet module for a water purifier or hot and cold water machine in which the support tube of the water outlet module is configured to be rotatable and foldable, allowing for very compact changes to the configuration structure of the water outlet module as needed. This prevents damage such as breakage or fracture of the water outlet module during manufacturing and assembly, or during packaging and transportation, and ensures quality and safety. Background Technology

[0002] Recently, due to rapid industrial development, environmental pollution has become increasingly serious, with water pollution reaching a severe level. For example, in most places such as homes or public administrative offices, drinking water is obtained through hot and cold water dispensers or water purifiers.

[0003] Hot and cold water dispensers are typically configured to dispense water stored in a tank for drinking, and also include a device for heating or cooling the water inside. In contrast, water purifiers are typically configured to receive water from the outside, purify it through a purification device, and then dispense it for drinking, and also include a device for heating or cooling the water inside.

[0004] Such hot and cold water heaters or water purifiers typically include: a housing body, which houses multiple components such as a water pump, filter, and water supply piping; and a water outlet module, which includes an outlet valve that allows water to be discharged from the housing body to the outside.

[0005] While technologies for adjusting the position of the water outlet module have been developed in commonly used water purifiers or hot and cold water heaters for ease of use, technologies to prevent damage to the water outlet module have not yet been developed.

[0006] Existing technical documents

[0007] Patent documents

[0008] Patent Document 0001: Korean Patent No. 10-2151819 Utility Model Content

[0009] This utility model was conceived to solve the problems of the prior art. The purpose of this utility model is to provide a water outlet module for a water purifier or hot and cold water machine. By configuring the support tube of the water outlet module to be rotatable and foldable, the configuration structure of the water outlet module can be changed very compactly as needed. This prevents damage such as breakage or fracture of the water outlet module during the manufacturing and assembly process or during packaging and transportation, and ensures quality and safety.

[0010] The technical solution of this utility model for solving the above-mentioned problems is as follows.

[0011] This utility model provides a water outlet module for a water purifier or hot / cold water heater, which is installed protruding upward from the housing body of the water purifier or hot / cold water heater and is configured to dispense water. It is characterized by comprising: a support tube, which is a hollow tube extending in the vertical direction, with its lower end fixedly connected to one side of the upper end of the housing body, and having a water outlet line disposed inside; and a water outlet valve module, which is connected to the upper end of the support tube and is configured to dispense water supplied through the water outlet line. The support tube is configured to be rotatable and foldable around a horizontal axis of rotation at its midpoint.

[0012] The support tube has n rotating shafts, and the support tube is divided into n+1 segmented tubes that are separated into upper and lower sections with each rotating shaft as the center. Adjacent segmented tubes can rotate relative to each other and fold with the rotating shaft located between the adjacent segmented tubes as the center.

[0013] The water outlet module of the water purifier or hot and cold water machine also includes a locking mechanism, which locks or unlocks the relative rotation of adjacent dividing pipes according to the user's operation.

[0014] The locking mechanism includes: a central shaft configured to move horizontally along the axial direction to a locked position and a locked-out position coaxially with the rotation axis, and having a locking wing portion protruding radially on one side of its outer peripheral surface; a first engagement portion formed at the upper end of the first segment tube in an adjacent first segment tube and second segment tube, through which the central shaft is inserted, and having a first locking groove portion formed to engage the locking wing portion; and a second engagement portion formed at the lower end of the second segment tube, through which the central shaft is inserted, and having a second locking groove portion formed to engage the locking wing portion. When the central shaft is moved to the locked position, the locking wing portion engages with both the first locking groove portion and the second locking groove portion simultaneously; when the central shaft is moved to the locked-out position, the locking wing portion disengages from either the first locking groove portion or the second locking groove portion.

[0015] The locking mechanism further includes an elastic spring that elastically presses the central shaft toward the locking position. When the central shaft is in the locked position, one end protrudes outside the support tube and moves to the unlocked position by the user's pressing.

[0016] Among them, a plurality of locking wings are formed circumferentially spaced on the outer peripheral surface of the central shaft, and a plurality of first locking grooves and second locking grooves are formed circumferentially spaced in a manner corresponding to the locking wings.

[0017] The effects of this utility model are as follows.

