Hot water supplying apparatus for water purifier

KR103012219B1Active Publication Date: 2026-09-01KYOWON PROPERTY CO LTD
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Patent Information

Application Number
KR1020250033093
Authority / Receiving Office
KR · KR
Patent Type
Patents
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2025-03-14
Publication Date
2026-09-01
Estimated Expiration
2045-03-14

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Abstract

The present invention relates to an instant hot water supply device for a water purifier that integrates an instant hot water module for heating water and a bubble separation device for removing bubbles when dispensing hot water. The instantaneous hot water supply device of the water purifier according to the present invention provides an instantaneous hot water supply device comprising: an instantaneous hot water module that filters water flowing into the water purifier for hot water supply and then instantly heats it; a bubble separation device that separates bubbles contained in the hot water as the hot water heated in the instantaneous hot water module flows to the outlet; and a fixing means that integrally combines and fixes the instantaneous hot water module and the bubble separation device.
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Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an instant hot water supply device for a water purifier, and more specifically, to an instant hot water supply device for a water purifier that integrates an instant hot water module for heating water and a bubble separation device for removing bubbles when dispensing hot water. Background Technology

[0002] Generally, water purifiers are configured to filter water by installing an internal filter, and are designed to supply cold and hot water by cooling and heating the filtered water.

[0003] To cool and heat water, a cooling device and a heating device may be provided inside the water purifier, and a tap is installed on the outside of the water purifier to selectively discharge cold water, hot water, or purified water for use by the user.

[0004] At this time, when dispensing hot water from the water purifier, bubbles and steam (hereinafter referred to as bubbles) may be generated together when heating water to produce hot water.

[0005] The bubbles generated in this way obstruct the flow of fluid, so when hot water is discharged, the hot water may splash out to the surroundings, and the discharged hot water may be interrupted or the water stream may bend or swerve.

[0006] Due to this phenomenon, there is inconvenience when hot water is released, and there is a high risk of safety accidents, particularly burns.

[0007] To prevent this, water purifiers equipped with bubble separation devices are being produced recently; however, conventional bubble separation devices typically adopt a structure that naturally separates bubbles contained in hot water.

[0008] However, since conventional bubble separation devices of this type rely on a method of naturally separating hot water and bubbles, a certain amount of time is required for separation, and often residual bubbles remain that were not separated.

[0009] Another method involves forming a trap structure that allows hot water to stagnate at the hot water outlet to remove bubbles. However, this method has the disadvantage that residual water accumulates in the trap and, if left unattended for a long time, the water becomes contaminated. Additionally, to create a stagnation section at the outlet, a space such as a damper must be created, which increases the size of the bubble separation device.

[0010] In addition, the flow paths for cold, hot, and purified water are separated, resulting in an increase in the size of the outlet parts or the addition of parts.

[0011] In addition, conventional water purifiers equipped with bubble separation devices have the instantaneous hot water module and the bubble separation device implemented separately and placed in distinct spaces; consequently, the volume of the water purifier inevitably increases, posing a problem that makes it difficult to miniaturize water purifiers, which is a recent trend. The problem to be solved

[0012] The present invention is proposed to solve the conventional problems described above, and the objective of the present invention is to provide an instant hot water supply device for a water purifier that integrates an instant hot water module and a bubble separation device.

[0013] Another objective of the present invention is to provide an instant hot water supply device for a water purifier that can maintain a long time for bubbles to be separated from the hot water by stagnating and delaying the flow rate when removing bubbles with a bubble separation device.

