WO2019151650A1

WO2019151650A1 - Cold-water supply system, drinking-water supply apparatus including the system, and method for controlling the system

Info

Publication number: WO2019151650A1
Application number: PCT/KR2018/016457
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jisun Jung; Jaegeun Lee
Original assignee: LG Electronics Inc
Current assignee: LG Electronics Inc
Priority date: 2018-02-02
Filing date: 2018-12-21
Publication date: 2019-08-08
Anticipated expiration: 2020-08-02
Also published as: KR102629742B1; KR20190093934A; MY204642A

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a tank module comprising: a housing defining an appearance of the tank module; an inlet port through which water is injected into the housing; a first water guide channel including a first vertical water channel along which the water flowing into the inlet port flows vertically, and a first horizontal water channel along which the eater flows horizontally; a second water guide channel for receiving the water from the first water guide channel, wherein the second water guide channel includes a second vertical water channel along which the water flows vertically, and a second horizontal water channel along which the water flows horizontally; an outlet port for receiving the water from the second water guide channel and for discharging the water out of the housing; and a base coupled to the housing for sealing an interior of the housing from an outside, wherein a fluid is contained in the housing such that the fluid is not mixed with the water flowing in the first water guide channel.

Description

COLD-WATER SUPPLY SYSTEM, DRINKING-WATER SUPPLY APPARATUS INCLUDING THE SYSTEM, AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING THE SYSTEM

The present disclosure relates to a cold-water supply system, a drinking-water supply apparatus including the cold-water supply system, and a method for controlling the cold-water supply system. More particularly, the present disclosure relates a cold-water supply system, a drinking-water supply apparatus including the cold-water supply system, and a method for controlling the cold-water supply system, which allow reducing an amount of a space of the system occupying the drinking-water supply apparatus, allow energy-efficiency, and allow cold water to be supplied to a user to be sufficiently cooled.

The drinking-water supply apparatus supplies the user with drinking water. This drinking-water supply apparatus may be a stand-alone apparatus, or alternatively, it may be a component of another apparatus.

For example, a purifier apparatus is configured for passing raw water supplied from a water conduit through separate filtration means and then for filtering the raw water to supply the user with purified water. In addition, an apparatus for supplying purified water to cold water or hot water when necessary is also referred to as a purifier apparatus. The purifier apparatus may be separate from other home appliances.

Alternatively, this drinking-water supply apparatus may form a part of an appliance such as a refrigerator. In other words, purified water via a purifier apparatus in the refrigerator may be supplied to the outside through the drinking-water supply apparatus. Naturally, the purified water inside the refrigerator may be cooled or frozen, such that cold or ice may be supplied to the outside through the drinking-water supply apparatus.

The drinking-water supply apparatus may be configured to allow the user to receive drinking-water from the outside regardless of whether the apparatus is independent of other apparatuses. In other words, the drinking-water supply apparatus may be referred to as an apparatus having a dispenser that is a space receiving for the drinking-water.

Korean Patent Application Publication No. 1998-0072870 discloses a technique of cooling water using two thermoelectric elements. However, in this prior art, since the two thermoelectric elements are turned on or off together, energy efficiency is reduced. Further, there is a problem that when the two thermoelectric elements are turned off at the same time, the external heat is introduced through the thermoelectric element into the apparatus, the temperature of the cold water rises up, and thus the cooling performance is lowered. Further, in the above-mentioned prior art, since a space for installing the thermoelectric elements is large, there is a limit to miniaturize the drinking-water supply apparatus.

The present disclosure is aimed at solving the above-mentioned problem. To this end, the present disclosure provides a cold-water supply system, a drinking-water supply apparatus including the cold-water supply system, and a method for controlling the cold-water supply system, in which a space occupied by the cold-water supply system in the drinking-water supply apparatus is so small that the drinking-water supply apparatus may be miniaturized

Further, the present disclosure provides a cold-water supply system, a drinking-water supply apparatus including the cold-water supply system, and a method for controlling the cold-water supply system, in which a thermoelectric element that is smaller in size than a compressor that compresses refrigerant is employed to miniaturize the drinking-water supply apparatus that may supply cold water.

Further, the present disclosure provides a cold-water supply system, a drinking-water supply apparatus including the cold-water supply system, and a method for controlling the cold-water supply system, in which, instead of using a cold water tank to produce cold water, the apparatus may instantaneously cool direct-received water and provide the cold water to the user.

Further, the present disclosure provides a cold-water supply system, a drinking-water supply apparatus including the cold-water supply system, and a method for controlling the cold-water supply system, in which voltages of two thermoelectric elements are controlled variably and a voltage of the two fans placed for heat-dissipation is controlled variably, thereby saving energy consumption and improving energy efficiency.

Further, the present disclosure provides a cold-water supply system, a drinking-water supply apparatus including the cold-water supply system, and a method for controlling the cold-water supply system, in which even when one of the two thermoelectric elements is not used, reducing an amount of heat absorbed through the thermoelectric element may prevent the cold water tank from being heated.

Further, the present disclosure provides a cold-water supply system, a drinking-water supply apparatus including the cold-water supply system, and a method for controlling the cold-water supply system, in which as water moves within the tank, the water heat exchanges with various media, and, in this connection, increasing a path through which the heat exchange may take place allows the water to be cooled to a temperature as desired by the user.

The present disclosure provides a drinking-water supply apparatus in which it is possible to reduce the size of the product by using a thermoelectric element in order to cool the water and thus by eliminating a compressor that compresses the refrigerant. The present disclosure provides a drinking-water supply apparatus in which instead of using a separate cold water tank, the apparatus adopts a direct cooling method using a thermoelectric element to produce clean, sanitary cold water.

The present disclosure provides a drinking-water supply apparatus in which creating instantaneously cold water from direct-received water via heat exchange with the water in the cooling fluid path, the hygiene may be enhanced to provide fresh and clean cold water to the consumer. The present disclosure provides a drinking-water supply apparatus in which variable control of the voltage of the dual thermoelectric elements for cooling and variable control of the voltage of the fan for heat-dissipation improves cooling power and thus optimizes energy efficiency.

The present disclosure provides a drinking-water supply apparatus in which two thermoelectric elements are connected to each other and are controlled via a FET, whereby the voltage of the thermoelectric elements may be efficiently used via the change thereof, and a DC voltage applied to the thermoelectric element may be changed in real time via the PWM control, a input voltage to the fan is variably controlled, such that cooling power and durability may be improved compared to a case of a certain fixed DC voltage input, and the temperature may be controlled uniformly, thereby improving energy efficiency.

The present disclosure provides a structure in which two thermoelectric elements are attached to one face or the other face of the cooling block, and the other face of the cooling block is attached to a tank having a direct-received water channel defined therein to cool water directly.

The present disclosure has a configuration that cooling of a heat-emission part of opposite to the thermoelectric element may be achieved via a air cooling manner by attaching two fans to a heat sink and varying the voltage of the fans to adjust an air flow rate.

The present disclosure has a configuration that high efficiency printed circuit board (PCB) is connected to two thermoelectric elements, and a FET is connected to one thermoelectric element of the two elements, and during a cooling period, a full power is input to the thermoelectric element by changing the input voltage to the thermoelectric element to a maximum value while the FET is tuned off. The present disclosure has a configuration that when a temperature in the tank module is below a predetermined temperature and enters a cold-insulation period, turning on the FET connected to the single thermoelectric element and thus bypassing the current to turn off one thermoelectric element, and varying the input voltage to the other thermoelectric element and applying the input voltage to the other element, thereby keeping continuously the cooled state, and thereby controlling the temperature in the tank module. Therefore, it is possible to efficiently use the voltage of the thermoelectric element via the change thereof. Since the DC voltage applied to each thermoelectric element is controlled in real time via PWM control and variable control of the voltage to the fan, cooling power and durability are improved as compared with the case of a specific fixed DC voltage input, thereby to improve energy efficiency.

According to the present disclosure, in a structure that generates cold water from direct-received water, the thermoelectric element for cooling may be provided in a dual manner and a fan for heat dissipation may be provided in a dual manner. In this connection, in order to prevent external heat from flowing through the thermoelectric element as turned off during the cold-insulation period, a grooved heat pipe with heat transfer in one direction is applied.

According to the present disclosure, two thermoelectric elements are connected to each other, and one thermoelectric element thereof is connected to the FET. During driving the elements (ON/OFF), the current during operation may be bypassed using the FET, thereby improving the PCB efficiency. After one thermoelectric element is turned OFF, varying the voltage to the other remaining thermoelectric element may allow temperature precision control to be performed to improve energy efficiency.

