Cold Water Tank Assembly

Abstract

A cold water tank assembly according to one aspect of the present invention includes a tank portion that is connected to the outside and configured to receive filtered water, cool the filtered water, and then discharge the cooled water, and a refrigerant flow path portion that is accommodated in the tank portion and through which a refrigerant flows to exchange heat with the filtered water, and the refrigerant flow path portion may extend such that one end is located outside the tank portion and the other end is located inside the tank portion and may be through-coupled to the tank portion at one point.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a cold water tank assembly, and more particularly, to a cold water tank assembly that can be miniaturized by minimizing the number of points connected to the outside while improving cooling efficiency. [Background technology]

[0002] As interest in the cleanliness of drinking water increases, an increasing number of homes are equipped with devices for filtering water. In particular, a filtering device called a water purifier is configured to be connected to a water supply supplied to a home and to filter the supplied tap water so that it is suitable for drinking.

[0003] Recently, water purifiers that not only filter the tap water but also adjust the temperature of the water to the user's preference have been very popular. Such water purifiers filter the tap water, heat or cool the filtered water to adjust the temperature of the water to the user's preference, and then dispense the water.

[0004] The structure for cooling water may be configured in various ways. For example, in order to improve cooling efficiency, water may be cooled by passing water and a refrigerant for cooling the water through a sealed tank. A flow path through which the water flows and a flow path through which the refrigerant flows are formed inside the tank. The water may be cooled by heat exchange with the refrigerant while flowing inside the tank.

[0005] In this case, the tank is configured to be connected to the outside at the portions where the water flows in and out and the refrigerant flows in and out. As a result, it may be difficult to seal the tank reliably. In addition, a path of sufficient length must be secured for the refrigerant to flow while exchanging heat with the water and then be discharged, which may increase the size of the tank and the entire water purifier including the tank.

[0006] Furthermore, since the refrigerant is exposed to the outside of the tank at two points, the efficiency of heat exchange between the refrigerant and water may decrease.

[0007] Therefore, in the case of a water purifier having a tank, it is necessary to prevent the water from flowing out arbitrarily while maintaining the cooling efficiency of the water flowing into the tank.

[0008] Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2002-0093414, entitled "Hot and cold water purifier equipped with a modularized cooling unit," discloses a cooling coil (evaporator) that is wound around the outside of a cold water tank.

[0009] However, in the case of a direct water type cooling water purifier, the water flowing inside the cold water tank and the refrigerant flowing in the cooling coil exchange heat using the cold water tank as a medium, which reduces the heat exchange efficiency, and since a capillary tube is required that is separate from the cooling coil, it is difficult to miniaturize the water purifier.

[0010] Korean Utility Model Publication No. 20-1999-0015417, "Cooling Structure of Drinking Liquid Cooling Device," discloses a refrigerant coil (evaporator) located inside a cold water tank. This structure has the advantage of high heat exchange efficiency because the water flowing inside the cold water tank and the refrigerant flowing in the cooling coil directly exchange heat.

[0011] However, since a cooling coil and a capillary tube are still required, it is difficult to miniaturize the water purifier. Also, since both the input and discharge sides of the evaporator pass through the cold water tank, the two sealed structures make the cold water tank structure complicated, which increases manufacturing costs.

[0012] Korean Utility Model Registration No. 20-0385594, "Refrigeration device for water purifier with evaporator with reduced noise," discloses a structure in which a part of a capillary tube is connected through an evaporator located inside a cold water tank. This structure has the effect of shortening the length of the capillary tube by the length of the capillary tube connected to the evaporator.

[0013] However, since the capillary tube only penetrates a very small part of the straight portion on the input side of the evaporator, most of the capillary tube must be formed separately outside the evaporator as in the past. In addition, since both the input side and the discharge side of the evaporator penetrate the cold water tank, the structure of the cold water tank becomes complicated due to the two sealed structures, which increases the manufacturing costs.

[0014] Meanwhile, Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2020-0069668, "Evaporator for Ice Making," filed by the applicant, discloses a "1"-shaped evaporator for an immersion-type ice maker in which a capillary tube is connected through the evaporator. This structure has the advantage that the size of the ice making system can be reduced by integrating the capillary tube and the evaporator, and the refrigerant input and discharge sides can be formed in the same area to simplify the refrigerant path.

[0015] In addition, the capillary tube is throttled at a low temperature due to the heat absorption effect of the evaporator, so the increase in enthalpy due to the throttle action can be suppressed. However, since such a "1"-shaped ice-making evaporator is installed in an open ice-making room, it is difficult to apply it directly to a cold water evaporator that is connected to a cold water tank to produce cold water. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0016] [Patent Document 1] Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2002-0093414 [Patent Document 2] Korean Utility Model Publication No. 20-1999-0015417 [Patent Document 3] Korean Registered Utility Model No. 20-0385594 [Patent Document 4] Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2020-0069668 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0017] The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a cold water tank assembly having a structure capable of improving cooling efficiency.

[0018] Another object of the present invention is to provide a cold water tank assembly having a structure in which the number of communication points with the outside can be minimized.

[0019] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a cold water tank assembly having a structure in which a temperature rise of the refrigerant can be minimized.

[0020] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a cold water tank assembly whose structure can be miniaturized in size.

[0021] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a cold water tank assembly having a structure which allows water to be chilled for a sufficient period of time.

[0022] The objects of the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above, and other objects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains from the following description. [Means for solving the problem]

[0023] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a cold water tank assembly including: a tank section that is connected to the outside and configured so that filtered water flows in and is cooled and then flows out; and a refrigerant flow path section that is contained inside the tank section and through which a refrigerant flows to exchange heat with the filtered water, wherein the refrigerant flow path section extends such that one end is located outside the tank section and the other end is located inside the tank section and is pierced and connected to the tank section at one point.

[0024] In this case, a cold water tank assembly may be provided in which the refrigerant flow path portion includes a main flow path that forms a flow path for discharging the refrigerant from the other end of the refrigerant flow path portion to the one end of the refrigerant flow path portion and transfers heat to the refrigerant in a liquid and gas mixture state, and a sub flow path that is disposed inside the main flow path, extends in the same direction as the main flow path, forms a flow path for introducing the refrigerant from the one end of the refrigerant flow path portion to the other end of the refrigerant flow path portion, and reduces the pressure of the refrigerant in a liquid and gas mixture state or in a liquid state.

[0025] In addition, a cold water tank assembly may be provided in which the main flow path includes a first main end portion located inside the tank portion and formed as a closed portion, and a second main end portion located outside the tank portion and formed as an open portion, and the sub-flow path includes a first sub-end portion located inside the tank portion adjacent to the first main end portion, formed as an open portion, and communicated with the main flow path, and a second sub-end portion located outside the tank portion, formed as an open portion, and receiving the refrigerant from the outside.

[0026] In this case, a cold water tank assembly may be provided in which the tank portion includes a tank space that accommodates the refrigerant flow path portion and a tank body that surrounds the tank space, and the portions of the main flow path and the sub-flow path portion that are arranged in the tank space extend in a spiral shape.

[0027] Also, a cold water tank assembly may be provided, wherein the main flow path extends to be located adjacent to an inner wall of the tank body surrounding the tank space.

[0028] In this case, a cold water tank assembly may be provided in which the tank portion includes a tank space that accommodates the refrigerant flow path portion, and a tank base that is arranged to cover one side of the tank space, and the refrigerant flow path portion has one end located in the tank space and extends to penetrate the tank base and has the other end located outside the tank space.

[0029] In addition, a cold water tank assembly may be provided in which the refrigerant flow path portion includes a main flow path that is through-connected to the tank base, one end of which is closed and the other end of which is open, a sub-flow path that extends along the main flow path inside the main flow path, one end of which is open and disposed adjacent to the one end of the main flow path and the other end of which is open and exposed to the outside of the tank portion, and a branch flow path that is connected to the other end of the main flow path to communicate with the main flow path and is connected to a portion of the sub-flow path adjacent to the other end.

[0030] In this case, a cold water tank assembly may be provided in which the branch flow path includes a first extension portion that extends along the extension direction of the main flow path and is coupled to one end of the main flow path, a second extension portion that extends in a direction different from the first extension portion and is connected to the first extension portion to form a flow path through which the refrigerant is discharged, and a branch end portion that forms the other end of the first extension portion in the extension direction that is opposite to the main flow path.

[0031] In addition, a cross-sectional area of ​​one end of the branch end portion in the extension direction opposite to the main flow path is formed to be equal to or smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the sub-flow path, thereby blocking communication between the inside and outside of the main flow path, and a cold water tank assembly may be provided.

[0032] In this case, a cold water tank assembly may be provided in which the main flow path includes a main hollow formed as a space extending between the one end and the other end, the sub flow path includes a sub hollow formed as a space extending between the one end and the other end and through which the refrigerant flowing in from the outside flows, the one end of the sub flow path is connected to the main hollow, and the refrigerant flows in through the other end of the sub flow path, flows along the sub hollow, and flows out into the main hollow through the one end.

[0033] Also, the refrigerant flowing out of the sub-chamber may flow along the main chamber and flow into the branch channel through the other end of the main channel.

[0034] In this case, a cold water tank assembly may be provided, in which the branch passage is coupled to the other end of the main passage and communicates with the main hollow, and includes a first extension portion through which the sub passage passes, and a second extension portion communicates with the first extension portion and forms a passage through which the refrigerant flowing out from the other end is discharged to the outside.

[0035] In addition, a cold water tank assembly can be provided in which the tank portion includes a tank space through which the filtered water flows and which accommodates the refrigerant flow path portion, and a tank body which surrounds the tank space in a circumferential direction, and includes a flow path forming portion which is arranged in the tank space facing the tank body across the refrigerant flow path portion and which forms a space through which the filtered water flows that has flowed in.

[0036] In this case, a cold water tank assembly may be provided in which the flow path forming portion includes a plurality of membrane members extending in the longitudinal direction of the tank body and stacked and spaced apart from each other in the height direction of the tank body, and column members extending in the height direction of the tank body and respectively coupled to the plurality of membrane members.

[0037] Also, a cold water tank assembly may be provided in which the membrane member forms one end in its extension direction, a first end portion located adjacent to the refrigerant flow path portion, and a second end portion forms the other end in its extension direction, and is located more distant from the refrigerant flow path portion than the first end portion.

[0038] In this case, a cold water tank assembly may be provided in which the flow path forming portion is located between the second end portion and the refrigerant flow path portion, and includes a flow space, which is a space where the filtered water flowing in one of the adjacent membrane members flows out to the other membrane member, and a separation space, which is connected to the flow space and formed between the adjacent membrane members, and is a space where the filtered water flows.

[0039] Also, a cold water tank assembly may be provided in which the second ends of the membrane members adjacent to each other are arranged to be biased toward different sides along a longitudinal direction of the tank body. Effect of the Invention

[0040] Due to the above configuration, the cooling efficiency of the cold water tank assembly according to the embodiment of the present invention can be improved.

