Water outlet device

Abstract

A water outlet device of the present invention comprises: an ice-making evaporator to which refrigerant having passed through a compressor, a condenser, and an expansion valve flows in, and which is provided to cool down purified water filled in an ice-making tray; and a freezing evaporator to which the refrigerant having passed through the ice-making evaporator flows in, and which is provided to freeze and store ices stored in an ice bank.

Description

Water discharge device

[0001] The present invention relates to a water extraction device having an ice-making means, and more specifically, to a water extraction device capable of producing and storing ice.

[0002] A water dispenser is a device that supplies beverages, purified water, etc.

[0003] An example of a water purifier is a water purifier, which is a device that physically and chemically filters out harmful elements such as foreign substances and heavy metals contained in water. To this end, a typical water purifier largely includes a filter unit that filters out contaminants from raw water containing contaminants, and an outlet unit that extracts purified water that has passed through the filter unit. When power is supplied to such a water purifier, raw water is supplied to the filter unit and purified, and the purified purified water is extracted through the outlet unit according to the user's choice.

[0004] Furthermore, in addition to simply purifying raw water, some purifiers also offer cooling and heating functions, providing cold and hot water by cooling or heating the purified water. Furthermore, water purifiers capable of providing ice in addition to cold and hot water, including ice-making devices, have been developed. These cooling and ice-making functions require a cooling device to cool the water passing through the filter.

[0005] Cooling devices used in water purifiers include thermoelectric elements or refrigerant compression cycle devices used in general refrigerators, and refrigerant compression cycle devices are widely used due to issues such as power consumption and cooling capacity.

[0006] Referring to prior art document 1 (Korean Patent No. 10-1602236), a conventional water purifier with an ice-making function includes a water purification tank in which purified water, after being filtered of foreign substances, is stored. Furthermore, separate from the water purification tank, an ice-making tray is provided for temporarily storing water used to make ice, and a cold water tank is provided for storing cold water cooled by the ice-making tray.

[0007] And, an evaporator is provided adjacent to the ice-making tray, and a compressor, a condenser, and a capillary tube, which form a refrigerant compression cycle device together with the evaporator, are respectively provided. In addition, an ice bank for storing the ice produced is provided below the ice-making tray. The ice bank is arranged together with the ice-making tray within a single insulated space.

[0008] A water purifier having a conventional ice-making means having a structure as described above stores ice produced in an ice-making tray in the ice bank, and moves water remaining in the ice-making tray to the cold water tank to supply cold water to a user.

[0009] Meanwhile, the evaporator is a so-called submerged evaporator, which has fingers that come into direct contact with the cold water filled in the ice tray. The submerged evaporator has been used as an ice-making means in water purifiers for a long time due to its simple structure and low production cost. Recently, an ice-making means that controls the compressor using an inverter has been used for the purpose of improving ice-making efficiency, reducing power consumption, and shortening ice-making time.

[0010] The conventional ice purifier as described above uses a three-way valve to open the cold water side valve when producing cold water, and to open the ice-making side valve when producing ice.

[0011] However, the conventional ice purifier as described above has a problem in that after completing ice making, the compressor is stopped and the ice removing heater is operated to remove the ice, so the number of times the compressor is turned on / off is large, resulting in high energy consumption, and the waiting time for turning the compressor on / off is generated, resulting in a decrease in the ice making amount (kg / day).

[0012] Additionally, there were problems such as ice stored in an ice storage after being frozen melting over time, the size and quantity of the ice decreasing, and water being generated as the ice melted.

[0013] In detail, the conventional ice purifier as described above had the following problems when storing frozen ice because it did not store the stored ice under sub-zero temperature conditions.

[0014] First, after freezing, the frozen ice was stored at room temperature and melted during storage.

[0015] And, as the ice melted, there was a problem that the size of the ice supplied to the user was not consistent during ice extraction, and each shape was different.

[0016] For example, there were problems such as broken ice, small ice, and ice that melted easily being extracted.

[0017] Additionally, as the ice melts, water is created, and the water created as the ice melts is drained or used as cold water.

[0018] Additionally, there was a problem of low efficiency because new ice had to be created every time the ice melted.

[0019] Additionally, storing ice at room temperature can cause hygiene problems inside the ice storage.

[0020] That is, there was a problem of poor hygiene as the phenomenon of ice being created and melting repeatedly at room temperature, and the temperature change and water circulation structure inside the ice storage, created a possibility of bacteria and mold growing inside the ice storage.

[0021] The purpose of the present invention is to provide a water extraction device having a refrigeration system that can perform at least one function selected from among cold water generation, ice generation, ice deicing, and ice freezing storage using refrigerant discharged from one compressor.

[0022] The purpose of the present invention is to provide a water extraction device that can generate ice and de-ice the generated ice using one evaporator and one refrigerant pipe.

[0023] The purpose of the present invention is to provide a water extraction device that can store ice at sub-zero temperatures without melting the ice that has been removed, and that can store ice at sub-zero temperatures without heat energy used for removing ice flowing into the ice storage space even when removing ice is in progress.

[0024] A water extraction device according to one embodiment of the present invention includes an ice tray filled with water, an ice bank disposed below the ice tray and storing ice produced in the ice tray after being defrostered, and a cooling means including a compressor, a condenser, an expansion valve, and an evaporator.

[0025] The above cooling means may include an ice-making evaporator, into which refrigerant passing through the expansion valve is introduced and provided for cooling purified water filled in the ice-making tray, and a freezing evaporator, into which refrigerant passing through the ice-making evaporator is introduced and provided for freezing storage of ice stored in the ice bank.

[0026] In addition, a refrigerant valve may be further included, which is arranged between the condenser and the expansion valve and controls the flow of the introduced refrigerant.

[0027] Additionally, the refrigerant valve may be a 4-way valve having one inlet and three outlets.

[0028] In addition, the device may further include a cold water tank filled with purified water that has passed through the filter unit and cooled with cold water, and the cooling means may further include a cold water evaporator provided for cooling the purified water filled in the cold water tank.

[0029] In addition, it includes a first refrigerant pipe connecting the refrigerant valve and the ice evaporator, and a second refrigerant pipe connecting the refrigerant valve and the cold water evaporator, and the refrigerant introduced into the refrigerant valve can be discharged through the first refrigerant pipe or the second refrigerant pipe.

[0030] Additionally, a first expansion valve may be installed in the first refrigerant pipe, and a second expansion valve may be installed in the second refrigerant pipe.

[0031] Additionally, the ice evaporator has a plurality of fingers immersed in the purified water filled in the ice tray.

[0032] In addition, the first refrigerant pipe connecting the refrigerant valve and the ice evaporator, and the third refrigerant pipe connecting the refrigerant valve and the ice evaporator separately from the first refrigerant pipe are included, and a first expansion valve may be installed in the first refrigerant pipe.

[0033] Additionally, during deicing, hot gas can be supplied through the third refrigerant pipe.

[0034] Additionally, when the temperature of the ice bank is lower than a preset reference temperature, hot gas can be supplied through the third refrigerant pipe.

[0035] Additionally, an evaporator fan may be installed on one side of the above-described refrigerant evaporator to supply cold air toward the ice bank.

[0036] Additionally, during deicing, hot gas is supplied to the ice evaporator side, and the evaporator fan can be controlled to stop operation or rotate at a low speed.

[0037] Additionally, the ice-making evaporator and the freezing evaporator can be arranged in series based on the flow direction of the refrigerant.

[0038] Additionally, the refrigerant introduced into the refrigerant valve can be discharged simultaneously through the first refrigerant pipe and the second refrigerant pipe.

[0039] In addition, the refrigerant introduced into the refrigerant valve can be discharged only through one refrigerant pipe selected from among the first refrigerant pipe or the second refrigerant pipe.

[0040] According to the present invention as described above, even if the ice water purifier is miniaturized, there is an advantage in that ice-making performance can be secured.

[0041] Additionally, it has the advantage of improving the amount of ice produced per unit time by reducing the waiting time due to compressor protection logic in existing water purifiers.

[0042] Additionally, it can reduce noise that may occur when the compressor is turned on and off.