[0018] According to this utility model, by configuring the support tube of the water outlet module to be rotatable and foldable, the configuration structure of the water outlet module can be changed very compactly as needed, thereby preventing damage such as breakage or fracture of the water outlet module during manufacturing and assembly or packaging and transportation, and ensuring quality and safety.

[0019] Furthermore, the rotation of the water outlet module can be locked or unlocked by the user, thereby ensuring the stability of the rotation and folding action and the structure. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the form of the water outlet module used in a water purifier or hot and cold water machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Figures 2(a) and 2(b) are schematic diagrams illustrating the rotating and folding structure of the water outlet module for a water purifier or hot and cold water machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 3 This is a perspective view schematically showing the segmented shape of a support tube according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Figures 4(a) and 4(b) are side views schematically showing the rotational configuration of a support tube according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 5 This is an exploded perspective view schematically showing the detailed structure of the support tube and locking mechanism of an embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 6 and Figure 7 The figure is shown to illustrate the structure and working state of the locking mechanism of one embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Figure Labels

[0027] 10: Housing body, 20: Water bucket, 30: Water bucket lid, 40: Water outlet module, 100: Support pipe, 101: Dividing pipe, 110: Rotating shaft, 200: Locking mechanism, 210: Central shaft, 211: Locking wing, 220: First connecting part, 222: First locking groove, 230: Second connecting part, 232: Second locking groove, 240: Elastic spring, 300: Water outlet valve module, 310: Water outlet valve housing, 320: Water outlet valve, 330: Operating part. Detailed Implementation

[0028] The specific embodiments for implementing this utility model will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0029] First, when affixing reference numerals to the constituent elements in each figure, it should be noted that for the same constituent elements, even if shown in different figures, they should be given the same reference numerals as much as possible. Furthermore, in describing this utility model, detailed descriptions are omitted when it is determined that a specific description of a related known component or function may obscure the essence of this utility model.

[0030] Furthermore, when a constituent element is described as “connecting,” “supporting,” “linking,” “supplying,” “transmitting,” or “contacting” another constituent element, it should be understood that it may be directly connected, supported, linked, supplied, transmitted, or contacted by the other constituent element, but other constituent elements may also be present in between.

[0031] The terminology used in this specification is for describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Unless the context clearly distinguishes them, singular expressions include plural expressions.

[0032] Furthermore, it should be noted beforehand that the descriptions of "top," "bottom," and "side" in this specification are based on the illustrations and may be described differently when the orientation of the corresponding object changes. For the same reason, some components are exaggerated, omitted, or shown schematically in the accompanying drawings, and the size of each component does not perfectly reflect its actual size.

[0033] Furthermore, terms including ordinal numbers such as first and second can be used to describe multiple constituent elements, but these constituent elements are not limited to these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one constituent element from other constituent elements.

[0034] The word “including” as used in this specification means that a particular characteristic, region, integer, step, action, element and / or component is specified, and does not exclude the presence or addition of other particular characteristics, regions, integers, steps, actions, elements, components and / or groups.

[0035] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the form of the water outlet module used in a hot and cold water machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] Figure 1 The hot and cold water heater shown is configured such that a water tank 20 is mounted on top of the housing body 10, and a separate water tank lid 30 can be detachably attached to the outside of the water tank 20. A water outlet module 40 is configured to extend upwards towards the water tank 20 and the water tank lid 30. That is, the water outlet module 40 is configured to protrude upwards from one side of the housing body 10, such that the water outlet valve 320 is located above the water tank lid 30.

[0037] The water outlet module 40 may include: a support pipe 100, which is a hollow tube extending in the vertical direction, with its lower end fixedly connected to one side of the upper end of the housing body 10, and an outlet pipeline (not shown) disposed inside; and an outlet valve module 300, which is connected to the upper end of the support pipe 100 and is configured to outlet water supplied through the outlet pipeline.

[0038] The outlet valve module 300 may include: an outlet valve housing 310, which is a hollow tube extending in the front-rear direction and attached to the upper end of the support tube 100; an outlet valve 320, which is installed on the lower part of the outlet valve housing 310 and is capable of discharging water; and an operation unit 330, which is installed on the upper part or front of the outlet valve housing 310 in a manner that can be operated by the user.

[0039] In hot and cold water heaters where the water outlet module 40 protrudes upward from the housing body 10, the water outlet module 40 protrudes upward independently without a separate support component. Therefore, damage such as breakage or breakage of the water outlet module 40 frequently occurs during manufacturing and assembly, or during packaging and transportation due to carelessness.

