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> and <CIT> disclose 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> discloses a fountain-type pet drinking installation. <CIT> relates to a water dispenser for pets. <CIT> discloses a pet drinking fountain. <CIT> relates to a pet autodrinker. <CIT> discloses an automatic replenishing mechanism for a pet drinking fountain. <CIT> discloses a pet drinking fountain.

Further aspects of the invention are defined in the dependent claims.

Referring to <FIG>, a pet water dispenser includes a water tank or storage chamber <NUM> having an opened upper side or top and an inner assembly <NUM> covering the opened upper side of the water tank <NUM>. The inner assembly <NUM> has an upper surface or plate body <NUM> and a support <NUM> that projects light upward to the upper surface <NUM>. The support <NUM> may serve as a light diffuser and may also be referred to as a light guide or light guide plate. An upper end or edge of an outer circumferential surface of the support <NUM> may be provided at an edge of an outer circumferential surface of the upper surface or plate <NUM>. The outer circumferential surface of the support <NUM> is formed as an inclined surface 63C tilted inward from top to bottom. Thus, the support <NUM> may have a radius that recedes from top to bottom.

An upper portion of the inner assembly <NUM> may protrude above the water tank <NUM> while a lower portion of the inner assembly <NUM> may be inserted into the water tank <NUM>. A pump <NUM> to feed water from the water tank <NUM> to the upper surface <NUM> is provided below the inner assembly <NUM>.

The water pumped to the upper surface <NUM> can fall down off the edge of the upper surface <NUM> if a pumping capacity or pumping rate of the pump <NUM> is high (see arrows of <FIG>). If the pumping capacity of the pump <NUM> is low, water can flow downward on an outer circumferential surface of the support <NUM> (see arrows of <FIG>). Not only may a pet drink water falling off the upper surface <NUM>, a pet may drink water on top of the upper surface <NUM>.

The pet water dispenser may be formed of the water tank <NUM> and the inner assembly <NUM>, which are detachably coupled to each other so that a user may easily lift off and insert the inner assembly <NUM>. The user may easily exchange or replace water stored in the water tank <NUM> or easily wash the water tank <NUM> after detaching the inner assembly <NUM> from the water tank <NUM>.

The inner assembly <NUM> may include a pump <NUM>, a water supply pipe or pipe <NUM>, a water supply plate or top plate <NUM>, and a water guide or a water receiver <NUM>. The water receiver <NUM> may also be referred to as a splash guard or drip tray. The pump <NUM>, the water supply pipe <NUM>, the water supply plate <NUM>, and the water guide <NUM> may be combined to form a single inner assembly <NUM>.

The pump <NUM> may be provided at a center of the water tank <NUM>. The water supply pipe <NUM> may transfer water discharged from the pump <NUM> to the water supply plate <NUM>. The water supply pipe <NUM> may be arranged in a vertical direction of the water tank <NUM>.

The water supply plate <NUM> may be provided above a center of the water tank <NUM>. The water supply plate <NUM> may have the upper surface <NUM> through which the water supplied from the water supply pipe <NUM> flows. The upper surface <NUM> of the water supply plate <NUM> may form the upper surface <NUM> of the inner assembly <NUM>.

A water supply hole <NUM> may be formed at a center of the water supply plate <NUM> to supply water discharged from the water supply pipe <NUM> to the upper surface <NUM>. The water supply hole <NUM> may therefore communicate with an upper end of the water supply pipe <NUM>. Water that has been introduced to the upper surface <NUM> through the water supply hole <NUM> may eventually flow down to a water guide <NUM>, either after falling off an edge of the water supply plate <NUM> or by flowing along an outer peripheral surface of the support <NUM> before reaching the water guide <NUM>.

An edge of the water supply plate <NUM> may be formed as a convex surface curved toward an outside of the water supply plate <NUM>. Therefore, water that has remained on an upper surface <NUM> of the water supply plate <NUM> can easily flow down on an outer peripheral surface of the support <NUM> after falling off the edge of the water supply plate <NUM>.

Alternatively or in addition thereto, the water guide <NUM> may at least partially cover an opened upper side of the water tank <NUM>. The water guide <NUM> may be provided below the water supply plate <NUM>. The water guide <NUM> may receive water from the water supply plate <NUM> or the support <NUM> and guide the water into the water tank <NUM>. Thus, water stored in the water tank <NUM> may be pumped to the upper surface <NUM> of the water supply plate <NUM> via the pump <NUM> and the water supply pipe <NUM>. Then, water may flow from the upper surface <NUM> back to the water tank <NUM> via the water guide <NUM>.

The inner assembly <NUM> may further include an optional filter or filter assembly <NUM> to filter the water stored in the water tank <NUM>. The pump <NUM>, the water supply pipe <NUM>, the water supply plate <NUM>, the water guide <NUM> and the filter assembly <NUM> may be integrally combined to form a single inner assembly <NUM>. If the inner assembly <NUM> further comprises a filter <NUM>, the pump <NUM> may pump the filtered water of the filter assembly <NUM>.

The filter assembly <NUM> may include a first or outer filter <NUM> and a second or inner filter <NUM> provided within the first filter <NUM>. In addition, the inner assembly <NUM> may further include at least one optional UV (Ultraviolet Ray) filter or light <NUM>, <NUM>, and/or <NUM> to sterilize water. The UV filter <NUM>, <NUM>, and/or <NUM> may comprise a UV LED (Ultraviolet Light-Emitting Diode) and emit UV radiation.

A UV filter or light <NUM> and/or <NUM> (<FIG>) may be provided with the first and/or second filter <NUM> and <NUM> to sterilize water stored in the water tank <NUM>. A UV filter or light <NUM> (<FIG>) may be provided with the water supply pipe <NUM> and/or the water supply plate <NUM> to sterilize water discharged from the water supply pipe <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the water tank <NUM> may include a container 10a opened on an upper side and storing water therein provided above a container support 11b. The container support 11b may separate the container 10a from a floor or ground surface. The container support 11b may also be referred to as a lower rim or edge wall.

The container 10a may include tubular sidewalls or walls <NUM> and 11a opened on an upper side, and a bottom plate <NUM> provided below walls <NUM> and 11a. Water can be stored in an inner space formed by the walls <NUM> and 11a and the bottom plate <NUM>. The walls <NUM> and 11a may be formed in a cylindrical or conical shape where a radius of the walls <NUM> and 11a may recede in an upward direction.

The walls <NUM> may be a main or middle wall and the wall 11a may be an upper wall positioned above the main wall <NUM>. The main wall <NUM> may be formed of a transparent material (e.g., glass or plastic), and the upper wall 11a may be formed of an opaque material (e.g., stainless steel or pigmented plastic). The main wall <NUM> may be a portion of the container 10a where water is substantially stored. The user may visually check an amount of water and a possible contamination level via the transparent main wall <NUM>.

An upper end of the container support 11b may be positioned below the main wall <NUM>. The container support 11b may be curved such that a lower end of the container support 11b may closer to a center than the upper end of the container support 11b. An outer peripheral surface <NUM> (<FIG>) between the upper end of the container support 11b and the lower end of the container support 11b may be formed outwardly convex.

The container support 11b may be formed of an opaque material. The main wall <NUM>, the upper wall 11a, and the container support 11b may be formed of different materials that are later bonded or welded together for integration. Alternatively, the main wall <NUM>, the upper wall 11a, and the container support 11b may be made of the same material and integrally manufactured.

As an example, the main wall <NUM> may be formed of a different material from the upper wall 11a and the container support 11b, and the upper wall 11a and the container support 11b may be formed of the same material. The upper wall 11a and the container support 11b may be made of a material having an enhanced aestheticism (e.g., stainless steel or plastic). The main wall <NUM> may be made of a transparent material (e.g., glass or plastic) so that an amount of water in the water tank <NUM> may be easily determined.

The main wall <NUM> may be provided on an upper side of the bottom plate <NUM>. A lower side of the bottom plate may be provided on the container support 11b. The main wall <NUM> may therefore form a side edge or wall of the water tank <NUM>.

A lower portion of the water guide <NUM> may be inserted into the water tank <NUM>, and an upper portion of the water guide <NUM> may protrude outward and upward from the water tank <NUM>. An outer surface of the water guide <NUM> may be formed with an inner or lower guide surface <NUM> supported by an inner tank wall <NUM>. The inner guide surface <NUM> may be inclined, and the inner tank wall <NUM> may be inclined to correspond to an inclination of the inner guide surface <NUM>. The inner guide surface <NUM> may also be referred to as an outer inclined surface <NUM> because it forms an outer surface of the water guide. Details of an attachment of the water guide <NUM> and the water tank <NUM> will be described later.

The pump <NUM> and the filter assembly <NUM> may be provided below the water guide <NUM> and inserted into the water tank <NUM>. The filter assembly <NUM> may be connected to a lower side of an inner guide wall <NUM> of the water guide <NUM>.

