Patent Description:
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.

<CIT>,<CIT>, and<CIT> and <CIT> disclose a drinking bowls for pets. However, such drinking bowls have various disadvantages, which the present disclosure solves.

The above references are incorporated by reference herein where appropriate for appropriate teachings of additional or alternative details, features and/or technical background.

<CIT> relates to a water pump and an aquarium equipment that includes the water pump. The water pump includes a stator, a rotor assembly, an impeller, and a power generation induction module. The stator includes a U-shaped iron core and a coil winding wound around the U-shaped iron core. The coil winding is connected to an external power source. The rotor assembly includes a rotating shaft and a permanent magnet rotor. The impeller is connected to the rotating shaft or to the permanent magnet rotor. The power generation induction module is spaced apart from the rotor assembly. The rotor assembly and the power generation induction module are both disposed within a range of a magnetic field at an opening of the U-shaped iron core. The power generation induction module is electrically connected to an electric equipment.

The invention is specified in the independent claim <NUM>. Further aspects of the invention are defined in the dependent claims.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, 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 chamber <NUM> in which water is stored, a pump <NUM> (e.g., a submersible pump) installed in the water tank <NUM> to pump water stored in the water tank <NUM>, a water supply pipe <NUM>, and a water supply plate or upper plate <NUM> over which water supplied from the water supply pipe <NUM> flows.

A water guide or a water receiver <NUM> may be provided between the water tank <NUM> and the water supply plate <NUM> to catch water falling from the water supply plate <NUM> and to discharge the water back to the water tank <NUM>. Accordingly, water in the water tank <NUM> can be circulated through the pump <NUM>, the water supply plate <NUM>, and the water guide <NUM>. In addition, a filter or filter assembly <NUM> may be installed or located in the water tank <NUM> to filter foreign substances in the water before the water flows into the pump <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the water tank <NUM> may include a bottom plate <NUM> forming a bottom surface of the water tank <NUM> and a wall <NUM> surrounding an interior of the water tank <NUM> and an inner assembly <NUM>. The wall <NUM> may extend from the base plate <NUM>, and together the wall <NUM> and the bottom plate <NUM> may form a container of the water tank <NUM>. The bottom plate <NUM> may also be referred to as an inner bottom of the water tank <NUM>, and may be stainless steel or plastic.

The inner assembly <NUM> may be detachably coupled to (e.g., simply mounted on) the water tank <NUM>. When the inner assembly <NUM> is inserted or placed into the water tank <NUM>, the inner assembly <NUM> and the water tank <NUM> may be coupled. A user may lift the inner assembly <NUM> to separate the inner assembly <NUM> from the water tank <NUM>, and then replace or refill the water stored in the water tank <NUM> or clean the water tank <NUM>.

The inner assembly <NUM> may include the pump <NUM>, the water supply pipe <NUM>, the water supply plate <NUM>, and the filter assembly <NUM>. The pump <NUM>, the water supply pipe <NUM>, the water supply plate <NUM>, and the filter <NUM> may be combined to form a single inner assembly <NUM>. The water supply plate <NUM> may be configured to be removable from the inner assembly <NUM>. The water supply plate <NUM> may be lifted up and removed to be cleaned, repaired, or swapped with another water supply plate <NUM> having 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 pump <NUM> may supply the water stored in the water tank <NUM> to the water supply plate <NUM>, and the water supplied to the water supply plate <NUM> may be circulated back to the water tank <NUM>, a power supply assembly capable of operating the pump <NUM> will be described with reference to <FIG>.

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 station <NUM> separate from the water tank <NUM> to which external power is applied, and a wireless communication device or assembly provided at the bottom plate <NUM> of the water tank <NUM> and electrically connected to the docking station <NUM>. The wireless communication assembly may include a first wireless power communication device (e.g., a wireless power transmitter and/or a transceiver) <NUM> provided above the bottom plate <NUM> and a second wireless power communication device (e.g., a wireless power receiver <NUM> and/or a transceiver) provided under the bottom plate <NUM> and connected to the docking station <NUM> to minimize damage to an electrical wire <NUM> and prevent a malfunction or short circuit.

The wireless power transmitter <NUM> and the wireless power receiver <NUM> may be positioned to align with each other, and positions of the bottom plate <NUM>, wireless power transmitter <NUM>, and wireless power receiver may be configured to prevent damage caused by an external impact, stabilize the water tank <NUM>, and to protect the alignment between the wireless power transmitter and receiver <NUM> and <NUM>.

The electrical wire <NUM> may be drawn out from the docking station <NUM> to an external socket so that external power may be supplied to the docking station <NUM> to ultimately operate the pump <NUM>. However, a manner in which external power is applied to the docking station <NUM> is not limited to the structure described in the above description or drawings. For example, external power may be applied to the docking station <NUM> via wireless power transfer, and the electrical wire <NUM> may be omitted.

Referring to <FIG>, the docking station <NUM> may be configured to apply external power to the water tank <NUM> and may be formed separately from the water tank <NUM>. A base plate <NUM> may be provided under the bottom plate <NUM> and spaced away from the bottom plate <NUM>, and the docking station <NUM> may be provided below both the base plate <NUM> and the bottom plate <NUM>. The base plate <NUM> may also be referred to as an outer bottom of the water tank <NUM>.

