Liquid dispenser for animals

A liquid dispenser may include a tank having a bottom plate, an inner assembly detachably coupled to the tank and containing a pump, and a docking station provided below the bottom plate that receives external power. A wireless power receiver may be provided above the bottom plate and may be electrically connected to a wireless power transmitter provided below the bottom plate. A supply plate may coupled to a supply pipe that supplies liquid pumped from the pump, and liquid falling from the supply plate may be guided back to the tank via a liquid guide. The docking station may apply external power to the pump via the wireless power transmitter and receiver.

BACKGROUND

A liquid dispenser to supply liquid to an animal, e.g., a pet, is disclosed herein.

In recent years, the population of people raising a pet has increased, in addition to attachment and interest in pets. Like most animals, pets must drink water to survive and maintain a biorhythm. Since pets are often left alone and since communication with their owners is difficult, the demand for pet water dispensers or water supply devices has increased.

US Publication Nos. 2015/0313180, 2012/0216751, and 2014/0053781 and European Patent No. 3315022 disclose a drinking bowls for pets. However, such drinking bowls have various disadvantages, which the present disclosure solves.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring toFIGS.1and2, a circulation structure of the pet water dispenser according to an embodiment will be described. The pet water dispenser may include a water tank or storage chamber10in which water is stored, a pump20(e.g., a submersible pump) installed in the water tank10to pump water stored in the water tank10, a water supply pipe25, and a water supply plate or upper plate30over which water supplied from the water supply pipe25flows.

A water guide or a water receiver50may be provided between the water tank10and the water supply plate30to catch water falling from the water supply plate30and to discharge the water back to the water tank10. Accordingly, water in the water tank10can be circulated through the pump20, the water supply plate30, and the water guide50. In addition, a filter or filter assembly40may be installed or located in the water tank10to filter foreign substances in the water before the water flows into the pump20.

Referring toFIGS.2-3, the water tank10may include a bottom plate12forming a bottom surface of the water tank10and a wall11surrounding an interior of the water tank10and an inner assembly100. The wall11may extend from the base plate12, and together the wall11and the bottom plate12may form a container of the water tank10. The bottom plate12may also be referred to as an inner bottom of the water tank10, and may be stainless steel or plastic.

The inner assembly100may be detachably coupled to (e.g., simply mounted on) the water tank10. When the inner assembly100is inserted or placed into the water tank10, the inner assembly100and the water tank10may be coupled. A user may lift the inner assembly100to separate the inner assembly100from the water tank10, and then replace or refill the water stored in the water tank10or clean the water tank10.

The inner assembly100may include the pump20, the water supply pipe25, the water supply plate30, and the filter assembly40. The pump20, the water supply pipe25, the water supply plate30, and the filter40may be combined to form a single inner assembly100. The water supply plate30may be configured to be removable from the inner assembly100. The water supply plate30may be lifted up and removed to be cleaned, repaired, or swapped with another water supply plate30having a different height, shape, angle of inclination, material, etc.

The pet water dispenser may also include an illumination assembly, a water level sensor, a water temperature sensor, a proximity sensor, a contamination level sensor, a water temperature maintenance device, and a sterilizing filter to be described later. Since the pump20may supply the water stored in the water tank10to the water supply plate30, and the water supplied to the water supply plate30may be circulated back to the water tank10, a power supply assembly capable of operating the pump20will be described with reference toFIGS.4to9.

In a previous water dispenser, a pump may be provided inside a water tank, and a wire is directly connected to the pump and extended to an outside. Wires may be twisted and bent (and thus damaged) according to a movement of the water tank, and a connection portion of the pump and the wires may also be damaged by the tension applied to the wires, causing a short circuit. In addition, it is difficult to separate and assemble the water tank due to various wires connected to the inside and outside of the water tank, thereby making maintenance and repair difficult.

Therefore, the pet water dispenser of the present disclosure comprises a docking station71separate from the water tank10to which external power is applied, and a wireless communication device or assembly provided at the bottom plate12of the water tank10and electrically connected to the docking station71. The wireless communication assembly may include a first wireless power communication device (e.g., a wireless power transmitter and/or a transceiver)72provided above the bottom plate12and a second wireless power communication device (e.g., a wireless power receiver73and/or a transceiver) provided under the bottom plate12and connected to the docking station71to minimize damage to an electrical wire713and prevent a malfunction or short circuit.

The wireless power transmitter72and the wireless power receiver73may be positioned to align with each other, and positions of the bottom plate12, wireless power transmitter72, and wireless power receiver may be configured to prevent damage caused by an external impact, stabilize the water tank10, and to protect the alignment between the wireless power transmitter and receiver72and73.

The electrical wire713may be drawn out from the docking station71to an external socket so that external power may be supplied to the docking station71to ultimately operate the pump20. However, a manner in which external power is applied to the docking station71is not limited to the structure described in the above description or drawings. For example, external power may be applied to the docking station71via wireless power transfer, and the electrical wire713may be omitted.

Referring toFIGS.4to7, the docking station71may be configured to apply external power to the water tank10and may be formed separately from the water tank10. A base plate18may be provided under the bottom plate12and spaced away from the bottom plate12, and the docking station71may be provided below both the base plate18and the bottom plate12. The base plate18may also be referred to as an outer bottom of the water tank10.

The wall11may include an upper wall11aand a container support11b. The container support11bmay form a bottom edge of the wall11that extends past the rim of the bottom plate12to form the base plate18. The base plate18may be positioned on the docking station71, and a shape or curvature of the bottom surface of the base plate18may be configured to match or correspond with a shape or curvature of the top surface of the docking station71.

As an example, when a step is formed on the upper surface of the docking station71, a recess corresponding to the step of the docking station71may be formed on the bottom surface of the base plate18. When a tilt or slope is formed on the upper surface of the docking station71, a tilt, slope; or contour having a same inclination of the tilt, slope, or contour of the docking station71may be formed on the bottom surface of the base plate18, The base plate18may thus fit onto the docking station71to be secured to the docking station71.

The docking station71may include a plate-like disc or cylindrical docking station base711. The docking station base711may form a basic structure or overall shape of the docking station71. By having a disc-shaped structure, the docking station71and the water tank10can be rotatably engaged. The meaning of “circle” or “disc” or “cylinder” does not mean a geometrically perfect circle, but rather a shape that does not include a straight edge. The docking station base711may have a sufficient weight for balancing, and may be referred to as a weight or a main body of the docking station71.

An optional docking station guide712may be formed on the docking station base711. The docking station guide or step712may guide and secure the water tank10and the docking station71to maintain a docked state. The base plate18coupled to the water tank10may be seated on the docking station71via the docking station guide712to dock or connect with a docking connection assembly or device74.

