KR20240035024A - Water dispensing apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

A water dispensing device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a water supply passage through which raw water supplied from a water supply source flows, a filter that generates purified water by filtering the raw water supplied through the water supply passage, and purified water passing through the filter flows. It includes a purified water flow path, a sensing flow path branched from the water supply flow path and through which the raw water flows, and a water quality measuring unit connected to the purified water flow path and the sensing flow path through which the purified water or the raw water flows, and the water quality measuring unit includes, When the purified water flows in through the purified water flow path, the water quality of the purified water is measured, and when the raw water flows in through the sensing flow path, the water quality of the raw water is measured.

Description

Water dispensing apparatus {Water dispensing apparatus}

The present disclosure relates to a water dispensing device and a method of operating the same, and more specifically, to a water dispensing device including a sensor that can determine the quality of raw water and discharged water, and a method of operating the same.

A water dispensing device is a device that supplies water and is capable of dispensing a desired amount of water at a desired temperature according to a user's operation. Such water dispensing devices can be applied to various fields, but are typically applied to refrigerators and water purifiers. In particular, water dispensing devices provided in refrigerators and water purifiers are configured to have a function of supplying a preset amount of water according to a user's operation. Recently, water dispensing devices have been developed that can supply not only purified water but also cold water and hot water.

For example, a water purifier is connected to a water supply source such as a tap, receives raw water, uses a filter to remove suspended substances and harmful components contained in the raw water, and can purify and extract as much water as desired according to the user's operation. It is structured so that A variety of such water purifiers are on the market that can purify water as well as heat or cool the purified water and supply it as cold or hot water. And, recently, water purifiers that are small in size and can be installed in various installation environments have been developed.

If a water dispensing device is used for a long time, microorganisms in pipes, valves, and water outlets may multiply or become contaminated, and depending on the replacement cycle of the filter, suspended matter or harmful components contained in the raw water may not be removed. Therefore, it is important for a water dispensing device to accurately measure water quality and manage it hygienically, and must also manage purified water quality performance.

Prior document Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2017-0005264 provides a water quality measuring unit that measures the water quality of water stored in a purified water tank and generates water quality information, and a path to re-supply the purified water stored in the purified water tank to the filter unit. Disclosed is a water treatment device that includes a circulation flow path and a control unit that drains purified water stored in the purified water tank or re-supplies it to the filter unit through the circulation flow path according to the water quality information. These water treatment devices are systems that can only measure purified water quality and cannot detect filter defects or contamination of raw water.

The problem that the present disclosure aims to solve is to provide a water dispensing device that can measure raw water quality and respond to water quality accidents caused by raw water.

Another task of the present disclosure is to provide a water dispensing device capable of managing and visualizing differences in water quality measurements between raw water and water discharged from a water purifier.

In the case of tap water and purified water, the level of water pollution is usually low, and in order to measure low-concentration levels of pollution, it is important to minimize the occurrence of deviations in measured values. The problem that the present disclosure aims to solve is to provide a system that can measure both raw water and discharged water quality using a single water quality sensor, and fundamentally eliminates deviations that may occur between sensors when applying each sensor to raw water and discharged water.

Another task of the present disclosure is to provide a water dispensing device that reduces material costs by sharing sensors and enables a compact product configuration.

Another task of the present disclosure is to provide a water dispensing device that can improve sensing accuracy and efficiency through water piping configuration and rinsing operation for sensor commonization.

Another task of the present disclosure is to provide a water dispensing device that can easily determine and manage the level of contamination.

The water dispensing device according to embodiments of the present disclosure can prevent sensing errors and manage water quality based on the same standard by measuring the water quality of raw water and purified water in a common water quality measurement unit.

The water dispensing device according to embodiments of the present disclosure acquires specific water quality data of raw water and purified water with a single sensor, analyzes and compares the results, and can appropriately respond to water quality accidents and deterioration in purified water quality due to raw water. there is.

The water dispensing device according to embodiments of the present disclosure can improve sensing accuracy and efficiency by configuring control logic such as a water pipe flow path and rinsing operation for sensor sharing.

In order to achieve the above problem, a water dispensing device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a water supply passage through which raw water supplied from a water supply source flows, a filter that generates purified water by filtering the raw water supplied to the water supply passage, It includes a purified water flow path through which purified water that has passed through the filter flows, a sensing flow path branched from the water supply flow path and through which the raw water flows, and a water quality measurement unit connected to the purified water flow path and the sensing flow path, into which the purified water or the raw water flows. And, the water quality measuring unit measures the water quality of the purified water when the purified water flows in through the purified water flow path, and measures the water quality of the raw water when the raw water flows in through the sensing flow path.

When measuring the water quality of the raw water, the water quality measuring unit may measure the water quality of the purified water after performing a rinsing operation in which the purified water passes through the purified water at least once.

The water dispensing device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may further include a water supply valve that opens and closes the purified water flow path, and a sensing valve that opens and closes the sensing flow path.

The water supply passage includes a first water supply passage connecting the water supply source and the water supply valve and a second water supply passage connecting the water supply valve and the filter, and one end of the sensing passage is connected to the first water supply passage. And the other end may be connected to the water quality measurement unit.

The water dispensing device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may further include a three-way valve that selectively supplies the raw water to the purified water flow path and the sensing flow path.

The water quality measurement unit may include a turbidity sensor that irradiates light to the raw water or a portion of the purified water and senses turbidity based on the received scattered light pattern.

