Separable hot water tank

Abstract

 A hot water tank mounted on a hot/cold water dispenser, a water purifier, a vending machine, or the like, is provided. The separable hot water tank has a separable structure to facilitate its cleaning and is provided with a vacuum space formed on an outer wall thereof to improve heat resistance. In the separable hot water tank, a cover is separably engaged with a body provided with a water storage space formed therein. A cover screw part and a body screw part, which are formed on the cover and the body, respectively, are screw-engaged with each other, or a fastening part provided on the cover and a locking part provided on the body are separably engaged with each other. A sealing means is interposed between the body and the cover to seal the interior of the hot water tank.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application is based on and claims priorities from Korean Patent Application No. 10-2008-36100, 10-2008-49733 and 10-2008-54602, filed on April 18, 2008, May 28, 2008 and June 11, 2008, respectively and Korean Utility Model Application No. 20-2008-9159 and 20-2008-10144, filed on July 9, 2008 and July 29, 2008, respectively in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the invention

[0002] The present invention relates to a hot water tank mounted on a hot/cold water dispenser, a water purifier, a vending machine, or the like. More particularly, the present invention relates to a separable hot water tank, which has a separable structure to facilitate its cleaning and is provided with a vacuum space formed on an outer wall thereof to improve heat resistance.

Description of the Prior Art

[0003] Generally, in a hot/cold water dispenser, a water purifier, a vending machine, or the like, a cold water tank for quickly cooling and discharging drinking water flowing therein and a hot water tank for quickly heating and discharging the drinking water are provided.

[0004] In the case of using the hot water tank for a long time, a microorganism may propagate itself, and a foreign substance such as fur may form on an inner wall of the hot water tank, so that a user may be in bad health.

[0005] In order to solve this problem, it is required to clean the interior of the hot water tank at proper times. However, since most hot water tanks have sealed and fixed structures in watertight state, it is impossible to clean the interior of the hot water tank.

[0006] In this case, the hot water tank itself should be replaced, and this causes a user inconvenience with a burden of replacement costs.

[0007] In order to solve this problem, it is preferable that one side of the hot water tank is separable. However, even if one side of a hot water tank, which is provided to a general consumer, is separable, its separating process is greatly complicated and/or is laborious. In addition, the hot water tank as described above is disadvantageous in complexity of its structure or manufacturing cost.

[0008] On the other hand, water in the hot water tank is heated by a heating means provided inside or outside the hot water tank, and a pipe heater, which is connected inside the hot water tank and is heated by an external power supply, is commonly used as the heating means.

[0009] In order to prevent the external shape of the hot water tank from being deformed when the water in the hot water tank is heated by the pipe heater, it is required that the hot water tank is heat-resistant. Also, the hot water tank requires convenience in formation, durability, and the like. In consideration of such requirements, it is general that the hot water tank is made of a metallic material, such as stainless steel, aluminum, and the like.

[0010] However, since the hot water tank made of a metallic material has a high thermal conductivity, water in the hot water tank easily gets cold, and thus it is required that the water in the hot water tank is continuously heated by the pipe heater to cause the increase of power consumption.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Accordingly, the present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems occurring in the prior art while advantages achieved by the prior art are maintained intact.

[0012] One object of the present invention is to provide a hot water tank that has a separable structure to facilitate cleaning of the interior thereof and separation or engagement thereof.

[0013] Another object of the present invention is to provide a hot water tank that can be cleaned without the necessity of disconnecting or connecting electric lines connected to a pipe heater or a temperature sensor mounted thereon.

[0014] Still another object of the present invention is to provide a hot water tank that can prevent a fire caused by the short circuit through prevention of electric connection parts of a pipe heater and a temperature sensor from being in contact with water.

[0015] Still another object of the present invention is to provide a hot water tank that has a superior heat-resistant structure to minimize power consumption.

[0016] In order to accomplish these objects, in one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a separable hot water tank coupled to a water heating means and mounted on a hot/cold water dispenser, a water purifier, or a vending machine, which includes a body which is provided with a water storage space formed therein and of which either of upper and lower sides is open; a cover separably engaged with the open side of the body; and a sealing means, interposed between mutual engagement portions of the body and the cover, for sealing up the interior of the body. A cover screw part and a body screw part may be provided in the mutual engagement portions of the body and the cover, respectively, so that the cover and the body can be screw-engaged with each other.

[0017] In another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a separable hot water tank coupled to a water heating means and mounted on a hot/cold water dispenser, a water purifier, or a vending machine, which includes a body which is provided with a water storage space formed therein and of which either of upper and lower sides is open; a locking part provided on an outer surface of the open side of the body and having a locking protrusion formed on one side thereof; a cover for covering the open side of the body; a fastening part composed of a fixing member fixed to an outer surface of the cover, and a wing body connected to the fixing member in an upward/downward movable state and having a locking piece formed to project from one side surface thereof to lock into the locking protrusion, so as to make the cover lock into the body with pressure or make the cover unlock from the body; and a sealing means, interposed between mutual engagement portions of the body and the cover, for sealing up the interior of the body.

