Water purifier

Abstract

The utility model relates to a water purifier. The water purifier provided by the embodiment of the utility model comprises a head main body which is detachably combined with a filter module for purifying raw water and is provided with a head inflow flow path for guiding the raw water to the filter module; and a valve which is disposed in the head inflow flow path so as to be movable in the vertical direction, and which has a spiral inclined surface formed thereon. When the filter module is coupled, the inclined surface of the valve is in contact with the filter module, and when the filter module is separated, the valve closes the head inflow flow path. According to the utility model, the structure of the valve can be improved, so that the flow is maximized.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present utility model relates to a water purifier and a filter module for the water purifier. BACKGROUND

[0002] A water purifier is a device for purifying raw water such as tap water or underground water. That is, it is a device for purifying raw water into purified water by various purification methods.

[0003] In order to produce purified water, processes such as sedimentation, filtration, and sterilization are performed, and harmful substances are removed through such processes.

[0004] In general, various filters can be included in a water purifier in order to purify raw water. Such filters can be classified into a sediment filter, an activated carbon filter, a UF hollow fiber membrane filter, an RO membrane filter, and the like according to their functions.

[0005] Since such filters need to be replaced periodically, a water purifier has a structure for attaching and detaching the filters so as to be able to combine and separate the filters from the water purifier. In addition, the water purifier has a valve for blocking or switching a flow path of raw water flowing into the filter when the filter is replaced.

[0006] Due to the structure of the attachment and detachment of such filters and the valve, there is a problem in that the structure of the flow path of raw water or purified water flowing becomes complex and narrow, resulting in a reduction in flow rate. SUMMARY

[0007] Technical problem to be solved by the utility model

[0008] The utility model to be solved by the present application is to provide a water purifier and a filter module for the water purifier, which improves the structure of the valve to maximize the flow rate.

[0009] The technical problem of the utility model is not limited to the above-mentioned problems, and other problems not mentioned can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art through the following description.

[0010] Means for solving the problem

[0011] The water purifier according to an embodiment of the utility model includes: a head main body to which a filter module for purifying raw water is detachably combined, a head inflow path through which the raw water is guided to the filter module being formed; and a valve which is movably disposed in the head inflow path in a vertical direction, a spiral-shaped inclined surface being formed, the inclined surface of the valve being in contact with the filter module when the filter module is combined, and the valve closing the head inflow path when the filter module is separated.

[0012] The water purifier can further include an elastic body disposed at an upper portion of the valve, the elastic body providing an elastic force to move the valve downward when the filter module is separated.

[0013] The valve can include a valve top supporting the elastic body, a valve body disposed at a lower side of the valve top to block a vertical flow of the raw water in the head inflow passage when the filter module is separated, and a hollow valve cam disposed at a lower side of the valve body, a lower end of which is formed with the inclined surface.

[0014] The valve can further include a valve seal coupled to a periphery of the valve body to seal between the head body and the valve body.

[0015] The raw water can flow inside the valve cam when the filter module is coupled.

[0016] The valve cam can be formed with a valve flow inlet of an opening at a side surface to pass the raw water.

[0017] The water purifier can further include a head cap coupled to an upper end of the head body to contact an upper end of the elastic body, the head cap can be inserted at a lower portion of the valve top to guide a vertical movement of the valve.

[0018] The valve can be formed with a valve groove recessed in a vertical direction, and the head body can be formed with a body key inserted into the valve groove.

[0019] The valve can be formed with a valve key protruded, and the head body can be formed with a body groove recessed in a vertical direction to be inserted with the valve key.

[0020] The head body can include a head inflow pipe formed to flow the raw water in a horizontal direction, a head outflow pipe formed to flow the purified water in a horizontal direction, a head inner wall connected to the head inflow pipe to form the head inflow passage, and a head outer wall disposed at a periphery of the head inner wall to form a head outflow passage through which the purified water purified by the filter module passes.

[0021] The head inner wall can guide the valve to move in a vertical direction.

[0022] The valve can be disposed to be opposite to the head inflow pipe at an upper portion.

[0023] The valve can be in contact with an inner side of the head inner wall to close the head inflow passage when the filter module is separated.

[0024] A lower end of the valve can be disposed at a lower side than a lower end of the head inner wall.

[0025] The lower portion of the valve can be inserted into the interior of the filter module when the filter module is combined.

[0026] The filter module can be internally formed with a filter cam inclined in a spiral shape, the filter cam being in contact with the inclined surface of the valve.

[0027] The valve cam can be formed with two mutually symmetrical inclined surfaces at the lower end, each of the inclined surfaces having a central angle of substantially 90 degrees.

[0028] The filter module can be combined to the head body by being rotated by substantially 90 degrees, and the valve can be formed with the inclined surface so that the valve moves to the uppermost end when the filter module is rotated by 90 degrees.

[0029] The filter module according to an embodiment of the present application is detachably combined with a filter head including a head body formed with a head inflow passage through which raw water is introduced and a valve movably disposed in the head inflow passage in a vertical direction, and purifies raw water introduced into the head inflow passage, and includes a filter cap detachably combined with the head body, a filter cover combined with a lower end of the filter cap, a carbon block accommodated in the filter cover to purify the raw water, and a filter inner top disposed in an interior of the filter cap to allow a lower portion of the head body to be inserted, and the filter inner top includes a filter cam inclined in a spiral shape to be in contact with the valve.

[0030] The filter cam can move the valve to the upper side to allow the valve to open the head inflow passage when the filter cap is combined with the head body.

[0031] Details of other embodiments are included in the detailed description and the accompanying drawings.

[0032] Effects of the Invention

[0033] The water purifier according to the present application and the filter module for the same have one or more of the following effects.

[0034] First, the space consumption of the filter head is minimized to increase the flow rate by simplifying the structure of the flow path through which raw water flows when the filter head and the filter module are assembled and disassembled using one valve.