The water quality measurement unit includes at least one of a turbidity sensor, an ion sensor, a chlorine sensor, a TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) sensor, and a BOD (Biochemical Oxygen Demand) sensor, and includes turbidity, pH, residual chlorine, and TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) of incoming water. Solids), at least one of dissolved oxygen can be measured.

The water dispensing device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is branched from a water outlet through which the purified water is discharged, a water outlet passage that guides the purified water to the outlet, and a water outlet passage between the water quality measurement unit and the water outlet, and the raw water or It may further include a drain passage through which the purified water is drained, and a water outlet valve that selectively supplies the raw water or the purified water to the water discharge passage and the drain passage.

A water dispensing device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a hot water flow path branching from the purified water flow path on one side, a hot water module provided on the hot water flow path to heat purified water passing through the hot water flow path, and one side having the purified water flow path. It may further include a cold water passage branching from and a cooling module provided on the cold water passage to cool purified water passing through the cold water passage.

The hot water flow path and the cold water flow path may be joined to the water outlet flow path or may be merged again to the purified water flow path.

The water dispensing device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may further include a water outlet sterilization module that irradiates ultraviolet rays to the water outlet.

A water dispensing device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is provided on the sterilization passage, with one side branching off from the water supply passage and the other side connected to the filter side, and water passing through the sterilization passage. It may further include a sterilization module that heats.

The water dispensing device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may further include a switching valve that supplies the raw water to the water supply passage or the sterilization passage, and a sensing valve that opens and closes the sensing passage.

The water dispensing device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may further include a control unit that controls to perform a feedback operation based on water quality data measured by the water quality measurement unit.

If the water quality data of the raw water does not exceed a preset normal range, the control unit may control the purified water to perform a rinsing operation in which the purified water passes the water quality measuring unit at least once.

If the water quality data of the purified water measured after the rinsing operation has a difference of more than a standard value from the water quality data of the purified water measured before the rinsing operation, the control unit may perform the rinsing operation again and measure the water quality of the purified water again. there is.

The water dispensing device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure displays raw water quality abnormality information when the water quality data of the raw water is outside the preset normal range, and when the water quality data of the purified water is outside the preset normal range, It may further include an output unit that displays purified water quality abnormality information.

The control unit, if there is an abnormality in the water quality data of the purified water, measures the water quality of the raw water, and if there is an abnormality in the water quality data of the raw water, the output unit outputs raw water quality abnormality notification information and the raw water water quality data. If there is no problem, the output unit can be controlled to output notification information about water purification quality problems.

The water dispensing device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure further includes a water outlet through which the purified water is discharged and a water outlet sterilization module that irradiates ultraviolet rays to the water outlet, and the control unit determines the water quality data measured by the water quality measurement unit. Based on this, the water outlet sterilization module can be operated for a predetermined period of time.

A water dispensing device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is provided on the sterilization passage, with one side branching off from the water supply passage and the other side connected to the filter side, and water passing through the sterilization passage. It further includes a sterilization module that heats, and the control unit can operate the sterilization module for a predetermined time based on water quality data measured by the water quality measurement unit.

According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, raw water and purified water quality can be measured using a single sensor, thereby responding to water quality accidents and deterioration in purified water quality caused by raw water.

According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, sensing accuracy and efficiency can be improved by configuring a water pipe and rinsing operation for common use of sensors.

According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the pollution level can be easily determined and managed.

According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, by sharing the same type of sensor within the water dispensing device, additional material costs can be reduced and a compact product configuration is possible.

Meanwhile, various other effects will be disclosed directly or implicitly in the detailed description according to embodiments of the present disclosure to be described later.

1 is a conceptual diagram of water quality sensing of a water dispensing device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 2 is a block diagram of the main configuration of a water dispensing device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 3 is a flowchart of a method of operating a water dispensing device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 4 is a flowchart of a method of operating a water dispensing device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 5 is a flowchart of a method of operating a water dispensing device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 6 is a conceptual diagram of a water dispensing device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIGS. 7 to 9 are diagrams referenced in the description of the operation of the water dispensing device of FIG. 6.
10 is a conceptual diagram of a water dispensing device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIGS. 11 and 12 are diagrams referenced in the description of the operation of the water dispensing device of FIG. 10.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. However, the present disclosure is not limited to these embodiments and can of course be modified into various forms.

In the drawings, parts not related to the description are omitted in order to clearly and briefly explain the present disclosure, and identical or extremely similar parts are denoted by the same drawing reference numerals throughout the specification.

Meanwhile, the suffixes “module” and “part” for components used in the following description are simply given in consideration of the ease of writing this specification, and do not give any particularly important meaning or role in and of themselves. Accordingly, the terms “module” and “unit” may be used interchangeably.

Additionally, in this specification, terms such as first and second may be used to describe various elements, but these elements are not limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another.

1 is a conceptual diagram of water quality sensing of a water dispensing device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 1, the water dispensing device according to embodiments of the present disclosure generates purified water by filtering the water supply passage 11 through which raw water supplied from a water supply source flows and the raw water supplied to the water supply passage 11. It includes a filter 10 that does.

The filter 10 is used to purify supplied raw water and filters out various impurities and harmful substances contained in the raw water. The filter 10 may be provided as one or more, and when provided in plural, filters having various functions may be combined. For example, the filter 10 may be provided in three pieces, including a pre-carbon filter, a post-carbon filter, and a membrane filter or hollow fiber membrane filter disposed between the pre-carbon filter and the post-carbon filter. It can be included. Alternatively, the filter 10 may be composed of a free carbon filter and a UF composite filter.