[0018] In still another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a separable hot water tank coupled to a water heating means and mounted on a hot/cold water dispenser, a water purifier, or a vending machine, which includes an upper body having an open lower side; a lower body having an open upper part and separably engaged with the upper body; and a sealing means interposed between mutual engagement portions of the upper and lower bodies. Upper and lower screw parts may be provided in mutual engagement portions of the upper and lower bodies, respectively, so that the upper and lower bodies can be screw-engaged with each other.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] The above and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be more apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a separable hot water tank according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a hot water tank illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a sectional view of a hot water tank illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a sectional view illustrating a separable hot water tank according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a sectional view illustrating a separable hot water tank according to a third embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a sectional view illustrating a separable hot water tank according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a sectional view illustrating a separable hot water tank according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a sectional view illustrating a separable hot water tank according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a sectional view illustrating a separable hot water tank according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a sectional view illustrating a separable hot water tank according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 11 is a sectional view illustrating a separable hot water tank according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 12 is a sectional view illustrating a separable hot water tank according to a tenth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view of a hot water tank illustrated in FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 is a sectional view of a hot water tank illustrated in FIG. 12;

FIG. 15 is a sectional view of a hot water tank having a hot water tank body that is different from that as illustrated in FIG. 12 according to an eleventh embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 16 is a perspective view illustrating a separable hot water tank according to a twelfth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 17 is an exploded perspective view of a hot water tank illustrated in FIG. 16;

FIG. 18 is a sectional view of a hot water tank illustrated in FIG. 16;

FIG. 19 is a sectional view of a hot water tank having a hot water tank body that is different from that as illustrated in FIG. 16 according to a thirteenth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 20 is a sectional view illustrating a separable hot water tank according to a fourteenth embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 21 is a sectional view illustrating a separable hot water tank according to a fifteenth embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0020] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the entire description of the present invention, the same drawing reference numerals are used for the same elements across various figures.

[0021] With reference to FIGS. 1 to 19, a separable hot water tank according to preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0022] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a separable hot water tank coupled to a water heating means and mounted on a hot/cold water dispenser, a water purifier, or a vending machine, includes a body 100 which is provided with a water storage space formed therein and of which either of upper and lower sides is open; a cover 200 separably engaged with the open side of the body 100; and a sealing means 300, interposed between mutual engagement portions of the body 100 and the cover 200, for sealing up the interior of the body 100. A cover screw part 201 and a body screw part 101 may be provided in the mutual engagement portions of the body 100 and the cover 200, respectively, so that the cover 200 and the body 100 can be screw-engaged with each other.

[0023] According to another embodiment of the present invention, a separable hot water tank coupled to a water heating means and mounted on a hot/cold water dispenser, a water purifier, or a vending machine, includes a body 100 which is provided with a water storage space formed therein and of which either of upper and lower sides is open; a locking part 150 provided on an outer surface of the open side of the body 100 and having a locking protrusion 151 formed on one side thereof; a cover 200 for covering the open side of the body 100; a fastening part 250 composed of a fixing member 251 fixed to an outer surface of the cover 200, and a wing body 252 connected to the fixing member 251 in an upward/downward movable state and having a locking piece 253 formed to project from one side surface thereof to lock into the locking protrusion 151, so as to make the cover 200 lock into the body 100 with pressure or to make the cover 200 unlock from the body 100; and a sealing means 300, interposed between mutual engagement portions of the body 100 and the cover 200, for sealing up the interior of the body.

[0024] According to still another embodiment of the present invention, a separable hot water tank coupled to a water heating means and mounted on a hot/cold water dispenser, a water purifier, or a vending machine, includes an upper body 400 having an open lower side; a lower body 500 having an open upper part and separably engaged with the upper body 400; and a sealing means 300 interposed between mutual engagement portions of the upper and lower bodies 400 and 500. Upper and lower screw parts 401 and 501 may be provided in mutual engagement portions of the upper and lower bodies 400 and 500, respectively, so that the upper and lower bodies 400 and 500 can be screw-engaged with each other.

[0025] As illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 19, the separable hot water tank according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention roughly includes the body 100, the cover 200, and the sealing means.

[0026] The body 100 may be in diverse forms, such as a cylinder, an elliptic cylinder, a square pillar, a hexagonal pillar, and the like, in which water storage space is provided.

[0027] Either of upper and lower sides of the body 100 is open, and the cover 200 is engaged with the open side of the body.

[0028] The cover 200 and the body 100 are separably engaged with each other. Engagement types and structures of the cover 200 and the body 100 according to respective embodiments of the present invention will be described later.

[0029] Since the cover 200 and the body 100 are separably engaged with each other, the hot water tank according to the preferred embodiments of the present invention has a separable structure.

[0030] The cover 200 and the body 100 may be made of metallic materials such as stainless steel, aluminum, and the like, or may be made of ceramic material for glass, enameled wares, ceramic wares, and the like. However, the cover and the body are not limited to such materials, but may be made of diverse other materials.

[0031] In order to seal up the interior of the body 100 when the cover 200 and the body 100 are engaged with each other, the sealing means 300 is interposed between mutual engagement portions of the cover 200 and the body 100.

[0032] A packing made of rubber or silicon may be used as the sealing means 300, and may have diverse longitudinal sections, such as an "O"-shaped longitudinal section (which may be called an O-ring), a rectangle-shaped longitudinal section, and the like.

[0033] In order to improve sealing of the interior of the body 100, a plurality of protrusions 303 may be formed on an outer surface of the sealing means 300 that is in surface contact with mutual engagement portions of the cover 200 and the body 100, or protruding flanges 302 may be formed in a length direction of the packing. It is also possible that the protrusions 303 are formed on the outer surfaces of the protruding flanges 302.

[0034] Although it is exemplified that one sealing means 300 is interposed between the mutual engagement portions of the cover 200 and the body 100, two or more sealing means may be interposed to improve the sealing of the interior of the body.

[0035] In FIGS. 1 to 3, a separable hot water tank 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention is illustrated.

[0036] In the first embodiment of the present invention, the body 100 is in the form of a cylinder, and an upper side of the body 100 is open.

[0037] The cover 200 may be engaged with the body 100 as it is inserted into the open side of the main body 100 in the first embodiment of the present invention, or may be engaged with the body 100 as it surrounds the outer surface of the open side of the body 100.

[0038] In order for the cover 200 and the body 100 to be separably engaged with each other, a cover screw part 201 and a body screw part 101 are formed on the mutual engagement portions of the cover 200 and the body 100, respectively. The cover 200 is separably engaged with the body 100 as the cover screw part 201 is screw-engaged with the body screw part 101.