[0035] Second, the valve rapidly opens and closes the flow path through which raw water flows when the filter head and the filter module are assembled and disassembled, thereby preventing residual raw water from falling from the filter head.

[0036] Third, raw water or purified water is prevented from stagnating in the filter head by simplifying the structure of the flow path through which raw water flows when the filter head and the filter module are assembled and disassembled.

[0037] The effects of the present utility model are not limited to the above-mentioned effects, and other effects not mentioned can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art through the description of the claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0038] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a water purifier according to an embodiment of the present utility model.

[0039] Figure 2 is a configuration view of a pipe of the water purifier according to an embodiment of the present utility model.

[0040] Figure 3 is a configuration view of a filter assembly according to an embodiment of the present utility model.

[0041] Figure 4 is a perspective view of the filter assembly according to an embodiment of the present utility model.

[0042] Figure 5 is a perspective view of the filter head and the filter module combined according to an embodiment of the present utility model.

[0043] Figure 6 is a perspective view of the filter head and the filter module separated according to an embodiment of the present utility model.

[0044] Figure 7 and Figure 8 is an exploded perspective view of the filter head according to an embodiment of the present utility model.

[0045] Figure 9 is an exploded perspective view of a valve of the filter head according to an embodiment of the present utility model.

[0046] Figure 10 is a perspective view of the valve of the filter head according to an embodiment of the present utility model.

[0047] Figure 11 and Figure 12 is a perspective view of a head main body of the filter head according to an embodiment of the present utility model.

[0048] Figure 13 is a partial cross-sectional view of the filter head according to an embodiment of the present utility model.

[0049] Figure 14 and Figure 15 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the filter head according to an embodiment of the present utility model.

[0050] Figure 16 and Figure 17 is an exploded perspective view of the filter module according to an embodiment of the present utility model.

[0051] Figure 18is a sectional view of the filter head of the filter module of one embodiment of the present application.

[0052] Figure 19 is a diagram of the flow path structure when the filter head is separated from the filter module and combined of one embodiment of the present application.

[0053] Figure 20 is a diagram showing the flow direction of raw water and clean water of the filter head and the filter module of one embodiment of the present application.

[0054] Figure 21 is a perspective view of a valve of other embodiments of the present application.

[0055] Figure 22 is a sectional view of a filter head of other embodiments of the present application.

[0056] Figure 23 is a perspective view of a valve of another embodiment of the present application.

[0057] Figure 24 is a sectional view of a filter head of another embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0058] With respect to the foregoing, the foregoing and the advantages thereof will be understood as being further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, like numerals being used to refer to like and corresponding portions of the application. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the application. It can be evident, however, that the application can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and functions are not described in detail in order to avoid obscuring the application. The following detailed description is presented in terms of a few preferred embodiments in order to provide a thorough understanding of the application. It will be apparent, however, that the application can be practiced with departures from these specific embodiments.

[0059] Although first, second, etc. are used in order to describe various constituent elements, it is apparent that these constituent elements are not limited by these terms. These terms are used only in order to distinguish one constituent element from other constituent elements, and it is apparent that the first constituent element can be the second constituent element as long as there is no specific description to the contrary.

[0060] Hereinafter, in the case where it is described that a certain constituent element is "connected", "coupled" or "contacted" to other constituent element, the constituent elements can be directly connected or contacted to each other, but it should be understood that other constituent element can be "interposed" between the constituent elements, or the constituent elements can be "connected", "coupled" or "contacted" by using other constituent element.

[0061] Throughout the specification, each constituent element can be singular or plural as long as there is no specific description to the contrary.

[0062] In this specification, the singular expression is used to include the plural expression unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this application, the terms "comprise" or "include" should not be interpreted as a mandatory all-inclusive meaning, but should be interpreted as meaning that one or more of the components listed in the specification can be included or not, or additional components can be included.

[0063] In this specification, the singular expression is used to include the plural expression unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this application, the terms "comprise" or "include" should not be interpreted as a mandatory all-inclusive meaning, but should be interpreted as meaning that one or more of the components listed in the specification can be included or not, or additional components can be included.

[0064] Hereinafter, a water purifier and a filter module for the water purifier according to several embodiments of the present application will be described.

[0065] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a water purifier according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0066] Referring to Figure 1 The water purifier 10 according to an embodiment is a device that purifies raw water directly supplied from an external water supply source and takes out the purified water cooled or heated, and can be a direct drinking type cold and hot water purifier, for example.

[0067] Here, the direct drinking type water purifier refers to a water purifier in which the purified water is taken out when the user operates the purified water taking-out operation without a water storage tank storing the purified water.

[0068] The water purifier 10 can be configured in an outer shape by combining a plurality of panels. In more detail, the water purifier 10 can have a substantially hexahedral shape as a whole by combining a front panel 11 forming a front appearance, a side panel 12 forming both side appearances, a top panel 13 forming a top appearance, a back panel (not shown) forming a back appearance, and a bottom panel (not shown) forming a bottom appearance. Also, a plurality of components for purified water are installed in an internal space formed by the combination of the plurality of panels.

[0069] The front panel 11 has an operation display part 14 for displaying the operation state of the water purifier 10 while the user inputs the operation command of the water purifier 10.

[0070] The operation display part 14 is provided in the form of a plurality of keys or a touch screen, and is formed to be capable of irradiating light to each key. If the user presses or touches the key of the operation display part 14, the selected key is irradiated with light, so that it is possible to easily recognize whether the key is selected, and it is also possible to simultaneously perform the function of the display part.

[0071] The operation display part 14 is provided with a key for selecting the type of purified water, i.e. cold water, hot water or normal temperature water, and a key for continuous water discharge, and is provided with a key for confirming whether the power of the hot water is on and a display part for displaying the temperature of the hot water and the cold water. The operation display part 14 can also include a key for performing an additional function, and some keys can be omitted.