When the water is above a set temperature, the maximum power is applied to the connected thermoelectric element during the cooling period (rapid cooling). When the water is below the set temperature, the cooling period is switched to a temperature-maintaining period (cold-insulation). In this regard, one thermoelectric element and one fan are driven via variable voltage control to maintain the temperature.

Further, in one aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a cold water supply system comprising: a tank module having a water flow channel and being configured for cooling the water flowing in the water channel; a first thermoelectric module including: a first thermoelectric element including a first heat-absorbing portion disposed to face the tank module and a first heat-emitting portion disposed opposite the first heat-absorbing portion; a first heat-transfer unit for transferring heat from the first heat-emission portion away from the tank module; and a first heat-dissipation unit disposed on one end of the first heat-transfer unit to dissipate the heat therefrom; and a second thermoelectric module including: a second thermoelectric element including a second heat-absorbing portion disposed to face the tank module and a second heat-emitting portion disposed opposite the second heat-absorbing portion; a second heat-transfer unit for transferring heat from the second heat-emission portion; and a second heat-dissipation unit disposed on one end of the second heat-transfer unit to dissipate the heat therefrom, wherein the first and second heat-dissipation units are spaced from each other.

Further, in another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a drinking-water supply apparatus comprising: a cabinet defining an appearance of the apparatus; and a cold water supply system received in the cabinet, wherein the cold water supply system includes a tank module having a water flow channel and being configured for cooling the water flowing in the water channel; a first thermoelectric module including: a first thermoelectric element including a first heat-absorbing portion disposed to face the tank module and a first heat-emitting portion disposed opposite the first heat-absorbing portion; a first heat-transfer unit for transferring heat from the first heat-emission portion away from the tank module; and a first heat-dissipation unit disposed on one end of the first heat-transfer unit to dissipate the heat therefrom; and a second thermoelectric module including: a second thermoelectric element including a second heat-absorbing portion disposed to face the tank module and a second heat-emitting portion disposed opposite the second heat-absorbing portion; a second heat-transfer unit for transferring heat from the second heat-emission portion; and a second heat-dissipation unit disposed on one end of the second heat-transfer unit to dissipate the heat therefrom, wherein the first and second heat-dissipation units are spaced from each other.

Further, in another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a cold-water supply system comprising: a tank module having a water flow channel and being configured for cooling the water flowing in the water channel, wherein a temperature sensor is received in the tank module; a first thermoelectric module including: a first thermoelectric element including a first heat-absorbing portion disposed to face the tank module and a first heat-emitting portion disposed opposite the first heat-absorbing portion; a first heat-transfer unit for transferring heat from the first heat-emission portion away from the tank module; and a first heat-dissipation unit disposed on one end of the first heat-transfer unit to dissipate the heat therefrom; and a second thermoelectric module including: a second thermoelectric element including a second heat-absorbing portion disposed to face the tank module and a second heat-emitting portion disposed opposite the second heat-absorbing portion; a second heat-transfer unit for transferring heat from the second heat-emission portion; and a second heat-dissipation unit disposed on one end of the second heat-transfer unit to dissipate the heat therefrom, wherein the first heat-transfer unit and the second heat-transfer unit are based on different thermal conduction schemes.

Furthermore, in another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method for controlling a cold-water supply system, wherein the cold-water supply system includes: a tank module having a water flow channel and being configured for cooling the water flowing in the water channel; a first thermoelectric module including: a first thermoelectric element including a first heat-absorbing portion disposed to face the tank module and a first heat-emitting portion disposed opposite the first heat-absorbing portion; a first heat-transfer unit for transferring heat from the first heat-emission portion away from the tank module; and a first heat-dissipation unit disposed on one end of the first heat-transfer unit to dissipate the heat therefrom; and a second thermoelectric module including: a second thermoelectric element including a second heat-absorbing portion disposed to face the tank module and a second heat-emitting portion disposed opposite the second heat-absorbing portion; a second heat-transfer unit for transferring heat from the second heat-emission portion; and a second heat-dissipation unit disposed on one end of the second heat-transfer unit to dissipate the heat therefrom, wherein the method comprises: determining whether a temperature of the water in the tank module is lower than a target temperature; upon determination that the temperature of the water in the tank module is higher than the target temperature, driving the system in a cooling mode by applying current to both of the first thermoelectric element and the second thermoelectric element; and upon determination that the temperature of the water in the tank module is lower than the target temperature, driving the system in a cold-insulation mode by applying current not to the first thermoelectric element but to the second thermoelectric element.

Furthermore, in another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a tank module comprising: a housing defining an appearance of the tank module; an inlet port through which water is injected into the housing; a first water guide channel including a first vertical water channel along which the water flowing into the inlet port flows vertically, and a first horizontal water channel along which the eater flows horizontally; a second water guide channel for receiving the water from the first water guide channel, wherein the second water guide channel includes a second vertical water channel along which the water flows vertically, and a second horizontal water channel along which the water flows horizontally; an outlet port for receiving the water from the second water guide channel and for discharging the water out of the housing; and a base coupled to the housing for sealing an interior of the housing from an outside, wherein a fluid is contained in the housing such that the fluid is not mixed with the water flowing in the first water guide channel.

Furthermore, in another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a drinking-water supply apparatus comprising: a tank module having a water flow channel and being configured for cooling the water flowing in the water channel; a first thermoelectric module including: a first thermoelectric element including a first heat-absorbing portion disposed to face the tank module and a first heat-emitting portion disposed opposite the first heat-absorbing portion; a first heat-transfer unit for transferring heat from the first heat-emission portion away from the tank module; and a first heat-dissipation unit disposed on one end of the first heat-transfer unit to dissipate the heat therefrom; and a second thermoelectric module including: a second thermoelectric element including a second heat-absorbing portion disposed to face the tank module and a second heat-emitting portion disposed opposite the second heat-absorbing portion; a second heat-transfer unit for transferring heat from the second heat-emission portion; and a second heat-dissipation unit disposed on one end of the second heat-transfer unit to dissipate the heat therefrom, wherein the tank module includes: a housing defining an appearance of the tank module; an inlet port through which water is injected into the housing; a first water guide channel including a first vertical water channel along which the water flowing into the inlet port flows vertically, and a first horizontal water channel along which the eater flows horizontally; a second water guide channel for receiving the water from the first water guide channel, wherein the second water guide channel includes a second vertical water channel along which the water flows vertically, and a second horizontal water channel along which the water flows horizontally; an outlet port for receiving the water from the second water guide channel and for discharging the water out of the housing; and a base coupled to the housing for sealing an interior of the housing from an outside.

According to the present disclosure, when the two thermoelectric elements are used, one thermoelectric element is controlled to be either on or off, while the other thermoelectric element is always controlled to be on. Thus, the energy consumed by the thermoelectric elements may be reduced. Further, the other thermoelectric element is controlled to consume relatively little power during a standby state, thereby improving energy efficiency.

Further, according to the present disclosure, the two heat-dissipation units for the two thermoelectric elements respectively may be separated from each other, thereby improving the heat-dissipation efficiency. Further, in accordance with the present disclosure, each of the heat-dissipation units may have a respective fan, and the fan may be individually controlled to improve the heat-dissipation efficiency. During the operation of the thermoelectric element, only the fan on the heat-dissipation unit from which the heat needs to be discharged is driven, thereby improving energy efficiency.

Furthermore, according to the present disclosure, energy efficiency may be improved by installing heat-transfer units with different thermal conductivities onto thermoelectric elements with different control schemes respectively. That is, the thermoelectric element controlled to be on or off may be configured such that the heat transfer therethrough is relatively ineffective in an opposite direction than in one direction. This reduces the amount of heat transferred from the outside to the tank module and prevents the tank module from being heated. The thermoelectric element, which is always in an on state may be made of a member having a high thermal conductivity, so that the heat of the tank module may be smoothly discharged to the outside.

Furthermore, according to the present disclosure, top levels of the heat-dissipation units are the same. This allows the cold-water supply system and the drinking-water supply apparatus to be compactly constructed. Even though the installation positions of the two thermoelectric elements on the tank module are different, varying the lengths of the two heat-transfer units may allow the top levels of the two heat-dissipation units to be equal to each other.

Furthermore, according to the present disclosure, increasing the amount of time when the water stays in the tank module may ensure the initial cold-water supply amount. As water moves repeatedly in the vertical and horizontal directions in the tank module, the water may be cooled while exchanging heat with the inside of the tank module.

