Nutrient water supply system and water outlet device including the nutrient water supply system

Abstract

The present invention relates to a nutrient water supply system and a water dispensing device including the nutrient water supply system, configured to allow cold purified water and nutrient water to be discharged through separate water channels, thereby enabling separate discharge according to the user's needs as well as hygienic management. A nutrient water supply system, which is an embodiment of the present invention, may include: a filter unit into which raw water flowing from outside the system flows and which purifies the raw water; a first water outlet unit into which water discharged from the filter unit is discharged—the water being at least one of purified water, which is raw water purified through the filter unit; cold water cooled from the purified water; and hot water heated from the purified water; a cartridge unit in which the liquid nutrient is stored and discharged; a first water channel through which the water discharged from the filter unit flows; a second water channel branched from the first water channel and connected to the first water outlet unit; a third water channel connected to the cartridge unit and the first water channel, in which the liquid nutrient discharged from the cartridge unit and the cold water or purified water flowing through the first water channel are mixed; and a second water outlet unit connected to the end of the third water channel and which discharges the nutrient water.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a nutrient water supply system that generates nutrient water by mixing liquid nutrients with water, and a water dispensing device including such a nutrient water supply system. Specifically, the invention relates to a nutrient water supply system configured to dispense cold purified water and nutrient water through separate flow paths, thereby enabling separate dispensing according to the user's needs as well as hygienic management, and a water dispensing device including such a nutrient water supply system. Background Technology

[0002] With the growing interest in health, research is actively underway on methods to easily consume essential nutrients such as vitamins and minerals. Traditionally, nutrient supplementation methods involved taking health supplements in the form of pills, powders, or liquids. However, these methods can be cumbersome as they require separate intake, and they have the disadvantage of making it difficult to maintain a consistent consumption habit.

[0003] To address this, technology combining a water dispensing device with a nutrient supply system is gaining attention. A method that automatically mixes and supplies essential nutrients while allowing users to consume clean water through the dispensing device can significantly enhance user convenience. In particular, the technology of mixing liquid nutrients with purified water and dispensing them can contribute to personalized health management.

[0004] Korean Published Patent Application No. 2023-0112801, a prior art document (hereinafter referred to as prior art), discloses a functional water purifier comprising a cartridge module that generates functional water by mixing a functional additive with purified water, and a water outlet connected to said cartridge module that discharges the functional water.

[0005] The functional water purifier disclosed in the prior art has the advantage of including a user biometric information recognition unit to produce various functional waters of a predetermined concentration, thereby providing optimal functional water tailored to the user according to their needs.

[0006] However, the above-mentioned functional water purifier is configured such that purified water is mixed with functional additives and discharged through the outlet, or that purified water flows into a heating or cooling pipe to be heated or cooled before being discharged through the outlet. In other words, since the outlet where functional water mixed with functional additives is discharged and the outlet where hot or cold water is discharged are the same, it is not only hygienically unreasonable, but there is also a problem in that residual functional additives left in the discharge path may mix with the hot or cold water, potentially causing inconvenience to users who wish to consume only purified water.

[0007] Therefore, to solve the above problem, a nutrient water supply system and a water outlet device including the same are required, in which the water outlet exposed to the user, as well as the water flow path for discharging nutrient-added water (nutrient water) and the water flow path for discharging nutrient-free water (purified water, cold water, or hot water) are separated. Prior art literature

[0008] Korean Patent Publication No. 2023-0112801 (July 28, 2023) The problem to be solved

[0009] The present invention aims to provide a nutrient water supply system capable of dispensing nutrient water containing liquid nutrients or water not containing liquid nutrients according to the user's needs, and a water dispensing device including the nutrient water supply system.

[0010] In addition, the present invention aims to provide a nutrient water supply system capable of hygienic management and a water dispensing device including the nutrient water supply system, which dispenses nutrient water containing liquid nutrients or water not containing liquid nutrients according to the user's needs.

[0011] In addition, the present invention aims to provide a nutrient water supply system and a water dispensing device including the nutrient water supply system, which are miniaturized to enable efficient spatial arrangement while dispensing nutrient water containing liquid nutrients or water not containing liquid nutrients according to the user's needs. means of solving the problem

[0012] One embodiment of the present invention is a nutrient water supply system for generating nutrient water containing liquid nutrients, comprising: a filter unit into which raw water introduced from outside the system is introduced and which purifies the raw water; a first discharge unit into which water discharged from the filter unit is discharged—the water being at least one of purified water, which is raw water purified through the filter unit; cold water cooled from the purified water; and hot water heated from the purified water—; a cartridge unit in which the liquid nutrients are stored and discharged; a first flow path through which the water discharged from the filter unit flows; a second flow path branched from the first flow path and connected to the first discharge unit; a third flow path connected to the cartridge unit and the first flow path, in which the liquid nutrients discharged from the cartridge unit and the cold water or purified water flowing through the first flow path are mixed; and a second discharge unit connected to the end of the third flow path and which discharges the nutrient water.