The docking station guide712may have a circular cylinder shape having a predetermined thickness similar to a shape of the docking station base711so that the water tub10coupled with the docking station71can be easily rotated. The docking station guide712may have a diameter smaller than a diameter of the docking station base711.

A top surface of the docking station guide712may include an inclined or curved surface. A thickness of the docking station guide712may thus be thicker toward a center axis of the docking station71. The docking station71and the water tank10may thus be easily docked. A diameter of a lower portion of the container support11bmay be greater than a diameter of a docking terminal714, and an appearance of the docking terminal714can be obscured by the wall11.

It may not be easy to precisely align the water tank10and the docking station71so as to connect with the docking terminal714. For example, the docking station guide712may have a relatively small diameter and thickness as compared to the docking station base711. Even if configurations and/or positions of the water tank10and the docking terminal714are not exactly matched, the base plate18may be guided along an upper surface of the docking station guide712, and the lower wall11bmay be attached to a side surface of the docking station guide712so that an inner side of the container support11bmay be easily docked.

A first guide magnet may be further included for easy docking of the docking station71and the water tank10. For example, a ring-shaped or annular first guide magnet may be provided inside the docking station guide712, and a ring-shaped or an annular second guide magnet having a polarity opposite to that of the first guide magnet may be provided on the bottom surface of the base plate18. A magnetic force generated by the first and second guide magnets having opposite polarities may help stabilize a docking between the water tank10and the docking station71. A shape and position of first and second guide magnets are not limited to the annular shapes described in the above description. The docking station guide712may be formed integrally with the docking station base711, or alternatively may be a laminated or stacked structure bonded to the docking station base711.

The docking terminal714may protrude upward from the upper surface of the docking station base711and/or an upper surface of the docking station guide712. The docking terminal714may include a cylindrical first docking portion or ring714aand a second docking portion or ring714bthat surrounds the first docking portion714aat an outer side of the first docking portion714a, The docking terminal714may further include a first electrode714dprovided on an inner side of the first docking portion714ato connect to a second electrode741cof the docking connection terminal741of the docking connection device74(FIG.7), and a third electrode714eprovided on an outer side of the first docking portion714ato connect to a fourth electrode741dof the docking connection terminal741(FIG.7).

The first electrode714dand the third electrode714emay transmit external power supplied through the electrical wire713, and may be electrode-coupled to the second and fourth electrodes741cand741d, respectively, of the docking connection terminal741. The docking terminal714may further include a third docking portion or cylinder714chaving a cylindrical shape and formed inside the first docking portion714a.

The first to third docking portions714a,714band714cform a basic structure of the docking terminal714and protect the first and third electrodes714dand714e. The first electrode714dmay be formed between an inner circumference or side of the first docking portion714aand an outer circumference or side third docking portion714c, and the third electrode714emay be formed between an outer circumference or side of the first docking portion714aand an inner circumference or side of the second docking portion714b, as shown inFIG.5.

The first electrode714dand the third electrode714emay extend upward from a bottom surface of the docking terminal714. The first electrode714dand the third electrode714emay have a bent line shape or a curved shape, and may each have at least two linear sections having different slopes. Such a shape may provide elasticity and therefore stability to the first and third electrodes714dand714e.

The first electrode714dand the third electrode714emay include a metal or other conductive material through which external power is directly transmitted. Therefore, there is a need to prevent electric shock and damage. Since the first and third electrodes714dand714eare provided between the first, second, and third docking portions714a,714b, and714c, exposure to an outside and thus damage may be minimized.

Heights of the first electrode714dand the third electrode714emay be configured to be lower than heights of the first to third docking portions714a,714b, and714cto further protect the first and third electrodes714dand714e, minimize exposure, and ensure that the first and third electrodes714dand714edo not contact the water tank10, which may prevent damage, electric shock, and corrosion.

The structure of the docking terminal714is not limited to the structure in the above description and the drawings, and may be easily modified by a person skilled in the art. For example, the first, second, and third docking portions714a,714b, and714cmay be formed in a square or rectangle shape to prevent rotation.

When the docking terminal714, docking station base711, and docking station guide712are formed in cylindrical shapes, the docking connection terminal741may rotate around the docking terminal714, and thus the water tank10may rotate when it is docked on the docking station7tIn addition, the docking station guide712may have a predetermined thickness to function as a latching jaw and prevent the docked water tank10from being detached or removed from the docking station71during the rotation process.

Further, when the docked water tank10rotates, stress or force may be dispersed on the docking station guide712so that docking terminal714does not support the entire weight of the water tank10, thus preventing damage to the docking terminal714. Even if the electrical wire713is drawn out from the docking station71, rotation of the water tank10on the docking station71may minimize damage to the docking station71where the electrical wire713connected to the docking station71.

The docking station guide712may have a sloped upper surface having a greater thickness toward a center of the docking station71, and a lesser thickness toward an outer perimeter. A portion of the bottom surface of the water tank10may be formed to match the upper surface of the docking station guide712to facilitate docking. The bottom surface of the water tank10may have a diameter that is larger than a diameter of the docking station guide712, which may reduce friction during rotation.

The first guide magnet, which may have a ring shape, may be provided inside the docking station guide712, and the second guide magnet, which may also have a ring shape, may be provided in the portion of the bottom surface of the water tank10that is docked on the docking station71. The shape and position of the guide magnets are not limited to those described in the above description.

A previous pet water dispenser may have electric wires directly connected to a pump and an electric outlet through a water tank. In this case, during use of the water dispenser, the pet could move or rotate the water dispenser, and the wire may be twisted or wound along with the water dispenser. The twisted or coiled wire is not only an obstacle over which people or dogs may trip, but it may also stimulate or provoke pets, which may react by biting and damaging the wires.

In contrast, the electrical wire713of the present disclosure may be connected to the docking station71so that external power is directly applied to the docking station71. Since the docking station71and the water tank10are rotatable, a tensile force or stress applied to the electrical wire713may be dispersed by a rotation of the docking station71so as not to pull too much on the electrical wire713. Therefore, if a pet or pet owner catches on the electrical wire713, spillage of the water tank10may be minimized because the water tank10is not connected to the electric wire13, and damage to the electric wire13may be minimized due to the rotational movement of the water tank10on the docking station71and the fact that the electrical wire713is drawn out of the docking station71.