[0072] The lower side of the operation display part 14 has a water chute 15 that can be operated by a user to discharge purified water. The water chute 15 is configured to be operated by the user to discharge purified water. Since the water chute 15 functions to open and close the outlet for discharging purified water by the user, it can be implemented as an opening and closing device or an opening and closing nozzle, etc.

[0073] The water chute 15 is configured to discharge purified water, cold water or hot water, etc. by the operation of the user and according to the function of the water purifier 10, and at the lower side of the water chute 15, specifically at the lower end of the front surface of the front panel 11, a tray for receiving purified water falling from the water chute 15 is provided.

[0074] Figure 2 is a configuration view of a pipe of a water purifier according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0075] A water supply line L is formed from the water supply source S to the water chute 15 of the water purifier 10, and various valves and water purifying parts can be connected to the water supply line L.

[0076] The water supply line L is connected to the water supply source S such as a faucet of a home, and a filter assembly 17 is provided at a certain position of the water supply line L. The filter assembly 17 purifies foreign substances contained in raw water supplied from the water supply source S.

[0077] A water supply valve 61 and a flow sensor 70 can be provided in sequence on the water supply line L connected to the outlet end of the filter assembly 17. If the amount of supply detected by the flow sensor 70 reaches a set flow rate, the water supply valve 61 is controlled to be closed.

[0078] The water supply line L extending from the outlet end of the flow sensor 70 can be branched into a hot water supply line L1, a cold water supply line L3 and a cooling water supply line L2 at a certain position.

[0079] A purified water discharge valve 66 is installed at the end of the water supply line L extending from the outlet end of the flow sensor 70, and a hot water discharge valve 64 is installed at the end of the hot water supply line L1. A cold water discharge valve 65 is installed at the end of the cold water supply line L3, and a cooling water valve 63 is installed at a certain position of the cooling water supply line L2. The cooling water valve 63 adjusts the amount of cooling water supplied to the cold water generating unit 20.

[0080] The water supply lines extending from the outlet ends of the hot water outlet valve 64, the cold water outlet valve 65, and the clean water outlet valve 66 are all connected to the water guide groove 15. According to an embodiment, the clean water, the cold water, and the hot water can be connected to a single outlet, or can be connected to a plurality of independent outlets, as the case can be.

[0081] The cold water and hot water supply processes will be described below.

[0082] First, in the case of cold water, if the cooling water valve 63 is opened to supply clean water to the cold water generating unit 20, the clean water passing through the cold water supply line L3 of the cold water generating unit 20 is cooled by the cooling water to generate cold water.

[0083] At this time, the cooling water supply line L2 can have a refrigerant circulating to cool the cooling water. The refrigerant circulation can include a compressor, a condenser, an expansion valve, an evaporator, etc.

[0084] Then, if the cold water selection button of the operation display unit is pressed and the cold water outlet valve 65 is opened, the cold water can be taken out through the water guide groove 15.

[0085] In the case of hot water, the clean water flowing along the hot water supply line L1 is heated by the hot water heater 30 to generate hot water, and if the hot water selection button of the operation display unit is pressed and the hot water outlet valve 64 is opened, the hot water can be taken out through the water guide groove 15.

[0086] Figure 3 is a configuration view of a filter assembly according to an embodiment of the present application, Figure 4 is a perspective view of a filter assembly according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0087] The filter assembly 17 according to an embodiment of the present application includes a pre-filter 100, a composite filter 200, and a head unit 900 in which the pre-filter 100 and the composite filter 200 are combined.

[0088] The pre-filter 100 has a carbon block built therein, and the carbon block is used to adsorb and remove contaminants having small particles, residual chlorine, volatile organic compounds, or odor-causing factors.

[0089] The composite filter 200 can include a hollow fiber membrane for removing particulate matter and bacteria, and an electrostatic adsorption non-woven fabric for removing particulate matter, bacteria, and viruses.

[0090] The head unit 900 is disposed at the water supply line L and connected to a flow path in which raw water and clean water flow.

[0091] The pre-filter 100 and the composite filter 200 each include a filter module 120 that purifies raw water to generate clean water, and a filter head 110 to which the filter module is detachably coupled.

[0092] The filter head 110 of the pre-filter 100 and the composite filter 200 has the same shape and structure, and the filter module 120 only slightly differs in the kind and structure of the filter built in the inside, and the shape and structure are almost similar. Hereinafter, a case in which the filter head 110 and the filter module 120 are included in the pre-filter 100 will be described as an example.

[0093] Figure 5 is a perspective view of the filter head and the filter module of the utility model one embodiment when being combined, Figure 6 is a perspective view of the filter head and the filter module of the utility model one embodiment when being separated.

[0094] The filter head 110 is combined to the head unit 900 to form a flow path of raw water and clean water. The filter head 110 guides the raw water to the filter module 120 when being combined with the filter module 120, and guides the clean water generated in the filter module 120 to the outside. The lower part of the filter head 110 is detachably configured with the filter module 120. The filter head 110 does not leak the raw water to the lower part when being separated from the filter module 120.

[0095] The filter module 120 purifies the raw water flowing in through the filter head 110 to generate clean water. The filter module 120 can have filter components such as carbon blocks, hollow fiber membranes, and electrostatic adsorption nonwoven fabrics inside, and has carbon blocks in this embodiment.

[0096] The filter module 120 is detachably combined to the filter head 110. As shown in Figure 6 When being observed from the lower side, the filter module 120 is combined by rotating in the clockwise direction. In the state in which the filter module 120 is combined, when being observed from the lower side, the filter module 120 is separated by rotating in the counterclockwise direction.

[0097] In this embodiment, the filter module 120 is combined or separated by rotating 90 degrees. That is, when being observed from the lower side, the filter module 120 is combined by rotating 90 degrees in the clockwise direction, and the filter module 120 is separated by rotating 90 degrees in the counterclockwise direction.