The inner assembly <NUM> may further include a partition plate <NUM>. The partition plate <NUM> may be spaced apart from and provided below the water supply plate <NUM>. The partition plate <NUM> may be penetrated by the water supply pipe <NUM>. The partition plate <NUM> may be inserted into a groove or stepped portion <NUM> formed on an upper side of the inner guide wall <NUM> or at an inner side of a guide <NUM> coupled to the inner guide wall <NUM>. The partition plate <NUM> may be inserted into the groove <NUM> of the inner guide wall <NUM> of the water guide <NUM> to cover an opened upper side of the inner guide wall <NUM>. The partition plate <NUM> may partition a chamber or sealed space S and a space housing at least one light emitting device <NUM> to be described later.

The support <NUM> may extend between the water supply plate <NUM> and the water guide <NUM>, and may also extend between the water supply plate <NUM> and the partition plate <NUM>. A lower portion of the support <NUM> may couple to the guide <NUM> of the water guide <NUM> and/or the partition plate <NUM>. The support <NUM> may primarily support the water supply plate <NUM>.

The support <NUM> may be formed in a cylindrical shape. The at least one light emitting device <NUM> may be provided inside the support <NUM>. The light emitting device (LED) <NUM> may be a light emitting diode (<FIG>) that emits light of any wavelength that may be visible to a pet or human. The support <NUM> may be made of a certain material that diffuses light from the LED <NUM> so that light emitted from the LED <NUM> is visible from an outside of the water tank <NUM>. An upper end of an outer peripheral surface of the support <NUM> may be positioned below an edge of the water supply plate <NUM>.

A radius of the support <NUM> at the upper end of the outer peripheral surface may be the same as or similar to a radius of the water supply plate <NUM>. A radius of the support <NUM> may recede from an upper side to a lower side. The outer circumferential surface of the support <NUM> may therefore be formed as an inclined surface 63C having a lower side positioned closer to the center than an upper side.

The support <NUM> may have a hollow interior. The water supply plate <NUM> can cover an opened upper side of the support <NUM>, and the partition plate <NUM> may cover an opened lower side of the support <NUM>. The water supply plate <NUM> and the support <NUM> may be provided above the inner side guide <NUM> of the water guide <NUM>.

The pump <NUM> may be provided in the water tank <NUM> to pump the water stored in the water tank <NUM> to the water supply plate <NUM>. The pump <NUM> may be spaced upward from the bottom plate <NUM> of the water tank <NUM> when the inner assembly <NUM> is coupled to the water tank <NUM>. The water supplied from the water supply pipe <NUM> may float or spill onto the upper surface <NUM>, and may flow over the edge of the water supply plate <NUM>. The water guide <NUM> may be provided between the water tank <NUM> and the water supply plate <NUM> to catch the falling water.

The filter assembly <NUM> may be provided inside the water tank <NUM> at a center of the water tank <NUM>. The filter assembly <NUM> may filter foreign substances contained in the water stored in the water tank <NUM> before flowing into the pump <NUM>.

The pet water dispenser may further include a power supply device or assembly, an illumination assembly <NUM>, a water level sensor <NUM>, a water temperature sensor <NUM>, a proximity sensor, a pollution or contamination level sensor, and a water temperature maintenance device or assembly.

Referring to <FIG>, when a small amount of water is supplied to the upper surface <NUM> of the water supply plate <NUM>, the water introduced to the water supply plate <NUM> may flow relatively slowly, and may spill downward from an edge of the water supply plate <NUM> along the inclined surface 63C of the support <NUM> before reaching the water guide <NUM>. Referring to <FIG>, when a large amount of water is supplied to the upper surface <NUM> of the water supply plate <NUM> and flows relatively fast, the water flowing past an edge of the water supply plate <NUM> may fall directly onto the water guide <NUM> without flowing along the support <NUM>.

The pump <NUM> may have a variable pumping capacity. The pump <NUM> may reduce the pumping capacity so that a smaller amount of water is supplied to the upper surface <NUM> of the water supply plate <NUM>, and the pump <NUM> may increase the pumping capacity so that a larger amount of water is supplied to the upper surface <NUM> of the water supply plate <NUM>.

Depending on the species, pets may prefer to drink water flowing on surfaces, such as on an upper surface <NUM> of the water supply plate <NUM>, or may prefer to drink water falling off the edge of the water supply plate <NUM>. The user may therefore adjust the pumping capacity of the pump <NUM> according to the species of his pet to control the water to either flow along the inclined surface 63C of the support <NUM> or to fall directly onto the water receiver <NUM>. The user may also adjust the pumping capacity of the pump <NUM> to supply more or less water to his pets.

Referring to <FIG>, a capacity of water pumped per second by the pump <NUM> may be less than <NUM>/<NUM> of a capacity of water that the top surface <NUM> of the water supply plate <NUM> can accommodate. To create the flow of water exemplified in <FIG>, the capacity of water pumped per second by the pump <NUM> may be set to <NUM>/<NUM> of the capacity of the water that the upper surface <NUM> can accommodate. For example, if the upper surface <NUM> of the water supply plate <NUM> can accommodate <NUM> of water, the pump <NUM> may pump water at <NUM> or less per second to create the flow of <FIG> or pump more than <NUM> of water per second to create the flow of <FIG>.

When the flow of water as shown in <FIG> is implemented, water falling on the water guide <NUM> may generate a noise. The noise may interfere with a sleep of the user at night. The control unit or controller C may therefore control the pumping capacity of the pump <NUM> to be less at night to implement the flow of water as shown in <FIG>, which is quieter.

Referring to <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, the water tank <NUM> may be formed in a cylindrical or truncated cone shape having a smaller diameter toward an upper side of the water tank <NUM>. However, a shape is not limited thereto and may be formed in other shapes.

When the water tank <NUM> is formed as a truncated cone having a decreasing diameter in an upward direction, the water tank <NUM> may be able to withstand external impacts of a considerable force. When the pet is drinking water in the pet water dispenser, even if the pet impacts the water tank <NUM>, the water tank <NUM> may not be overturned.

The upper wall 11a may extend upward from the main wall <NUM> and may further include protruding walls or plates <NUM> and <NUM> and the inner tank wall <NUM>. The protruding plates <NUM> and <NUM> may be formed on an inner surface of the upper wall 11a to protrude toward the center of the water tank <NUM>. The protruding plates <NUM> and <NUM> may also be referred to as projecting plates <NUM> and <NUM>.

The inner tank wall <NUM> may extend between the protruding plates <NUM> and <NUM>. Since the inner tank wall <NUM> may be inclined, the protruding plates <NUM> and <NUM> may have different lengths.

The protruding plates <NUM> and <NUM> may be a first protrusion <NUM> and a second protrusion <NUM> protruding horizontally toward the center of the water tank <NUM>. The first protruding plate <NUM> and the second protruding plate <NUM> may be spaced apart from each other in a vertical direction. The first protruding plate <NUM> may be provided above the second protruding plate <NUM>.

The protruding plates <NUM> and <NUM> and the inner tank wall <NUM> may have voids or openings formed therein to reduce an amount of material used and a weight. When the upper side wall 11a is formed of an expensive material to improve aestheticism, voids may be formed in the protruding plates <NUM> and <NUM> and the inner tank wall <NUM> to reduce the cost of the upper side wall 11a.

The second protruding plate <NUM> may be longer than the first protruding plate <NUM> so as to protrude further inward than the first protruding plate <NUM>. The inner tank wall <NUM> may extend between the first and second protruding plates <NUM> and <NUM>, so lengths of the first and second protruding plates <NUM> and <NUM> may be configured so that the inner tank wall <NUM> has an inclination similar to an inclination of the inner or lower guide surface <NUM>.

The upper wall 11a may extend upward from the main sidewall <NUM> to protrude upward from the main wall <NUM>. An inclination of an outer surface of the upper wall 11a may match an inclination of an outer surface of the main wall <NUM> so as to appear seamless.

The upper wall 11a may extend upward from the main wall <NUM> so as to be wider or narrower in the radial direction than the main wall <NUM>. Therefore, in an alternative configuration, the upper wall 11a may not have a similar inclination as that of the main wall <NUM>.

The upper wall 11a may include an extension or flange <NUM> protruding upward from the first protruding plate <NUM>. A bumper <NUM> may be attached to an inner surface of the extension <NUM> and an upper surface of the first protruding plate <NUM>. The bumper <NUM> may be made from a packing or cushioning, or may be made from rubber. The water guide <NUM> may be placed on the upper wall 11a so as to be in close contact with the bumper <NUM>. The bumper <NUM> may also be formed to be in close contact with an outer guide wall <NUM> of the water guide <NUM>.

A protrusion or hollow protrusion <NUM> may be formed to be convex upward at a center of the bottom plate <NUM>. A first wireless power transfer device <NUM> (e.g., a wireless power transmitter and/or transceiver) may be installed in an inner space of the protrusion <NUM> under the bottom plate <NUM>. The first power transfer device <NUM> may work with a second power transfer device <NUM> (e.g., a wireless power receiver and/or transceiver) to be described later.