The purified water purified in the filter 10 flows into a storage tank or flow path 15 (20 in FIG. 6, etc.). Since the water stored in the storage tank becomes a better environment for microbial growth over time, it is more preferable to flow directly through the flow path 20. The purified water that has passed through the filter 10 flows into the purified water flow path 20.

Meanwhile, the water dispensing device includes a sensing passage 12 branched from the water supply passage 11 through which the raw water flows. The sensing passage 12 is a dedicated passage for measuring the quality of raw water and may be branched at the front of the filter 10 so that the raw water bypasses the filter 10.

A common sensor 51 is connected to the purified water passage 11 and the sensing passage 12, and measures the water quality of purified water flowing through the purified water passage 11 and the raw water flowing through the sensing passage 12. can do. Accordingly, since one common sensor 51 measures both the water quality of raw water and the water quality of purified water, the sensor cost and flow path construction cost can be reduced when separately providing a water quality measurement sensor for raw water and a water quality measurement sensor for purified water. And, it does not fundamentally cause deviations between sensors that may occur due to the use of two sensors.

In Figure 1, the turbidity sensor 51 is illustrated as the common sensor 51. The turbidity sensor 51 measures the turbidity of raw water and turbidity of purified water and transmits the sensing data to the control unit 60. The control unit 60 can control other configurations of the water dispensing device based on sensing data from a water quality measurement unit (see 50 in FIG. 2, etc.) such as the turbidity sensor 51.

The turbidity sensor 51 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can detect turbidity (pollution) through optical sensing. Transmitted light and scattered light methods are used as optical sensing methods to measure turbidity. The transmitted light method senses turbidity by irradiating light to a fluid, receiving light that has transmitted through the fluid, and processing data. The scattered light method is a method of sensing turbidity by receiving scattered light and data, and is subdivided according to the method of generating scattered light and the method of processing the received data.

The water dispensing device includes a water quality measuring unit 50 including one or more common sensors 51. The water quality measurement unit 50 may include a turbidity sensor 51 that irradiates light to the raw water or a portion of the purified water and senses turbidity based on the received scattered light pattern.

In addition, the water quality measurement unit 50 includes at least one of a turbidity sensor 51, a microorganism detection sensor, a chlorine sensor, a TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) sensor, and a BOD (Biochemical Oxygen Demand) sensor, and determines the turbidity of the incoming water. , microorganisms, residual chlorine, TDS (Total Dissolved Solids), and dissolved oxygen can be measured. At least one of the sensors provided in the water quality measurement unit 50 may be a common sensor that measures the quality of both raw water and purified water.

The water quality measurement unit 50 measures the water quality of the purified water when the purified water flows in through the purified water passage 20, and measures the water quality of the raw water when the raw water flows in through the sensing passage 12. .

In this specification, the inflow of purified water or raw water into the water quality measuring unit 50 does not mean only that purified water or raw water flows into the water quality measuring unit 50. For example, a portion of purified water or raw water may be sampled and discharged after water quality is measured inside the water quality measuring unit 50. Additionally, at least some of the sensors included in the water quality measuring unit 50 can measure the water quality of the flowing liquid. In this case, the inflow of purified water or raw water into the water quality measuring unit 50 may mean that at least a portion of the purified water or raw water passes through the sensing section of the water quality measuring unit 50.

For example, when the turbidity sensor 51 has an internal chamber, when water flows into and fills the internal chamber connected to the flow paths 20 and 12, the turbidity sensor 51 emits light into the filled water. Water quality can be measured by irradiating and receiving scattered light patterns. Additionally, the water in the internal chamber can be discharged after measuring the water quality. Alternatively, the light source unit and the light receiving unit of the turbidity sensor 51 are disposed in a specific flow path section (for example, the section after the water purification flow path 20 and the sensing flow path 12 are combined), and pass through the specific flow path section. Light can be irradiated to purified or raw water and a scattered light pattern can be received.

Meanwhile, one or more valves (V) are disposed in the water supply passage 11 to selectively supply raw water to the purified water passages 15 and 20 and the sensing passage 12. Accordingly, raw water flows toward the purified water passages 15 and 20 or the sensing passage 12, and it is possible to prevent raw water and purified water from being supplied to the water quality measurement unit 50 at the same time.

For example, the valve V may be configured to include a water supply valve that opens and closes the purified water passages 15 and 20, and a sensing valve that opens and closes the sensing passage 12. Alternatively, the valve V may be a three-way valve that selectively supplies the raw water to the purified water passages 15 and 20 and the sensing passage 12.

Meanwhile, the raw water used during measurement may be drained toward the drain (90b) along the drain passage (14). Purified water used during measurement may be drained toward the drain 90b depending on its quality and priority. For example, when the product has not been used for a predetermined period of time or when the product is turned on, the purified water whose initial water quality has been measured can be drained, and the subsequent purified water can be discharged toward the water outlet (90a) along the water outlet passage (14). Additionally, in normal times, purified water purified by the filter 10 may be discharged toward the water outlet 90a along the water outlet passage 14.

When the water quality measuring unit 50 measures the water quality of the raw water, the control unit 60 operates a valve (V), etc. to perform a rinsing operation in which the purified water passes through the water quality measuring unit 50 at least once. You can control it.

The water quality measurement unit 50 measures the water quality of the purified water after performing the rinsing operation, thereby minimizing the influence of raw water on the water quality measurement of the purified water. Accordingly, even with just one water quality sensor of the same type, raw water and purified water can be sensed efficiently and accurately.

