Water Purifier

Abstract

The water purifier includes a filter module that filters raw water to provide purified water; a fitting valve module that is detachably fastened to the filter module and provides at least one of a flow path for the flow of raw water supplied to the filter module and a flow path for the flow of purified water discharged from the filter module; and a frame including a valve support that movably supports the fitting valve module, wherein the fitting valve module is selectively placed in a separated state in which it moves in a direction away from the filter module and is separated from the filter module, or in a coupled state in which it moves toward the filter module and is coupled to the filter module.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a water purifier. [Background technology]

[0002] In general, a water purifier is a device that receives water from a water supply source such as a water supply system, filters the water with a filter installed inside, and provides the purified water to a user. The purified water may be provided to a user as cold water cooled to a predetermined temperature or below by the water purifier, or as hot water heated to a predetermined temperature or above.

[0003] Meanwhile, the filter installed inside the water purifier needs to be replaced when it reaches the end of its life after filtering water for a long time. Previously, when replacing the filter of the water purifier, a skilled technician had to replace the filter due to the risk of malfunction due to incomplete fastening and breakdown of the water purifier due to water leakage during filter replacement. Therefore, users had to use the expired filter until the filter was replaced by a skilled technician, which was inconvenient. To eliminate such inconvenience, conventional water purifiers are provided with a device that allows not only a skilled technician but also general users to easily replace the filter. That is, conventional water purifiers are provided with a separate attachment / detachment device that allows the filter to be attached and detached from the water purifier.

[0004] However, in the conventional water purifier, a separate space must be provided inside to accommodate the detachable device, which may increase the volume of the water purifier. Furthermore, as the trend toward smaller water purifiers has recently been seen, the internal space of the water purifier has become smaller, which makes it difficult to accommodate the separate detachable device in the internal space of the water purifier.

[0005] In this regard, the applicant's Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2020-0105121, entitled "Filter Attachment Structure and Water Purifier Including the Same" (hereinafter referred to as Patent Document 1), discloses a water purifier in which a filter member can be separated from a flow path by rotating a lever member supported on the main body.

[0006] However, the water purifier disclosed in Patent Document 1 has a problem that it is inconvenient to replace the filter because the user must rotate the lever member in an up-down direction to remove the filter from the water purifier body. In addition, when removing the filter in the water purifier of Patent Document 1, the user must grasp and pull the filter itself, rather than moving the fitting valve that is engaged with the filter. That is, in the water purifier of Patent Document 1, the filter must be pulled in a horizontal direction to remove the filter, but general users simply grasp and pull the main body of the filter (the part in which the filter material is housed), making it difficult to remove the filter. Furthermore, if a user who is not accustomed to removing the filter applies excessive force to pull the filter in a direction different from the filter removal direction, there is a problem that the fitting valve of the water purifier body and the opening of the filter may be damaged.

[0007] In addition, Picogram Co., Ltd.'s Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2020-0083758, "Lever-type Removal Device for Water Purifier Filter" (hereinafter referred to as Patent Document 2), discloses a removal device for a water purifier in which a locking lever is rotated on the main body to separate the water purification filter from the flow path.

[0008] However, the water purifier disclosed in Patent Document 2 has a problem that the user must rotate the locking lever in the vertical direction to remove the filter from the water purifier body, which makes it inconvenient to replace the filter. In addition, in the water purifier of Patent Document 2, as in the water purifier of Patent Document 1 described above, the user must grasp and pull the filter itself to remove the filter, rather than moving the fitting valve engaged with the filter. In other words, in the water purifier of Patent Document 2, the user must pull the filter horizontally to remove it, but since general users simply grasp and pull the body of the filter, the filter cannot be easily removed, and there is a problem that the fitting valve of the water purifier body and the opening of the filter may be damaged due to the user's inexperience in operation. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0009] One embodiment of the present invention has been invented in light of the above-mentioned background, and aims to provide a water purifier that allows a user to easily replace a filter module with little force by moving the fitting valve module.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to provide a water purifier that can support movement of a fitting valve module when the fitting valve module is coupled to and separated from a filter module. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] According to one aspect of the present invention, a water purifier may be provided that includes: a filter module that filters raw water to provide purified water; a fitting valve module that is detachably fastened to the filter module and provides at least one of a flow path for the flow of raw water supplied to the filter module and a flow path for the flow of purified water discharged from the filter module; and a frame that includes a valve support that movably supports the fitting valve module, wherein the fitting valve module is selectively placed in a separated state in which it moves in a direction away from the filter module and is separated from the filter module, or in a combined state in which it moves toward the filter module and is combined with the filter module.

[0012] The frame may further include a filter housing having an open upper side for accommodating the filter module; and a filter cap fastened to the filter housing to cover an upper side of the filter housing, and the valve support may be supported by the filter housing.

[0013] In addition, the valve support may include a guide member extending in a predetermined direction to guide movement of the fitting valve module, and the fitting valve module may include a guide follower portion that engages with the guide member so as to be movable along the guide member; and a locking portion that prevents the attitude of the fitting valve module from tilting beyond a predetermined angle when the fitting valve module moves.

[0014] Furthermore, the fitting valve module and the valve support may be interlocked with each other to have a gap.

[0015] The fitting valve module may further include a handle having a shape protruding upward from the fitting valve, and the filter cap may have a handle accommodating portion that accommodates the handle when the fitting valve module is in the coupled state, and the filter cap may be configured to interfere with the handle so that the fitting valve module is not fastened to the filter housing when the fitting valve module is in the separated state.

[0016] The filter module may include a first filter mouth for receiving the raw water and a second filter mouth for discharging the purified water, and the fitting valve module may include a first fitting valve detachably fastened to the first filter mouth; a second fitting valve detachably fastened to the second filter mouth; and a valve connection portion connecting the first fitting valve and the second fitting valve.