The bottom plate <NUM> may be formed integrally with the main wall <NUM>. Alternatively, the bottom plate <NUM> may be formed separately from the main wall <NUM> and later coupled with the main wall <NUM>. The bottom plate <NUM> may be formed with a ring-shaped groove or recess <NUM> recessed downward around the protrusion <NUM>. The bottom plate <NUM> may be made of a material having high thermal conductivity, e.g., metal.

The outer peripheral surface <NUM> of the container support 11b may be a convex curved surface extending downward from a lower end or edge of the main wall <NUM>. Therefore, when an external impact is applied to the water tank <NUM> to tilt the water tank <NUM> to one side, the outer peripheral surface <NUM> may roll on the ground or floor surface and allow the water tank <NUM> to roll back to its original orientation. Thus, the outer peripheral surface <NUM> may prevent the water tank <NUM> from easily spilling by providing a bit of give.

A lower end of the outer circumferential surface <NUM> may be provided closer to the center of the water tank <NUM> than an upper end of the outer circumferential surface <NUM>. The curvature of the outer circumferential surface <NUM> may allow lifting of the water tank <NUM> by the user without needing to wedge or insert fingers between the outer circumferential surface <NUM> and a floor or ground surface. The user may place fingers in a space under a curved corner of the outer circumferential surface <NUM> and the floor to easily lift and balance the pet water dispenser.

Further, a mounting portion <NUM> having a predetermined width in the direction of the center of the water tank <NUM> may protrude from an inner surface of the outer circumferential surface <NUM>. A mounting space may be formed by a recess in an upper surface of the mounting portion <NUM> between the outer circumferential surface <NUM> and an inner circumferential surface of the mounting portion <NUM>, and the mounting space may have a predetermined area overlapping an edge of the bottom plate <NUM>. A water level sensor <NUM> may be installed in the mounting space of the mounting portion <NUM>.

The water level sensor <NUM> may be a strain gauge or load sensor that senses a weight of the water stored in the water tank <NUM> and applied to the bottom plate <NUM>. The controller C may determine a water level in the water tank <NUM> based on a weight of the water in the water tank <NUM> sensed by the water level sensor <NUM>.

Further, the container support 11b may be formed to be hollow or so that upper and lower (or top and bottom) ends thereof are open. The bottom plate <NUM> may cover the opened upper end of the container support 11b, while a base plate <NUM> may cover the opened lower end of the container support 11b. Various components described later may be installed in an inner space of the container support 11b between the base plate <NUM> and the bottom plate <NUM>.

The base plate <NUM> may be spaced downward from and provided below the bottom plate <NUM>. The base plate <NUM> may be placed on a docking station <NUM> and may be formed to have a circular shape. Ventilation holes or openings <NUM> may be formed in the base plate <NUM>. A plurality of ventilation holes <NUM> may be radially arranged along a circumferential direction of the base plate <NUM>.

The container support 11b may be provided with an inner space having upper and lower openings closed by the bottom plate <NUM> and the base plate <NUM>, respectively. The container support 11b may be formed as an annular wall or in a ring shape. The inner space of the container support 11b may have a height that corresponds to a height of the mounting portion <NUM>, and thus may be a space located on an inner side of the mounting portion <NUM>.

A thermoelectric element or heater <NUM> may further cover an opened upper side of the inner space of the container support 11b. The thermoelectric element <NUM> may be a Peltier device or a thermoelectric cooler (TEC). Thus, the inner space of the container support 11b may be defined as a space between the thermoelectric element <NUM>, the base plate <NUM>, and the mounting portion <NUM> of the container support 11b.

The upper surface of the mounting portion <NUM> may be located below the upper end of the container support 11b, and a lower surface of the mounting portion <NUM> may be positioned above the lower end of the container support 11b. The bottom plate <NUM> may be provided on an upper surface of the thermoelectric element <NUM>, an outer edge of the bottom plate <NUM> may be provided on the upper surface of the mounting portion <NUM>. A ring-shaped light emitting device or warning light <NUM> may be provided on a lower surface of the mounting portion <NUM>, and the base plate <NUM> may be provided below the warning light <NUM>.

The thermoelectric element <NUM> may be provided between the bottom plate <NUM> and the base plate <NUM>. The thermoelectric element <NUM> may heat or cool the bottom plate <NUM>, thereby heating or cooling the water stored in the water tank <NUM>. The thermoelectric element <NUM> may therefore maintain a temperature of water stored in the water tank <NUM> at a predetermined temperature.

A heat sink <NUM> may be provided in the inner space of the container support 11b. Further, a heat-dissipating fan or fan <NUM> may be provided in the inner space of the container support 11b. A motor <NUM> to rotate the fan <NUM> may be installed between the bottom plate <NUM> and the base plate <NUM>.

The heat sink <NUM> may include a plurality of radiating fins that protrude vertically from a heat dissipation or diffusing plate. Upper surfaces of the plurality of radiating fins may contact a lower surface of the thermoelectric element <NUM> so that heat generated in the thermoelectric element <NUM> may be exchanged with ambient air passing through the plurality of radiating fins. Alternatively, the heat dissipation plate may contact the lower surface of the thermoelectric element <NUM>.

The heat sink <NUM> may have a circular shape. Accordingly, the plurality of radiating fins may be arranged along a circumferential direction of the heat sink <NUM> so that an overall shape of the heat sink <NUM> may be annular.

The fan <NUM> may be provided inside the plurality of radiating fins so that the plurality of radiating fins may surround the fan <NUM>. The fan <NUM> may suction air in a direction of a rotation axis of the motor <NUM> and then discharge the air in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis. Since a rotation shaft of the motor <NUM> may be arranged vertically, the fan <NUM> may suction the air flowing through the ventilation hole <NUM> of the base plate <NUM> from a downward direction and discharge the air toward the plurality of radiating fins.

The heat sink <NUM> may be provided with a hole at a position corresponding to a position of the ventilation hole <NUM> to guide the air passing through the ventilation hole <NUM> to the fan <NUM>. A hollow portion may be formed at a center of the thermoelectric element <NUM>, and the motor <NUM> may be installed or provided in the hollow portion. The fan <NUM> may be provided below the motor <NUM>.

A water temperature sensor or thermometer <NUM> may further be provided between the bottom plate <NUM> and the base plate <NUM>. The water temperature sensor <NUM> may sense the temperature of the water stored in the water tank <NUM>.

The water temperature sensor <NUM> may be installed or located in a space inside the protrusion <NUM> of the bottom plate <NUM>. Alternatively or in addition thereto, the water temperature sensor <NUM> may partially protrude through the bottom plate <NUM> into the container of the water tank <NUM>. When the temperature of the water in the water tank <NUM> sensed by the water temperature sensor <NUM> is not within a predetermined range, the thermoelectric element <NUM> may be activated to cool or heat the water, and heat of the thermoelectric element <NUM> may be transmitted through the heat sink <NUM> and discharged via the plurality of ventilation openings <NUM>.

When the temperature of the thermoelectric element <NUM> is higher than a predetermined temperature or when the temperature of the heat sink <NUM> is higher than a predetermined temperature, the motor <NUM> may be operated to rotate the fan <NUM>. When the fan <NUM> is rotated, outside air may flow through the plurality of ventilation holes <NUM> formed in the base plate <NUM> and pass through the heat sink <NUM>. The heat sink <NUM> and the thermoelectric element <NUM> may therefore be cooled, and hot air may be discharged out of an outermost portion of the ventilation holes <NUM>. Since the water temperature sensor <NUM> may be installed in the protrusion <NUM> of the bottom plate <NUM>, which has a large contact area that contacts the stored as the water moves toward the pump <NUM>, the water temperature sensor <NUM> may accurately detect the temperature of the water stored in the water tank <NUM>.

A proximity sensor may be further provided inside the container support 11b at or inside the inner wall <NUM>. The proximity sensor may detect how far a pet is from the water tank <NUM>. The proximity sensor may transmit a signal (e.g., laser signal) through a hole formed in the circumferential surface of the container support 11b or through a signal transmission membrane provided on the circumferential surface of the container support 11b to sense a position of the pet. Since the proximity sensor may continuously detect a position, the controller C may determine whether a pet is approaching the pet water dispenser and/or if a pet is within a predetermined distance range from the pet water dispenser.

When the proximity sensor senses a pet, the controller C may operate the pump <NUM>. There may be a plurality of proximity sensors. The plurality of proximity sensors may each sense a pet. When the plurality of proximity sensors sense a pet, the controller C may determine that a plurality of pets have approached the water dispenser to increase a pumping capacity of the pump.

The warning light <NUM> may be provided on a lower side of the container support 11b. As an example, the warning light <NUM> may be a ring-shaped light emitting diode installed below the mounting portion <NUM>.

The warning light <NUM> may be controlled according to a level in the water tank <NUM> sensed by the water level sensor <NUM>. The controller C may turn on the warning light <NUM> to inform the user of a lack of water stored or to refill the water tank <NUM> when the water level in the water tank <NUM> detected by the water level sensor <NUM> is lower than a predetermined water level value.