In the case of tap water and purified water, the level of water pollution is usually low, and in order to measure low-concentration levels of pollution, it is important to minimize the occurrence of deviations in measured values. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, compared to technology that measures raw water and discharged water separately, the increase in material costs is minimized and a compact product configuration is achieved through flow path configuration and control that can simultaneously measure raw water and discharged water using a single sensor. possible.

Most tap water quality (raw water) and water purifier water quality (purified water) are in the low-concentration range. In order to clearly express the difference in performance between raw water and discharged water, it is most important to minimize the measurement deviation between devices by comparing them with one sensor.

Figure 2 is a block diagram of the main configuration of a water dispensing device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 2, the water dispensing device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes the water quality measurement unit 50 and the control unit 60 described above. The water quality measurement unit 50 may utilize water quality measurement sensors such as a turbidity sensor, a microorganism sensor, and a TDS sensor to detect water quality contamination of water within the flow path.

Additionally, the water dispensing device includes a valve unit 90 including valves for controlling the flow of water. The valve unit 90 may include the valve V described with reference to FIG. 1 . In addition, the valve unit 90 may further include a number of valves (V1, V2, V3, etc.) that will be described below.

Additionally, the water dispensing device includes a hot water module 30 and a cold water module 40 for providing hot/cold water. The hot water module 30 heats purified water and then discharges it toward the water outlet (90a). The cold water module 40 cools the purified water and then discharges it toward the water outlet (90a).

Additionally, the water dispensing device further includes an operation unit 75 and an output unit 85.

The manipulation unit 75 receives user input and may include one or more buttons. For example, the operating unit 75 is provided as a touch panel, and includes a capacity button for selecting the discharge capacity, a hot water button for selecting hot water and further selecting the temperature of the hot water to be discharged, a purified water button for selecting purified water, and a cold water button. It can include a cold water button to choose from and other function buttons.

The output unit 85 may be equipped with a display device such as a display (not shown) or a light emitting diode (LED) (not shown). For example, the output unit 85 may display information such as the operation status of the water dispensing device, operating status related to error occurrence, etc., or water contamination level.

The output unit 85 may be equipped with an audio device such as a speaker (not shown) and a buzzer (not shown). For example, the output unit 85 can output a sound effect for the operating state of the water dispensing device and output a predetermined warning sound when an error occurs.

Additionally, the water dispensing device may further include modules for hygiene. For example, the water dispensing device may further include a sterilization module 70 using high-temperature water and a water outlet sterilization module 80 for sterilizing the side of the water outlet 90a where contamination is likely to occur.

The sterilization module 70 can instantly heat water to a high temperature to sterilize bacteria growing in the water. In addition, the control unit 60 can operate the sterilization module 70 and circulate sterilizing water (high temperature water) from the sterilization module 70 to other flow paths to sterilize the flow path.

The water outlet sterilization module 80 irradiates ultraviolet rays toward the water outlet 90a to remove bacteria or viruses. The water outlet sterilization module 80 may include at least one UV lamp (Ultraviolet rays lamp) or at least one UV LED (Ultraviolet rays Light Emitting Diode).

The water outlet sterilization module 80 may be driven periodically under the control of the control unit 60. Alternatively, the water outlet sterilization module 80 may be driven for a predetermined period before water outlet. More preferably, the control unit 60 can improve efficiency by operating the water outlet sterilization module 80 only when necessary, based on water quality data measured by the water quality measurement unit 50. For example, the control unit 60 may control the water outlet sterilization module 80 based on the water quality measurement results of purified water.

The control unit 60 may be connected to each component provided in the water dispensing device. For example, the control unit 60 may transmit and/or receive signals between each component provided in the water dispensing device and control the overall operation of each component.

The control unit 60 may include at least one processor, and may control the overall operation of the water dispensing device using the processor included therein. Here, the processor may be a general processor such as a central processing unit (CPU). Of course, the processor may be a dedicated device such as an ASIC or another hardware-based processor.

The control unit 60 can perform various calculations based on data received through the water quality measurement unit 50 including various sensors such as the turbidity sensor 51. Additionally, the control unit 60 may store data received through the water quality measurement unit 50 in a memory (not shown).

The water quality measurement unit 50 can measure water quality and output the measurement to the control unit 60. The control unit 60 may control to perform a feedback operation in response to water quality measurement data of raw water and/or purified water. Alternatively, the water quality measurement unit 50 may directly determine the pollution level and transmit it to the control unit 60, and the control unit 60 may control other components to perform appropriate feedback operations based on the received pollution level.

The control unit 60 may recognize the contamination state of raw water and/or purified water and control the output unit 85 to provide a cleaning alarm or information about the filter replacement cycle to the user.

In addition, the control unit 60 detects in advance an odor that may be generated in the water tank 10 depending on the degree of contamination of raw water and/or purified water, and sterilizes the sterilization module 70 and the water outlet sterilization module 80 before the customer feels it. Automatic cleaning/sterilization logic can be operated through Accordingly, convenience of use and hygiene for non-professional users can be improved.

Figure 3 is a flowchart of a method of operating a water dispensing device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 3, the control unit 60 supplies raw water to the water quality measuring unit 50, and the water quality measuring unit 50 measures the water quality of the raw water (S300).

The control unit 60 may control to perform a feedback operation based on water quality data measured by the water quality measurement unit 50.

For example, when measuring the raw water quality of the water quality measuring unit 50 (S300), if the water quality data of the determined raw water is outside the preset normal range (S310), the control unit 60 displays raw water quality abnormality information. The output unit 85 can be controlled to do so (S315).