In addition, in the previous water dispenser for pets, if a tension is applied to the electric wire, the connection between the electric wire and the pump may be damaged, risking electric shock. In contrast, even if an instantaneous tension is applied to the electrical wire713of the present disclosure, the tension is not transmitted to any electric parts (e.g., the heat sink84, the pump20) included in the water tank10, improving durability and preventing short circuits.

Referring back toFIG.3, the water tank10may include walls11a,11b, and11cforming a side of the water tank10and a bottom plate12provided on the lower side of the water tank10. An upper wall11aand a container support11bmay form upper and lower sides of a main wall11c, respectively. The upper wall11aand the container support11bmay be an opaque material (e.g., stainless steel or pigmented plastic), and the main wall11cmay be formed of a transparent material (e.g., glass or plastic).

The bottom plate12may be provided between the main wall11cand the container support11b. A container or internal space where water is stored may be formed by the upper and main walls11aand11cand the bottom plate12, while a container support11bmay be provided below the bottom plate12to provide a dry or sealed space in which electronic devices to be described later are housed. The water tank10may be formed in a cylindrical or truncated cone shape having an inner diameter that decreases upward, but may be formed in various shapes without being limited thereto.

The container support11bof the water tank10may extend between the bottom plate12and a base plate18spaced downward from the bottom plate12. The docking station71may be provided below the base plate18. The base plate18may have a bottom surface having a shape or contour configured to match a shape or contour of the top surface of the docking station71. A shape of the base plate18may correspond to a shape of the docking station base711, and an inclination of the base plate18may correspond to an inclination of the docking station guide712so that a docking state of the water tank10may be stably maintained.

The docking connection assembly or device74, which includes the docking connection terminal741that electrically couples to the docking terminal714, may be formed in a space defined by the bottom plate12, the base plate18, and the lower wall11b. The docking connection device74may be docked with the docking station71to receive external power. In order to be docked with the docking station71, the docking connection device74may include a docking connection terminal741protruding downward to match the docking terminal714.

Referring toFIG.7, the docking device74may have a concave portion or cavity formed to accommodate the docking terminal714. A groove or recess19having a circular or cylindrical shape may be formed inside of a first connection protrusion741athat extends downward from the docking connection device74inside of the cavity. The third docking portion714cmay be inserted into the groove19, which may be formed at a center of the bottom surface the base plate18.

Similarly, a space may be formed between the first connection protrusion741aand a second connection protrusion741bthat extends downward from the docking connection device74and surrounds an outer side of the first connection protrusion741a. The first docking connection portion714amay be inserted into the space between the first and second connection protrusions741aand741b. The second docking connection portion714bmay be inserted into a space formed between the second connection protrusion741band an inner side of the cavity in the docking connection device74. The docking station71and the docking connection device74may therefore be detachably coupled to each other, and a docking state of the water tank10may be easily maintained. Furthermore, the docking station71and the docking connection device74can be coupled at a lower center of the water tank10.

The second electrode741cmay be formed on a bottom surface of the first connection protrusion741a, and the fourth electrode741dmay be formed on a bottom surface of the second connection protrusion741b. The second electrode741cand the first connection protrusion741amay be inserted into a space between the third docking portion714cand the first docking portion714ato connect to the first electrode714d. The fourth electrode741dand the second connection protrusion741bmay be inserted into a space between the first docking portion714aand the second coking portion714bto connect to the third electrode714e. Thus, power may be transmitted between the first electrode714dand the second electrode741cand between the third electrode714eand the fourth electrode741d.

The second electrode741cand the fourth electrode741dmay be annular electrodes, as opposed to the more linear first and second electrodes714dand714e. Thus, when the water tank10rotates, an electric connection between the first electrode714dand the second electrode741cand between the third electrode714eand the fourth electrode741dmay be maintained.

Furthermore, the second electrode741cand the fourth electrode741dmay be provided at edges of the first connection protrusion741aand the second connection protrusion741b. The height of the first and second connecting protrusions741aand741b, including the second and fourth electrodes741cand741dattached thereto, may be configured to be smaller than a depth of the cavity formed in the docking connection terminal74to prevent electrode breakage, especially when the water tank10is not docked on the docking station71.

Configurations of the docking connection device74and the docking station71are not limited thereto, and the docking terminal714and the docking connection terminal741may be configured in various ways such that their shapes correspond to each other.

Referring toFIG.4, a sensor device86and temperature control devices81and82(i.e., thermoelectric element81and motor82) may be provided in the space formed between bottom plate12, base,18and lower wall11b. A heat sink84and a heat radiating fan83may be further provided in the space between the bottom plate12, base,18and container support11b. The heat sink84may include a heat dissipation or diffusing plate and heat radiating fins.

The sensor device86, thermoelectric element81, motor82, heat sink84, and heat radiating fan83may consume a relatively large amount of power. Accordingly, in order to efficiently transmit electric power from the docking station71to the docking connection device74, the first and second electrodes714dand741cmay be directly connected and contact each other, and the third and fourth electrodes714eand741dmay be directly connected and contact each other.

The external power applied through the docking station71and the docking connection terminal74can also supply power to the pump20via wireless power transfer or induction devices72and73. Power transmission efficiency of wireless power transmission alone is about 70% as compared when there is also electrode coupling, Therefore, external power may be supplied to the heat sink84, sensor device86, and other high-consumption devices by the docking of the high-efficiency docking station71, and the relatively low-power pump20may be powered by the wireless power transfer between the first and second wireless power transfer devices72and73. Thus, power transfer efficiency can be optimized.

The first wireless power transfer device72(e.g., a wireless power transmitter or transceiver) may be electrically connected to the docking connection device terminal74to transmit power to the second power transfer device73(e.g., a wireless power receiver or transceiver) to power the pump20. The first and second wireless power transfer devices72and73may be connected to a power circuit device715on a printed circuit board (PCB) (FIG.4) instead of the electrical wire713, which may prevent a short circuit or electric shock. Furthermore, shocks may be prevented because the inner assembly100of the water tank10, which includes the pump20, may not be connected to the electric wire713. An alternative embodiment may be completely powered via the wireless power transfer device72or73instead of the first through fourth electrodes714d,741c,714e,741d.

Referring toFIGS.2to8, the wireless power transfer devices72and73may include a wireless power transmitter72provided under the bottom plate12and a wireless power receiver73provided in the inner assembly100to correspond to the wireless power transmitter72. Wireless power transmission (WPT) may control the wireless power transmitter72by the power circuit device715(FIG.4) that is electrically connected to the docking connection device74.