[0014] Another objective of the present invention is to provide an instant hot water supply device for a water purifier capable of collecting and removing bubbles of relatively small buoyancy by adsorption through the formation of bubble adsorption protrusions on a bubble separation device. In other words, the objective of the present invention is to provide an instant hot water supply device for a water purifier capable of reducing the volume of the water purifier by fixing the instant hot water module and the bubble separation device together using fixing means, and to increase the removal efficiency of bubbles contained in the hot water by efficiently positioning a flow rate delay baffle capable of delaying and stagnating the flow rate above the flow rate delay plate from the through hole through which the hot water and bubbles pass, while simultaneously collecting and removing relatively small bubbles by forming bubble adsorption protrusions at a predetermined interval above the flow rate delay plate, far from the through hole beyond the flow rate delay baffle. means of solving the problem

[0015] The instantaneous hot water supply device of a water purifier proposed by the present invention provides an instantaneous hot water supply device comprising: an instantaneous hot water module that filters water flowing into the water purifier for hot water supply and then instantly heats it; a bubble separation device that separates bubbles contained in the hot water as the hot water heated in the instantaneous hot water module flows to the outlet; and a fixing means that integrally combines and fixes the instantaneous hot water module and the bubble separation device.

[0016] The above-described bubble separation device comprises: a body having an internal space to allow hot water generated from the instantaneous hot water module to flow in and a hot water outlet formed on one side; a bubble separation unit mounted inside the body to allow the hot water and bubbles flowing into the body to pass through and to perform the function of separating unremoved bubbles contained in the hot water; an upper cover assembled to seal the upper part of the body and having a bubble discharge port formed to discharge bubbles separated by the bubble separation unit to the outside; and a check valve assembled between the bubble separation unit and the upper cover to discharge bubbles through the bubble discharge port while blocking the discharge of hot water.

[0017] A partition wall with an inclined surface is formed inside the above body so that hot water flowing in from the instantaneous hot water module can flow into one side of the bubble separation unit.

[0018] The above-mentioned bubble separation unit comprises a skirt that is fitted while in surface contact with the inner surface of the body, a flow rate delay plate formed on the inner side of the skirt to delay the flow of hot water, a through hole formed in the flow rate delay plate to allow bubbles and hot water to pass through, and a check valve support unit formed in the center of the flow rate delay plate to support the check valve.

[0019] A flow rate delay baffle is formed on the upper part of the above flow rate delay plate to delay the flow of hot water flowing through the through hole to the hot water outlet.

[0020] On the upper part of the above flow rate delay plate, bubble adsorption protrusions are formed so that bubbles contained in the hot water can adhere and collect when the hot water passing through the through hole flows toward the hot water outlet.

[0021] The above check valve is configured to open and close the bubble discharge port by moving linearly in the up and down direction due to the pressure of the hot water flowing into the bubble separation unit.

[0022] The above fixing means may consist of a flange portion formed on the opposing surfaces of the instantaneous hot water module and the bubble separation device, respectively, and a fixing member that fixes the flange portions in a butting state. An instantaneous hot water supply device of the water purifier according to the amended claim 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises: an instantaneous hot water module that filters water flowing into the water purifier for hot water supply and then instantaneously heats it; and a bubble separation device that separates bubbles contained in the hot water as the hot water heated in the instantaneous hot water module flows to the outlet. and a fixing means for integrally combining and fixing the instantaneous hot water module and the bubble separation device; wherein the bubble separation device further includes a body having an internal space portion and a hot water outlet portion formed on one side so that hot water generated from the instantaneous hot water module can flow in and out, and a bubble separation unit mounted inside the body to allow hot water and bubbles flowing into the body to pass through and perform the function of separating unremoved bubbles contained in the hot water, wherein the bubble separation unit includes a flow rate delay plate positioned above the space portion to delay the flow of hot water, a check valve installed at the central upper part of the flow rate delay plate to discharge bubbles while blocking the discharge of hot water, a through hole positioned oppositely along the circumferential direction of the flow rate delay plate on the outer periphery of the check valve to allow bubbles and hot water to pass through, a flow rate delay baffle installed along the radial direction relative to the flow rate delay plate to delay the flow of hot water flowing through the through hole to the hot water outlet, and the hot water passing through the through hole and the flow rate delay baffle It is characterized by including bubble adsorption protrusions formed protruding from the upper part of the flow velocity delay plate so that bubbles contained in the hot water can adhere and gather when flowing toward the hot water outlet. Effects of the invention

[0023] The instant hot water supply device of the water purifier according to the present invention can reduce the volume of the water purifier by fixing the instant hot water module and the bubble separation device with a fixing means to integrate them, thereby providing a water purifier that is smaller than the existing water purifier.