[0017] The fitting valve module may also include a fitting valve selectively fastened to the filter module, and a valve hook that engages the valve support when the fitting valve module is in a predetermined position in the separated state.

[0018] The system may further include a north valve that selectively opens and closes a raw water flow path communicating with the fitting valve module to provide raw water; and a circuit board that controls the north valve so that the fitting valve module closes the raw water flow path when the fitting valve module is released from the coupled state.

[0019] The fitting valve module may further include a tube coupled to the fitting valve module such that the tube bends when the fitting valve module is released from the coupled state.

[0020] In addition, the distance between the filter housing and the filter module in the direction in which the fitting valve module moves may be smaller than the maximum separation distance between the handle of the fitting valve module and the guide member in the direction in which the fitting valve module moves.

[0021] The spacing between the filter housing and the filter module in the direction in which the fitting valve module moves may be a gap between the filter housing and the filter module toward the fitting valve module when the filter module is accommodated in the filter housing. Effect of the Invention

[0022] The water purifier according to an embodiment of the present invention has an advantage that a user can easily replace the filter module since the fitting valve module can be connected to or separated from the filter module by moving.

[0023] In addition, the water purifier according to one embodiment of the present invention can guide the movement direction of the fitting valve module by the valve support, thereby preventing the fitting valve module from being erroneously connected to the filter module. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0024] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a water purifier according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the water purifier of FIG. 1 with an upper cover separated. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the cover frame of FIG. 2 in an open and locked position. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a conceptual diagram that illustrates the flow of water in the water purifier according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a state in which a filter housing accommodating a filter module of the water purifier according to the first embodiment of the present invention, a filter cap, a valve support, and a plurality of fitting valve modules are combined. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view showing the filter housing, the filter module, the filter cap, and the fitting valve module of FIG. 5 in disassembled form. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a state in which the bottom surface of the filter cap in FIG. 5 is positioned upward. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VIII-VIII in FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing the first fitting valve module of FIG. 7 in a separated state and the second fitting valve module in a coupled state. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a plan view of FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing the flow path module of FIG. 3 in an exploded state. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing a state in which a plurality of water pipes and a tubing assembly included in the flow path module of FIG. 3 are connected to each other. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing a filter housing accommodating a filter module, a filter cap, a valve support, and a fitting valve module coupled together according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] 14 is an exploded perspective view of the filter housing, filter module, filter cap, and fitting valve module shown in FIG. 13. FIG. [Figure 15] 15 is a cross-sectional view of the filter housing, filter module, filter cap, and fitting valve module shown in FIG. [Figure 16]FIG. 16 is a perspective view showing a coupled state of the fitting valve module of FIG. [Figure 17] 17 is a perspective view showing the fitting valve module of FIG. 13 in a separated state. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a plan view of FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0025] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, specific embodiments for realizing the technical concept of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0026] In the description of the present invention, if it is determined that a specific description of related publicly known configurations or functions may obscure the gist of the present invention, the detailed description will be omitted.

[0027] Additionally, when a component is referred to as being "connected," "supported," "supplied," or "flowing with" another component, it should be understood that while it may be directly connected to, supported, supplied, or flowing with the other component, there may also be other components in between.

[0028] The terms used in this specification are merely used to describe specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the present invention. A singular expression includes a plural expression unless it has a clearly different meaning in the context.

[0029] In this specification, the term "front" refers to a direction in which a fitting valve module 690 (described later) moves away from the filter module 500 to be separated therefrom, and the term "rear" refers to a direction in which the fitting valve module 690 moves toward the filter module 500 to be coupled thereto. In addition, it should be made clear that expressions such as "upper side", "lower side", and "side" are described based on the directions shown in FIG. 1 unless otherwise specified. In addition, in the accompanying drawings, some components are exaggerated, omitted, or illustrated diagrammatically, and the size of each component does not completely reflect the actual size.

[0030] Furthermore, terms including ordinal numbers such as first, second, etc. may be used to describe various components, but the components are not limited by such terms. These terms are used only to distinguish one component from another. As used herein, the meaning of "comprising" is to embody certain properties, regions, constants, steps, operations, elements, components and / or groups and does not exclude the presence or addition of other particular properties, regions, constants, steps, operations, elements, components and / or groups. Hereinafter, a water purifier 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0031] 1 to 4, a water purifier 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention can provide clean water to a user by filtering water supplied from the outside. For example, the water purifier 1 can supply water from a water supply source (not shown) such as a water supply system, and filter the supplied water into clean water. The water purifier 1 may further include a frame 100, a flow path module 200, a bracket 300, a separation prevention member 400, a filter module 500, a tubing assembly 600, a cooler 700, a heater 800, a cold water flow unit 900, a north valve 1000, a circuit board 1100, and tubes (not shown).

[0032] Water flowing from the outside into the water purifier 1 can be classified into raw water, purified water, cold water, and hot water. In the following, among the water flowing from the outside into the water purifier 1, water that does not pass through the filter module 500 is defined as raw water, and water filtered through the filter module 500 is defined as purified water. In addition, among the water filtered through the filter module 500, water cooled to a predetermined temperature or lower by the cooler 700 is defined as cold water, and among the water filtered through the filter module 500, water heated to a predetermined temperature or higher by the heater 800 is defined as hot water.

[0033] The frame 100 may provide a space for accommodating the flow path module 200, the bracket 300, the separation prevention member 400, the filter module 500, the tubing assembly 600, the cooler 700, the heater 800, the cold water flow unit 900, the north valve 1000, and the circuit board 1100. For example, the frame 100 may extend in the vertical direction, with a part of the upper side protruding forward. The frame 100 may include a main frame 110, a cover frame 120, a filter housing 130, a filter cap 140, and a valve support 150.