If the water quality data of the raw water does not deviate from the preset normal range (S310), the control unit 60 may control the purified water to perform a rinsing operation in which it passes the water quality measuring unit 50 at least once (S320). ).

Afterwards, the control unit 60 supplies raw water to the filter 10, and the water quality measurement unit 50 measures the water quality of the purified water purified in the filter 10 (S330). By measuring the purified water quality (S330) after the rinsing operation (S320), the impact of raw water can be minimized.

Meanwhile, if the determined water quality data of the purified water is outside the preset normal range (S340), the control unit 60 may control the output unit 85 to display information about the purified water quality abnormality (S345).

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the user can be provided with information on raw water quality abnormalities and purified water quality abnormal information separately, so that when there is an abnormality in purified water, the user can more quickly determine where the problem is.

Figure 4 is a flowchart of a method of operating a water dispensing device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 4, the control unit 60 may control to perform a rinsing operation after measuring raw water quality (S410). Thereafter, the control unit 60 can control the water quality measurement unit 50 located at the front of the water outlet 90a to measure the water quality of purified water that can be dispensed (S420).

Meanwhile, the control unit 60 may compare water quality data of purified water measured after the rinsing operation (S410) (S420) with water quality data of purified water measured before the rinsing operation (S410) (S430). The control unit 60 can evaluate the water quality data based on the difference in values or evaluate it as a ratio.

For example, the control unit 60 calculates the ratio of the existing water outlet data value (A) measured before the rinsing operation (S410) and the data value measured (S420) after the rinsing operation (S410) (S430) ). If it is within the standard value (ex. 5%) compared to the existing discharged water (S440), the control unit 60 completes the water quality measurement process normally (S450). Otherwise (S440), the rinsing operation can be re-executed (S460). .

Alternatively, if the difference between the existing water outlet data value (A) measured before the rinsing operation (S410) and the data value measured (S420) after the rinsing operation (S410) is greater than a predetermined reference value, the control unit 60 It can be controlled to perform the rinsing operation again and measure the water quality of the purified water again.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, by performing a rinsing operation after sensing raw water quality, the influence of raw water on the purified water flow path and the water quality measurement unit 50 that measures the water quality in the purified water flow path is removed, and the influence of raw water is removed through water quality sensing at the water outlet. You can recheck.

Figure 5 is a flowchart of a method of operating a water dispensing device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 5, the control unit 60 supplies raw water to the filter 10, and the water quality measurement unit 50 measures the quality of purified water purified in the filter 10 (S510).

If there is an abnormality in the water quality data of the purified water (S520), the control unit 60 can control the valve unit 90 to supply raw water to the water quality measurement unit 50 (S530).

The water quality measurement unit 50 measures the water quality of raw water (S540).

If there is an abnormality in the water quality data of the raw water (S550), the abnormality in the water quality data of the purified water (S520) is due to an abnormality in the raw water, so the control unit 60 outputs raw water quality abnormality notification information. can be controlled to output (S560).

If there is no abnormality in the water quality data of the raw water (S550), since the quality of purified water is lower than usual, the control unit 60 can control the output unit 85 to output notification information about abnormal water purified water quality ( S565).

Additionally, the control unit 60 may control to perform a rinsing operation after measuring raw water quality (S540) (S570).

FIG. 6 is a conceptual diagram of a water dispensing device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and FIGS. 7 to 9 are diagrams referenced in the description of the operation of the water dispensing device of FIG. 6 .

Referring to FIG. 6, the water dispensing device includes a water supply passage 11 through which raw water supplied from a water supply source flows and a filter unit 10 that generates purified water by filtering the raw water supplied to the water supply passage 11. Includes.

The purified water that has passed through the filter unit 10 flows toward the water outlet (90a) through the purified water flow path (20). Purified water that has passed through the filter unit 10 may flow into the water quality measurement unit 50. The water quality measuring unit 50 can measure the quality of purified water when it flows in.

In addition, the sensing passage 12 is branched from the water supply passage 11, so that raw water can directly flow into the water quality measurement unit 50 through the sensing passage 12. The water quality measuring unit 50 can measure the water quality of raw water when raw water flows in.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a water supply valve (V1) that controls water supply to the filter unit 10 and the purified water passage 20 may be disposed in the water supply passage 11. The water supply valve (V1) can open and close the purified water flow path (20). When the water supply valve (V1) is opened, along the first line (L1) of FIG. 7, raw water is purified through the filter unit (10), and purified water is supplied to the water quality measurement unit (50) through the purification passage (20). may flow into.

Meanwhile, the water supply passage 11 includes a first water supply passage 11a connecting the water supply source and the water supply valve V1, and a second water supply passage 11a connecting the water supply valve V1 and the filter 10. It may include a water supply passage (11b).

Additionally, one end of the sensing passage 12 may be connected to the first water supply passage 11a, and the other end may be connected to the water quality measurement unit 50. A sensing valve (V2) that opens and closes the sensing passage 12 may be disposed in the sensing passage 12. When the sensing valve (V2) is opened, raw water can flow into the water quality measurement unit 50 through the sensing passage 12 along the second line L2 of FIG. 8.

Referring to FIG. 6, the water dispensing device includes a water outlet (90a) through which the purified water is discharged, a water outlet passage (13) that guides the purified water to the water outlet (90a), the water quality measuring unit 50, and the water outlet ( 90a) branched from the water outlet passage 13, and a drainage passage 14 through which the raw water or the purified water is drained, and the raw water or the purified water is selectively connected to the water outlet passage 13 and the drainage passage 14. It may further include a supply valve (V3).