[0039] In the embodiment of the present invention, the cover screw part 201 and the body screw part 101 are formed on the outer surface of the cover 200 and the inner surface of the body 100, respectively.

[0040] In the embodiment of the present invention, the outer surface of the cover 200 is bent several times to form the cover screw part 201, and the inner surface of the body 100 is also bent several times to form the body screw part 101. In this case, it is preferable that the cover 200 and the body 100 are made of a metallic material, such as stainless steel, aluminum, or the like, but are not limited thereto.

[0041] The body screw part 101 is successively formed in a circumferential direction on the inner surface of the body 100.

[0042] Although the cover screw part 201 may be successively formed in a circumferential direction on the inner surface of the body 100, it is also possible that a plurality of cover screw parts 201 having a specified length is formed along the circumference of the outer surface of the cover 200 at predetermined intervals.

[0043] In the case where the body 100 is in the form of an elliptic cylinder, a square pillar, or a hexagonal pillar, instead of a cylinder, a circular part (not illustrated) may be separately provided in an end portion of the open side of the body 100, and the body screw part 101 may be formed on the circular part, in order for the body 100 and the cover 200 to be screw-engaged with each other.

[0044] In the embodiment of the present invention, two sealing means are provided.

[0045] One 300a of the sealing means is in the form of an O-ring. The O-ring is engaged with an engagement groove 202 formed on the engagement portion of the cover 200, and thus is interposed between the mutual engagement portions of the cover 200 and the body 100. Through this engagement groove 202, the O-ring can be easily engaged with or separated from the cover 200.

[0046] It is also possible that the engagement groove 202 is formed on the engagement portion of the body 100 rather than the engagement portion of the cover 200.

[0047] In FIG. 3, it is exemplified that the engagement groove 202 is formed on an upper side of the cover screw part 201. However, the engagement groove 202 is not limited thereto, but may be formed in a proper position in accordance with a selection, for example, on a lower side of the cover screw part 201.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 3, through the mutual engagement of the cover 200 and the body 100, one side surface of the O-ring that is in contact with the body 100 is pressed and deformed.

[0049] The remaining sealing means 300b is interposed between the cover bent part 211 formed on the end portion of the cover 200 and a body bent part 111 formed on the end portion of the body 100.

[0050] The cover bent part 211 is outwardly bent from the upper end portion of the outer surface of the cover 200. The body bent part 111 is outwardly bent from the end portion of the open side of the body 100.

[0051] As the cover bent part 211 and the body bent part 11 are formed, the area of the sealing means 300b interposed between them, which is pressed by the cover bent part 211 and the body bent part 111, is widened, and thus the sealing of the interior of the body 100 is improved. In this case, the sealing means 300b may be, but is not limited to, a packing having a rectangle-shaped longitudinal section.

[0052] As illustrated in FIG. 3, the outer end portion of the cover bent part 211 is again bent downwardly to form an accommodation groove 203. Through this accommodation groove 203, the packing can be detachably engaged with the cover 200.

[0053] In FIG. 4, a separable hot water tank according to a second embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. The second embodiment of the present invention is substantially the same as the first embodiment of the present invention. However, according to the second embodiment of the present invention, the lower side of the body 100 is open.

[0054] Since reference numerals, which have not been explained concretely among reference numerals indicated in FIG. 4, can be explained through the foregoing description, the detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0055] In FIG. 5, a separable hot water tank according to a third embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. The third embodiment of the present invention is substantially the same as the first embodiment of the present invention. However, according to the third embodiment of the present invention, one sealing means 300 is interposed between a body bent part 112 and a cover bent part 212.

[0056] In the third embodiment of the present invention, the sealing means 300 is detachably inserted into the body bent part 112, so that the sealing means 300 and the body bent part 112 are engaged with each other. Specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 5, as left and right side longitudinal sections of the sealing means 300 are in the shapes of "⊂" and "⊃", respectively, a groove for receiving the end portion of the outer side of the body bent part 112 is provided on the lower side of the sealing means 300. Since the sealing means 300 has the above-described shape, it is inserted into the body bent part 112 through the groove.

[0057] Since reference numerals, which have not been explained concretely among reference numerals indicated in FIG. 5, can be explained through the foregoing description, the detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0058] In FIG. 6, a separable hot water tank according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. According to the fourth embodiment of the present invention, no sealing means 300 is interposed between the body bent part 112 and the cover bent part 212. The body bent part and the cover bent part serve as stepped portions that lock into the end portions of the cover 200 and the body 100 when the cover 200 and the body par 100 are engaged with each other.

[0059] In the fourth embodiment of the present invention, two sealing grooves 202 are formed on the engagement portion of the cover 200 that is engaged with the body 100, and 0-rings are engaged with the sealing grooves 202.

[0060] Since reference numerals, which have not been explained concretely among reference numerals indicated in FIG. 6, can be explained through the foregoing description, the detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0061] In FIG. 7, a separable hot water tank according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. The fifth embodiment of the present invention is substantially the same as the fourth embodiment of the present invention. However, according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention, unlike the fourth embodiment of the present invention, the sealing means 300 is interposed between a body bent part 114 and a cover bent part 214. In this case, the sealing means 300 is inserted into the body bent part 114 as in the third embodiment of the present invention.

[0062] Since reference numerals, which have not been explained concretely among reference numerals indicated in FIG. 7, can be explained through the foregoing description, the detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0063] In FIG. 8, a separable hot water tank according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. According to the sixth embodiment of the present invention, unlike the above-described embodiments of the present invention, the cover 200 is screw-engaged with the body 100 as it surrounds the outer surface of the open side of the body 100. In the sixth embodiment of the present invention, a cover screw part 201 is formed on the inner wall of the cover 200, and a body screw part 101 is formed on the outer wall of the body 100.

[0064] The sealing means 300 is inserted into and engaged with a body bent part 115 formed on the end portion of the open side of the body 100, and serves to seal up the body 100 as it is pressed by inner edges of the cover 200.