Furthermore, according to the present disclosure, in the first water guide channel, the water is cooled by heat exchange with the fluid, while in the second water guide channel, water is cooled in contact with the thermoelectric element. With these two cooled schemes, the water may be cooled and, thus, the cooling efficiency may be improved.

Figure 1 illustrates a drinking-water supply apparatus according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure 2 illustrates a cold-water supply system according to one embodiment.

Figure 3 shows a state in which a casing and a thermal insulating portion is removed in Figure 2.

Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of Figure 2.

Figure 5 is a side elevation view of Figure 3. Figure 6 is an illustration of a tank module according to one embodiment.

Figure 7 is a side elevation view of Figure 6.

Figure 8 illustrates a first water guide channel.

Figure 9 is an illustration of a second water guide channel.

Figure 10 illustrates a cold-water supply system according to another embodiment.

Figure 11 is an exploded perspective view of Figure 10.

Figure 12 shows a control block diagram according to one embodiment.

Figure 13 shows a control flow according to one embodiment.

Figure 14 illustrates a voltage supplied to a thermoelectric element.

Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, which may specifically realize the purpose will be illustrated with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Sizes and shapes of components shown in the drawings may be exaggerated for clarity and convenience of illustration. Further, terms specifically defined in light of the composition and functioning of the present disclosure may vary depending on the intentions or customs of the user or operator. Definitions of these terms should be based on the content of the present specification.

Figure 1 shows a drinking-water supply apparatus according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. This is illustrated with reference to Figure 1 below.

One embodiment of the present disclosure provides a drinking-water supply apparatus that supplies water to the user.

In one embodiment, a cabinet 10 forming the appearance of the apparatus and a button 7 formed on the top of the cabinet 10 may be provided. When the user manipulating the button 7, the user may also drain water from the drinking-water supply apparatus. The plurality of buttons 7 may be arranged so that the user may enter various commands on the buttons 7. Further, the user may enter various commands by pressing the button 7 for a short or long time or by repeatedly pressing the button 7 several times. One of the various commands may refer to cold water discharge. That is, if the user presses the button 7, cold water corresponding to a certain amount may be supplied to the user while the user presses the button 7.

A water outlet 3 may be provided to protrude forward from the cabinet 10. Inside the water outlet, there is a water-discharge pipe into which the water from the cabinet 10 flows. A water-discharge nozzle 5 protrudes downward from the water outlet 3, communicates with the water-discharge pipe, and selectively discharges water or steam to the user. A handle 8 is provided to surround the water outlet 3.

The water outlet 3 is configured to be rotatable relative to the cabinet 10. Thus, the user may rotate the water outlet 3 clockwise or counterclockwise to the desired position. The water outlet 3 may be coupled to the cabinet 10 via a rotatable portion 12. In this connection, the rotatable portion 12 may have a structure configured to allow the water outlet 3 to rotate.

The water outlet 3 is arranged to protrude in the front direction from the cabinet 10. When the user is supplied with water supplied from the water outlet 3, the user can easily place a container such as a cup or the like without position-restriction by the cabinet 10.

The water-discharge nozzle 5 is arranged to be exposed downward from the water outlet 3. The user can easily recognize a position from which the water is discharged. Thus, water may be supplied by the user placing the container for receiving water below the water-discharge nozzle 5.

The handle 8 may be configured to surround the water outlet 3. The user may rotate the water outlet 3 while the hand of the user is in contact with the handle 8.

In one embodiment, the handle 8 is configured to surround the lower portion of the water outlet 3. The upper portion of the water outlet 3 may be not wrapped by the handle 8 and may be exposed to the outside.

The bottom of the water-discharge nozzle 5 protrudes lower than the bottom of the handle 8. The water-discharge nozzle 5 may be exposed downward from the bottom of the water outlet 3 and the handle 8.

Underneath the water outlet 3, a tray 13, which may receive the falling water, is provided. There is a space defined inside the tray 13. A plurality of slits is formed in a top of the tray. Thus, water may flow inward through the slits.

Figure 2 is an illustration of a cold-water supply system according to one embodiment. Figure 3 shows a state where a casing and a thermal insulating portion are removed in Figure 2. Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of Figure 2. Figure 5 is a view from a side elevation view of Figure 3.

Referring to Figure 3, in one embodiment, a cold-water supply system according to one embodiment includes a tank module 100, a first thermoelectric module 200 located on one side of the tank module 100, and a second thermoelectric module 300 located on an opposite side of the tank module 100. The tank module 100 has a fluid passage through which water passes. Water passing through the interior of the tank module 100 may be cooled and provided to the user. Thus, after room temperature water enters the tank module 100, cold water may be provided to the user.

A first thermoelectric module 200 may be disposed on one side of the tank module 100 so that one side of the tank module 100 may be cooled. The first thermoelectric module 200 includes a thermoelectric element. Thus, the system may cool the water without using a compressor that compresses the refrigerant.

On the opposite side of the tank module 100, a second thermoelectric module 300 may be disposed so that the opposite side of the tank module 100 may be cooled. The second thermoelectric module 300 includes a thermoelectric element. Thus, the system may also cool water without using a compressor that compresses the refrigerant.

Referring to FIG. 2 to FIG. 5, since the water to be cooled moves in the tank module 100, the temperature in the tank module is preferably maintained at a temperature lower than room temperature.

Accordingly, the tank module 100 is surrounded by a heat insulating material so that heat exchange thereof with the outside cannot be easily performed.

To this end, a first thermal insulating portion 410 is disposed on the top and upper side faces of the tank module 100. A second thermal insulating portion 430 is disposed on the bottom and lower side faces of the tank module 100. A third thermal insulation portion 450 is provided on a front or rear face of the tank module 100.

Each of the first thermal insulating portion 410, the second thermal insulating portion 430, and the third thermal insulating portion 450 may be made of a polyurethane foam that realizes thermal insulation.

The first thermal insulating portion 410 may covers the entire top face of the tank module 100 and may include four upper side faces. That is, the first thermal insulating portion 410 may include the top face and four upper side faces extending vertically from the top face.

The second thermal insulating portion 430 may covers the entire bottom face of the tank module 100 and may include four lower side faces. That is, the second thermal insulating portion 410 may include the bottom face and four lower side faces extending vertically from the bottom face.

The third thermal insulating portion 450 covers the front upper side face of the first thermal insulating portion 410. The third thermal insulating portion 450 covers the front lower side face of the second thermal insulating portion 430. Thus, the third thermal insulating portion 450 may be formed of a plate covering the front upper side face of the first thermal insulating portion 410 and the front lower side face of the second thermal insulating portion 430.

In the top face of the first thermal insulating portion 410, there is is provided a through-hole 412 through which a pipe may be pierced to allow water to enter or exit the tank module 100. The through-hole 412 may include a plurality of through-holes. In this case, the through-holes 412 may be spaced apart in the top face of the first thermal insulating portion 410.

A guide groove 414 is provided within the front upper side face of the first thermal insulating portion 410. The guide groove 414 extends to the top face of the first thermal insulating portion 410.That is, a member inserted into the guide groove 414 extends from the front upper side face of the first thermal insulating portion 410 to the top face of the first thermal insulating portion 410 continuously.

A first casing 470 is disposed on the rear faces of the first thermal insulating portion 410 and the second thermal insulating portion 430. A second casing 490 is disposed on the front faces of the first thermal insulating portion 410 and the second thermal insulating portion 430. The first casing 470 and the second casing 490 are joined together such that the first thermal insulating portion 410, the second thermal insulating portion 430, and the third thermal insulating portion 450 may be maintained in a coupled state.

The first casing 470 and the second casing 490 have hooks and grooves in which the hooks may be inserted and fixed, at locations where they abut against each other. Thus, the two casings may be fixed to each other without a separate bolt.

Through-holes are defined in the first casing 470 and the second casing 49, respectively. Through the respective through-holes, the first thermal insulating portion 410, the second thermal insulating portion 430, and the third thermal insulating portion 450 may be exposed to the outside. The through-holes are not formed in the first casing 470 and the second casing 490 at the positions where the first thermal insulating portion 410, the second thermal insulating portion 430 and the third thermal insulating portion 450 are coupled to each other. Thus, in the position where the first thermal insulating portion 410, the second thermal insulating portion 430, and the third thermal insulating portion 450 are coupled to each other, the first thermal insulating portion 410, the second thermal insulating portion 430, and the third thermal insulating portion 450 are not exposed to the outside through the through-holes.

The first thermoelectric module 200 provided on one side of the tank module 100 includes a first thermoelectric element 210 including a first heat-absorbing portion 202 disposed to face the tank module 100 and a first heat-emission portion 204 disposed opposite the first heat-absorbing portion 202, a first heat-transfer unit 220 for transferring heat received from the first heat-emission portion 204 away from the tank module 100, and a first heat-dissipation unit 250 disposed at one end of the first heat-transfer unit 220 to dissipate the heat.