[0043] In addition, there is an advantage in that the heat transfer efficiency is improved and the ice-making time can be shortened by directly transferring hot gas to the inside of the finger of the ice-making evaporator without installing a separate heater in the finger type ice-making evaporator.

[0044] Additionally, since there is no on / off operation of the compressor during ice making, power consumption can be minimized, resulting in energy savings.

[0045] Additionally, there is an advantage in that the ice bank where the ice is stored is kept below freezing, preventing the ice that is created from melting.

[0046] Additionally, by keeping the ice bank where the ice is stored below freezing, there is an advantage in that the growth of bacteria and mold in or around the ice bank is suppressed, and hygiene is enhanced.

[0047] Additionally, there is the advantage of providing users with improved quality ice that is firmer and lasts longer as it is stored at sub-zero temperatures.

[0048] Above all, since the finger-type ice evaporator does not have a separate heater installed and heat is transferred by directly supplying hot gas to the inside of the finger, the heat transfer efficiency is increased, which has the advantage of shortening the ice-making time.

[0049] In addition, it has the advantage of being equipped with a four-way refrigerant valve, so that one compressor can be operated to produce cold water, produce ice, separate ice, and store frozen ice.

[0050] In addition, during the freezing process, heat is not transmitted to the ice storage space and is blocked, preventing the stored ice from melting due to the heat energy used for freezing, and there is also an advantage in that the ice can be stored at sub-zero temperatures even during the freezing process.

[0051] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a water extraction device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0052] Figure 2 is a drawing showing a first embodiment of a refrigeration cycle applied to the water extraction device of the present invention.

[0053] FIG. 3 is a drawing showing a second embodiment of a refrigeration cycle applied to the water extraction device of the present invention.

[0054] Fig. 4 is a drawing showing a second embodiment of a refrigeration cycle applied to the water extraction device of the present invention.

[0055] Fig. 5 is a drawing showing a second embodiment of a refrigeration cycle applied to the water extraction device of the present invention.

[0056] Figure 6 is a perspective view showing an ice-making means provided in the water extraction device of the present invention.

[0057] Figure 7 is an enlarged view of the upper part of the ice making means illustrated in Figure 6.

[0058] Figure 8 is an enlarged view of a portion of Figure 7.

[0059] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of Figure 8.

[0060] Figure 10 is an exploded perspective view of an ice-making means provided in the water discharge device of the present invention.

[0061] Figure 11 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of an ice-making means provided in the water extraction device of the present invention.

[0062] Fig. 12 is an exploded perspective view of the ice making unit included in the ice making means of Fig. 10.

[0063] Figure 13 is an exploded perspective view of the dispenser unit, which is a component of the present invention.

[0064] Hereinafter, specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the spirit of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments presented below, and those skilled in the art who understand the spirit of the present invention will be able to easily implement other embodiments within the scope of the same spirit by adding, modifying, deleting, or adding components, and such embodiments will also be considered to be within the scope of the present invention.

[0065] The ice extraction device of the present invention is a water extraction device capable of generating ice, and is characterized by implementing a refrigeration cycle so that the generated ice can be stored without melting.

[0066] Existing ice water purifiers have a structure in which water circulates at room temperature, so the ice produced is also stored at room temperature, which has the problem of hygienic problems such as mold growth, and the problem of ice quality deteriorating as melted ice is extracted.

[0067] The present invention has a feature that the ice produced can be stored in a frozen state so that the ice does not melt.

[0068] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a water extraction device according to one embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 2 is a diagram showing a first embodiment of a refrigeration cycle applied to the water extraction device of the present invention. Fig. 3 is a diagram showing a second embodiment of a refrigeration cycle applied to the water extraction device of the present invention. Fig. 4 is a diagram showing a second embodiment of a refrigeration cycle applied to the water extraction device of the present invention. Fig. 5 is a diagram showing a second embodiment of a refrigeration cycle applied to the water extraction device of the present invention.

[0069] The water extraction device according to the present invention is for extracting water supplied from an external water source immediately after purification, or extracting it after cooling or heating it, and may mean, for example, a direct water extraction device.

[0070] Here, a direct-type water extraction device refers to a water extraction device that does not have a reservoir for storing purified water, but rather a type in which water passes through a filter in real time and purified water is extracted when a user requests purified water extraction.

[0071] In addition, the water extraction device according to the present invention may refer to a refrigerator having a water extraction device function. That is, it may refer to a water extraction device refrigerator that is a refrigerator and has a filter for purifying raw water and a water extraction nozzle through which purified water is extracted.

[0072] In addition, the water outlet device according to the present invention may mean an under-sink type water outlet device in which the main body is installed under the sink and the water outlet nozzle is installed on the outside of the sink.

[0073] In addition, the water discharging device according to the present invention may refer to various types of known devices that receive water from a water source, purify it by passing it through a filter, and then supply it to the outside.

[0074] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 5, a water treatment device according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a main body (10) and a water discharge nozzle (30) coupled to the main body (10) and supplying water downward.

[0075] The above main body (10) is formed to be concave toward the rear at the lower part of the front, and forms a water outlet space (11) in which a container for supplying water and ice is placed.

[0076] That is, the main body (10) forms a water outlet (20) protruding forward at the upper part of the front.

[0077] And, the above-mentioned water discharge nozzle (30) is installed at the lower end of the water discharge portion (20) defining the upper surface of the water discharge space (11).

[0078] In addition, the above-mentioned water outlet (20) may be equipped with various buttons (40). In detail, a purified water / hot water / cold water selection button, a water outlet button, an ice selection button, an ice extraction button, etc. may be equipped.

[0079] At least one filter is arranged inside the main body (10), and purified water passing through the filter can be supplied to the user through the water outlet nozzle (30). A purified water path that guides purified water passing through the filter toward the water outlet nozzle (30) can be arranged inside the main body (10).

[0080] In addition, purified water passing through the filter can be supplied to the water outlet nozzle (30) in the form of cold water or hot water after being cooled or heated.

[0081] To this end, a hot water tank for heating purified water passing through the filter and a hot water path for guiding the heated hot water in the hot water tank toward the water outlet nozzle (30) may be arranged inside the main body (10). For example, the hot water tank may generate hot water by instantaneously heating purified water passing through the hot water tank using an induction heating (IH) method.

[0082] In addition, the hot water tank may be equipped with a thermoelectric element or a heating wire to heat purified water passing through the hot water tank into hot water.

[0083] In addition, instead of the above induction heating method, various heating methods can be applied within the range where purified water passing through the above hot water tank can be heated into hot water.

[0084] In addition, a cooling tank for cooling purified water passing through the filter and a cold water path for guiding the cold water cooled in the cooling tank toward the water outlet nozzle (30) may be arranged inside the main body (10). For example, the cooling tank may be equipped with a compressor, an evaporator, a condenser, a cooling fan, etc., so that purified water passing through the cooling tank can be cooled with cold water. In addition, the cooling tank may be equipped with a thermoelectric element, so that purified water passing through the cooling tank can be cooled with cold water.

[0085] In addition, instead of the above evaporator, various cooling devices can be applied within the range of being able to cool the purified water passing through the cooling tank with cold water.

[0086] In addition, an ice-making means (100) may be provided on the inside of the main body (10) to cool and produce ice by supplying purified water that has passed through the filter or cold water cooled in the cooling tank.

[0087] In addition, the ice produced by the ice making means is stored under sub-zero temperature conditions where the ice does not melt, and can be supplied to the user through the water outlet nozzle (30) or an outlet (50) provided separately from the water outlet nozzle (30).

[0088] Hereinafter, the above ice making means will be described in more detail.

[0089] The above ice making means (100) includes an ice making unit (110), a dispenser unit (150), and a cover unit (102). First, the ice making means (100) includes an ice making unit (110).

[0090] The above ice-making unit (110) is surrounded by insulating material to secure an insulating space. An ice-making tray (120) is installed in the insulating space formed inside the ice-making unit (110) to temporarily store water to be used for ice-making. Specifically, the ice-making tray (120) is mounted on a driving motor and a rotational shaft, and is mounted so as to be rotatable around the rotational shaft.