[0065] Since reference numerals, which have not been explained concretely among reference numerals indicated in FIG. 8, can be explained through the foregoing description, the detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0066] In FIG. 9, a separable hot water tank according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. The seventh embodiment of the present invention is substantially the same as the sixth embodiment of the present invention. However, according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention, unlike the above-described embodiments of the present invention, the body screw part 101 is formed in a body with the body 100 as it projects from the outer surface of the body 100.

[0067] The body 100 may be made of a metallic material, such as stainless steel, aluminum, and the like, or may be made of a ceramic material for glass, enameled wares, ceramic wares, and the like.

[0068] In the case where the body 100 is made of a ceramic material, the body screw part 101 may be formed in a body with the body 100 as it projects from the outer surface of the body 100 as in the seventh embodiment of the present invention.

[0069] In the seventh embodiment of the present invention, engagement grooves 202 are formed on the engagement portions, i.e. upper and lower sides, of the body 100 that is engaged with the cover 200, and the sealing means 300 is engaged with the engagement grooves 202.

[0070] In this case, as well as a packing which is an O-ring or has a rectangle-shaped longitudinal section, a packing having diverse modified shapes for effectively taking charge of the sealing can be used as the sealing means 300.

[0071] In the seventh embodiment of the present invention, it is exemplified that the sealing means has protrusions formed to project from the outer surface thereof, and as illustrated in FIG. 9, a support 193 is formed to project outwardly from the outer surface of the body 100 in order to support the bottom surface of the sealing means 300.

[0072] Since reference numerals, which have not been explained concretely among reference numerals indicated in FIG. 9, can be explained through the foregoing description, the detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0073] In FIG. 10, a separable hot water tank according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. According to the eighth embodiment of the present invention, the lower side of the body 100 is open, and the cover 200 is screw-engaged with the body 100 as it surrounds the lower side of the body 100.

[0074] The cover 200 may be made of a ceramic material in the same manner as the body 100 according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention, and in this case, the cover screw part 201 is formed in a body with the cover 200 as it projects from the inner surface of the cover 200.

[0075] Since reference numerals, which have not been explained concretely among reference numerals indicated in FIG. 10, can be explained through the foregoing description, the detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0076] In FIG. 11, a separable hot water tank according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. The ninth embodiment of the present invention is substantially the same as the sixth embodiment of the present invention. However, according to the ninth embodiment of the present invention, accommodation groove 204 that continues in a circumferential direction is formed at an edge of the inner side of the cover 200, and a packing 300 having a rectangle-shaped longitudinal section is accommodated in and engaged with the accommodation groove 204.

[0077] On the end portion of the open side of the body 100, a body bent part 116 for pressing the bottom surface of the packing is formed.

[0078] In the case where the body 100 is made of a metallic material, such as stainless steel or aluminum, the body screw part 101 is formed on the outer surface of the body 100.

[0079] Specifically, a body engagement member 130, which is made of plastic and so on, is fixed to the outer surface of the body 100 through an insert injection method or a forced press-in method, and the body screw part 101 is formed on the outer surface of the body engagement member 130.

[0080] Since reference numerals, which have not been explained concretely among reference numerals indicated in FIG. 11, can be explained through the foregoing description, the detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0081] In FIGS. 12 to 14, a separable hot water tank according to a tenth embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. The tenth embodiment of the present invention is substantially the same as the ninth embodiment of the present invention.

[0082] According to the tenth embodiment of the present invention, a body engagement member 130, which is the same as that according to the ninth embodiment of the present invention, is fixed to the outer surface of the body 100.

[0083] Unlike the above-described embodiments of the present invention, the cover 200 according to the tenth embodiment of the present invention is composed of a cover plate 220 for covering the open side of the body 100, and a cover engagement member 230 fixed to the outer surface of the cover plate 220. The cover screw part 201 is formed on the cover engagement member 230.

[0084] In the case where the cover 200 is made of a metallic material, such as stainless steel or aluminum in the same manner as the body 100 according to the ninth embodiment of the present invention, the cover engagement member 230 made of plastic and so on may be fixed to the outer surface of the cover plate 220 through an insert injection method or a forced press-in method.

[0085] The upper side of the cover engagement member 230 is fixed to the outer surface of the cover plate 220, and the cover screw part 201 that can be screw-engaged with the body engagement member 130 is formed on the inner surface of the cover engagement member 230.

[0086] The cover engagement member 230 may be composed of a plurality of cover engagement bodies having a specified length, and the plurality of cover engagement bodies may be provided at predetermined intervals along the edge of the outer surface of the cover plate 220. In the tenth embodiment of the present invention, the cover engagement member 230 is provided on the outer surface of the cover plate 220 as it extends along the edge of the outer surface of the cover plate 220.

[0087] In order to prevent the movement of the body engagement member 130 and the cover engagement member 230, support protrusions 191 and 291 may be formed on the outer surface of the body 100 and the outer surface of the cover plate 220.

[0088] On the other hand, the body engagement member 130 and the cover engagement member 230 are not limited to those as described above. It is also possible that a cover engagement member having the same function as the body engagement member 130 is provided on the cover plate 220, and a body engagement member having the same function as the cover engagement member 230 is provided on the body 100.

[0089] On end portions of the body 100 and the cover plate 220, a body bent part 117 and a cover bent part 217, which are outwardly bent, are formed, and the sealing means 300 is interposed between the body bent part 117 and the cover bent part 217. In the tenth embodiment of the present invention, the sealing means 300 is inserted into and engaged with the body bent part 117.

[0090] On one side of either of the body bent part 117 and the cover bent part 217, a projection part projecting in a direction of the sealing means 300 is formed so as to more intensively press the one side of the sealing means 300 that is inserted into the body bent part 117. It is also possible that this projection part is formed on one side of each of the body bent part 117 and the cover bent part 217.