[0041] First, a tank space is formed inside the tank part, into which the purified water flows. A refrigerant flow path part is accommodated in the tank space, forming a flow path through which a refrigerant flows that exchanges heat with the purified water. The refrigerant flow path part is exposed to the tank space and includes a main flow path through which the refrigerant flows that exchanges heat with the purified water, and a sub-flow path disposed inside the main flow path and into which the refrigerant flows that exchanges heat with the purified water. The main flow path and the sub-flow path are connected to each other.

[0042] In one embodiment, the sub-channel may be provided in the form of a capillary tube formed to have a cross-sectional area smaller than that of the main channel. The sub-channel extends from outside the tank space along the main channel into the tank space. One end of the sub-channel in the extension direction is located adjacent to one closed end of the ends of the main channel in the extension direction, and the refrigerant flowing through the sub-channel may enter the main channel. The refrigerant that has entered the main channel may exchange heat with the purified water while flowing toward the outside of the tank space.

[0043] Therefore, the pressure of the refrigerant flowing through the sub-channels is reduced while the increase in enthalpy is minimized. Furthermore, the main channel through which the refrigerant flows can directly exchange heat with the purified water, thereby improving the cooling efficiency of the purified water by the refrigerant.

[0044] In addition, due to the above-described configuration, the cold water tank assembly according to the embodiment of the present invention can minimize the number of communication points with the outside.

[0045] The refrigerant flow passage portion penetrates the tank base of the tank portion and extends into the tank space. At this time, the refrigerant flow passage portion forms a flow passage for the inflowing refrigerant and includes a sub-flow passage accommodated in the main flow passage, a main flow passage forming a flow passage for the outflowing refrigerant, and a branch flow passage supporting the sub-flow passage and the main flow passage.

[0046] The branch passage supports the main passage and is connected to the main passage. The refrigerant that exchanges heat with the purified water while flowing along the main passage may be discharged to the outside through the branch passage. The branch passage supports the sub passage but is not connected to the sub passage. One end of the sub passage is exposed to the outside of the branch passage, and the refrigerant that exchanges heat with the purified water may be flowed into the sub passage through the end of the sub passage.

[0047] That is, the sub-channel forming the inlet channel is formed in the main channel, and the sub-channel and the main channel may be supported by a single branch channel. Therefore, the refrigerant channel portion may be connected to the tank portion only by penetrating the main channel into the tank base at one point.

[0048] Accordingly, the number of coupling positions between the coolant flow passage unit and the tank unit can be minimized.

[0049] In addition, due to the above-described configuration, the cold water tank assembly according to the embodiment of the present invention can minimize a temperature rise of the refrigerant.

[0050] As described above, the refrigerant that has exchanged heat with the purified water flows along the sub-channel. The sub-channel is accommodated inside the main channel through which the refrigerant that has exchanged heat with the purified water flows, but only one end of the sub-channel is exposed to the outside of the branch channel.

[0051] The sub-channel and the refrigerant flowing into the sub-channel are not exposed to the outside until they are discharged to the outside through the branch channel, that is, the area of ​​the portion of the tank unit through which the refrigerant flows is minimized.

[0052] In addition, the refrigerant that flows along the sub-channel flows into the main channel inside the tank space and flows in a direction to flow out of the tank space to exchange heat with the purified water. Therefore, the pressure of the refrigerant before exchanging heat with the purified water is sufficiently reduced, and an increase in enthalpy can be minimized.

[0053] Therefore, it is possible to prevent the temperature of the refrigerant from increasing due to random heat exchange with unpurified outside air, etc. As a result, the efficiency of heat exchange between the refrigerant and the purified water is improved, and the cooling efficiency of the purified water is improved.

[0054] In addition, due to the above-mentioned configuration, the cold water tank assembly according to the embodiment of the present invention can be made compact in size.

[0055] As described above, the coolant flow passage portion is connected to the tank portion, specifically, the tank base, at one point. The sub-flow passage forming the coolant inlet flow passage of the coolant in the coolant flow passage portion is accommodated inside the main flow passage forming the coolant outlet flow passage. The sub-flow passage and the main flow passage portion that are exposed to the outside of the tank portion are supported by the branch flow passage.

[0056] Therefore, the number of structural modifications or configurations required to couple the refrigerant passage unit to the tank unit can be minimized, and accordingly, the size of the cold water tank assembly and the water purifier including the same can be reduced.

[0057] Furthermore, with the above-described configuration, the cold water tank assembly according to the embodiment of the present invention can cool water for a sufficient period of time.

[0058] The tank space is provided with a flow path forming portion. The flow path forming portion includes a membrane member that divides the tank space into a plurality of small spaces that are connected to each other. Adjacent small spaces among the divided small spaces are connected to each other at different ends along the longitudinal direction.

[0059] That is, a zigzag-shaped flow path is formed inside the tank space by the flow path forming part. The purified water that flows into the tank space flows in one direction along the longitudinal direction of one of the membrane members, and then flows in the other direction along the longitudinal direction of another membrane member before it can flow toward the water outlet.

[0060] Therefore, the length of the flow path through which the purified water flows inside the tank increases, and the time for heat exchange with the refrigerant also increases, so that the purified water can be cooled for a sufficient period of time.

[0061] It should be understood that the effects of the present invention are not limited to the effects described above, but include all effects that can be inferred from the configuration of the invention described in the detailed description of the present invention or the claims. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0062] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view illustrating a cold water tank assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 2] 2 is a perspective view illustrating the cold water tank assembly of FIG. 1 from a different angle. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a side cross-sectional view illustrating the configuration of the cold water tank assembly of FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a side cross-sectional view illustrating the configuration of the cold water tank assembly of FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a front cross-sectional view illustrating the configuration of the cold water tank assembly of FIG. 1. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the configuration of the cold water tank assembly of FIG. 1. [Figure 7] 2 is a perspective view illustrating a flow path forming portion and a refrigerant flow path portion provided in the cold water tank assembly of FIG. 1. [Figure 8] 8 is a front view illustrating the flow path forming portion of FIG. 7. [Figure 9] 8 is a side view illustrating the flow path forming portion of FIG. 7. [Figure 10] 8 is a side view illustrating a modified example of the flow path forming portion of FIG. 7. [Figure 11] 8 is a front view illustrating the refrigerant flow path portion of FIG. 7. [Figure 12] 8 is a side view illustrating the refrigerant flow path portion of FIG. 7. [Figure 13] 8 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the configuration of the refrigerant flow path portion of FIG. 7. [Figure 14] 8 is a partially cutaway perspective view illustrating the refrigerant flow path portion of FIG. 7. [Figure 15] 8 is a side cross-sectional view illustrating the coolant flow path portion of FIG. 7. [Figure 16]2 is a side cross-sectional view illustrating a flow path of a refrigerant formed inside a cold water tank assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 17] 2 is a side cross-sectional view illustrating a cold water flow path formed inside a cold water tank assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0063] Hereinafter, the embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings so that those skilled in the art can easily carry out the present invention. The present invention may be embodied in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. In order to clearly explain the present invention, parts not related to the description will be omitted in the drawings, and the same reference numerals will be used throughout the specification to refer to the same or similar components.

[0064] The words and terms used in this specification and the claims should not be interpreted in a limited manner based on their ordinary or dictionary meanings, but should be interpreted in a manner that corresponds to the technical idea of ​​the present invention in accordance with the principle that the inventor can define the terms and concepts in order to best describe the present invention.

[0065] Therefore, the embodiments described in this specification and the configurations illustrated in the drawings correspond to preferred embodiments of the present invention and do not represent the entire technical idea of ​​the present invention, and therefore, the relevant configurations may have various equivalents and modifications that replace them at the time of filing of the present invention.

[0066] In the following description, in order to clarify the features of the present invention, the description of some components may be omitted.

[0067] As used herein, the term "communication" means that one or more components are fluidly connected to one another. In one embodiment, the communication may be formed by components such as conduits, pipes, tubing, or the like.

[0068] The terms "upper", "lower", "left", "right", "front" and "rear" used in the following description may be understood with reference to the coordinate system illustrated in accompanying FIG. 1.

[0069] 1 to 15, a cold water tank assembly 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. In the cold water tank assembly 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention, a flow path through which a refrigerant flows is formed inside a tank unit 100 in which water is stored. Accordingly, purified water flowing in the tank unit 100 directly exchanges heat with the refrigerant flowing in the flow path, so that the cooling efficiency of the purified water can be improved.

[0070] At this time, the flow path through which the refrigerant flows is connected to the outside at one point. Therefore, the number of points where the refrigerant exchanges heat with the outside before flowing into the cold water tank assembly 10 is reduced to one, and the temperature rise of the refrigerant can be minimized. As a result, the heat exchange efficiency between the refrigerant and the purified water is improved, and the cooling efficiency of the purified water can be improved.

[0071] Furthermore, since the flow path through which the refrigerant flows is connected to the tank unit 100 at a point where it is minimized, it is possible to prevent the purified water or cold water flowing into the tank unit 100 from accidentally flowing out. As a result, the size of the cold water tank assembly 10 and the entire water purifier including the same can be reduced.

[0072] The cold water tank assembly 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described below on the assumption that it is installed in a water stream type water purifier. Alternatively, it will be understood that the cold water tank assembly 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention can be applied to a water purifier having a separate water tank for storing purified water or cold water.

[0073] In the illustrated embodiment, the cold water tank assembly 10 includes a tank portion 100 , a flow passage portion 200 and a refrigerant flow passage portion 300 .

[0074] In the following description, it is assumed that the cold water tank assembly 10 is provided with the flow passage forming portion 200. Alternatively, in other embodiments, the flow passage forming portion 200 may be selectively provided.

[0075] That is, the tank unit 100 is not limited to the configuration described below, and may be provided in a form in which the tank unit 100 is filled with cold water and cooled by the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant flow path. Alternatively, the tank unit 100 may be a cold water tank in which the tank unit 100 is filled with refrigerant and cold water flows through a separate cold water flow path.

[0076] It will be understood that even if the flow passage forming portion 200 is not separately provided in the above embodiment, the effect of the cold water tank assembly 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention can be achieved.

[0077] The tank unit 100 forms the outer shape of the cold water tank assembly 10. The tank unit 100 is connected to the outside and can receive filtered purified water. Although not shown in the drawings, the tank unit 100 is connected to a filter member provided in a water purifier and can receive purified water filtered while passing through the filter member.

[0078] A space is formed inside the tank unit 100. The purified water may flow into the space of the tank unit 100. At this time, a flow path forming unit 200 for forming a flow path through which the purified water flows may be disposed in the space. In addition, a refrigerant flow path unit 300, which is a flow path of a refrigerant that exchanges heat with the purified water flowing along the flow path formed by the flow path forming unit 200, may be accommodated in the space.

[0079] As described below, the number of communication points with the outside may be minimized in the space of the tank unit 100. Specifically, the refrigerant passage unit 300 housed in the space of the tank unit 100 communicates with the outside at one point. As a result, the structure of the tank unit 100 is simplified, and an arbitrary temperature rise of the refrigerant is prevented, thereby improving cooling efficiency.

[0080] In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 6, the tank unit 100 includes a tank body 110 , a tank cover 120 , a tank base 130 , a tank space 140 and a sensor member 150 .