[0091] Accordingly, when the ice tray (120) is rotated, the contents such as water and ice contained inside the ice tray (120) fall to the lower side of the ice tray (120). An ice bank (130) is provided so that the falling ice and water can be fed. The ice bank (130) has an opening formed at the top, through which the water and ice that fall from the ice tray (120) can enter the interior of the ice bank (130).

[0092] For reference, at this time, the water and ice that fell from the ice tray (120) are separated, the ice is stored in the ice bank (130), and the water can be drained through a separate path.

[0093] The ice bank (130) above is equipped with an auger (140) that rotates in one direction and pushes ice outward, and an ice discharge unit (158) is located at the outlet side of the auger (140). The ice discharge unit (158) is connected to the interior of the discharge port (50) described above, so that ice discharged by the operation of the auger (140) can be delivered to the user from the discharge port (50).

[0094] The bottom surface of the ice bank (130) is made of a water-permeable material or is configured so that a plurality of permeable holes are formed so that the supplied water can pass through the bottom surface of the ice bank (130) and flow out downward. The water thus flowed out is stored inside a residual water storage tank located at the bottom of the ice bank (130) or drained through a separate drain pipe.

[0095] Here, the drain pipe may also be equipped with a pump for drainage, or an external pump may be connected to the drain pipe to perform drainage.

[0096] The ice bank (130) may include an ice basket (114). In addition, a plurality of drainage holes (114a) may be formed in the ice basket (114) to drain water that falls together with the ice during the ice-making process. A plurality of drainage holes (114a) may be formed in the bottom surface, side surfaces, etc. of the ice basket (114), and the bottom surface of the ice basket (114) may be formed to slope downward from the front side to the rear side. In addition, the bottom surface of the ice basket (114) may be formed into a curved surface. In addition, the ice basket (114) may have a shape in which the front side is open and the rear side is closed. Meanwhile, the ice-making means (100) includes a refrigerant compression cycle device (200) to freeze water supplied to the ice-making tray (120) or to cool water in the cold water tank. Specifically, the refrigerant compression cycle device (200) includes a compressor (210), a condenser (220), a dryer (230), an expansion valve (240), an evaporator (250), and an accumulator. Since the operating principles of each component are known from the past, a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0097] The refrigerant passing through the compressor (210) is supplied for at least one of the following uses.

[0098] First, the refrigerant passing through the compressor (210) can be supplied to a cold water evaporator provided in the cold water tank to lower the temperature of the cooling water or cold water in the cold water tank.

[0099] Additionally, the refrigerant passing through the compressor (210) can be supplied to an ice evaporator placed on the side of the ice tray to freeze water contained in the ice tray.

[0100] Additionally, the refrigerant passing through the compressor (210) may be supplied to an ice evaporator or a separate heat exchanger placed on the ice tray side to freeze the ice generated in the ice tray.

[0101] Additionally, the refrigerant that has passed through the compressor (210) can be supplied to a freezing evaporator placed on one side of the ice storage space so that the ice separated from the ice tray is stored at sub-zero temperature conditions.

[0102] The above evaporator (250) may be provided in multiple numbers. The above evaporator (250) may be divided into an evaporator for generating cold water, an evaporator for generating ice, and an evaporator for storing ice.

[0103] In addition, the evaporator (250) can perform multiple functions selected from among cold water cooling, ice making, and ice storage, and each evaporator can individually perform the functions of cold water cooling, ice making, and ice storage.

[0104] In addition, when a plurality of evaporators (250) are provided as described above, a plurality of refrigerant pipes may be provided to transfer the refrigerant passing through the dryer (230) to each evaporator (250).

[0105] The above refrigerant pipe may refer to a single pipe, path, etc. through which the refrigerant flows, and may also refer to a plurality of separate pipes, paths, etc. for connection to other devices such as an evaporator or capillary tube.

[0106] In the following description, it is described that the refrigerant that has passed through the condenser and the dryer in sequence flows to the refrigerant valve, but the scope of the present invention is not limited to this, and it is to be noted in advance that the refrigerant that has passed through the condenser may flow directly to the refrigerant valve without passing through the dryer.

[0107] And, each of the above refrigerant pipes may be connected in parallel, or at least some of the refrigerant pipes may be connected in series.

[0108] That is, multiple evaporators may be connected in parallel, or at least some of the evaporators may be connected in series.

[0109] And, when each of the above refrigerant pipes is connected in parallel or series, a refrigerant valve for transmitting or blocking refrigerant to each refrigerant pipe may be provided.

[0110] In a refrigeration cycle where refrigerant discharged from a compressor is returned to the compressor, when one component is said to be connected "in series" with another component, it means that the two components are connected in series so that the refrigerant flowing from one component continues to the other. There may be components between the two series-connected components that form a passage for the refrigerant to flow, such as refrigerant pipes or expansion valves.

[0111] In addition, when it is said that a component is connected “in parallel” with another component in a flow path through which refrigerant discharged from a compressor flows, it means that the flow path connected to one component and the flow path connected to the other component branch off from the upstream side of the two components and join together from the downstream side of the two components based on the flow direction of the refrigerant. The flow path may be implemented as a component in which a passage through which refrigerant flows is formed, such as a refrigerant pipe or an expansion valve, and components such as valves and connecting pipes may be arranged at the points where the flow paths branch off and join together. Hereinafter, a refrigerant cycle according to various embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0112] First, referring to FIG. 2, the evaporator (250) includes a cold water evaporator (251) for generating cold water and a refrigeration evaporator (253) for supplying cold air to prevent ice stored in an ice bank (130) from melting.

[0113] For reference, in the case of the present invention, at least one evaporator among the cold water evaporator (251), ice making evaporator (252), and freezing evaporator (253) may be omitted, and a thermoelectric element may be used to replace the omitted evaporator.

[0114] In addition, various known cooling means capable of performing a heat absorption function may be provided instead of the cold water evaporator (251), ice evaporator (252), and freezing evaporator (253).

[0115] The refrigerant that has passed through the compressor (210) passes through the condenser (220) and the dryer (230) and then flows into the refrigerant valve (270). For reference, a condenser fan (280) may be installed on one side of the condenser (220) to dissipate heat from the condenser.

[0116] And, the refrigerant introduced into the refrigerant valve (270) can flow into the first refrigerant pipe (291) or the third refrigerant pipe (293).

[0117] For example, the refrigerant valve (270) may be provided as a three-way valve having one inlet and two outlets, and capable of individually opening and closing each inlet and outlet and controlling the degree of opening.

[0118] For reference, the above refrigerant valve (270) may be composed of multiple valves. In addition, a refrigerant valve may be individually installed in each refrigerant pipe (291, 293).

[0119] In the above or subsequent description, the expansion valve refers to an expansion valve. In addition, the expansion valve may include a capillary or electronic expansion valve.

[0120] First, the refrigerant flowing through the first refrigerant pipe (291) passes through the first expansion valve (241) and then flows to the cold water evaporator (251).

[0121] And, the cold water evaporator (251) cools the water in the cold water tank into cold water through heat exchange with purified water passing through the cold water tank.

[0122] The refrigerant that has passed through the above cold water evaporator (251) flows back to the compressor (210).

[0123] Meanwhile, the refrigerant flowing through the third refrigerant pipe (293) passes through the third expansion valve (243) and then flows to the refrigerating evaporator (253).

[0124] In addition, the refrigeration evaporator (253) supplies cold air to prevent the ice stored in the ice bank (130) from melting. In order to supply cold air toward the ice bank (130) as described above, an evaporator fan (260) that forms a discharge airflow toward the ice bank (130) may be formed on one side of the refrigeration evaporator (253).

[0125] The refrigerant that has passed through the above-mentioned refrigerant evaporator (253) flows back to the compressor (210).

[0126] In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, the refrigerant passing through the dryer (230) can flow to the cold water evaporator (251) through the three-way valve or to the freezer evaporator (253).

[0127] In the above embodiment, the refrigerant passing through the dryer (230) may flow to the cold water evaporator (251) through a three-way valve, or may flow to the ice-making evaporator provided for ice-making.

[0128] Additionally, a refrigerant pipe may be formed so that the refrigerant passing through the ice evaporator flows to the freezing evaporator (253).