The wall <NUM> may include an upper wall 11a and a container support 11b. The container support 11b may form a bottom edge of the wall <NUM> that extends past the rim of the bottom plate <NUM> to form the base plate <NUM>. The base plate <NUM> may be positioned on the docking station <NUM>, and a shape or curvature of the bottom surface of the base plate <NUM> may be configured to match or correspond with a shape or curvature of the top surface of the docking station <NUM>.

As an example, when a step is formed on the upper surface of the docking station <NUM>, a recess corresponding to the step of the docking station <NUM> may be formed on the bottom surface of the base plate <NUM>. When a tilt or slope is formed on the upper surface of the docking station <NUM>, a tilt, slope, or contour having a same inclination of the tilt, slope, or contour of the docking station <NUM> may be formed on the bottom surface of the base plate <NUM>. The base plate <NUM> may thus fit onto the docking station <NUM> to be secured to the docking station <NUM>.

The docking station <NUM> may include a plate-like disc or cylindrical docking station base <NUM>. The docking station base <NUM> may form a basic structure or overall shape of the docking station <NUM>. By having a disc-shaped structure, the docking station <NUM> and the water tank <NUM> can 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 base <NUM> may have a sufficient weight for balancing, and may be referred to as a weight or a main body of the docking station <NUM>.

An optional docking station guide <NUM> may be formed on the docking station base <NUM>. The docking station guide or step <NUM> may guide and secure the water tank <NUM> and the docking station <NUM> to maintain a docked state. The base plate <NUM> coupled to the water tank <NUM> may be seated on the docking station <NUM> via the docking station guide <NUM> to dock or connect with a docking connection assembly or device <NUM>.

The docking station guide <NUM> may have a circular cylinder shape having a predetermined thickness similar to a shape of the docking station base <NUM> so that the water tub <NUM> coupled with the docking station <NUM> can be easily rotated. The docking station guide <NUM> may have a diameter smaller than a diameter of the docking station base <NUM>.

A top surface of the docking station guide <NUM> may include an inclined or curved surface. A thickness of the docking station guide <NUM> may thus be thicker toward a center axis of the docking station <NUM>. The docking station <NUM> and the water tank <NUM> may thus be easily docked. A diameter of a lower portion of the container support 11b may be greater than a diameter of a docking terminal <NUM>, and an appearance of the docking terminal <NUM> can be obscured by the wall <NUM>.

It may not be easy to precisely align the water tank <NUM> and the docking station <NUM> so as to connect with the docking terminal <NUM>. For example, the docking station guide <NUM> may have a relatively small diameter and thickness as compared to the docking station base <NUM>. Even if configurations and/or positions of the water tank <NUM> and the docking terminal <NUM> are not exactly matched, the base plate <NUM> may be guided along an upper surface of the docking station guide <NUM>, and the lower wall 11b may be attached to a side surface of the docking station guide <NUM> so that an inner side of the container support 11b may be easily docked.

A first guide magnet may be further included for easy docking of the docking station <NUM> and the water tank <NUM>. For example, a ring-shaped or annular first guide magnet may be provided inside the docking station guide <NUM>, 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 plate <NUM>. A magnetic force generated by the first and second guide magnets having opposite polarities may help stabilize a docking between the water tank <NUM> and the docking station <NUM>. 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 guide <NUM> may be formed integrally with the docking station base <NUM>, or alternatively may be a laminated or stacked structure bonded to the docking station base <NUM>.

The docking terminal <NUM> may protrude upward from the upper surface of the docking station base <NUM> and/or an upper surface of the docking station guide <NUM>. The docking terminal <NUM> may include a cylindrical first docking portion or ring 714a and a second docking portion or ring 714b that surrounds the first docking portion 714a at an outer side of the first docking portion 714a. The docking terminal <NUM> may further include a first electrode 714d provided on an inner side of the first docking portion 714a to connect to a second electrode 741c of the docking connection terminal <NUM> of the docking connection device <NUM> (<FIG>), and a third electrode 714e provided on an outer side of the first docking portion 714a to connect to a fourth electrode 741d of the docking connection terminal <NUM> (<FIG>).

The first electrode 714d and the third electrode 714e may transmit external power supplied through the electrical wire <NUM>, and may be electrode-coupled to the second and fourth electrodes 741c and <NUM> d, respectively, of the docking connection terminal <NUM>. The docking terminal <NUM> may further include a third docking portion or cylinder 714c having a cylindrical shape and formed inside the first docking portion 714a.

The first to third docking portions 714a, 714b and 714c form a basic structure of the docking terminal <NUM> and protect the first and third electrodes 714d and 714e. The first electrode 714d may be formed between an inner circumference or side of the first docking portion 714a and an outer circumference or side third docking portion 714c, and the third electrode 714e may be formed between an outer circumference or side of the first docking portion 714a and an inner circumference or side of the second docking portion 714b, as shown in <FIG>.