[0081] The tank body 110 forms part of the outer shape of the tank section 100. In the illustrated embodiment, the tank body 110 forms the radial directions of the tank section 100, i.e. the front side, the rear side, the left side and the right side.

[0082] The tank body 110 is formed to have a height in one direction, that is, in the illustrated embodiment, the vertical direction. One and the other sides in the height direction of the tank body 110, that is, the upper and lower sides in the illustrated embodiment, are formed to be open. Purified water may flow into the tank body 110 through one side, i.e., the upper side, of the tank body 110. Cooled purified water, i.e., cold water, may flow out of the tank body 110 through the other side, i.e., the lower side, of the tank body 110.

[0083] The tank body 110 is coupled to a tank cover 120. The one side in the height direction of the tank body 110, i.e., the upper side, may be closed by the tank cover 120.

[0084] The tank body 110 is coupled to a tank base 130. The other side in the height direction of the tank body 110, i.e., the lower side, may be closed by the tank base 130.

[0085] A space (i.e., tank space 140 described below) is formed inside the tank body 110. A flow path forming unit 200 is accommodated in the space of the tank body 110, and a flow path through which purified water flows may be formed. In addition, a refrigerant flow path unit 300 is accommodated in the space of the tank body 110, and the flowing purified water may be cooled.

[0086] The tank body 110 may have any shape in which a tank space 140 is formed therein and communicates with the outside, and which can be communicated with the tank cover 120 and the tank base 130. In the illustrated embodiment, the tank body 110 has an outer periphery formed by a pair of straight lines facing each other and a pair of curved lines each continuing from the pair of straight lines and facing each other, and has a three-dimensional shape having a height in the up-down direction.

[0087] In the illustrated embodiment, the tank body 110 includes a first inner wall 111 and a second inner wall 112 .

[0088] The first inner wall 111 forms a part of the tank body 110. The first inner wall 111 partially surrounds the tank space 140. The first inner wall 111 is formed to extend in the height direction of the tank body 110, that is, in the illustrated embodiment, in the up-down direction.

[0089] A plurality of first inner walls 111 may be provided to surround the tank space 140 at a plurality of points. In the illustrated embodiment, a pair of first inner walls 111 are provided to form the front and rear sides of the tank body 110. The pair of first inner walls 111 are disposed to face each other with the tank space 140 interposed therebetween.

[0090] The first inner wall 111 forms a part of the tank body 110 and may be formed in any shape that can partially surround the tank space 140. In the illustrated embodiment, the first inner wall 111 is formed in a round shape that bulges outward and has a curved shape having a height in the up-down direction.

[0091] The first inner wall 111 is located adjacent to the first end 210a of the flow path forming portion 200 accommodated in the tank space 140. In addition, the first inner wall 111 is located adjacent to the first main extension portion 310a and the first sub extension portion 320a of the refrigerant flow path portion 300.

[0092] The first inner wall 111 is continuous with the second inner wall 112. In the illustrated embodiment, each end of the first inner wall 111 in the width direction, i.e., in the left and right directions, is continuous with the second inner wall 112.

[0093] The second inner wall 112 forms another part of the tank body 110. The second inner wall 112 surrounds another part of the tank space 140. The second inner wall 112 is formed to extend in the height direction of the tank body 110, that is, in the vertical direction in the illustrated embodiment.

[0094] A plurality of second inner walls 112 may be provided to surround the tank space 140 at a plurality of points. In the illustrated embodiment, a pair of second inner walls 112 are provided to form the left and right sides of the tank body 110. The pair of second inner walls 112 are disposed to face each other with the tank space 140 interposed therebetween.

[0095] The second inner wall 112 forms another part of the tank body 110 and may be formed in any shape capable of partially surrounding the tank space 140. In the illustrated embodiment, the second inner wall 112 has a planar shape having a length in the front-rear direction and a height in the up-down direction.

[0096] The second inner wall 112 is located adjacent to the second main extension portion 310b and the second sub-extension portion 320b of the coolant passage portion 300.

[0097] The ends of the first inner wall 111 and the second inner wall 112 in the height direction are coupled to the tank cover 120 and the tank base 130, respectively.

[0098] The tank cover 120 forms one side in the height direction of the tank part 100, in the illustrated embodiment, the upper side. The tank cover 120 covers the tank space 140 and is coupled to the tank body 110. The tank cover 120 can block any communication between the tank space 140 and the outside.

[0099] The tank cover 120 may have any shape capable of being combined with the tank body 110 to close one side of the tank space 140, in the illustrated embodiment, the upper side. In the illustrated embodiment, the tank cover 120 is formed to have a cross section having a pair of straight lines facing each other and a pair of curved lines facing each other and continuous with the pair of straight lines. The shape of the tank cover 120 may be changed according to the shape of the tank body 110.

[0100] In the illustrated embodiment, the tank cover 120 includes a water inlet portion 121 and a gas communication portion 122 .

[0101] The water inlet 121 is formed through the tank cover 120 to communicate the tank space 140 with the outside. Filtered purified water can flow into the tank space 140 through the water inlet 121.

[0102] The water inlet 121 may be positioned to be biased to one side in the longitudinal direction of the tank cover 120, in the illustrated embodiment, in the front-rear direction. In the illustrated embodiment, the water inlet 121 is positioned to be biased to the front side of the tank cover 120.

[0103] At this time, the water inlet 121 may be formed at any position that can form a passage through which purified water flows into the tank space 140 by communicating with the outside and the tank space 140, respectively. In one embodiment, the water inlet 121 may be formed in the tank base 130.

[0104] The position of the water inlet 121 may be determined by the position of the first end 210a of the membrane member 210 located most adjacent among the membrane members 210 provided in the flow path forming unit 200, i.e., the membrane member 210 located at the uppermost side (see Figures 6 and 9).

[0105] That is, as described below, the purified water that has flowed into the tank space 140 cannot enter the flow space 230 through the first end 210a. The purified water can only enter the flow space 230 after it has progressed to the second end 210b of the membrane member 210. At this time, the purified water can be cooled by exchanging heat with the refrigerant while flowing from the first end 210a to the second end 210b.

[0106] Therefore, the water inlet 121 is positioned biased toward the first end 210a, and the purified water flowing into the tank space 140 can only flow along the uppermost membrane member 210 to the second end 210b before flowing to the next uppermost membrane member 210.

[0107] Accordingly, the time for heat exchange between the purified water and the refrigerant increases, and the cooling efficiency of the purified water can be improved.

[0108] The gas communication part 122 is formed through the tank cover 120 to communicate the tank space 140 with the outside. Gas remaining in the tank space 140 can be discharged to the outside of the tank space 140 through the gas communication part 122. In addition, when the cooled water flows out, the outside gas can flow into the tank space 140 through the gas communication part 122. Accordingly, the outflow of the cooled water can proceed smoothly.

[0109] The gas communication portion 122 may be positioned so as to be biased toward the other side in the longitudinal direction of the tank cover 120, in the illustrated embodiment, in the front-rear direction. In the illustrated embodiment, the gas communication portion 122 is positioned so as to be biased toward the rear side of the tank cover 120.

[0110] The position of the gas communication part 122 may be determined according to the position of the water inlet part 121. That is, the gas communication part 122 may be located opposite to the water inlet part 121. Accordingly, the passage through which the purified water flows into the tank space 140, i.e., the water inlet part 121, and the passage through which the air remaining in the tank space 140 or the outside air flows, i.e., the gas communication part 122, are separated, so that the inflowing purified water can be prevented from flowing out arbitrarily.

[0111] Although not shown, fittings may be provided to the water inlet 121 and the gas communication part 122. The fittings may be connected to the water inlet 121 and the gas communication part 122 through a through hole, and may be connected to and communicated with other external devices.

[0112] The tank base 130 forms the other side in the height direction of the tank part 100, which in the illustrated embodiment is the lower side. The tank base 130 covers the tank space 140 and is coupled to the tank body 110. The tank base 130 can block any communication between the tank space 140 and the outside.

[0113] The tank base 130 may have any shape capable of being combined with the tank body 110 to close the other side, in the illustrated embodiment, the bottom side, of the tank space 140. In the illustrated embodiment, the tank base 130 is formed to have a cross section having a pair of straight lines opposed to each other and a pair of curved lines continuous with and opposed to each other from the pair of straight lines.

[0114] It will be understood that the shape of the tank base 130 is similar to the shape of the tank cover 120. The shape of the tank base 130 may vary depending on the shape of the tank body 110.

[0115] In the illustrated embodiment, the tank base 130 includes a water outlet portion 131 , a flow path penetration portion 132 and a sensor coupling portion 133 .

[0116] The water outlet 131 is formed through the tank base 130 to communicate the tank space 140 with the outside. Purified water, i.e., cold water, cooled while flowing in the tank space 140 can flow out into the tank space 140 through the water outlet 131.

[0117] The water outlet 131 may be positioned to one side in the longitudinal direction of the tank base 130, in the illustrated embodiment, in the front-rear direction. In the illustrated embodiment, the water outlet 131 is positioned to the rear side of the tank base 130.

[0118] The position of the water outflow portion 131 may be determined by the position of the first end 210a of the membrane member 210 located closest to the membrane member 210 provided in the flow path forming portion 200, i.e., the membrane member 210 located at the bottom (see Figures 6 and 9).

[0119] At this time, the water outlet 131 may be formed at any position that can form a passage through which the generated cold water flows from the tank space 140 to the outside by communicating with the outside and the tank space 140. In one embodiment, the water outlet 131 may be formed in the tank cover 120.

[0120] That is, as described below, purified water cooled while flowing along the flow path forming portion 200 falls toward the tank base 130 through the flow space 230 adjacent to the second end 210b of the lowest membrane member 210. At this time, the water outlet 131 is located opposite the second end 210b, and the cold water that falls at the second end 210b of the lowest membrane member 210 flows along the longitudinal direction of the tank base 130, i.e., the front-to-rear direction, and then enters the water outlet 131.

[0121] Therefore, the cold water that has passed through the flow passage forming portion 200 is prevented from directly dropping into the water outlet portion 131, and the outflow rate of the cold water can be easily adjusted.

[0122] In the illustrated embodiment, the water outflow portion 131 includes a water outflow through hole 131a.

[0123] The water outflow through hole 131a is hollow and formed to be connected to the inside of a fitting connected to the water outflow portion 131. The water outflow through hole 131a is formed to extend in the extension direction of the fitting, which is the vertical direction in the illustrated embodiment. Each end of the water outflow through hole 131a in the extension direction, which is the upper end and the lower end in the illustrated embodiment, is opened to communicate the tank space 140 with the outside.

[0124] The flow passage through-portion 132 is formed through the tank base 130 to form a passage through which the refrigerant flow passage portion 300 extends to the tank space 140. The refrigerant flow passage portion 300 may be extended from the outside to the tank space 140 by being penetrated through the flow passage through-portion 132.

[0125] The flow passage penetrating portion 132 may be positioned to be biased toward the other side in the longitudinal direction of the tank base 130, in the illustrated embodiment, in the front-rear direction. In the illustrated embodiment, the flow passage penetrating portion 132 is positioned to be biased toward the front side of the tank base 130.