[0098] Figure 7 and Figure 8 is an exploded perspective view of the filter head of the utility model one embodiment, Figure 9 is an exploded perspective view of the valve of the filter head of the utility model one embodiment, Figure 10 is a perspective view of the valve of the filter head of the utility model one embodiment, Figure 11 andFigure 12 is a perspective view of a head main body of a filter head according to an embodiment of the present application, Figure 13 is a partial cross-sectional view of a filter head according to an embodiment of the present application, Figure 14 and Figure 15 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a filter head according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0099] The filter head 110 according to an embodiment of the present application includes a head main body 116, a filter module 120 that purifies raw water and is detachably coupled to the head main body 116 to guide the raw water, a valve 114 configured to be movable in a vertical direction (up-down direction) within the head main body 116 to block the flow of the raw water when the filter module 120 is separated, an elastic body 113 configured to provide an elastic force to the valve 114 at an upper portion of the valve 114, a head cap 111 coupled to an upper end of the head main body 116 to support the elastic body 113, and a head O-ring 112 to seal between the head cap 111 and the head main body 116.

[0100] The valve 114 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape that is longer in the up-down direction. The valve 114 is configured to be movable in the vertical direction at a head inflow passage 1168 of the head main body 116. An upper portion of the valve 114 is guided by the head cap 111, and a lower portion of the valve 114 is guided by a head inner wall 1164 of the head main body 116. When the filter module 120 is coupled, the lower portion of the valve 114 becomes a part of a flow path of the raw water. The valve 114 is formed with a helical inclined surface 1143a at a lower end. When the filter module 120 is coupled, the inclined surface 1143a of the valve 114 contacts the filter module 120.

[0101] The valve 114 is provided with an elastic force by the elastic body 113 and moves to a lower side to close the head inflow passage 1168 when the filter module 120 is separated. When the filter module 120 is coupled, the lower end of the valve 114 contacts the filter module 120 and the valve 114 moves to an upper side to open the head inflow passage 1168. The lower end of the valve 114 is disposed at a position lower than a lower end of the head inner wall 1164 of the head main body 116, so that the lower portion of the valve 114 is inserted into the inside of the filter module 120 when the filter module 120 is coupled.

[0102] The head main body 116 forms a flow path of the raw water and the purified water, and the filter module 120 is detachably coupled to a lower portion of the head main body 116. The head cap 111 is coupled to an upper end of the head main body 116, and the head O-ring 112 is disposed between the head main body 116 and the head cap 111. The elastic body 113 and the valve 114 are disposed inside the head main body 116 to guide the valve 114 to be movable in the vertical direction.

[0103] The head cap 111 covers the upper end of the head body 116 of the opening. The head cap 111 supports the elastic body 113 and guides the upper portion of the valve 114. The head O-ring 112 is provided between the head cap 111 and the head body 116. The head cap 111 has a lower portion into which the valve top 1141 is inserted to guide the vertical movement of the valve 114.

[0104] The head O-ring 112 seals between the head cap 111 and the head body 116. The head O-ring 112 is preferably formed of an elastic material to allow the head cap 111 and the head body 116 to be fitted to each other with an interference.

[0105] One end of the elastic body 113 is supported by the head cap 111 and the other end is supported by the valve 114 to provide an elastic force to the valve 114. The elastic body 113 is compressed when the filter module 120 is coupled and provides an elastic force to move the valve 114 downward when the filter module 120 is separated. The elastic body 113 can be formed of various materials and shapes having various elastic forces, and in the present embodiment, the elastic body 113 is implemented as a spring of a metal material.

[0106] Referring to Figure 9 and Figure 10 , the valve 114 of one embodiment of the present application includes: a valve top 1141 supporting the elastic body 113; a valve body 1142 disposed at the lower side of the valve top 1141 to block the vertical (up-down) flow of raw water in the head inflow passage 1168 when the filter module 120 is separated; a hollow valve cam 1143 disposed at the lower side of the valve body 1142, the lower end of which is formed with an inclined surface 1143a, and the inside of which has raw water flowing when the filter module 120 is coupled; and a valve seal 1149 coupled to the periphery of the valve body 1142 to seal between the head inner wall 1164 of the head body 116 and the valve body 1142.

[0107] The valve top 1141 is formed in a hollow cylindrical shape with one portion of the side surface open. The lower portion of the elastic body 113 is inserted into the valve top 1141. The valve top 1141 is inserted into the cap guide 1113 of the head cap 111 and is guided by the cap guide 1113 to be movable in the vertical direction. The valve top 1141 is disposed to face the flow end of the head inflow pipe 1161 of the head body 116 to block the horizontal flow of raw water flowing into the head inflow pipe 1161.

[0108] The valve body 1142 is formed to extend downward from the lower end of the valve top 1141. The valve body 1142 is formed of two circular plates having different diameters from each other, and the diameter of the upper circular plate is formed to be larger than that of the lower circular plate. In the valve body 1142, the diameter of the upper circular plate is formed to be larger than the average diameter of the horizontal cross section of the valve top 1141, and the diameter of the lower circular plate is formed to be smaller than the average diameter of the horizontal cross section of the valve cam 1143. The valve body 1142 has the valve seal 1149 coupled to the periphery thereof.

[0109] The valve body 1142 is disposed in the head inner wall 1164 of the head body 116 to move in the vertical direction. The lower circular plate of the valve body 1142 is formed to have a diameter larger than the lower diameter of the head inflow flow path 1168 to close the head inflow flow path 1168 when the filter module 120 is detached.

[0110] The valve seal 1149 is coupled to the circumference of the valve body 1142 to seal between the head inner wall 1164 of the head body 116 and the valve body 1142. The valve seal 1149 is formed in the shape of a hollow circular plate having a constant outer diameter. The inner side of the valve seal 1149 is formed in two stages, the upper inner diameter being formed to be larger than the lower inner diameter.