[0034] Referring again to FIG. 2, the main frame 110 may be provided to surround at least a portion of the flow path module 200, the bracket 300, the separation prevention member 400, the filter module 500, the tubing assembly 600, the cooler 700, the heater 800, the cold water flow section 900, the north valve 1000, and the circuit board 1100. For example, the main frame 110 may be formed by connecting a plurality of cover members to each other with bolts or the like. Furthermore, the top cover of the main frame 110 may be selectively detached. However, this is merely an example, and any known means for connecting a plurality of cover members to each other in addition to bolts may be used, and the side cover or the bottom cover may be selectively detached.

[0035] Further, the main frame 110 may be provided with an outlet 112 for discharging the purified water to the outside. Such an outlet 112 may be in communication with the tubing assembly 600, and may be configured to discharge the purified water, cold water, and hot water flowing in the tubing assembly 600 to the outside. For example, the outlet 112 may be configured to discharge one of the purified water, cold water, and hot water to the outside according to a user's selection. Further, the outlet 112 may be provided on the front side of the main frame 110, and may be open downward.

[0036] 2 and 3 again, the cover frame 120 may be supported by the bracket 300 and cover the flow path module 200 seated on the bracket 300. Furthermore, the cover frame 120 may be separated from the bracket 300 so that the flow path module 200 is exposed to the outside. In this case, the cover frame 120 may be fixedly supported by the main frame 110. However, this is merely an example, and the cover frame 120 may be rotatably supported by the bracket 300 or the main frame 110. Furthermore, the cover frame 120 may support the circuit board 1100 and electric wires connected to the circuit board 1100, and may be separated from the bracket 300 together with the circuit board 1100.

[0037] Such a cover frame 120 may be selectively placed in either the cover position or the open and fixed position. For example, the cover frame 120 may be placed in the cover position as shown in FIG. 2. In this case, the cover frame 120 may be positioned above the bracket 300 and the flow path module 200, and may isolate the flow path module 200 from the outside. In another example, the cover frame 120 may be configured to be removable from the cover position so that the flow path module 200 is exposed to the outside, as shown in FIG. 3. In other words, the cover frame 120 may be separated from the bracket 300, and the separated cover frame 120 may be placed in the open and fixed position. In this case, the upper part of the bracket 300 and the flow path module 200 may be opened to the outside, and the flow path module 200 may be separated from the bracket 300 and replaced. In addition, the cover frame 120 placed in the open and fixed position may be engaged with the main frame 110 in a state inclined with respect to the cover frame 120 in the cover position.

[0038] 5 and 6, the filter housing 130 may be open at the top to accommodate the filter module 500. The filter housing 130 may be disposed inside the main frame 110 so as to be located at the rear of the water purifier 1. The filter housing 130 may also be formed integrally with the main frame 110, but is not limited thereto. The filter housing 130 may be disposed above the cooler 700, the cold water flow unit 900, and a fan unit for dissipating heat from the cooler 700, and may be disposed behind the cover frame 120. The filter housing 130 may be configured to be exposed when the top cover of the main frame 110 is removed. The filter housing 130 may be formed with a filter module accommodating space 131, a fastening groove 132, and a residual water discharge port 133.

[0039] The filter module accommodating space 131 may accommodate the filter module 500. The filter module accommodating space 131 may be formed to accommodate residual water discharged from the filter module 500 when the filter module 500 is replaced. The filter module accommodating space 131 can prevent the residual water from falling onto electronic components such as the cooler 700 or the fan unit, or falling into the cold water flow unit 900.

[0040] The fastening groove 132 may be removably fastened to a fastener 142 of the filter cap 140. Such fastening between the fastening groove 132 and the fastener 142 can prevent the filter cap 140 from being arbitrarily detached from the filter housing 130.

[0041] The residual water discharge port 133 is an opening for discharging residual water contained in the filter module accommodating space 131 to the outside of the filter housing 130. The residual water discharge port 133 may be provided in the lower part of the filter housing 130.

[0042] 7 and 8, the filter cap 140 may be detachably fastened to the filter housing 130 so as to cover the upper side of the filter housing 130. When the filter cap 140 is separated, the upper side of the filter housing 130 opens, and the filter module 500 can also be moved upward through the upper opening of the filter housing 130 and replaced. Furthermore, the filter cap 140 may be configured to interfere with the handle 694 of the fitting valve module 690 so as not to be fastened to the filter housing 130 when the fitting valve module 690 is in a separated state. Therefore, a user can recognize that the fitting valve module 690 is not properly connected to the filter module 500 when the filter cap 140 and the filter housing 130 are not fastened. In addition, the filter cap 140 may be formed with a seating rib 141, a fastener 142, a handle receiving portion 143, and a movement prevention rib 144.

[0043] The seating rib 141 may protrude downward inside the filter cap 140 so as to surround the periphery of the support portion of the filter mouth 511, 521 of each filter 510, 520. If the filter cap 140 is erroneously fastened to the filter housing 130, the filter module 500 will interfere with the seating rib 141, so that the user can easily recognize that the filter cap 140 has been erroneously fastened.

[0044] The fasteners 142 may be inserted into the fastener grooves 132 of the filter housing 130. Further, the fasteners 142 may be removed from the fastener grooves 132 to separate the filter cap 140 from the filter housing 130.

[0045] The handle receiving portion 143 is formed inside the filter cap 140 and can receive a handle 694 of the fitting valve module 690 when the fitting valve module 690 is in a coupled state to the filter module 500, which will be described later.