The first electrode 714d and the third electrode 714e may extend upward from a bottom surface of the docking terminal <NUM>. The first electrode 714d and the third electrode 714e may 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 electrodes 714d and 714e.

The first electrode 714d and the third electrode 714e may 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 electrodes 714d and 714e are provided between the first, second, and third docking portions 714a, 714b, and 714c, exposure to an outside and thus damage may be minimized.

Heights of the first electrode 714d and the third electrode 714e may be configured to be lower than heights of the first to third docking portions 714a, 714b, and 714c to further protect the first and third electrodes 714d and 714e, minimize exposure, and ensure that the first and third electrodes 714d and 714e do not contact the water tank <NUM>, which may prevent damage, electric shock, and corrosion.

The structure of the docking terminal <NUM> is 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 portions 714a, 714b, and 714c may be formed in a square or rectangle shape to prevent rotation.

When the docking terminal <NUM>, docking station base <NUM>, and docking station guide <NUM> are formed in cylindrical shapes, the docking connection terminal <NUM> may rotate around the docking terminal <NUM>, and thus the water tank <NUM> may rotate when it is docked on the docking station <NUM>. In addition, the docking station guide <NUM> may have a predetermined thickness to function as a latching jaw and prevent the docked water tank <NUM> from being detached or removed from the docking station <NUM> during the rotation process.

Further, when the docked water tank <NUM> rotates, stress or force may be dispersed on the docking station guide <NUM> so that docking terminal <NUM> does not support the entire weight of the water tank <NUM>, thus preventing damage to the docking terminal <NUM>. Even if the electrical wire <NUM> is drawn out from the docking station <NUM>, rotation of the water tank <NUM> on the docking station <NUM> may minimize damage to the docking station <NUM> where the electrical wire <NUM> connected to the docking station <NUM>.

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

The first guide magnet, which may have a ring shape, may be provided inside the docking station guide <NUM>, 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 tank <NUM> that is docked on the docking station <NUM>. 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 wire <NUM> of the present disclosure may be connected to the docking station <NUM> so that external power is directly applied to the docking station <NUM>. Since the docking station <NUM> and the water tank <NUM> are rotatable, a tensile force or stress applied to the electrical wire <NUM> may be dispersed by a rotation of the docking station <NUM> so as not to pull too much on the electrical wire <NUM>. Therefore, if a pet or pet owner catches on the electrical wire <NUM>, spillage of the water tank <NUM> may be minimized because the water tank <NUM> is not connected to the electric wire <NUM>, and damage to the electric wire <NUM> may be minimized due to the rotational movement of the water tank <NUM> on the docking station <NUM> and the fact that the electrical wire <NUM> is drawn out of the docking station <NUM>.

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 wire <NUM> of the present disclosure, the tension is not transmitted to any electric parts (e.g., the heat sink <NUM>, the pump <NUM>) included in the water tank <NUM>, improving durability and preventing short circuits.

Referring back to <FIG>, the water tank <NUM> may include walls 11a, 11b, and 11c forming a side of the water tank <NUM> and a bottom plate <NUM> provided on the lower side of the water tank <NUM>. An upper wall 11a and a container support <NUM> b may form upper and lower sides of a main wall 11c, respectively. The upper wall 11a and the container support 11b may be an opaque material (e.g., stainless steel or pigmented plastic), and the main wall 11c may be formed of a transparent material (e.g., glass or plastic).

The bottom plate <NUM> may be provided between the main wall 11c and the container support 11b. A container or internal space where water is stored may be formed by the upper and main walls 11a and 11c and the bottom plate <NUM>, while a container support 11b may be provided below the bottom plate <NUM> to provide a dry or sealed space in which electronic devices to be described later are housed. The water tank <NUM> may 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 support 11b of the water tank <NUM> may extend between the bottom plate <NUM> and a base plate <NUM> spaced downward from the bottom plate <NUM>. The docking station <NUM> may be provided below the base plate <NUM>. The base plate <NUM> may have a bottom surface having a shape or contour configured to match a shape or contour of the top surface of the docking station <NUM>. A shape of the base plate <NUM> may correspond to a shape of the docking station base <NUM>, and an inclination of the base plate <NUM> may correspond to an inclination of the docking station guide <NUM> so that a docking state of the water tank <NUM> may be stably maintained.

The docking connection assembly or device <NUM>, which includes the docking connection terminal <NUM> that electrically couples to the docking terminal <NUM>, may be formed in a space defined by the bottom plate <NUM>, the base plate <NUM>, and the lower wall 11b. The docking connection device <NUM> may be docked with the docking station <NUM> to receive external power. In order to be docked with the docking station <NUM>, the docking connection device <NUM> may include a docking connection terminal <NUM> protruding downward to match the docking terminal <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the docking device <NUM> may have a concave portion or cavity formed to accommodate the docking terminal <NUM>. A groove or recess <NUM> having a circular or cylindrical shape may be formed inside of a first connection protrusion 741a that extends downward from the docking connection device <NUM> inside of the cavity. The third docking portion 714c may be inserted into the groove <NUM>, which may be formed at a center of the bottom surface the base plate <NUM>.

