Patent Description:
A water dispenser is a device that provides drinking water to users. Water dispensers may dispense purified water by removing materials included in raw water, such as, e.g., tap water or underground water, through various water purification methods such as precipitation or settlement, filtering, and sterilization. A water discharger may be provided in a main body of a water dispenser to provide purified water to a user.

<FIG> is a perspective view of a related art water dispenser. Referring to <FIG>, a coupling hole <NUM> may be formed on an upper end portion of a main body <NUM>, and a water discharger <NUM> may be coupled to the upper end portion of a main body <NUM> through the coupling hole <NUM>. A plurality of recess portions 11a may be spaced apart from one another at an angle of <NUM>° in a circumferential direction of the coupling hole <NUM>. The water discharger <NUM> may have a plurality of positioners 25a that protrude and may be spaced apart from one another in a circumferential direction of an outer circumferential surface of a coupling column <NUM>. As the positioners 25a are coupled to the recess portions 11a, the water discharger <NUM> may be rotated in a clockwise direction or counterclockwise direction at a set angle so as to be fixed.

A plurality of coupling housings <NUM> may be spaced apart from one another at an angle of <NUM>° such that a water trap <NUM> may be coupled to a lower portion of the main body <NUM>. The water trap <NUM> may have a protrusion <NUM> that protrudes from a back of a water trap housing. When the protrusion <NUM> is inserted into an interior of the coupling housing <NUM> and rotated in a clockwise direction or counterclockwise direction, the water trap <NUM> may be fixed.

The water discharger <NUM> and the water trap <NUM> may be detachably coupled to upper and lower portions of the main body <NUM>, respectively. The user may change a position from which water is discharged as desired, and the water dispenser may be installed without spatial restrictions. Such a water dispenser may have a few problems.

In order to change a direction of the water discharger <NUM> or the water trap <NUM>, for example, from a forward/backward direction of the main body <NUM> to a horizontal direction, the water discharger <NUM> or the water trap <NUM> may need to be separated from the main body <NUM> and subsequently reassembled, which may be inconvenient. Unless the recess portion 11a formed on an upper portion of the main body <NUM> and the positioner 25a of the water discharger <NUM> are separated from each other, the water discharger <NUM> may not be freely rotated. When the water discharger <NUM> is rotated, the user may feel that the positioner 25a may be caught by or on the recess portion 11a.

The water discharger <NUM> may include a first water discharge pipe <NUM> connected to a water discharge port <NUM> and horizontally provided, a second water discharge pipe <NUM> connected to a water purification filter installed within the main body <NUM> and vertically provided, and a pipe fitting <NUM> that connects the first and second water discharge pipes <NUM> and <NUM>. An O-ring may be provided within the pipe fitting <NUM> to maintain airtightness between the pipe fitting <NUM> and the water discharge pipes <NUM> and <NUM>. The first and second water discharge pipes <NUM> and <NUM> may be formed of the same type of material, for example, an ABS resin material.

When the water discharger <NUM> is rotated and the water discharge pipes <NUM> and <NUM> formed of the same material are connected to each other, the first water discharge pipe <NUM> and the pipe fitting <NUM> may be rotated together with the second water discharge pipe <NUM> fixed, and the O-ring installed in the pipe fitting <NUM> may make a frictional contact with the fixed second water discharge pipe <NUM> as it is rotated. This may abrade the O-ring and cause water leakage between the second water discharge pipe <NUM> and the pipe fitting <NUM>. Korean patent publication <CIT> provides a water purifier. Disclosure.

Therefore, an aspect of the detailed description is to provide a water purifier in which a position of a water ejection port may be freely changed in a state in which a water ejection unit and a residual water tray.

Another aspect of the detailed description is to provide a water purifier in which a water ejection unit is able to be smoothly rotated at a uniform speed without causing a feeling that the water ejection unit is stuck.

Another aspect of the detailed description is to provide a water purifier in which wearing of a component such as an O-ring is restrained.

Alternatively, to achieve these and other advantages and in accordance with the purpose of this specification, as embodied and broadly described herein, a water purifier may include: a main body unit; a rotator having a water ejection unit and installed to be rotatable in a horizontal direction in the main body unit; a rotation guide rail formed to have a predetermined curvature within the main body unit; and a rotation guide protrusion provided in the rotator and slidably coupled to the rotation guide rail to guide rotation of the rotator.

Alternatively, to achieve these and other advantages and in accordance with the purpose of this specification, as embodied and broadly described herein, a water purifier may include: a main body unit; a rotator having a water ejection unit and rotatably installed in an upper portion of the main body unit; and a residual water tray rotatably installed below the main body unit.

According to an example related to the aspect, the main body unit may include: a base panel having a rotation guide protrusion portion having a predetermined curvature; and a rotary ring having an installation portion provided on one side thereof and having a portion rotatably installed in the base panel along the curvature of the rotation guide protrusion portion, wherein the residual water tray has a coupling portion detachably coupled to the installation portion and is coupled to the rotary ring through the coupling portion so as to be rotatable in a horizontal direction with respect to the base panel.

Alternatively, to achieve these and other advantages and in accordance with the purpose of this specification, as embodied and broadly described herein, a water purifier may further include: an oil damper absorbing rotational kinetic energy of the rotator using oil, wherein the oil damper may include a damper housing storing the oil; and a rotor connected to a pinion gear and rotatably installed within the damper housing.

Alternatively, to achieve these and other advantages and in accordance with the purpose of this specification, as embodied and broadly described herein, a water purifier may include: a main body unit; a rotator having a water ejection port and installed to be rotatable in a horizontal direction in the main body unit; a first water ejection pipe fixedly disposed to be aligned with a rotational axis of the rotator within the main body unit; a second water ejection pipe connected to the water ejection port and disposed in a direction crossing the first water ejection pipe within the rotator; a fitting part connecting the first water ejection pipe and the second water ejection pipe and rotating together with the rotator; and an O-ring installed within the fitting part and maintaining airtightness between the fitting part and the water ejection pipe, wherein the first water ejection pipe is formed of stainless steel having low surface roughness in order to reduce wearing of the O-ring with respect to the first water ejection pipe when the rotator rotates. Advantageous Effects.

According to the embodiments of the present disclosure, the following advantages may be obtained.

First, a position of the water ejection unit may be easily changed by rotating the water ejection unit in a horizontal direction without having to be separated from the main body unit. Thus, spatial restrictions may be minimized when the water purifier is installed.

Second, when the user applies a force having a predetermined magnitude or greater to the water ejection unit, the water ejection unit may be smoothly rotated at a uniform speed without causing a feeling that the water ejection unit is stuck. Accordingly, sensitivity of operating a product may be smoothened to contribute to a high quality product.