[0046] The anti-movement rib 144 may protrude from the handle receiving portion 143. Furthermore, the anti-movement rib 144 may be disposed farther away from the filter module 500 than the handle 694 is when the fitting valve module 690 is in the coupled state. Such an anti-movement rib 144 can prevent the handle 694 from arbitrarily moving in a direction away from the filter module 500 when the fitting valve module 690 is in the coupled state.

[0047] 9 and 10, the valve support 150 may support one or more fitting valve modules 690 and guide their movement. The fitting valve module 690 may move toward the filter module 500 or away from the filter module 500 by the valve support 150. The valve support 150 and the fitting valve module 690 may be engaged with each other to have a gap (assembly tolerance). When the fitting valve module 690 is moved while engaged with the valve support 150 by operating and applying an external force, the position of the fitting valve module 690 during the movement may be tilted compared to the position when no external force is applied. The valve support 150 may include a guide member 151 and a guide cover 152.

[0048] The guide member 151 may extend in a predetermined direction to guide the movement of the fitting valve module 690. For example, the guide member 151 may extend in a direction away from the filter module 500. The guide member 151 and the fitting valve module 690 may be engaged with each other with a predetermined gap on one side. Also, a plurality of guide members 151 may be formed and disposed on both sides of the fitting valve module 690. The guide member 151 may include a guide connection portion 151a and a guide portion 151b.

[0049] The guide connection portion 151a may be connected to an outer surface of the filter housing 130 and protrude forward from the filter housing 130. Additionally, the guide connection portion 151a may support the guide portion 151b.

[0050] The guide portion 151b may extend from the guide connecting portion 151a in a direction (rearward) approaching the fitting valve module 690. Furthermore, the guide portion 151b and the guide connecting portion 151a may form a guide groove 151b-1.

[0051] The guide groove 151b-1 may have a downwardly recessed shape and extend along the movement direction (front-rear direction) of the fitting valve module 690. Furthermore, the guide groove 151b-1 and a guide follower 692 described later may be engaged with each other with a predetermined gap formed therebetween.

[0052] The guide cover 152 is disposed on the upper side of the multiple guide members 151 and can prevent the fitting valve module 690 from being detached from the valve support 150. In other words, the guide cover 152 can engage with the fitting valve module 690 when the fitting valve module 690 is in a separated state in which it is separated from the filter module 500. Such a guide cover 152 may include a guide cover body 152a, a first protrusion 152b, and a second protrusion 152c.

[0053] The guide cover body 152a may be located above the fitting valve module 690 and cover the upper side of the guide groove 151b-1.

[0054] The first protrusion 152b may protrude downward from the guide cover body 152a and be disposed on the upper side of the valve support 150. In addition, the first protrusion 152b may be positioned above a guide follower 692 (described later) from the guide cover body 152a when the fitting valve module 690 is in a separated state. Such a first protrusion 152b may guide both sides of the upper part of the fitting valve module 690.

[0055] The second protrusion 152c may protrude from the guide cover body 152a in a direction approaching the filter module 500 (rearward). In addition, the second protrusion 152c may engage with an insertion hole 694a formed in a handle 694 of the fitting valve module 690 when the fitting valve module 690 is in a separated state. By inserting the second protrusion 162 into the insertion hole 694a, the fitting valve module 690 can be prevented from tilting left and right when the fitting valve module 690 is in a separated state. In other words, the second protrusion 152c can prevent the fitting valve module 690 from tilting and interfering with a user replacing the filter module 500.

[0056] 11 and 12, the flow path module 200 can provide a passage for the purified water and cold water to flow. Such a flow path module 200 can be in communication with the tubing assembly 600 and can be detachably connected to the tubing assembly 600. For example, when the flow path module 200 is connected to the tubing assembly 600, the purified water and cold water can flow between the flow path module 200 and the tubing assembly 600. Also, when the flow path module 200 is connected to the tubing assembly 600, the flow path module 200 can supply purified water from the filter module 500 through the tubing assembly 600. The flow path module 200 can be indirectly connected to the filter module 500 through the tubing assembly 600, rather than being directly connected to the filter module 500. In other words, the flow path module 200 can be seated on a seating portion 310 of the bracket 300, which will be described later, and can be connected to the tubing assembly 600 when the flow path module 200 is seated in a fixed position. The fixed position of the flow path module 200 means a position where the flow path module 200 is placed in a preset direction and seated so as to align with the seating portion 310. When the flow path module 200 is not attached in a fixed position, that is, when the flow path module 200 is placed in a direction different from the preset direction or is not aligned with the seating portion 310, the flow path module 200 interferes with the bracket 300 and is not connected to the tubing assembly 600.

[0057] When the flow path module 200 is seated at a fixed position, the flow path module 200 is configured to be able to communicate with the tubing assembly 600, which has the effect of allowing a user to easily connect the flow path module 200 and the tubing assembly 600. In other words, when a user attaches the flow path module 200 to the bracket 300 at a fixed position, the flow path module 200 and the tubing assembly 600 are connected without the need to connect any other components separately. When viewed from above, at least a part of the flow path module 200 may overlap the tubing assembly 600. When viewed from above, the flow path module 200 is disposed between the filter module 500 and the outlet 112, but may be disposed so as not to overlap the filter module 500. When the flow path module 200 is seated at a fixed position, the flow path module 200 may be placed above the temperature adjustment unit. The temperature adjustment unit in this specification may be understood to include the cooler 700, the heater 800, and the cold water flow unit 900. Additionally, the flow path module 200 may include a number of water pipes 222 , 221 , 223 .

[0058] The water pipes 222, 221, 223 may be connected to the tubing assembly 600 to provide a flow space for purified water or cold water to flow. The water pipes 222, 221, 223 may be separated from the tubing assembly 600 when the flow path module 200 seated on the seating portion 310 is separated from the bracket 300. In other words, a user can separate the water pipes 222, 221, 223 from the tubing assembly 600 by separating the flow path module 200 from the bracket 300, thereby enabling the user to replace the water pipes 222, 221, 223 at once.

