Abstract:
A water purifier that includes: a water storage tank that includes an interior area and a first opening to the interior area; a cover unit that is configured to cover the first opening and that includes: a frame body that includes a second opening, and a water storage tank cover that is coupled to the frame body and that is configured to rotate about an axis such that the water storage tank cover opens or closes the second opening; a sterilizer that is configured to sterilize water in the water storage tank; a switching module that is configured to control electric power supply to the sterilizer; and an operation member that is configured to control the switching module based on the water storage tank cover being opened or closed is disclosed.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. 119 and 35 U.S.C. 365 to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2016-0058989 filed on May 13, 2016, the entire content of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
       TECHNICAL FILED 
       [0002]    The present application generally relates to technologies related to a water purifier. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    A water purifier refers to an apparatus for purifying raw water such as tap water such that the raw water is suitable for drinking. Such a water purifier is classified variously into a natural filtration scheme, a direct filtration scheme, distillation filtration scheme, a reverse osmosis scheme and the like. In current time, examples of the most commonly used filter include a natural filtration water purifier and a direct filtration water purifier that purify water by using a filter. 
         [0004]    Such a water purifier using a filter includes a filter and a water storage tank. In some cases, a separate heater and a separate cooling system using a refrigerant may be provided to supply cold water and hot water. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0005]    In general, one innovative aspect of the subject matter described in this specification can be implemented in a water purifier including: a body; a water storage tank that is located inside the body, that is configured to store water, and that includes an interior area and a first opening to the interior area; a cover unit that is configured to cover the first opening and that includes: a frame body (i) that is coupled to portions of the water storage tank that surround the first opening and (ii) that includes a second opening, and a water storage tank cover that is coupled to the frame body and that is configured to rotate about an axis such that the water storage tank cover opens or closes the second opening; a sterilizer that is located on a surface of the water storage tank cover and that is configured to sterilize water in the water storage tank; a switching module that is coupled to the frame body and that is configured to control electric power supply to the sterilizer; and an operation member that is located on the surface of the water storage tank cover and that is configured to control the switching module based on the water storage tank cover being opened or closed. 
         [0006]    The foregoing and other implementations can each optionally include one or more of the following features, alone or in combination. In particular, one implementation includes all the following features in combination. The frame body includes: a recess on a first surface of the frame body, the recess accommodating the switching module. The operation member includes a magnet that is configured to generate a magnetic field, and wherein the switching module includes a reed switch that is configured to, in response to a magnetic field generated by the magnet, control electric power supply to the sterilizer. The water storage tank cover includes: a magnet receiving part that includes a recess accommodating the magnet. The magnet is arranged to face the switching module based on the water storage tank cover being opened or closed. In a state that the water storage tank cover is closed, the magnet is arranged to face the switching module. The switching module further includes: a switch cover that covers the reed switch and that is accommodated in the recess of the frame body. The switch cover includes: a plate that covers the reed switch, and hooks that extend from the plate and that are configured to catch the reed switch. The switch cover further includes: a fixing member including a first portion and a second portion, wherein the first portion of the fixing member is fixed to the plate, and wherein the second portion of the fixing member is movable to hold the water storage tank cover based on the water storage tank cover being opened or closed. In a state that the water storage tank cover is closed, the fixing member holds the water storage tank cover. The fixing member is made of flexible material such that the second portion of the fixing member is movable. The water purifier further includes; a hinge (i) that couples a first edge of the water storage tank cover to the frame body and (ii) that is configured to rotate about the axis along the first edge of the water storage tank cover, wherein the water storage tank cover is configured to rotate with the hinge about the axis. The water purifier further includes: a wire that passes through the hinge and that connects the sterilizer and the switching module. The switching module includes: a micro-switch that is configured to control electric power supply to the sterilizer, and wherein the operation member includes: a pressing protrusion that protrudes from the water storage tank cover and that is configured to, based on the water storage tank cover being opened or closed, press a portion of the micro-switch such that the micro-switch controls electric power supply to the sterilizer. The water purifier further includes: an extension that is coupled to the water storage tank cover, wherein the switching module includes: a micro-switch that is configured to control electric power supply to the sterilizer, and wherein the operation member includes: a pressing protrusion that protrudes from the extension and that is configured to, based on the water storage tank cover being opened or closed, press a portion of the micro-switch such that the micro-switch controls electric power supply to the sterilizer. The switching module includes: a switch case that accommodates the micro-switch, and a switch cover that covers the switch case and that includes a third opening, wherein the pressing protrusions is configured to press the portion of the micro-switch through the third opening. The portion of the micro-switch is a switch lever. In a state that the water storage tank cover is opened, the operation member is configured to turn off the switching module. In a state that the water storage tank cover is closed, the operation member is configured to turn on the switching module. The sterilizer is configured to emit ultraviolet rays. 