[0013] Alternatively, the nutrient supply system may further include a check valve provided at the end of the first flow path that is connected to the third flow path.

[0014] Alternatively, one end of the first flow path is connected to the filter section, and the other end of the first flow path is connected to the check valve, and inside the check valve, the flow of water toward the third flow path can be blocked.

[0015] Alternatively, the nutrient supply system may include a nutrient outlet valve provided in the third path and controlling the flow of the nutrient.

[0016] Alternatively, the cartridge portion may include at least one cartridge for storing the liquid nutrient; and a pump connected to the cartridge and pressurizing the cartridge for dispensing the liquid nutrient.

[0017] Alternatively, the nutrient water supply system may further include a control unit that controls the output of any one of the purified water, cold water, hot water, and nutrient water according to a user command.

[0018] Alternatively, when a nutrient water dispensing mode is selected according to a user command, the control unit may control the cartridge unit so that the liquid nutrient is not discharged from the cartridge unit from a second point in time, after a predetermined time has elapsed since the first point in time when the dispensing of the nutrient water through the second dispensing unit begins, until a third point in time when the nutrient water dispensing mode ends.

[0019] One embodiment of the present invention may include a nutrient water supply system that generates and supplies nutrient water containing liquid nutrients, comprising a filter section into which raw water is introduced and a cartridge section for storing and discharging said liquid nutrients, and generating nutrient water by mixing said liquid nutrients discharged from the cartridge section with purified water or cold water cooled from said purified water that has passed through the filter section; a first housing that forms the front exterior of the nutrient water supply device and has said cartridge section provided in its internal space; and a second housing connected to the first housing that forms the rear exterior of the nutrient water supply device and has said filter section provided in its internal space.

[0020] Alternatively, the nutrient water supply system comprises a first outlet unit to which at least one of the purified water, the cold water, and the hot water heated from the purified water is discharged to the outside of the outlet device, and a second outlet unit provided independently of the first outlet unit to which the nutrient water is discharged to the outside of the outlet device, wherein the first outlet unit and the second outlet unit may be provided on the lower surface of the first housing.

[0021] Alternatively, the cartridge portion may include at least one cartridge for storing the liquid nutrient; and a pump connected to the cartridge and pressurizing the cartridge for dispensing the liquid nutrient.

[0022] Alternatively, the first housing includes a cartridge installation portion in which a space is formed for inserting and installing the cartridge, and the cartridge installation portion may be positioned in front of the first and second outlet portions.

[0023] Alternatively, the cartridge can be inserted into the cartridge installation portion through the upper surface of the first housing.

[0024] Alternatively, the nutrient water supply system may include: a first flow path through which water discharged from the filter section flows; a second flow path branched from the first flow path and connected to the first outlet section; and a third flow path connected to the cartridge section and the first flow path, through which liquid nutrients discharged from the cartridge section and cold or purified water flowing through the first flow path are mixed.

[0025] Alternatively, the third Euro may be provided in the internal space of the first housing. Effects of the invention

[0026] According to the present invention, through a cartridge part equipped to store and discharge liquid nutrients, nutrient water containing liquid nutrients or water not containing liquid nutrients can be dispensed according to the user's needs.

[0027] In addition, the present invention enables hygienic management by configuring the device to dispense nutrient water containing liquid nutrients or water without liquid nutrients according to the user's needs, wherein the flow path for dispensing the nutrient water and the flow path for dispensing the water are completely spatially separated.

[0028] Furthermore, the present invention dispenses nutrient water containing liquid nutrients or water without liquid nutrients according to the user's needs. A cartridge part is disposed in a first housing containing a water dispensing part, and a flow path through which the liquid nutrients and nutrient water flow is disposed in the internal space of the first housing. This forms a short flow path for the nutrient water, and the overall size of the dispensing device does not increase, allowing it to maintain the form of a small appliance. Therefore, there is an advantage of efficient space arrangement from the user's perspective. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0029] FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of a water outlet device including a nutrient water supply system according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a flow path diagram of a nutrient water supply system according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a drawing for further explaining the flow path structure of a nutrient water supply system according to one embodiment of the present invention, showing the interior with the first housing removed. Figure 4 is a top-down view of the structure of Figure 3. Figure 5 is a drawing of the structure of Figure 3 viewed from below. FIG. 6 is a drawing illustrating the installation of a cartridge in a water discharge device according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the flow of water in the dispensing mode of drinking water, not nutrient water, in a nutrient water supply system according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining in detail the flow of nutrient water in the nutrient water discharge mode and the process of mixing liquid nutrients with water in a nutrient water supply system according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating the control operation by section during the discharge of nutrient water when a user selects a nutrient water discharge mode in a nutrient water supply system according to one embodiment of the present invention. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0030] Embodiments of the present invention are described below with reference to the attached drawings so that those skilled in the art can easily implement the invention. However, the present invention may be embodied in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. Furthermore, in order to clearly explain the present invention in the drawings, parts unrelated to the explanation have been omitted, and similar parts throughout the specification are denoted by similar reference numerals.