[0059] The bracket 300 may support the flow path module 200 and may provide a seat for the flow path module 200. Such a bracket 300 may be supported by the main frame 110 and may be disposed above the tubing assembly 600.

[0060] The separation prevention member 400 may prevent the flow path module 200 seated at a fixed position on the seating portion 310 from being separated from the bracket 300. For example, the flow path module 200 seated at a fixed position may be connected to the tubing assembly 600, and water may flow between the flow path module 200 and the tubing assembly 600. If the flow path module 200 is separated from the seating portion 310 while the water is flowing between the flow path module 200 and the tubing assembly 600, the water may leak from between the flow path module 200 and the tubing assembly 600. The separation prevention member 400 can prevent the flow path module 200 from being separated from the seating portion 310 so that the connection between the flow path module 200 and the tubing assembly 600 is maintained without being released.

[0061] The separation prevention member 400 may be configured such that one end is supported by the bracket 300 and the other end selectively interferes with the upper side of the flow path module 200 seated at a fixed position. For example, the separation prevention member 400 may be rotatably supported by the bracket 300, and the other end may be rotated to the upper side of the flow path module 200 seated at a fixed position, thereby preventing the main body 210 from separating from the seating portion 310. By being positioned above the flow path module 200, the separation prevention member 400 can allow the cover frame 120 to be placed in the cover position when preventing the flow path module 200 from separating. For example, when the separation prevention member 400 is positioned above the flow path module 200, the cover frame 120 may be rotated to be placed in the cover position.

[0062] Furthermore, since the other end of the separation prevention member 400 is not placed above the flow path module 200, it may interfere with the cover frame 120 so that the cover frame 120 is not placed in the cover position when allowing the flow path module 200 to be separated from the seating portion 310. For example, when the separation prevention member 400 rotates to allow the flow path module 200 to be separated from the seating portion 310, the cover frame 120 is not placed in the cover position and is caught by the separation prevention member 400.

[0063] When the flow path module 200 is in a state where it can be separated from the bracket 300, the separation prevention member 400 prevents the cover frame 120 from being placed in the cover position, thereby making the user aware that the flow path module 200 is in a state where it can be detached. This has the effect of allowing the user to check again whether the separation prevention member 400 is engaged with the flow path module 200. In addition, the separation prevention member 400 prevents the flow path module 200 seated in a fixed position from being detached, thereby maintaining the connection between the flow path module 200 and the tubing assembly 600. This has the effect of preventing water from leaking between the flow path module 200 and the tubing assembly 600 which are connected to each other.

[0064] Referring again to FIG. 6 , the filter module 500 may filter raw water flowing into the water purifier 1 to produce purified water. In addition, a fitting valve module 690 may be coupled to the filter module 500 to supply raw water through the fitting valve module 690 or provide purified water to the fitting valve module 690. The filter module 500 may be replaceably provided in the frame 100. For example, the filter module 500 may be disposed on the rear side of the water purifier 1. The filter module 500 may include a first filter 510, a second filter 520, and a filter connection portion 530.

[0065] The first filter 510 may be supplied with raw water from the fitting valve module 690. The first filter 510 may be provided with a first filter mouth 511 that may be selectively coupled to a first fitting valve module 690-1 (described below) that provides the raw water. In other words, the raw water may flow into the first filter mouth 511.

[0066] The second filter 520 may provide purified water to the fitting valve module 690. The second filter 520 may be provided with a second filter mouth 521 that may be selectively coupled to a second fitting valve module 690-2 to be described later to provide purified water. In other words, purified water may be discharged from the second filter mouth 512.

[0067] The filter connection part 530 may be connected to the first filter 510 and the second filter 520. In addition, a flow path may be provided inside the filter connection part 530 to communicate at least one of the raw water and the purified water between the first filter 510 and the second filter 520. A user can pull out the first filter 510 and the second filter 520 from the filter housing 130 at once by gripping the filter connection part 530 and lifting it upward.

[0068] Referring to FIG. 5, the tubing assembly 600 may connect one or more of the outlet 112, the filter module 500, the cooler 700, and the cold water flow unit 900 to the flow path module 200. The purified water filtered by the filter module 500 may flow into the flow path module 200 through the tubing assembly 600. As another example, the cold water cooled by the cold water flow unit 900 may flow into the flow path module 200 through the tubing assembly 600. Furthermore, the tubing assembly 600 may connect some of the multiple water pipes 222, 221, and 223 of the flow path module 200. The tubing assembly 600 may provide a passage for water to flow. For example, one or more of raw water, purified water, cold water, and hot water may flow through the tubing assembly 600.

[0069] Such a tubing assembly 600 may be disposed under the bracket 300 and may be selectively connected to the flow path module 200 seated on the bracket 300. Also, when the tubing assembly 600 is connected to the flow path module 200, it may communicate with a plurality of water pipes 222, 221, 223. In this case, the tubing assembly 600 may form a water flow path together with the flow path module 200. For example, clean water and cold water may flow along the water flow path between the tubing assembly 600 and the flow path module 200, and may alternately flow between the tubing assembly 600 and the flow path module 200. Such a tubing assembly 600 may include a fitting valve module 690.