In the wireless power receiver73, an induction current may be generated from electric current supplied to and a subsequent magnetic flux in the wireless power transmitter72, so that power can be transmitted wirelessly. However, the wireless power transmitter and receiver72and73are not limited to inductive coupling based on magnetic induction phenomenon by a wireless power signal, but also an inductive coupling based on electromagnetic resonance phenomenon by wireless power signal of a specific frequency (i.e., via a Magnetic Resonance Coupling method).

The wireless transmitter72may be provided in the base plate18of the water tank10so that it is positioned between the docking station71and the bottom plate12in the docked state. Referring toFIG.3, the wireless power transmitter72may transmit a wireless power transmission signal from a first accommodation or receiver space V1formed between the bottom plate12, the base plate18, and the lower wall11b. The wireless power transmitter72may be provided on or above the docking connection terminal741.

The bottom plate12may be formed with a protruding portion121protruding upward into the water tank10, and the first accommodation space V1may be formed in a cavity within the protruding portion121under the bottom plate12. The first accommodation space V1is not part of an interior of the water tank10that stores water, but rather a space formed underneath the water tank10so as to remain dry.

Heat generation may be reduced by separating the docking station71and the wireless power transmitter72from each other by a considerable distance. The wireless power transmitter72may generate an electromagnetic field to wirelessly transmit power.

There may be materials having high electric conductivity adjacent to a wireless power transmitter72, and these materials may generate an electromagnetic field that interferes with an intended change in the electromagnetic field due of the wireless power transmitter72, and unintended eddy currents may be generated. Unintended heat generation may occur due to these unintended eddy currents, diminishing efficiency of the WPT. External power may be directly applied to a plurality of electrodes, electric wires, or terminals having high electrical conductivity provided inside the docking station71, and thus efficiency may diminish due heat generation from the eddy current.

Accordingly, the pet water dispenser according to the present disclosure may separate the docking station71and the wireless power transmitter72from the base plate18by including accommodation space V1formed in the cavity under the protrusion portion121. Since the wireless power transmitter72may be provided in the first accommodation space V1, it is possible to minimize heat generation due to unintended eddy currents without creating a complicated shielding structure to limit an influence of the induced electromagnetic field or without adding a magnetic shielding film. In addition, stability of the WPT stability may be improved.

In order to effectively and stably transmit wireless power, coils of the wireless power transmitter72and the wireless power receiver73may be accurately aligned so that the magnetic field flux generated by the wireless power transmitter72may be accurately transmitted to the coil of the wireless power receiver73.

The coils of the wireless power transmitter72and the wireless power receiver73may be accurately aligned despite a rotation of the water tank10on the docking station71to prevent displacing the magnetic or electromagnetic field. While the wireless power transmitter72is kept a considerable distance away from the docking station71, it is provided as close as possible to the wireless power receiver73during the docking state.

Accordingly, the wireless power transmitter72may be provided adjacent to the bottom plate12and above or on the docking connection terminal74. The wireless power72may be provided right under a top surface of the protruding portion121, while the wireless power receiver73may be provided right above the top surface of the protruding portion121when the inner assembly100is inserted into and coupled to the water tank10. Such a configuration can protect the wireless power transmitter72even when the water tank10is not docked onto the docking station71and improve stability of the WPT, as the wireless power transmitter72may be provided on the docking connection terminal74and separate from the docking station71.

In contrast, when the wireless power transmitter72is provided in the docking station71, the generated electromagnetic field may escape through the coils of the wireless power receiver73by the rotation of the docking station71. In addition, if the wireless power transmitter72is tilted with respect to a ground or floor surface, the magnetic field may escape or propagate to the outer area of the wireless power receiver73. Therefore, the wireless power transmitter72of the pet water dispenser according to the present disclosure may be separate from the docking station71to facilitate stable transfer of the magnetic field to the coil of the wireless power receiver73by fixing the wireless power transmitter72in the first accommodation space V1, thereby achieving excellent wireless power transmission.

The wireless power receiver73may be provided above the bottom plate12in a second accommodation or receiver space V2formed inside the inner assembly100. The inner assembly100may include a concave portion or support cylinder44bprovided on a lower side of the inner assembly100to engage with the protrusion121.

Referring toFIG.8, the concave portion or support cylinder44bmay be formed of a tubular sidewall44abaperpendicular to the bottom plate12, and an upper plate44bbmay be provided to shield an upper surface of the sidewall44ba. The protrusion121may be inserted into the support cylinder44bto contact a bottom surface of the side wall44ba, but does not contact the upper plate44bb. The side wall44bamay have a shape that corresponds to a shape of the protrusion121. AlthoughFIG.3shows that the sidewall44abaand the protrusion121have a cylindrical shape, configurations are not limited thereto, and the sidewall44abaand the protrusion121may have, e.g., a truncated cone shape, or may have a square shape to prevent rotation of the inner assembly100on the protrusion121.

The inner assembly100may include a filter or filter assembly40that includes a first filter42surrounding a second filter44, and the second filter44may surround the pump20. The second filter44may have a tubular outer wall442perpendicular to the bottom plate12and a support plate444partitioning a lower side of the filter into the lower side. The outer wall442may extend to couple to the sidewall44baof the concave portion44bto define sides of the second accommodation space V2.

The pump20may be provided on the support plate444, and the upper plate44bbmay extend between sides of the outer wall442to shield a lower opening of the second filter44and enclose the second accommodation space V2to prevent water from seeping in. The second accommodation space V2may therefore be formed between the upper plate44bb, the support plate444, and the outer wall442, and the wireless power receiver73may be provided in the second accommodation space V2.

The wireless power transmitter72may thus be provided in the projection121, and the wireless power receiver73may be provided on the support cylinder44bthat engages with the projection121. The wireless power receiver73may be positioned between the support cylinder44band the second filter44to be safely protected from an external environment, and the distance between the wireless power transmitter72and the wireless power receiver73can be minimized. The first receiver space V1and the second receiver space V2in which the wireless power transmitter and receiver72and73are respectively provided may also be effectively cooled by a colder temperature of the water surrounding the protrusion121and the filter assembly40.

In addition, the wireless power receiver73may be configured such that the inner filter assembly100is installed in the water tank10(seeFIG.2) in a state in which a lower filter cover43covers the protruding portion121. Furthermore, the first accommodation space V1and the second accommodation space V2may be “closed spaces;” i.e., a space where side surfaces, a top surfaces, and a bottom surface are all shielded to form a space physically separated and sealed off from other areas.

For example, the first accommodation space V1may be shielded by the protruding portion121at the sides and on top, and a bottom surface may be shielded by the PCB of the power circuit device715and/or the terminal connection device74. The second accommodation space V2may be formed by the outer wall442, the support plate444, and the upper plate44bbto form a closed space. Thus, the first and second accommodation spaces V1and V2may be sealed to prevent penetration of moisture and external contaminants, improving the stability of WPT.