Third, since the second water ejection pipe fixed with respect to the rotary first water ejection pipe is formed of stainless steel having a low level of surface roughness, wearing of the O-ring within the fitting unit may be reduced. Also, water leakage caused as the O-ring is worn may be minimized, a durability problem of a component is resolved to enhance reliability of the product. Also, since a component replacement time is prolonged, cost for replacing a component and maintenance may be reduced.

Further scope of applicability of the present application will become more apparent from the detailed description given hereinafter. However, it should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the invention, are given by way of illustration only, since various changes and modifications within the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the detailed description.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, a water dispenser according to an embodiment may include a water discharger <NUM> that may be easily rotated. The water dispenser may further include an operation module <NUM>, which may rotate simultaneously with the water discharger <NUM> when the water discharger <NUM> is rotated. The water dispenser may also include a residual water tray <NUM>, which may rotate separately when the water discharger <NUM> is rotated.

The water dispenser includes a main body <NUM>, the water discharger <NUM>, the operation module <NUM>, and the residual water tray <NUM>. The main body <NUM> may include a cabinet <NUM> that forms an appearance of the water dispenser. The cabinet <NUM> may include a front cover 111a and a rear cover 111b that forms a front surface and a rear surface of the water dispenser, respectively, and side panels 111c that form side surfaces of the water dispenser to connect the front cover 111a and the rear cover 111b. The cabinet <NUM> may have a top cover 111f that forms an upper surface of the water dispenser and a base panel 111d that forms a lower surface of the water dispenser.

The front cover 111a may include a first front cover 111a' that forms a large portion of the front surface of the water dispenser and a second front cover 111a" spaced apart from the first front cover 111a' in an upward direction. The front cover 111a may be convex and may have a curvature with a semi-circular shape. In the front cover 111a, an opening may be formed between the first cover 111a' and the second front cover 111a", and the water discharger <NUM> may protrude through the opening and rotate in a horizontal direction. A mounting portion may be provided on an inner side of the second front cover 111a" to allow a front end portion of the top cover 111f to be mounted thereon. The cabinet <NUM> may extend in a longitudinal direction and may be relatively short in width in a traverse direction when viewed from above in <FIG>.

The water discharger <NUM> may protrude from one side of a rotator <NUM> and may rotate together with the rotator <NUM>. The water discharger <NUM> may have a water discharge port <NUM> to dispense purified water to a user. The water discharge port <NUM> may be provided on or at a lower surface of an end portion of the water discharger <NUM>. The rotator <NUM> may be rotatably installed within the main body <NUM>.

A support <NUM> to support the rotator <NUM> may be provided within the main body <NUM>, and the support <NUM> may be perpendicular to the upper surface of the base panel 111d. An upper support portion 112a may be formed to be concave with curvature having a semi-circular shape and may be provided in an upper end portion of the support <NUM>.

A filter installation portion 112b, in which a plurality of filters may be detachably installed, may be provided on a front surface of the support <NUM>. The upper support portion 112a and the filter installation portion 112b may form an upper portion and a lower portion of the support <NUM> so as to form a single support body. The filter installation portion 112b may be depressed and may be more concave than the upper support portion 112a. The filter installation portion 112b may have a planar shape and may have a filter support portion protruding from a lower end thereof to support a lower portion of a filter. A plurality of filters may be inserted into a depressed space below the upper support portion 112a and may be vertically installed in the filter installation portion 112b. The plurality of filters may purify raw water by filtering out materials in the raw water. The rotator <NUM> may be installed to be rotatable in a horizontal direction on an upper end of the support <NUM>.

The operation module <NUM> may be rotatably provided on a front side of the top cover 111f. The operation module <NUM> may have a coupling protrusion 144b positioned above the rotator <NUM> and coupled to the rotator <NUM>, so that the operation module <NUM> and the rotator <NUM> may be rotated together. The operation module <NUM> includes a water discharge button <NUM> and a display panel <NUM>.

The water discharge button <NUM> may be provided on one side of an upper surface of the operation module <NUM> and may allow a user to selectively press the water discharge button <NUM>. The main body <NUM> may further include a controller, for example, a PCB, connected to the water discharge button <NUM> to receive a water discharge signal from the water discharge button <NUM> and a water discharge valve to open and close a water discharge pipe according to the water discharge signal. When the water discharge button <NUM> is pressed, the controller may transmit the water discharge signal to the water discharge valve, and the water discharge valve may receive a control signal from the controller to open the water discharge pipe so as to provide purified water to the user. An LED lamp may be provided below the water discharge button <NUM> to show the water discharge button <NUM> is in operation.

The display panel <NUM> may include an input that allows the user to select purified water, hot water, and cold water, and a display that displays a purified water, hot water, or cold water mode currently selected. The input may include, for example, a hot water selection button and a purified water/cold water selection button. The controller may be electrically connected to the input and the display. The controller may display information from the input on the display.

The residual water tray <NUM> may be provided in the base panel 111d to prevent a portion of water dispensed from the water discharge port <NUM> from flowing out of a cup and pooling at or on a bottom of the water dispenser. The residual water tray <NUM> may include a tray body <NUM> formed to be flat and concave in a downward direction to temporarily store water and an upper grill <NUM> detachably coupled to an upper portion of the tray body <NUM>. Side surfaces of edge portions of the tray body <NUM> may be blocked in every direction to store a predetermined amount of water. The upper grill <NUM> may include a plurality of slits formed to be thin in a traverse direction to prevent water introduced to an interior of the tray body <NUM> from splashing to a periphery of the bottom of the water dispenser.

In order to allow the residual water tray <NUM> to be rotatably installed in a lateral direction from the base panel 111d, a rotary ring <NUM> to guide rotation of the residual water tray <NUM> may be rotatably installed on the base panel 111d. The rotary ring <NUM> may have an outer ring portion and an inner ring portion, and an installation portion <NUM> may be provided on one side of the outer ring portion. The residual water tray <NUM> may include a coupling portion <NUM> protruding from a rear side of the tray body <NUM>, having a rectangular shape, and insertedly and detachably coupled to the installation portion <NUM>. The residual water tray <NUM> may be connected to the rotary ring <NUM> through the coupling portion <NUM> and rotated in a horizontal direction with respect to the base panel 111d.

A cooling unit or device to cool water purified by a water purifying filter may be provided within the main body <NUM>. The cooling unit may be provided as a refrigerating cycle device including a compressor, a condenser, an expansion valve, and an evaporator. A heater to heat purified water to produce hot water may be provided within the main body <NUM>. The heater may be configured as an electric type heater or an induction heating type heater.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, a rear side of the support <NUM> may be open towards a back direction, and a rear end portion of the support <NUM> may be coupled to a front end portion of the side panel 111c. A rotation guide rail <NUM> having a predetermined curvature may be provided within the main body <NUM> such that rotator <NUM> may be installed to be rotatable in a horizontal direction.