Similarly, a space may be formed between the first connection protrusion 741a and a second connection protrusion 741b that extends downward from the docking connection device <NUM> and surrounds an outer side of the first connection protrusion 741a. The first docking connection portion 714a may be inserted into the space between the first and second connection protrusions 741a and 741b. The second docking connection portion 714b may be inserted into a space formed between the second connection protrusion 741b and an inner side of the cavity in the docking connection device <NUM>. The docking station <NUM> and the docking connection device <NUM> may therefore be detachably coupled to each other, and a docking state of the water tank <NUM> may be easily maintained. Furthermore, the docking station <NUM> and the docking connection device <NUM> can be coupled at a lower center of the water tank <NUM>.

The second electrode 741c may be formed on a bottom surface of the first connection protrusion 741a, and the fourth electrode 741d may be formed on a bottom surface of the second connection protrusion 741b. The second electrode 741c and the first connection protrusion 741a may be inserted into a space between the third docking portion 714c and the first docking portion 714a to connect to the first electrode 714d. The fourth electrode 741d and the second connection protrusion 741b may be inserted into a space between the first docking portion 714a and the second coking portion 714b to connect to the third electrode 714e. Thus, power may be transmitted between the first electrode 714d and the second electrode 741c and between the third electrode 714e and the fourth electrode 741d.

The second electrode 741c and the fourth electrode 741d may be annular electrodes, as opposed to the more linear first and second electrodes 714d and 714e. Thus, when the water tank <NUM> rotates, an electric connection between the first electrode 714d and the second electrode 741c and between the third electrode 714e and the fourth electrode 741d may be maintained.

Furthermore, the second electrode 741c and the fourth electrode 741d may be provided at edges of the first connection protrusion 741a and the second connection protrusion 741b. The height of the first and second connecting protrusions 741a and 741b, including the second and fourth electrodes 741c and 741d attached thereto, may be configured to be smaller than a depth of the cavity formed in the docking connection terminal <NUM> to prevent electrode breakage, especially when the water tank <NUM> is not docked on the docking station <NUM>.

Configurations of the docking connection device <NUM> and the docking station <NUM> are not limited thereto, and the docking terminal <NUM> and the docking connection terminal <NUM> may be configured in various ways such that their shapes correspond to each other.

Referring to <FIG>, a sensor device <NUM> and temperature control devices <NUM> and <NUM> (i.e., thermoelectric element <NUM> and motor <NUM>) may be provided in the space formed between bottom plate <NUM>, base, <NUM> and lower wall 11b. A heat sink <NUM> and a heat radiating fan <NUM> may be further provided in the space between the bottom plate <NUM>, base, <NUM> and container support 11b. The heat sink <NUM> may include a heat dissipation or diffusing plate and heat radiating fins.

The sensor device <NUM>, thermoelectric element <NUM>, motor <NUM>, heat sink <NUM>, and heat radiating fan <NUM> may consume a relatively large amount of power. Accordingly, in order to efficiently transmit electric power from the docking station <NUM> to the docking connection device <NUM>, the first and second electrodes 714d and 741c may be directly connected and contact each other, and the third and fourth electrodes 714e and 741d may be directly connected and contact each other.

The external power applied through the docking station <NUM> and the docking connection terminal <NUM> can also supply power to the pump <NUM> via wireless power transfer or induction devices <NUM> and <NUM>. Power transmission efficiency of wireless power transmission alone is about <NUM>% as compared when there is also electrode coupling. Therefore, external power may be supplied to the heat sink <NUM>, sensor device <NUM>, and other high-consumption devices by the docking of the high-efficiency docking station <NUM>, and the relatively low-power pump <NUM> may be powered by the wireless power transfer between the first and second wireless power transfer devices <NUM> and <NUM>. Thus, power transfer efficiency can be optimized.

The first wireless power transfer device <NUM> (e.g., a wireless power transmitter or transceiver) may be electrically connected to the docking connection device terminal <NUM> to transmit power to the second power transfer device <NUM> (e.g., a wireless power receiver or transceiver) to power the pump <NUM>. The first and second wireless power transfer devices <NUM> and <NUM> may be connected to a power circuit device <NUM> on a printed circuit board (PCB) (<FIG>) instead of the electrical wire <NUM>, which may prevent a short circuit or electric shock. Furthermore, shocks may be prevented because the inner assembly <NUM> of the water tank <NUM>, which includes the pump <NUM>, may not be connected to the electric wire <NUM>. An alternative embodiment may be completely powered via the wireless power transfer device <NUM> or <NUM> instead of the first through fourth electrodes 714d, 741c, 714e, 741d.

Referring to <FIG>, the wireless power transfer devices <NUM> and <NUM> may include a wireless power transmitter <NUM> provided under the bottom plate <NUM> and a wireless power receiver <NUM> provided in the inner assembly <NUM> to correspond to the wireless power transmitter <NUM>. Wireless power transmission (WPT) may control the wireless power transmitter <NUM> by the power circuit device <NUM> (<FIG>) that is electrically connected to the docking connection device <NUM>.