[0129] As another example, referring to FIG. 3, the evaporator (250) includes a cold water evaporator (251) for generating cold water, an ice evaporator (252) arranged on the side of the ice tray (120) for making ice, and a freezing evaporator (253) for supplying cold air to prevent ice stored in the ice bank (130) from melting.

[0130] The refrigerant that has passed through the compressor (210) passes through the condenser (220) and the dryer (230) and then flows into the refrigerant valve (270). For reference, a condenser fan (280) may be installed on one side of the condenser (220) to dissipate heat from the condenser.

[0131] And, the refrigerant introduced into the refrigerant valve (270) can flow into the first refrigerant pipe (291), the second refrigerant pipe (292), or the third refrigerant pipe (293).

[0132] For example, the refrigerant valve (270) may be provided as a 4-way valve having one inlet and three outlets, and capable of individually opening and closing each inlet and outlet and controlling the degree of opening.

[0133] For reference, the above refrigerant valve (270) may be provided as a three-way valve or may be composed of multiple valves. In addition, refrigerant valves may be individually installed in each refrigerant pipe (291, 292, 293).

[0134] First, the refrigerant flowing through the first refrigerant pipe (291) passes through the first expansion valve (241) and then flows to the cold water evaporator (251).

[0135] And, the cold water evaporator (251) cools the water in the cold water tank into cold water through heat exchange with purified water passing through the cold water tank.

[0136] The refrigerant that has passed through the above cold water evaporator (251) flows back to the compressor (210).

[0137] Meanwhile, the refrigerant flowing through the second refrigerant pipe (292) passes through the second expansion valve (242) and then flows to the ice evaporator (252).

[0138] And, the refrigerant introduced into the ice evaporator (252) exchanges heat with the water contained in the ice tray (120) to freeze the water into ice.

[0139] The refrigerant that has passed through the above ice evaporator (252) flows back to the compressor (210).

[0140] The above ice evaporator (252) can be provided in various ways.

[0141] First, the ice evaporator (252) may be equipped with a finger-type evaporator. The finger-type evaporator is a method of creating ice around the fingers by placing the fingers of the evaporator in a tray containing water.

[0142] Additionally, the ice evaporator (252) may be provided as a type that sprays water onto the evaporator to create ice around the evaporator.

[0143] Additionally, the ice evaporator may not be provided separately for ice making operation only, and the ice evaporator may be installed on the bottom of the ice tray.

[0144] That is, without having an ice-making evaporator and a freezing evaporator separately, it is possible to freeze water contained in an ice-making tray with cold air generated from a single evaporator, or to supply cold air to prevent ice separated from the ice-making tray from melting.

[0145] Meanwhile, the refrigerant flowing through the third refrigerant pipe (293) passes through the third expansion valve (243) and then flows to the refrigerating evaporator (253).

[0146] In addition, the refrigeration evaporator (253) supplies cold air to prevent the ice stored in the ice bank (130) from melting. In order to supply cold air toward the ice bank (130) as described above, an evaporator fan (260) that forms a discharge airflow toward the ice bank (130) may be formed on one side of the refrigeration evaporator (253).

[0147] The refrigerant that has passed through the above-mentioned refrigerant evaporator (253) flows back to the compressor (210).

[0148] In addition, in the above embodiment, the ice evaporator (252) may be provided with a plurality of fingers (252a) whose ends are immersed in water supplied to the ice tray (120). Accordingly, when cold refrigerant flows inside the ice evaporator (252), water in contact with the surrounding area freezes, causing ice to gradually grow.

[0149] In order to separate the ice grown around the ice evaporator (252), a separate ice separating means may be provided on one side of the ice evaporator (252). For example, the ice separating means may be provided as an ice separating heater (170).

[0150] For reference, 'ice separating' means separating ice stuck to the ice evaporator (252) from the ice evaporator (252), and has the same meaning as deicing.

[0151] Immediately after ice making is completed in the ice evaporator (252), the ice is stuck to the ice evaporator (252), so a separate ice separating means is required to separate the ice from the ice evaporator (252).

[0152] As another example, referring to FIG. 4, the evaporator (250) includes a cold water evaporator (251) for generating cold water, an ice evaporator (252) arranged on the side of the ice tray (120) for making ice, and a freezing evaporator (253) for supplying cold air to prevent ice stored in the ice bank (130) from melting.

[0153] The refrigerant that has passed through the compressor (210) passes through the condenser (220) and the dryer (230) and then flows into the refrigerant valve (270). For reference, a condenser fan (280) may be installed on one side of the condenser (220) to dissipate heat from the condenser.

[0154] And, the refrigerant introduced into the refrigerant valve (270) can flow into the first refrigerant pipe (291) or the second refrigerant pipe (292).

[0155] For example, the refrigerant valve (270) may be provided as a three-way valve having one inlet and two outlets, and capable of individually opening and closing each inlet and outlet and controlling the degree of opening.

[0156] First, the refrigerant flowing through the first refrigerant pipe (291) passes through the first expansion valve (241) and then flows to the cold water evaporator (251).

[0157] And, the cold water evaporator (251) cools the water in the cold water tank into cold water through heat exchange with purified water passing through the cold water tank.

[0158] The refrigerant that has passed through the above cold water evaporator (251) flows back to the compressor (210).

[0159] Meanwhile, the refrigerant flowing through the second refrigerant pipe (292) passes through the second expansion valve (242) and then flows to the ice evaporator (252).

[0160] And, the refrigerant introduced into the ice evaporator (252) exchanges heat with the water contained in the ice tray (120) to freeze the water into ice.

[0161] In the above embodiment, the ice evaporator (252) has a plurality of fingers (252a) that are immersed at one end in water supplied to the ice tray (120). Therefore, when cold refrigerant flows inside the ice evaporator (252), water in contact with the surrounding area freezes, causing ice to gradually grow.

[0162] In order to separate the ice grown around the ice evaporator (252), a separate ice separating means may be provided on one side of the ice evaporator (252).

[0163] Additionally, in this embodiment, the refrigerant that has passed through the ice evaporator (252) flows to the freezing evaporator (253).

[0164] That is, both the ice-making evaporator (252) and the freezing evaporator (253) are installed in the second refrigerant pipe (292), the ice-making evaporator (252) and the freezing evaporator (253) are connected in series, and the ice-making evaporator (252) is located upstream of the freezing evaporator (253) based on the flow direction of the refrigerant.

[0165] In addition, the refrigeration evaporator (253) supplies cold air to prevent the ice stored in the ice bank (130) from melting. In order to supply cold air toward the ice bank (130) as described above, an evaporator fan (260) that forms a discharge airflow toward the ice bank (130) may be formed on one side of the refrigeration evaporator (253).

[0166] As described above, when the ice evaporator (252) and the freezing evaporator (253) are connected in series, the refrigerant can be cooled by one expansion valve, and the cooled refrigerant can be supplied to the ice evaporator (252) and the freezing evaporator (253), which has the advantage of reducing the number of parts and minimizing the space occupied by the parts.

[0167] In addition, since it first passes through the ice-making evaporator (252) that requires a relatively lower temperature, there is an advantage in that the ice-making performance is secured while the frozen ice can be stored without melting.

[0168] As described above, the refrigerant that passes through the ice evaporator (252) and the freezing evaporator (253) in sequence flows back to the compressor (210).

[0169] In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4, the refrigerant passing through the dryer (230) flows through a three-way valve to the first refrigerant pipe or the second refrigerant pipe.

[0170] For reference, the above refrigerant valve (270) may be composed of multiple valves. In addition, a refrigerant valve may be individually installed in each refrigerant pipe (291, 292).

[0171] The refrigerant flowing through the first refrigerant pipe (291) cools as it passes through the first expansion valve (241), and flows to the cold water evaporator (251), thereby cooling the purified water passing through the cold water tank into cold water.

[0172] On the other hand, the refrigerant flowing through the second refrigerant pipe (292) cools as it passes through the second expansion valve (242), flows to the ice-making evaporator (252), and freezes the water in the ice tray into ice. Then, the refrigerant passing through the ice-making evaporator (252) flows to the fin type refrigerant evaporator (253) to generate cold air for ice storage, and the cold air generated in the refrigerant evaporator (253) can be introduced to the ice bank (130) through the evaporator fan (260).