The wireless power receiver73, once receiving electric power from the wireless power transmitter72, may supply electric power to the electric components (i.e., pump20, etc.) inside the inner assembly100. The inner assembly200may further include an auxiliary battery B powered by the wireless power receiver73so that the pump20may work even if the water tank10is separated from the docking station71, and also so that a use life is not restricted by a length of the electrical wire713.

The auxiliary battery B may be provided inside the inner assembly100and may be electrically connected to the wireless power receiver73. Once the auxiliary battery B has a charge, the wireless power receiver73can receive power from the auxiliary battery or battery B instead of the docking station71to supply electric power to any electric components (e.g., pump20) included in the inner assembly100. The wireless power receiver73can then further transmit power back to the wireless power transmitter72(or the auxiliary batter B may further power a reverse wireless power transmitter, which transmits power to a reverse wireless power receiver, described below) to power components (e.g., controller, fan, sensors, or thermoelectric element81), so that even if the electrical wire713is disconnected, usage can be maximized. Auxiliary battery B can be connected and recharged when the electrical wire713is reconnected. The auxiliary battery B may be provided on an upper filter cover46that hermetically seals an upper portion of the pump20to create another sealed space shielded from water. Thus, a short circuit, electric shock, and damage to the auxiliary battery B may be prevented.

Since the pet water dispenser can operate even without the electrical wire713, owners may disconnect the electrical wire713when pets drink from the pet water dispenser, eliminating the case where a pet chews or tears the electrical wire713. Owners may further reconnect the electrical wire713in a space away from pets when the pet water dispenser is not in use.

A control unit or controller C may be provided in the same sealed space S as the auxiliary battery B, and the wireless power receiver73may be connected to the controller C so that power control can be effectively performed. For example, the auxiliary battery B may be charged while the docking station71is coupled to the water tank10, and the controller C may control the charging of the auxiliary battery B.

In another aspect of the present invention, the pet water dispenser may include a reverse or second wireless power receiver and a reverse or second wireless power transmitter, in addition to the wireless power transmitter72and the wireless power receiver73. The reverse wireless power transmitter may align with and transmit power to the reverse wireless power receiver. The configuration and operation principle of the reverse wireless power transmitter and the receiver may be the same as between the wireless power transmitter and receiver72and73.

The reverse wireless power transmitter may be provided in the second accommodation space V2near the wireless power receiver73. The reverse wireless power receiver may be provided in the first accommodation space V1with the wireless power transmitter72.

The auxiliary battery B may be electrically connected to the wireless power transmitter73and the reverse wireless power receiver. Thus, while the wireless power transmitter and receiver72and73may transmit external power from the electrical wire713to the inner assembly100, the reverse wireless power transmitter and receiver may transmit power from the auxiliary battery B back down to the base plate18.

Therefore, even when the docking station71is detached, electric components between the bottom plate12and the base plate18(e.g., motor82, thermoelectric element81, sensor device86) may operate, in addition to the pump20and the controller C inside the inner assembly100.

The filter40may purify and/or filter water supplied by the pump20. The first filter42may be a strainer (e.g., a mesh strainer or a truncated conical strainer) having sufficient rigidity and formed with a large number of through holes on its side wall. The first filter42may include a lower filter cover43formed separately and coupled to a lower surface of the first filter42, or alternatively formed as a single body with the filter42. The lower filter cover43may cover the protrusion121described above, and may fit within the support cylinder44b. The lower filter cover43may have a shape corresponding to an outer surface contour of the protrusion121. When the pump20is installed in the inner spaces of the first filter42and the second filter44, filtration performance is enhanced as compared with the case where a filter is provided on one side of the pump20.

The second filter44may include the outer wall442, which includes a plurality of through holes441, and an inner wall443spaced apart from the outer wall and having a plurality of through holes formed therein. A filter material (e.g., a carbon filter45) may be provided between the outer and inner walls442and443. The second filter44and the support cylinder44bmay be separately manufactured and then assembled, or alternatively integrally formed as a single piece.

The pump20may be provided in a hollow formed inside the inner wall443of the second filter44above the support cylinder44b. Water that has passed through the first and second filters42and44can be sucked into the pump20through the through holes formed in the inner wall443of the second filter44and discharged to the water supply pipe25. Efficiency may be improved because a separate structure to fix the pump20at a predetermined position is not required, as the inner wall443and the support plate444may support the pump20.

A first ultraviolet (UV) filter or light47to sterilize water introduced into the pump20may be installed or located under a lower side or end of the second filter44and coupled to the sidewall44baof the support cylinder44b. A second UV filter or light48may be provided between a lower end of the first filter42and the lower filter cover43, and may also couple to the sidewall44baof the support cylinder44b. There may also be a third UV filter coupled to the water supply pipe25to sterilize water discharged from the water supply pipe25and flowing to the water supply plate30.

The upper filter cover46may be provided on upper ends of the first and second filters42and44. The water supply pipe45may penetrate the upper filter cover46, which may seal the upper portion of the pump20and cover the first and second filters42and44.

The water supply pipe25may be arranged in a vertical direction, and may include a water inlet26formed in a lower portion and a water outlet27formed in an upper portion. Water discharged from the pump20may flow through the water inlet26and may be discharged through the water outlet27.

An water supply plate30(FIG.2) may be a plate having a smooth upper surface, and a water supply hole32may be formed at a center of the water supply plate30. A boss may protrude downward from the water supply plate30, and the water supply hole32may penetrate through the boss.

A plate support may be provided below and support the water supply plate30, and the plate support may be supported by a light emitting device support62or a support63of an illumination assembly60provided between the water supply plate30and a partition plate38. The support63may serve as a light diffuser and may also be referred to as a light guide or light guide plate. Details of the illumination assembly60are found in U.S. application Ser. No. 16/569,827 filed on Sep. 13, 2019, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference herein. The water supply pipe25may penetrate through a partition plate38located below the plate support36so that the water outlet27communicates with the water supply hole32of the water supply plate30.

Referring back toFIGS.1-3, a water guide or a water receiver50may be provided below the water supply plate30and is configured to cover an opened upper side of the water tank10so as to receive water dropped from an edge of the water supply plate30and guide the received water back to the water tank10. The water guide50may also be referred to as a drip tray or a splash guard.