A power supply device or assembly to operate the pet water dispenser will be described. Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the power supply assembly of the pet water dispenser may include the docking station <NUM>. The docking station <NUM> may include a weight <NUM> having a sufficient weight for balancing, a cylindrical protrusion or terminal <NUM> formed at the center of the weight <NUM>, a first terminal, and an electrical wire <NUM> to supply external power to the first terminal. The weight <NUM> may also be referred to as a main body or a dockings station base of the docking station <NUM>.

A circular groove or cavity <NUM> to formed on the bottom surface of the base plate <NUM> to attach to the protrusion <NUM>. The circular groove <NUM> may be provided with a second terminal that connects to the first terminal. The base plate <NUM> may be rotatably coupled to the weight <NUM>, as the protrusion <NUM> and the circular groove <NUM> may rotate with respect to each other. The protrusion <NUM> and the circular groove <NUM> may be configured so that the first terminal and the second terminal may maintain an electrical connection during rotation. As an example, at least one of the first and second terminals may include a circular electrode. Therefore, even when the water tank <NUM> is rotated, the water tank <NUM> may continue to operate without twisting the electrical wire <NUM>.

A power circuit assembly <NUM> on a printed circuit board (PCB) may be installed in the inner space of the container support 11b. The power circuit assembly <NUM> may be electrically connected to the second terminal.

A wireless power transmitter <NUM> electrically connected to the power circuit assembly <NUM> may be installed below the bottom plate <NUM>. A wireless power receiver <NUM> to generate an induced voltage or current in response to an electromagnetic field generated by the wireless power transmitter <NUM> may be installed in the inner assembly <NUM> which has been inserted into the water tank <NUM>. The wireless power transmitter <NUM> may be provided in a space of the protrusion <NUM> formed in the bottom plate <NUM>, and the wireless power receiver <NUM> may be provided in the inner assembly <NUM> between a lower filter cover <NUM> (provided below the filter assembly <NUM>) and the pump <NUM>. The wireless power transmitter and receiver <NUM> and <NUM> may alternatively be wireless power transceivers.

When the inner assembly <NUM> is coupled to the water tank <NUM>, the lower filter cover <NUM> may be placed onto the protrusion <NUM> of the bottom plate <NUM>. The wireless power receiver <NUM> may be electrically and wirelessly connected to the wireless power transmitter <NUM>. The wireless power receiver <NUM> and the wireless power transmitter <NUM> may be positioned to align with each other to generate inductive power.

A sealed space or chamber S may be formed in the inner space of the inner guide wall <NUM> between the partition plate <NUM> and an upper filter cover <NUM> (provided above the filter assembly <NUM>). The space S may be a space sealed from the water tank <NUM>. An auxiliary battery B and the controller C may be installed in the space S.

The wireless power receiver <NUM> may be connected to the battery B provided in the space S via an electrical wire, or the wireless power receiver <NUM> can generate an inductive power to charge the battery B. Power may be transmitted from the electrical wire <NUM> to the wireless power transmitter <NUM>, which induces power in the wireless power receiver <NUM>, which may charge the battery B. The battery B may be electrically connected (via, e.g., a wire) to the pump <NUM> and/or the controller C.

Since the battery B may be provided in the inner assembly <NUM>, the pump <NUM> may be operated by electric power supplied from the battery B even if the external power supplied through the electrical wire <NUM> is damaged, disconnected, or disabled, or the docking station <NUM> is not provided. Even if the mounting portion <NUM> of the inner assembly <NUM> is slightly disturbed or the pet impacts the inner assembly <NUM> so that the wireless power receiver <NUM> cannot respond to the wireless power transmitter <NUM> due to a misalignment, the pump <NUM> may still be operated by electric power supplied from the battery B.

Referring to <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, the filter assembly <NUM> may be formed in a cylindrical or truncated cone shape. The pump <NUM> may be provided inside the filter assembly <NUM>. A plurality of through holes <NUM> and <NUM> may be formed in a circumferential direction on circumferential surfaces of the filter assembly <NUM>. When the pump <NUM> is installed or located in an inner space of the filter assembly <NUM>, a performance and a pumping efficiency may be improved. Furthermore, the filter assembly <NUM> may be configured to maintain a positioning of the pump <NUM>, so another structure to fix the pump <NUM> in place is unnecessary.

The filter assembly <NUM> may include a first filter <NUM> having a tubular or truncated conical shape and a second filter <NUM> having a tubular or truncated conical shape. The second filter <NUM> may be provided inside the first filter <NUM>, and the pump <NUM> may be inside the second filter <NUM>. The plurality of through holes <NUM> may be formed on a circumferential surface of the first filter <NUM>, and the plurality of through holes <NUM> may be formed on a circumferential surface of the second filter <NUM>.

The first filter <NUM> may be formed in a cylindrical shape with a rigid material (e.g., stainless steel). The circumferential surface of the first filter <NUM> may be inclined such that a radius may recede downward and an upper diameter is greater than a lower diameter.

The first filter <NUM> may filter foreign substances having a particle size larger than the through holes <NUM>. For example, when the pet licks water on the upper surface <NUM>, food in the mouth of the pet can be dropped and mixed with the water stored in the water tank <NUM>. The first filter <NUM> may prevent such foreign matter from reaching the pump <NUM>.

The first filter <NUM> may be opened at upper and lower sides (or top and bottom ends). The filter assembly <NUM> may include the lower filter cover or cap <NUM>, which is provided on the lower side of the first filter <NUM>. The lower filter cover <NUM> may be formed separately from the first filter <NUM> and later combined with the first filtering filter <NUM>. Alternatively, the lower filter cover <NUM> may be formed integrally as a single body with the first filter <NUM>.

The lower filter cover <NUM> may cover the protrusion <NUM> formed on the bottom plate <NUM> of the water tank <NUM>. An inner surface of the lower filter cover <NUM> may be configured to have a shape corresponding to an outer surface of contour of the protrusion <NUM>. The lower filter cover <NUM> may be formed to be convex upward so as to insert onto the protrusion <NUM>. The protrusion <NUM> may be inserted into the lower filter cover <NUM> through a concave lower side of the lower filter cover <NUM>. The lower filter cover <NUM> may therefore have a shape that corresponds to the protrusion <NUM> so that it may easily detachably couple to the protrusion <NUM>. As an example, the lower filter cover <NUM> may be pressed or friction fitted onto the protrusion <NUM>. As an alternative, an inner side of the lower filter cover <NUM> may have threads that correspond to threads on an outer side of the protrusion <NUM>, and the lower filter cover <NUM> may screw onto the protrusion <NUM> so as to secure the inner assembly <NUM> to the water tank <NUM>. When the lower filter cover <NUM> is screwed onto the protrusion <NUM>, the user may have to grip and twist the outer guide wall <NUM> to remove the inner assembly <NUM> from the water tank <NUM>.

A flange <NUM> may be formed at an edge of the lower filter cover <NUM>. The flange <NUM> may be inserted into the groove <NUM> formed in the bottom plate <NUM> around the protrusion <NUM>. The first filter <NUM> may be stably arranged and secured by the protrusion <NUM> and the lower filter cover <NUM>.

The second filter <NUM> may be provided in a hollow center of the first filter <NUM>, and the pump <NUM> may be installed or located in an inner space of the second filter <NUM>. The second filter <NUM> may comprise a filter housing and a filter material <NUM> (e.g., a carbon filter material). The filter housing may include an outer wall <NUM> formed with the plurality of through holes <NUM> and an inner wall <NUM> spaced apart from the outer wall <NUM> that may also have a plurality of through holes. The filter material <NUM> may be filled in a space formed between the outer wall <NUM> and the inner wall <NUM>.

The outer wall <NUM> and the inner wall <NUM> may extend vertically or in a longitudinal direction of the filter assembly <NUM>. The filter material <NUM> may filter foreign matter having a smaller particle size than the through holes <NUM> formed in the outer wall <NUM>.

A support cylinder 44b may be installed or located inside the first filter <NUM> below the second filter <NUM>. The support cylinder 44b may be hollow such that it has a cavity or chamber formed therein to accommodate the lower filter cover <NUM>. The wireless power receiver <NUM> may be provided on top of the support cylinder 44b.

The second filter <NUM> may be formed with a support plate <NUM> to support a lower side of the filter material <NUM> and a lower side of the pump <NUM>. The support plate <NUM> may be provided under the inner wall <NUM> of the second filter <NUM> and extend between sides of the outer wall <NUM>. The outer wall <NUM> of the second filter <NUM> may extend past the support plate <NUM> to couple to the support cylinder 44b. Thus, a sealed space may be formed between the support cylinder 44b, the support plate <NUM>, and the outer wall <NUM> to accommodate the wireless power receiver <NUM>.

The lower filter cover <NUM> may be inserted into an opened lower side of the support cylinder 44b. The lower end of the first filter <NUM> may be seated on an upper surface of the flange <NUM> of the lower filter cover <NUM>. A first UV filter <NUM> may be provided below the second filter <NUM>. A second ultraviolet (UV) filter <NUM> may be provided between the lower end of the first filter <NUM> and the flange <NUM>. The second UV filter <NUM> may also be provided under the support cylinder 44b, or may be adjacent to a side of the upper support cylinder 44b.