[0111] The lower portion of the valve seal 1149 is inserted into the lower circular plate of the valve body 1142, so that the valve seal 1149 does not move in the vertical direction with respect to the valve body 1142. When the filter module 120 is detached, the valve seal 1149 contacts the inner side of the head inner wall 1164 to close the head inflow flow path 1168, thereby blocking the vertical flow of raw water. When the filter module 120 is detached, the valve seal 1149 is installed in the portion of the head inner wall 1164 in which the inner diameter is narrowed to close the head inflow flow path 1168.

[0112] The valve cam 1143 is formed to extend downward from the lower end of the valve body 1142. The valve cam 1143 is formed in the shape of a hollow cylinder that is long in the vertical direction. The valve cam 1143 is formed with an open valve flow inlet 1144 through which raw water passes on the side (peripheral surface) of the head inflow pipe 1161. When the filter module 120 is coupled, the valve flow inlet 1144 of the valve cam 1143 communicates with the head inflow flow path 1168, and raw water is discharged downward through the inside of the valve cam 1143.

[0113] The valve cam 1143 is formed with a valve groove 1145 recessed in the vertical direction on the side of the head outflow pipe 1162 (the opposite side of the valve flow inlet 1144). Referring to Figure 15 , the valve cam 1143 does not rotate but moves in the vertical direction when the filter module 120 is coupled or detached because the body key 1164a of the head body 116 is inserted into the valve groove 1145. The valve cam 1143 is preferably open on the upper side of the valve groove 1145 to allow raw water to flow in or out.

[0114] According to an embodiment, a protruding valve key is formed on the side of the valve cam 1143, and a body groove recessed in the vertical direction is formed in the head body 116, so that vertical movement of the valve 114 can be guided.

[0115] The valve cam 1143 is formed with a helical inclined surface 1143a at the lower end. When the filter module 120 is coupled, the inclined surface 1143a of the valve cam 1143 contacts the inner side of the filter module 120.

[0116] The inclined surface 1143a is formed to protrude downward more as it tends toward the clockwise direction when viewed from the lower side. The valve cam 1143 is formed with two inclined surfaces 1143a symmetrically with respect to each other, and each inclined surface 1143a has a central angle of substantially 90 degrees. The inclined surface 1143a is formed to move the valve 114 toward the uppermost end when the filter module 120 is combined after being rotated by 90 degrees, and to move the valve 114 toward the lowermost end when the filter module 120 is separated after being rotated by 90 degrees.

[0117] Referring to Figure 11 to Figure 13 The head main body 116 of one embodiment of the present application includes a head inflow pipe 1161 formed to flow raw water in the horizontal direction, a head outflow pipe 1162 formed to flow purified water in the horizontal direction, a head inner wall 1164 connected to the head inflow pipe 1161 to form a head inflow flow path 1168, a head outer wall 1165 disposed around the head inner wall 1164 to form a head outflow flow path 1169 through which purified water purified by the filter module 120 passes, a filter fastening portion 1167 formed in the inner face of the lower portion of the head outer wall 1165 to fasten the filter module 120 when the filter module 120 is combined, and a cap combination portion 1163 disposed in the upper end of the head inner wall 1164 to combine the head cap 111.

[0118] The head inflow pipe 1161 is formed in a hollow cylindrical shape with the center axis in the horizontal direction. The head inflow pipe 1161 is combined with a flow path in which raw water flows in the head unit 900 to flow raw water. The head inflow pipe 1161 is connected to the upper portion of the head inner wall 1164 to guide raw water flowing into the head inflow pipe 1161 to the head inflow flow path 1168.

[0119] The head inner wall 1164 forms the internal shape of the head main body 116, and forms the head inflow flow path 1168 to guide raw water to the filter module 120. The upper portion of one side of the head inner wall 1164 is connected to the head inflow pipe 1161. The head inflow flow path 1168 is communicated with the head inflow pipe 1161. The head inner wall 1164 is disposed with the upper portion of the head outer wall 1165 on the other side of the upper portion, thereby forming the head outflow flow path 1169 between the head outer wall 1165. The lower portion of the head inner wall 1164 is formed in a cylindrical shape to be inserted into the inside of the filter module 120.

[0120] The inner side of the head inner wall 1164 is formed in two stages, the inner diameter of the upper portion being formed larger than the inner diameter of the lower portion. That is, the head inflow passage 1168 is formed in two stages, the diameter of the upper portion being formed larger than the diameter of the lower portion. The head inner wall 1164 is provided with the valve body 1142 and the valve seal 1149 at the upper portion. At the boundary between the upper portion and the lower portion, the head inner wall 1164 is provided with the valve seal 1149, and the head inflow passage 1168 is closed by the valve body 1142 and the valve seal 1149. The head inner wall 1164 is provided with the valve cam 1143 at the lower portion, and the valve cam 1143 is guided so as to be movable in the vertical direction. The head inner wall 1164 is formed with a body key 1164a protruding in the vertical direction toward the inner side and inserted into the valve groove 1145 at the lower portion. According to an embodiment, the head inner wall 1164 is formed with a body groove recessed or opened in the vertical direction at the lower portion, and a valve key protruding in the vertical direction can be inserted into the valve 114.

[0121] The cap coupling portion 1163 is formed in a rim shape protruding from the upper end of the head inner wall 1164. The cap coupling portion 1163 is coupled with the head cap 111. The cap coupling portion 1163 is tightly fitted with the head O-ring 112 on the inner circumferential surface.

[0122] The head outer wall 1165 forms the outer shape of the head main body 116, and forms a head outflow passage 1169 that guides the purified water generated in the filter module 120 toward the head outflow pipe 1162. The upper portion of the head outer wall 1165 is connected to the head outflow pipe 1162, and the inner side of the upper portion of the head outer wall 1165 forms the head outflow passage 1169 with the head inner wall 1164. The head outflow passage 1169 is communicated with the head outflow pipe 1162.

[0123] The head outer wall 1165 is formed in a multi-stage cylindrical structure in which the inner and outer diameters of the lower portion are larger than those of the upper portion. The filter module 120 is inserted into the lower portion of the head outer wall 1165.