The rotation guide rail <NUM> may have a curvature of a semicircular shape to guide rotation of the rotator <NUM>. The rotation guide rail <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG> may include a first rotation guide rail 113a fixedly formed on an inner side of an upper end portion of the support <NUM> and a second rotation guide rail 113b that protrudes from an inner surface of the second front cover 111a" and is fixed. The first rotation guide rail 113a and the second rotation guide rail 113b may be spaced apart from one another in a vertical direction with the rotator <NUM> provided therebetween.

The rotator <NUM> may rotate the water discharger <NUM> horizontally in a left or right direction. The rotator <NUM> may not have a rotational axis at a central portion thereof. The rotator <NUM> may have a rotation guide protrusion <NUM> formed to have a predetermined curvature at the central portion. The rotation guide protrusion <NUM> may be slidably coupled to the rotation guide rail <NUM>.

The rotation guide protrusion <NUM> may be provided in the rotator <NUM>, and the rotation guide rail <NUM> may be provided in the main body <NUM>. However, the rotation guide protrusion <NUM> and the rotation guide rail <NUM> may have a same curvature and may be coupled so as to engage with each other to guide rotation of the rotator <NUM>. The rotator <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG> may have a rotator housing 130a. The rotator housing 130a may have a cylindrical shape with a hollow portion therein and may be shorter in height than in diameter.

The water discharger <NUM> may have a water discharger housing <NUM> that protrudes from one side of the rotator <NUM>, and a water discharge port <NUM> that protrudes from one side of the rotator <NUM>. The water discharge port <NUM> may be formed on a lower surface of an end portion of the water discharger housing <NUM>.

The rotator <NUM> may have an upper guide bracket <NUM> and a lower guide bracket <NUM> spaced apart from one another in an inner upper portion and in an inner lower portion, respectively, of the rotator housing 130a. A fastening portion <NUM> may protrude from an inner surface of the rotator housing 130a illustrated in <FIG>, and fastening holes <NUM> may be spaced apart from one another in a circumferential direction on the upper guide bracket <NUM> and the lower guide bracket <NUM>. A bolt, for example, may be inserted into an interior of the fastening portion <NUM> through the fastening hole <NUM> so as to be fastened such that the upper and lower guide bracket <NUM> and <NUM> may be spaced apart from each other within the rotator housing 130a.

The rotator <NUM> may further include a rail accommodation recess formed to be concave in a circumferential direction on the upper guide bracket <NUM> or the lower guide bracket <NUM>. The rail accommodation recess may include a lower rail accommodation recess 131a for the first rotation guide rail 113a and an upper rail accommodation recess 133a accommodating the second rotation guide rail 113b. The rotation guide protrusion <NUM> may protrude in an upward direction or downward direction from one side of the upper rail accommodation recess 133a or the lower rail accommodation recess 131a, or may protrude in the upward direction and the downward direction from one side of the upper rail accommodation recess 133a and the lower rail accommodation recess 131a.

For example, the rotation guide protrusion <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> may include the first rotation guide protrusion 132a that protrudes from the lower rail accommodation recess 131a of the lower guide bracket <NUM> in a downward direction and the second rotation guide protrusion 132b that protrudes in an upward direction from the upper rail accommodation recess 133a of the upper guide bracket <NUM>. The rail accommodation recess may accommodate the rotation guide rail <NUM>, and the rail accommodation recess may face one surface of the rotation guide rail <NUM> and overlap the rotation guide rail <NUM> in a thickness direction so as to be in contact therewith.

An end portion of the rotation guide protrusion <NUM> may have a hook shape. When the rotation guide protrusion <NUM> and the rotation guide rail <NUM> are coupled, an inner surface of the end portion of the rotation guide protrusion <NUM> may face a portion of the rotation guide rail <NUM> and overlap in a thickness direction so as to be in contact with each other. The rotation guide protrusion <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG> may be in a partial section of the rail accommodation recess. For example, the water discharger <NUM> may protrude forwardly from one side of the rotator <NUM>, and the water discharger <NUM> may rotate within an angle range from <NUM>° to <NUM>° in a horizontal direction in relation to a central line of the water discharger <NUM> in a length direction. However, the rotation guide protrusion <NUM> is not limited to the angle range.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, in order for the rotation guide protrusion <NUM> to be inserted in a rotation direction of the rotator <NUM> and assembled to any one of both end portions of the rotation guide rail <NUM>, both end portions of the rotation guide protrusion <NUM> and the rotation guide rail <NUM> may be open. The rotation guide protrusion <NUM> may have a same curvature as that of the rotation guide rail <NUM>, and may be coupled to the rotation guide rail <NUM> such that the rotation guide protrusion may be slidable in a rotation direction. When the rotation guide protrusion <NUM> and the rotation guide rail <NUM> are coupled, the rotation guide rail <NUM> may be accommodated in the rail accommodation recess formed on an inner side of the rotation guide protrusion <NUM> such that the rail accommodation recess and the rotation guide rail <NUM> overlap in a thickness direction. Since an end portion of the rotation guide protrusion <NUM> may be a hook shape, it may couple with the rotation guide rail <NUM> to overlap in a thickness direction.

According to this coupling structure, the water discharger <NUM> may be stably rotated, and the water discharge port <NUM> may freely change position. In this case, there may be no need to form a separate rotational axis at the center of the rotator <NUM>. For example, if the water discharger <NUM> protrudes forwardly from one side of the rotator <NUM>, even though the user grips the water discharger <NUM> and rotates the rotator <NUM>, a problem in which the water discharger <NUM> is lifted or lowered due to an eccentric load of the water discharger <NUM> and destabilizes rotation of the water discharger <NUM> and the rotator <NUM> may be solved. Due to the hook shape of the rotation guide protrusion <NUM>, the rotator <NUM> may be prevented from being released from the main body <NUM>. When the rotator <NUM> is rotated, a contact area between the rotation guide protrusion <NUM> and the rotation guide rail <NUM> may be large. Thus, when the user takes and rotates the water discharger <NUM>, an eccentric load may be distributed and damage, such as, e.g., wearing or scratch, due to frictional contact between the rotator <NUM> and the main body <NUM> may be reduced.

The upper guide bracket <NUM> and the lower guide bracket <NUM> may be formed of a same material and have a same size and shape. If the upper and lower guide brackets <NUM> and <NUM> are formed to have different shapes, molds to form the components may need to be additionally provided and the upper and lower guide brackets <NUM> and <NUM> may need to be separately managed, incurring costs for the molds and costs to manage the components. Thus, in order to reduce costs, the guide brackets installed in the upper and lower portions of the rotator housing 130a may be formed of the same material and have the same size and shape.