The lower end of the outer wall <NUM> of the second filter <NUM> may be seated on the flange <NUM>, or alternatively may be provided adjacent to a side of the support cylinder 44b. The first UV filter <NUM> may be provided under a lower end of the second filter <NUM> and adjacent to a side of the support cylinder 44b. The first and second UV filters <NUM> and <NUM> will be described in more detail later.

An upper end of the support cylinder 44b may be coupled to the lower end or side of the second filter <NUM>. Threads may be formed on an inner peripheral surface of the lower end of the second filter <NUM>, and corresponding threads may be formed on an outer peripheral surface of the upper end of the support cylindrical body 44b. The second filter <NUM> may therefore be screwed onto the support cylinder 44b. Both an upper surface of the support cylinder 44b and the support plate <NUM> may contact the outer wall <NUM> of the second filter <NUM>.

The pump <NUM> may be provided in a hollow space formed inside the inner wall <NUM> of the second filter <NUM>. Water passed through the first filter <NUM> and the filter material <NUM> may be suctioned into the pump <NUM> through the through holes formed in the inner wall <NUM> of the second filter <NUM>.

The first UV filter <NUM> may be ring-shaped and may be provided on an upper peripheral surface of the support cylinder 44b. The first UV filter <NUM> may include a plurality of first UV LEDs spaced apart from each other along the circumferential direction of the first UV filter <NUM>. The first UV filter <NUM> may dissolve or kill impurities or bacteria in the water introduced into the first filter <NUM> by diffusing light generated by the plurality of first UV LEDs.

The plurality of first UV LEDs may be provided on an inner circumferential surface of the first UV filter <NUM>. Therefore, light emitted by the plurality of first UV LEDs may be irradiated or diffused radially outward from the first UV filter <NUM>.

The second UV filter <NUM> may be ring-shaped and installed below the first filter <NUM>. The second UV filter <NUM> may be installed on a lower outer circumferential surface of the first filter <NUM> or on the flange <NUM>. The second UV filter <NUM> may include a plurality of second UV LEDs spaced apart from each other along a circumferential direction of the second UV filter <NUM>. The second UV filter <NUM> may dissolve or kill impurities or bacteria in the water stored in the water tank <NUM> by diffusing light generated by the plurality of second UV LEDs.

The plurality of second UV LEDs may be provided on the inner circumferential surface of the second UV filter <NUM>. Therefore, light emitted by the plurality of second UV LEDs may be irradiated or diffused radially outward from the second UV filter <NUM>.

The upper filter cover <NUM> may cover the opened upper side of the filter <NUM> and the lower filter cover <NUM> may cover the opened lower side of the filter <NUM>. The upper filter cover <NUM> may be placed on top of the first and second filter filters <NUM> and <NUM> at upper sides. The water supply pipe <NUM> may penetrate the upper filter cover <NUM>. The upper filter cover <NUM> may seal an upper side of the pump <NUM> and the upper sides of the first and second filters <NUM> and <NUM>.

The first and second filters <NUM> and <NUM> and the upper filter cover <NUM> may be joined together by adhesion or fusion so as to be integral with each other. Alternatively, the first and second filters <NUM> and <NUM> may be assembled to be detachable from each other by hook structures which mesh with each other or by a screwing method involving threads to facilitate cleaning of the area between the filters <NUM> and <NUM>. One of the first and second filters <NUM> or <NUM> may be optional. Alternatively, a third filter may be provided.

The lower side of the support cylinder 44b may be covered by the lower filter cover <NUM>. The support cylinder 44b and the lower filter cover <NUM> may be integrally formed as a single piece, or alternatively formed separately and later combined for integration (e.g., pressed fitted, threaded, bonded, or welded). Furthermore, the lower filter cover <NUM> may be formed integrally with the first filter <NUM>, or alternatively may be formed separately from the first filter <NUM> and later combined (e.g., pressed fitted, threaded, bonded, or welded).

Referring to <FIG>, a water inlet <NUM> may be formed at a lower end of the water supply pipe <NUM> and a water outlet <NUM> may be formed at an upper end of the water supply pipe <NUM>. Water discharged from the pump <NUM> may flow into the water supply pipe <NUM> through the water inlet <NUM>, move along the water supply pipe <NUM>, and then discharge through the water outlet <NUM>.

The water supply plate <NUM> may be formed of a plate having a flat and smooth upper surface <NUM> or a disc shape. Alternatively, the water supply plate <NUM> may have a curvature to promote downward movement of the water off the edge, or a curvature to promote storage of the water within a center of the water supply plate <NUM>. A water supply hole or water hole <NUM> may be formed at the center of the water supply plate <NUM>.

A first boss <NUM> protruding downward may be formed on a lower surface of the water supply plate <NUM> below the water supply hole <NUM>. The water supply hole <NUM> may penetrate the first boss <NUM> in the vertical direction, or in a longitudinal direction of the water supply pipe <NUM>. The first boss <NUM> may also be referred to as an inner boss.

The water supply hole <NUM> may supply the water discharged from the water supply pipe <NUM> to the upper surface <NUM> of the water supply plate <NUM>. The water moved to the upper surface <NUM> through the water supply hole <NUM> may then flow to an edge of the water supply plate <NUM> and eventually may pass through the water guide <NUM> to return to the water tank <NUM>, if not consumed by the pet. As previously described, the water may flow along the inclined surface 63C of the support <NUM> or directly fall into the water guide <NUM> off the edge of the water supply plate <NUM>.

Shapes of the water supply plate <NUM> are not limited to disc shapes, concave curves shapes, or convex curved shapes. For example, the water supply plate <NUM> may be formed in a rectangular plate shape or a triangular plate shape. 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 upper surface <NUM> of the water supply plate <NUM> may have a sloped surface. The upper surface <NUM> may be sloped upward from a center toward an edge such that the edge is higher than the center. Such a configuration may collect or pool water at a center of the water supply plate <NUM>. Alternatively, the upper surface <NUM> may be slowed downward from the center toward the edge such that the center is higher than the edge. Such a configuration may promote a faster flow of water off the edge of the water supply plate <NUM>. An edge <NUM> of the water supply plate <NUM> may be formed with an edge protrusion <NUM> slightly protruding downward so that water falling off the edge <NUM> of the water supply plate <NUM> contacts a minimum surface area of the water supply plate <NUM> before falling off. Alternatively, the protrusion <NUM> may protrude outward to create surface on which the water may easily flow to the inclined surface 63C.

A diameter of the water supply hole <NUM> may be gradually increased toward an upper side. A nozzle stopper or plug <NUM> may be at least partially inserted into the water supply hole <NUM>. A lower end or stem <NUM> of the plug <NUM> may be inserted into the water supply hole <NUM>, while an upper end or head <NUM> of the plug <NUM> may be spaced upward from the water supply hole <NUM>. Alternatively, the plug <NUM> may be a float which moves up and down based on water flowing out of the water outlet <NUM> of the water supply pipe <NUM>, and the float may completely close the water supply hole <NUM> when the pump <NUM> is turned off.

The plug or float <NUM> may serve as a diverter. An outer peripheral surface of the upper end of the plug <NUM> may include at least one inclined surface having a diameter that increases toward the upper end. Such a shape of the plug <NUM> may create a fountain effect of water discharged from the water outlet <NUM>. The water discharged from the water outlet <NUM> may collide with the outer peripheral surface of the upper end of the plug <NUM> and spread to a side of the upper surface <NUM>.

The plug <NUM> may include a stem <NUM> and a head cover or cap <NUM> coupled to a head <NUM> of the stem <NUM>. The plug <NUM> may have a trumpet shape such that the stem <NUM> is relatively thin, and the head <NUM> has a width or diameter that increases away from the stem <NUM>. A lower end of the stem <NUM> may be inserted into the water supply hole <NUM>. A plurality of engaging pieces or ribs <NUM> spaced apart from each other in a circumferential direction of the stem <NUM> may be formed on a circumferential surface of the stem <NUM>.

The head <NUM> may be formed above the stem <NUM>. The head cover <NUM> may be coupled to the head <NUM>. The head cover <NUM> may be formed separately from the head <NUM> and later coupled to the head <NUM>, or alternatively may be integrally formed with the head <NUM>. The head cover <NUM> may be slightly spaced upward from the water supply hole <NUM> when the stem <NUM> of the plug <NUM> is inserted into the water supply hole <NUM>.

An outer circumferential surface of the head cover <NUM> may be formed as an inclined surface having a diameter that increases away from the stem <NUM>. The water discharged from the water outlet <NUM> of the water supply pipe <NUM> may collide with the outer peripheral surface of the head cover <NUM> and may spread to the side or edge of the upper surface <NUM>. Depending on the pump capacity of the pump <NUM> and a shape of the head cover <NUM> and the head <NUM>, water may not fall off the edge <NUM> of the water supply plate <NUM> and may instead pour straight down into the water guide <NUM>.