Under the control of the control unit 60, the water outlet valve V3 can divert water for which water quality measurement has been completed to the drain 90b and the outlet 90a. When the drainage operation is performed, water for which the water quality measurement has been completed flows into the drainage passage 14 along the third line L3 in FIG. 9. By draining and washing raw water, you can prevent raw water from discharging into drinking water.

Meanwhile, the water outlet passage 13 includes a first water outlet passage 13a connecting the water quality measurement unit 50 and the water outlet valve V3, and the water outlet valve V3 and the water outlet port 90a. It may include a second water outlet passage (13b) connecting it.

A water outlet sterilization module 80 that irradiates ultraviolet rays to the water outlet 90a may be disposed on the side of the water outlet 90a where the purified water is discharged. The water outlet sterilization module 80 can sterilize the water outlet space and residual water. The control unit 60 may operate the water outlet sterilization module 80 for a predetermined time based on water quality data measured by the water quality measurement unit 50.

Referring to FIG. 6, one side of the sterilization passage 71 is branched from the water supply passage 11 and the other side is connected to the filter 10, and on the sterilization passage 71, the sterilization passage 71 ) A sterilization module 70 that heats the water passing through may be disposed. The control unit 60 may operate the sterilization module 70 for a predetermined time based on water quality data measured by the water quality measurement unit 50.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, when the sterilization passage 71 is provided, the water supply valve (V1) selectively supplies the raw water to the water supply passage 11 or the sterilization passage 71. It could be a valve.

Referring to FIG. 6, the water dispensing device is provided on one side of a hot water passage 21 branching from the purified water passage 20 and on the hot water passage 21 to purified purified water passing through the hot water passage 21. A hot water module 30 for heating, a cold water passage 22 on one side of which branches off from the purified water passage 20, and a cooling module provided on the cold water passage 22 to cool purified water passing through the cold water passage 22. (40) may further be included.

Referring to FIG. 6, the hot water passage 21 and the cold water passage 22 may be rejoined to the purified water passage 2. Alternatively, the hot water passage 21 and the cold water passage 22 may be joined to the water outlet passage 13.

FIG. 10 is a conceptual diagram of a water dispensing device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and FIGS. 11 and 12 are diagrams referenced in the description of the operation of the water dispensing device of FIG. 10. FIG. 10 is a water piping diagram of a water dispensing device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, FIG. 11 illustrates a purified water sensing and drain line 1110, and FIG. 12 illustrates a raw water sensing and drain line 1210.

The water dispensing device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include various water treatment devices and purification devices that introduce water from the outside, such as a water purifier or refrigerator, purify the introduced water, and then discharge it.

As an example, at least part of the water dispensing device may be an under sink type water purifier disposed in the lower space of the sink.

10 to 12, the water dispensing device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a water outlet 200 installed so that at least a portion is exposed to the outside of the sink and the remaining main body installed inside the sink. can do.

The water dispensing device includes a water supply passage 11 that guides raw water supplied from the outside to the inside, a filter 10 that purifies the raw water supplied along the water supply passage 11 into purified water, and the filter 10. It includes a purified water passage 20 that flows purified water that has passed through toward the water outlet 200.

Meanwhile, the water supply passage 11 connects the external water supply source and the filter 10. Through the water supply passage 11, raw water supplied from an external water supply source can be supplied to the filter 10.

As described above, the water (raw water) supplied to the filter 10 is purified into purified water as it passes through the filter 10. At least one filter 10 may be provided. As an example, a plurality of filters 10 may be provided. Accordingly, the water that has passed through the water supply passage 11 can be purified into cleaner water while passing through the plurality of filters 10.

In addition, purified water that has passed through the filter 10 may flow through the purified water passage 20 toward the water outlet 200 exposed to the outside of the sink 10.

To this end, one end of the purified water passage 20 is connected to the filter 10, and the other end is connected to the water outlet 200 side. Meanwhile, in the purified water passage 20, at least one of the cold water passage 22, the hot water passage 21, and the washing water passage 90c may be branched.

FIG. 10 shows an example in which the cold water passage 22 is integrated into the purified water passage 20, and the hot water passage 21 and the washing water passage 90c branch from the purified water passage 20.

One end of the purified water passage 20 is connected to the filter 10, and water passing through the filter 10 flows toward the water outlet 200 through the connected water discharge passage 13. The water outlet 200 includes a water outlet 90a and can dispense purified water.

Meanwhile, in the purified water passage 20, the water may be cooled and supplied as cold water according to the operation of the cold water module 40. After the purified water is cooled in the cold water module 40, it can be supplied to the water outlet 200 in the form of cold water.

In addition, the water branched into the hot water passage 21 is heated through the hot water module 30 provided on the hot water passage 21 and then supplied to the water outlet 200 in the form of hot water.

In addition, the water branched into the washing water passage 90c may be supplied to the washing water outlet side in the state of sterilizing water while passing through the washing water module 1030 provided on the washing water passage 90c. When the water outlet 200 includes a plurality of water outlets, a washing water outlet may also be formed in the water outlet 200, depending on the embodiment.

Meanwhile, a pressure reducing valve 1010 that adjusts the flow rate of water supplied to the filter 10 may be installed in the water supply passage 11.