The upper guide bracket <NUM> and the lower guide bracket <NUM> may be formed of a material different from those of the rotator housing 130a, the support <NUM> of the main body <NUM>, and the front cover 111a. For example, the first and second rotation guide protrusions 132b respectively formed in the upper guide bracket <NUM> and the lower guide bracket <NUM> may be formed of a material different from that of the rotation guide rail <NUM> provided within the main body <NUM>. The rotation guide protrusion <NUM> may be formed of polyoxymethylene (POM). Polyoxymethylene (POM) may also be called polyacetal or acetal resin. POM is an engineering plastic having excellent fatigue resistance, tenacity or toughness, and wear resistance.

The first rotation guide rail 113a of the upper side of the support <NUM> and the second rotation guide rail 113b of the second front cover 111a" may be formed of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), a general plastic material. Accordingly, when the rotation guide protrusion <NUM> rotates along the rotation guide rail <NUM>, wearing and noise due to frictional contact between the rotation guide protrusion <NUM> and the rotation guide rail <NUM> may be reduced.

The rotator <NUM> may include an upper central ring 136b and a lower central ring 136a respectively provided at the central portions of the upper guide bracket <NUM> and the lower guide bracket <NUM>. An upper connection portion 137b and a lower connection portion 137a may extend horizontally and respectively from inner side surfaces of the upper guide bracket <NUM> and the lower guide bracket <NUM> to the upper central ring 136b and the lower central ring 136a, so that the upper central ring 136bn and the lower central ring 136a may be connected to and supported by the upper guide bracket <NUM> and the lower guide bracket <NUM> by the upper connection portion 137b and the lower connection portion 137a. The upper and lower connection portions 137b and 137a may have a fan shape and include a plurality of through holes therein.

The upper central ring 136b and the lower central ring 136a show where to install and guide the water discharge pipe. The water discharge pipe may include a first water discharge pipe <NUM> connected to at least one of a purified water flow channel, a cold water flow channel, and a hot water flow channel, a second water discharge pipe <NUM> provided in a direction crossing the first water discharge pipe <NUM> and connected to the water discharge port <NUM>, and a pipe fitting <NUM> that connects the first water discharge pipe <NUM> and the second water discharge pipe <NUM>. For example, purified water, cold water, or hot water may flow to the water discharge port <NUM> along the first and second water discharge pipes <NUM> and <NUM> so as to be provided to the user. The first water discharge pipe <NUM> may be provided through the lower central ring 136a, and an upper end portion of the first water discharge pipe <NUM>, the pipe fitting <NUM>, and the second water discharge pipe <NUM> may be assembled to extend to the water discharge port <NUM> by way of a central portion of the rotator housing 130a and the interior of the housing of the water discharge port <NUM>.

The operation module <NUM> is rotatably installed in an upper end portion of the main body <NUM>. The operation module <NUM> is able to simultaneously rotate with the rotator <NUM>. Referring to <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, the operation module <NUM> may include an operation module housing <NUM>, and includes a display panel or display <NUM>, and a water discharge button <NUM>
The operation module housing <NUM> may include an upper housing 141a and a lower housing 141b. An accommodation space may be provided between the upper housing 141a and the lower housing 141b. An electronic component, such as, e.g., a printed circuit board (PCB), may be accommodated in the accommodation space. A display <NUM> may be installed on the upper housing 141a, and a PCB, which may be a component of a controller, may be provided to be adjacent below the display <NUM>. The PCB may operate in connection with an operation of an input button of the display <NUM>, and thus, the controller may receive a signal from the input button.

The lower housing 141b may be fastened to the upper housing 141a through a separate fastener. A circular through hole for installation of the operation module <NUM> may be formed on the top cover 111f of the main body <NUM>, and a rotation guide recess <NUM> may be provided on an edge portion of the through hole of the top cover 111f in a circumferential direction to allow the operation module <NUM> to be rotatably installed in the rotation guide recess <NUM>. The upper housing 141a or the lower housing 141b may have a release preventing protrusion to prevent the operation module <NUM> from being released from the top cover 111f in an upward direction. The release preventing protrusion may extend in a downward direction from the upper housing 141a or the lower housing 141b, and an end portion of the release preventing protrusion may have a hook shape and may be provided to overlap a portion of the top cover 111f in a vertical di recti on.

A connector <NUM> is provided in each of the operation module <NUM> and a rotator <NUM> to connect the operation module <NUM> and the rotator <NUM> such that the operation module <NUM> and the rotator <NUM> may be rotated together. The connector <NUM> may include a coupling ring 144a and a coupling protrusion 144b. As illustrated in <FIG>, the coupling protrusion 144b may be formed on a lower surface of the lower housing 141b of the operation module <NUM>, and the coupling ring 144a may be formed in the upper guide bracket <NUM> of the rotator <NUM>. The coupling ring 144a may have a circular coupling hole therein. The coupling ring 144a may be provided in plurality. The plurality of coupling rings 144a may be spaced apart from one another in a radial direction from a virtual rotational axis of the rotator <NUM>. The plurality of coupling rings 144a may be symmetrical in relation to a central line that traverses the rotational axis in a diameter direction. The plurality of coupling rings 144a may be formed on both the upper guide bracket <NUM> or the lower guide bracket <NUM>, or may be formed only on the upper guide bracket <NUM>. The plurality of coupling rings 144a may be connected to the upper and lower guide brackets <NUM> and <NUM> by a ring joint portion.

According to another embodiment of the connector <NUM>, the coupling protrusion may formed to protrude in an upward direction from the upper guide bracket <NUM> of the rotator <NUM>, and the coupling hole may be formed on a lower surface of the operation module <NUM>. Accordingly, as the coupling protrusion is insertedly coupled into the coupling hole, the operation module <NUM> may also be rotated when the rotator <NUM> rotates.

According to the operation module <NUM> and the connector <NUM> of the rotator <NUM>, when the operation module <NUM> and the rotator <NUM> rotate together, the water discharge button <NUM> and the water discharger <NUM> also rotates together. The water discharge button <NUM> and the water discharge port <NUM> may be aligned and rotated, and there may be no need to separately adjust a position of the water discharge button <NUM> and the water discharge port <NUM> so as to improve user operability.

If the water discharger <NUM> protrudes forwardly from the main body <NUM> of the water dispenser so as to be fixed as in the related art, there may be spatial restrictions with respect to other kitchen utensils when the water dispenser is installed. However, since the water discharger <NUM> according to an embodiment may be freely rotated in a horizontal direction by the user, there may be less spatial restrictions when the product is installed. Since changes in position of the water discharger <NUM> may be in a convenient manner and direction, space utilization may be enhanced.