The water guide50may include an outer guide wall51forming an outer rim of the water guide50and an inner guide wall53forming an inner rim to define a drain passage52between the outer wall51and the inner wall53. A bottom wall55may extend between the outer and inner guide walls51and53, and may include a discharge hole through which water in the drain passage52may discharge to the water tank10. A chamber or a space S accommodating the auxiliary battery B and the controller C may be formed between the upper filter cover46, the inner wall53of the water guide50, and the partition plate63. The space S may be a sealed or dry space sealed from water stored in the water tank10.

The bottom wall55may cover a lower portion of the water guide50so that the bottom wall55does not contact the first and second filters42and44. The upper filter cover46may be omitted. Accordingly, the filter40, the pump20, the water supply pipe25, the water supply plate30, the illumination device60, and the water guide50may be combined or assembled to be integral with each other to form a single inner assembly100. Since the inner assembly may be separated from the water tank10, cleaning of the water tank10and the repair work of various components can be easily performed.

A thermoelectric element or plate81to keep the temperature of the water stored in the water tank10at a predetermined temperature may be provided below the bottom plate12of the water tank10. The thermoelectric element81may be a Peltier device or a thermoelectric cooler (TEC). A heat radiating fan83which is operated by a motor82, and a heat radiating plate or heat sink84may be installed around the heat radiating fan83. The heat sink84may also be referred to as a heat dissipation plate.

A water temperature sensor85(e.g., thermometer) may be provided in a space inside the protrusion121so that the temperature of the water in the water tank10may be sensed. Since the water temperature sensor85may have a large contact area with the water stored in the water tank10, and since the water temperature sensor85may be installed inside the protrusion121where water moves toward the pump20, the temperature sensor85may accurately sense a temperature of the water. The bottom plate12may be made of a material having a high heat thermal conductivity, such as metal (e.g., stainless steel). Alternatively, the water temperature sensor85may partially protrude above the bottom plate12into the container of the water tank10to accurately measure a temperature of the water. When the sensed temperature is not within a set range, the thermoelectric element81may be operated to cool or heat the water, and a heat transfer occurs between the thermoelectric element81and the heat sink84.

There may also be another temperature sensor to measure a temperature of the thermoelectric element81and/or the heat sink84. When a temperature of the thermoelectric element81is higher than a predetermined temperature or when a temperature of the heat sink84is higher than a predetermined temperature, the motor82may be operated to drive (i.e., rotate) the heat radiating fan83.

When the heat dissipation fan83is rotated, external air flows into the heat sink84through ventilation holes181formed in the base plate18, and then is discharged to an outside through an outermost portion of the ventilation holes181. The heat sink84and the thermoelectric element81may thus be cooled.

A mounting space may be formed between an outer surface of the container support11band an inner wall provided in an inner space of the container support11bto be spaced apart from an inner surface of the container support11b. The mounting space may be formed by recessing an upper surface that extends between the inner wall and the container support11b. A water level sensor86may be provided in the mounting space. The water level sensor86may be a load sensor or strain gauge for sensing a weight of the water applied to the bottom plate12.

Various sensors such as a proximity sensor and a gyro sensor may be installed in the mounting space. A warning lamp or light, which may be or include a ring-shaped light emitting diode, may be attached to a lower edge of the lower wall11b. When the water level in the water tank10detected by the water level sensor86is lower than a predetermined value, the warning light may emit light to inform the user of a lack of water or to refill the water tank10.

Although not shown specifically in the figures, an optional base leg or support capable of adjusting a height of the water tank10above a ground or floor surface may be provided. The base leg may adjust according to an inclination of the water tank10sensed by the gyro sensor. For example, a height of the leg can be adjusted to correct a tilting of the water tank10.

The controller C may receive a signal sensed by the water level sensor86to calculate a water level value. When the calculated water level value is equal to or lower than a predetermined water level value, the controller C may activate the warning light, and an operation of the pump20may be controlled to be stopped.

The proximity sensor may sense how close a pet is to the pet water dispenser. When the controller C determines that a pet is approaching within a predetermined distance range based on a signal received from the proximity sensor, the pump20may be operated. The controller C may stop an operation of the pump20when it is determined that a pet is not approaching within the predetermined distance range. The controller C may calculate a movement of the pet based on continuous signals from the proximity sensor, and so the controller C may control the pump20to be operated only when the pet continues to approach by a predetermined distance or more within the predetermined distance range. When it is determined that a plurality of pets are approaching the pet water sensor via a plurality of signals received from a plurality of proximity sensors, a pumping capacity or rate of the pump20may be increased so as to correspond to a number of approaching pets.

A contamination sensor provided in the water tank10may sense a contamination level of the water stored in the water tank10. When the contamination sensor senses a contamination level of the water, it may transmit a signal to the controller C. When the controller C determines that a contamination degree is equal to or greater than a predetermined contamination value based on the received signal, the controller C may control the UV filters47and48to operate and sterilize the water. The controller C may also stop the operation of the pump20and control the warning light91to emit a light or a warning alarm to produce a warning sound.

Further, an operation time of the pump20according to the signal of the proximity sensor may be continuously stored and analyzed, the controller may predict a pet's consumption and operate the pump20accordingly. The pump20can be operated so that a water supply amount corresponding to a predicted water supply time (e.g., noon) or time period (e.g., every two hours) may be provided.

When the temperature of the water stored in the water tank10is equal to or higher than a first predetermined temperature, the thermoelectric element81and/or the heat radiation fan83may be operated to cool the water. A temperature of the thermoelectric element81may be determined by a thermoelectric element temperature sensor of the thermoelectric element81. Thus, when the temperature of the thermoelectric element81is determined to be a predetermined value or more based on a signal received from the thermoelectric element temperature sensor, the motor82may be operated to rotate the heat radiation fan83so that the heat sink84can cool the thermoelectric element81.

When an inclination of the water tank10is determined to be equal to or greater than a predetermined value based on a received signal from the gyro sensor, the height of one or more supports or legs or a pedestal provided below the water tank10may be adjusted to restore the water tank10to a normal (or flat) inclination.

Details of the proximity sensor, gyro sensor, contamination sensor, thermoelectric element temperature sensor, and the warning light may be found in U.S. application Ser. No. 16/659,841 filed on Sep. 13, 2019, the entire contents of which is incorporated by reference herein.

Embodiments disclosed herein may be implemented as a liquid dispenser that supplies drinking water to an animal such as a pet. However, embodiments disclosed herein are not limited to pets. For example, the liquid dispenser may be used in a zoo to supply drinking water to animals kept in a zoo, research areas, wildlife preservation areas, etc.