         [0007]    The subject matter described in this specification can be implemented in particular examples so as to realize one or more of the following advantages. Comparing to a conventional water purifier, a water purifier includes a sterilizer that is operated based on a water storage tank cover being opened or closed. Thus, the water purifier does not require additional manipulation to operate or stop the sterilizer when a user opens or closes the water storage tank cover. 
         [0008]    The details of one or more implementations of the subject matter of this specification are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, aspects, and advantages of the subject matter will become apparent from the description, the drawings, and the claims. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0009]      FIG. 1  is a diagram illustrating an example water purifier. 
           [0010]      FIG. 2  is a diagram illustrating an example water storage tank assembly mounted on a water purifier. 
           [0011]      FIG. 3  is a diagram illustrating an example water storage tank assembly. 
           [0012]      FIG. 4  is a diagram illustrating an example cover unit. 
           [0013]      FIGS. 5 and 6  are diagrams illustrating an example water storage tank assembly in  FIG. 3   
           [0014]      FIGS. 7 and 9  are diagrams illustrating an example cover unit. 
       
    
    
       [0015]    Like reference numbers and designations in the various drawings indicate like elements. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0016]    A water purifier is a device to purify water. In some implementations, the water purifier can be applied to various home appliances. For example, the water purifier can be applied to a water dispenser, a water cooler, an ice maker, a refrigerator, etc. 
         [0017]      FIG. 1  illustrates an example water purifier.  FIG. 2  illustrates an example water storage tank assembly mounted on a water purifier. 
         [0018]    Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , a water purifier  1  includes a body  10  that defines an outer appearance. 
         [0019]    The body  10  may include a first front panel  11  that defines a front upper portion of the body  10 , a second front panel  12  that defines a front lower portion thereof, side panels  13  that define side surfaces thereof, and an upper panel  14  that defines an upper surface thereof. 
         [0020]    The first front panel  11  may be arranged on a front surface of the body  10  and have an overall stepped shape. The first front panel  11  protrudes from a front upper portion of the body  10  such that a lower portion thereof may be opened according to a shape of the second front panel  12 . 
         [0021]    The second front panel  12  is arranged below the front surface of the body  10 . The second front panel  12  may be coupled to the first front panel  11  by shielding an open area of the first front panel  11 . 
         [0022]    The side panels  13  are arranged on side surfaces of the body  10 . The pair of side surfaces  13  are formed and may be formed on opposite side surfaces of the body  10 , respectively. The pair of side panels  13  may be coupled to opposite side ends of the first front panel  11 , respectively. 
         [0023]    In some implementations, the upper panel  14  is arranged on an upper surface of the body  10 . The upper panel  14  may simultaneously connect an upper end of the first front panel  11  and upper ends of the side panels  13 . 
         [0024]    That is, the body  10  may be protected while being surrounded by the first front panel  11 , the second front panel  12 , the side panels  13  and the upper panel  14 . 