The following example does not form part of the invention. The water dispenser may include an oil damper <NUM> that allows the water discharger <NUM> to be rotated smoothly at a uniform speed when a predetermined magnitude of force is applied thereto, such that user may feel that the water discharger <NUM> is moving smoothly and is not stuck. An internal gear <NUM> and a pinion gear <NUM> may be provided within the main body <NUM>. Thus, when the water discharger <NUM> is manually rotated, rotational force applied to the water discharger <NUM> may be transmitted to the oil damper <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the internal gear <NUM> may be formed to have a predetermined curvature at an upper end of the support <NUM>. The internal gear <NUM> may be spaced apart from the first rotation guide rail 113a in a radial direction. The internal gear <NUM> may be adjacent to an outer edge portion of an upper end portion of the support <NUM>, and may be provided concentrically with the first rotation guide rail 113a. Sawteeth may be formed to protrude at or on an inner circumferential surface of the internal gear <NUM>, and a protruding direction of the sawteeth and an opening direction of recesses formed between the sawteeth may be oriented toward the first rotation guide rail 113a.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the pinion gear <NUM> may be provided on a lower surface of the rotator <NUM>, may have a circular shape having a radius of curvature much smaller than that of the internal gear <NUM>, and may have a smaller number of sawteeth than a number of sawteeth of the internal gear <NUM>. When the rotator <NUM> is installed in an upper end portion of the support <NUM>, the pinion gear <NUM> may be provided on an inner side of the internal gear <NUM> to engage with the internal gear <NUM>.

The oil damper <NUM> as shown in <FIG> may include a damper housing <NUM> and a rotor <NUM> rotatably installed within the damper housing <NUM>. The damper housing <NUM> may have an accommodation space therein to store oil or accommodate the rotor <NUM>. The damper housing <NUM> may have a circular shape. The damper housing <NUM> may be provided to overlap the pinion gear <NUM> in a thickness or height direction. The rotor <NUM> may have a predetermined thickness and an oval plate shape. For example, an outer edge portion of the rotor <NUM> may have a pair of curved portions 155a having a predetermined curvature and a linear portion 155b having a linear shape and that connect the curved portions 155a.

A rotational axis <NUM> may vertically penetrate through a central portion of the damper housing <NUM> and may be rotatably coupled thereto. One side of the rotational axis <NUM> may be inserted into the damper housing <NUM> and coupled to the rotor <NUM>, and another side of the rotor <NUM> may protrude from the damper housing <NUM> and may be coupled to the pinion gear <NUM>. Accordingly, when the pinion gear <NUM> rotates, the rotor <NUM> may also be rotated.

The curved portion 155a may be spaced apart from an inner surface of the damper housing <NUM> with a predetermined gap 156a provided therebetween. The linear portion 155b may be spaced apart from the inner surface of the damper housing <NUM>, and a space between the linear portion 155b and the damper housing <NUM> may be increased toward a central portion of the rotor <NUM>. The space between the linear portion 155b and the damper housing <NUM> may be greater than the space between the curved portion 155a and the damper housing <NUM>.

According to a connection of the oil damper <NUM> and the pinion gear <NUM>, when the rotor <NUM> rotates oil, a great amount of oil stored between the linear portion 155b and the damper housing <NUM> may be rotated upon receiving rotational force from the linear portion 155b, and another remaining amount of oil may be leaked out through the gap 156a between the curved portion 155a and the damper housing <NUM> to dampen rotational force of the rotor <NUM> and absorb kinetic energy of the rotator <NUM>. Oil leaking out through the narrow gap 156a may frictionally contact the rotor <NUM> and discharge a portion of kinetic energy of the rotor <NUM> absorbed by viscosity of the oil itself as frictional heat. As the gap 156a is smaller and the viscosity of oil is greater in an embodiment as compared to in the related art, damping force of the oil damper <NUM> may be increased.

Without the operation of the oil damper <NUM>, a rotation speed of the water discharger <NUM> may be low or the water discharger <NUM> may rotate excessively at a high speed according to a magnitude of force applied by the user to the water discharger <NUM>. The water discharger <NUM> may rotate so fast to be damaged. However, according to the oil damper <NUM>, the water discharger <NUM> may be smoothly rotated at a predetermined speed, regardless of magnitude of force applied by the user. If the water discharger <NUM> is rotated by a force smaller than the damping force of the oil damper <NUM> set based on viscosity of oil, the water discharger <NUM> may not be rotated. The water discharger <NUM> may be rotated only when a force having a predetermined magnitude or greater is applied thereto.

Referring to <FIG>, the oil damper <NUM> according to another embodiment may further include a plurality of oil movement holes or oil passages 156b within the rotor <NUM>. As shown, the oil passages 156b may be formed to have a predetermined curvature within the rotor <NUM>. The oil passages 156b may be symmetrical to each other in relation to a central line traversing the rotational axis <NUM> of the rotor <NUM>. The oil passages 156b may also have a linear shape, without being limited to a circular arc shape, and a cross-section of the oil passages 156b may have various shapes, such as, e.g., a circular shape or a polygonal shape.

The water dispenser according to an embodiment may include a positioning device <NUM> to keep the water discharger <NUM> at a specific position. For example, the water discharger <NUM> may be kept at a position at a center of the front cover 111a. However, a specific position of the water discharger <NUM> is not limited to the dead center of the front cover 111a and may be provided and kept at various positions such as <NUM>°, <NUM>°, or <NUM>° in a horizontal direction from the center of the front cover 111a. The positioning device <NUM> may include a stop protrusion 161a and an positioner 162a. When the stop protrusion 161a is inserted into the positioner 162a, rotation of the rotator <NUM> at an upper end of the support <NUM> may be limited. The positioner 162a may be formed in the support <NUM> or the rotator <NUM>.

The stop protrusion 161a may be provided to face the positioner 162a and may be formed in the rotator <NUM> or the support <NUM>. The stop protrusion 161a as shown in <FIG> may be formed at the upper end of the support <NUM>. A plurality of stop protrusions 161b may be spaced apart from one another in a radial direction from the center of curvature of the first rotation guide rail 113a, and may be formed at rear end portions of an upper end portion of the support <NUM>. The plurality of stop protrusions 161a may be formed at an interval of <NUM> degrees in a circumferential direction. The stop protrusion 161a may be provided between the first rotation guide rail 113a and the internal gear <NUM> at an upper end of the support <NUM> and may be elastically supported such that a front end portion of the stop protrusion 161a is fixed and a rear end portion thereof is vertically movable.

The positioner 162a as shown in <FIG> may be on a lower surface of the lower guide bracket <NUM> of the rotator <NUM>. A plurality of positioners 162a may be provided and may be symmetrical on the lower surface of the lower guide bracket <NUM> in relation to a central axis of the rotator <NUM> and a central line traversing the center of the water discharge port <NUM>. The positioners 162a may be provided at an interval of <NUM> degrees in a circumferential direction. The positioner 162a may have a recess or notch at a central portion thereof and may be formed to have a height increased in a direction toward the arrest recess. The recess may extend in a width direction from a central portion of the positioner 162a and accommodate an end portion of the stop protrusion 161a. The recess may be provided to face an end portion of the stop protrusion 161a according to a rotation angle of the rotator <NUM>. A shape and the number of each of the stop protrusions 161a and the positioners 162a are not limited, and two or more stop protrusions and two or more positioners may be formed.