In the wireless power receiver <NUM>, an induction current may be generated from electric current supplied to and a subsequent magnetic flux in the wireless power transmitter <NUM>, so that power can be transmitted wirelessly. However, the wireless power transmitter and receiver <NUM> and <NUM> are 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 transmitter <NUM> may be provided in the base plate <NUM> of the water tank <NUM> so that it is positioned between the docking station <NUM> and the bottom plate <NUM> in the docked state. Referring to <FIG>, the wireless power transmitter <NUM> may transmit a wireless power transmission signal from a first accommodation or receiver space V1 formed between the bottom plate <NUM>, the base plate <NUM>, and the lower wall 11b. The wireless power transmitter <NUM> may be provided on or above the docking connection terminal <NUM>.

The bottom plate <NUM> may be formed with a protruding portion <NUM> protruding upward into the water tank <NUM>, and the first accommodation space V1 may be formed in a cavity within the protruding portion <NUM> under the bottom plate <NUM>. The first accommodation space V1 is not part of an interior of the water tank <NUM> that stores water, but rather a space formed underneath the water tank <NUM> so as to remain dry.

Heat generation may be reduced by separating the docking station <NUM> and the wireless power transmitter <NUM> from each other by a considerable distance. The wireless power transmitter <NUM> may generate an electromagnetic field to wirelessly transmit power.

There may be materials having high electric conductivity adjacent to a wireless power transmitter <NUM>, and these materials may generate an electromagnetic field that interferes with an intended change in the electromagnetic field due of the wireless power transmitter <NUM>, 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 station <NUM>, 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 station <NUM> and the wireless power transmitter <NUM> from the base plate <NUM> by including accommodation space V1 formed in the cavity under the protrusion portion <NUM>. Since the wireless power transmitter <NUM> may 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 transmitter <NUM> and the wireless power receiver <NUM> may be accurately aligned so that the magnetic field flux generated by the wireless power transmitter <NUM> may be accurately transmitted to the coil of the wireless power receiver <NUM>.

The coils of the wireless power transmitter <NUM> and the wireless power receiver <NUM> may be accurately aligned despite a rotation of the water tank <NUM> on the docking station <NUM> to prevent displacing the magnetic or electromagnetic field. While the wireless power transmitter <NUM> is kept a considerable distance away from the docking station <NUM>, it is provided as close as possible to the wireless power receiver <NUM> during the docking state.

Accordingly, the wireless power transmitter <NUM> may be provided adjacent to the bottom plate <NUM> and above or on the docking connection terminal <NUM>. The wireless power <NUM> may be provided right under a top surface of the protruding portion <NUM>, while the wireless power receiver <NUM> may be provided right above the top surface of the protruding portion <NUM> when the inner assembly <NUM> is inserted into and coupled to the water tank <NUM>. Such a configuration can protect the wireless power transmitter <NUM> even when the water tank <NUM> is not docked onto the docking station <NUM> and improve stability of the WPT, as the wireless power transmitter <NUM> may be provided on the docking connection terminal <NUM> and separate from the docking station <NUM>.

In contrast, when the wireless power transmitter <NUM> is provided in the docking station <NUM>, the generated electromagnetic field may escape through the coils of the wireless power receiver <NUM> by the rotation of the docking station <NUM>. In addition, if the wireless power transmitter <NUM> is tilted with respect to a ground or floor surface, the magnetic field may escape or propagate to the outer area of the wireless power receiver <NUM>. Therefore, the wireless power transmitter <NUM> of the pet water dispenser according to the present disclosure may be separate from the docking station <NUM> to facilitate stable transfer of the magnetic field to the coil of the wireless power receiver <NUM> by fixing the wireless power transmitter <NUM> in the first accommodation space V1, thereby achieving excellent wireless power transmission.

The wireless power receiver <NUM> may be provided above the bottom plate <NUM> in a second accommodation or receiver space V2 formed inside the inner assembly <NUM>. The inner assembly <NUM> may include a concave portion or support cylinder 44b provided on a lower side of the inner assembly <NUM> to engage with the protrusion <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the concave portion or support cylinder 44b may be formed of a tubular sidewall 44ba perpendicular to the bottom plate <NUM>, and an upper plate 44bb may be provided to shield an upper surface of the sidewall 44ba. The protrusion <NUM> may be inserted into the support cylinder 44b to contact a bottom surface of the side wall 44ba, but does not contact the upper plate 44bb. The side wall 44ba may have a shape that corresponds to a shape of the protrusion <NUM>. Although <FIG> shows that the sidewall 44ba and the protrusion <NUM> have a cylindrical shape, configurations are not limited thereto, and the sidewall 44ba and the protrusion <NUM> may have, e.g., a truncated cone shape, or may have a square shape to prevent rotation of the inner assembly <NUM> on the protrusion <NUM>.