         [0025]    In some implementations, a filter for purifying water introduced into the body  10  and a water storage tank assembly  20  in which the water purified by the filter is stored may be provided in an internal space of the body  10 , which is shielded by the first front panel  11 , the second front panel  12 , the side panels  13  and the upper panel  14 . 
         [0026]    The water storage tank assembly  20  may be located on an upper side of the internal space and may be covered by the upper panel  14 . The water stored in the water storage tank assembly  20  may be discharged to the outside to be supplied to a user. Here, the body  10  may further include a discharge unit  15  for discharging the water stored in the water storage tank assembly  20  to the outside. 
         [0027]    The discharge unit  15  may be formed at any upper portion of the second front panel  12  and may include a water discharge part through which the water stored in the water storage tank assembly  20  is discharged. A water passage is formed inside the water discharge part so that the water stored in the water storage tank assembly  20  may be discharged to the discharge unit  15 . 
         [0028]    In some implementations, a water receiving tray  16  may be formed below the second front panel  12 . The water receiving tray  16  may be located below the water discharge part such that water that is taken out from the water discharge part may be collected the water receiving tray  16 . 
         [0029]    The internal space of the body  10  may further include at least one a compressor that compresses a refrigerant, a heater that heats water supplied by the water storage tank assembly  20 , a cold water tank in which cold water is stored and a hot water tank in which hot water is stored. 
         [0030]      FIG. 3  illustrates an example water storage tank assembly.  FIG. 4  illustrates an example cover unit. 
         [0031]    Referring to  FIGS. 3 and 4 , the water storage tank assembly  20  includes a water storage tank  30  in which water is stored and a cover unit  40  for sealing an upper open surface of the water storage tank  30 . 
         [0032]    The water storage tank  30  may have various shapes. For example, the water storage tank  30  can be a box shape, a cylinder shape, a hexahedral shape, etc. In some implementations, an upper surface of the water storage tank  30  can be opened with a lid to fill water inside of the water storage tank  30 . In some other implementations, an upper surface of the water storage tank  30  can include an opening through which water can be filled. The opening can be closed using a cap. In some other implementations, a coupling part for separably coupling the cover unit  40  to the water storage tank  30  is formed on an outer side of an upper end of the water storage tank  30 . Thus, the cover unit  40  may be mounted on the water storage tank  30  by coupling a portion of the cover unit  40  to the coupling part of the water storage tank  30 . 
         [0033]    The cover unit  40  is located on the upper opened surface of the water storage tank  30  to serve to selectively open and close the water storage tank  30 . Such a cover unit  40  may include a cover frame  50  that is mounted on an upper side of the water storage tank  30  and a water storage tank cover  60  that is mounted on an inner side of the cover frame  50 . 
         [0034]    In detail, the cover frame  50  includes a frame body  511  that is fixed to an upper side of the water storage tank  30 . An opening  512  on which the water storage tank cover  60  is seated may be formed in the frame body  511  to have a through-formed frame snaps. Thus, the water storage tank cover  60  may be seated on the opening  512  to be mounted on the cover frame  50 . 
         [0035]    A first fixing member  513  for fixing the water storage tank cover  60  to the frame body  511  when the water storage tank cover  60  is seated on the frame body  511  may be formed at an upper edge of the frame body  511 . 
         [0036]    The first fixing member  513  may be formed to be elastically deformable and to be bent at least one time to catch an edge of the water storage tank cover  60 . Thus, the first fixing member  513  may fix the water storage tank cover  60  such that the water storage tank cover  60  is not separated from the opening  512  when the water storage tank cover  60  is seated on the frame body  511 . 
         [0037]    As an example, a plurality of first fixing members  513  may be formed. Here, the plurality of fixing members  513  may be arranged on the upper edge of the frame body  511  to be spaced apart from each other. Thus, the water storage tank cover  60  may be firmly mounted on the frame body  511  by the first fixing members  513 . 