[0124] The head outflow pipe 1162 is formed in a hollow cylindrical shape with the center axis in the horizontal direction. The head outflow pipe 1162 is coupled to a passage in which the purified water flows in the head unit 900, and guides the purified water toward the head unit 900. The head outflow pipe 1162 is connected to the upper portion of the head outer wall 1165, and the raw water flowing into the head outflow passage 1169 flows out through the head outflow pipe 1162.

[0125] The filter fastening portion 1167 is formed protruding from the inner side surface of the lower portion of the head outer wall 1165. The filter fastening portion 1167 can be formed to be inclined in part so as to be coupled by rotating the filter module 120. The protrusion formed on the outer portion of the filter module 120 is inserted between the filter fastening portion 1167 and the inner step of the head outer wall 1165, and the filter module 120 is coupled to the head main body 116.

[0126] Referring to Figure 13 and Figure 14The cap 111 includes a cap body 1111 having a disc shape forming an outer appearance, a cap inner wall 1112 having a hollow cylindrical shape extending downward from a lower portion of the cap body 1111, and a cap guide 1113 having a cylindrical shape protruding downward at a center of a lower portion of the cap body 1111.

[0127] A top surface of the cap body 1111 has a circular plate shape, and a peripheral surface is formed downward from a peripheral edge of the circular plate to cover the filter head 110. The peripheral surface of the cap body 1111 is in close contact with an outer periphery of the cap coupling portion 1163.

[0128] An outer peripheral surface of the cap inner wall 1112 is in close contact with the head O-ring 112. The cap inner wall 1112 is configured to allow the valve top 1141 of the valve 114 to be movable in a vertical direction inside the cap inner wall 1112, and to guide the valve top 1141 by an inner peripheral surface. The cap inner wall 1112 is configured to have the elastic body 113 inside.

[0129] The cap guide 1113 is embedded in an upper portion of the elastic body 113 to guide the elastic body 113 to be compressed in the vertical direction.

[0130] Figure 16 And Figure 17 is an exploded perspective view of a filter module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0131] The filter module 120 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a filter cap 121 forming an upper outer appearance and coupled to an inner side of the head outer wall 1165 of the filter head 110, a filter inner top 123 for raw water to flow in and for a lower portion of the head inner wall 1164 of the filter head 110 to be inserted, a filter seal 124 sealing between an upper end of the filter inner top 123 and the head inner wall 1164, a carbon block 129 having a hollow cylindrical shape to purify raw water, a filter inner core 125 configured to support the carbon block 129 at an inner side of the carbon block 129, a filter inner bottom 126 coupled to a lower end of the filter inner core 125, a filter base 127 covering a bottom surface of the carbon block 129, and a filter cover 122 coupled to a lower end of the filter cap 121 to form a lower outer appearance.

[0132] The filter cap 121 has a narrow inverted funnel shape at an upper portion thereof. An upper end of the filter cap 121 is inserted into an inner side of the head outer wall 1165 of the head body 116. The filter inner top 123 is configured inside the filter cap 121. The filter cover 122 is coupled to a lower portion of the filter cap 121. The filter cap 121 forms a flow path for purified water to flow between the filter cap 121 and the filter inner top 123, and is in communication with the head outflow flow path 1169 of the head outer wall 1165.

[0133] The filter cap 121 is detachably coupled to the head body 116 of the filter head 110. A protrusion is formed on the upper portion of the filter cap 121 to protrude outward, and the protrusion is inserted between the filter fastening portion 1167 and the inner step of the head outer wall 1165 to couple the filter module 120 to the head body 116.

[0134] The filter cover 122 is coupled to the filter cap 121 to form the appearance of the filter module 120. The inside of the filter cover 122 accommodates the carbon block 129, the filter inner core 125, the filter inner bottom 126, and the filter base 127. The filter cover 122 is spaced apart from the carbon block 129 to form a flow path of raw water.

[0135] The carbon block 129 is formed in a hollow cylindrical shape, and raw water is purified by passing through the side surface (peripheral surface) of the carbon block 129. The carbon block 129 is accommodated in the inside of the filter cover 122. The top surface of the carbon block 129 is covered by the filter inner top 123, and the bottom surface of the carbon block 129 is covered by the filter base 127. The inside of the carbon block 129 is configured with the filter inner core 125.

[0136] The filter inner core 125 is configured in the inside of the carbon block 129 to guide purified water purified by the carbon block 129 to the upper side. The upper end of the filter inner core 125 is coupled to the filter inner top 123, and the lower end of the filter inner core 125 is coupled to the filter inner bottom 126.

[0137] The filter inner top 123 covers the top surface of the carbon block 129 to guide raw water flowing into the filter head 110 to between the filter cover 122 and the carbon block 129. The upper portion of the filter inner top 123 is inserted around the lower portion of the head inner wall 1164. The upper portion of the filter inner top 123 forms a flow path of purified water with the filter cap 121. The filter inner top 123 is configured in the inside of the filter cap 121. The filter inner top 123 is coupled to the filter seal 124 at the upper end and is coupled to the carbon block 129 and the filter inner core 125 at the lower portion. The filter inner top 123 is in contact with the valve 114 to move the valve 114 upward when the filter module 120 is coupled.

[0138] Figure 18 is a sectional perspective view of a filter inner top of a filter module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0139] The filter inner top 123 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a substantially hollow cylindrical inner top upper portion 1231, a circular plate-shaped inner top lower portion 1235, a carbon coupling portion 1236 extending downward from the inner top lower portion 1235, and a filter cam 1237 protruding inward of the inner top upper portion 1231 and being in contact with the inclined surface 1143a of the valve 114 to be inclined in a spiral shape.

[0140] The inner top upper portion 1231 is coupled with a filter seal 124 at an upper end. The inner top upper portion 1231 is formed with an inner top inflow port 1238 which is partially opened at a lower end to allow raw water to flow in. The inner top upper portion 1231 is formed with an inner top outflow port 1239 which is partially opened at a middle end to allow clean water to flow out.