[0173] Accordingly, the ice bank (130) is configured in a shape that allows cold air intake and cold air discharge, so that cold air can circulate, and the ice bank (130) is maintained below zero, so that the ice in the ice bank (130) can be stored without melting.

[0174] As another example, referring to FIG. 5, the evaporator (250) includes a cold water evaporator (251) for generating cold water, an ice evaporator (252) arranged on the side of the ice tray (120) for making ice, and a freezing evaporator (253) for supplying cold air to prevent ice stored in the ice bank (130) from melting.

[0175] The refrigerant that has passed through the compressor (210) passes through the condenser (220) and the dryer (230) and then flows into the refrigerant valve (270). For reference, a condenser fan (280) may be installed on one side of the condenser (220) to dissipate heat from the condenser.

[0176] And, the refrigerant introduced into the refrigerant valve (270) can flow into the first refrigerant pipe (291) or the second refrigerant pipe (292).

[0177] Additionally, the refrigerant introduced into the refrigerant valve (270) may flow into the fourth refrigerant pipe (294) to supply hot gas to the ice evaporator (252).

[0178] For example, the refrigerant valve (270) may be provided as a 4-way valve having one inlet and three outlets, and capable of individually opening and closing each inlet and outlet and controlling the degree of opening.

[0179] For reference, the above refrigerant valve (270) may be configured as a single four-way valve, or may be configured using multiple three-way valves, etc. In addition, a refrigerant valve may be individually installed in each refrigerant pipe (291, 292, 294).

[0180] First, the refrigerant flowing through the first refrigerant pipe (291) passes through the first expansion valve (241) and then flows to the cold water evaporator (251).

[0181]

[0182] *And, the cold water evaporator (251) cools the water in the cold water tank into cold water through heat exchange with purified water passing through the cold water tank.

[0183] The refrigerant that has passed through the above cold water evaporator (251) flows back to the compressor (210).

[0184] Meanwhile, the refrigerant flowing through the second refrigerant pipe (292) passes through the second expansion valve (242) and then flows to the ice evaporator (252).

[0185] And, the refrigerant introduced into the ice evaporator (252) exchanges heat with the water contained in the ice tray (120) to freeze the water into ice.

[0186] In the above embodiment, the ice evaporator (252) has a plurality of fingers (252a) that are immersed at one end in water supplied to the ice tray (120). Therefore, when cold refrigerant flows inside the ice evaporator (252), water in contact with the surrounding area freezes, causing ice to gradually grow.

[0187] In order to separate the ice grown around the ice evaporator (252), a separate ice separating means may be provided on one side of the ice evaporator (252).

[0188] For example, in order to separate ice grown around the ice evaporator (252), the high-temperature refrigerant that has passed through the compressor (210) can be supplied directly to the ice evaporator (252) by bypassing the second refrigerant pipe (292). For this purpose, a fourth refrigerant pipe (294) is provided.

[0189] The fourth refrigerant pipe (294) connects the refrigerant valve (270) and the ice evaporator (252). The fourth refrigerant pipe (240) bypasses the second refrigerant pipe (292) and connects the refrigerant valve (270) and the ice evaporator (252).

[0190] Therefore, in an ice-making situation, the refrigerant of the refrigerant valve (270) flows to the second refrigerant pipe (292), and in an ice-breaking situation, the refrigerant of the refrigerant valve (270) flows to the fourth refrigerant pipe (294).

[0191] That is, in an ice-breaking situation, the high-temperature refrigerant (hot gas) introduced into the refrigerant valve (270) is supplied to the ice-making evaporator (252) through the fourth refrigerant pipe (294) to melt the ice stuck to the ice-making evaporator (252) and cause ice-breaking. As described above, the refrigerant that provides the heat necessary for ice-breaking while passing through the ice-making evaporator (252) can flow to the compressor (210) via the freezing evaporator (253).

[0192] However, when the high-temperature refrigerant flows to the freezing evaporator (253) during the freezing process as described above, if the evaporator fan (260) operates, high-temperature air is supplied to the ice bank (130), and the temperature of the ice bank (130) rises to zero, causing a problem in which the ice melts.

[0193] Accordingly, in an ice-making situation where high-temperature refrigerant is supplied to the ice-making evaporator (252) and the freezing evaporator (253) as described above, the evaporator fan (260) can be controlled to stop operating or to have a rotation speed lower than that in the cooling mode.

[0194] Additionally, in an ice-making situation where high-temperature refrigerant is supplied to the ice-making evaporator (252) and the freezing evaporator (253), the condenser fan (280) may also be controlled to stop operating or have a rotation speed lowered compared to the cooling mode.

[0195] In general, high temperature, high pressure gas discharged from the compressor passes through a condenser (220) and is converted into high temperature, high pressure liquid.

[0196] In the present embodiment, when ice is removed, the operation of the condenser fan (280) is stopped or controlled to rotate at a low speed, so that the refrigerant passing through the condenser (220) can reach the ice-making evaporator (252) in a gaseous state.

[0197] In the present embodiment, a forced convection condenser (220) may be used as a type of condenser. In the case of a forced convection condenser, since air is circulated through a condenser fan (280) to condense the refrigerant, if the condenser fan (280) stops operating, the condensation performance deteriorates. Therefore, if the condenser fan (280) stops operating, the refrigerant may remain in a gaseous state even if it passes through the condenser (220).

[0198] Meanwhile, it is also possible to consider providing a separate electric heater or other means of moving.

[0199] In addition, in the above-described ice-making situation, even if the operation of the evaporator fan is stopped or the rotation speed of the evaporator fan is controlled to a low speed, if ice-making proceeds in a situation where the temperature of the space where ice is stored is not secured, the problem of the ice being stored melting may also occur as the temperature of the ice storage space increases due to the heat source supplied to the ice-making evaporator (252) for ice-making.

[0200] In particular, in the case of a structure in which the ice-making evaporator and the freezing evaporator are connected in series, the temperature of the ice storage space cannot help but rise due to the hot gas flowing through the ice-making evaporator and the freezing evaporator during ice removal.

[0201] Accordingly, when a condition is met that the temperature of the space where ice is stored is below a preset temperature (e.g., -11°C), control can be performed to perform an ice-making operation by supplying hot gas, etc.

[0202] In this embodiment, the refrigerant passing through the ice evaporator (252) flows to the freezing evaporator (253).

[0203] That is, both the ice-making evaporator (252) and the freezing evaporator (253) are installed in the second refrigerant pipe (292), the ice-making evaporator (252) and the freezing evaporator (253) are connected in series, and the ice-making evaporator (252) is located upstream of the freezing evaporator (253) based on the flow direction of the refrigerant.

[0204] In addition, the refrigeration evaporator (253) supplies cold air to prevent the ice stored in the ice bank (130) from melting. In order to supply cold air toward the ice bank (130) as described above, an evaporator fan (260) that forms a discharge airflow toward the ice bank (130) may be formed on one side of the refrigeration evaporator (253).

[0205] As described above, the refrigerant that passes through the ice evaporator (252) and the freezing evaporator (253) in sequence flows back to the compressor (210).

[0206] In the various embodiments described above, the ice bank (130) can be maintained at a temperature at which ice does not melt by the refrigeration evaporator (253) and the evaporator fan (260).

[0207] The present invention as described above can implement cold water generation, ice making, and ice removal in one refrigerant cycle.

[0208] To this end, a 4-way refrigerant valve (270) is installed at the rear end of the dryer (230), so that the refrigerant passing through the dryer (230) can be delivered to the first refrigerant pipe (291) for cold water production, to the second refrigerant pipe (292) for ice production and frozen storage, or to the fourth refrigerant pipe (294) for ice removal.

[0209] In detail, in a situation where cold water generation is required, the refrigerant valve (270) opens the outlet side of the first refrigerant pipe (291) to discharge the refrigerant to the first expansion valve (241) and the cold water evaporator (251).