The inner assembly <NUM> may include a filter or filter assembly <NUM> that includes a first filter <NUM> surrounding a second filter <NUM>, and the second filter <NUM> may surround the pump <NUM>. The second filter <NUM> may have a tubular outer wall <NUM> perpendicular to the bottom plate <NUM> and a support plate <NUM> partitioning a lower side of the filter into the lower side. The outer wall <NUM> may extend to couple to the sidewall 44ba of the concave portion 44b to define sides of the second accommodation space V2.

The pump <NUM> may be provided on the support plate <NUM>, and the upper plate 44bb may extend between sides of the outer wall <NUM> to shield a lower opening of the second filter <NUM> and enclose the second accommodation space V2 to prevent water from seeping in. The second accommodation space V2 may therefore be formed between the upper plate 44bb, the support plate <NUM>, and the outer wall <NUM>, and the wireless power receiver <NUM> may be provided in the second accommodation space V2.

The wireless power transmitter <NUM> may thus be provided in the projection <NUM>, and the wireless power receiver <NUM> may be provided on the support cylinder 44b that engages with the projection <NUM>. The wireless power receiver <NUM> may be positioned between the support cylinder 44b and the second filter <NUM> to be safely protected from an external environment, and the distance between the wireless power transmitter <NUM> and the wireless power receiver <NUM> can be minimized. The first receiver space V1 and the second receiver space V2 in which the wireless power transmitter and receiver <NUM> and <NUM> are respectively provided may also be effectively cooled by a colder temperature of the water surrounding the protrusion <NUM> and the filter assembly <NUM>.

In addition, the wireless power receiver <NUM> may be configured such that the inner filter assembly <NUM> is installed in the water tank <NUM> (see <FIG>) in a state in which a lower filter cover <NUM> covers the protruding portion <NUM>. Furthermore, the first accommodation space V1 and the second accommodation space V2 may 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 V1 may be shielded by the protruding portion <NUM> at the sides and on top, and a bottom surface may be shielded by the PCB of the power circuit device <NUM> and/or the terminal connection device <NUM>. The second accommodation space V2 may be formed by the outer wall <NUM>, the support plate <NUM>, and the upper plate 44bb to form a closed space. Thus, the first and second accommodation spaces V1 and V2 may be sealed to prevent penetration of moisture and external contaminants, improving the stability of WPT.

The wireless power receiver <NUM>, once receiving electric power from the wireless power transmitter <NUM>, may supply electric power to the electric components (i.e., pump <NUM>, etc.) inside the inner assembly <NUM>. The inner assembly <NUM> may further include an auxiliary battery B powered by the wireless power receiver <NUM> so that the pump <NUM> may work even if the water tank <NUM> is separated from the docking station <NUM>, and also so that a use life is not restricted by a length of the electrical wire <NUM>.

The auxiliary battery B may be provided inside the inner assembly <NUM> and may be electrically connected to the wireless power receiver <NUM>. Once the auxiliary battery B has a charge, the wireless power receiver <NUM> can receive power from the auxiliary battery or battery B instead of the docking station <NUM> to supply electric power to any electric components (e.g., pump <NUM>) included in the inner assembly <NUM>. The wireless power receiver <NUM> can then further transmit power back to the wireless power transmitter <NUM> (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 element <NUM>), so that even if the electrical wire <NUM> is disconnected, usage can be maximized. Auxiliary battery B can be connected and recharged when the electrical wire <NUM> is reconnected. The auxiliary battery B may be provided on an upper filter cover <NUM> that hermetically seals an upper portion of the pump <NUM> to 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 wire <NUM>, owners may disconnect the electrical wire <NUM> when pets drink from the pet water dispenser, eliminating the case where a pet chews or tears the electrical wire <NUM>. Owners may further reconnect the electrical wire <NUM> in 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 receiver <NUM> may 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 station <NUM> is coupled to the water tank <NUM>, 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 transmitter <NUM> and the wireless power receiver <NUM>. 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 receiver <NUM> and <NUM>.

The reverse wireless power transmitter may be provided in the second accommodation space V2 near the wireless power receiver <NUM>. The reverse wireless power receiver may be provided in the first accommodation space V1 with the wireless power transmitter <NUM>.

The auxiliary battery B may be electrically connected to the wireless power transmitter <NUM> and the reverse wireless power receiver. Thus, while the wireless power transmitter and receiver <NUM> and <NUM> may transmit external power from the electrical wire <NUM> to the inner assembly <NUM>, the reverse wireless power transmitter and receiver may transmit power from the auxiliary battery B back down to the base plate <NUM>.

Therefore, even when the docking station <NUM> is detached, electric components between the bottom plate <NUM> and the base plate <NUM> (e.g., motor <NUM>, thermoelectric element <NUM>, sensor device <NUM>) may operate, in addition to the pump <NUM> and the controller C inside the inner assembly <NUM>.

The filter <NUM> may purify and/or filter water supplied by the pump <NUM>. The first filter <NUM> may 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 filter <NUM> may include a lower filter cover <NUM> formed separately and coupled to a lower surface of the first filter <NUM>, or alternatively formed as a single body with the filter <NUM>. The lower filter cover <NUM> may cover the protrusion <NUM> described above, and may fit within the support cylinder 44b. The lower filter cover <NUM> may have a shape corresponding to an outer surface contour of the protrusion <NUM>. When the pump <NUM> is installed in the inner spaces of the first filter <NUM> and the second filter <NUM>, filtration performance is enhanced as compared with the case where a filter is provided on one side of the pump <NUM>.