[0141] The inner top lower portion 1235 is coupled to a lower end of the inner top upper portion 1231 to cover a top surface of the carbon block 129. A carbon coupling portion 1236 is inserted into a hollow of the carbon block 129 and tightly contacts an inner surface of the carbon block 129. The carbon coupling portion 1236 is inserted into and coupled with an upper portion of the filter inner core 125 at an inner portion.

[0142] The filter cam 1237 contacts the inclined surface 1143a of the valve 114, thereby moving the valve 114 upward to open the head inflow passage 1168 when the filter module 120 is coupled. The filter cam 1237 is formed to protrude upward more in a clockwise direction as viewed from an upper side. The filter cam is formed to have the same inclined direction as the inclined surface 1143a of the valve cam 1143, so that the moving distance of the valve 114 becomes very long even if the filter cam 1237 is rotated by 90 degrees.

[0143] The filter cam 1237 is formed in two on the inner surface of the inner top upper portion 1231 in symmetry with each other, and the central angle of each filter cam 1237 is substantially 90 degrees. The filter cam 1237 is formed to move the valve 114 to the uppermost end when the filter module 120 is rotated by 90 degrees to be coupled, and to move the valve 114 to the lowermost end when the filter module 120 is rotated by 90 degrees to be separated.

[0144] Hereinafter, referring to Figure 19 and Figure 20 the operation of the water purifier 10 and the filter module 120 according to an embodiment of the present application will be described.

[0145] Figure 19 is a flow passage structure view when the filter head and the filter module according to an embodiment of the present application are separated and coupled, Figure 20 is a view showing the flow direction of raw water and clean water of the filter head and the filter module according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0146] Figure 19 (a) of FIG. 1 is a sectional view showing the filter head 110 and the filter inner top 123 when the filter module 120 has been separated from the filter head 110.

[0147] If the filter module 120 is separated, the lowermost end of the inclined surface 1143a of the valve cam 1143 is not in contact with the uppermost end of the filter cam 1237. Even if the upper end of the filter inner top 123 is in close contact with the inner side of the head outer wall 1165, if the filter module 120 is not rotated 90 degrees in the direction of being combined, the inclined surface 1143a of the valve cam 1143 is configured not to be in contact with the filter cam 1237 or the inclined portions are not in abutment with each other. Therefore, the valve cam 1143 cannot receive a force from the valve cam 1143 and only the force of the elastomer 113 pushing the valve 114 to the lower side acts. As a result, the valve seal 1149 is installed to the upper and lower boundary ends of the head inner wall 1164, and the valve seal 1149 and the valve body 1142 close the head inflow passage 1168. Therefore, the flow of raw water flowing into the head inflow pipe 1161 is blocked and does not flow to the lower side of the filter head 110.

[0148] Figure 19 (b) is a view showing a cross section of the filter head 110 and the filter inner top 123 when the filter module 120 has been combined with the filter head 110. When the filter module 120 is rotated 90 degrees to be combined, as the filter cam 1237 is rotated 90 degrees, the valve cam 1143 moves to the upper side and the lowermost end of the inclined surface 1143a of the valve cam 1143 is in contact with the uppermost end of the filter cam 1237. Since the filter cam 1237 exerts a force pushing the valve cam 1143 to the upper side, the valve 114 moves to the upper side and the elastomer 113 is compressed. If the valve 114 moves to the upper side, the valve seal 1149 and the valve body 1142 move to the upper side and the head inflow passage 1168 is opened. Therefore, raw water flowing into the head inflow pipe 1161 flows into the inner top upper portion 1231 of the filter inner top 123 through the head inflow passage 1168 of the head inner wall 1164 and / or the inside of the valve cam 1143.

[0149] Since the operation of the water purifier 10 is suspended when the filter module 120 is combined or separated, although raw water is not supplied from the water supply source S, raw water remaining in the water supply line L or the filter head 110 can be dropped. Therefore, it is necessary for the valve 114 to be rapidly opened and closed. Since the rotation of the filter module 120 for moving the valve 114 is only 90 degrees, in order to change the 90-degree rotational movement into a longer linear movement, the valve cam 1143 and the filter cam 1237 are both formed in a helical shape, so that rapid opening and closing of the valve 114 can be achieved.

[0150] Further, since the head inflow passage 1168 through which raw water flows is opened and closed by one valve 114, the space consumption due to the opening and closing structure is not large, the head inflow passage 1168 and the head outflow passage 1169 can be designed to be wide, so that the flow rate can be maximized.

[0151] Further, since the head inflow passage 1168 of the head inner wall 1164 is opened and closed by the valve 114 that makes the raw water flow, the structure is simplified, so that it is possible to prevent the raw water or the purified water from stagnating in the filter head 110.

[0152] Referring to Figure 20 The raw water supplied from the water supply source S flows to the filter head 110 of the pre-filter 100 after flowing to the head unit 900. The raw water flowing to the head inflow pipe 1161 of the filter head 110 flows to the head inflow passage 1168 of the head inner wall 1164. The raw water flowing to the head inflow passage 1168 is discharged to the lower side of the valve cam 1143 through the valve inflow port 1144. The raw water flowing from the head inner wall 1164 and / or the valve 114 flows to the filter inner top 123 of the filter module 120. The raw water flowing to the inner top upper portion 1231 of the filter inner top 123 flows to the filter cover 122 and the carbon block 129 through the inner top inflow port 1238, and is purified through the circumferential surface of the carbon block 129.

[0153] The purified water purified through the circumferential surface of the carbon block 129 flows to the filter inner top 123 through the filter inner core 125. The purified water flowing to the inner top upper portion 1231 of the filter inner top 123 flows to the filter inner top 123 and the filter cap 121 through the inner top outflow port 1239, and then flows to the head outflow passage 1169 between the head inner wall 1164 and the head outer wall 1165. The purified water flowing to the head outflow passage 1169 flows out through the head outflow pipe 1162, and then flows to the compound filter 200 or the water supply valve 61.