The thermoelectric element refers to a module in which N and P type thermocouples are electrically connected in series and thermally connected in parallel. When DC current is applied to the element, the thermoelectric effect causes a temperature difference between both faces of the thermoelectric element. The element may act as a solid state heat pump that take advantage of the cooling effect typically exhibited by the Peltier phenomenon.

When the current flows in the first thermoelectric element 210 in a predetermined direction by the Peltier effect, the temperature at the first heat-absorbing portion 202 is lowered, while the temperature at the first heat-emission portion 204 is raised.

The first heat-transfer unit 220 performs the function of conducting heat. The first heat-transfer unit 220 transfers the heat absorbed from the tank module 100 to the outside.

The first heat-transfer unit 220 may include a first member 222 contacting a first heat-emission portion 204 for receiving the heat from the first heat-emission portion 204 and a first pipe 224 for transferring the heat generated from the first member 222 upward.

The first member 222 may transfer the heat generated by the first heat-emission portion 204 to the first pipe 224 while in face-contact with the first heat-emission portion 204.

The first heat-transfer unit 220 may be configured so that heat transfer from the first heat-emission portion 204 to the first heat-dissipation unit 250 therethrough in one direction is easier than in the opposite direction. That is, the heat transfer from the first heat-emission portion 204 to the first heat-dissipation unit 250 through the first heat-transfer unit 220 is relatively easy whereas, heat transfer from the first heat-dissipation unit 250 to the first heat-emission portion 204 through the first heat-transfer unit 220 is relatively difficult.

To this end, the first pipe 224 may be embodied as a grooved heat pipe. The grooved heat pipe has a property that the heat transfer in one direction is more effective in the opposite direction along the extended longitudinal direction of the pipe than in one direction.

The first pipe 224 may include two spaced pipes. The spacing between the two pipes may be larger on the first heat-dissipation unit 250 side than on the first member 222 side. Thus, since the width of the first member 222 is smaller than the width of the first heat-dissipation unit 250, this may allow efficiently transferring the heat from the first member 222 to the first heat-dissipation unit 250.

The first member 222 has a coupling portion coupled to the tank module 100. Thus, even when the first thermoelectric element 210 is not bolted to the tank module, the first heat-absorbing face 202 of the first thermoelectric element 210 may reliably face-to-face contact the first cooling unit 240 while the first heat-emission face 204 of the first thermoelectric element 210 may reliably face-to face contact the first member 222. The coupling portions of the first member 222 may be provided at the top and bottom of the member, respectively.

Further, the first thermoelectric module 200 includes a first cooling unit 240. The first cooling unit may be defined between the first heat-absorbing portion 202 and the tank module 100. That is, the first cooling unit enables heat exchange between the tank module 100 and the first heat-absorbing portion 202.

When the temperature of the first heat-absorbing portion 202 drops below the temperature of the tank module 100, the heat of the tank module 100 may be transferred via the cooling unit to the first heat-absorbing portion 202.

The first heat-dissipation unit 250 disposed at one end of the first heat-transfer unit 220 may be configured to include a plurality of fin fins so as to increase the contact area between the first heat-dissipation unit 250 and the outside air. The first heat-dissipation unit 250 may dissipate the heat transferred from the first heat-transfer unit 220 to the outside of the cold-water supply system to improve the cooling efficiency of the tank module 100.

The first thermoelectric module 200 includes a first fan 270 that generates an air flow through the first heat dissipation unit 250. The first fan 270 has coupling members that may be respectively coupled to the top and bottom of the first heat-dissipation unit 250. In this way, the first fan 270 may fit into the top and bottom of the first heat-dissipation unit 250, respectively. The first fan 270 is sized to cover one side face of the first heat-dissipation unit 250. The fan may generate an air flow toward one side face of the first heat-dissipation unit 250.

The first fan 270 may be implemented as an axial flow fan. The fan generates an air flow toward the first heat-dissipation unit 250. When there occurs an exchanging heat between the first heat-dissipation unit 250 and a large amount of air, the first heat-dissipation unit 250 may be cooled.

When the first thermoelectric element 220 is driven such that the first heat-absorbing portion 202 of the first thermoelectric element 200 is cooled. Thus, the heat of the tank module 100 is transferred to the first heat-absorbing portion 202 through the first cooling unit 240. As a result, the tank module 100 may be cooled to a low temperature.

The first thermoelectric element 220 is driven such that the first heat-emission portion 204 is heated. Thus, the heat of the first heat-emission portion 204 is transmitted to the first pipe 224 through the first member 222. The heat of the first pipe 224 is transferred to the first heat-dissipation unit 250. When the first fan 270 is at an off state, the heat of the first heat-dissipation unit 250 is discharged to the outside via natural convection. When the first fan 270 is driven, the heat of the first heat-dissipation unit 250 is discharged to the outside via forced convection. Thus, when a current is applied to the first thermoelectric element 210, the tank module 100 may be cooled.

The second thermoelectric module 300 provided on the opposite side of the tank module 100 includes a second thermoelectric element 310 including a second heat-absorbing portion 302 disposed to face the tank module 100 and a second heat-emission portion 304 disposed opposite the second heat-absorbing portion 302, a second heat-transfer unit 320 for transferring heat received from the second heat-emission portion 304 away from the tank module 100, and a second heat-dissipation unit 350 disposed at one end of the second heat-transfer unit 320 to dissipate the heat.

When the current flows in the second thermoelectric element 310 in a predetermined direction by the Peltier effect, the temperature at the second heat-absorbing portion 302 is lowered, while the temperature at the second heat-emission portion 304 is raised.

The second heat-transfer unit 320 performs the function of conducting heat. The second heat-transfer unit 320 transfers the heat absorbed from the tank module 100 to the outside.

The second heat-transfer unit 320 may include a second member 322 contacting a second heat-emission portion 304 for receiving the heat from the second heat-emission portion 304 and a second pipe 324 for transferring the heat generated from the second member 322 upward.

The second member 322 may transfer the heat generated by the second heat-emission portion 304 to the second pipe 324 while in face-contact with the second heat-emission portion 304.

Unlike the first heat-transfer unit 220, heat transfer in both directions through the second heat-transfer unit 320 is facilitated between the second heat-emission portion 304 and the second heat-dissipation unit 350. The heat transfer from the second heat-emission portion 304 through the second heat-transfer unit 320 to the second heat-dissipation unit 350 and the heat transfer from the second heat-dissipation unit 350 through the second heat-transfer unit 320 to the second heat-emission portion 304 are all equally effected.

The second pipe 324 may be implemented as a sinterered heat pipe. The sinterered heat pipe has a property that both of heat transfers in one direction and the other direction is effectively performed along the extended longitudinal direction of the pipe.

The second pipe 324 may include two spaced pipes. The spacing between the two pipes may be larger on the second heat-dissipation unit 350 side than on the second member 322 side. Thus, since the width of the second member 322 is smaller than the width of the second heat-dissipation unit 350, this may allow efficiently transferring the heat from the second member 322 to the second heat-dissipation unit 350.

The second member 322 has a coupling portion coupled to the tank module 100. Thus, even when the second thermoelectric element 310 is not bolted to the tank module, the second heat-absorbing face 302 of the second thermoelectric element 310 may reliably face-to-face contact the second cooling unit 340 while the second heat-emission face 304 of the second thermoelectric element 310 may reliably face-to face contact the second member 322. The coupling portions of the second member 322 may be provided at the top and bottom of the member, respectively.

Further, the second thermoelectric module 300 includes a second cooling unit 340. The second cooling unit may be defined between the second heat-absorbing portion 302 and the tank module 100. That is, the second cooling unit enables heat exchange between the tank module 100 and the second heat-absorbing portion 302.

When the temperature of the second heat-absorbing portion 302 drops below the temperature of the tank module 100, the heat of the tank module 100 may be transferred via the cooling unit to the second heat-absorbing portion 302.

The second heat-dissipation unit 350 disposed at one end of the second heat-transfer unit 320 may be configured to include a plurality of fin fins so as to increase the contact area between the second heat-dissipation unit 350 and the outside air. The second heat-dissipation unit 350 may dissipate the heat transferred from the second heat-transfer unit 320 to the outside of the cold-water supply system to improve the cooling efficiency of the tank module 100.