         [0038]    A coupling part separably couples the frame body  511  to the water storage tank  30  is formed at an edge of a lower surface of the frame body  511 . The coupling part of the frame body  511  may be separably coupled to the coupling part that is formed on the outer side of the upper end of the water storage tank  30 . 
         [0039]    In some implementations, a switching module  51  for operating a sterilizer which will be described below may be mounted on one side of the frame body  511 . The switching module may be coupled to an external power supply unit and the sterilizer which will be described below and may perform an on-off operation to selectively supply electric power to the sterilizer. 
         [0040]    In some implementations, the switching module  51  may include reed switches  52 . 
         [0041]    For each reed switch  52 , when two magnetic reed elements of the reed switch  52  are sealed in a glass tube. When these two magnetic reed elements are opened by elasticity of a spring, respective contact points of the two reed elements are coupled to each other by a magnetic circuit (e.g., closed state) when a magnet haying magnetism becomes close thereto. 
         [0042]    In this example, a closed state of the reed switch represents that the switching module is switched on. An open state of the reed switch represents that the switching module is switched off. 
         [0043]    In this example, a magnet for switching on the reed switch  52  is mounted on the water storage tank cover  60 . Thus, when the water storage tank cover  60  is closed, the reed switch  52  may be switched on, and when the water storage tank cover  60  is open, the reed switch  52  may be switched off. 
         [0044]    A method for switching on/off the reed switch  52  based on opening/closing of the water storage tank cover  60  will be described below. 
         [0045]    The above-described reed switch  52  may be received in a first recessed portion  514  that is recessed in an upper surface of the frame body  511 . 
         [0046]    The switching module  51  may further include a switch cover  53  that is inserted into the first recessed portion  514  in a state in which the reed switch  52  is coupled thereto. 
         [0047]    The switch cover  53  may serve to support the reed switch  52  such that the reed switch  52  is operated in the first recessed portion  514  without shaking and prevent the water stored in the water storage tank  30  from being taken out and being penetrated into the reed switch  52 . 
         [0048]    In detail, the switch cover  53  may include a plate  531  that covers upper surfaces of the reed switches  52  and hooks  533  that extend from a lower surface of the plate  531  to catch the reed switches  52 . 
         [0049]    The plate  531  may be located on the upper surfaces of the reed switches  52  to shield the upper surfaces of the reed switches  52  and an open surface of the first recessed portion  514 . 
         [0050]    The hooks  533  extend downward from an edge of the plate  531  to catch portions of side surfaces and a bottom surface of the reed switches  52 . 
         [0051]    In some implementations, the switch cover  53  mat further include a second fixing member  535  that is formed on an upper surface of the plate  531 . 
         [0052]    The second fixing member  535  serves to catch the edge of the water storage tank cover  60  which is like the first fixing member  513 . 
         [0053]    The second fixing member  535  may be rotatably or elastically deformably coupled to the plate  531  to fix the edge of the water storage tank cover  60  to the frame body  511  in a state in which the water storage tank cover  60  is closed. As an example, the second fixing member  535  may be rotatably hinge-coupled to the plate  531  to be rotated by manipulation of a user. However, as another example, the second fixing member  535  may be formed of an elastically deformable material and may be fixed to one side of thee, plate  531 . 
         [0054]    A water level detecting sensor  54  for measuring a water level of the water stored in the water storage tank  30  may be provided on a lateral side of the frame body  511  on which the reed switches  52  are mounted. 
         [0055]    The water level detecting sensor  54  may be received in a second recessed portion  515  that is recessed in a lateral side of the first recessed portion  514  The water level detecting sensor  54  may measure a water level of the water stored in the water storage tank  30  to provide the measured water level of the water to a control unit of the water purifier  1 . 