[0126] The position of the flow passage through-hole 132 may be determined depending on the position of the water outlet 131. That is, the flow passage through-hole 132 may be located opposite to the water outlet 131. Accordingly, a passage through which the generated cold water flows out of the tank space 140, i.e., the water outlet 131, and the refrigerant flow passage 300 extending into the tank space 140 are separated from each other, so that the flow of the cold water may be smoothly formed.

[0127] At this time, the flow passage through-portion 132 may be formed at any position that can form a passage through which the refrigerant flow passage portion 300 passes by communicating with the outside and the tank space 140. In one embodiment, the flow passage through-portion 132 may be formed in the tank cover 120.

[0128] The sensor coupling portion 133 is located between the water outlet portion 131 and the flow passage penetrating portion 132 .

[0129] The sensor coupling portion 133 is a space to which the sensor member 150 is coupled. The sensor coupling portion 133 is configured to support the sensor member 150 coupled to the tank base 130 through the sensor member 150.

[0130] The sensor coupling portion 133 is coupled to the tank base 130. The sensor coupling portion 133 may be located adjacent to a through-hole (not shown) through which the sensor member 150 passes.

[0131] The tank space 140 is a space formed inside the tank body 110. The tank space 140 is connected to the outside so that filtered purified water can flow in. The communication is achieved by a water inlet 121. The purified water, i.e., cold water, which is cooled while flowing in the tank space 140, can flow out to the outside. The communication is achieved by a water outlet 131.

[0132] In the illustrated embodiment, the purified water flows into the upper part of the tank space 140, is cooled while flowing downward, and is then discharged to the outside through the lower part of the tank space 140. As described above, the direction in which the purified water flows into the tank space 140 may be changed to the upper or lower side of the tank space 140. Similarly, the direction in which the cold water flows out of the tank space 140 to the outside may also be changed to the upper or lower side of the tank space 140.

[0133] In the above case, it goes without saying that the water inlet 121 and the water outlet 131 can be formed in the tank cover 120 or the tank base 130 to correspond to the inflow direction of the clean water and the outflow direction of the cold water.

[0134] The tank space 140 accommodates a flow path forming part 200. The tank space 140 may be partitioned into a plurality of small spaces that are connected by the flow path forming part 200. At this time, the partitioned small spaces are alternately connected by each end of the membrane member 210 of the flow path forming part 200 in the longitudinal direction. Accordingly, the purified water that flows in may be cooled while flowing sufficiently.

[0135] A refrigerant flow passage part 300 is partially accommodated in the tank space 140. The refrigerant flow passage part 300 extends to surround the flow passage forming part 200 accommodated in the tank space 140, but one end part is exposed to the outside so that the refrigerant can flow in and out. The purified water flowing through the plurality of small spaces can be cooled by exchanging heat with the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant flow passage part 300.

[0136] The tank space 140 is defined as being surrounded by the tank body 110, the tank cover 120, and the tank base 130. In the illustrated embodiment, the radial direction of the tank space 140 is surrounded by the tank body 110, and the upper and lower sides of the tank space 140 are surrounded by the tank cover 120 and the tank base 130, respectively.

[0137] The tank space 140 may have a shape corresponding to the tank body 110, the tank cover 120, and the tank base 130. In the illustrated embodiment, the tank space 140 is formed as a space having a cross-sectional shape of the tank body 110, i.e., a cross-sectional shape having a pair of curved lines and a pair of straight lines, and having a height in the up-down direction.

[0138] The sensor member 150 is configured to sense information about the clean water or cold water flowing in the tank space 140. In one embodiment, the sensor member 150 can sense the pressure, temperature, or flow rate of the tank space 140.

[0139] The sensor member 150 is coupled to the tank base 130. The sensor member 150 penetrates the tank base 130 and extends to the tank space 140. The sensor member 150 is supported by a sensor coupling portion 133.

[0140] The sensor member 150 may be provided in any form capable of sensing information about the clean or cold water flowing in the tank space 140. In one embodiment, the sensor member 150 may be provided as a pressure sensor, a temperature sensor, a flow rate sensor, or the like.

[0141] Referring again to FIGS. 3 to 10, the cold water tank assembly 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention includes a flow path forming portion 200. As shown in FIG.

[0142] The flow path forming part 200 forms a flow path through which the purified water flows when it flows into the tank space 140. The flow path forming part 200 allows the purified water to be cooled by sufficient heat exchange with the refrigerant before it flows out. The flow path forming part 200 is accommodated in the tank space 140. The flow path forming part 200 divides the tank space 140 into a plurality of small spaces.

[0143] The divided small spaces are alternately connected to adjacent small spaces through different ends along the extension direction of the small spaces, that is, purified water flowing in any one of the divided small spaces flows in one longitudinal direction of the small space, enters an adjacent small space, and then flows in the other longitudinal direction of the small space before entering another small space.

[0144] The flow passage forming portion 200 is disposed so as to be surrounded by the tank body 110. In the illustrated embodiment, the flow passage forming portion 200 is disposed adjacent to a pair of first inner walls 111 and a pair of second inner walls 112.

[0145] The flow passage forming unit 200 is disposed so as to be surrounded by the refrigerant flow passage unit 300. In the illustrated embodiment, the flow passage forming unit 200 is accommodated in an accommodating space 313 formed inside the main flow passage 310 that extends in a spiral shape. Therefore, the purified water flowing in the plurality of small spaces partitioned by the flow passage forming unit 200 can exchange heat with the refrigerant flowing in the refrigerant flow passage unit 300.

[0146] In the illustrated embodiment, the flow channel forming portion 200 includes a membrane member 210 , a column member 220 , a flow space 230 and an isolation space 240 .

[0147] The membrane member 210 divides the tank space 140 into a plurality of small spaces. The purified water that has flowed into the tank space 140 can be cooled while flowing along the membrane member 210 through the plurality of small spaces.

[0148] The membrane member 210 may be made of a flexible material. The membrane member 210 may be deformed and stored in the tank space 140 while storing a restoring force, and may be restored to its original shape by the restoring force.

[0149] The membrane member 210 may be formed to correspond to the shape of the planar cross section of the tank space 140. In the illustrated embodiment, the tank space 140 is formed to have a length in the front-rear direction and a width in the left-right direction. Accordingly, the membrane member 210 may also be formed to have a length in the front-rear direction and a width in the left-right direction.

[0150] At this time, the length (i.e., length in the front-rear direction) and width (i.e., width in the left-right direction) of the membrane member 210 may be formed to be equal to or smaller than the length and width of the tank space 140. Accordingly, the membrane member 210 may be disposed such that a portion thereof is surrounded by the refrigerant flow path portion 300.

[0151] At this time, each end in the longitudinal direction of the membrane member 210, i.e., in the illustrated embodiment, either one of the front end and the rear end, may be defined as a first end 210a, and the other end may be defined as a second end 210b. The first end 210a and the second end 210b are located between a pair of first inner walls 111.

[0152] Specifically, among the longitudinal ends of the membrane member 210, one end disposed adjacent to the first inner wall 111 or the refrigerant channel portion 300 is defined as a first end 210a. Also, among the longitudinal ends of the membrane member 210, the other end disposed relatively spaced apart from the first inner wall 111 or the refrigerant channel portion 300 is defined as a second end 210b.

[0153] Therefore, purified water flowing along the membrane member 210 can flow toward another membrane member 210 through a space (a flow space 230 described below) between the second end portion 210b and the first inner wall 111 or the refrigerant channel portion 300.

[0154] In addition, in one embodiment, the width of the membrane member 210 may be formed to be the same as the width of the tank space 140. In this embodiment, the corners of the width direction of the membrane member 210 may be in tight contact with the second inner wall 112 to prevent the inflow of purified water. Therefore, the purified water may flow from one separated space 240 to another separated space 240 only through the flow space 230.

[0155] A plurality of membrane members 210 may be provided. The plurality of membrane members 210 are spaced apart from each other, and the tank space 140 can be divided into a plurality of small spaces in the height direction. In the illustrated embodiment, the plurality of membrane members 210 are spaced apart from each other in the vertical direction. In other words, the plurality of membrane members 210 are stacked in the height direction of the tank space 140.

[0156] At this time, among the plurality of membrane members 210, a group of membrane members 210 positioned toward the tank cover 120 and the remaining group of membrane members 210 may be formed to have different extension lengths.

[0157] That is, as shown in FIG. 9, the plurality of membrane members 210 may be divided into a first membrane member 211 located relatively above and a second membrane member 212 located relatively below.

[0158] The first membrane member 211 is positioned toward the tank cover 120 and forms the upstream side of a flow path through which purified water flowing in through the water inlet 121 flows in the tank space 140. The second membrane member 212 is positioned toward the tank cover 120 and forms the downstream side of a flow path for cold water that is cooled as it flows.

[0159] In this case, the first membrane member 211 may be extended by a greater length than the second membrane member 212. Accordingly, the first end 210a of the first membrane member 211 may be disposed closer to the first inner wall 111 than the second end 210b of the second membrane member 212 (see FIG. 3). This is to guide the purified water to flow only through a preset flow path in the first membrane member 211, where the purified water flows before being heat exchanged with the refrigerant.

[0160] That is, in the illustrated embodiment, the first membrane member 211 is located above the main flow path 310 of the refrigerant flow path portion 300. That is, only the purified water flowing along the first membrane member 211 can exchange heat with the refrigerant flow path portion 300.

[0161] Therefore, it is possible to prevent the purified water, which has just flowed into the tank space 140 and has a relatively high temperature, from being mixed with the cold water that has been cooled in advance by heat exchange with the refrigerant, and as a result, the cooling efficiency of the purified water can be improved.

[0162] The number of the first membrane members 211 and the number of the second membrane members 212 may be changed. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 9, three first membrane members 211 and thirteen second membrane members 212 are provided.

[0163] At this time, as described above, the first end 210a of the first membrane member 211 is located adjacent to the first inner wall 111. In one embodiment, the first end 210a of the first membrane member 211 may be in close contact with the first inner wall 111. In the above embodiment, the purified water that has just flowed in (i.e., the purified water before being cooled) no longer flows between the first end 210a of the first membrane member 211 and the first inner wall 111.

[0164] 3 to 9, the first membrane member 211 and the second membrane member 212 extend horizontally. Therefore, in the embodiment, the purified water flowing into the tank space 140 may flow while being pressed by the purified water flowing in through the water inlet 121.

[0165] 10, the first membrane member 211 and the second membrane member 212 may be extended at an incline with respect to the horizontal direction. In this case, the first membrane member 211 and the second membrane member 212 may be extended such that the height of the first end 210a is higher than the height of the second end 210b. That is, the first membrane member 211 and the second membrane member 212 may be extended at an incline downward in the direction toward the second end 210b.

[0166] In the above embodiment, the purified water that has flowed into the tank space 140 can also flow by gravity along the first membrane member 211 and the second membrane member 212 that extend at an angle.

[0167] The column members 220 support the plurality of membrane members 210. The plurality of membrane members 210 may be coupled to the column members 220, respectively. Accordingly, the plurality of membrane members 210 may be stably maintained in a state in which they are spaced apart from each other.