An end of the water supply pipe <NUM> (i.e., the water outlet <NUM>) may be inserted into the water supply hole <NUM>, or may alternatively be provided below the water supply hole <NUM> so that the water outlet <NUM> may communicate with the water supply hole <NUM> through the first boss <NUM>. The ribs <NUM> may contact an inner surface of the water supply hole <NUM> so that the plug <NUM> may be supported at a predetermined position in the water supply hole <NUM>. Alternatively, the ribs <NUM> may be captured within the water supply hole <NUM>. The water supply hole <NUM> may include grooves to allow the ribs <NUM> to move up and down based on water being pumped when the plug <NUM> serves as a float.

The water discharged from the water outlet <NUM> may be supplied to the center of the upper surface <NUM> while being sprayed in the form of a ring through the water supply hole <NUM> against the head <NUM> and the head cover <NUM> of the plug <NUM>. The water supplied to the center of the upper surface <NUM> may flow along the upper surface <NUM> toward the edge <NUM> of the water supply plate <NUM>. The water supply plate <NUM> may be made of stainless steel, or alternatively may be made of a transparent or semi-transparent material. The water supply plate <NUM> may be formed to have a thin thickness.

A plate support <NUM> to support the water supply plate <NUM> may be provided below the water supply plate <NUM>. The plate support <NUM> may be supported by a light base or support <NUM> and/or the support or light diffuser <NUM>. The plate support <NUM> may include an outer ring <NUM> provided below an outer side of the water supply plate <NUM>. The outer ring <NUM> may couple to the top of the support plate <NUM> and/or may contact the protrusion <NUM> under the edge <NUM> of the water supply plate <NUM>. A hub ring <NUM> may be positioned under a center of the water supply plate <NUM>, and spokes <NUM> may extend between the hub ring <NUM> and the outer ring <NUM>.

A second boss <NUM> may protrude from a lower side of the hub ring <NUM>. The first boss <NUM> of the water supply plate <NUM> may be inserted into a hole or cavity <NUM> formed in the hub ring <NUM> and the second boss <NUM>. A sealing ring <NUM> may be forcedly inserted into the hole <NUM> to be provided between first boss <NUM> and the second boss <NUM>. Thus, the sealing ring <NUM> may be inserted into the hole <NUM> of the second boss <NUM>, and the first boss <NUM> may be inserted into a hole or inner space of the sealing ring <NUM>. The sealing ring <NUM> may be made of an elastic material (e.g., rubber), and may also be referred to as a packing or rubber ring.

The water supply pipe <NUM> may be inserted through a hole in the partition plate <NUM>. A third UV filter <NUM> to sterilize water passing through the water supply pipe <NUM> or discharging from the water outlet <NUM> may be provided around the water supply pipe <NUM>. The third UV filter <NUM> may be formed in a cylindrical shape having a length. The upper end of the water supply pipe <NUM> may pass through the third UV filter <NUM>.

The third UV filter <NUM> may comprise a plurality of third UV LEDs spaced apart from each other along a circumferential direction of the third UV filter <NUM>. The third UV filter <NUM> may dissolve or kill impurities or bacteria of the water to sterilize water discharged from the water outlet <NUM>. The plurality of third UV LEDs may be provided on a lower surface of the third UV filter <NUM> along the circumferential direction. Accordingly, light generated by the plurality of third UV LEDs may be irradiated or diffused to an upper side of the third UV filter <NUM>.

An insertion hole <NUM> may be formed in a lower portion of the first boss <NUM>. The hole <NUM> may be formed wider than the water supply hole <NUM>. An upper end <NUM> of the third UV filter <NUM> may be inserted into the hole <NUM>.

The upper end <NUM> of the third UV filter <NUM> may have a smaller diameter than the rest of the third UV filter <NUM> (e.g., a lower end or portion of the third UV filter <NUM>), and may be inserted into the hole <NUM>. An upper end of the sealing ring <NUM> may similarly have a diameter smaller than the rest (e.g., a lower end or portion) of the sealing ring <NUM>, and may be inserted between the first boss <NUM> and the second boss <NUM>.

The lower portion of the sealing ring <NUM> may support a lower end of the second boss <NUM>. The lower end of the third UV filter <NUM> may be inserted into the lower end of the sealing ring <NUM>. The lower end of the third UV filter <NUM> may be placed on the partition plate <NUM>. The water supply pipe <NUM> may penetrate the interior of the third UV filter <NUM>.

The upper end <NUM> of the third UV filter <NUM> may be installed at the same position as the outlet <NUM>, or alternatively may be installed so as to cover a position higher than the outlet <NUM>, thereby acting as an extension of the outlet <NUM>. When the upper end <NUM> of the third UV filter <NUM> is provided above the outlet <NUM>, the upper end <NUM> of the third UV filter <NUM> may sterilize water directly.

A reinforcing ring <NUM> may be provided on a bottom surface of the plate support <NUM>. The reinforcing ring <NUM> may be supported by reinforcing ribs <NUM> of a light base or support <NUM>. The reinforcing ring <NUM> may be plastic, but a material of the reinforcing ring <NUM> is not limited to plastic.

The water supply plate <NUM> may be detachably assembled to the inner assembly <NUM>. The sealing ring <NUM> may couple the water supply plate <NUM> to the plate support <NUM>. The water supply plate <NUM> may be lifted or separated from the plate support <NUM> to overcome an elastic or frictional force of the sealing ring <NUM>. The user may replace a damaged water supply plate <NUM> with a new water supply plate <NUM>, or may swap the water supply plate <NUM> with another water supply plate having a different shape, height, or angle of inclination.

An illumination assembly <NUM> may be installed below the water supply plate <NUM> and the plate support <NUM>. The illumination assembly <NUM> may include a light emitting device <NUM>, a light support or base <NUM> on which the light emitting device <NUM> is installed, and a support <NUM> provided on a periphery of the light base <NUM>. The support <NUM> may serve as a light diffuser and also be referred to as a light guide. The illumination assembly <NUM> may also be referred to as a lighting device.

The support <NUM> may be formed in a cylindrical shape, and may include the inclined surface 63C. Thus, the support <NUM> may be formed to have a wider diameter toward an upper side. An upper surface or end 63a of the support <NUM> may be in contact with the protrusion <NUM> of the water supply plate <NUM> and the outer ring <NUM> of the plate support <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. A lower surface 63b of the support <NUM> may be brought into contact with the partition plate <NUM>.

An outer circumferential surface <NUM> of the support <NUM> may form the inclined surface 63C. Based on the flow of water pumped by the pump <NUM>, the water dropped from the edge <NUM>, if falling fast enough, may fall vertically without flowing along the support <NUM>. The dropping or cascading of water creates a waterfall to simulate running water which is pleasing for animals.

The light emitting device <NUM> may be formed of a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) attached to the light base <NUM> to form an array of predetermined shapes, or formed in a ring shape and attached to an outer periphery of the light base <NUM>.

The reinforcing rib <NUM> may be formed on an inner circumferential surface of the light base <NUM>. The reinforcing ribs <NUM> may support reinforcing rings <NUM>. A recess or groove <NUM> may be formed on a lower outer circumferential surface of the light base <NUM>. An inward protrusion <NUM> protruding inwardly from a lower end of the support <NUM> may be inserted into the recess <NUM>.

The light emitting device <NUM> may be formed in a ring shape, and may be installed on an upper outer peripheral surface of the light base <NUM>. A concave portion or groove 62a may be formed on the upper outer peripheral surface of the light base <NUM>, and the light emitting device <NUM> may be inserted into the groove 62a. A printed circuit board (PCB) <NUM> to control a light emission of the light emitting device <NUM> may be extend horizontally from an inside of the light base <NUM> so as to be placed on the upper surface of the partition plate <NUM>. The light base <NUM>, the support <NUM>, and the partition plate <NUM> may be bonded or welded together for integration, or alternatively may be assembled to be detachable from each other.

Referring to <FIG>, the water guide <NUM> may include an outer wall or outer guide wall <NUM> forming an outer rim, an inner guide wall or inner support wall <NUM> forming an inner rim, and a drain passage <NUM> formed between the outer and inner guide walls <NUM> and <NUM>. The water guide <NUM> may further include a bottom wall <NUM> connecting lower ends of the outer and inner guide walls <NUM> and <NUM>.

The bottom wall <NUM> may be provided with a discharge hole <NUM> to discharge the water supplied from the water supply plate <NUM> or the support <NUM> to the drainage passage <NUM> of the water guide <NUM>. The discharge hole <NUM> may be formed of at least one arc-shaped hole, a ring-shaped hole, or a circular hole formed along a circumferential direction of the bottom wall <NUM>.

The inner wall <NUM> may be provided below and coupled to the support <NUM>. A guide <NUM> may be formed on the inner guide wall <NUM>. The guide <NUM> may protrude from an upper end of the inner guide wall <NUM> toward the outer guide wall <NUM>, but may be inclined or curved downward so as not to contact the outer guide wall <NUM>. Water may thus be guided along the guide <NUM> to flow down the drainage passage <NUM>.

The guide <NUM> may receive water flowing down an outer peripheral surface of the support <NUM> and guide the water downward. Further, the guide <NUM> may receive the water falling off the edge <NUM> of the water supply plate <NUM> and guide the water downward.

