Water leakage detecting apparatus of water purifier

• US 5,686,893 A
• Filed: 11/09/1995
• Issued: 11/11/1997
• Est. Priority Date: 11/14/1994
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd.
• Original Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd.
• Inventors: Jeon, Je-Dal
• Primary Examiner(s): Hofsass, Jeffery
• Assistant Examiner(s): LIEU, JULIE BICHNGOC
• Application Number:
  US08/556,145
• Time in Patent Office: 733 Days
• Field of Search: 340/605, 340/604, 340/608, 340/607, 340/618, 340/620, 210/85, 210/86, 210/103, 210/104, 73/49.2
• US Class Current: 340/605
• CPC Class Codes: B01D 61/10 Accessories; Auxiliary operations
• CPC Class Codes: G01F 23/241 for discrete levels
• CPC Class Codes: G01M 3/16 using electric detection means G01M3/045, G01M3/06, G01M3/12, G01M3/20, G01M3/24, G01M3/26 take precedence

Abstract

A water purifier includes filters and a storage tank for storing water purified by the filters. A water detector disposed below the tank detects water leaked from the tank and supplies a corresponding signal to a control mechanism which shuts off the water flow through the purifier, displays a visual indication of leakage, and sounds an audible alarm.

Claims

1. A water purifier, comprising:

a filtering section adapted to be connected to a source of water under pressure for purifying water received therefrom;

a water storage tank for storing purified water;

a conduit connecting the water storage tank to the filtering section for conducting purified water from the filtering section to the water storage tank;

an electrically actuated valve for terminating a supply of purified water to the water storage tank;

a first sensor for detecting a maximum allowed water level in the tank and emitting a first signal indicating that water has reached the maximum allowed level;

a water discharge hole formed in the storage tank for discharging excess water from the storage tank when the water level exceeds the maximum allowed level;

a water drainage conduit arrangement defining a drainage passage communicating with the discharge hole and being normally open for conducting-away the excess water, the conduit arrangement including means permitting backed-up water in the passage to flow out of the passage in the event of the passage becoming clogged;

a pan arranged to collect the backed-up water flowing out of the passage;

a second detector for detecting the presence of water in the pan, the second detector emitting a second signal indicating the presence of water in the pan;

a controller connected to the valve and to the first and second detectors, for closing the valve in response to receipt of either of the first and second signals; and

a visual display and an audio alarm both connected to the controller to be activated thereby in response to the controller receiving the second signal.

2. The water purifier according to claim 1, wherein the filtering section includes a pre-processing filter, a membrane section and a post-processing, all filters arranged in series, the post-processing filter connected to the tank.

3. The water purifier according to claim 1, wherein the tank includes a dispensing outlet and a hand-actuated dispenser.

4. The water purifier according to claim 1;

wherein the water detector is disposed below the tank.

5. The water purifier according to claim 1, wherein the conduit arrangement forms a gap in the passage to define the means permitting backed-up water to flow out of the passage, the gap communicating with the pan.

6. The water purifier according to claim 1, wherein the conduit arrangement comprises a first pipe for receiving water from the discharge hole, and a second pipe for receiving water from the first pipe, there being a first gap between the discharge hole and the first pipe, and a second gap between the first and second pipes, each of the first and second gaps defining the means permitting backed-up water to flow out of the passage, both of first and second gaps communicating with the pan.