[0154] Figure 21 is a perspective view of a valve of other embodiments of the present application, Figure 22 is a sectional view of a filter head of other embodiments of the present application.

[0155] The elastic body 113-1 of other embodiments of the present application is composed of a rubber material, and is formed in a long drum shape in which the outer diameters of the upper end and the lower end are large and the outer diameter of the middle end is small. Since the elastic body 113-1 can contact the raw water or the purified water, it is preferably composed of a natural rubber or a synthetic rubber that is harmless to the human body.

[0156] The upper portion of the elastic body 113-1 is hemispherical in cross section, and the lower portion is hemispherical in cross section. The elastic body 113-1 is formed in a hollow shape, and the valve top 1141-1 of the valve 114-1 is formed in an axial shape that penetrates the elastic body 113-1.

[0157] The cap main body 1111 of the head cap 111 of other embodiments of the present application is the same shape, but the cap inner wall 1112-1 is formed to support the upper end of the elastic body 113-1, and the cap guide 1113-1 is formed to allow the valve top 1141-1 to be inserted and guide the valve top 1141-1.

[0158] Figure 23 is a perspective view of a valve of another embodiment of the present application, Figure 24 is a sectional view of a filter head of another embodiment of the present application.

[0159] The elastic body 113-2 of another embodiment of the present application is composed of rubber material and is formed in a bowl shape with a larger outer diameter at the upper end and a smaller outer diameter at the lower end. Since the elastic body 113-2 can contact raw water or clean water, it is preferably composed of natural rubber or synthetic rubber harmless to human body.

[0160] A part of the cross section of the elastic body 113-2 is hemispherical. The elastic body 113-2 is formed with a shaft at the central upper portion and a hole at the lower portion. The valve top 1141-2 of the valve 114-2 is formed in a shaft shape to be inserted into the lower hole of the elastic body 113-2.

[0161] The cap main body 1111 of the head cap 111 of another embodiment of the present application is the same in shape, but the cap inner wall 1112-2 is formed to support the periphery of the upper end of the elastic body 113-2 and the cap guide 1113-2 is formed to allow the central shaft of the elastic body 113-2 to be inserted and guide the central shaft of the elastic body 113-2.

[0162] As described above, although the present application is explained with reference to the drawings exemplified in the present application, the present application is not limited to the embodiments and drawings disclosed in the present specification, and it is obvious that those skilled in the art can make various modifications within the scope of the technical idea of the present application. Moreover, in the above description of the embodiments of the present application, even if the effects of the configuration of the present application are not explicitly described and explained, it should be recognized that the effects can be predicted from the configuration.

Claims

1. A water purifier, wherein, include: The head body is detachably combined with a filter module for purifying raw water, forming a head inflow path that guides the raw water to the filter module; A valve, movably disposed in the head inflow path in a vertical direction, forms a helical inclined surface; and An elastomer, disposed on the upper part of the valve, provides an elastic force that moves the valve downward when the filter module is disassembled. When the filter module is engaged, the inclined surface of the valve contacts the filter module; when the filter module is disengaged, the valve closes the head inflow path. The valve includes: The valve top supports the elastic body; The valve body, disposed below the valve top, blocks the vertical flow of the raw water in the head inlet flow path when the filter module is separated; and A hollow valve cam is disposed on the lower side of the valve body, and the lower end of the valve cam forms the inclined surface. When the filter module is engaged, the raw water flows inside the valve cam.

2. The water purifier according to claim 1, wherein, The valve also includes a valve seal. The valve seal is attached around the valve body to seal between the head body and the valve body.

3. The water purifier according to claim 1, wherein, The valve cam has an open valve inlet on its side for the raw water to pass through.

4. The water purifier according to claim 1, wherein, It also includes a head cap, which is attached to the upper end of the head body and contacts the upper end of the elastomer; The cap is located at the bottom for the valve top to be inserted to guide the vertical movement of the valve.

5. The water purifier according to claim 1, wherein, The valve is formed with a valve groove that is recessed in the vertical direction. The head body is formed with a body key that is inserted into the valve groove.

6. The water purifier according to claim 1, wherein, The valve has a protruding valve key. The head body has a recessed groove in the vertical direction for the valve key to be inserted.

7. The water purifier according to claim 1, wherein, The head body includes: The head flows into the pipe, causing the raw water to flow horizontally; The head outlet pipe forms a flow of purified water in a horizontal direction; The inner wall of the head is connected to the head inlet pipe to form the head inlet flow path; and The outer wall of the head is disposed around the inner wall of the head, forming the head outflow path through which the purified water of the filter module passes.

8. The water purifier according to claim 7, wherein, The inner wall of the head guides the valve to move in a vertical direction.

9. The water purifier according to claim 7, wherein, The valve is configured such that its upper part is opposite to the head inlet pipe.

10. The water purifier according to claim 7, wherein, When the filter module is disassembled, the valve contacts the inner side of the inner wall of the head to close the inflow path of the head.

11. The water purifier according to claim 7, wherein, The lower end of the valve is positioned below the lower end of the inner wall of the head.

12. The water purifier according to claim 1, wherein, When the filter module is engaged, the lower part of the valve is inserted into the interior of the filter module.

13. The water purifier according to claim 12, wherein, The filter module has a helically inclined filter cam inside, which contacts the inclined surface of the valve.

14. The water purifier according to claim 1, wherein, The valve cam has two mutually symmetrical inclined surfaces at its lower end. The central angle of each of the aforementioned inclined surfaces is essentially 90 degrees.

15. The water purifier according to claim 1, wherein, The filter module is essentially rotated 90 degrees to integrate with the head body. The valve is formed with the inclined surface so that it moves to the uppermost position when the filter module is rotated 90 degrees.

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