[0168] The column member 220 is formed to extend in the height direction of the tank space 140, in the vertical direction in the illustrated embodiment. One end of the column member 220 in the extension direction, in the illustrated embodiment, the upper end, may be coupled to the tank cover 120. The other end of the column member 220 in the extension direction, in the illustrated embodiment, the lower end, may be coupled to the tank base 130.

[0169] The column member 220 is formed to have a narrow width (i.e., length in the left-right direction) so that the flow of the purified water and the cooled cold water flowing into the tank space 140 is not obstructed by the column member 220.

[0170] The space formed by separating the second end 210 b of the membrane member 210 and the first inner wall 111 is defined as a flow space 230 .

[0171] The flow space 230 communicates with a space (i.e., a separated space 240 described below) formed between a pair of adjacent membrane members 210 among the plurality of membrane members 210. The purified water flowing or cooled in any one of the separated spaces 240 along the membrane members 210 can flow to another one of the separated spaces 240 through the flow space 230.

[0172] In the illustrated embodiment, the plurality of isolated spaces 240 are vertically partitioned and stacked with the membrane member 210 therebetween. Accordingly, it can be said that the flow space 230 is vertically connected to the plurality of isolated spaces 240.

[0173] The flow space 230 is formed between the second end 210b of the membrane member 210 and the first inner wall 111. The purified water flows from one side adjacent to the first end 210a along the membrane member 210 toward the second end 210b and then flows through the flow space 230 to the other separated space 240.

[0174] A plurality of flow spaces 230 may be formed. The flow spaces 230 may be formed between the second ends 210b of the plurality of membrane members 210 and the first inner walls 111, respectively. In the illustrated embodiment, 16 membrane members 210 are provided spaced apart in the vertical direction, so it can be understood that 16 flow spaces 230 are also formed.

[0175] The plurality of flow spaces 230 may be alternately arranged along the longitudinal direction of the membrane member 210. That is, as described above, the second ends 210b of the plurality of membrane members 210 are alternately arranged on the front side and the rear side along the direction in which the plurality of membrane members 210 are stacked (i.e., the up-down direction).

[0176] Accordingly, a plurality of flow spaces 230 are alternately formed on the front side and the rear side along the stacking direction of the plurality of membrane members 210. The purified water flowing into the tank space 140 can flow toward the water outlet 131 while passing through the front side flow space 230 and the rear side flow space 230 alternately.

[0177] As a result, a zigzag-shaped purified water flow path is formed in the tank space 140 by the flow path forming part 200. Therefore, the purified water can flow while exchanging heat with the refrigerant for a sufficient period of time, and thus the cooling efficiency of the purified water can be improved.

[0178] The spaces formed by separating the membrane members 210 from one another are defined as separation spaces 240 .

[0179] The separated space 240 is a space in which purified water flows between the membrane members 210. The separated space 240 is defined by dividing the tank space 140 by a plurality of membrane members 210. In other words, it can be understood that the plurality of small spaces mentioned above refers to a plurality of separated spaces 240.

[0180] The separated space 240 is formed between the plurality of membrane members 210. In the illustrated embodiment, the upper and lower sides of the separated space 240 are partially surrounded by a pair of membrane members 210 located adjacent to each other.

[0181] A plurality of the separated spaces 240 may be formed. The plurality of the separated spaces 240 may be formed between a pair of adjacent membrane members 210 among the plurality of membrane members 210. In the illustrated embodiment, a total of 15 separated spaces 240 are formed between the 16 membrane members 210.

[0182] The main flow passage 310 and the sub flow passage 320 of the refrigerant flow passage unit 300 may be partially accommodated in the plurality of separated spaces 240. Therefore, the purified water flowing in the separated spaces 240 may exchange heat with the refrigerant flowing in the refrigerant flow passage unit 300.

[0183] The plurality of separated spaces 240 are connected to each other. Specifically, one end of the plurality of separated spaces 240, which is biased toward the second end 210b, is connected to the separated space 240 located further upstream, that is, in the illustrated embodiment, the upper separated space 240. The communication is formed by the flow space 230.

[0184] The uppermost separated space 240 among the plurality of separated spaces 240 communicates with the water inlet portion 121 through the flow space 230. The lowermost separated space 240 among the plurality of separated spaces 240 communicates with the water outlet portion 131 through the flow space 230.

[0185] Accordingly, a zigzag flow path for purified water is formed in the tank space 140 as described above.

[0186] 3 to 7 and 11 to 15 again, the cold water tank assembly 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention includes a refrigerant flow path portion 300. As shown in FIG.

[0187] The refrigerant flow passage portion 300 forms a flow passage through which the refrigerant flows. The refrigerant flowing in the refrigerant flow passage portion 300 exchanges heat with the purified water flowing in the tank space 140, thereby cooling the purified water.

[0188] The refrigerant flow passage part 300 is partially accommodated in the tank space 140. The refrigerant flow passage part 300 may be located adjacent to the purified water flowing in the tank space 140. Therefore, the efficiency of heat exchange between the purified water flowing in the tank space 140 and the refrigerant flowing in the refrigerant flow passage part 300 may be improved.

[0189] The refrigerant flow passage unit 300 is coupled to the tank base 130 of the tank unit 100. A portion of the refrigerant flow passage unit 300 is exposed to the outside of the tank body 110. The refrigerant may flow into the refrigerant flow passage unit 300 through the portion. In addition, the refrigerant that exchanges heat with the purified water while flowing in the refrigerant flow passage unit 300 may flow out of the tank unit 100 and the refrigerant flow passage unit 300 through the portion.

[0190] At this time, the refrigerant passage part 300 according to the embodiment of the present invention is coupled to the tank base 130 at one point. Therefore, the part of the refrigerant passage part 300 exposed to the outside of the tank part 100 is minimized, and the temperature rise of the refrigerant flowing into the tank space 140 can be minimized. In addition, the tank part 100, i.e., the tank base 130 can reliably seal the tank space 140.

[0191] In addition, the refrigerant flow passage part 300 according to the embodiment of the present invention has a separate flow passage for the inflow of the refrigerant and a separate flow passage for the outflow of the refrigerant that exchanges heat with the purified water. As a result, the increase in enthalpy of the refrigerant is minimized, and the cooling efficiency of the purified water can be improved.

[0192] In the illustrated embodiment, the refrigerant flow path section 300 includes a main flow path 310 , a sub-flow path 320 and a branch flow path 330 .

[0193] The main flow passage 310 is an exposed portion of the refrigerant flow passage part 300 housed in the tank space 140. The main flow passage 310 exchanges heat with the purified water flowing in the tank space 140 to cool the purified water.

[0194] A refrigerant flow path is formed inside the main flow path 310. At this time, the refrigerant flowing inside the main flow path 310 flows in a direction outflowing from the tank space 140, i.e., downward in the illustrated embodiment. In other words, the main flow path 310 forms an outflow path for the refrigerant.

[0195] Therefore, the refrigerant flowing inside the main flow passage 310 has the lowest enthalpy upstream of the purified water flowing into the tank space 140. As described below, the refrigerant supplied from the outside flows along the sub-flow passages 320 and then flows into the main flow passage 310 at an end of the main flow passage 310 located inside the tank space 140, i.e., a position adjacent to a first main end 312a described below.

[0196] That is, the refrigerant flowing along the main flow passage 310 flows from the inside to the outside of the tank space 140, i.e., from the first main end 312a to the second main end 312b. Therefore, the refrigerant that has just flowed into the main flow passage 310 has a minimum enthalpy. As a result, the cooling efficiency of the purified water that has flowed into the tank space 140 can be improved.

[0197] The refrigerant flowing out along the main flow path 310 receives heat transfer from the purified water flowing into the tank space 140. In one embodiment, the refrigerant in liquid phase or a mixture of liquid and gas flowing along the sub-flow paths 320 may flow into the main flow path 310 and exchange heat with the purified water, resulting in a phase transfer to the mixture of liquid and gas.

[0198] That is, the refrigerant flowing through the main passage 310 has a larger enthalpy than the refrigerant flowing through the sub-passages 320 .

[0199] In the above embodiment, the main flow path 310 may be said to function as an evaporator for the refrigerant.

[0200] The sub-channels 320 are accommodated inside the main channel 310. The refrigerant flowing in the main channel 310 may flow along the sub-channels 320 and then flow into the main channel 310. At this time, the refrigerant flowing along the main channel 310, i.e., the outflowing refrigerant, may flow radially outside the sub-channels 320.

[0201] The main channel 310 is coupled to the tank part 100. More specifically, the main channel 310 is coupled to a channel penetration part 132 of the tank base 130. A part of the main channel 310, in the illustrated embodiment, a part located on the upper side of the tank base 130, is accommodated in the tank space 140. The other part of the main channel 310, in the illustrated embodiment, a part located on the lower side of the tank base 130, is located outside the tank space 140.

[0202] The main flow passage 310 is located adjacent to the tank body 110. Specifically, the main flow passage 310 is located adjacent to the first inner wall 111 and the second inner wall 112 and extends along the first inner wall 111 and the second inner wall 112. In one embodiment, the main flow passage 310 may be in contact with and coupled to the first inner wall 111 and the second inner wall 112.

[0203] The main channel 310 is coupled to the channel-forming part 200. Specifically, the main channel 310 extends to surround the channel-forming part 200. As described above, the main channel 310 extends along the first inner wall 111 and the second inner wall 112, and the main channel 310 is coupled to the channel-forming part 200 in a form of winding around the channel-forming part 200 radially outward.

[0204] The sub-channel 320 is accommodated within the main channel 310. The sub-channel 320 may extend along the main channel 310. The main channel 310 is connected to the sub-channel 320. The refrigerant flowing in the sub-channel 320 may flow into other parts of the main channel 310 except for the part in which the sub-channel 320 is accommodated.

[0205] The main flow passage 310 is coupled to and communicated with the branch flow passage 330. The refrigerant that flows along the main flow passage 310 in a direction to be discharged from the tank space 140, that is, downward in the illustrated embodiment, can be discharged to the outside through the branch flow passage 330. In the illustrated embodiment, an outer end portion of the main flow passage 310 (i.e., a second main end portion 312b described below) is coupled to and communicated with the branch flow passage 330.

[0206] The main flow passage 310 may be made of a material having high thermal conductivity in order to improve the efficiency of heat exchange between the purified water flowing outside the main flow passage 310 and the refrigerant flowing inside the main flow passage 310.

[0207] The main flow passage 310 may be made of a corrosion-resistant material, in order to prevent contamination of the purified water by the main flow passage 310, which may come into contact with the purified water flowing in the tank space 140.

[0208] In one embodiment, the main flow passage 310 may be made of stainless steel (SUS) material.

[0209] The main flow passage 310 extends between the inside and outside of the tank part 100. That is, one end of the main flow passage 310 in the extension direction, that is, in the illustrated embodiment, the upper end (i.e., a first main end 312a described below) is located inside the tank space 140. The other end of the main flow passage 310 in the extension direction, that is, in the illustrated embodiment, the lower end (i.e., a second main end 312b described below) is located outside the tank space 140.

[0210] The main channel 310 may have any shape that is hollow inside so that the refrigerant can flow and can accommodate the sub-channels 320. In the illustrated embodiment, the main channel 310 is formed in the form of a tube.