         [0056]    In some implementations, a power supply hole  516  through which a wire  2 , a signal line or a bower line, that electrically connects the external power supply unit to the reed switches  52 , the water level detecting sensor  54  and the sterilizer may be formed on any upper surface of the frame body  511 . As an example, the power supply hole  516  may be formed through a corner on the upper surface of the frame body  511 . 
         [0057]    Electric power supplied by the power supply unit may be provided to the water level detecting sensor  54  and the sterilizer. Here, the signal line or power line P that extends from the sterilizer may pass through a hollow hole of a hinge (described below) formed in the water storage tank cover  60  to be coupled to the switching module  51  or the power supply unit. 
         [0058]    In this example, the signal line or power line P that extends from the external power supply unit is coupled to the sterilizer through the switching module. 
         [0059]    However, in some implementations, a positive line (+) of the power line may be coupled to the sterilizer through the switching module and a negative line (−) may be directly coupled to the sterilizer not through the switching module 
         [0060]    The water storage tank cover  60  may be seated on the opening  512  of the frame body  511  to serve to selectively open and close the upper open surface of the water storage tank  30 . 
         [0061]    In particular, the water storage tank cover  60  may be rotatably coupled to the frame body  511  to selectively open and close the opening  512 . The water storage tank cover  60  may be formed to correspond to a shape of the open part  512  so as to be seated on the opening  512 . Here, an edge of the water storage tank cover  60  may be stepped to be seated on the opening  512 . Thus, when the water storage tank cover  60  is seated on the opening  512 , a portion of the edge of the water storage tank cover  60  is fitted in the opening  512 , so that the water storage tank cover  60  may be seated on the opening  512 . 
         [0062]    A hinge  62  may be formed at an edge of the water storage tank cover  60 . The hinge  62  connects the edge of the water storage tank cover  60  and an edge of the frame body  511  to each other. The hinge  62  includes a hinge shaft that serves as a center of rotation of the water storage tank cover  60 . Thus, the water storage tank cover  60  may be rotatably coupled to the frame body  511  by the hinge  62 . 
         [0063]    A handle  63  that is held by a user to open/close the water storage tank cover  60  may further provided on an opposite side to the edge of the water storage tank cover  60 , at which the hinge  62  is formed. 
         [0064]    The handle  63  may extend upward from the edge of the frame body  511  and be then bent sideward. A plurality of handles  63  may be provided, and the plurality of handles  63  may be spaced apart from each other. 
         [0065]    A sterilizer  61  may be formed on the upper surface of the water storage tank cover  60 . 
         [0066]    In some implementations, the sterilizer  61  may emit ultraviolet rays to the water stored in the water storage tank  30 . To this end, a slit may be formed through the upper surface of the water storage tank cover  60  and ultraviolet rays that are emitted by the sterilizer  61  pass through the slit and are moved to the water stored in the water storage tank  30 . 
         [0067]    The sterilizer  61  may include a mounting part  611  that is installed in the water storage tank cover  60  in which the slit is formed, an ultraviolet ray lamp  613  that is received in the mounting part  611  and a mounting part cover  614  that is arranged in the water storage tank cover  60  to completely cover the mounting part  611 . 
         [0068]    The mounting part  611  defines a receiving part  611   a  for receiving the ultraviolet lamp  613 . Screw coupling parts  611   b  for screw-coupling the mounting part  611  and the mounting part cover  615  to each other may further formed on opposite sides of the mounting part  611 . 
         [0069]    In some implementations, a communication hole  611   c  through which the ultraviolet rays emitted by the ultraviolet ray lamp  613  pass through the slit may be formed on a bottom surface of the receiving part  611   a  of the mounting part  611 . That is, the communication hole  611   c  may communicate the receiving part  611   a  and the slit such that the ultraviolet rays emitted by the ultraviolet ray lamp  613  are radiated into the water storage tank  30 . 
         [0070]    The ultraviolet ray lamp  613  is received in the receiving part  611   a  of the mounting part  611  and emits ultraviolet rays for sterilizing microorganisms that are proliferated in the water stored in the water storage tank  30 . 