[0024] In addition, a flow delay plate and a flow delay baffle capable of delaying and stagnating the flow velocity are formed in the bubble separation device, thereby increasing the efficiency of removing bubbles contained in hot water.

[0025] In addition, bubble adsorption protrusions are formed on the bubble separation device, allowing relatively small gases to be collected and removed. The instantaneous hot water supply device of the water purifier according to the present invention can reduce the volume of the water purifier by fixing the instantaneous hot water module and the bubble separation device using a fixing means to integrate them. Additionally, a flow rate delay baffle capable of delaying and stagnating the flow rate is efficiently positioned above the flow rate delay plate from the through hole through which the hot water and bubbles pass, thereby increasing the efficiency of removing bubbles contained in the hot water. At the same time, bubble adsorption protrusions are formed at a predetermined interval above the flow rate delay plate, far from the through hole beyond the flow rate delay baffle, allowing relatively small gases to be collected and removed. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0026] FIG. 1 is a front view of an instant hot water supply device of a water purifier according to the present invention. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a bubble separation device constituting an instantaneous hot water supply device of a water purifier according to the present invention. Figure 3 is an exploded view of Figure 2. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a bubble separation device constituting an instantaneous hot water supply device of a water purifier according to the present invention. FIG. 5 is an enlarged perspective view of the main part of a bubble separation device constituting an instantaneous hot water supply device of a water purifier according to the present invention. FIGS. 6 and 7 are cross-sectional views for explaining the operation of a check valve of a bubble separation device constituting an instantaneous hot water supply device of a water purifier according to the present invention. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0027] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0028] FIG. 1 is a front view of an instant hot water supply device of a water purifier according to the present invention, FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 are a perspective view and an exploded perspective view of a bubble separation device constituting an instant hot water supply device of a water purifier according to the present invention, FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 are a cross-sectional view and an enlarged perspective view of a main part of a bubble separation device constituting an instant hot water supply device of a water purifier according to the present invention, and FIG. 6 and FIG. 7 show cross-sectional views for explaining the operation of a check valve of a bubble separation device constituting an instant hot water supply device of a water purifier according to the present invention.

[0029] As described above, the instantaneous hot water supply device of the water purifier according to the present invention comprises an instantaneous hot water module (2) that filters water flowing into the water purifier for hot water supply and then instantly heats it, a bubble separation device (4) that separates bubbles contained in the hot water as the hot water heated in the instantaneous hot water module (2) flows to the outlet, and a fixing means that integrally combines and fixes the instantaneous hot water module (2) and the bubble separation device (4).

[0030] An inlet (6) is formed in the instantaneous hot water module (2) so that water filtered from a water purifier (not shown) can be introduced, and a hot water outlet (8) is formed in the bubble separation device (4) so ​​that hot water heated in the instantaneous hot water module (2) can pass through and be discharged after bubbles are removed.

[0031] A detailed description is omitted because the means for heating hot water in the instantaneous hot water module (2) and the instantaneous hot water module (2) including the same can be applied to the structure and method used in a conventional water purifier.

[0032] A fixing part (10) is formed on one side of the instant hot water module (2) so that the instant hot water module (2) and the bubble separation device (4) can be detachably fixed inside the water purifier while combined.