[0040] In addition, during the use of the hot and cold water heater, there are frequent problems such as the water outlet module 40 being damaged during the movement of the hot and cold water heater.

[0041] In addition to hot and cold water heaters, this water outlet module structure can also be applied to water purifiers. In this case, the water outlet module may also be damaged.

[0042] Figures 2(a) and 2(b) schematically illustrate the rotating and folding structure of the water outlet module for a water purifier or hot and cold water machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] In one embodiment of the present invention, a water outlet module for a water purifier or hot and cold water machine is installed protruding upward from the housing body 10 of the water purifier or hot and cold water machine and is configured to dispense water, including a support pipe 100 and a water outlet valve module 300.

[0044] First, Figures 2(a) and 2(b) show the form of the water outlet module 40 used in the hot and cold water heater, and in the following description, for ease of explanation, the water outlet module 40 will be described with the hot and cold water heater as the focus.

[0045] The support tube 100 is a hollow tube extending vertically, with its lower end fixedly attached to one side of the upper end of the housing body 10, and has an outlet water line (not shown) disposed inside. The outlet water line is connected from a water supply pump disposed inside the housing body 10 to the outlet valve 320, enabling water to be discharged through the outlet valve 320. The outlet water line can be configured to extend along the internal space of the support tube 100.

[0046] The outlet valve module 300 is connected to the upper end of the support pipe 100 and is configured to dispense water supplied through the outlet pipeline.

[0047] Such a water outlet valve module 300 may include: a water outlet valve housing 310, which is a hollow tube extending in the front-rear direction and attached to the upper end of the support tube 100; a water outlet valve 320, which is installed on the lower part of the water outlet valve housing 310 and is capable of discharging water; and an operation unit 330, which is installed on the top or front of the water outlet valve housing 310 in a manner that can be operated by the user.

[0048] The structure of this outlet valve module 300 is exemplary and can be modified into various forms according to user needs.

[0049] In this embodiment of the present invention, the support tube 100 is configured to be foldable by rotating around a horizontal rotation axis 110 at a midpoint. Multiple rotation axes 110 can be formed as rotation and folding centers, thereby allowing the support tube 100 to be folded at multiple points.

[0050] More specifically, n rotation axes 110 are formed in the support tube 100, and the support tube 100 is divided into n+1 segmented tubes 101, which are separated into upper and lower sections with each rotation axis 110 as the center. Adjacent segmented tubes 101 can rotate relative to each other and fold with the rotation axis 110 between them as the center.

[0051] For example, as shown in Figures 2(a) and 2(b), two rotation axes 110 can be formed in the support tube 100. In this case, the support tube 100 can be divided into three segmented tubes 101 by being separated vertically around each rotation axis 110. Each segmented tube 101 can be rotated and folded relative to the adjacent segmented tube 101 around the rotation axis 110. As shown in Figure 2(b), the segmented tubes 101 can be rotated and folded around two rotation axes 110. In this case, the support tube 100 can be configured very compactly in a two-stage rotational folding configuration.

[0052] That is, the support tube 100 is configured to rotate and fold around a rotation axis 110 located at the midpoint, so that it can be configured compactly in a way that reduces the height of the tube protruding upward from the housing body 10. For example, as shown in FIG2(b), the support tube 100 can be folded to a size that can be accommodated in the internal space of the bucket lid 30.

[0053] By configuring the support tube 100 in this way so that it can be rotated and folded, the configuration of the support tube 100 can be changed very compactly. Consequently, damage such as breakage of the support tube 100 and the water outlet module 40 can be prevented during manufacturing and assembly processes, as well as packaging and transportation. In particular, when the support tube 100 is rotated and folded and then packaged and transported with the water tank lid 30 attached to its exterior, the support tube 100 can be protected very stably, which is very helpful in ensuring quality stability.

[0054] At the same time, even if the position of the hot and cold water unit is moved during use, the hot and cold water unit can be moved in a folded and compact configuration of the support pipe 100, thereby preventing damage to the support pipe 100.

[0055] On the other hand, the water outlet module 40 may also include a locking mechanism 200, which locks or unlocks the relative rotation of adjacent dividing pipes 101 according to the user's operation. The structure of the locking mechanism 200 is described in detail below.