[0070] 5, 6, 8 and 9 again, the fitting valve module 690 may be removably fastened to the filter module 500 and may provide at least one of a flow path for flowing raw water supplied to the filter module 500 and a flow path for flowing purified water discharged from the filter module 500. Furthermore, the fitting valve module 690 may be moved while being supported by the valve support 150, and may be selectively placed in a coupled state or a separated state with respect to the valve support 150. In other words, the fitting valve module 690 may be moved in a direction approaching the filter module 500 (rearward) to be placed in a coupled state, or moved in a direction away from the filter module 500 (forward) to be placed in a separated state. A user may easily replace the filter module 500 by moving the fitting valve module 690 to the separated state or coupled state. The gap between the filter housing 130 and the filter module 500 in the moving direction of the fitting valve module 690 may be formed to be smaller than the moving distance of the fitting valve module 690. In more detail, the distance between the filter housing 130 and the filter module 500 in the direction in which the fitting valve module 690 moves may be smaller than the maximum separation distance between the handle 694 of the fitting valve module 690 and the guide member 151 in the direction in which the fitting valve module 690 moves, and the distance between the filter housing 130 and the filter module 500 in the direction in which the fitting valve module 690 moves may be a gap from the filter housing 130 and the filter module 500 toward the fitting valve module 690 when the filter module 500 is accommodated in the filter housing 130.

[0071] Also, the fitting valve module 690 and the valve support 150 may be engaged with each other to have a predetermined gap. Such a predetermined gap allows the fitting valve module 690 to move in a tilted position at a predetermined angle. The predetermined angle may be an angle between a position in which the fitting valve module 690 is tilted forward or backward due to an external force and a position in which the fitting valve module 690 is not tilted due to no external force. Also, a plurality of fitting valve modules 690 may be provided. The plurality of fitting valve modules 690 may include a first fitting valve module 690-1 and a second fitting valve module 690-2.

[0072] The first fitting valve module 690-1 may be coupled to the first filter mouth 511 of the first filter 510. The first fitting valve module 690-1 may receive raw water flowing from the north valve 1000 and provide it to the first filter 510. The first fitting valve module 690-1 and the second fitting valve module 690-2 may be placed in different positions. For example, as shown in FIG. 9, the first fitting valve module 690-1 may be placed in a separated state, and the second fitting valve module 690-2 may be placed in a coupled state.

[0073] The second fitting valve module 690-2 may be coupled to the second filter mouth 521 of the second filter 520 to provide purified water. The purified water may flow through the second fitting valve module 690-2 to the flow path module 200. By moving the first fitting valve module 690-1 and the second fitting valve module 690-2 to a separated state, a user can replace the first filter 510 and the second filter 520.

[0074] With further reference to FIG. 10, each of the plurality of fitting valve modules 690 may include a fitting valve 691 , a guide follower 692 and a latch portion 693 , a handle 694 , and a valve hook 695 .

[0075] The fitting valve 691 may provide a flow path through which purified water or raw water flows. The fitting valve 691 may be selectively fastened to the filter module 500. The fitting valve 691 may have a first connection port 691a that can be fastened to the filter module 500 and a second connection port 691b that is connected to a tube. The first connection port 691a may be located above the second connection port 691b. Due to the first connection port 691a and the second connection port 691b, raw water may flow upward from the inside of the fitting valve 691, and purified water may flow downward from the inside of the fitting valve 691.

[0076] The guide following portion 692 may extend from the fitting valve 691 in a direction approaching the guide portion 151b. Such a guide following portion 692 may be engaged with the guide groove 151b-1 with a predetermined gap formed therebetween. In other words, the end portion of the guide following portion 692 may be wrapped in the guide groove 151b-1. Furthermore, the guide following portion 692 and the guide groove 151b-1 may come into contact with each other when the fitting valve module 690 moves and tilts.

[0077] The hook portion 693 can prevent the attitude of the fitting valve module 690 from tilting beyond a predetermined angle when the fitting valve module 690 moves. The hook portion 693 may protrude from the fitting valve 691 in a direction approaching the guide connection portion 151a. The hook portion 693 may also be located below the guide portion 151b. When the fitting valve module 690 moves, the hook portion 693 abuts against the guide portion 151b, and can prevent the attitude of the fitting valve module 690 from tilting beyond a predetermined angle.

[0078] Referring again to FIG. 9, the handle 694 may protrude upward from the fitting valve 691. Using the handle 694, a user may place the fitting valve module 690 in a separated or combined state. The handle 694 may have an insertion hole 694a into which the second protrusion 152c is inserted. The handle 694 may be supported by the second protrusion 152c by the insertion hole 694a when the fitting valve module 690 is in a separated state. The handle 694 is accommodated in the handle accommodating portion 143 when the fitting valve module 690 is in a combined state, and the movement prevention rib 144 may prevent the handle 694 from moving in a direction away from the filter module 500.

[0079] The valve hook 695 may hook onto the valve support 150 when the fitting valve module 690 is placed at a predetermined position in a separated state. The valve hook 695 may be formed to protrude from the fitting valve 691 in a direction approaching the guide member 151. In other words, the valve hook 695 may hook onto the end of the guide member 151 at a predetermined position. Such a predetermined position may mean a position where the fitting valve module 690 contacts the guide cover 152 at a position as far away as possible from the filter module 500 (maximum distant position). The valve hook 695 can prevent the fitting valve module 690 from arbitrarily moving from the predetermined position in a direction approaching the filter module 500 (rearward). Furthermore, the valve hook 695 may be elastically deformable. The valve hook 695 may, for example, be elastically compressed when the fitting valve module 690 is placed between the coupled state and a predetermined position, and when placed in the predetermined position, elastically restore in a direction away from the fitting valve 691 (forward) to contact the end of the guide member 151.

[0080] 4 again, the cooler 700 may provide cold water by cooling purified water to a predetermined temperature or lower. The cooler 700 may be disposed above the cold water flow section 900, and cold water discharged from the cooler 700 may flow into the cold water flow section 900.