In order to clearly illustrate the various layers and regions in the drawings, a thickness of some layers and regions may be enlarged or exaggerated. It will also be understood that when a layer, film, region, plate, etc. is referred to as being “on” or “over” (or “under” or “underneath”) another portion, there may be a layer, film, region, plate, etc. therebetween. Conversely, when a layer, film, region, plate, etc. is described as “directly over” (or “directly under”) another portion, there may be no other layer, film, region, plate, etc. therebetween.

Embodiments disclosed herein may be implemented as a pet water dispenser or water supply device that can securely transmit wireless power by protecting a wireless power transmission unit or a wireless power transmitter. The pet water dispenser may provide a device capable of minimizing heat generation by a wireless power transmission unit to maintain efficiency. The pet water dispenser may be capable of preventing electric shock and protecting the health of pets safely using the pet water dispenser.

The pet water dispenser may be capable of preventing damage to a connection part of the electric wire by movement of the pet water dispenser, thereby improving durability. Electric shock to pets may be further prevented by providing a docking station that can be disconnected. The pet water dispenser may be capable of stably supplying electric power without damaging electric wires or electric parts even if a water tank is rotated or moved due to an impact applied to a pet water dispenser.

The pet water dispenser may have a water tank easily separated from an inner assembly, can be easily maintained, and can prevent electric shock. The pet water dispenser may protect a wireless power transmission unit or wireless power transmitter from an external impact and may have excellent wireless power transmission stability. A useable area of the pet water dispenser may not be limited to a length of the electric wire, and instead may be enlarged.

The pet water dispenser may be operated by external power or internal power, and may dock onto a docking station to deliver power and transfer external power from an external power supply to create internal power via a power supply apparatus or device. The power supply apparatus may include a wireless power transmission unit or a wireless power transmitter, a wireless power reception unit or a wireless power receiver, and a docking station, and the docking station and the wireless power transmission unit can be separated. The docking station may receive external power from an external power supply. The docking station may be provided below a bottom plate of a water tank when the pet water dispenser is docked on the docking station.

The wireless power transmission unit may be electrically connected to the docking station, and may be provided at a lower side of the bottom plate and spaced apart from the docking station. The wireless power reception unit may be matched (i.e., aligned with) and electrically connected to the wireless power transmission unit, and may be provided on the bottom plate.

The wireless power transmission unit may be provided in a first accommodation or receiving space formed above the docking station. A base may be provided below the bottom plate, and the first accommodation space may be formed between the bottom plate and the base. The docking station may be provided below the base. The bottom plate may have a protruding portion that protrudes upward, and the wireless transmission unit may be provided inside the protruding portion.

The wireless power reception unit may be provided in a second accommodation or receiving space formed in an inner assembly. The inner assembly may include a tubular filtration filter or filter to receive the pump, and a concave portion or cylinder support that shields a lower opening of the filter via an upper plate. The second accommodation space may be formed between the pump and the upper plate.

The wireless power reception unit and the wireless power transmission unit may be aligned with each other. The first accommodation space and the second accommodation space may be closed spaces. The protrusion may be inserted into a bottom surface of the concave portion.

Embodiments disclosed herein may be implemented as a pet water dispenser, which may include a first wireless power device, such as a wireless transmission unit, electrically coupled to the docking station, and a second wireless power device, such as a wireless reception unit, electrically coupled to the first wireless power device. The first wireless power device may be provided in a first accommodation space spaced apart from the docking station, and the second wireless power device may be provided in a second accommodation space spaced above the first accommodation space. The first accommodation space may be provided above the docking station. The pump may be connected to the second wireless power device.

A water tank may include a base spaced apart from a bottom plate, the first accommodation space being formed between the bottom plate and the base, and the docking station being provided below the base. The second accommodating space may be spaced apart from an upper side of the bottom plate. The first accommodation space and the second accommodation space may be closed spaces. A shielding film may be formed on a lower surface of the first accommodation space and an upper surface of the second accommodation space.

The bottom plate of the water tank may be formed with a protruding portion or protrusion that protrudes or extends upward, and the first accommodating space may be provided inside the protruding portion while the second accommodating space may be provided above the protruding portion. A filter may include a filtration filter for receiving the pump, and the second accommodation space may be formed inside the filtration filter or between a second filtration filter and a support cylinder. The support cylinder may form a recess, and can be fitted into the protrusion of the water tank.

A power supply of a pet water dispenser may include a docking station, a first wireless power device (e.g., wireless power transmitter), a second wireless power device (e.g., wireless power receiver), and a secondary battery or an auxiliary battery. The docking station may be detachable from the water tank. The secondary battery may be connected to the first wireless power device or the second wireless power device.

The auxiliary battery may be electrically connected to the wireless power receiver. A base may be provided below a bottom plate of the water tank. The wireless power transmitter may be provided in a first accommodation space formed between the bottom plate and the base, and the docking station may be provided below the base. The docking station may include a plate-shaped docking station base and a docking terminal protruding upward from an upper surface of the docking station base.

A docking connection terminal may be electrically connected to the wireless power transmitter. The docking connection terminal may be provided between the bottom plate and the base, and the docking terminal of the docking station may be inserted into a circular hole of the base to connect to the docking connection terminal. The docking station may be electrode-coupled to the docking connection terminal.

The inner assembly may include a tubular filtration filter or filter that receives the pump, a tubular concave wall or support cylinder, and an upper plate shielding an upper surface of the concave wall. A lower opening of the filtration filter may be connected to the upper surface of the concave wall and may further include a shielding concave portion.

A second accommodation space may be formed between the pump and the upper plate, and the wireless power receiver may be provided in the second accommodation space. The wireless power transmitter may be provided in the first accommodation space and align with the wireless power receiver, which is formed in the second accommodation space. The auxiliary battery may be electrically connected to the wireless power receiver and the wireless power transmitter.

The docking station base and the docking terminal may be rotatable in a cylindrical shape. The docking connection device may be configured to allow the water tank to be docked and electrically connected to the docking station. The docking connection device may be provided between the bottom plate of the water tank and the base, and the first wireless power device may be connected to the docking connection device.

The docking station may be electrode-coupled to the docking connection device. The docking station may include a first connection terminal projecting upwardly, and the docking connection device may include a second connection terminal recessed to match the first connection terminal. The first wireless power device may include a wireless power transmitter, the second wireless power device may include a wireless power receiver, and the secondary or auxiliary battery may be connected to the first and/or second wireless power device.

The first wireless power device may include a first wireless power transmitter and a first (or reverse) wireless power receiver, and the second wireless power device may include a second wireless power receiver aligned with the first wireless power transmitter, and a second (or reverse) wireless power transmitter matched with the first wireless power receiver. In this case, the auxiliary battery may be connected to the second wireless power device.