The outer or upper surface of the guide <NUM> may include a convex rounded surface or round surface 54R. The round surface 54R may couple to a lower end of the support <NUM>, and may be configured such that water flowing downward along the inclined surface 63C is slowed down by the round surface 54R to eventually flow through the discharge hole <NUM>, thus reducing noise from falling or splashing water.

The outer surface of the guide <NUM> may further include a vertical or longitudinal surface <NUM> extending downward from a lower end of the round surface 54R. The vertical surface <NUM> may be spaced apart from the bottom wall <NUM>.

The guide <NUM> may be provided lower than an upper end or portion of the outer wall <NUM>. The outer guide wall <NUM> may prevent water from falling or splashing outside of the water tank <NUM>. Although the guide <NUM> is shown to be formed on the inner guide wall <NUM>, the guide <NUM> may alternatively be provided on an inner side of the outer guide wall.

A groove <NUM> may be formed at an the upper end of the guide <NUM> at an inner end of the round surface 54R. The partition plate <NUM> may be placed in the groove <NUM>. The support <NUM> may have a shape corresponding to a corner or end of the round surface 54R and be placed on the end of the round surface 54R.

The water guide <NUM> may be assembled to be detachable from the support <NUM> and the partition plate <NUM>, or alternatively may adhered or fused to at least one of the support <NUM> and the partition plate <NUM>. When the water guide <NUM> is assembled to be detachable from the support <NUM> and the partition plate <NUM>, the water guide <NUM> may be replaced by a newer water guide <NUM> or swapped with a water guide having a different shape or height.

A protrusion <NUM> may extend from an inner side surface of the outer guide wall <NUM> toward the guide <NUM>. An inner surface <NUM> of the outer guide wall <NUM> may extend upward from the protrusion <NUM>. The inner surface <NUM> may be an inclined surface that widens upward.

A narrow drainage passage <NUM> may be formed between the protrusion <NUM> and the guide <NUM>. Water dropped from the water supply plate <NUM> into the water guide <NUM> may flow through the narrow drainage passage <NUM> after flowing on the guide <NUM> and the protrusion <NUM> or inner surface <NUM>. The narrow drainage passage <NUM> may also filter the water flowing from the guide <NUM> and the protrusion <NUM>.

A covering or coating <NUM> may be formed on the inner surface <NUM> and an upper surface of the protrusion <NUM>. The coating layer <NUM> may be formed of a material different from that of the water guide <NUM>. The guide <NUM> may be formed of a material different from the rest of water guide <NUM>, so that the aesthetics may be enhanced. The coating <NUM> and/or the surfaces of the guide <NUM>, inner surface <NUM>, and protrusion <NUM> may be made smooth to prevent water from scattering.

An upper end of the outer guide wall <NUM> may be formed to be higher than the inner guide wall <NUM> and may protrude from the upper wall 11a of the water tank. A radius of the upper end of the outer guide wall <NUM> may be wider than the radius of the upper end of the upper wall. Although the radius of the water container 10a may recede upward, the radius of the outer guide wall <NUM> may increase upward. Thus, the water guide <NUM> may slope or tilt in a direction opposite to the water container <NUM>, and the outer guide wall <NUM> may protrude from the upper wall 11a by a predetermined angle Θ. The predetermined angle Θ may be <NUM> degrees.

The outer guide wall <NUM> may further include an upper inclined surface <NUM> and a lower inclined surface <NUM> e formed on an outer peripheral surface of the outer guide wall <NUM>. An inclination of the upper inclined surface <NUM> may be different from an inclination of the lower inclined surface <NUM>, or alternatively, the upper and lower inclined surfaces <NUM> and <NUM> may have the same or a similar inclination. The upper inclined surface <NUM> may protrude outward from the lower inclined surface <NUM>.

A step portion or step <NUM> may be further formed between the upper inclined surface <NUM> and the lower inclined surface <NUM> on the outer peripheral surface of the outer wall <NUM>. The step portion <NUM> may be formed at a position corresponding to the lower surface of the protrusion <NUM>.

The lower inclined surface <NUM> may be supported by the inner tank wall <NUM> (<FIG>). The step portion <NUM> of the water guide <NUM> may be seated on an upper surface of first protruding plate <NUM>. The upper inclined surface <NUM> may be supported by the bumper <NUM>. The water guide <NUM> may therefore be securely provided above the water tank <NUM>.

A protruding jaw or extension <NUM> may extend from a lower end of the inner guide wall <NUM> and/or the bottom wall <NUM>. The protruding jaw <NUM> may be positioned above and coupled to the upper filter cover <NUM>. The upper filter cover <NUM> may cover an open inner side within the protruding jaw <NUM>. The protruding jaw <NUM> and the upper filter cover <NUM> may be detachably assembled via an arm, hook, screw etc. Alternatively, the protruding jaw <NUM> of the water guide <NUM> and the upper filter cover <NUM> may be joined by fusion or adhesion.

As described above, the filter assembly <NUM>, the pump <NUM>, the water supply pipe <NUM>, the water supply plate <NUM>, the illumination assembly <NUM>, and the water guide <NUM> may be integrally formed or separately assembled to form a single inner assembly <NUM>. The inner assembly <NUM> may be easily separated from the water tank <NUM>, the water in the water tank <NUM> may be easily exchanged or replaced, and the pet water dispenser may be easily cleaned or repaired.

When the inner assembly <NUM> is installed in the water tank <NUM>, the water guide <NUM> may coupled to the water tank <NUM> when he outer inclined surface <NUM> formed on the outer guide wall <NUM> couples to the inner tank wall <NUM>. In addition, the filter assembly <NUM> may couple to the protrusion <NUM> when the lower filter cover <NUM> is inserted onto the protrusion <NUM>, and the flange <NUM> is placed on the groove <NUM>. When the inner assembly <NUM> is installed in the water tank <NUM>, the inner assembly <NUM> may be stably installed at a predetermined position without being moved in the water tank <NUM>. When the user lifts the outer guide wall <NUM> of the water guide <NUM> with the hand, the inner assembly <NUM> may be lifted to be detached or removed from the water tank <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the support <NUM> may not have an inclined surface. Otherwise, the same reference numerals are given to the same components as those of an embodiment in <FIG>, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted. Only different points or features will be described.

An outer peripheral surface of the support <NUM> may be formed as a vertical surface <NUM>. The water supplied to the upper surface <NUM> of the water supply plate <NUM> may fall off the edge of the water supply plate <NUM> and then either flow down the vertical surface <NUM> of the support <NUM> when a small amount of water is pumped by the pump <NUM> or flow directly to the water guide <NUM> when a large amount of water is pumped by the pump <NUM>.

The pet may drink water flowing along the upper surface <NUM> of the water supply plate <NUM> or may drink water falling down from the edge of the water supply plate <NUM>. The upper surface <NUM> may be formed as a convex or inclined surface having a high edge height and a low center height to collect still water. The pet may therefore drink the collected water on the upper surface <NUM> of the water supply plate <NUM>. Further, the water guide <NUM> may cover an open upper side of the water tank <NUM>. Therefore, foreign substances contained in the external water and the mouth of the pet do not flow into the water tank <NUM>, preventing contamination.

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..

Embodiments disclosed herein may be implemented as a pet water dispenser capable of simultaneously realizing water flowing along a surface of a water supply container or plate and water falling from the water supply container or plate. The pet water dispenser may further store or collect water in the water supply container or plate. The pet water dispenser may be capable of preventing foreign substances, such as food stuck to a pet, from entering an inside of a water tank. The problems solved by the present disclosure are not limited to the above-mentioned problems, and other problems not mentioned can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description.

A pet water dispenser according to an embodiment may include a water tank having an opened upper side and an inner assembly covering the opened upper side of the water tank. The inner assembly can constitute an upper surface and a support or support wall to project the upper surface upward. An upper end of an outer circumference of the support may be located at an edge of the upper surface. The outer circumferential surface of the support may be formed as an inclined surface which is closer to an inside of the support from a top to a bottom.

An upper portion of the inner assembly may protrude above the water tank, and a lower portion of the inner assembly may be inserted into the water tank. A pump to feed or pump water in the water tank to the upper surface may be provided at the lower portion of the inner assembly.

Water pumped to the upper surface may fall down off the edge of the upper surface if the pumping capacity of the pump is high. If the pumping capacity of the pump is low, the water pumped to the upper surface may flow downward along the outer peripheral surface of the support at the edge of the upper surface.

The pet may drink water flowing on the upper surface. In addition, the pet may drink water falling down off the edge of the upper surface.

The inner assembly may include a water supply plate having the upper surface, a water supply pipe connecting the water supply plate and the pump, and a plate support to dispose or drain the water supply plate above the water tank and forming the support.

The water can be transferred along the water supply pipe connected to the pump installed or provided in the water tank. A water supply hole communicating with the water supply pipe may be formed in the water supply plate, and water supplied through the water supply hole may flow to the upper surface of the water supply plate. The upper end of the outer circumference of the plate support may be positioned below the edge of the water supply plate. The outer circumferential surface of the plate support may be formed as an inclined surface that approaches the inner side of the plate support from the top to the bottom.