[0033] The bubble separation device (4) comprises a body (14) formed with an internal space so that hot water generated from the instantaneous hot water module (4) can flow in and out, and a hot water outlet (8) formed on one side; a bubble separation unit (16) mounted inside the body (14) to allow the hot water flowing into the body to pass through and to separate bubbles contained in the hot water; an upper cover (20) assembled to seal the upper part of the body (12) and formed with a bubble discharge port (18) to discharge bubbles separated from the bubble separation unit (16) to the outside; and a check valve (22) assembled between the bubble separation unit (16) and the upper cover (20) to discharge bubbles through the bubble discharge port (18) while blocking the discharge of hot water.

[0034] The body (14) is formed in a cylindrical shape and has a partition (24) formed with an inclined surface inside, so that hot water introduced from the instantaneous hot water module (2) can flow to one side of the bubble separation unit (16). Due to this structure, hot water is not introduced into the bubble separation unit (16) all at once, but a certain amount of hot water is introduced sequentially, allowing bubbles to be efficiently removed in the bubble separation unit (16).

[0035] A temperature sensor (26) is assembled in this body (14) so ​​as to provide the temperature of the hot water flowing into the instantaneous hot water module (2) to the user.

[0036] The bubble separation unit (16) is configured to discharge and remove bubbles contained in the hot water while stagnating and delaying the flow of hot water when hot water flows in from the instantaneous hot water module (2) toward the hot water outlet (8).

[0037] The bubble separation section (16) comprises a skirt (28) that is fitted while in surface contact with the inner surface of the body (14), a flow rate delay plate (30) formed on the inner side of the skirt (28) to delay the flow of hot water, a through hole (32) formed in the flow rate delay plate (30) to allow bubbles and hot water to pass through, and a check valve support section (34) formed in the center of the flow rate delay plate (30) to support the check valve (22).

[0038] The skirt (28) and the flow rate delay plate (30) can be formed integrally, and the through holes (32) can be formed in corresponding directions on both sides of the flow rate delay plate (30). In one of the two through holes (32), hot water can flow upward, and in the other, it can flow downward and toward the hot water outlet (8).

[0039] A flow rate delay partition (36) is formed on the upper part of the flow rate delay plate (30) to delay the flow of hot water flowing through the through hole (32) to the hot water outlet (8).

[0040] In addition, on the upper surface of the flow rate delay plate (30), bubble adsorption protrusions (38) are formed so that relatively small bubbles contained in the hot water can adhere and gather when the hot water passing through the through hole (32) flows toward another through hole.

[0041] When hot water is discharged by the operation of an unillustrated water outlet cock, the hot water flows toward one side through hole (32) and passes from the upper part of the through hole (32) toward the lower part where the hot water outlet (8) is located, and is discharged through the hot water outlet (8). At this time, as the hot water flows toward the through hole (32), it is blocked by the flow rate delaying wall (36) and cannot flow in a straight direction, but instead flows around the flow rate delaying wall (36) to bypass it, thereby delaying the flow rate.

[0042] Accordingly, as the flow velocity of the hot water is delayed, more air bubbles contained in the hot water can be separated.

[0043] And when the flow velocity is delayed due to the flow velocity delay partition (36) in this way, small bubbles contained in the hot water that are not separated due to relatively weak buoyancy can adhere to the bubble adsorption protrusion (38), and as these small bubbles adhere to the bubble adsorption protrusion (38) and the volume of the bubbles gradually increases and the buoyancy increases, they can naturally fall off the bubble adsorption protrusion (38) and be discharged through the bubble outlet (16).

[0044] Through this action, even fine bubbles can be separated, thereby further increasing bubble removal efficiency.

[0045] The bubbles discharged through the bubble outlet (16) first pass through the check valve (22), and the lower part of the check valve (22) is supported by the check valve support (34), and operates to open and close the tip of the bubble outlet (18) by moving in a straight line in the up and down direction as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 due to the hot water pressure flowing into the bubble separation part (16).

[0046] Accordingly, bubbles are discharged through the bubble outlet (16), and when the pressure of the hot water increases, the check valve (22) moves straight upward due to the pressure to close the tip of the bubble outlet (18), thereby blocking the discharge of hot water.