[0091] As illustrated in a partial enlarged view (A) of FIG. 14, it is exemplified that the projection part 192 is formed on one side of the body bent part 117, and as illustrated in a partial enlarged view (B) of FIG. 14, it is exemplified that the projection part 192 is formed on one side of the cover bent part 217.

[0092] On the other hand, as illustrated in a partial enlarged view (C) of FIG. 14, the body bent part 117 and the cover bent part 210 may differ from those as described above. As illustrated in the partial enlarged view (C) of FIG. 14, grooves 105 and 205 may be formed in the center of the body bent part 117 and the cover bent part 217, and through these grooves 105 and 205, left and right sides of the grooves 105 and 205 may be relatively projected portions. As the body bent part 117 and the cover bent part 217 are formed as described above, the sealing means 300 can be intensively pressed by the left and right projected portions of the grooves 105 and 205 when it is interposed between the body bent part 117 and the cover bent part 217, and thus the sealing of the hot water tank can be further improved.

[0093] Of course, the partial enlarged views (A), (B), and (C) of FIG. 14 and the corresponding descriptions can also be applied to the eleventh, twelfth, and thirteenth embodiments of the present invention to be described later.

[0094] In order to further improve the sealing of the hot water tank, an extension part 301 extending upward and downward may be formed in a body with an end portion of the inner side of the sealing means 300, i.e. an end portion of the inner side of the hot water tank. This extension part 301 serves as an interceptor for preventing the mutual engagement portions of the cover plate 220 and the body 100 from being exposed toward the interior of the hot water tank.

[0095] Also, on the outer surface of the sealing means 300 that is in contact with the respective end portions of the cover 200 and the body 100, a plurality of protruding flanges 302 and protrusions 303 are formed to improve the sealing of the hot water tank.

[0096] Since reference numerals, which have not been explained concretely among reference numerals indicated in FIGS. 12 to 14, can be explained through the foregoing description, the detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0097] In FIG. 15, a separable hot water tank according to an eleventh embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. The eleventh embodiment of the present invention is substantially the same as the tenth embodiment of the present invention. However, unlike the above-described embodiments of the present invention, the body 100 according to the eleventh embodiment of the present invention has a double-wall structure.

[0098] Specifically, the body 100 is composed of an inner wall 170 and an outer wall 180. In consideration of convenience in formation, durability, and the like, the inner wall 170 and the outer wall 180 may be made of a metallic material, such as stainless steel, aluminum, and the like. However, the inner wall 170 and the outer wall 180 are not limited to such materials, but may be made of diverse other materials, such as a ceramic material for glass, enameled wares, ceramic wares, and the like.

[0099] The outer wall 180 is arranged so that a space 175 is provided between the inner wall 170 and the outer wall 180, and in order to seal up this space, the end portion of the outer wall 180 is bonded with the end portion of the inner wall 170.

[0100] A proper bonding method may be selected to be used in accordance with the material of the outer wall and the inner wall. For example, in the case where the inner wall 170 and the outer wall 180 are made of a metallic material, such as aluminum, stainless steel, and the like, welding is selected and used as the bonding method.

[0101] In the case where the inner wall 170 and the outer wall 180 are made of a ceramic material, the above-described end portions can be formed in a body.

[0102] The space 175 is provided between the inner wall 170 and the outer wall 180. Due to air in the sealed space 175, the outer wall of the hot water tank has a low thermal conductivity, and thus the water heated and contained in the hot water tank is kept hot. In this case, in order to lower the thermal conductivity of the hot water tank at maximum, it is preferable that the space 175 is kept in a vacuum state.

[0103] Diverse vacuum forming methods may be used to make the space 175 in a vacuum state. As an example, a hole for vacuum exhaust is formed on the outer wall 180, the inner wall 170 and the outer wall 180 bonded in a body are vacuum-heated in a vacuum furnace, and the hole for vacuum exhaust is sealed when a specified degree of vacuum is achieved. As another example, a vacuum-exhaust device is connected to the hole for vacuum exhaust to perform the vacuum exhaust, and when a specified degree of vacuum is achieved, the hole for vacuum exhaust is sealed to form a vacuum state.

[0104] Since reference numerals, which have not been explained concretely among reference numerals indicated in FIG. 15, can be explained through the foregoing description, the detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0105] In FIGS. 16 to 18, a separable hot water tank according to a twelfth embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. According to the twelfth embodiment of the present invention, mutual engagement of the body 100 and the cover 200 is different from that according to the above-described embodiments of the present invention.

[0106] In the twelfth embodiment of the present invention, a fastening part 250 is provided on the cover 200 that covers the open side of the body 100, and a locking part 150 is provided on the body 100.

[0107] Hereinafter, details of the fastening part 250 and the locking part 150 will be described.

[0108] On the outer surface of the open side of the body 100, the locking part 150, in which locking pieces 253 of wings 252 to be described later are locked, is provided.

[0109] In order to facilitate the forming of the locking part 150 in the case where the body 100 is made of aluminum or stainless steel, the locking part 150 may be made of plastic and so on, and is fixed to the body 100 through an insert injection method or a forced press-in method.

[0110] In this case, in order to prevent the movement of the locking part 150, support protrusions 191 may be formed to project from the outer surface of the body 100.

[0111] By contrast, in the case where the body 100 is made of a ceramic material, the locking part 150 may be made of the same ceramic material, and may be formed to project from the outer surface of the body 100. In this case, the forming of the above-described support protrusions may not be necessary.

[0112] On one side of the locking part 150, and particularly, on the outer side of the bottom portion of the locking part 150, the locking protrusions 151, in which locking pieces 253 of wings 252 to be described later are locked, is formed to project downward.

[0113] The locking part 150 may be formed with a specified length along the edge of the outer surface of the body 100. However, in the case where the body 100 is cylindrical, it is preferable that the locking part is extended along the edge of the body 100 so that the cover 200 to be described later can be bonded with the body 100 without being restricted by its circumferential position.