The second filter <NUM> may include the outer wall <NUM>, which includes a plurality of through holes <NUM>, and an inner wall <NUM> spaced apart from the outer wall and having a plurality of through holes formed therein. A filter material (e.g., a carbon filter <NUM>) may be provided between the outer and inner walls <NUM> and <NUM>. The second filter <NUM> and the support cylinder 44b may be separately manufactured and then assembled, or alternatively integrally formed as a single piece.

The pump <NUM> may be provided in a hollow formed inside the inner wall <NUM> of the second filter <NUM> above the support cylinder 44b. Water that has passed through the first and second filters <NUM> and <NUM> can be sucked into the pump <NUM> through the through holes formed in the inner wall <NUM> of the second filter <NUM> and discharged to the water supply pipe <NUM>. Efficiency may be improved because a separate structure to fix the pump <NUM> at a predetermined position is not required, as the inner wall <NUM> and the support plate <NUM> may support the pump <NUM>.

A first ultraviolet (UV) filter or light <NUM> to sterilize water introduced into the pump <NUM> may be installed or located under a lower side or end of the second filter <NUM> and coupled to the sidewall 44ba of the support cylinder 44b. A second UV filter or light <NUM> may be provided between a lower end of the first filter <NUM> and the lower filter cover <NUM>, and may also couple to the sidewall 44ba of the support cylinder 44b. There may also be a third UV filter coupled to the water supply pipe <NUM> to sterilize water discharged from the water supply pipe <NUM> and flowing to the water supply plate <NUM>.

The upper filter cover <NUM> may be provided on upper ends of the first and second filters <NUM> and <NUM>. The water supply pipe <NUM> may penetrate the upper filter cover <NUM>, which may seal the upper portion of the pump <NUM> and cover the first and second filters <NUM> and <NUM>.

The water supply pipe <NUM> may be arranged in a vertical direction, and may include a water inlet <NUM> formed in a lower portion and a water outlet <NUM> formed in an upper portion. Water discharged from the pump <NUM> may flow through the water inlet <NUM> and may be discharged through the water outlet <NUM>.

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

A plate support may be provided below and support the water supply plate <NUM>, and the plate support may be supported by a light emitting device support <NUM> or a support <NUM> of an illumination assembly <NUM> provided between the water supply plate <NUM> and a partition plate <NUM>. The support <NUM> may serve as a light diffuser and may also be referred to as a light guide or light guide plate. The water supply pipe <NUM> may penetrate through a partition plate <NUM> located below the plate support <NUM> so that the water outlet <NUM> communicates with the water supply hole <NUM> of the water supply plate <NUM>.

Referring back to <FIG>, a water guide or a water receiver <NUM> may be provided below the water supply plate <NUM> and is configured to cover an opened upper side of the water tank <NUM> so as to receive water dropped from an edge of the water supply plate <NUM> and guide the received water back to the water tank <NUM>. The water guide <NUM> may also be referred to as a drip tray or a splash guard.

The water guide <NUM> may include an outer guide wall <NUM> forming an outer rim of the water guide <NUM> and an inner guide wall <NUM> forming an inner rim to define a drain passage <NUM> between the outer wall <NUM> and the inner wall <NUM>. A bottom wall <NUM> may extend between the outer and inner guide walls <NUM> and <NUM>, and may include a discharge hole through which water in the drain passage <NUM> may discharge to the water tank <NUM> A chamber or a space S accommodating the auxiliary battery B and the controller C may be formed between the upper filter cover <NUM>, the inner wall <NUM> of the water guide <NUM>, and the partition plate <NUM>. The space S may be a sealed or dry space sealed from water stored in the water tank <NUM>.

The bottom wall <NUM> may cover a lower portion of the water guide <NUM> so that the bottom wall <NUM> does not contact the first and second filters <NUM> and <NUM>. The upper filter cover <NUM> may be omitted. Accordingly, the filter <NUM>, the pump <NUM>, the water supply pipe <NUM>, the water supply plate <NUM>, the illumination device <NUM>, and the water guide <NUM> may be combined or assembled to be integral with each other to form a single inner assembly <NUM>. Since the inner assembly may be separated from the water tank <NUM>, cleaning of the water tank <NUM> and the repair work of various components can be easily performed.

A thermoelectric element or plate <NUM> to keep the temperature of the water stored in the water tank <NUM> at a predetermined temperature may be provided below the bottom plate <NUM> of the water tank <NUM>. The thermoelectric element <NUM> may be a Peltier device or a thermoelectric cooler (TEC). A heat radiating fan <NUM> which is operated by a motor <NUM>, and a heat radiating plate or heat sink <NUM> may be installed around the heat radiating fan <NUM>. The heat sink <NUM> may also be referred to as a heat dissipation plate.