[0210] Meanwhile, in a situation where ice making is required, the refrigerant valve (270) opens the outlet of the second refrigerant pipe (292) to discharge the refrigerant through the second expansion valve (242). Then, the refrigerant passing through the second expansion valve (242) passes through the ice-making evaporator (252) to create ice, and passes through the freezing evaporator (253) to create cold air to prevent the frozen ice from melting.

[0211] In addition, in a situation where cold water generation and ice making are required at the same time, the refrigerant valve (270) can open both the outlet on the first refrigerant pipe (291) side and the outlet on the second refrigerant pipe (292) side to generate cold water and also generate ice.

[0212] Meanwhile, in a situation where ice removal is required after ice making is completed, the refrigerant valve (270) opens the outlet of the fourth refrigerant pipe (294), supplies the hot refrigerant (hot gas) that has passed through the condenser to the ice making evaporator (252), and melts and separates the ice from the fingers (252a) of the ice making evaporator (252).

[0213] In addition, when the ice-making process is completed, the refrigerant valve (270) opens the outlet of the second refrigerant pipe (292), thereby generating ice or generating cold air to prevent the ice-making ice from melting. In the case of the present invention as described above, the refrigerant cycle is implemented so that the ice produced in the ice purifier does not melt and is stored under sub-zero temperature conditions.

[0214] Conventional ice water purifiers do not have a separate refrigerant cycle to store ice at sub-zero temperatures.

[0215] In the present invention, a refrigerant cycle for storing ice at sub-zero temperatures is established so that ice can be stored in a frozen state without melting even after ice making and ice removal.

[0216] The refrigerating evaporator (253) used in the present invention can be manufactured by miniaturizing the fin type evaporator (Fin Type EVA) used in a general refrigerator, and can be installed downstream of the ice-making evaporator (Finger Type EVA) based on the refrigerant flow direction.

[0217] And, an evaporator fan is installed to allow cold air generated from a refrigerated evaporator (253), which is a fin type evaporator (Fin Type EVA), to flow into the ice bank, thereby forming a cooling path.

[0218] The above evaporator fan causes cold air to flow from the above refrigerated evaporator toward the ice bank.

[0219] Accordingly, when the refrigerant flowing through the second refrigerant pipe (292) passes through the second expansion valve (242), ice making is performed firstly while passing through the finger type ice evaporator (252), and secondly while passing through the fin type refrigeration evaporator (253), cold air is generated. Then, as the evaporator fan (260) operates, the cold air generated in the refrigeration evaporator (253) flows into the ice bank (130), so that the ice in the ice bank can be stored at sub-zero temperature conditions.

[0220] Additionally, while the freezing evaporator (253) cools the ice-making and ice-storage space, the ice-making evaporator (252) may not produce ice.

[0221] While ice is being created in the ice evaporator (252), the refrigerant passing through the ice evaporator (252) exchanges heat with water and its temperature rises.

[0222] In a configuration of a refrigeration cycle in which a freezing evaporator (253) is placed downstream of an ice-making evaporator (252) based on the direction of refrigerant flow, refrigerant whose temperature has increased by passing through the ice-making evaporator (252) flows into the freezing evaporator (253), so it may be difficult to cool the ice-making and ice-storage space below a certain temperature.

[0223] Considering these problems, low-temperature refrigerant can be supplied to the ice-making evaporator (252) and the freezing evaporator (253) in a state where the ice-making evaporator (252) does not generate ice. In this case, the refrigerant passes through the ice-making evaporator (252) without generating ice in the ice-making evaporator (252), and thus enters the freezing evaporator (253) with minimized heat loss. Accordingly, the freezing evaporator (253) can quickly cool the ice-making and ice-storage space or cool it to a temperature below a certain level.

[0224] For example, the control unit may not supply water to the ice tray (120) or drain the water contained in the ice tray (120) to prevent ice making. Even if ice making is not performed, low-temperature refrigerant may flow into the ice evaporator (252), and in this case, the ice evaporator (252) may only serve as a passage through which the refrigerant flows toward the freezing evaporator (253). The evaporator fan (260) may be installed on a separate fan bracket (118) and placed on the upper portion of the freezing evaporator (253).

[0225] The above fan bracket (118) may be formed to surround the edge of the evaporator fan (260) to secure the evaporator fan (260) in place.

[0226] Additionally, the fan bracket (118) can serve as an intermediate wall that divides one space into two spaces.

[0227] For example, the fan bracket (118) can partition a space where a refrigerating evaporator (253) is placed and a space where an ice-making evaporator (252) is placed. In addition, a defrosting heater (116) is installed on one side of the refrigerating evaporator (253). The defrosting heater (116) is provided to remove frost formed on the refrigerating evaporator (253), and during defrosting operation, power is supplied to melt and control the frost formed on the refrigerating evaporator (253).

[0228] In addition, the ice making unit (110) may be provided with a refrigerant pipe insulation material (117) that covers the refrigerant pipe through which the refrigerant flows to the ice making evaporator (252) or through which the refrigerant passes through the ice making evaporator (252).

[0229] According to the present invention as described above, even if the ice purifier is miniaturized, there is an advantage in that ice-making performance can be secured.

[0230] Additionally, it has the advantage of improving the amount of ice produced per unit time by reducing the waiting time (5 minutes) due to the compressor protection logic in existing ice purifiers.

[0231] Additionally, it can reduce noise that may occur when turning the compressor ON / OFF.

[0232] In addition, there is an advantage in that the heat transfer efficiency is improved and the ice-making time can be shortened by directly transferring hot gas to the inside of the finger of the ice-making evaporator without installing a separate heater in the finger type ice-making evaporator.

[0233] Additionally, since there is no ON / OFF of the compressor during ice making, power consumption can be minimized, resulting in energy savings.

[0234] Additionally, there is an advantage in that the ice bank where the ice is stored is kept below freezing, preventing the ice that is created from melting.

[0235] Additionally, by keeping the ice bank where the ice is stored below freezing, there is an advantage in that the growth of bacteria and mold in or around the ice bank is suppressed, and hygiene is enhanced.

[0236] Additionally, there is the advantage of providing users with improved quality ice that is firmer and lasts longer, as the ice is stored at sub-zero temperatures.

[0237] For reference, existing ice purifiers store ice at room temperature of around 3 to 4 degrees, so if ice is stored for a long time, there is a problem that the ice melts, shrinks in size, and becomes deformed.

[0238] In order to maintain a certain amount of ice, there was also the problem of electricity waste as the melted ice water had to be drained and new ice had to be continuously made.

[0239] Additionally, there was a problem in that it was difficult to maintain a constant ice-making speed or ice size depending on the external environment (season, weather, temperature, etc.) of the ice-making device.

[0240] On the other hand, according to the extraction device of the present invention, ice can be stored at a sub-zero temperature.

[0241] Above all, since the finger-type ice evaporator does not have a separate heater installed and heat is transferred by directly supplying hot gas to the inside of the finger, the heat transfer efficiency is increased and the ice-making time can be shortened.

[0242] In addition, it has the advantage of being equipped with a four-way refrigerant valve, so that one compressor can be operated to produce cold water, produce ice, separate ice, and store frozen ice.

[0243] Hereinafter, the structure of the ice making means of the present invention will be described in more detail.

[0244] In the following description, the term “front” refers to the direction in which the water outlet nozzle (40) through which water is supplied and the ice outlet (50) through which ice is supplied are arranged.

[0245] Fig. 6 is a perspective view illustrating an ice-making means provided in the water outlet device of the present invention. Fig. 7 is an enlarged view of the upper part of the ice-making means illustrated in Fig. 6. Fig. 8 is an enlarged view of a portion of Fig. 7. Fig. 9 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of Fig. 8. Fig. 10 is an exploded perspective view of the ice-making means provided in the water outlet device of the present invention. Fig. 11 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the ice-making means provided in the water outlet device of the present invention. Fig. 12 is an exploded perspective view of the ice-making unit included in the ice-making means of Fig. 10.

[0246] Referring to FIGS. 6 to 12, the ice making means of the present invention may include a body part (101) having an open upper side and forming a space on the inside, and a cover part (102) covering the open upper side of the body part (101).

[0247] The above cover part (102) is provided in multiple numbers so that the open upper side of the body part (101) can be partially opened.