The second thermoelectric module 300 includes a second fan 370 that generates an air flow through the second heat dissipation unit 350. The second fan 370 has coupling members that may be respectively coupled to the top and bottom of the second heat-dissipation unit 350. In this way, the second fan 370 may fit into the top and bottom of the second heat-dissipation unit 350, respectively. The second fan 370 is sized to cover the opposite side face of the second heat-dissipation unit 350. The fan may generate an air flow toward the opposite side face of the second heat-dissipation unit 350.

The second fan 370 may be implemented as an axial flow fan. The fan generates an air flow toward the second heat-dissipation unit 350. When there occurs an exchanging heat between the second heat-dissipation unit 350 and a large amount of air, the second heat-dissipation unit 350 may be cooled.

When the second thermoelectric element 320 is driven such that the second heat-absorbing portion 302 of the second thermoelectric element 300 is cooled. Thus, the heat of the tank module 100 is transferred to the second heat-absorbing portion 302 through the second cooling unit 340. As a result, the tank module 100 may be cooled to a low temperature.

The second thermoelectric element 320 is driven such that the second heat-emission portion 304 is heated. Thus, the heat of the second heat-emission portion 304 is transmitted to the second pipe 324 through the second member 322. The heat of the second pipe 324 is transferred to the second heat-dissipation unit 350. When the second fan 370 is at an off state, the heat of the second heat-dissipation unit 350 is discharged to the outside via natural convection. When the second fan 370 is driven, the heat of the second heat-dissipation unit 350 is discharged to the outside via forced convection. Thus, when a current is applied to the second thermoelectric element 310, the tank module 100 may be cooled.

As described above, the first heat-transfer unit 220 and the second heat-transfer unit 320 may be configured to have different thermal conductance schemes. That is, the thermal conductance in a single direction in the first heat-transfer unit 220 is achieved, while the thermal conductance in both directions in the second heat-transfer unit 320 is achieved. Further, the first heat-transfer unit 220 and the second heat-transfer unit 320 may be extended to have different lengths, thereby allowing different thermal conductance schemes. In this embodiment, the first thermoelectric element 210 disposed at the distal end of the first heat-transfer unit 220 and the second thermoelectric element 310 disposed at the distal end of the second heat-transfer unit 320 may have different drive schemes. In this regard, the two heat-transfer units perform thermal conductance with different heat transfer schemes. Accordingly, the cooling performance of the tank module 100 may be improved.

The first heat-dissipation unit 250 and the second heat-dissipation unit 350 are spaced apart. The first heat-dissipation unit 250 refers to a component for discharging heat generated from the first thermoelectric element 210. The second heat-dissipation unit 350 refers to a component for discharging the heat generated from the second thermoelectric element 310. In this embodiment, the first heat-dissipation unit 250 and the second heat-dissipation unit 350 are separated from each other so that no thermal conductance therebetween occurs. In this way, the heat of the first heat-dissipation unit 250 and the heat of the second heat-dissipation unit 350 are not exchanged with each other. When the first thermoelectric element 210 is deactivated, heat is not transferred to the first heat-dissipation unit 250. At this time, when the second thermoelectric element 310 is activated, the heat of the second thermoelectric element 310 is transferred to the second heat-dissipation unit 350. Thus, the temperature of the second heat-dissipation unit 350 is raised. In this embodiment, since the first heat-dissipation unit 250 and the second heat-dissipation unit 350 are separated from each other, the heat of the second heat-dissipation unit 350 is not transferred to the first heat-dissipation unit 250.

A thickness t1 of the first cooling unit 240 is greater than a thickness t2 of the second cooling unit 340. The second thermoelectric element 310 is always turned on, while the first thermoelectric element 210 is repeatedly turned on or off. In this case, the heat of the first heat-dissipation unit 250 may be transferred to the tank module 100 through the first heat-transfer unit 220. Accordingly, in order to reduce the amount of heat transferred from the first thermoelectric element 210 via the first cooling unit 240 to the tank module 100, the thickness of the first cooling unit 240 may be made larger than the thickness of the second cooling unit 340. The heat transfer through the first cooling unit becomes relatively difficult.

The tank module 100 includes the left and right faces that make up the appearance. The first heat-absorbing portion 202 may be disposed to face the left face, while the second heat-absorbing portion 302 may be disposed to face the right face. When the tank module 100 assumes a roughly cubic shape, the tank module 100 is disposed between the first thermoelectric element 210 and the second thermoelectric element 310, such that the first thermoelectric element 210 and the second thermoelectric element 310 can efficiently cool the tank module. That is, the first heat-absorbing portion 202 and the second heat-absorbing portion 302 may be capable of sucking heats. When the first heat-absorbing portion 202 and the second heat-absorbing portion 302 are in wide contact with the lateral faces of the tank module 100, the tank module 100 may be cooled rapidly.

The first thermoelectric element 210 and the second thermoelectric element 310 may be arranged at different levels along the vertical direction of the tank module 100. The first heat-absorbing portion 202 and the second heat-absorbing portion 302 are configured to suck the heat. Therefore, when the first heat-absorbing portion 202 and the second heat-absorbing portion 302 are in wide contact with the lateral faces of the tank module 100, the tank module 100 may be cooled rapidly. Since the two thermoelectric elements are located at different vertical levels, they may also cool water corresponding to different vertical levels. In particular, a configuration may be realized that the first thermoelectric element 210 is disposed at a lower level than the second thermoelectric element 310.

The first heat-dissipation unit 250 and the second heat-dissipation unit 350 may extend to the same vertical top level with respect to the tank module 100. Since the vertical top levels of the two heat-dissipation units are the same, the cold-water supply system may also be configured to be compact. If the two vertical top levels of the first heat-dissipation unit 250 and the second heat-dissipation unit 350 are different from each other, the internal volume of the system should increase by the vertical level difference. However, since the vertical levels of the first heat-dissipation unit 250 and the second heat-dissipation unit 350 are the same, the space occupied by the two heat-dissipation units in the cold-water supply system may be reduced.

The first heat-transfer unit 220 and the second heat-transfer unit 320 may be realized to extend by different lengths. The installation vertical levels of the two thermoelectric elements are different. Thus, in order for the first heat-dissipation unit 250 and the second heat-dissipation unit 350 to extend to the same vertical level, the first heat-transfer unit 220 and the second heat-transfer unit 320 must have different extension lengths. Specifically, a first pipe 224 of the first heat-transfer unit 220 may extend relatively long, while a second pipe 324 of the second heat-transfer unit 320 may extend relatively short.

Since the length of the first pipe 224 is larger, the distance through which the heat moves along the first pipe is longer. To the contrary, since the second pipe 324 is shorter in length, the distance that the heat travels along the second pipe is shorter. Therefore, even when the first thermoelectric element 210 installed at one end of the first heat-transfer unit 220 is stopped, the heat transfer from the first heat-dissipation unit 250 to the tank module 100 through the first heat-transfer unit 220 becomes difficult since a thermal transfer path from the first heat-dissipation unit 250 to the tank module 100 through the first heat-transfer unit 220 becomes longer.

The top of the tank module 100 is provided with an inlet port 110 through which water is injected into the tank module 100 and an outlet port 112 through which water is discharged out of the tank module 100. While water is injected into the tank module from the inlet port 110, and the water is discharged to the outside of the tank module through the outlet port 112, the heat exchange within the tank module 100 may occur such that the water may be cooled.

Further, on the top of the tank module 100, two

ports

114 and 115 may be disposed for injecting a heat transfer fluid into the tank module 100 and drawing the heat transfer fluid from the tank module. The two

ports

114 and 115 are provided on the top face of the tank module 100, as in the inlet port 110 and the outlet port 112. In this way, the four ports may be arranged together on the top of the tank module 100. To this end, in the first thermal insulating portion 410, four through-holes 412 may be defined so that four ports may pass through the holes 412.

In one embodiment, while the first pipe 224 and the second pipe 324 each extend in a straight line upward, and, then, the first pipe 224 and the second pipe 324 may each be bent. In the bent portions, the width of each of the first pipe 224 and the second pipe 324 may be increased.

Each of the first cooling unit 240 and the second cooling unit 340 may be made of aluminum such that effectively exchanging of heat between the corresponding thermoelectric elements and the tank module 100 may be achieved.

The first pipe 224 may be inserted into the guide groove 414 formed in the first thermal insulating portion 410. The guide groove 414 is formed along the extended direction of the first pipe 224. The side faces of the first pipe 224 contact the first thermal insulating portion 410. The guide groove 414 may include two grooves. Each groove may be elongated in a vertical direction. Each groove may have a bent portion corresponding to the bent portion of the first pipe 224.