When the water discharger <NUM> is positioned at the center of the front cover 111a, a virtual horizontal line traversing the two positioners 162a and a virtual vertical line traversing the center of the width of the water discharger <NUM> and a rotational axis of the rotator <NUM> may vertically intersect with each other, and since the positioner 162a is caught by the stop protrusion 161a, a position of the water discharger <NUM> may be kept at the center of the front cover 111a. The positioners 162a and the stop protrusions 161a may be positioned in mutually opposite positions. For example, the positioners 162a may be formed at the support <NUM> and the stop protrusions 161a may be formed at the rotator <NUM>.

The positioning device <NUM> according to another embodiment may include a stop protrusion 161b formed on the lower guide bracket <NUM> of the rotator <NUM> and a positioner 162b formed at an upper end of the support <NUM>. The positioner 162b may be formed as a hole formed in a thickness direction of the lower guide bracket <NUM>. The stop protrusion 161b may have a convex portion that protrudes from a central portion thereof and may be elastically supported to be movable in a vertical direction. When the rotator <NUM> is rotated at an upper end of the support <NUM>, the stop protrusion 161b may be inserted into and caught by the positioner 162b to limit rotation of the rotator <NUM>. When rotation of the rotator <NUM> is limited and when a force that overcomes a fastening force of the stop protrusion 161b and the positioner 162b is applied, the stop protrusion 161b and the positioner 162b may be released. Accordingly, the user may easily change a position of the water discharge port <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the rotator <NUM> may include a first water discharge pipe <NUM>, a second water discharge pipe <NUM>, and a pipe fitting <NUM> that provide a water discharge flow channel to discharge water. For example, the first water discharge pipe <NUM> may be fixedly provided and aligned with the rotational axis of the rotator <NUM> within the main body <NUM>. The rotator <NUM> may not substantially provide the rotational axis, but the rotational axis of the rotator <NUM> may become a virtual axis with a rotation center when the water discharge part <NUM> rotates and may vertically penetrate a central portion of the rotator <NUM>. In a direct type water dispenser, the first water discharge pipe <NUM> may be connected to a cold water flow channel or a hot water flow channel. In a water tank type water dispenser, the first water discharge pipe <NUM> may be connected to a cold water tank or a hot water tank.

The second water discharge pipe <NUM> may be provided in a direction crossing the first water discharge pipe <NUM>, and one end portion of the second water discharge pipe <NUM> may be connected to the water discharge port <NUM>. The pipe fitting <NUM> may be bent at a right angle and may connect an upper end portion of the first water discharge pipe and the other end portion of the second discharging pipe <NUM>. Accordingly, the second water discharge pipe <NUM> and the pipe fitting <NUM> may be rotated together with the rotator <NUM>.

An O-ring <NUM> may be provided within the pipe fitting <NUM>. The O-ring <NUM> may maintain airtightness between the pipe fitting <NUM> and the water discharge pipe. The O-ring <NUM> may be inserted within an expanded portion having an increased diameter at end portions of the pipe fitting <NUM>. A pair of pipe fasteners <NUM> may be provided within the expanded portion. The pipe fastener <NUM> may have a tubular shape with a hollow portion, and the water discharge pipe may be inserted into an interior of the pipe fastener <NUM> through the hollow portion. Among the pair of pipe fasteners <NUM>, a first pipe fastener 174a may have a sloped surface narrowing in a direction toward an inner side of one end portion and may have a flange portion with a shape bent at <NUM> degrees to outside of another end portion. A second pipe fastener 174b may have a hook portion formed at one end portion thereof and may have a flange portion formed at another end portion thereof. The first pipe fastener 174a may be fixed to the expanded portion, and the second pipe fastener 174b may be coupled so as to be movable in a length direction within the first pipe fastener 174a. Also, the hook portion of the second pipe fastener 174b may narrow or widen in a diameter direction while moving along the sloped surface of the first pipe fastener 174a.

For example, when the first water discharge pipe <NUM> is inserted into the second pipe fastener 174b, an end portion of the second pipe fastener 174b may be open in an outer diameter direction of the pipe and pressurized by water pressure of water flowing within the first water discharge pipe <NUM>. In this state, if the first water discharge pipe <NUM> is pulled with respect to the pipe fitting <NUM> or if the pipe fitting <NUM> is pulled with respect to the first water discharge pipe <NUM>, since the hook portion of the second pipe fastener 174b is inwardly moved along the sloped surface of the first pipe fastener 174a and narrowed to tighten the first water discharge pipe <NUM>, the first water discharge pipe <NUM> may not be released from the pipe fitting <NUM>. If the user presses the expanded portion inwardly, the second pipe fastener 174b may move in a direction toward the sloped surface having a greater diameter, and thus, the hook portion of the second pipe fastener 174b may be opened. Accordingly, the first water discharge pipe <NUM> may be released from the second pipe fastener 174b.

The pipe fitting <NUM> may be rotated together with the second water discharge pipe <NUM>, the first water discharge pipe <NUM> may be fixed, and the O-ring <NUM> that covers the first water discharge pipe <NUM> may be rotated. In order to reduce wearing of the O-ring <NUM> due to mutual frictional contact between the first water discharge pipe <NUM> and the O-ring <NUM>, the first water discharge pipe <NUM> may be formed of stainless steel having low surface roughness.

The related art first water discharge pipe <NUM> may be formed of a same ABS resin as that of the second water discharge pipe <NUM>, causing the O-ring <NUM> to be worn. In contrast, the first water discharge pipe <NUM> according to an embodiment may be formed of stainless steel having low surface roughness, reducing wearing of the O-ring <NUM>. Thus, water leakage due to wearing of the O-ring <NUM> may be reduced, and a length of time between replacing the O-ring <NUM> may be extended. Reliability of a product according to a change in rotation of the water discharge port <NUM> for a long period of time may be secured, and a problem of durability may be solved.

The water dispenser according to an embodiment may include a rotary device rotatably coupled to an interior of the main body <NUM> and the residual water tray <NUM> installed to be rotatable in a horizontal direction with respect to the main body <NUM>. The residual water tray <NUM> may be provided below the water discharger <NUM> and may collect water dropped from the water discharger <NUM>.

The rotary device may be provided as a rotary ring <NUM>, and the residual water tray <NUM> may be provided on one side of the rotary ring <NUM> and installed to be rotatable with respect to the main body <NUM>. The residual water tray <NUM> may be integrally formed with the rotary ring <NUM> or may be detachably coupled to one side of the rotary ring <NUM>. The residual water tray <NUM> may include a tray body <NUM> having a storage space therein and an upper grill <NUM> detachably coupled to cover an upper portion of the tray body <NUM>.