[0047] In this way, by operating the check valve (22), the gas contained in the hot water can be discharged, and the discharge of hot water can be blocked.

[0048] And the fixing means for integrally combining and fixing the instant hot water module (2) and the bubble separation device (4) may be composed of flange portions (40) (42) formed on the opposing surfaces of the instant hot water module (2) and the bubble separation device (4), and a fixing member (44) consisting of a bolt or a bolt and a nut that fastens and fixes the flange portions (40) (42) in a butted state.

[0049] Reference numerals 46 and 48, which are not described in the drawing, are O-rings for sealing the members, and reference numeral 50 represents a fixing member for attaching the upper cover (20) to the bubble separator (4).

[0050] In the instantaneous hot water supply device of the water purifier according to the present invention as described above, water introduced through the inlet (6) is heated in the instantaneous hot water module (2), and then when the water outlet tap installed in the water purifier (not shown) is operated, the bubbles of the hot water are separated through the bubble separation device (4) and then discharged through the hot water outlet (8) for use.

[0051] That is, as water is heated in the instantaneous hot water module (2), bubbles generated along with the hot water flow toward the bubble separation unit (16) along with the hot water, and as the flow rate is delayed by the flow rate delay plate (30), the bubbles and hot water pass through the through hole (32) formed in the flow rate delay plate (30), and the bubbles move upward due to buoyancy and are discharged through the bubble outlet (18).

[0052] When the hot water outlet cock is operated in this way, the hot water flows and passes through one through hole (32) of the flow rate delay plate (30), and the hot water located on the upper side of the hot water outlet (8) passes through the other through hole (32) and then flows toward the hot water outlet (8) located on the lower side.

[0053] In this way, the hot water on the upper side of the flow rate delay plate (30) flows through the through hole (32) on one side, and at the same time, the hot water on the lower side of the flow rate delay plate (30) passes through the through hole (32) on the other side and flows to the upper side of the flow rate delay plate (30), and then flows toward the hot water outlet (8) as described above, so that the hot water is discharged.

[0054] As the hot water flows through the bubble separation section (16) and the flow rate is delayed by the flow rate delay plate (30), bubbles with high buoyancy first pass through the through hole (32), rise to the top, and are discharged through the gas outlet (18). At this time, since the hot water is delayed and stagnated by the flow rate delay plate (30), more gas separation can be achieved.

[0055] And as the discharge flow of hot water proceeds, the formed on the flow velocity delay plate (30) Since the flow is blocked by the flow delay partition (36) and cannot flow in a straight direction, it flows by bypassing the flow delay partition (36), so the flow speed of the hot water is delayed by that amount, and the bubbles contained in the hot water can be separated by that amount.

[0056] At this time, small bubbles that are not removed due to relatively weak buoyancy adhere to the bubble adsorption protrusion (38), and as these small bubbles adhere to the bubble adsorption protrusion (38) and the buoyancy of the bubbles gradually increases, they detach from the bubble adsorption protrusion (38) and are discharged through the bubble outlet (16).

[0057] Accordingly, since both large bubbles with high buoyancy and fine bubbles with relatively low buoyancy can be removed, the bubble removal efficiency can be increased.

[0058] The bubbles discharged through the bubble outlet (16) are discharged through the check valve (22). When the amount of hot water flowing in increases, the check valve (22) moves in a straight line upward due to the hot water pressure, closing the tip of the bubble outlet (18). When the amount of hot water flowing in decreases, the hot water pressure decreases, and the check valve (22) moves in a straight line downward, opening the bubble outlet (18).

[0059] In this way, by operating the check valve (22), bubbles can be discharged through the bubble outlet (16) and the discharge of hot water can be blocked.