[0248] For example, the cover part (102) may include a first cover part (102a) that opens and closes the front of the upper part of the body part (101) and a second cover part (102b) that opens and closes the rear of the upper part of the body part (101).

[0249] In addition, the cover part (102) may additionally form a separate cover part in addition to the first cover part (102a) and the second cover part (102b).

[0250] As another example, the first cover part (102a) may be provided to open and close one front side of the upper part of the body part (101), and the second cover part (102b) may be provided to open and close the rear side and the other front side of the upper part of the body part (101).

[0251] The above cover part (102) is detachably connected to the upper part of the body part (101), and can be separated and then reconnected.

[0252] For example, a clip portion that is coupled to the upper end of the body portion (101) may be formed in the cover portion (102).

[0253] As another example, the body part (101) may be formed with a clip part (101a) that is coupled to the cover part (102).

[0254] The above clip part (101a) has a rotation center (101b) at the top of the body part (101), and can be attached to or separated from the cover part (102) while rotating.

[0255] The above clip portion (101a) forms a fixing clip (101c) extending from the upper side to the lower side, and the cover portion (102) can form a clip groove (102c) that is concavely formed downward to accommodate an end of the fixing clip (101c).

[0256] Additionally, a gasket (105) may be installed between the body portion (101) and the cover portion (102) for sealing.

[0257] The above gasket (105) can be fixed to the body part (101) or fixed to the cover part (102).

[0258] As another example, the body part (101) may be formed with a clip part (101a) that is coupled to the first cover part (102a).

[0259] And, the second cover part (102b) can be connected to the body part (101) using a screw (104) or the like.

[0260] That is, the first cover part (102a) can be easily separated from and then reattached to the body part (101) using the clip part (101a).

[0261] On the other hand, the second cover part (102b) must be separated from the body part (101) and then reattached using a separate fastening means such as a screw or a tool.

[0262] For example, the internal space of the body part (101) can be divided into an ice-making and ice-storing space and a cooling space.

[0263] In the case of the above ice-making and ice-storage space, the user needs to open it to check ice, check internal cleanliness, wash, etc. Therefore, the first cover part (102a) covering the ice-making and ice-storage space is configured to be easily separated from or attached to the body part (101) using a clip part (101a).

[0264] On the other hand, in the case of various pipes, evaporators, and refrigerator evaporator fans, if easily exposed, problems such as component failure or injury to the user's hand may occur.

[0265] Accordingly, in the case of the second cover part (102a) that covers the piping space containing the various pipes, refrigerated evaporators, evaporator fans, etc., it is fastened with a fastening means such as screws so that the user cannot easily open or access it, and is configured so that it can be opened only using a separate tool.

[0266] A dispenser part (150) is arranged in front of the above body part (101) to supply ice toward the outlet (50).

[0267] All or part of the ice tray (120), ice bank (130), ice basket (114), and auger (140) may be placed inside the above body part (101).

[0268] The above body part (101) may include an inner cover (111) and an outer cover (112a, 112b).

[0269] For reference, the body part (101) may be provided with only the inner cover (111) without the outer cover. In this case, an insulating material may be provided in the space between the inner cover (111) and the case forming the exterior of the water purifier. In addition, the outer covers (112a, 112b) may include a first outer cover (112a) covering one side of the inner cover (111) and a second outer cover (112b) covering the other side of the inner cover (112b), and the outer covers (112a, 112b) may be separated into two sides and then combined.

[0270] A space is formed between the inner cover (111) and the outer cover (112a, 112b), and the space can be filled with insulating material (113).

[0271] For example, the insulation material (111) can be formed by foaming polyurethane (PU foam) between the inner cover (111) and the outer cover (112a, 112b).

[0272] The inner cover (111) forms an ice-making and ice-storing space (111a) on the inner side.

[0273] And, an ice basket (114) can be placed on the inside of the inner cover (111).

[0274] The above ice basket (114) can have a plurality of drainage holes (114a) formed to allow water that falls together with the ice to drain during the freezing process.

[0275] A plurality of drainage holes (114a) may be formed on the bottom surface, side surface, etc. of the ice basket (114), and the bottom surface of the ice basket (114) may be formed to slope downward from the front side to the rear side. In addition, the bottom surface of the ice basket (114) may be formed as a curved surface. In addition, the ice basket (114) may have a shape in which the front side is open and the rear side is closed.

[0276] Inside the above ice making unit (110), an ice making tray (120) is installed to temporarily store water to be used for ice making. Specifically, the ice making tray (120) is mounted on a driving motor and a rotational shaft, and is mounted so as to be rotatable around the rotational shaft.

[0277] The ice evaporator (252) may be placed on the upper side of the ice tray (120).

[0278] Accordingly, when the ice tray (120) is rotated, the contents such as water and ice contained inside the ice tray (120) fall to the lower side of the ice tray (120). An ice bank (130) is provided so that the falling ice and water can be fed. The ice bank (130) has an opening formed at the top, through which the water and ice that fall from the ice tray (120) can enter the interior of the ice bank (130).

[0279] For reference, at this time, the water and ice that fell from the ice tray (120) are separated, the ice is stored in the ice bank (130), and the water can be drained through a separate path.

[0280] The ice bank (130) above is equipped with an auger (140) that rotates in one direction and pushes ice outward, and an ice discharge unit (158) is located at the outlet side of the auger (140). The ice discharge unit (158) is connected to the interior of the discharge port (50) described above, so that ice discharged by the operation of the auger (140) can be delivered to the user from the discharge port (50).

[0281] The bottom surface of the ice bank (130) is made of a water-permeable material or is configured so that a plurality of permeable holes are formed so that the supplied water can pass through the bottom surface of the ice bank (130) and flow out downward. The water thus flowed out is stored inside a residual water storage tank located at the bottom of the ice bank (130) or drained through a separate drain pipe.

[0282] Here, the drain pipe may also be equipped with a pump for drainage, or an external pump may be connected to the drain pipe to perform drainage.

[0283] One side of the above ice making unit (110) can be used as an ice making and ice storage space (110a), and the other side can be divided into a cooling space (110b).

[0284] An ice tray (120), an ice basket (114), an auger (140), an ice evaporator (252), etc. can be placed in the above ice making and storage space (110a).

[0285] That is, the ice making and ice storage space (110a) can be understood as a space where ice making takes place and a space where frozen ice is stored.

[0286] In addition, the ice-making and ice-storage space (110a) is a space formed by connecting an ice-making space where an ice-making evaporator (252) is placed and an ice-storage space where an ice basket (114) is placed.

[0287] For example, an ice-making space may be arranged on the upper side of the ice-making and ice-storage space (110a), and an ice-storage space may be arranged on the lower side. The cooling space (110b) may be understood as a piping space.

[0288] The cooling space (110b) is arranged adjacent to the ice-making and ice-storage space (110a), and an intermediate wall (115) having a through hole may be arranged between the cooling space (110b) and the ice-making and ice-storage space (110a). The cooling space (110b), the intermediate wall (115), and the ice-making and ice-storage space (110a) may be arranged in a straight line.

[0289] Additionally, the cooling space (110b) can be understood as a space similar to the machine room of a refrigerator.

[0290] The above cooling space (110b) can be understood as a space where a refrigeration evaporator (253), evaporator fan (260), etc. are placed.

[0291] In addition, the virtual line dividing the ice-making and ice-storage space (110a) and the cooling space (110b) can be formed parallel to the direction in which ice is removed through the auger (140).

[0292] That is, based on Fig. 11, the ice-making and cooling space (110a) can be formed on the left side of the ice-making unit (110), and the cooling space (110b) can be formed on the right side of the ice-making unit (110).

[0293] In addition, an intermediate wall (115) that divides the ice-making and ice-storage space (110a) and the cooling space (110b) can be formed, and the intermediate wall (115) can form a plurality of holes (115a) to allow water, air, etc. to pass through.

[0294] The above intermediate wall (115) can be understood as a duct.

[0295] A lower hole is formed in the lower part of the intermediate wall (115) to allow air to flow from the ice-making and ice-storage space to the freezing evaporator, and an upper hole is formed in the upper part of the intermediate wall (115) to allow air to flow from the evaporator fan side to the ice-making and ice-storage space.