         [0071]    The mounting part cover  614  may be positioned on the water storage tank cover  60  to completely cover the mounting part  611 . The mounting part cover  615  may be screw-coupled to the screw coupling parts  611   b  of the mounting part  611  to be fixed to the mounting part  611 . 
         [0072]    In some implementations, an operation member that switches on or off the switching module  51  may be mounted on one side of the water storage tank cover  60 . Here, the operation member may include a magnet M. 
         [0073]    The magnet M may be received in a magnet receiving part  65  that is recessed in the upper surface of the water storage tank cover  60 . In some implementations, in a state in which the water storage tank cover  60  is closed, the magnet M and the switching module  51  may face each other. Thus, when the water storage tank cover  60  is closed, the magnet M becomes closer to the switching module  51 , and accordingly, the switching module  51  may be switched on (closed state). In some implementations, when the switching module  51  is switched on, the external power supply unit and the sterilizer  61  are coupled to each other, so that electric power is supplied to the sterilizer  61 , and thus, the sterilizer  61  may be operated. 
         [0074]    In some implementations, in a state in which the water storage tank cover  60  is open, the magnet M and the switching module  51  becomes farther away from each other, so that the switching module  51  may be switched off. When the switching module  51  is switched off, the external power supply unit and the sterilizer  61  are decoupled from each other, so that electric power supplied to the sterilizer  61  is interrupted, and thus, the operation of the sterilizer  61  may be terminated. 
         [0075]    In some implementations, two switching modules formed and magnets for operating the two switching modules are also provided. When one switching module is installed, if the switching module is damaged, the sterilizer is not operated even when the water storage tank cover is closed. Thus, in this example, even when one switching module is damaged, the sterilizer may be driven by the other one switching module. In some other implementations, one switching module and one magnet may be provided. 
         [0076]      FIGS. 5 and 6  illustrate an example water storage tank assembly in  FIG. 3 . In.  FIG. 6 , a water storage tank cover  60  of the water storage tank assembly is open. 
         [0077]    Referring to  FIG. 5 , the water storage tank cover  60  is arranged to shield the open surface of the water storage tank  30 . Here, the magnet M that is mounted on the water storage tank cover  60  becomes closer to the switching module  51  that is mounted on the frame body  51 . Then, a magnetic field is generated based on the approaching of the magnet M and the reed switch  52  of the switching module  51  is switched on through the magnetic field. When the reed switch  52  is switched on, the external power supply unit and the sterilizer  61  are coupled to each other, so that electric power is supplied to the sterilizer  61 , and thus, the sterilizer  61  may be operated. 
         [0078]    Referring to  FIG. 6 , in some implementations, when the upper surface of the water storage tank  30  is opened by rotating the water storage tank cover  60 , the magnet M becomes farther away from the switching module  51 . Then, the reed switch  52  is switched off again, and accordingly, the electric power that supplied to the sterilizer  61  may be interrupted. 
         [0079]      FIG. 7  illustrates an example cover unit. 
         [0080]    Referring to  FIG. 7 , the cover unit  40  includes a cover frame  50  that is mounted on an upper surface of a water storage tank  30  in which water is stored and a water storage tank cover  60  that is mounted on an inner side of the cover frame  50 . 
         [0081]    The cover frame  50  is seated on the upper surface of the water storage tank  30  to cover an open upper surface of the water storage tank  30  and includes a frame body having an opening  512  formed therein,. 
         [0082]    A switching module  55  that performs an on-off operation to selectively supply electric power to the sterilizer  61  mounted on the water storage tank cover  60  is mounted in the frame body  511 . 
         [0083]    In detail, the switching module  55  may include a switch case  551 , a micro-switch  553  that is received in the switch case  551  and a switch cover  555  that covers an upper surface of the switch case  551  and has through-holes  556  formed therein. 