The pet water dispenser may have a rotatable docking station. Wireless power transmitters may be provided in a separate space and separated from the docking station. A power supply apparatus may include a wireless power transmission unit, a wireless power reception unit, and a detachable docking station. The wireless power transmission unit may be provided below a bottom plate of a water tank and outside the docking station to be stably maintained. A wire fixed to an external power source may be drawn out from the docking station, and the docking station may be rotatably coupled, thereby reducing wire damage.

A water supply plate having a water supply hole from which water is supplied may communicate with a water supply pipe connected to the pump. The power supply apparatus may include a docking station to which external power is applied, a wireless power transmission unit provided under a bottom plate of the water tank and electrically connected to the docking station, and a wireless power reception unit provided on the bottom plate of the water tank. The pet water dispenser may include an auxiliary battery electrically connected to an electric component and the wireless power transmission device.

Embodiments disclosed herein may be implemented as a pet water dispenser that separates a wireless power transmission unit or wireless power transmitter from a docking station, thereby minimizing heat generation by eddy currents in a power system configuration included in the docking station, thereby maintaining efficiency. It is possible to effectively minimize heat generation due to the eddy currents in the surroundings without separately forming a complex shielding film structure.

Since the wireless power transmitting unit may be provided outside and separate from the docking station, the docking station can stably transmit wireless power.

A secondary battery may operate the pet water dispenser when the docking station from which the wire is drawn out is removed and separated from a base of the water tank, thereby preventing electric shock that may occur during chewing or biting of the wire by the animal. The pet water dispenser can therefore be used safely.

In addition, since the pet water dispenser can rotate on the docking station from which the electric wire is drawn, it is possible to reduce damage to a connecting portion of the electric wire and reduce tension applied to the electric wire.

External power may be applied to the docking station to minimize deformation and damage of the wire even if there is a rotation or movement of the water tank. Partial breakage of the electric wire where the electric wire connects to the docking station may be prevented.

Since the pet water dispenser may include a wireless power transmission unit or transmitter provided on a lower side of a bottom plate and a wireless power receiving unit or receiver provided on an upper side of a bottom plate, the pet water dispenser does not include electric wires exposed to water, thereby preventing short circuit and electric shock. Since there is no electric wire to transmit electric power from the water tank to the inner assembly and/or pump, it is easy to separate and assemble the water tank and the inner assembly, simplifying maintenance and cleaning.

Since the wireless power transmission unit is provided below the bottom plate separately from the docking station, the wireless power transmission unit may be prevented from being damaged by an external impact, and the arrangement of the wireless power transmission unit may be fixed so that the stability of wireless power transmission can be improved. Since an auxiliary battery may supply its own power even if no external power is supplied, a useable area of the pet water dispenser is not limited to a length of the electric wire, thereby maximizing utility and stability of an operation of the pump.

While the present invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to exemplary embodiments thereof, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed exemplary embodiments, but, on the contrary, It will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Embodiments disclosed herein may be implemented as a liquid dispenser comprising a tank including a bottom and a wall surrounding the bottom, an inner assembly having a pump and configured to be coupled to the tank, a docking station configured receive external power, the docking station being detachable from the tank, a wireless power transmitter configured to receive power from the docking station, the wireless power transmitter being provided below the bottom of the tank and spaced apart from the docking station, and a wireless power receiver configured to induce power in response to a magnetic flux generated from the wireless power transmitter and to supply power to the pump of the inner assembly.

The wireless power transmitter may be provided in a first space formed above the docking station. The bottom of the tank may include an inner bottom and an outer bottom. The docking station may be rotatably coupled to the outer bottom of the tank.

The outer bottom of the tank may be provided below the inner bottom of the tank, and the first space may be formed between the outer and inner bottoms of the tank. The bottom of the tank may be formed with a projection protruded upward, and the wireless power transmitter may be provided inside the projection.

The wireless power receiver may be provided in a second space formed in the inner assembly. The inner assembly further may include a filter surrounding the pump and a wall and an upper plate provided on an upper end of the wall to form a chamber. A bottom of the filter may be coupled to at least one of the wall or the upper plate. A first space may be formed between the pump and the upper plate. A second space formed above the docking station and the first space may be spaces that may be shielded from liquid stored in the tank. A protrusion formed from the bottom of the tank may be inserted into the chamber of the inner assembly.

Embodiments disclosed herein may be implemented as a liquid dispenser, comprising a tank including a bottom and a wall surrounding the bottom, an inner assembly including a pump, the inner assembly being configured to be coupled to the tank, a docking station configured to receive external power, the docking station being detachable from the bottom of the tank, a first wireless power transmitter configured to selectively connect to the docking station to receive power from the docking station, a first wireless power receiver configured to induce power in response to a magnetic flux generated from the wireless power transmitter and supply power to the pump in the inner assembly, the first wireless power receiver being provided in the inner assembly, and a battery configured to receive power from the wireless power receiver, the battery being provided in the inner assembly.

The bottom of the tank may include an inner bottom and an outer bottom, and the first wireless power transmitter may be provided in a first space formed between the inner and outer bottoms of the tank. The docking station may include a base and a first terminal protruded upward from the base. The outer bottom may include a second terminal configured to insert into the first terminal, wherein, when the first terminal may be inserted into the second terminal, the first terminal receives external power, the second terminal receives power from the first terminal, and the first wireless power transmitter receives power from the second terminal.

The inner assembly may further include a filter assembly surrounding the pump and a chamber formed by a wall and an upper plate coupled to the filter assembly. A first space may be formed between the pump and the upper plate. The first wireless power receiver may be provided in the first space. A second wireless power transmitter and a second wireless power receiver may be provided. The first wireless power transmitter and the second wireless power receiver may be provided in a second space provided in the bottom of the tank, and the first wireless power receiver and the second wireless power transmitter may be provided in the first space. The first wireless power transmitter may be aligned with the first wireless power receiver and the second wireless power transmitter may be aligned with the second wireless power receiver. The battery may be electrically connected to the first wireless power receiver and the second wireless power transmitter.

Embodiments disclosed herein may be implemented as a liquid dispenser comprising a tank including an inner bottom and an outer bottom spaced apart from an inner bottom, an inner assembly configured to receive and discharge liquid from the tank, the inner assembly being coupled to the tank at a position above the inner bottom, and a docking station configured to supply power to the inner assembly, the docking station being coupled to the outer bottom. The docking station may be stepped, an upper surface of the docking station may have a shape that may be curved, and a bottom surface of the outer bottom of the tank may be shaped to correspond to the shape of the upper surface of the docking station. The docking station may be configured to rotate with respect to the outer bottom of the tank.