[0056] Figure 3 Figure 4(a) and Figure 4(b) are perspective views schematically showing the segmented shape of the support tube according to an embodiment of the present invention, and are side views schematically showing the rotated form of the support tube according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 This is an exploded perspective view schematically illustrating the detailed structure of the support tube and locking mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6 and Figure 7 The figure is shown to illustrate the structure and working state of the locking mechanism of one embodiment of the present invention.

[0057] The support tube 100 is separated into segmented tubes 101, which are separated vertically with the rotation axis 110 as the center, such as... Figure 3 As shown in Figures 4(a) and 4(b), adjacent dividing tubes 101 can rotate relative to each other and fold about a rotation axis 110 located between them. The relative rotation angle of the dividing tubes 101 can be set to 90° by means of a limiter (not shown) or the like.

[0058] For example, when the lower segment 101 of adjacent segment 101 is the first segment 101a and the upper segment 101 is the second segment 101b, as shown in Figure 4(b), the second segment 101b can be rotated at a right angle around the rotation axis 110 and folded.

[0059] At this time, the locking mechanism 200 operates according to the user's operation by locking or unlocking the rotating action of the dividing tube 101. That is, when the locking mechanism 200 is in the locked state, the dividing tube 101 cannot rotate; when the locking mechanism 200 is in the unlocked state, the dividing tube 101 can rotate.

[0060] Such a locking mechanism 200 may include a central shaft 210, a first engagement portion 220, and a second engagement portion 230.

[0061] The central shaft 210 is configured to be able to move horizontally along the axial direction on the same axis as the rotating shaft 110 to a locked position and a locked-out position, and a locking wing 211 protruding in the radial direction is formed on one side of the outer peripheral surface.

[0062] A first connecting portion 220 is formed at the upper end of the first dividing tube 101a in the adjacent first dividing tube 101a and second dividing tube 101b, and a first locking groove 222 is formed on one side such that the central shaft 210 is inserted through and the locking wing 211 is inserted and engaged. A through hole 221 is formed in the center of the first locking groove 222 such that the central shaft 210 passes through.

[0063] The second connecting portion 230 is formed at the lower end of the second dividing tube 101b in the adjacent first dividing tube 101a and second dividing tube 101b, and a second locking groove 232 is formed on one side such that the central shaft 210 is inserted through and the locking wing portion 211 is inserted and engaged. A through hole 231 is formed in the center of the second locking groove 232 such that the central shaft 210 passes through.

[0064] At this time, when the central shaft 210 is moved to the locked position, the locking wing 211 is simultaneously inserted into and engaged with the first locking groove 222 and the second locking groove 232; when the central shaft 210 is moved to the unlocked position, the locking wing 211 is disengaged from one of the first locking groove 222 and the second locking groove 232.

[0065] In addition, the locking mechanism 200 also includes an elastic spring 240 that elastically presses the central shaft 210 to the locking position. The central shaft 210 can be configured such that one end protrudes outside the support tube 100 when it is moved to the locking position, and can be moved to the unlocked position by the user's pressing.

[0066] Furthermore, multiple locking wings 211 are formed circumferentially on the outer peripheral surface of the central axis 210, and multiple first locking grooves 222 and second locking grooves 232 can be formed circumferentially in a manner corresponding to the locking wings 211.

[0067] More specifically, in the central shaft 210, locking wings 211 can be formed at both ends along the length direction. The first dividing tube 101a can be formed by dividing it into a left first dividing tube 101a' and a right first dividing tube 101a" to form a left first dividing tube 101a' and a right first dividing tube 101a" to form a right second dividing tube 101b' and a right second dividing tube 101b" to form a left second dividing tube 101b' and a right second dividing tube 101b" to form a right second dividing tube 101b" to form a left second dividing tube 101a' and a right second second dividing tube 101b" to form a right second second dividing tube 101b ...

[0068] like Figure 6 As shown, the central shaft 210 is normally maintained in a locked position by the elastic force of the elastic spring 240. At this time, the two locking wings 211 engage with each of the two first coupling parts 220 and the second coupling part 230 simultaneously. In this way, the locking wings 211 engage with the first coupling parts 220 and the second coupling parts 230 simultaneously, so that the first dividing tube 101a and the second dividing tube 101b cannot rotate relative to each other, and maintain the current fixed rotational configuration.