In addition, the water supply passage 11 or the purification passage 20 includes a flow sensor 1011 that detects the flow rate of water, an inflow valve that regulates the flow rate of water or controls the flow of water, or a flow rate sensor that detects the flow rate of water. At least one of (not shown) may be installed.

Additionally, open/close valves that regulate the flow of water in each flow path may be separately installed in the purified water flow path 20, the hot water flow path 21, and the washing water flow path 90c. For example, a wash water valve 1019 may be disposed in the wash water flow passage 90c.

Alternatively, a cold/hot/pure water valve 1015 capable of selectively supplying purified water to the purified water passage 20 and the hot water passage 21 may be installed at the branch point of the purified water passage 20 and the hot water passage 21. also,

Additionally, an element 1025 for safety such as backflow prevention may be installed in the hot water passage 21. Additionally, a safety valve 1016 for steam discharge may be installed in the hot water module 30. Steam from the hot water module 30 may be drained toward the drain 90b through the connected flow path 15.

Meanwhile, a water outlet valve 1018 is disposed on the water outlet passage 13 to supply or block purified water, cold water, and hot water flowing toward the water outlet unit 200 to the water outlet unit 200.

In addition, the drain passage 14 is branched from the water outlet passage 13, and a drain valve 1017 is disposed in the drain passage 14, so that purified water, cold water, hot water, and raw water can be discharged to the drain port 90b. .

Meanwhile, in the above example, the outlet valve 1018 and the drain valve 1017 each have one inlet, a first outlet and a second outlet that are selectively opened, and an actuator that selectively opens and closes the two outlets. It can be provided with a three-way valve including. At this time, the first outlet may be connected to the water outlet 200 side, and the second outlet may be connected to the drain port 90b.

Meanwhile, raw water is supplied through a water supply passage 11 connected to a water supply source such as a water pipe, a water tank, or an underground water pipe. A pressure reducing valve 1010 is installed on the water supply passage 11, and raw water passes through the pressure reducing valve 1010 and is reduced to a set pressure.

And, the raw water that has passed through the filter 10 has foreign substances removed and becomes purified water. Purified water flows along the purified water flow path (20). And, it can be branched into the cold water-pure water side and the hot water side.

First, the purified water branched to the cold water-still water side is again branched to the cold water side and the still water side, and according to the operation of the cold water module 40 corresponding to the user's operation of selecting purified water or cold water, purified water or cold water is discharged through the water outlet 200. It can be supplied to the user.

When a user requests cold water to be dispensed, purified water passes through the cooling coil inside the cold water module 40. The water flowing along the cooling coil exchanges heat with the cooling water inside the cold water module 40 and is cooled into cold water. To this end, the coolant is continuously cooled to maintain the set temperature. For reference, a compressor may be driven to cool the coolant. The operation of the compressor may be determined by a cold water temperature sensor provided inside the cold water module 40. Accordingly, the cooling water can always maintain the set temperature, and the operation of the compressor can be adjusted for this purpose. The compressor is an inverter compressor, and the frequency can be adjusted in response to the required load, and the cooling capacity can be adjusted. That is, the compressor can be driven by inverter control and cool the cooling water with optimal efficiency.

Meanwhile, when the user requests hot water to be dispensed, the purified water can be heated to a set temperature while passing through the hot water module 30. The hot water module 30 can be heated by induction heating, and for this, the output of the working coil included in the hot water module 30 can be adjusted. Purified water passing through the hot water module 30 may be heated to a set temperature. The hot water heated while passing through the hot water module 30 flows toward the water outlet 200.

Meanwhile, one side of the sterilization passage 71 branches off from the water supply passage 11, and the other side is connected to the filter 10. On the sterilization passage 71, a sterilization module 70 that heats water passing through the sterilization passage 71 and a flow control valve 1013 that controls the flow rate of the sterilization passage 71 may be disposed.

Meanwhile, a feed valve 1012 that selectively supplies the raw water to the water supply passage 11 or the sterilization passage 71 may be disposed at a position where the sterilization passage 71 branches from the water supply passage 11. You can.

Meanwhile, the water supply passage 11 includes a first water supply passage 11a connecting the water supply source and the feed valve 1012, and a second water supply passage connecting the feed valve 1012 and the filter 10. It may include a water supply passage (11b).

Meanwhile, the above-described sensing passage 12 may be branched from the first water supply passage 11a in front of the feed valve 1012. A sensing valve 1014 that opens and closes the sensing passage 12 and a backflow prevention element 1020 that prevents the backflow of raw water may be disposed in the sensing passage 12.

Referring to FIG. 12, the control unit 60 closes the feed valve 1012 and opens the sensing valve 1014, so that raw water is supplied to the water quality measurement unit 50 through the sensing passage 1014. can do.

After measuring the quality of raw water, the control unit 60 closes the water outlet valve 1018 and opens the drain valve 1017 to discharge the raw water measured by the water quality measurement unit 50 to the drain 90b.

Referring to FIG. 11, the control unit 60 opens the feed valve 1012 toward the purified water flow path 20 and closes the sensing valve 1014, so that purified water is supplied to the water quality measurement unit 50. there is.

In addition, the control unit 60 closes the water discharge valve 1018 and opens the drain valve 1017, thereby performing a rinsing operation by controlling the purified water that has passed through the water quality measurement unit 50 to be discharged to the drain port 90b. do.

Thereafter, the control unit 60 can measure the quality of purified water by supplying purified water to the water quality measuring unit 50 using the same valve control. Accordingly, the influence of raw water can be removed and the water quality of purified water can be accurately measured by the same water quality measurement unit 50.