[0081] The heater 800 may provide hot water by heating purified water to a predetermined temperature or higher. The hot water discharged from the heater 800 may flow into the tubing assembly 600.

[0082] The cold water flowing unit 900 may provide a space through which the cold water provided from the cooler 700 flows. The cold water flowing unit 900 may also provide a space for storing the cold water cooled by the cooler 700. The cold water flowing unit 900 may be configured in the form of a water tank, for example, and may provide a space through which the cold water flows and a space in which the cold water is stored. The cold water flowing unit 900 may be configured in the form of a thin pipe, or in the form of a water tank with a partition therein, for example, and may provide a space through which the purified water flows as soon as it is cooled.

[0083] The north valve 1000 may be operated to control the flow rate of raw water flowing in from the outside. For example, the north valve 1000 may be a valve that can selectively open and close a raw water flow path that guides the raw water to the filter module 510, and may control the flow rate of the raw water by opening and closing a passage through which the raw water flows. In other words, the north valve 1000 may be disposed upstream of the filter module 510. The operation of such a north valve 1000 may be controlled by the circuit board 1100. The north valve 1000 may also guide the raw water to the fitting valve 690. Such a north valve 1000 may be disposed in a position adjacent to the tubing assembly 600.

[0084] Referring again to FIG. 3, the circuit board 1100 may control the operation of the tubing assembly 600. For example, the circuit board 1100 may control the north valve 1000 to open a passage through which raw water flows. Also, the circuit board 1000 may control the north valve 1000 to close the raw water flow passage to block the supply of raw water to the fitting valve module 690 when the fitting valve module 690 is separated from the coupled state. Such a circuit board 1100 may include a plurality of boards and a plurality of electric wires, and may be fixedly supported by the cover frame 120. Therefore, when the cover frame 120 rotates to be separated from the bracket 300, the circuit board 1100 may rotate together with the cover frame 120. The circuit board 1100 has an effect of being easily exposed to the outside by being separated together with the cover frame 120. Also, the circuit board 1100 has an effect of being easily maintained by being fixedly supported by the main frame 110 while being separated together with the cover frame 120. The circuit board 1100 may be realized by a computing device including a microprocessor, a measuring device such as a sensor, and a memory, and the implementation method thereof is obvious to those skilled in the art, so further detailed description will be omitted.

[0085] A tube (not shown) may be coupled to the fitting valve module 690 so as to bend when the fitting valve module 690 is released from the coupled state. For example, the tube may be formed as a soft tube such as rubber and bendable, but is not limited thereto, and may be formed as a hard tube such as ceramic and bendable. Such a tube may provide raw water provided from the North Valve 1000 to the fitting valve module 690, or may be provided with purified water discharged from the fitting valve module 690. In other words, the tube may be connected to the second connection port 691b.

[0086] Hereinafter, the operation and effects of the water purifier 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0087] A user can use the water purifier 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention to filter water supplied from the outside. Such a water purifier 1 can filter raw water to provide purified water to the user. In addition, the water purifier 1 can provide cold water or hot water to the user by cooling or heating the purified water according to the user's selection.

[0088] In addition, since the fitting valve module 690 can be moved to be placed in a separated or combined state with respect to the valve support 150, a user can easily replace the filter module 500. In addition, since the upper cover of the frame 100 and the filter cap 140 are separated in an upward direction and the filter module 500 can be moved in an upward direction and replaced when the fitting valve module 690 is in a separated state, the filter module 500 can be easily replaced even when the gap between the main frame 100 and the filter module 500 is narrow.

[0089] Furthermore, when the fitting valve module 690 is in a predetermined position in the separated state, the fitting valve module 690 can be restricted in movement by at least one of the guide cover 152 and the valve hook 695, so that the user can replace the filter module 500 without interference from the fitting valve module 690. Also, when the fitting valve module 690 is in the separated state, the filter cap 140 is configured to interfere with the handle 694, so that the user can recognize that the fitting valve module 690 is not properly fixed to the filter module 500.

[0090] Hereinafter, a water purifier 1 according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figs. 13 to 18. In describing the second embodiment of the present invention, the guide member 151 and the guide cover 152 of the first embodiment described above will be referred to as a first guide member and a first guide cover, respectively. In addition, in describing the second embodiment of the present invention, there are differences in the configurations of the valve support 150 and the fitting valve module 690 compared to the first embodiment described above. Therefore, these differences will be mainly described below, and the same descriptions and drawing reference numerals will be used to refer to the above-mentioned embodiment.

[0091] 13 to 15, the valve support 150 may include a second guide member 153 and a second guide cover 154.

[0092] The second guide member 153 may extend in a direction away from the filter housing 130 to guide the movement of the fitting valve module 690. Also, the rail portion 697 of the fitting valve module 690 may be inserted into and engaged with the second guide member 153. The second guide member 153 may be formed with a rail groove 153a having a shape corresponding to at least a part of the outer shape of the rail portion 697. Also, the second guide member 153 may be disposed between a plurality of fitting valves 691, and a plurality of second guide members 153 may be formed corresponding to the number of rail portions 697.

[0093] The second guide cover 154 may be connected to the second guide member 153 so as to cover the front of the upper side of the rail groove 153a. Such a second guide cover 154 can come into contact with the rail portion 697 and prevent the rail portion 697 from moving in a direction away from the filter module 500 when the fitting valve module 690 is in a predetermined position in a separated state.

[0094] The fitting valve module 690 may include a number of fitting valves 691 , a handle 694 , a valve connection portion 696 , and a rail portion 697 .

[0095] The plurality of fitting valves 691 may include a first valve 691-1 and a second valve 691-2.