[0114] The fastening part 250, which is provided on the outer surface of the cover 200, includes a fixing member 251 fixed to the outer surface of the cover 200, and wings 252 connected to one side of the fixing member 251 to move upward and downward.

[0115] Diverse connection methods may be used to connect wings 252 to the fixing member 251. For example, the wings 252 are hinge-engaged with the fixing member 251 through a hinge pin.

[0116] In the twelfth embodiment of the present invention, the fastening part 250 may be made of plastic and so on, and in this case, the mutual engagement portions of the fixing member 251 and the wings 252 have a very small thickness, so that the wings 252 are formed in a body with the fixing member to be rotated round the fixing member 251.

[0117] On one side surface of the wing 253, i.e. on one side surface of the wing that is directed to the body 100, a locking piece 253 is formed to project from the side surface of the wing.

[0118] The locking piece 253 is locked in the locking protrusion 151 as the wing 252 is rotated in a direction of the body 100, while it is released from the locking protrusion 151 as the wing 252 is rotated in an outside direction of the body. In this case, the straight distance from the connection point of the fixing member 251 and the wing 252 to the locking piece 253 is somewhat shorter than a vertical direction from the horizontal line of the same point to the lower end of the locking protrusion 151, and thus the locking piece 253 is locked in the locking protrusion 151 as it passes over the lower end of the locking protrusion 151.

[0119] Once the locking piece 253 is locked in the locking protrusion 151, the cover 200 is pressed by and engaged with the body.

[0120] At least two fastening parts 250 are provided on the outer surface of the cover 200, and it is preferable that one fastening part 250 is provided in a position opposite to the other fastening part 250 so that the wings 252 are conveniently rotated, and a uniform pressure is applied to the body 100. However, it is also possible to provide a plurality of fastening parts 250 in proper positions so that the cover 200 can be engaged with the body 100 with pressure.

[0121] Although the fixing member 251 may be formed along the edge of the outer surface of the cover 200 with a specified length, a plurality of fixing members 251 may be formed to extend along the edge of the outer surface of the cover 200.

[0122] In the case where the cover 200 is made of a ceramic material, such as stainless steel or ceramic, the fastening part 250 may be made of plastic, and an insert injection method of a forced press-in method may be used to fix the fixing member 251 to the cover 200. In this case, in order to prevent the movement of the fixing member 251, support protrusion 291 may be formed to project from the outer surface of the cover 200 in the same manner as the body 100.

[0123] On the other hand, it is also possible that the fastening part 250 having the above-described function is provided on the body 100, and the locking part 150 having the above-descried function is provided on the cover 200.

[0124] Since reference numerals, which have not been explained concretely among reference numerals indicated in FIGS. 16 to 18, can be explained through the foregoing description, the detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0125] In FIG. 19, a separable hot water tank according to a thirteenth embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. The thirteenth embodiment of the present invention is substantially the same as the twelfth embodiment of the present invention. However, unlike the above-described twelfth embodiment of the present invention, the body 100 according to the thirteenth embodiment of the present invention has a double-wall structure. Since the body 100 can be explained through the foregoing description of the body 100 according to eleventh embodiment of the present invention, the detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0126] Since reference numerals, which have not been explained concretely among reference numerals indicated in FIG. 19, can be explained through the foregoing description, the detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0127] In the separable heat-insulating hot water tank according to the first to thirteenth embodiments of the present invention, diverse heating means for heating the water contained in the hot water tank may be provided.

[0128] As an example of such a heating means, a pipe heater 4 may be provided. The pipe heater 4 is fixedly connected to the cover 200 or the body 100, penetrating the body 100. The pipe heater 4 is supplied with a power from an external power supply, and heats water contained in the hot water tank.

[0129] In addition to the pipe heater 4, a temperature sensor 7 may be further provided to measure the temperature of the surface of the hot water tank. The operation of the pipe heater 4 is controlled in accordance with the sensed temperature, and thus the temperature of the water contained in the hot water tank is kept at a predetermined level.

[0130] The pipe heater 4 and the temperature sensor 7 are commonly or separately connected to an external power supply through electric lines 8.

[0131] On the other hand, the hot water tank as described above is fixed by diverse fixing means, such as a fixing bracket 5 and so on as illustrated in the drawing, in a hot/cold water dispenser, a water purifier, or a vending machine.

[0132] In the case where the upper side of the body 100 is open in the above-described embodiments of the present invention, the fixing bracket 5 may be fixed to the cover 200, and in this case, it is preferable that the temperature sensor 7 is mounted on the cover 200 (e.g. in the tenth embodiment of the present invention, on an upper side of the cover plate 220), and the pipe heater 4 is fixedly connected to the cover 200 (e.g. in the tenth embodiment of the present invention, to the cover plate 220), penetrating the body 100. In the case of cleaning the hot water tank, only the body 100 is separated from the cover 200, and thus it is not required to separate the fixing bracket 5 from the cover 200 or to separate the electric lines 8 connected to the temperature sensor 7 and the pipe heater 4. Even if water is used to clean the body 100, a fire caused by an electric leakage and so on can be prevented since the water for cleaning is not in contact with the electric lines connected to the temperature sensor 7 and the pipe heater 4.

[0133] In the case where the fixing bracket 5 is connected to the upper side of the body 100 in a state that the lower side of the body 100 is open, it is preferable that the temperature sensor 7 and the pipe heater 4 are mounted on the body 100 by the same reason as described above.

[0134] However, the mounting positions of the fixing bracket 5, the temperature sensor 7, and the pipe heater 4 are not limited to those as described above, and they can be mounted on one side of the cover 200 or the body 100.

[0135] In FIG. 20, a separable hot water tank according to a fourteenth embodiment of the present invention is illustrated.