[0211] The main flow passage 310 may be divided into a plurality of portions. Some of the portions may be located adjacent to the first inner wall 111 and extend along the first inner wall 111. Other of the portions may be located adjacent to the second inner wall 112 and extend along the second inner wall 112.

[0212] In the illustrated embodiment, the main flow passage 310 may be divided into a first main extension portion 310 a extending along the first inner wall 111 and a second main extension portion 310 b extending along the second inner wall 112 .

[0213] The first main extension 310a extends straight and is located adjacent to the first inner wall 111. The second main extension 310b extends in a rounded shape so as to bulge outward and is located adjacent to the second inner wall 112. The first main extension 310a and the second main extension 310b are continuous and communicated with each other.

[0214] A plurality of the first main extensions 310a and the second main extensions 310b may be defined. The plurality of the first main extensions 310a and the second main extensions 310b may be stacked along the height direction of the tank space 140. In the illustrated embodiment, the first main extensions 310a and the second main extensions 310b are stacked in the vertical direction.

[0215] At this time, the second main extension 310b is located adjacent to the first end 210a or the flow space 230. Specifically, the first end 210a may be located adjacent between a pair of second main extensions 310b located adjacent to each other. Accordingly, when purified water is supercooled by the refrigerant to generate ice, a space in which ice can be stored may be secured between the first end 210a and the pair of second main extensions 310b.

[0216] In the illustrated embodiment, the main flow passage 310 includes a main cavity 311 , a main end 312 and a receiving space 313 .

[0217] The main hollow 311 is a space that accommodates the sub-channel 320. The main hollow 311 also forms a channel through which the refrigerant that has flowed in through the sub-channel 320 flows. The main hollow 311 is formed to partially penetrate the inside of the main channel 310. The main hollow 311 extends along the main channel 310.

[0218] One end of the main hollow 311 in the extension direction, which is located in the tank space 140, in the illustrated embodiment, is closed by the first main end 312a. The other end of the main hollow 311 in the extension direction, which is located outside the tank space 140, in the illustrated embodiment, is opened.

[0219] Therefore, the refrigerant that has passed through the sub-passage 320 can flow in the main hollow 311 in the opposite direction to the previous flow direction by the first main end 312a. The refrigerant flowing in the main hollow 311 exchanges heat with the purified water in the tank space 140 as described above.

[0220] The diameter of the cross section of the main hollow 311 may be larger than the outer diameter of the cross section of the sub-channel 320. Accordingly, a space is formed between the cross section of the main channel 310 surrounding the main hollow 311 in the radial direction and the outer circumferential surface of the sub-channel 320. The refrigerant flowing out of the sub-channel 320 may flow in the main hollow 311 through the space.

[0221] The main hollow 311 is connected to the sub hollow 321. The refrigerant flowing in the sub hollow 321 can flow into the main hollow 311.

[0222] The main hollow 311 is connected to the first branch hollow 331a and the second branch hollow 332a of the branch passage 330. The refrigerant that exchanges heat with the purified water while flowing along the main hollow 311 can be discharged to the outside through the first branch hollow 331a and the second branch hollow 332a.

[0223] The main ends 312 form each end in the extension direction of the main flow passage 310. A plurality of main ends 312 may be defined. In the illustrated embodiment, the main ends 312 include a first main end 312a located on the upper side and received in the tank space 140 and a second main end 312b located on the lower side and outside the tank space 140.

[0224] The first main end 312a is closed. The first main end 312a blocks communication between the main hollow 311 and the tank space 140. The refrigerant flowing in the sub hollow 321 has its flow direction changed by the first main end 312a, and can flow to the outside of the tank space 140 along the main hollow 311. Therefore, the first main end 312a can function as a turning point where the flow direction of the refrigerant is changed.

[0225] The second main end 312b is formed to be open. The second main end 312b is coupled to the branch passage 330 and communicates with the first branch hollow 331a and the second branch hollow 332a, respectively. The refrigerant that flows along the main hollow 311 can flow out to the outside through the second main end 312b, the first branch hollow 331a, and the second branch hollow 332a, respectively. Therefore, it can be understood that the second main end 312b may be referred to as the "refrigerant outlet 312b."

[0226] The accommodating space 313 is a space formed outside the main channel 310 and surrounded by the main channel 310. The accommodating space 313 is formed surrounded by the first main extension part 310a and the second main extension part 310b of the main channel 310.

[0227] The receiving space 313 may have a shape corresponding to the shape of the first main extension part 310a and the second main extension part 310b. In the illustrated embodiment, the receiving space 313 is rounded at the front and rear sides so as to bulge outward, and the left and right sides extend straight in the front-rear direction and are formed as a space having a certain height in the up-down direction.

[0228] The receiving space 313 receives the flow passage forming part 200. A first end 210a of the membrane member 210 of the flow passage forming part 200 received in the receiving space 313 may be located adjacent to the first main extension part 310a.

[0229] Therefore, it can be understood that the purified water that flows into the tank space 140 flows into the storage space 313, is cooled, and then flows out.

[0230] The sub-channel 320 forms a flow path through which the refrigerant flows from the outside. In other words, the sub-channel 320 forms an inflow path for the refrigerant. The sub-channel 320 is accommodated inside the main channel 310 and is not exposed to the tank space 140.

[0231] The refrigerant may flow through the subchannel 320 and the pressure may be adjusted to drop. Therefore, in one embodiment, the subchannel 320 may be referred to as a capillary tube. In this embodiment, the subchannel 320 may function as a throttle.

[0232] The sub-channel 320 is connected to the outside. The refrigerant for cooling the purified water may flow into the refrigerant channel part 300 through the sub-channel 320. The refrigerant flowing along the sub-channel 320 flows into the main hollow 311 and exchanges heat with the purified water flowing in the tank space 140.

[0233] Specifically, the refrigerant flowing along the sub-channel 320 flows in a direction from the outside to the inside of the tank space 140, i.e., from the second sub-end 322b to the first sub-end 322a. At this time, the first sub-end 322a is disposed adjacent to the first main end 321a, and the refrigerant flowing through the inside of the sub-channel 320 flows into the inside of the main channel 310 from a position adjacent to the first main end 321a.

[0234] Therefore, the refrigerant may flow into the main passage 310 with the pressure sufficiently reduced and the increase in enthalpy minimized, thereby improving the heat exchange efficiency between the refrigerant and the purified water.

[0235] The sub-channel 320 is received in the main channel 310. At this time, the outer circumferential surface of the sub-channel 320 is formed to be separated from the inner circumferential surface of the main channel 310. For this reason, the outer diameter of the cross section of the sub-channel 320 may be smaller than the inner diameter of the cross section of the main channel 310.

[0236] In one embodiment, the sub-channel 320 may be located radially inward of the main channel 310 and adjacent to the center of the cross section of the main channel 310. Alternatively, the sub-channel 320 may be located biased toward the inner circumferential surface of the main channel 310. In either case, it is only necessary that a space is formed between the outer circumferential surface of the sub-channel 320 and the inner circumferential surface of the main channel 310 to form an outlet channel for the refrigerant.

[0237] The sub-channel 320 is coupled to the tank part 100. More specifically, the sub-channel 320 is accommodated in the main channel 310 that penetrates the tank part 100. Therefore, it can be said that the sub-channel 320 is coupled to the tank part 100 via the main channel 310.

[0238] The sub-channel 320 is coupled to and communicates with the branch channel 330. The lower end of the sub-channel 320 (i.e., a second sub-end 322b described below) may be supported by the branch channel 330.

[0239] The sub-channel 320 may be made of a material having high thermal conductivity in order to improve the efficiency of heat exchange between the purified water flowing outside the sub-channel 320 and the refrigerant flowing inside the sub-channel 320.

[0240] In one embodiment, the sub-channel 320 may be made of a stainless steel (SUS) material.

[0241] The sub-channel 320 extends between the inside and outside of the tank part 100 along the main channel 310. In the illustrated embodiment, an upper end of the sub-channel 320 in the extension direction is located inside the tank space 140 and adjacent to the first main end 312a of the main channel 310. A lower end of the sub-channel 320 in the extension direction is located outside the tank space 140.

[0242] At this time, the lower end of the sub-channel 320 is exposed to the outside by being penetrated by the branch channel 330. The lower end of the sub-channel 320 is connected to the outside and functions as a passage through which the refrigerant flows.

[0243] The sub-channels 320 may have any shape that is hollow inside and allows the refrigerant to flow and can be accommodated in the main channel 310. In the illustrated embodiment, the sub-channels 320 are formed in a tube shape similar to the main channel 310.

[0244] The sub-channel 320 may be divided into a plurality of portions, some of which may be adjacent to and extend along the first main extension 310a, and other of which may be adjacent to and extend along the second main extension 310b.

[0245] In the illustrated embodiment, the sub-channel 320 may be divided into a first sub-extension 320a extending along the first main extension 310a and a second sub-extension 320b extending along the second main extension 310b.

[0246] The first sub-extension 320a extends straight and is adjacent to the first sub-extension 320a. The second sub-extension 320b extends rounded so as to bulge outward and is adjacent to the second main extension 310b. The first sub-extension 320a and the second sub-extension 320b are continuous and communicated with each other.

[0247] A plurality of the first sub-extensions 320a and the second sub-extensions 320b may be defined. The plurality of the first sub-extensions 320a and the second sub-extensions 320b may be stacked along the height direction of the tank space 140. In the illustrated embodiment, the first sub-extensions 320a and the second sub-extensions 320b are stacked in the vertical direction.

[0248] In the illustrated embodiment, the sub-channel 320 includes a sub-cavity 321 and a sub-end 322 .

[0249] The sub-hollow 321 is a space through which the coolant flows. The sub-hollow 321 is formed penetrating the inside of the sub-channel 320. The sub-hollow 321 extends along the sub-channel 320.

[0250] Each end in the extension direction of the sub-hollow 321 is open. One end of the sub-hollow 321 located inside the main hollow 311, in the illustrated embodiment, the upper end, is open. The sub-hollow 321 is connected to the main hollow 311 through the one end.

[0251] The other end of the sub-hole 321 in the extension direction, which is the lower end in the illustrated embodiment, is open. The refrigerant, i.e., the refrigerant to be heat exchanged with the purified water, can flow into the sub-hole 321 through the other end of the sub-hole 321.

[0252] The sub-hole 321 is not connected to the first branch hollow 331a and the second branch hollow 332a of the branch passage 330. Therefore, the refrigerant supplied from the outside does not flow into the branch passage 330, but flows through the main passage 310 via the one end of the sub-hole 321, and then flows out through the branch passage 330.

[0253] The sub-ends 322 form each end of the sub-channel 320 in the extension direction. A plurality of sub-ends 322 may be defined. In the illustrated embodiment, the sub-ends 322 include a first sub-end 322a located on the upper side and located inside the main hollow 311, and a second sub-end 322b located on the lower side and exposed to the outside of the branch channel 330.

[0254] The first sub-end 322a is adjacent to the first main end 312a. The second sub-end 322b is adjacent to the branch end 333 of the branch channel 330.