[0096] The first fitting valve 691-1 may be detachably fastened to the first filter mouth 511. In other words, when the fitting valve module 690 is in an coupled state, the first fitting valve 691-1 may provide raw water to the first filter 510. Also, the first fitting valve 691-1 may receive raw water from the north valve 1000 via a tube.

[0097] The second fitting valve 691-2 may be detachably fastened to the second filter mouth 511. In other words, when the fitting valve module 690 is in a detached state, the second fitting valve 691-2 may receive purified water from the second filter 520. The second fitting valve 691-2 may also discharge the purified water into a tube.

[0098] Also, the first fitting valve 691-1 and the second fitting valve 691-2 may be moved simultaneously. For example, as shown in Fig. 16, when the fitting valve module 690 is placed in a coupled state, the first fitting valve 691-1 and the second fitting valve 691-2 may be coupled to the filter module 500 at the same time. Also, as shown in Fig. 17, when the fitting valve module 690 is placed in a separated state, the first fitting valve 691-1 and the second fitting valve 691-2 may be separated from the filter module 500 at the same time.

[0099] A handle 694 may protrude upwardly from the valve connection portion 696. Such handle 694 may allow a user to move the fitting valve module 690 into a coupled or uncoupled state.

[0100] The valve connection portion 696 may extend horizontally and be connected to the first fitting valve 691-1 and the second fitting valve 691-2. By using such a valve connection portion 696, the first fitting valve 691-1 and the second fitting valve 691-2 may be moved simultaneously.

[0101] 18, the rail portion 697 of the fitting valve module 690 may be supported and moved by the second guide member 153 of the valve support 150. Such rail portion 697 may extend from the valve connection portion 696 in a direction approaching the second guide member 153 and engage with the second guide member 153. In other words, one side of the rail portion 697 may be connected to the valve connection portion 696, and the other side opposite to the one side may engage with the rail groove 153a. The other side of the rail portion 697 may be enclosed by the rail groove 153a. The other side of such rail portion 697 may be prevented from moving in an upward direction by the rail groove 153a. In addition, the rail portion 697 may be disposed between a plurality of fitting valves 691, or a plurality of rail portions 697 may be formed.

[0102] Hereinafter, the operation and effects of the water purifier 1 according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0103] According to the water purifier 1 of the second embodiment, the user can move multiple fitting valves 691-1, 691-2 simultaneously, and therefore can easily move the fitting valve module 690 to a combined or separated state, making it easier to replace the filters 510, 520.

[0104] Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described as a specific embodiment, this is merely an example, and the present invention is not limited thereto, and should be interpreted as having the widest scope according to the technical ideas disclosed in this specification. A person skilled in the art can combine / replace the disclosed embodiments to implement a pattern of a shape not shown, but this will not depart from the scope of the present invention. Furthermore, a person skilled in the art can easily modify or change the embodiment disclosed based on this specification, and it is clear that such modifications or changes also fall within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A filter module that filters raw water to provide purified water; a fitting valve module including a fitting valve having a connection port detachably fastened to the filter module and in which at least one of a flow path for the flow of raw water supplied to the filter module and a flow path for the flow of the purified water discharged from the filter module is formed; and a frame extending in a direction away from the filter module and including a valve support having a groove formed therein for guiding the movement of the fitting valve module; The valve support includes: guiding the fitting valve module to move the fitting valve module in a direction away from the filter module or toward the filter module; the fitting valve module has a follower portion that is movable along the groove and engages with the groove, a movable member that is moved in a direction away from the filter module and selectively placed in a separated state in which it is separated from the filter module, or a movable member that is moved toward the filter module and selectively placed in a coupled state in which it is coupled to the filter module; Water purifier.

2. The frame is a filter housing that is open at the top and receives the filter module; and The filter housing further includes a filter cap fastened to the filter housing to cover an upper side of the filter housing, The water purifier according to claim 1 , wherein the valve support is supported by the filter housing.

3. The fitting valve, a locking portion that prevents the fitting valve module from being tilted beyond a predetermined angle when the fitting valve module is moved; The locking portion is The water purifier according to claim 2 , wherein the fitting valve module has a shape that protrudes from the fitting valve module toward the valve support and is disposed so as to contact a lower surface of the valve support.

4. The water purifier according to claim 3 , wherein the fitting valve module and the valve support are engaged with each other with a gap therebetween.

5. The fitting valve module includes: The fitting valve further includes a handle having a shape protruding upward from the fitting valve, the filter cap includes a handle receiving portion that receives the handle when the fitting valve module is in the coupled state; The water purifier according to claim 3 , wherein the filter cap is configured to interfere with the handle so that the fitting valve module is not fastened to the filter housing in the separated state.

6. The filter module includes a first filter mouth through which the raw water flows and a second filter mouth through which the purified water flows, The fitting valve includes: a first fitting valve detachably fastened to the first filter mouth; and a second fitting valve detachably fastened to the second filter mouth; The fitting valve module includes: The water purifier according to claim 2 , further comprising a valve connector that connects the first fitting valve and the second fitting valve.

7. The fitting valve module includes:

2. The water purifier of claim 1, further comprising a valve hook that engages with the valve support when the fitting valve module is in a predetermined position in the separated state.

8. a north valve for selectively opening and closing a raw water flow path communicating with the fitting valve module to provide raw water; and The water purifier of claim 1 , further comprising a circuit board that controls the north valve so that the fitting valve module closes the raw water flow path when the fitting valve module is released from the coupled state.

9. The water purifier of claim 1, further comprising a tube coupled to the fitting valve so as to bend when the fitting valve module is released from the coupled state, the tube having the flow path formed therein through which the raw water or the purified water flows.

10. The water purifier according to claim 5, wherein a distance between the filter housing and the filter module in a direction in which the fitting valve module moves is smaller than a moving distance of the fitting valve module along the groove.

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