A water temperature sensor <NUM> (e.g., thermometer) may be provided in a space inside the protrusion <NUM> so that the temperature of the water in the water tank <NUM> may be sensed. Since the water temperature sensor <NUM> may have a large contact area with the water stored in the water tank <NUM>, and since the water temperature sensor <NUM> may be installed inside the protrusion <NUM> where water moves toward the pump <NUM>, the temperature sensor <NUM> may accurately sense a temperature of the water. The bottom plate <NUM> may be made of a material having a high heat thermal conductivity, such as metal (e.g., stainless steel). Alternatively, the water temperature sensor <NUM> may partially protrude above the bottom plate <NUM> into the container of the water tank <NUM> to accurately measure a temperature of the water. When the sensed temperature is not within a set range, the thermoelectric element <NUM> may be operated to cool or heat the water, and a heat transfer occurs between the thermoelectric element <NUM> and the heat sink <NUM>.

There may also be another temperature sensor to measure a temperature of the thermoelectric element <NUM> and/or the heat sink <NUM>. When a temperature of the thermoelectric element <NUM> is higher than a predetermined temperature or when a temperature of the heat sink <NUM> is higher than a predetermined temperature, the motor <NUM> may be operated to drive (i.e., rotate) the heat radiating fan <NUM>.

When the heat dissipation fan <NUM> is rotated, external air flows into the heat sink <NUM> through ventilation holes <NUM> formed in the base plate <NUM>, and then is discharged to an outside through an outermost portion of the ventilation holes <NUM>. The heat sink <NUM> and the thermoelectric element <NUM> may thus be cooled.

A mounting space may be formed between an outer surface of the container support 11b and an inner wall provided in an inner space of the container support 11b to be spaced apart from an inner surface of the container support 11b. The mounting space may be formed by recessing an upper surface that extends between the inner wall and the container support 11b. A water level sensor <NUM> may be provided in the mounting space. The water level sensor <NUM> may be a load sensor or strain gauge for sensing a weight of the water applied to the bottom plate <NUM>.

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 wall 11b. When the water level in the water tank <NUM> detected by the water level sensor <NUM> is 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 tank <NUM>.

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

The controller C may receive a signal sensed by the water level sensor <NUM> to 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 pump <NUM> may 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 pump <NUM> may be operated. The controller C may stop an operation of the pump <NUM> when 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 pump <NUM> to 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 pump <NUM> may be increased so as to correspond to a number of approaching pets.

A contamination sensor provided in the water tank <NUM> may sense a contamination level of the water stored in the water tank <NUM>. 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 filters <NUM> and <NUM> to operate and sterilize the water. The controller C may also stop the operation of the pump <NUM> and control the warning light <NUM> to emit a light or a warning alarm to produce a warning sound.

Further, an operation time of the pump <NUM> according to the signal of the proximity sensor may be continuously stored and analyzed, the controller may predict a pet's consumption and operate the pump <NUM> accordingly. The pump <NUM> can 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 tank <NUM> is equal to or higher than a first predetermined temperature, the thermoelectric element <NUM> and/or the heat radiation fan <NUM> may be operated to cool the water. A temperature of the thermoelectric element <NUM> may be determined by a thermoelectric element temperature sensor of the thermoelectric element <NUM>. Thus, when the temperature of the thermoelectric element <NUM> is determined to be a predetermined value or more based on a signal received from the thermoelectric element temperature sensor, the motor <NUM> may be operated to rotate the heat radiation fan <NUM> so that the heat sink <NUM> can cool the thermoelectric element <NUM>.

When an inclination of the water tank <NUM> is 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 tank <NUM> may be adjusted to restore the water tank <NUM> to a normal (or flat) inclination.

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 safety.

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.

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.

Embodiments of the disclosure are described herein with reference to cross-section illustrations that are schematic illustrations of idealized embodiments (and intermediate structures) of the disclosure. Thus, embodiments of the disclosure should not be construed as limited to the particular shapes of regions illustrated herein but are to include deviations in shapes that result, for example, from manufacturing.

Claim 1:
A liquid dispenser, comprising:
a tank (<NUM>) including a bottom and a wall (<NUM>) surrounding the bottom;
an inner assembly (<NUM>) having a pump (<NUM>) and configured to be coupled to the tank (<NUM>);
a docking station (<NUM>) configured receive external power, the docking station (<NUM>) being detachable from the tank (<NUM>);
a wireless power transmitter (<NUM>) configured to receive power from the docking station (<NUM>), the wireless power transmitter (<NUM>) being provided below the bottom of the tank (<NUM>) and spaced apart from the docking station (<NUM>); and
a wireless power receiver (<NUM>) configured to induce power in response to a magnetic flux generated from the wireless power transmitter (<NUM>) and to supply power to the pump (<NUM>) of the inner assembly,
wherein
the wireless power transmitter (<NUM>) is provided in a first space (V1) formed above the docking station (<NUM>), wherein the bottom of the tank (<NUM>) includes an inner bottom (<NUM>) and an outer bottom (<NUM>), and wherein the docking station (<NUM>) is rotatably coupled to the outer bottom of the tank (<NUM>).