In the above, preferred embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, but the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described above, and can be used in the technical field to which the invention pertains without departing from the gist of the present invention as claimed in the patent claims. Of course, various modifications can be made by those skilled in the art, and these modifications should not be understood individually from the technical idea or perspective of the present invention.

11: Water supply channel
12: Sensing channel
13: Outlet flow path
14: Drainage passage
20: Purified Euro
50: Water quality measurement unit
51: Turbidity sensor

Claims (20)

A water supply channel through which raw water supplied from a water supply source flows;
A filter that generates purified water by filtering the raw water supplied to the water supply passage;
a purified water flow path through which purified water passing through the filter flows;
A sensing passage branching from the water supply passage and through which the raw water flows; and,
It includes a water quality measurement unit connected to the purified water flow path and the sensing flow path, into which the purified water or the raw water flows,
The water quality measurement unit,
A water dispensing device that measures the water quality of the purified water when the purified water flows in through the purified water flow path, and measures the water quality of the raw water when the raw water flows in through the sensing flow path. According to paragraph 1,
The water quality measurement unit,
A water dispensing device that, when measuring the quality of the raw water, measures the quality of the purified water after performing a rinsing operation in which the purified water passes through at least one time. According to paragraph 1,
A water supply valve that opens and closes the purified water flow path,
A water dispensing device further comprising a sensing valve that opens and closes the sensing passage. According to paragraph 3,
The water supply channel is,
A first water supply passage connecting the water supply source and the water supply valve,
It includes a second water supply passage connecting the water supply valve and the filter,
A water dispensing device wherein one end of the sensing passage is connected to the first water supply passage and the other end is connected to the water quality measurement unit. According to paragraph 1,
A water dispensing device further comprising a three-way valve that selectively supplies the raw water to the purified water flow path and the sensing flow path. According to paragraph 1,
The water quality measurement unit,
A water dispensing device comprising a turbidity sensor that irradiates light to the raw water or a portion of the purified water and senses turbidity based on a pattern of scattered light received. According to paragraph 1,
The water quality measurement unit,
It includes at least one of a turbidity sensor, an ion sensor, a chlorine sensor, a TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) sensor, and a BOD (Biochemical Oxygen Demand) sensor,
A water dispensing device that measures at least one of the turbidity, pH, residual chlorine, TDS (Total Dissolved Solids), and dissolved oxygen of incoming water. According to paragraph 1,
A water outlet through which the purified water is discharged,
A water outlet passage that guides the purified water to the outlet,
A drain passage branching from the water outlet passage between the water quality measuring unit and the water outlet, through which the raw water or the purified water is drained, and
A water dispensing device further comprising a water outlet valve that selectively supplies the raw water or the purified water to the water outlet flow path and the drain flow path. According to clause 8,
One side is a hot water flow path branching from the purified water flow path, and
A hot water module provided on the hot water flow path to heat purified water passing through the hot water flow path;
One side has a cold water flow path branching from the purified water flow path, and
A water dispensing device further comprising a cooling module provided on the cold water passage to cool purified water passing through the cold water passage. According to clause 9,
The hot water passage and the cold water passage,
A water dispensing device that is attached to the water outlet channel or re-applied to the purified water channel. According to clause 9,
A water dispensing device further comprising a water outlet sterilization module that irradiates ultraviolet rays to the water outlet. According to paragraph 1,
a sterilization passage on one side branching off from the water supply passage and on the other side connected to the filter side;
A water dispensing device further comprising a sterilization module provided on the sterilization passage and heating water passing through the sterilization passage. According to clause 12,
A switching valve that supplies the raw water to the water supply passage or the sterilization passage,
A water dispensing device further comprising a sensing valve that opens and closes the sensing passage. According to paragraph 1,
A water dispensing device further comprising a control unit that controls to perform a feedback operation based on the water quality data measured by the water quality measurement unit. According to clause 14,
The control unit,
If the water quality data of the raw water does not exceed the preset normal range,
A water dispensing device that controls to perform a rinsing operation in which the purified water passes through the water quality measuring unit at least once. According to clause 15,
The control unit,
If the water quality data of the purified water measured after the rinsing operation differs from the water quality data of the purified water measured before the rinsing operation by more than a standard value,
A water dispensing device that performs the rinsing operation again and measures the water quality of the purified water again. According to clause 14,
A water display further comprising an output unit that displays raw water quality abnormality information when the water quality data of the raw water is outside a preset normal range, and displays purified water quality abnormality information when the water quality data of the purified water falls outside the preset normal range. fencing device. According to clause 17,
The control unit,
If there is an abnormality in the water quality data of the above purified water,
After measuring the quality of the raw water,
If there is an abnormality in the water quality data of the raw water, the output unit outputs raw water quality abnormality notification information,
A water dispensing device that controls the output unit to output purified water quality abnormality notification information if there is no abnormality in the water quality data of the raw water. According to clause 14,
A water outlet through which the purified water is discharged, and
Further comprising a water outlet sterilization module that irradiates ultraviolet rays to the water outlet,
The control unit is a water dispensing device that operates the outlet sterilization module for a predetermined time based on water quality data measured by the water quality measurement unit. According to clause 14,
a sterilization passage on one side branching off from the water supply passage and on the other side connected to the filter side;
It further includes a sterilization module provided on the sterilization flow path to heat water passing through the sterilization flow path,
The water dispensing device wherein the control unit operates the sterilization module for a predetermined time based on water quality data measured by the water quality measurement unit.

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