The pump may have a variable pumping capacity. The plate support may be formed in a cylindrical shape. An illumination or lighting assembly may be provided inside the plate support, and the plate support may be formed of a light emitting member or device that emits light.

The edge of the water supply plate may be formed as a convex curved surface to the outside of the water supply plate. The upper surface of the water supply plate may have a sloped surface with a high edge and a low center.

The water supply hole may be formed at the center of the water supply plate. The lower end of a nozzle plug or stopper, or a plug, may be inserted into the water supply hole, and the upper end of the nozzle plug may be spaced upward from the water supply hole. An outer circumferential surface of the upper end of the nozzle plug may include at least one inclined surface that is closer to the inside of the nozzle plug from the top to the bottom.

The water guide, which may also be referred to as a water receptacle, covering the opened upper side of the water tank may be provided with a discharge hole for discharging the water supplied from the water supply plate or the plate support to the water tank. The plate support can connect the water supply plate and the water receiver.

The water guide may be composed of an outer wall or outer guide wall forming an outer rim, an inner wall or inner guide wall forming an inner rim, and a bottom wall connecting the lower portion of the outer wall and the lower portion of the inner wall. A drainage passage may be formed between the outer wall and the inner wall. The discharge hole may be formed in the bottom wall. The lower end of the plate support may be connected to the upper side of the inner side wall.

The inner wall may be provided below the plate support. A guide may be formed on the inner wall. The guide may protrude from the lower end of the outer periphery of the plate support toward the outer wall.

The outer surface of the guide may be formed with a convex round surface outside the guide. The round surface may be formed at a predetermined interval downward from the lower end of the plate support. The outer surface of the guide may further include a vertical surface extending downward from a lower end of the round surface. The vertical surface may be spaced upward from the bottom wall. The lower side of the plate support may be opened. The water supply pipe may penetrate the partition plate covering the opened lower side of the plate support. The upper side of the inner wall may be opened. The partition plate may be inserted into a groove formed on the upper side of the inner side wall to cover the opened upper side of the inner side wall.

A tubular filtration filter or filter assembly to filter the water stored in the water tank may be connected to the lower side of the inner wall of the water guide. The pump may be provided inside the filtration filter.

An upper side of the filtration filter may be open. The water supply pipe may penetrate an upper filter cover covering the opened upper side of the filtration filter. A protruding jaw or chin may be formed on a lower side of the inner circumferential surface of the inner guide wall. The protruding jaw may extend inward of the inner guide wall. The protruding jaw may be opened inward. The upper filter cover may be coupled to the protruding jaw to cover the opened inner side of the protruding jaw.

The lower side of the filtration filter may be open. A lower filter cover covering the opened lower side of the filtration filter may be formed to be convex upward. The bottom plate of the water tank may have a tubular protrusion or protrusion protruding upward. The protrusion may be inserted into the lower filter cover.

The plate support may connect the water supply plate and the water receiver. The outer circumferential surface of the plate support may be formed as a vertical surface. The details of other embodiments are included in the detailed description and drawings.

The plate support may place or position the water supply plate above the water tank. An outer circumferential surface of the plate support may be formed as an inclined surface that approaches the inside of the plate support from the top to the bottom. Alternatively, the outer circumferential surface of the plate support may be formed as a vertical surface. When the amount of water supplied to the upper surface of the water supply plate is small, water supplied to the upper surface of the water supply plate may flow downward along the outer circumferential surface of the plate support at the edge of the water supply plate. When the amount of water supplied to the upper surface of the water supply plate is large, water supplied to the upper surface of the water supply plate may drop or fall directly downward from the edge of the water supply plate without passing through or along the outer peripheral surface of the plate support. The pet may drink water flowing along the upper surface of the water supply plate and/or drink water falling down from the edge of the water supply plate.

Further, the upper surface of the water supply plate may be formed as an inclined surface with a high edge and a low center. Therefore, the water supplied to the upper surface of the water supply plate may be floated or collected on the upper surface of the water supply plate. The pet may drink the taller or higher water on the upper surface of the water supply plate.

Further, the open upper side of the water tank may be covered. Therefore, there is also an effect that contamination of the water contained in the water tank can be prevented, because foreign matter and food stuck to the snout of the pet do not flow into the inside of the water tank. The effects of the present invention are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the claims.

Embodiments disclosed herein may be implemented as a liquid dispenser comprising a tank having an upper opening, a pump configured to pump liquid stored in the tank, a pipe connected to the pump through which liquid flows, a top plate provided over the upper opening of the tank and having a supply hole communicating with the pipe, and a support supporting the top plate having an outer surface positioned below an edge of the plate. The outer surface of the support may be an inclined surface that may be tilted inward such that a radius of a top of the support may be different from a radius of a bottom of the support. The pump may have a variable pumping capacity. The support may be formed in a truncated conical shape.

An illumination assembly may be provided within the support. The support may diffuse and transmit light emitted by a light emitting device of the illumination assembly.

An edge of the top plate may be formed as a convex surface curved downward. An upper surface of the top plate may be formed as an inclined surface such that an edge of the upper surface may have a height greater than a height of the center of the upper surface. The supply hole may be formed at a center of the top plate.

A plug may be provided to have a stem inserted into the supply hole and a head spaced upward from the supply hole. The head of the plug may include at least one inclined surface tilted outward from a bottom of the head to a top of the head.

A liquid guide may be formed with a discharge hole. The liquid guide and the top plate may cover the upper opening of the tank and the discharge hole may discharge liquid supplied from the top plate or the support to the tank. The support may extend between the top plate and the liquid guide.

The liquid guide may further include an outer guide wall forming an outer rim, an inner guide wall forming an inner rim, a drainage passage formed between the inner guide wall and the outer guide wall, and a bottom wall connecting lower ends of the outer and inner guide walls and having the discharge hole formed therein. A lower end of the support may be coupled to an upper end of the inner guide wall. A guide formed on the inner guide wall may protrude past the lower end of the support toward the outer guide wall. The guide may include a round surface curved downward from the lower end of the plate support. The guide may further include a vertical surface extending downward from a lower end of the round surface, and the vertical surface may not contact the bottom wall.

A partition plate may be inserted into a groove formed on the upper end of the inner guide wall to cover an upper opening of the inner guide wall and a lower opening of the support. The pipe may penetrate the partition plate.

A filter assembly may be connected to the lower end of the inner guide wall to filter liquid stored in the tank. The pump may be provided within the filter assembly. An upper filter cover may cover an upper opening of the filter. An extension may extend inward from the lower end of the inner guide wall. The upper filter cover may be coupled to the extension, and the pipe may penetrate the upper filter cover. A lower filter cover may cover a lower opening of the filter assembly. A bottom plate may form a bottom surface of the tank and include a projection protruding upward. The lower filter cover may be configured to have a cavity in which the protrusion may be inserted.

Embodiments disclosed herein may be implemented as a liquid dispenser comprising a tank having an upper opening, a pump provided to pump liquid stored in the tank, a pipe connected to the pump, a top plate having a supply hole communicating with the pipe and having an upper surface on which liquid supplied through the supply hole flows, a liquid guide to cover the upper opening of the tank and having a discharge hole to discharge liquid into the tank, and a support which connects the top plate and the liquid guide and positions the top plate above the opened top of the tank. An outer circumferential surface of the support may be formed as an inclined surface that may be tilted inward from a top of the support to a bottom of the support.

Embodiments disclosed herein may be implemented as a liquid dispenser comprising a tank, a pump inserted in the tank and configured to pump liquid in the tank, a pipe connected to the pump to transfer liquid, a plate having a hole communicating with the pipe, wherein liquid flows across an upper surface of the plate, and a support supporting the plate to be provided above the tank. A top end of the support may be provided below an edge of the plate. The support may extend in a vertical direction.

A liquid guide may have a discharge hole to discharge liquid falling from the plate into the tank. The liquid guide and the plate may cover a top opening of the tank. The support may be supported by the liquid guide.

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>) having an upper opening;
a pump (<NUM>) configured to pump liquid stored in the tank (<NUM>);
a pipe (<NUM>) connected to the pump (<NUM>) through which liquid flows;
a top plate (<NUM>) provided over the upper opening of the tank (<NUM>) and having a supply hole (<NUM>) communicating with the pipe (<NUM>); and
a support (<NUM>) supporting the top plate (<NUM>) having an outer surface positioned below an edge of the plate, wherein the outer surface of the support (<NUM>) is an inclined surface that is tilted inward such that a radius of a top of the support (<NUM>) is greater than a radius of a bottom of the support (<NUM>),
characterised by further comprising a liquid guide (<NUM>) formed with a discharge hole (<NUM>), the liquid guide (<NUM>) and the top plate (<NUM>) covering the upper opening of the tank (<NUM>) and the discharge hole (<NUM>) discharging liquid supplied from the top plate (<NUM>) or the support (<NUM>) to the tank (<NUM>),
wherein
the support (<NUM>) extends between the top plate (<NUM>) and the liquid guide (<NUM>).