[0136] The fourteenth embodiment of the present invention is substantially the same as the sixth embodiment of the present invention. However, unlike the sixth embodiment of the present invention in which the cover 200 and the body 100 are screw-engaged with each other, an upper body 400 and a lower body 500, in which water storage spaces are provided, respectively, are screw-engaged with each other according to the fourteenth embodiment of the present invention.

[0137] In the fourteenth embodiment of the present invention, an upper screw part 401 is formed on the outer surface of the open side of the upper body 400, and a lower screw part 501 is formed on the inner surface of the open part of the lower body 500.

[0138] The sealing means 300 is engaged with an engagement groove 202 formed on the engagement portion of the upper body 400.

[0139] In the fourteenth embodiment of the present invention, it is exemplified that the upper body 400 is screw-engaged with the lower body 500 as it is inserted into the lower body. However, the engagement of the upper and lower bodies 400 and 500 are not limited thereto, and the lower body 500 may be screw-engaged with the upper body 400 as it is inserted into the upper body 400.

[0140] Since reference numerals, which have not been explained concretely among reference numerals indicated in FIG. 20, can be explained through the foregoing description, the detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0141] In FIG. 21, a separable hot water tank according to a fifteenth embodiment of the present invention is illustrated.

[0142] The fifteenth embodiment of the present invention is substantially the same as the fourteenth embodiment of the present invention. However, an upper engagement member 430 and a lower engagement member 530 are fixed to the outer surfaces of the upper body 400 and the lower body 500, respectively. The upper engagement member 430 is substantially the same as the cover engagement member 230 according to the tenth embodiment of the present invention in function and shape, and the lower engagement member 530 is substantially the same as the body engagement member 130 according to the tenth embodiment of the present invention in function and shape. Since the upper engagement member 430 and the lower engagement member 530 can be explained through the foregoing description according to the tenth embodiment of the present invention, the detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0143] In FIG. 21, reference numerals 491 and 591 denote support protrusions having the same function as the support protrusions 191 and 291 according to the tenth embodiment of the present invention.

[0144] An upper bent part 411 and a lower bent part 511, which are bent outwardly, may be formed on edge portions of the upper body 400 and the lower body 500, respectively. In this case, the sealing means 300 may be interposed between the upper bent part 411 and the lower bent part 511, and in the fifteenth embodiment of the present invention, the sealing means 300 is inserted into the lower bent part 511.

[0145] The reference numeral 592 in FIG. 21 denotes a projection part having the same function as the projection part 192 according to the tenth embodiment of the present invention. In the fifteenth embodiment of the present invention, it is exemplified that the projection part 592 is projected from the lower bent part 511. Of course, the projection part 592 can be formed on either or both of the upper bent part 411 and the lower bent part 511.

[0146] In addition, although not illustrated in the drawing, grooves having the same function as the grooves 105 and 205 according to the tenth embodiment of the present invention as illustrated in FIG. 14 may be formed on the upper bent part 411 and the lower bent part 511.

[0147] Since reference numerals, which have not been explained concretely among reference numerals indicated in FIG. 21, can be explained through the foregoing description, the detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0148] Even in the hot water tank according to the fourteenth and fifteenth embodiments of the present invention, the temperature sensor 7 and the pipe heater 4 can be installed, and preferred installation positions of the temperature sensor 7 and the pipe heater 4 are as described above.

[0149] Since reference numerals 2 and 3, which have not been explained concretely among reference numerals indicated in FIGS. 2 and 3, denote a water input tube and a water output tube, which are connected inside the hot water tank, 5 denotes a fixing bracket for fixing the hot water tank to the inside of the cold/hot water dispenser, and 6 denotes a drain tube.

[0150] As described above, according to the present invention, since the cover and the body are separably engaged with each other, cleaning of the hot water tank can be easily performed.

[0151] Also, engagement of the cover with the body or separation of the cover from the body can be easily and conveniently performed.

[0152] As the hot water tank is separable as described above, it can be cleaned without the necessity of disconnecting or connecting electric lines connected to a pipe heater or a temperature sensor mounted thereon.

[0153] Also, since the hot water tank is cleaned in a state that the hot water tank is separated, a fire caused by the short circuit can be prevented through prevention of electric connection parts of the pipe heater and the temperature sensor from being in contact with water.

[0154] In addition, since the body of the hot water tank has a double-wall structure, the heat resistance is improved, and thus power consumption for heating the water can be minimized.

[0155] Although preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described for illustrative purposes, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications, additions and substitutions are possible, without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention as disclosed in the accompanying claims.

Claims

1. A separable hot water tank coupled to a water heating means and mounted on a hot/cold water dispenser, a water purifier, or a vending machine, the separable hot water tank comprising:

a body which is provided with a water storage space formed therein and of which either of upper and lower sides is open;

a cover separably engaged with the open side of the body; and

a sealing means, interposed between mutual engagement portions of the body and the cover, for sealing up the interior of the body;

wherein a cover screw part and a body screw part are provided in the mutual engagement portions of the body and the cover, respectively, so that the cover and the body can be screw-engaged with each other.

2. The separable hot water tank of claim 1, wherein the cover is screw-engaged with the body as it is inserted into the body.

3. The separable hot water tank of claim 2, wherein an end portion of the body is outwardly bent to form a body bent part thereon, an end portion of the cover is outwardly bent to form a cover bent part thereon, and the sealing means is interposed between the body bent part and the cover bent part.

4. The separable hot water tank of claim 1, where the cover is screw-engaged with the body as it surrounds an outer surface of the open side of the body.

5. The separable hot water tank of claim 4, wherein the cover is composed of a cover plate for covering the open side of the body and a cover engagement member fixed to an outer surface of the cover plate, and a cover screw part is formed on an inner surface of the cover engagement member.

6. The separable hot water tank of claim 4, wherein a body screw part is formed on the outer surface of the body engagement member fixed to the outer surface of the body.