A storage space may be depressed in a downward direction within the tray body <NUM> to collect and store water therein. An edge portion of the tray body <NUM> may be configured to cover a side surface of the edge of the upper grill <NUM>. A support portion to support a lower surface of the upper grill <NUM> may be provided within the tray body <NUM>. A plurality of slits may be formed in the upper grill <NUM> so that water may enter the storage space of the tray body <NUM> through the slits and prevent water from splashing out from the interior of the tray body <NUM>. A lower support portion may protrude from a lower surface of the tray body <NUM> and support the lower surface of the residual water tray <NUM> such that the residual water tray <NUM> may be supported with a predetermined height without sagging from an installation position of the water dispenser when the residual water tray <NUM> rotates in a horizontal direction.

A concave portion having a circular arc shape may be provided at a rear surface of the tray body <NUM>, and a rear portion of the upper grill may cover a portion of the rotary ring <NUM>. A protrusion portion may protrude in a backwards direction from an outer end portion of a rear surface of the tray body <NUM>. An outer surface of the protrusion portion may extend from one side of the tray body <NUM> so as to be coplanar to cover a depressed portion of a connection portion between the residual water tray <NUM> and the rotary ring <NUM>. An inner surface of the protrusion portion may be formed to have a same curvature as that of the curved surface of the concave portion so as to be in contact with an outer circumferential surface of the rotary ring <NUM>. In order to couple the residual water tray <NUM> and the rotary ring <NUM>, the coupling portion <NUM> may protrude backwards from the concave portion of the tray body <NUM>.

The rotary ring <NUM> may be rotatably installed in a front portion of the base panel 111d, and the residual tray <NUM> may be detachably coupled to one side of a front portion of the rotary ring <NUM> and connected to the rotary ring <NUM> so as to be rotated in a horizontal direction with respect to the main body <NUM>. A front portion of the base panel 111d may be a portion closest to the user when the user is in front of the water dispenser. A length of the front portion of the base panel 111d may be substantially a half of a length of the base panel 111d in a forward/backward direction or in a longitudinal direction along a longer side.

The front portion of the base panel 111d may have a step lower than a rear portion of the base panel 111d to form an opening between the front portion of the base panel 111d and a lower end portion of the second front cover 111d". The residual water tray <NUM> may be outwardly exposed from the main body <NUM> through the opening and rotated in a horizontal direction when coupled to the rotary ring <NUM>. A step portion formed between the front portion and the rear portion of the base panel 111d may serve as a positioning device when the residual water tray <NUM> rotates. Side surfaces of the residual water tray <NUM> may be kept in place by the step portion and limit a rotation angle of the residual water tray <NUM>.

A rotation guide protrusion portion <NUM> is provided within the base panel 111d. The rotation guide protrusion portion <NUM> may include a first rotation guide protrusion portion 184a and a second rotation guide protrusion portion 184b that may be concentric in the base panel 111d. The first rotation guide protrusion portion 184a may be provided outside of the second rotation guide protrusion portion 184b. The first rotation guide protrusion portion 184a and the second rotation guide protrusion portion 184b may protrude upwardly from a lower surface of the base panel 111d at a predetermined curvature to guide rotation of the rotary ring <NUM>.

The rotation guide protrusion portion <NUM> may be formed to have a circular shape or a circular arc shape where a portion of an entire section of a circumference of <NUM> degrees may be open. The first rotation guide protrusion portion <NUM> as shown in <FIG> may be provided on the rear side of a central portion of the front portion of the base panel 111d, and may have a concave circular arc shape. A length of the circular arc may be a circular arc section substantially between <NUM> degrees to <NUM> degrees of the overall length of the circumference.

One portion of the second rotation guide protrusion portion 184b may have a circular arc shape having a predetermined curvature between the central portion of the front portion of the base panel 111d and the first rotation guide protrusion portion 184a. A length of the circular arc may be a circular arc section of about <NUM> degrees of the overall length of the circumference. Another portion of the second rotation guide protrusion portion 184b may be positioned in front of the central portion of the front portion of the base panel 111d and may have a convex circular arc shape. A length of the circular arc may be a circular arc section substantially between <NUM> degrees to <NUM> degrees of the overall length of the circumference. The one portion and another portion of the second rotation guide protrusion portion 184b may be provided to face each other and may be connected to each other by a connector having a vertically crossing shape. The angle of the circular arc section is not limited to the aforementioned angle.

In order to allow the rotary ring <NUM> to maintain a predetermined height and rotate, an installation portion <NUM> may be provided together with the rotation guide protrusion portion <NUM>. The installation portion <NUM> may protrude horizontally from a lower surface of the base panel 111d, and a lower surface of the rotary ring <NUM> may be supported in contact with the installation portion <NUM>. The installation portion <NUM> may include a first installation portion and a second installation portion that may be concentric. Accordingly, the rotary ring <NUM> may be rotated while being maintained at a predetermined height.

The first installation portion may protrude from a rear surface of the first rotation guide protrusion portion <NUM> and may also be formed in a front end portion of the base panel 111d on an opposite side of the first rotation guide protrusion portion <NUM>. The first installation portion may have a same curvature as a curvature of the first rotation guide protrusion portion <NUM>. The first installation portion may protrude upwardly from a lower surface of the base panel 111d, and an upper portion of the first installation may be a horizontal plane and allow a portion of the rotary ring <NUM> to be mounted thereon. The second installation portion may protrude from a rear surface of a portion of the second rotation guide protrusion portion 184b and may protrude from a front surface of another portion of the second rotation guide protrusion portion 184b. A plurality of second installation portions may be spaced apart from one another.

The rotary ring <NUM> may be guided by the rotation guide protrusion portion <NUM> and rotatably installed on the base panel 111d and may support the residual water tray <NUM>. The rotary ring <NUM> may include an outer ring portion <NUM>, an inner ring portion <NUM>, and a ring joint portion <NUM>. The outer ring portion <NUM> may form an external framework and a shape of the rotary ring <NUM>. The outer ring portion <NUM> may have a circular shape, and a portion of the outer ring portion <NUM> may come into contact with an outer surface of the first rotation guide protrusion portion 184a and may be rotatably installed along the first rotation guide protrusion portion 184a. The rotary ring <NUM> may be configured to rotate at a same position in relation to the central portion of the front portion of the base panel 111d. The inner ring portion <NUM> may be provided to rotatably support the outer ring portion <NUM> such that the rotary ring <NUM> may not be moved from the central portion of the base panel 111d.

Without the inner ring portion <NUM> in the structure of the first rotation guide protrusion portion 184a and the first installation portion shown in <FIG>, there may be no support structure to prevent the outer ring portion <NUM> from moving backwards from the first rotation guide protrusion portion 184a, and the first installation portion may not be present. Thus, the outer ring portion <NUM> may be moved to the rear side of the water dispenser.