[0296] Additionally, insulation may be provided inside the intermediate wall (115).

[0297] When hot gas is supplied to the ice evaporator and the freezing evaporator for ice removal, the heat from the freezing evaporator may melt the ice in the ice storage space, so an insulating material is placed inside the middle wall (115) to provide insulation between the ice storage space and the freezing evaporator.

[0298] As a variation, in a configuration of a refrigeration cycle that does not supply hot gas to the refrigeration evaporator, insulation may not be provided on the inside of the intermediate wall (115).

[0299] As described above, the intermediate wall (115) acts as a passage for air to flow between the cooling space where the refrigerating evaporator is placed and the ice-making and ice-storing space.

[0300] The above intermediate wall (115) can be placed between the cooling space and the ice-making and ice-storage space, and can also be placed on the side of the cooling space and the ice-making and ice-storage space.

[0301] Additionally, the intermediate wall (115) may be formed integrally with the ice making unit, or may be detachably coupled to the ice making unit.

[0302] At this time, if the thickness of the middle wall (115) is formed thin, the cold air formed in the cooling space (110b) is quickly transferred to the ice-making and ice-storage space (110a), so the cooling efficiency is increased and the overall configuration of the water discharge device can be made compact.

[0303] In addition, an evaporator fan (260) may be placed on the upper side of the refrigerated evaporator (253). Then, the evaporator fan (260) sucks in air from the side of the refrigerated evaporator (253) and creates a flow of air from the lower side to the upper side. Then, the cold air that has passed through the refrigerated evaporator (253) is supplied to the upper side of the ice-making and ice-storage space (110a) through the evaporator fan (260), and accordingly, the ice stored in the ice-storage space can be stored at a temperature below zero due to the cold air.

[0304] Since cold air has the property of going down, an evaporator fan (260) is installed at the top of the refrigerating evaporator (253) to pull up the cold air generated in the refrigerating evaporator and supply it upward to the ice-making and ice-storage space (110a).

[0305] In addition, the ice-making and cooling space (110a) may be formed in front of the ice-making unit (110), and the cooling space (110b) may be formed in the rear of the ice-making unit (110).

[0306] That is, the ice-making and ice-storing space (110a) may be positioned adjacent to the outlet (50), and the cooling space (110b) may be positioned away from the outlet (50).

[0307] Additionally, in the case of the cold water tank and cold water evaporator (251), they can be placed inside the ice making unit (110).

[0308] In this case, the ice-making and cooling space (110a) may be formed in front of the ice-making unit (110), and the cooling space (110b) may be formed in the rear of the ice-making unit (110).

[0309] Additionally, a separate cold water generation space can be formed on the right side of the ice making unit (110).

[0310] That is, the ice-making and cooling space (110a) may be formed on the front left side of the ice-making unit (110), the cold water generation space may be formed on the front right side of the ice-making unit (110), and the cooling space (110b) may be formed on the rear side of the ice-making unit (110).

[0311] Additionally, in the water extraction device of the present invention, the refrigerant compression cycle device (200) and various valves, components, lighting, etc. can be controlled through a separate control unit. In this case, the control unit may include one or more PCBs. The control unit may operate according to a programmed algorithm.

[0312] Figure 13 is an exploded perspective view of the dispenser unit, which is a component of the present invention.

[0313] Referring to FIG. 13, the dispenser unit (150) may include a case (151) having an open front and forming a receiving space on the inside, a front cover (152) covering the open front of the case, and a motor received between the front cover (152) and the case (151).

[0314] The above motor includes a first motor (153) for rotating the ice tray (120) and a second motor (154) for rotating the auger (140).

[0315] And, an auger (140) is placed at the rear of the dispenser section (150).

[0316] In addition, a door (155) that rotates forward and backward and controls the discharge of ice transferred forward and upward through the auger (140), and an ice discharge unit (158) that guides the ice discharged through the door (155) to the discharge port (50) may be arranged on the inside of the dispenser unit (150). The ice discharge unit (158) may be understood as a means for guiding the discharge of ice.

[0317] The above-mentioned outlet (50) may be formed on the lower side of the ice discharge unit (158).

[0318] Additionally, the inside of the dispenser section (150) may be filled with insulating material.

[0319] The above insulation material is provided for insulation of the motor (153, 154), etc.

[0320] The above insulation material may be composed of a first insulation material (156) placed on the front cover (152) side and a second insulation material (157) placed on the case (151) side.

[0321] And, the motor (153, 154), etc. may be arranged between the first insulation material (156) and the second insulation material (157). The description of the present invention described above is for illustrative purposes, and a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains will understand that the present invention can be easily modified into other specific forms without changing the technical spirit or essential characteristics of the present invention. Therefore, it should be understood that the embodiments described above are exemplary in all aspects and not limiting. For example, each component described as a single component may be implemented in a distributed manner, and similarly, components described as distributed may be implemented in a combined form.

[0322] The scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims described below rather than the detailed description above, and all changes or modifications derived from the meaning and scope of the claims and their equivalent concepts should be interpreted as being included in the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. Filter section that receives raw water and removes foreign substances; An ice tray filled with purified water generated by the above filter unit; An ice bank placed at the bottom of the ice making tray, in which ice produced in the ice making tray is defrostered and stored; Comprising a cooling means including a compressor, a condenser, an expansion valve and an evaporator, The above cooling means: An ice evaporator provided for cooling the purified water filled in the ice tray, into which the refrigerant passing through the expansion valve is introduced; and A water discharge device including a freezing evaporator, into which refrigerant passing through the ice-making evaporator is introduced, and which is provided for freezing ice stored in the ice bank.

2. In paragraph 1, A discharge device further comprising a refrigerant valve disposed between the condenser and the expansion valve to control the flow of introduced refrigerant.

3. In paragraph 2, The above refrigerant valve is a discharge device consisting of a 4-way valve with one inlet and three outlets.

4. In paragraph 2, It further includes a cold water tank in which purified water passing through the above filter section is filled and cooled with cold water. The above cooling means is a water discharging device further including a cold water evaporator provided for cooling the purified water filled in the cold water tank.

5. In paragraph 4, It includes a first refrigerant pipe connecting the refrigerant valve and the ice evaporator, and a second refrigerant pipe connecting the refrigerant valve and the cold water evaporator. A discharge device in which the refrigerant introduced into the above refrigerant valve is discharged through the first refrigerant pipe or the second refrigerant pipe.

6. In paragraph 5, A water discharge device in which a first expansion valve is installed in the first refrigerant pipe and a second expansion valve is installed in the second refrigerant pipe.

7. In paragraph 1, The above ice evaporator is a water extraction device having a plurality of fingers immersed in purified water filled in the ice tray.

8. In paragraph 2, It includes a first refrigerant pipe connecting the refrigerant valve and the ice evaporator, and a third refrigerant pipe connecting the refrigerant valve and the ice evaporator separately from the first refrigerant pipe. A discharge device in which a first expansion valve is installed in the above first refrigerant pipe.

9. In paragraph 8, A discharge device that supplies hot gas through the third refrigerant pipe during deicing.

10. In paragraph 9, A discharge device that supplies hot gas through the third refrigerant pipe when the temperature of the above ice bank is below a preset reference temperature.

11. In paragraph 1, An outlet device having an evaporator fan installed on one side of the above-mentioned refrigerating evaporator to supply cold air to the ice bank side.

12. In paragraph 11, A water discharge device in which hot gas is supplied to the ice evaporator during ice removal, and the evaporator fan is controlled to stop operating or rotate at a low speed.

13. In paragraph 1, The above ice-making evaporator and the freezing evaporator are discharge devices arranged in series based on the flow direction of the refrigerant.

14. In paragraph 5, A discharge device in which the refrigerant introduced into the above refrigerant valve is discharged simultaneously through the first refrigerant pipe and the second refrigerant pipe.

15. In paragraph 5, A discharge device in which the refrigerant introduced into the above refrigerant valve is discharged only through one refrigerant pipe selected from the first refrigerant pipe or the second refrigerant pipe.

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