         [0084]    The switch case  551  has a reception part of which at least an upper surface is open and which receives the micro-switch  553 . The switch case  551  may be inserted into a first recessed portion  514  that is recessed in an upper surface of the frame body  511 . 
         [0085]    The switch cover  555  is coupled to the switch case  551  to cover the micro-switch  553 . Here, a portion of the switch cover  555  may be insert-coupled to a portion of the switch case  551 . 
         [0086]    The switch cover  555  may be formed to have a plate shape in which the through-holes are formed. Here, the through-holes  556  may be located on an upper side of a switch lever (described below) of the switch case  551 . 
         [0087]    The micro-switch  553  may be received in the switch case  551  and perform an on-off operation to selectively supply electric power to the sterilizer  61 . The micro-switch  553  may be switched on or off by an operation member (described below) that is formed in the water storage tank cover  60 . 
         [0088]    The micro-switch  553  may be, for example, a micro-switch that includes a contact mechanism that has a fine contact spacing and a snap operation mechanism and performs an opening/closing operation by a regulated operation and force. 
         [0089]    In this example, a state in which the switching module is switched on refers to a state in which the micro-switch is in a closed state and a state in which the switching module is switched off refers to a state in which the micro-switch is in an open state. 
         [0090]    In detail, the micro-switch  553  may include a switch body  553   a , a terminal  553   b  that is formed on one side of the switch body  553   a , a switch lever  553   c  that is provided on the other side of the switch body  553   a  and a resilient member  553   d  that is positioned outside the switch lever  553   c.    
         [0091]    That is, when the terminal  553   b  is maintained in an off state, when the resilient member  553   d  and the switch lever  553   c  are pressed, the terminal  553   d  may be changed to an on state. When the terminal is switched on, the external power supply unit and the sterilizer  61  are coupled to each other, so that electric power is supplied to the sterilizer  61 , and thus, the sterilizer  61  may be operated. 
         [0092]    In some implementations, the water storage tank cover  60  further includes an extension  64  that extends from an edge of the water storage tank cover  60 . 
         [0093]    In detail, the extension  64  further extends from the edge to a lateral side of the water storage tank cover  60  to cover the switching module  55 . 
         [0094]    The extension  64  further includes pressing protrusions  641  that protrude downward from a bottom surface of the extension  64 . 
         [0095]    The pressing protrusions  641  may serve as an operation member for pressing the switching lever  553   c  when the water storage tank cover  60  is closed. 
         [0096]    That is, when the water storage tank cover  60  is closed, the pressing protrusions  641  pass through the through-holes  556  of the switch cover  555  to press the switch lever  553   c  of the micro-switch  553 . Thus, when the water storage tank cover is closed, the micro-switch  553  may be switched on by the pressing protrusions  641 . 
         [0097]      FIGS. 8 and 9  illustrate an example cover unit in  FIG. 7 . In  FIG. 9 , a water storage tank cover  60  is open. 
         [0098]    Referring to  FIG. 8 , the water storage tank cover  60  is arranged to shield the open surface of the water storage tank  30 . Here, the pressing protrusions  60  that are formed in the water storage tank cover  60  pass through the through-holes  556  of the switch cover  555  mounted on the frame body  511  to press the switch lever  553   c  of the micro-switch  553 . Then, the micro-switch  553  is switched on and the external power supply unit and the sterilizer  61  are coupled to each other, so that electric power is supplied to the sterilizer  61 , and thus, the sterilizer  61  may be operated. 
         [0099]    Referring to  FIG. 9 , when the upper surface of the water storage tank  30  is opened by rotating the water storage tank cover  60 , the pressing protrusions  641  are separated from the through-holes  556 . Thus, as the switch lever  553   c  is depressed, the micro-switch  553  is switched off again, and accordingly, the electric power that supplied to the sterilizer  61  may be interrupted.