[0069] like Figure 7 As shown, when the user presses the central shaft 210, the central shaft 210 moves horizontally to the locked-out position. At this time, the locking wings 211, which were in a state of engagement with the first connecting part 220, disengage from the second connecting part 230. Both locking wings 211 simultaneously disengage from both second connecting parts 230. Thus, the locking wings 211 disengage from the second connecting parts 230, allowing the first dividing tube 101a and the second dividing tube 101b to rotate relative to each other. In this state, the second dividing tube 101b can be rotated and folded while the central shaft 210 is pressed. Conversely, while the second dividing tube 101b is rotated and folded, it can be returned to the unfolded state while the central shaft 210 is pressed. Figure 6 (The state shown).

[0070] According to this structure, in one embodiment of the present invention, the water outlet module 40 allows the support pipe 100 to be rotated and folded around multiple rotation axes 110 by the user, thereby enabling a very compact change in the overall configuration. Consequently, damage to the water outlet module is prevented during the transportation and movement of the hot and cold water heater, and safer operation is possible.

[0071] The above description is based on the water outlet module used in hot and cold water machines, but it can also be applied to water purifiers with a structure in which the water outlet module protrudes upward from the housing body 10.

[0072] The above description is merely an illustrative illustration of the technical concept of this utility model. Those skilled in the art to which this utility model pertains can make various modifications and variations without departing from the essential characteristics of this utility model. Therefore, the disclosed embodiments of this utility model are not intended to limit the technical concept of this utility model, but are for illustrative purposes, and the scope of the technical concept of this utility model is not limited by these embodiments. The protection scope of this utility model should be interpreted through the claims, and all technical concepts within the equivalent scope should be interpreted as falling within the scope of the rights of this utility model.

Claims

1. A water outlet module for a water purifier or hot / cold water heater, which is mounted protruding upward from the housing of the water purifier or hot / cold water heater and configured to dispense water, characterized in that, include: The support tube is a hollow tube extending in the vertical direction, with its lower end fixedly attached to one side of the upper end of the shell body, and a water outlet line is arranged inside it. as well as A water outlet valve module is connected to the upper end of the support pipe and is configured to dispense water supplied through the water outlet pipeline. The support tube is configured to be able to rotate and fold around a horizontal axis of rotation at its midpoint.

2. The water outlet module for a water purifier or hot / cold water heater according to claim 1, characterized in that, The support tube contains n rotating shafts. The support tube is divided into n+1 segmented tubes, which are separated into upper and lower sections with each rotation axis as the center, and adjacent segmented tubes can rotate relative to each other and fold with the rotation axis located between the adjacent segmented tubes as the center.

3. The water outlet module for a water purifier or hot / cold water heater according to claim 2, characterized in that, The water outlet module for the water purifier or hot and cold water machine also includes a locking mechanism, which locks or unlocks the relative rotation of adjacent dividing pipes according to the user's operation.

4. The water outlet module for a water purifier or hot / cold water heater according to claim 3, characterized in that, The locking mechanism includes: The central shaft is configured to be able to move horizontally along the axial direction on the same axis as the rotation shaft to a locked position and a locked-out position, and a locking wing protruding in the radial direction is formed on one side of the outer peripheral surface. A first connecting portion is formed at the upper end of the first segmented tube in an adjacent first segmented tube and a second segmented tube, through which the central shaft is inserted, and a first locking groove is formed such that the locking wing is inserted and engaged; and A second connecting portion is formed at the lower end of the second dividing tube, through which the central shaft is inserted, and a second locking groove is formed to allow the locking wing to engage. When the central shaft is moved to the locked position, the locking wing simultaneously engages with both the first locking groove and the second locking groove; when the central shaft is moved to the unlocked position, the locking wing disengages from either the first locking groove or the second locking groove.

5. The water outlet module for a water purifier or hot / cold water heater according to claim 4, characterized in that, The locking mechanism also includes an elastic spring that elastically presses the central shaft toward the locked position. When the central shaft is in the locked position, one end protrudes outside the support tube, and it can be moved to the unlocked position by the user's pressing.

6. The water outlet module for a water purifier or hot / cold water heater according to claim 4, characterized in that, A plurality of locking wings are formed circumferentially spaced on the outer peripheral surface of the central shaft. The first locking groove and the second locking groove are formed in a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart in a manner corresponding to the locking wing.

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