A first exposure groove may be formed in the bottom of the front face of the first thermal insulating portion 410. A second exposure groove may be formed in the top of the rear face of the second thermal insulating portion 430. Thus, the first cooling unit 240 and the second cooling unit 340 may be respectively exposed to the outside through the first exposure groove in the first thermal insulating portion 410 and the second exposure groove in the second thermal insulating portion 430.

The third thermal insulating portion 450 may also be formed to seal the first thermoelectric module 200. The third thermal insulating portion 450 partially overlaps the front faces of the second thermal insulating portion 430 and the first thermal insulating portion 410. That is, the third thermal insulating portion covers the first heat-transfer unit 220. Accordingly, portions of the first member 222 and the first pipe 224 may be sealed by the third thermal insulating portion 450.

To the contrary, at the location where the second thermoelectric module 300 is installed, i.e., on the rear face of the tank module, an additional thermal insulating portion covering the first thermal insulating portion 410 and the second thermal insulating portion 430 is not disposed. Thus, the second thermoelectric module 300 is mostly exposed to the outside. That is, the second member 322 and the second pipe 324 of the second heat-transfer unit 320 are not wrapped by a separate thermal insulating portion but may be exposed to the outside.

Figure 6 is an illustration of a tank module according to one embodiment. Figure 7 is a side elevation view of Figure 6, in which the inside of the tank module is visible. Figure 8 illustrates a first water guide channel. Figure 9 is an illustration of a second water guide channel. Figure 8 and Figure 9 show a state in which a housing is removed from the tank module.

The tank module 100 includes a housing 104 forming an appearance, an inlet port 110 for allowing water to be injected into the housing, an outlet port 112 for discharging water injected from the inlet port 110 to the outside of the housing 104, and a base 108 coupled to the housing 104.

The base 108 may be combined with the housing 104 to seal the interior of the housing 104 from the outside. The base 108 has a shape similar to the plate. One face of the housing 104 is opened. The housing has a rectangular parallelepiped shape in which five faces are sealed. The base 108 is joined to the open face of the housing 104.

The housing 104 is provided with two

ports

114 and 115. The fluid may be directed into and out of the housing 104 through the two

ports

114 and 115. The fluid functions to cool the water injected via the inlet port 110 while exchanging heat with the water without mixing with the water guided via the inlet port 110. The fluid may be water in one example. In this specification, for the convenience of illustration, the fluid may be exemplified as cooling water.

Inside the housing 104, there are disposed a first water guide channel 130 and a second water channel 150. The first water guide channel 130 may include a first vertical water channel 132 through which the water introduced through the inlet port 110 moves in a vertical direction and a first horizontal water channel 134 through which the water moves in a horizontal direction. The second water channel 150 includes a second vertical water channel 152 in which water after passing through the first water guide channel 130 moves in a vertical direction and a second horizontal water channel 54 in which the water moves in a horizontal direction.

The water guided to the inlet port 110 first passes through the first water guide channel 130, and, the water then passes through the second water guide channel 150, and then is discharged to the outlet port 112.

In the first water guide channel 130, the distance at which the water flows along the first vertical water channel 132 may be greater than the distance at which the water flows along the first horizontal water channel 134. The first water guide channel 130 may be realized as a pipe having a circular cross section and extending long. Water may flow into the pipe.

The vertically elongated pipe may be alternately bent so that the first water guide channel 130 form a staggered shape. the vertical movement distance of the water is longer than the horizontal movement distance of the water inside the first water guide channel 130.

In the second water guide channel 150, the distance at which the water flows along the second vertical water channel 152 may be smaller than the distance at which the water flows along the second horizontal water channel 154.

The second water guide channel 150 may be defined as follows. A container 170 is received in the tank module. The container is coupled to the base 108 for containing water therein. In the container 170, there are disposed a plurality of ribs 174 defining a water channel through which the water flows. The container 170 defines a single large volume. Each of the plurality of ribs 174 extend in the horizontal direction within the volume. The ribs are stacked at intervals in the vertical direction. Thus, water may flow in the channel defined between the plurality of ribs 174.

Each of the ribs 174 is spaced horizontally from one side inner wall or the other side inner wall of the container so that the water can rise up along one or the other side inner end of the container 170.

The first water guide channel 130 and the second water guide channel 150 communicate with each other at the bottom of the tank module 100,

the water in the first water guide channel 130 may flow into the second water guide channel 150.

The inlet port 110 is located at the top of the tank module 100. The water reaching the lowest point along the first water guide channel 130 rises up along the second water guide channel 150. Eventually, the water may be raised up to the outlet port 112 and then discharged to the outside of the tank module 100.

The first cooling unit 240 coupled with the first heat-absorbing portion 202 of the first thermoelectric element 210 faces-contacts one side face of the housing 104. The second cooling unit 340 coupled with the second heat-absorbing portion 302 of the second thermoelectric element 310 may face-to-face contact the base 108. In this way, the first cooling unit 240 and the second cooling unit 340 face-contact opposite side faces of the tank module 100 respectively. In this way, the various faces of the tank module 100 may be cooled. Further, the two heat-absorbing portions may be disposed at different vertical levels to effectively absorb the heat of the water passing through the various locations of the tank module 100.

One side face of the container 170 may be realized as the base 108. Alternatively, one open side face of the container 170 may be coupled to the base 108 having a plate shape. The base 108 has a larger area than one open side face of the container 170. When the housing 104 is bonded to the base 108, one side open face of the container 170 may be enclosed within a space defined by the base 108 and the housing 104.

The first water guide channel 130 may be realized as a single long pipe. The first water guide channel 130 may be bent at the same vertical level. One end of the first water guide channel 130 is connected to the second water guide channel 150, such that a flow path through which the water flows from the first water guide channel 130 to the second water guide channel 150 may be defined.

The cooling water may flow into and out of the housing 104 through the two

ports

114 and 115 respectively. When cooling water flows through one port 114 into the tank module, the interior air within the housing 104 is vented through the other port 115 outside the housing 104. Thus, the supply of the cooling water to the housing 104 may be facilitated.

The rib 174 has a front-rear directional length equal to the front-rear directional length of the interior space of the container 170. Thus, when the water flows inside the container 170, the water is elevated up only through a path deliberately formed by the rib 174. Inside the container 170, first, water rises up along a left inner end of the container, and then is guided along a first horizontal channel formed between first two vertically spaced ribs. Then, the water rises up along a right inner end of the container. The water is then guided along a second horizontal channel formed between second two vertically spaced ribs. Then, the water rises up along the left inner end. This may continue. In this way, as the water contacts the various inner faces of the tank module 100, the heat exchange efficiency between the water and the tank module may be improved.

While the water guided through the inlet port 110 passes through the first water guide channel 130, the water may be cooled while exchanging heat with the cooling water inside the housing 104. The cooling water may be cooled by the first thermoelectric element 210. The water may be cooled while flowing along the first water guide channel 130 and at the same time, continuing the heat exchange with the cooling water in the housing.

The water guided to the second water guide channel 150 after passing through the first water guide channel 130 may be cooled by the second thermoelectric element 310. The second thermoelectric element 310 may cool the container 170. As the water passes through the container 170, the water may be cooled while contacting the rib 174 and the interior of the container 170.

While the water passes through the first water guide channel 130 and then the second water guide channel 150, the heat exchange occurs between the water and the tank module at various locations of the tank module. Thus, when the water is discharged to the outlet port 112, the temperature of the water drops. In this embodiment, since water is sufficiently cooled in the tank module via heat exchange thereof with the tank module, the present disclosure does not need to use a scheme to freeze ice to cool water. Conventionally, in order to supply cold water, a scheme of freezing ice and heat-exchanging ice and water each other to cool the water is employed. However, this scheme may have difficulty in controlling the thickness of ice. Thus, there is a difficulty in implementing such a scheme. For example, the thicknesses of the ice may be different when freezing is executed for one day and for a month. The ice thickness may vary depending on the number or amount of the cold water at which the user consumes. That is, since the thickness of the ice varies depending on the user's environment, this scheme may have the difficulty in controlling the temperature of the cold water. Accordingly, it is difficult to design the dimension of the tank when using this approach.

To the contrary, in this embodiment, the present disclosure does not use ice. Rather, in accordance with the present disclosure, increasing the path of water flow inside the tank may allow tater to be sufficiently cooled. Compared to the existing scheme, water temperature control is easy when using the present approach. Further, the present approach has the advantage of not having to consider the thickness of the ice.

Figure 10 is an illustration of a cold-water supply system according to another embodiment. Figure 11 is an exploded perspective view of Figure 10. Unlike the above embodiment, the first thermoelectric element and the second thermoelectric element are all located on one side face of the tank module 100 in this embodiment.