In order to prevent this, a separate support structure to support the center of the outer ring portion <NUM> may be required. The inner ring portion <NUM> may be provided to be concentric with the outer ring portion <NUM>. The inner ring portion <NUM> may have a circular shape, may contact outer surfaces of one portion and another portion of the second rotation guide protrusion portion 184b to limit movement of the water dispenser and the base panel 111d in a forward/backward direction, and may be guided by the second rotation guide protrusion portion 184b so as to be rotatable at a same position.

Since the rotary ring <NUM> has a concentric dual-ring structure including the outer ring portion <NUM> and the inner ring portion <NUM>, when a lower portion of the residual water tray <NUM> is supported only by the rotary ring <NUM>, rather than being in contact with the installation position, for example, a kitchen counter, or a table, bearing power for the residual water tray <NUM> may be secured to tolerate a load of the residual water tray <NUM>.

In order for the outer ring portion <NUM> to be coupled with the residual water tray <NUM>, the outer ring portion <NUM> may have an installation portion <NUM> provided on one side thereof. The installation portion may include an accommodation hole 194b having a same size and shape as those of the coupling portion <NUM>. The accommodation hole 194b may be open in a direction facing the coupling portion 183to allow the coupling portion <NUM> to be insertedly coupled to the installation portion <NUM> therethrough. When the coupling portion <NUM> is insertedly coupled to the interior of the installation portion <NUM>, the installation portion <NUM> may cover the coupling portion <NUM>, may be in contact with an outer surface of the coupling portion <NUM>, and may support the coupling portion <NUM> such that the coupling portion <NUM> may not move in vertical and horizontal directions. However, the coupling portion <NUM> may be movable in a forward/backward direction within the installation portion <NUM> and may be inserted and drawn out.

A support rib 194a may protrude in a backwards direction from an upper surface of the installation portion <NUM>. Thus, when the coupling portion <NUM> is inserted, a lower surface of the support rib 194a may be in contact with and support an upper surface of the coupling portion <NUM> to increase bearing power with respect to the coupling portion <NUM>. A protrusion may be formed on a lower surface of the support rib 194a and a fastening recess 183a may be formed on an upper surface of the coupling portion <NUM>. Thus, when the coupling portion <NUM> is inserted into the installation portion <NUM>, the protrusion may be insertedly fastened to the fastening recess 183a. When the protrusion and the fastening recess 183a are coupled to each other or separated from each other, a clicking sound may be made so that the user may easily recognize whether the coupling portion <NUM> is coupled to or separated from the installation portion <NUM>.

The outer ring portion <NUM> and the inner ring portion <NUM> may be connected by the ring joint portion <NUM>. The ring joint portion <NUM> may extend from a lower portion of the installation portion to the inner ring portion <NUM> so as to be horizontal. The ring joint portion <NUM> may have a recess portion 193a formed to be concave therein. The recess portion 193a may contact side surfaces of the coupling portion <NUM> when the coupling portion <NUM> is inserted to guide insertion of the coupling portion <NUM> and support side surfaces of the coupling portion <NUM>. Accordingly, the coupling portion <NUM> may be easily insertedly coupled to the installation portion <NUM>. As the coupling portion <NUM> is insertedly coupled to the installation portion <NUM>, the residual water tray <NUM> may be coupled to the rotary ring <NUM> and rotate in a horizontal direction with respect to the base panel 111d.

A release preventing protrusion <NUM> may be formed in the second rotation guide protrusion portion 184b to prevent the rotary ring <NUM> from being released from the second rotation guide protrusion portion 184b. An upper end portion of the release preventing protrusion <NUM> may have a hook shape so as to be caught by an upper surface of the inner ring portion <NUM>. Side surfaces of the release preventing protrusion <NUM> may be cut out from a portion of the rotation guide protrusion portion <NUM>. Thus, when the residual water tray <NUM> rotates, the rotary ring <NUM> may be lifted in an upward direction to prevent the rotary ring <NUM> from being released from the second rotation guide protrusion portion 184b, whereby rotation of the residual water tray <NUM> may be stably maintained.

According to embodiments disclosed herein, a water dispenser may include a water discharge port, a water discharger, and a residual water tray that may freely change position. A water dispenser in which a water discharger may be able to be smoothly rotated at a uniform speed without causing a feeling that the water discharger may be stuck. A water dispenser may prevent or restrain wearing of a component such as an O-ring.

A position of the water discharger may be easily changed by rotating the water discharger in a horizontal direction without having to be separated from the main body. Thus, spatial restrictions may be minimized when the water dispenser is installed. When the user applies a force having a predetermined magnitude or greater to the water discharger, the water discharger may be smoothly rotated at a uniform speed so that the water discharger does not feel as if it may be stuck. Accordingly, operating a product may be smooth and may contribute to a high quality product.

Since the second water discharge pipe fixed with respect to the rotary first water discharge pipe and may be formed of stainless steel having a low level of surface roughness, wearing of the O-ring within the pipe fitting may be reduced. Water leakage caused as the O-ring is worn down may be minimized, and a durability problem of a component may be resolved to enhance reliability of the product. A length of time between replacement may be extended, and costs for replacing a component and maintenance may be reduced.

Embodiments disclosed herein provide a water dispenser which may include a main body; a rotator installed to be rotatable in a horizontal direction in the main body and including a water discharger; a rotation guide rail having a predetermined curvature within the main body; and a rotation guide protrusion provided in the rotator and slidably coupled to the rotation guide rail to guide rotation of the rotator.

Embodiments disclosed herein provide a water dispenser which may include a main body; a rotator installed to be rotatable in a horizontal direction in the main body and including a water discharger; and a residual water tray rotatably provided below the main body. The main body may include a base panel including a rotation guide protrusion portion having a predetermined curvature; and a rotary ring including an installation portion provided on one side thereof and a portion rotatably installed in the base panel along the curvature of the rotation guide protrusion portion, wherein the residual water tray may have a coupling portion detachably coupled to the installation portion and may be coupled to the rotary ring through the coupling portion so as to be rotatable in a horizontal direction with respect to the base panel. A water dispenser may further include an oil damper that absorbs rotational kinetic energy of the rotator, wherein the oil damper may include a damper housing to store oil; and a rotor connected to a pinion gear and rotatably installed within the damper housing.

Claim 1:
A water dispenser, comprising:
a main body (<NUM>);
a rotator (<NUM>) rotatably installed in the main body (<NUM>) and including a water discharger (<NUM>);
an operation module (<NUM>) rotatably installed at an upper end portion of the main body (<NUM>) and including a water discharge button (<NUM>) and a display (<NUM>); and
a connector (<NUM>) that connects the rotator (<NUM>) and the operation module (<NUM>) such that the rotator (<NUM>) and the operation module (<NUM>) rotate together.