[0255] The first sub-end 322a is open. The refrigerant flowing along the sub-hole 321 may flow into the main hole 311 through the first sub-end 322a. At this time, the refrigerant flowing into the main hole 311 may change its flow direction due to the closed first main end 312a and flow toward the second sub-end 322b.

[0256] The second sub-end 322b is open. The second sub-end 322b is connected and communicated with an external refrigerant supply source (not shown) to receive the refrigerant. The refrigerant supplied through the second sub-end 322b may flow along the sub-hollow 321 toward the first sub-end 322a. Therefore, it will be understood that the second sub-end 322b may be referred to as a "refrigerant inlet portion 322b."

[0257] Therefore, it can be said that the refrigerant flow path portion 300 has a refrigerant inlet portion 322b and a refrigerant outlet portion 312b formed at one end of each end in its extension direction, in the illustrated embodiment, at the end exposed to the underside of the tank portion 100.

[0258] The branch channel 330 is connected to the main channel 310 and the sub channel 320. The branch channel 330 supports the main channel 310 and the sub channel 320 on the outside of the tank unit 100.

[0259] As described above, the main flow path 310 forms a flow path through which the refrigerant flows out, and the sub-flow paths 320 form a flow path through which the refrigerant flows in. Therefore, the single branch flow path 330 is configured to support both the main flow path 310 and the sub-flow paths 320, so that the refrigerant flow path unit 300 can be connected to the tank unit 100 at one point.

[0260] Accordingly, the connection structure between the tank portion 100 and the coolant passage portion 300 can be simplified.

[0261] The branch passage 330 is located outside the tank portion 100. In the illustrated embodiment, the branch passage 330 is located below the tank base 130.

[0262] The branch passage 330 is connected to and communicates with the outside. The refrigerant flowing along the main passage 310 can be discharged to the outside through the branch passage 330.

[0263] The branch channel 330 is connected to the main channel 310. A space is formed inside the branch channel 330 to accommodate the second main end 312b of the main channel 310. The space is connected to the second main end 312b and the main cavity 311, both of which are open.

[0264] The branch channel 330 is coupled to the sub channel 320. Specifically, the sub channel 320 may be penetrated by the branch channel 330 such that the second sub end 332b may be exposed to the outside of the branch channel 330.

[0265] The branch channel 330 may have any shape that can be coupled to and support the main channel 310 and the sub-channel 320 and communicate with the main channel 310 and the outside. In the illustrated embodiment, the branch channel 330 is provided in the form of a fitting having a "T" shape.

[0266] In the illustrated embodiment, the branched flow path 330 includes a first extension 331 , a second extension 332 and a branched end 333 .

[0267] The first extension 331 forms a part of the branch channel 330. The first extension 331 is a portion where the branch channel 330 is connected to the main channel 310 and the sub channel 320. The first extension 331 supports the main channel 310 and the sub channel 320.

[0268] The first extension 331 may be formed to correspond to the shape of the portions of the main channel 310 and the sub channel 320 located outside the tank unit 100. In the illustrated embodiment, the portions of the main channel 310 and the sub channel 320 are formed to extend in the vertical direction. Accordingly, the first extension 331 may also be formed to extend in the vertical direction.

[0269] A first branch hollow 331a is formed penetrating the inside of the first extension portion 331. The first branch hollow 331a is formed to extend in the extension direction of the first extension portion 331, which is the up-down direction in the illustrated embodiment. Each end of the first branch hollow 331a in the extension direction, which is the upper end and the lower end in the illustrated embodiment, is formed to be open.

[0270] The second main end 312b and an adjacent portion of the main passage 310 are inserted into the first branch hollow 331a. In other words, the main passage 310 is partially accommodated in the first branch hollow 331a. The main hollow 311 communicates with the first branch hollow 331a through the second main end 312b which is open.

[0271] The sub-channel 320 is penetrated by the first branch hollow 331a, and the second sub-end 322b is exposed to the outside of the first extension 331. In the illustrated embodiment, the second sub-end 332b is exposed to the lower side of the first extension 331.

[0272] The first extension 331 is coupled to and communicates with the second extension 332. The first branch hollow 331a is communicated with the second branch hollow 332a formed inside the second extension 332. In the illustrated embodiment, one side of the outer periphery of the first extension 331, i.e., the rear side, is continuous with the front end of the second extension 332. One side of the first branch hollow 331a in the radial direction is communicated with the second branch hollow 332a.

[0273] Accordingly, the refrigerant that has exchanged heat with the cold water can flow to the outside via the second main end portion 312b, the first branch hollow 331a, and the second branch hollow 332a in this order.

[0274] The first extension part 331 is coupled to and communicated with the branched end part 333. Among the ends in the extension direction of the first extension part 331, one end opposite the tank part 100, in the illustrated embodiment, a lower end, is coupled to and communicated with the branched end part 333.

[0275] The inner diameter of the cross section of the first extension part 331, in other words, the diameter of the cross section of the first branch hollow 331a, may be the same as the outer diameter of the cross section of the main channel 310. Accordingly, the second main end part 312b of the main channel 310 and the part adjacent thereto may be hermetically coupled to the first branch hollow 331a.

[0276] At this time, the length to which the main channel 310 is inserted may be determined by the position where the first extension part 331 is coupled and communicated with the second extension part 332. That is, as shown in the drawing, the main channel 310 may be inserted into the first branch hollow 331a only to the extent that the second main end part 312b into which the first branch hollow 331a is inserted does not overlap with the second extension part 332 or the second branch hollow 332a in the radial direction.

[0277] As a result, the main flow path 310 no longer obstructs communication between the first branch hollow 331a and the second branch hollow 332a.

[0278] The second extension 332 forms the other part of the branch passage 330. The second extension 332 forms a passage through which the refrigerant flowing through the main passage 310 flows out to the outside.

[0279] The second extension portion 332 is coupled to and communicates with the first extension portion 331. The second extension portion 332 forms a predetermined angle with the first extension portion 331 and may extend in a different direction from the first extension portion 331. In the illustrated embodiment, the second extension portion 332 extends perpendicular to the first extension portion 331 toward the rear side.

[0280] The second extension part 332 is coupled to and communicated with an external refrigerant discharge part (not shown). The refrigerant flowing through the main flow passage 310, i.e., the refrigerant that has previously exchanged heat with the purified water, can be discharged to the outside through the second extension part 332.

[0281] A second branch hollow 332a is formed penetrating the inside of the second extension portion 332. The second branch hollow 332a is formed to extend in the extension direction of the second extension portion 332, which is the front-rear direction in the illustrated embodiment. Each end of the second branch hollow 332a in the extension direction, which is the front end and the rear end in the illustrated embodiment, is formed to be open.

[0282] The second branch hollow 332a is connected to the first branch hollow 331a. Accordingly, the second branch hollow 332a is connected to the second main end 312b and the main hollow 311, and the refrigerant that has exchanged heat with the cold water can flow in. In the illustrated embodiment, the front end of the second branch hollow 332a is connected to the first branch hollow 331a at the rear side in the radial direction of the first branch hollow 331a.

[0283] The branched end portion 333 is coupled to one end portion of the first extension portion 331 in the extension direction opposite to the tank portion 100, that is, a lower end portion in the illustrated embodiment. The branched end portion 333 is configured to support a portion of the sub-channel 320 that is through-coupled to the first extension portion 331, that is, a portion adjacent to the second sub-end portion 322b in the illustrated embodiment.

[0284] The branched end portion 333 extends in the extension direction of the first extension portion 331, that is, in the vertical direction in the illustrated embodiment.

[0285] The branch end portion 333 is coupled to and communicates with the first extension portion 331. A hollow is formed penetrating the inside of the branch end portion 333 in the extension direction, that is, in the vertical direction in the illustrated embodiment. The hollow is communicated with the first branch hollow 331a.

[0286] The sub-channel 320 may be penetrated through the first branch hollow 331a and the hollow, and the second sub-end 322b may be exposed to the outside of the branch channel 330. In the illustrated embodiment, the second sub-end 332b is exposed to the lower side of the branch channel 330.

[0287] The branch flow passage 330 may be formed so that its cross-sectional area changes along its extension direction. In the illustrated embodiment, the branch flow passage 330 is formed so that its cross-sectional area decreases in a direction opposite to the tank part 100, i.e., in a downward direction. In other words, the branch flow passage 330 is formed in a taper shape toward the downward direction.

[0288] In this case, the inner diameter of the cross section of the lower end of the branch channel 330 may be formed to be the same as the outer diameter of the cross section of the sub channel 320. In the above embodiment, although the sub channel 320 is supported by the branch channel 330, the first branch hollow 331a and the hollow of the branch end 333 connected thereto may be blocked from communication with the outside.

[0289] Therefore, the refrigerant that has flowed into the first branch hollow 331a is prevented from flowing out through the hollow of the branch end portion 333 to the outside.

[0290] In the refrigerant channel section 300 described above, the refrigerant that has flowed in through the second sub-end 322b of the sub-channel 320 flows along the sub-channel 320, and flows into the main hollow 311 through the first sub-end 322a.

[0291] At this time, the sub-channel 320 extends along the main channel 310 inside the main channel 310, and the first sub-end 322a is located adjacent to the first main end 312a of the main channel 310. That is, the first sub-end 322a, through which the refrigerant flows from the sub-hollow 321 toward the main hollow 311, is located in the tank space 140.

[0292] The flow direction of the refrigerant flowing into the main hollow 311 is changed by the first main end 312a. The refrigerant flowing into the main hollow 311 can cool the purified water while flowing in a direction from the first main end 312a to the second main end 312b.

[0293] Therefore, the inlet and outlet flow paths of the coolant can all be formed by the single main flow path 310 and the sub-flow paths 320 housed therein.

[0294] The cold water tank assembly 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention described above includes a tank part 100 into which purified water flows and a refrigerant flow path part 300 which is partially accommodated in the tank part 100 and forms a flow path of the refrigerant. The refrigerant flow path part 300 includes a branch flow path 330 which simultaneously supports an inflow flow path of the refrigerant and an outflow flow path of the refrigerant, and is connected to the tank part 100 at one point.

[0295] Accordingly, the sealed state of the tank portion 100 can be maintained with high reliability, and the structure of the tank portion 100 can be simplified.

[0296] In addition, the sub-channel 320 functioning as a capillary extends along the main channel 310 inside the main channel 310 functioning as an evaporator, and its end (i.e., a first sub-end 322a) is located inside the tank space 140.

[0297] Therefore, the inflowing refrigerant flows along the sub-channel 320 and the pressure is sufficiently reduced, but the increase in enthalpy is minimized, and the refrigerant can enter the main channel 310. Also, the outflowing refrigerant can cool the purified water while flowing along the main channel 310 and then flow out. As a result, the cooling efficiency of the purified water can be improved.

[0298] In addition, a flow path forming part 200 is accommodated inside the tank part 100. The flow path forming part 200 divides the tank space 140 into a plurality of small spaces that are connected to each other. At this time, the divided small spaces are connected to each other at different positions, and a zigzag-shaped flow path is formed in the tank space 140.

[0299] Hereinafter, with reference to Figs. 16 and 17, a refrigerant flow path and a purified water flow path formed in the cold water tank assembly 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail.