[0060] Although preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above for illustrative purposes, they are not limited thereto, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims, the detailed description of the invention, and the attached drawings. Explanation of the symbols

[0061] 2: Instant hot water module 4: Bubble separator 6: Inlet 8: Hot water outlet 10: Fixing part 14: Body 16: Bubble separator 18: Bubble discharge port 20: Upper cover 22: Check valve 24: Baffle 26: Temperature sensor 28: Skirt 30: Flow velocity delay plate 32: Through hole 34: Check valve support 36: Flow velocity delay baffle 38: Bubble suction protrusion 40, 42: Flange part 44, 50: Fixing member 46, 48: O-ring

Claims

Claim 1 An instantaneous hot water module that filters water flowing into a water purifier for hot water supply and then instantly heats it; a bubble separation device that separates bubbles contained in the hot water as the hot water heated in the instantaneous hot water module flows to the outlet; and a fixing means for integrally combining and fixing the instantaneous hot water module and the bubble separation device; wherein the bubble separation device further includes a body having an internal space portion and a hot water outlet portion formed on one side so that hot water generated from the instantaneous hot water module can flow in and out, and a bubble separation unit mounted inside the body to allow hot water and bubbles flowing into the body to pass through and perform the function of separating unremoved bubbles contained in the hot water, wherein the bubble separation unit includes a flow rate delay plate positioned above the space portion to delay the flow of hot water, a check valve installed at the central upper part of the flow rate delay plate to discharge bubbles while blocking the discharge of hot water, a through hole positioned oppositely along the circumferential direction of the flow rate delay plate on the outer periphery of the check valve to allow bubbles and hot water to pass through, a flow rate delay baffle installed along the radial direction relative to the flow rate delay plate to delay the flow of hot water flowing through the through hole to the hot water outlet, and the hot water passing through the through hole and the flow rate delay baffle An instantaneous hot water supply device of a water purifier comprising a bubble adsorption protrusion formed protrudingly on the upper part of the flow rate delay plate so that bubbles contained in the hot water can adhere and gather when flowing toward the hot water outlet. Claim 2 The instantaneous hot water supply device of a water purifier according to claim 1, further comprising an upper cover assembled to seal the upper part of the body and having a bubble discharge port formed therein for discharging bubbles separated from the bubble separation unit to the outside, wherein the check valve is assembled between the bubble separation unit and the upper cover to discharge bubbles through the bubble discharge port while blocking the discharge of hot water. Claim 3 An instantaneous hot water supply device of a water purifier according to claim 2, wherein a partition wall formed of an inclined surface is formed inside the body so as to allow hot water flowing in from the instantaneous hot water module to flow into one side of the bubble separation unit. Claim 4 The instantaneous hot water supply device of a water purifier according to claim 1, wherein the bubble separation part comprises a skirt that is fitted downward while in surface contact with the inner surface of the body and extends downward at least partially along the outer periphery of the flow rate delay plate, and a check valve support part that is formed to protrude upward from the central part of the flow rate delay plate and supports the check valve. Claim 5 An instantaneous hot water supply device for a water purifier according to claim 1, wherein a pair of flow rate delay baffles are installed facing each other in a direction in contact with the outer circumference of the check valve, and the flow rate delay baffles have a high step near the check valve and a low step formed on both sides thereof, and the low step is installed spaced apart from one end of the circumferential direction of the through hole. Claim 6 The instantaneous hot water supply device of a water purifier according to claim 1, wherein the bubble adsorption protrusion is formed on the upper part of the flow rate delay plate, passing from the through hole through the flow rate delay partition. Claim 7 An instantaneous hot water supply device of a water purifier according to claim 2, wherein the check valve is configured to open and close the bubble discharge port by moving linearly in the up and down direction due to the hot water pressure flowing into the bubble separation unit. Claim 8 The instantaneous hot water supply device of a water purifier according to claim 1, wherein the fixing means comprises a flange portion formed on the opposing surfaces of the instantaneous hot water module and the bubble separator, respectively, and a screw that fixes the flange portions in a butted state.

Citation Information

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