7. The separable hot water tank of claim 4, wherein a body screw part is formed on the outer surface of the body engagement member fixed to the outer surface of the body; and
wherein the cover is composed of a cover plate for covering the open side of the body and a cover engagement member fixed to an outer surface of the cover plate, and a cover screw part is formed on an inner surface of the cover engagement member.

8. The separable hot water tank of claim 7, wherein an end portion of the body is outwardly bent to form a body bent part thereon, an end portion of the cover is outwardly bent to form a cover bent part thereon, and the sealing means is interposed between the body bent part and the cover bent part.

9. The separable hot water tank of claim 8, wherein either or both of the body bent part and the cover bent part has a projection part projecting in a direction of the sealing means.

10. The separable hot water tank of claim 7, wherein a support protrusion for preventing movement of the body engagement member is formed to project from the outer surface of the body, and a support protrusion for preventing movement of the cover engagement member is formed to project from the outer surface of the cover plate.

11. The separable hot water tank of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the body comprises an inner wall, and an outer wall arranged to provide space between the inner wall and the outer wall, and an end portion of the inner wall and an end portion of the outer wall are bonded in a body to seal up the space.

12. The separable hot water tank of claim 11, wherein the space is in a vacuum state.

13. A separable hot water tank mounted on a hot/cold water dispenser, a water purifier, or a vending machine, the separable hot water tank comprising:

a body provided with a water storage space formed therein, an upper side of the body being open, and a body engagement member fixed to an outer surface of the open side thereof;

a cover composed of a cover plate for covering the open side of the body, and a cover engagement member fixed to an outer surface of the cover plate; and

a sealing means, interposed between mutual engagement portions of the body engagement member and the cover engagement member, for sealing up the interior of the body;
wherein a cover screw part is formed on an inner surface of the cover engagement member and a body screw part is formed on an outer surface of the body engagement member so that the cover and the body can be screw-engaged with each other;

a pipe heater is fixedly connected to the cover through the body so as to receive a power from an external power supply and heat water contained in the hot water tank; and

a temperature sensor for measuring temperature of the water contained in the hot water tank is provided on an upper side of the cover that does not interfere with the pipe heater.

14. The separable hot water tank of claim 13, wherein an end portion of the body is outwardly bent to form a body bent part thereon, an end portion of the cover is outwardly bent to form a cover bent part thereon, and the sealing means is interposed between the body bent part and the cover bent part.

15. The separable hot water tank of claim 14, wherein either or both of the body bent part and the cover bent part has a projection part projecting in a direction of the sealing means.

16. The separable hot water tank of claim 13, wherein a support protrusion for preventing movement of the body engagement member is formed to project from the outer surface of the body, and a support protrusion for preventing movement of the cover engagement member is formed to project from the outer surface of the cover plate.

17. The separable hot water tank of any one of claims 13 to 16, wherein the body comprises an inner wall and an outer wall arranged to provide space between the inner wall and the outer wall, and an end portion of the inner wall and an end portion of the outer wall are bonded in a body to seal up the space.

18. The separable hot water tank of claim 17, wherein the space is in a vacuum state.

19. A separable hot water tank coupled to a water heating means and mounted on a hot/cold water dispenser, a water purifier, or a vending machine, the separable hot water tank comprising:

a body which is provided with a water storage space formed therein and of which either of upper and lower sides is open;

a locking part provided on an outer surface of the open side of the body and having a locking protrusion formed on one side thereof;

a cover for covering the open side of the body;

a fastening part composed of a fixing member fixed to an outer surface of the cover, and a wing body connected to the fixing member in an upward/downward movable state and having a locking piece formed to project from one side surface thereof to lock into the locking protrusion, so as to make the cover lock into the body with pressure or make the cover unlock from the body; and

a sealing means, interposed between mutual engagement portions of the body and the cover, for sealing up the interior of the body.

20. The separable hot water tank of claim 19, wherein an end portion of the body is outwardly bent to form a body bent part thereon, an end portion of the cover is outwardly bent to form a cover bent part thereon, and the sealing means is interposed between the body bent part and the cover bent part.

21. The separable hot water tank of claim 20, wherein either or both of the body bent part and the cover bent part has a projection part projecting in a direction of the sealing means.

22. The separable hot water tank of any one of claims 19 to 21, wherein the body comprises an inner wall and an outer wall arranged to provide space between the inner wall and the outer wall, and an end portion of the inner wall and an end portion of the outer wall are bonded in a body to seal up the space.

23. The separable hot water tank of claim 22, wherein the space is in a vacuum state.

24. A separable hot water tank coupled to a water heating means and mounted on a hot/cold water dispenser, a water purifier, or a vending machine, the separable hot water tank comprising:

an upper body having an open lower side;

a lower body having an open upper part and separably engaged with the upper body; and

a sealing means interposed between mutual engagement portions of the upper and lower bodies;
wherein upper and lower screw parts are provided in mutual engagement portions of the upper and lower bodies, respectively, so that the upper and lower bodies can be screw-engaged with each other.

25. The separable hot water tank of claim 24, wherein the upper screw part is formed on an upper engagement member fixed to the upper body.

26. The separable hot water tank of claim 24, wherein the lower screw part is formed on a lower engagement member fixed to the lower body.

27. The separable hot water tank of claim 24, wherein the upper screw part is formed on an upper engagement member fixed to the upper body, and the lower screw part is formed on a lower engagement member fixed to the lower body.

28. The separable hot water tank of claim 27, wherein an end portion of the upper body is outwardly bent to form an upper bent part thereon, an end portion of the lower body is outwardly bent to form a lower bent part thereon, and the sealing means is interposed between the upper bent part and the lower bent part.

29. The separable hot water tank of claim 28, wherein either or both of the upper bent part and the lower bent part has a projection part projecting in a direction of the sealing means.

30. The separable hot water tank of claim 27, wherein a support protrusion for preventing movement of the upper engagement member is formed to project from the outer surface of the upper body, and a support protrusion for preventing movement of the lower engagement member is formed to project from the outer surface of the lower body.

Drawing