In this embodiment, a heat-dissipation unit 252 for heat-dissipating the heat of the first thermoelectric element 210 and a heat-dissipation unit 252 for heat-dissipating the heat of the second thermoelectric element 310 form a single component. Thus, the heat of the first thermoelectric element 210 and the heat of the second thermoelectric element 310 may be discharged together through the single heat-dissipation unit 252.

The configuration in which the vertical levels of the two

thermoelectric elements

210 and 310 are different from each other and the configuration in which the lengths of the two heat-

transfer units

220 and 320 are different is the same as the above-described embodiment. Therefore, the description of these same configurations is not illustrated,

In the case of Figure 6 to FIG. 9, in this embodiment, the first heat-absorbing portion 202 of the first thermoelectric element 210 and the second heat-absorbing portion 302 of the second thermoelectric element 310 face-contact a single face of the housing 104.

In this embodiment, even when the two thermoelectric elements are placed on the singe face of the tank module, this embodiment may allow efficiently cooling water passing through the tank module since the vertical levels of the two thermoelectric elements are different.

A first fan 270 and a second fan 370 are disposed on both opposing faces of one heat-dissipation unit 252 respectively. When the two fans are driven at the same time, the cooling efficiency of one heat-dissipation unit 252 may be the maximum. When only one fan is driven, the heat exchange rate of the heat-dissipation unit 252 may be lowered, but the energy consumed may be reduced.

Inside the tank module, a temperature sensor 190, which measures the temperature of the water, may be accommodated.

Figure 12 is a control block diagram according to one embodiment. The control block diagram shown in Figure 12 may be applied equally to the both embodiments as described above.

Referring to FIG. 12, according to the present disclosure, a temperature sensor 190 is included to measure the temperature of the internal water of the tank module 100. The temperature sensor 190 may measure at least one temperature of the temperature of the water flowing into the tank module 100, the temperature of the water passing through the interior of the tank module 100, and the temperature of the water exiting the tank module 100. The temperature measured by the temperature sensor 190 may be transmitted to the control unit 500.

The control unit 500 may control the driving of the first thermoelectric element 210, the second thermoelectric element 310, the first fan 270, and the second fan 370 based on the temperature information.

The control unit 500 may be configured to supply current to the first thermoelectric element 210 and the second thermoelectric element 310, individually. The control unit may be configured so as to supply current to one of the two thermoelectric elements and to supply current to the other thereof.

In particular, the control unit 500 may be configured to drive or stop the first thermoelectric element 210. On the other hand, the control unit 500 may be configured to always drive the second thermoelectric element 310. The first thermoelectric element 210 and the second thermoelectric element 310 may be driven in different schemes to reduce the power consumed in the drinking-water supply apparatus, thereby improving energy efficiency.

The control unit 500 may be configured to control the magnitude of the voltage supplied to the second thermoelectric element 310 to vary.

The control unit 500 may be configured to drive or deactivate the first fan 270. The control unit 500 may be configured to always drive the second fan 370. The control unit 500 may drive the first fan 270 and the second fan 370 in different schemes to improve overall energy efficiency.

The control unit 500 may be configured such that when the magnitude of the voltage supplied to the second thermoelectric element 310 changes, the voltage supplied to the second fan 370 also varies. That is, when the control scheme of the second thermoelectric element 310 is changed, correspondingly, the second fan 370 may also be controlled in a different scheme.

Likewise, when the control unit 500 does not drive the first thermoelectric element 210, the control unit 500 may not drive the first fan 270. That is, when the control scheme of the first thermoelectric element 210 is changed, the first fan 270 may be controlled in a different scheme.

The control unit 130 may control various components based on information received from the temperature sensor 190. Alternatively, the control unit may implement the control operation depending on whether or not the user manipulates the button 7. That is, the control unit 130 may operate automatically according to a predetermined program, or may be manually operated by a user's input.

Figure 13 is a control flow diagram according to one embodiment. Figure 14 shows a voltage supplied to the thermoelectric element.

Referring to Figure 13 and Figure 14, the user may press the button 7 to use cold water. In Figure 14, a top is an illustration of the operation of the second thermoelectric element, while a bottom is a diagram illustrating the operation of the first thermoelectric element. In this embodiment, no separate tank for storing cold water is provided. When the user wants to draw cold water, the present apparatus immediately cools the water and supplies it to the user. Thus, this approach may be more hygienic than the conventional scheme using the cold water tank.

The temperature sensor 190 may also measure the temperature of the water S10.

When the temperature of the water measured at the temperature sensor 190 satisfies a cold water temperature condition, cold water is not generated rapidly. Rather, the apparatus enters a cold-insulation period for maintaining the temperature of the water at a predetermined level. In the cold-insulation period, the apparatus may be driven in a cold-insulation mode.

To the contrary, when the temperature of the water measured by the temperature sensor 190 does not satisfy the cold water temperature condition, This apparatus needs to rapidly generate cold water.

Therefore, this apparatus enters a cooling period in which the temperature of the water is drastically lowered S30. During the cooling period, the apparatus may be driven in the cooling mode.

In one embodiment, whether or not the cold water temperature condition is satisfied may be determined based on whether the measured temperature is higher or lower than a predetermined temperature.

When, as in operation S30, the apparatus enters the cooling period, the control unit drives both the first thermoelectric element 210 and the second thermoelectric element 310 S32. Thus, the control unit turns on both thermoelectric elements. The apparatus uses two thermoelectric elements to cool the water flowing into the tank module.

The control unit 500 applies the maximum voltage to the first thermoelectric element 210 and the second thermoelectric element 310, as shown in Figure 14 S34. When the maximum voltage is applied thereto, the maximum power is supplied thereto. Thus, the both thermoelectric elements are driven at maximum. In this response, an exothermic reaction and an endothermic reaction may occur. Thus, water passing through the tank module 100 may be rapidly cooled.

The control unit 500 then drives both the first fan 270 and the second fan 370 at operation S36. Since both the first thermoelectric element 210 and the second thermoelectric element 310 are driven, the heat generated from each thermoelectric element may flow through each of the first heat-transfer unit 220 and the second heat-transfer unit 320 into each heat-dissipation unit.

In this connection, both input voltages to the two fans may be supplied at maximum. Since the amount of heat as generated from the both thermoelectric elements is maximum, the control unit drives both of the fans using the maximum voltage, the heat dissipated from the heat-dissipation unit may be discharged to the outside smoothly.

Since the both fans are driven, the heat transferred from the two heat-dissipation units heat-exchanges with the air. Thus, the heat of the thermoelectric element may be dissipated to the outside.

Since the both thermoelectric elements are driven, each of the heat-emission portions of the two thermoelectric elements has a higher temperature than that each of the heat-dissipation units. Thus, the heat generated from the two heat-emission portions may be transferred to the two heat-dissipation units and may be dissipated to the outside.

Subsequently, while driving the two thermoelectric elements, the control unit determines again whether the temperature measured at the temperature sensor 190 satisfies the cold water temperature condition at S40. When, at S10 or S40, the cold water temperature condition is satisfied, the apparatus enters the cold-insulation period as in operation S20. In this connection, the cold-insulation period may mean a period in which the apparatus cools the tank module by supplying a relatively smaller amount of cold air as compared to that in the cooling period.

When the apparatus is in the cold-insulation mode, the control unit 500 may turn off the first thermoelectric element 210 and turn on the second thermoelectric element 310 S24. That is, the first thermoelectric element 210 is not driven while the second thermoelectric element 310 is driven.

In this connection, as shown in FIG. 14, in the cold-insulation period, the first thermoelectric element 210 stops its operation by the control unit not applying the voltage thereto. Thus, the energy consumption at the first thermoelectric element 210 may be eliminated.

In contrast, the control unit applies a smaller value of the input voltage to the second thermoelectric element 310 than that in the cooling mode S26. Thus, the second element may consume relatively little power. In the cold-insulation period, the consumption of the second thermoelectric element and the consumption of the first thermoelectric element are reduced, compared to the cooling period. Thus, energy efficiency may be improved.

In this connection, the control unit stops driving the first fan 270, while driving the second fan 370. Specifically, the control unit may set the input voltage to the second fan 370 to a value lower than the value in the cooling mode. In the cold-insulation period, the power consumed by the fan may be reduced compared to the cooling period, thereby improving energy efficiency.