[0300] Referring to FIG. 16, a flow path of a refrigerant formed in a cold water tank assembly 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention is illustrated.

[0301] The refrigerant passage part 300 is connected to the outside so that the refrigerant to be heat exchanged with the purified water can flow in. Also, the refrigerant passage part 300 is connected to the outside so that the refrigerant that has exchanged heat with the purified water can flow out.

[0302] Specifically, the coolant is supplied from the outside through the sub-channel 320. In this case, the second sub-end 322b is exposed to the outside of the branch end 333 and can be coupled and communicated with an external coolant supply source (not shown).

[0303] The refrigerant that flows into the sub-hole 321 through the second sub-end 322b flows toward the first sub-end 322a. The first sub-end 322a is open and communicates with the main hole 311, so that the refrigerant flows into the main hole 311. That is, the inflow path of the refrigerant is formed in the direction from the second sub-end 322b toward the first sub-end 322a.

[0304] At this time, the first main end 312a located adjacent to the first sub-end 322a is closed, and the refrigerant cannot flow in the above direction, but is redirected toward the second main end 312b, or downward in the illustrated embodiment.

[0305] Meanwhile, the main flow passage 310 is housed and exposed in the tank space 140. Therefore, the purified water flowing into the tank space 140 exchanges heat with the refrigerant flowing from the first main end 312a toward the second main end 312b along the main hollow 311. That is, the outflow passage of the refrigerant is formed in the direction from the first main end 312a toward the second main end 312b.

[0306] The second main end 312b is inserted and coupled to the first extension 331 of the branch passage 330. At this time, the second main end 312b is connected to the first branch hollow 331a, and the refrigerant flowing along the main hollow 311 (i.e., the refrigerant that has exchanged heat with the purified water) flows into the first branch hollow 331a.

[0307] The hollow of the branch end portion 333 connected to the first branch hollow 331a is cut off from communication with the outside by the through-connected sub-channel 320. Therefore, the refrigerant that has flowed into the first branch hollow 331a can flow out to an external refrigerant discharge portion (not shown) through the second branch hollow 332a.

[0308] At this time, the main flow path 310 and the sub flow path 320 are both supported by the branch flow path 330. Therefore, the refrigerant flow path unit 300 may be coupled to the tank base 130 at one point (i.e., the flow path through-portion 132). As a result, the area where the refrigerant flow path unit 300 is through-coupled to the tank unit 100 may be minimized.

[0309] 17, a purified water flow path formed in the cold water tank assembly 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. At this time, the purified water is cooled and formed into cold water while flowing in the cold water tank assembly 10, so it can be understood that the flow path can also be referred to as a "flow path of generated cold water."

[0310] First, purified water filtered by an external filter member flows into the tank space 140 through the water inlet 121. At this time, the tank space 140 is divided into a plurality of small spaces by the flow path forming portion 200.

[0311] A first end 210a of the first membrane member 211 is located below the water inlet 121. The first end 210a is in close contact with the first inner wall 111, so that purified water does not flow into the space between the first end 210a and the first inner wall 111. Therefore, the purified water that flows into the tank space 140 through the water inlet 121 flows in the extension direction of the first membrane member 211, toward the rear side in the illustrated embodiment, and then flows to the second end 210b.

[0312] As described above, each corner of the membrane member 210 in the width direction may be in close contact with the second inner wall 112. Therefore, purified water flowing along the membrane member 210 may flow to the adjacent separated space 240 only through the flow space 230 formed between the second end 210b and the first inner wall 111.

[0313] At this time, the first end 210a, the second end 210b, and the flow space 230 formed between the second end 210b and the first inner wall 111 of the plurality of membrane members 210 are alternately arranged in the longitudinal direction. Therefore, purified water passing through the flow space 230 adjacent to the second end 210b of any one of the membrane members 210 flows through the separated space 240 in the longitudinal direction of the membrane member 210 and then flows into another flow space 230.

[0314] Accordingly, a zigzag-shaped purified water flow path is formed in the tank space 140. As a result, a sufficient time for heat exchange between the flowing purified water and the refrigerant can be ensured, thereby improving the cooling efficiency of the purified water.

[0315] In addition, since the purified water flow path is formed in a zigzag shape, the flow rate of the purified water does not increase excessively, and therefore, when a user tries to dispense cold water, a situation in which a large amount of cold water is unintentionally dispensed can be prevented, thereby improving user satisfaction.

[0316] Although an embodiment of the present invention has been described, the concept of the present invention is not limited to the embodiment presented in this specification, and a person skilled in the art who understands the concept of the present invention may easily propose other embodiments by adding, changing, deleting, or adding components within the scope of the same concept, which may also be considered to fall within the scope of the concept of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0317] 10: Cold water tank assembly 100: Tank section 110: Tank body 111: First inner wall 112: Second inner wall 120: Tank cover 121: Water entry section 122: Gas communication part 130: Tank base 131: Demizube 131a: Outlet through hole 132: Flow passage penetration 133: Sensor connection part 140: Tank space 150: Sensor component 200: Flow path forming section 210: Membrane member 210a: First end 210b: Second end 211: First membrane member 212:Second membrane member 220: Column member 230: Fluid Space 240: Separate space 300: Coolant flow passage section 310: Main flow path 310a: First main extension 310b: Second main extension 311: Main Hollow 312: Main end 312a: First main end 312b: second main end 313: Containment Space 320: Sub-channel 320a: First sub-extension 320b: Second sub-extension 321: Sub Hollow 322: Sub end 322a: First sub-end 322b: Second sub-end 330: Branch channel 331: 1st extension 331a: 1st branch hollow 332:Second extension part 332a: 2nd branch hollow 333: Branch end

Claims

1. A tank portion that is connected to the outside and configured to receive filtered water, cool the water, and then discharge the water; and The tank includes a refrigerant flow path through which a refrigerant flows that is housed inside the tank and exchanges heat with the filtered water, The coolant flow path portion is A cold water tank assembly, the cold water tank assembly having one end located outside the tank portion and the other end extending to be located inside the tank portion and being through-connected to the tank portion at one point.

2. The coolant flow path portion is a main flow path that forms a flow path for discharging the refrigerant from the other end of the refrigerant flow path portion to the one end of the refrigerant flow path portion and transfers heat to the refrigerant in a mixed state of liquid and gas; and 2. The cold water tank assembly of claim 1, further comprising: a sub-flow passage disposed inside the main flow passage, extending in the same direction as the main flow passage to form a flow passage for flowing the refrigerant from the one end of the refrigerant flow passage portion to the other end of the refrigerant flow passage portion, and reducing a pressure of the refrigerant in a liquid-gas mixture state or in a liquid state.

3. The main flow path is a first main end portion located inside the tank portion and formed closed; and a second main end portion located outside the tank portion and formed open; The sub-channel is a first sub-end disposed adjacent to the first main end in the tank portion and open so as to communicate with the main flow path; and 3. The cold water tank assembly according to claim 2, further comprising a second sub-end located outside the tank portion and open to receive the refrigerant from the outside.

4. The tank portion is A tank space that accommodates the refrigerant flow path portion, and A tank body surrounding the tank space, The cold water tank assembly according to claim 2 , wherein the main flow path and the sub-flow path portions arranged in the tank space extend in a spiral shape.

5. 5. The cold water tank assembly of claim 4, wherein the main flow passage extends adjacent to an inner wall of the tank body surrounding the tank space.

6. The tank portion is A tank space that accommodates the refrigerant flow path portion, and A tank base is disposed to cover one side of the tank space, The coolant flow path portion is 2. The cold water tank assembly according to claim 1, wherein one end of the tank is located in the tank space, the other end of the tank is extended to penetrate the tank base and is disposed outside the tank space.

7. The coolant flow path portion is a main channel which is connected to the tank base and has one end closed and the other end open; a sub-channel extending along the main channel within the main channel, with one end of the sub-channel in an extension direction formed open and disposed adjacent to the one end of the main channel, and the other end of the sub-channel in an extension direction formed open and exposed to the outside of the tank portion; 7. The cold water tank assembly according to claim 6, further comprising a branch passage connected to the other end of the main passage to communicate with the main passage, and connected to a portion of the sub passage adjacent to the other end.

8. The branch flow path is a first extension portion extending along a direction in which the main channel extends and coupled to the one end portion of the main channel; a second extension portion extending in a direction different from that of the first extension portion and communicating with the first extension portion to form a flow path through which the coolant is discharged; and The cold water tank assembly according to claim 7 , further comprising a branch end portion forming another end portion of the first extension portion in an extension direction opposite to the main flow path.

9. A cross-sectional area of ​​one end of the branch end portion opposite to the main flow passage is formed to be equal to or smaller than a cross-sectional area of ​​the sub-flow passage, 9. The cold water tank assembly according to claim 8, wherein communication between the inside and the outside of the main flow path is blocked.

10. The main flow path is a main cavity defined by a space extending between the one end and the other end; The sub-channel is a sub-hollow formed by a space extending between the one end and the other end, through which the refrigerant flowing from the outside flows; The one end of the sub-channel is connected to the main hollow, 8. The cold water tank assembly according to claim 7, wherein the refrigerant flows in through the other end of the sub-channel, flows along the sub-channel, and flows out through the one end into the main channel.

11. The cold water tank assembly according to claim 10, wherein the refrigerant flowing out of the sub-chamber flows along the main chamber and flows into the branch channel through the other end of the main channel.

12. The branch flow path is a first extension portion connected to the other end of the main passage to communicate with the main cavity, the first extension portion having the sub passage passing therethrough; and The cold water tank assembly according to claim 11, further comprising a second extension portion communicating with the first extension portion to form a passage through which the refrigerant flowing out from the other end portion is discharged to the outside.

13. The tank portion is a tank space in which the filtered water flows and in which the refrigerant flow path portion is accommodated; and A tank body circumferentially surrounding the tank space, 2. The cold water tank assembly according to claim 1, further comprising a flow path forming portion disposed in the tank space so as to face the tank body across the refrigerant flow path portion, and forming a space through which the filtered water flows.

14. The flow path forming portion is A plurality of membrane members extending in a longitudinal direction of the tank body and stacked and spaced apart from each other in a height direction of the tank body; and The cold water tank assembly according to claim 13, further comprising: column members extending in a height direction of the tank body and respectively coupled to the plurality of membrane members.

15. The membrane member is a first end portion that forms one end portion in the extension direction and is positioned adjacent to the coolant flow path portion; and The cold water tank assembly according to claim 14 , further comprising a second end portion forming the other end portion in the extension direction thereof and positioned to be spaced apart from the refrigerant flow passage portion as compared to the first end portion.

16. The flow path forming portion is a flow space located between the second end and the coolant flow passage portion, the flow space being a space through which the filtered water flowing through one of the membrane members adjacent to each other flows out to the other membrane member; and 16. The cold water tank assembly according to claim 15, further comprising a separation space that is connected to the flow space and is formed between adjacent membrane members so that the filtered water flows through the separation space.

17. 16. The cold water tank assembly according to claim 15, wherein the second ends of adjacent membrane members are arranged to be biased toward different sides along a longitudinal direction of the tank body.

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