In the cold-insulation period, the first thermoelectric element 210 does not work. Thus, the first heat-dissipation unit 250 may be hot, and the first heat-emission portion 204 may be relatively cold. Thus, the heat of the heat-dissipation unit 250 may be transferred to the first heat-emission portion 204 through the first heat-transfer unit 220. Accordingly, the tank module 100 may be heated by the heat through the first cooling unit 240.

In order to reduce the degree to which the tank module 100 is heated as the heat flows in the direction described above, in this embodiment, the length of the first pipe 224 of the first heat-transfer unit 220 is increased. Thus, since the path through which the heat flows from the first heat-dissipation unit 250 to the first heat-emission portion 204 becomes longer, the conduction of heat through the path may become relatively difficult.

Further, in this embodiment, unlike the second heat-transfer unit 320, the first heat-transfer unit 220 may be wrapped with the third thermal insulating portion 450, the first thermal insulating portion 410 and the second thermal insulating portion 430. Thus, the first heat-transfer unit 220 itself may not be heated by the heat from the outside. Thus, in a state where the first thermoelectric element 210 is not driven, the external heat may be prevented from heating the first heat-transfer unit 220 to heat the tank module 100.

Further, in this embodiment, the first pipe 224 is implemented as a grooved pipe. This allows the heat transfer from the first heat-dissipation unit 250 to the first thermoelectric element 210 to be inefficient so that the heat in this direction does not flow easily.

In contrast, since the second thermoelectric element 310 is always driven, the second heat-emission portion 304 is always maintained at a higher temperature than the second heat-dissipation unit 350. Thus, the second pipe 324 is implemented as a sinterered pipe. The sinterered pipe has a property that the thermal conductivity is relatively high and the thermal conductance is good in both directions. Since the second thermoelectric element 310 is always driven, the possibility of heat backflow is low in the second thermoelectric element 310, which is not the case in the first thermoelectric element 210. For this reason, the sinterered pipe may be used to improve energy efficiency. In this embodiment, since the driving schemes of the two thermoelectric elements are different from each other, the two heat transfer schemes may be used in the different heat-transfer units to improve the overall energy efficiency.

Again referring to the control flow chart according to Figure 13, the user presses the cold water button. The temperature sensor in the tank module detects the temperature of the tank module.

If the temperature of the tank is greater than the target temperature, after a certain delay of time, the control unit applies a circuit ON signal to the thermoelectric elements and the fans first in order to drive two thermoelectric elements and two fans. Thereafter, in order to apply the SMPS (switched mode power supply) power for the voltage to drive the thermoelectric element, the control unit applies an SMPS ON signal to the elements.

After a predetermined time delay to increase the PWM duty, the control unit raises the duty for the thermoelectric element and the fan to raise the voltage thereto to the Max output voltage.

When the temperature of the tank module is lower than the target temperature, and when a predetermined time delay for entering the temperature maintaining period has lapsed, the control unit may set a flag indicating that the temperature is below the target temperature. The control unit has a predetermined time delay to turn off the first thermoelectric element.

The control unit activates two thermoelectric element control signals to turn off the second thermoelectric element, and turn off the second fan.

The control unit drives the first thermoelectric element and the first fan at the minimum voltage via applying a minimum duty for the first thermoelectric element and the first fan. The apparatus enters the cold-insulation period.

In contrast, when the temperature below the target temperature is detected, the apparatus enters the cold-insulation period, Additionally, based on the measuring result of the temperature, the control unit determine whether the temperature rises above the target temperature.

In this embodiment, the heat-dissipation unit on the sinterered heat pipe may be heat-dissipated with a stronger airflow using the air amount as blown from the grooved heat pipe.

In this embodiment, the heat pipes may employ the two types to reduce the heat loss, thereby improving power consumption. Using two pairs of heat pipes may solve the heat imbalance in the tank module via cooling in both directions. Specifically, the thermoelectric elements may be disposed on both sides of the tank module to cool the tank module form the both sides. This can solve the imbalance in thermal distribution inside the tank module.

Particularly, in a thermoelectric module including the thermoelectric element always being turned on, the heat pipe is selected through which the heat is transferred in both directions.

In one embodiment, the first water guide channel may include a stainless steel (SUS) pipe. Thus, the length of the flow path may increase and thus heat exchange of the water with the cooling water may be efficient.

After the cooling water is initially inserted into the tank module once, the port into which the cooling water is introduced may be sealed by welding.

The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments. It will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that the present disclosure is subjected to modifications and changes which fall within the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

A tank module comprising:

a housing defining an appearance of the tank module;

an inlet port through which water is injected into the housing;

a first water guide channel including a first vertical water channel along which the water flowing into the inlet port flows vertically, and a first horizontal water channel along which the eater flows horizontally;

a second water guide channel for receiving the water from the first water guide channel, wherein the second water guide channel includes a second vertical water channel along which the water flows vertically, and a second horizontal water channel along which the water flows horizontally;

an outlet port for receiving the water from the second water guide channel and for discharging the water out of the housing; and

a base coupled to the housing for sealing an interior of the housing from an outside,

wherein a fluid is contained in the housing such that the fluid is not mixed with the water flowing in the first water guide channel.
The tank module of claim 1, wherein the inlet port and the outlet port are disposed on a top of the housing.
The tank module of claim 1, wherein a distance of water flow along the first vertical water channel is greater than a distance of water flow along the first horizontal water channel.
The tank module of claim 1, wherein a distance of water flow along the second horizontal water channel is greater than a distance of water flow along the second vertical water channel.
The tank module of claim 1, wherein a first cooling unit coupled with a first heat-absorbing portion of a first thermoelectric element, and a second cooling unit combined with a second heat-absorbing portion of a second thermoelectric element are in face-contact with one face of the housing.
The tank module of claim 1, wherein the first water guide channel includes an elongate pipe with a circular cross section.
The tank module of claim 1, wherein the housing receives a container coupled to the base and contain therein water,

wherein the second water guide channel is defined by a vertical stack of vertically spaced ribs received in the container.
The tank module of claim 7, wherein a first cooling unit coupled with a first heat-absorbing portion of a first thermoelectric element is in face-contact with one face of the housing,

wherein a second cooling unit combined with a second heat-absorbing portion of a second thermoelectric element is in face-contact with the base.
A drinking-water supply apparatus comprising:

a tank module having a water flow channel and being configured for cooling the water flowing in the water channel;

a first thermoelectric module including:

a first thermoelectric element including a first heat-absorbing portion disposed to face the tank module and a first heat-emitting portion disposed opposite the first heat-absorbing portion;

a first heat-transfer unit for transferring heat from the first heat-emission portion away from the tank module; and

a first heat-dissipation unit disposed on one end of the first heat-transfer unit to dissipate the heat therefrom; and

a second thermoelectric module including:

a second thermoelectric element including a second heat-absorbing portion disposed to face the tank module and a second heat-emitting portion disposed opposite the second heat-absorbing portion;

a second heat-transfer unit for transferring heat from the second heat-emission portion; and

a second heat-dissipation unit disposed on one end of the second heat-transfer unit to dissipate the heat therefrom,

wherein the tank module includes:

a housing defining an appearance of the tank module;

an inlet port through which water is injected into the housing;

a first water guide channel including a first vertical water channel along which the water flowing into the inlet port flows vertically, and a first horizontal water channel along which the eater flows horizontally;

a second water guide channel for receiving the water from the first water guide channel, wherein the second water guide channel includes a second vertical water channel along which the water flows vertically, and a second horizontal water channel along which the water flows horizontally;

an outlet port for receiving the water from the second water guide channel and for discharging the water out of the housing; and

a base coupled to the housing for sealing an interior of the housing from an outside.
The drinking-water supply apparatus of claim 9, wherein the apparatus further comprises a control unit configured to supply current to the first thermoelectric element and the second thermoelectric element individually.
The drinking-water supply apparatus of claim 9, wherein the control unit is configured to activate or deactivate the first thermoelectric element.
The drinking-water supply apparatus of claim 9, wherein the control unit is configured to continuously activate the second thermoelectric element.
The drinking-water supply apparatus of claim 9, wherein the first heat-absorbing portion of the first thermoelectric element and the second heat-absorbing portion of the second thermoelectric element are disposed on the same face of the housing.
The drinking-water supply apparatus of claim 9, wherein the first heat-absorbing portion of the first thermoelectric element is disposed on one face of the housing, wherein the second heat-absorbing portion of the second thermoelectric element is disposed on the base.
The drinking-water supply apparatus of claim 9, wherein the first thermoelectric module includes a first fan for generating air flow in the first heat-dissipation unit.
The drinking-water supply apparatus of claim 9, wherein the second thermoelectric module includes a second fan for generating air flow in the second heat-dissipation unit.