[0031] Throughout the specification, when a part is described as being "connected" to another part, this includes not only cases where they are "directly connected," but also cases where other components exist between them, and cases where they are "electrically connected" with other elements interposed between them. Furthermore, when a part is described as "including" a component, this means that, unless specifically stated otherwise, it does not exclude other components but may include additional components.

[0032] The following examples are detailed descriptions to aid in understanding the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. Accordingly, inventions within the same scope that perform the same function as the present invention will also fall within the scope of the present invention.

[0033] In addition, each component, process, procedure, or method included in each embodiment of the present invention may be shared within a scope that is not technically contradictory to one another.

[0034] An embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings.

[0035] FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of a water outlet device including a nutrient water supply system according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a flow path diagram of a nutrient water supply system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] Before describing the embodiments of the present invention, directions are defined first.

[0037] The direction in which the cartridges (131, 132) described later are placed is defined as the front, and the opposite direction is defined as the rear. At this time, the direction connecting the front and rear directions is defined as the longitudinal direction of the water discharge device (10).

[0038] In addition, the direction in which the base (400), which will be described later, is positioned is defined as downward, and the direction in which the first housing (200) is positioned is defined as upward. At this time, the direction connecting the upper and lower directions is defined as the height direction of the water discharge device (10).

[0039] In addition, the direction orthogonal to the length direction and height direction, respectively, is defined as the width direction (left-right direction) of the water discharge device (10).

[0040] Referring to FIG. 1, a water discharge device (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a nutrient water supply system (100).

[0041] The nutrient water supply system (100) can produce nutrient water by mixing liquid nutrients and water. That is, the produced nutrient water may contain liquid nutrients. Here, the liquid nutrients may have components that are water-soluble or can be uniformly dispersed as fine particles.

[0042] For example, liquid nutrients may include minerals such as magnesium, calcium, sodium, zinc, and iron; vitamins such as vitamin C and B vitamins; carnitine, which is known to be a useful ingredient for dieting due to its fat metabolism-promoting function; and amino acids such as arginine, which is known as a vitality ingredient. However, the items listed here are merely examples, and more or fewer types of liquid nutrients may be mixed with water through the nutrient water supply system (100) of the embodiment of the present invention as needed.

[0043] The nutrient supply system (100) may include at least one cartridge (131, 132) that is detachably configured to be attached to the water dispensing device (10). The liquid nutrients described above may be stored in the cartridges (131, 132). The liquid nutrients may be dispensed from the cartridges (131, 132). Different liquid nutrients may be stored in each cartridge (131, 132). For example, a mineral nutrient may be stored in the first cartridge (131). For example, an amino acid nutrient may be stored in the second cartridge (132).

[0044] The nutrient water supply system (100) may further include a filter section (110) into which raw water is introduced. Thus, the nutrient water supply system (100) can produce nutrient water by mixing liquid nutrients discharged from cartridges (131, 132) with purified water or cold water cooled from said purified water, which has passed through the filter section (110).

[0045] The specific configuration and structure included in the nutrient supply system (100) will be further explained with reference to the other drawings below.

[0046] A water discharge device (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention may further include a first housing (200).

[0047] The first housing (200) can form the front exterior of the water discharge device (10). The first housing (200) has a space provided inside and can be formed in a shape similar to a rectangular parallelepiped. A cartridge section (130) including the aforementioned cartridges (131, 132) can be provided in the space inside.

[0048] An input unit (220) for inputting commands to control the operation of the water dispensing device (10) may be provided on the front of the first housing (200). The input unit (220) may be composed of a plurality of input buttons. For example, the input unit (220) may include a cold water button, a purified water button, and a hot water button to command the type of water dispensed through the first water dispensing unit (120). For example, the input unit (220) may include a nutrient water button to command a nutrient water dispensing mode so that nutrient water is dispensed through the second water dispensing unit (170). However, the configuration of the input unit (220) is not limited thereto, and additional input buttons having other functions may be provided. For example, an input button for adjusting the amount of water dispensed may be provided. In addition, the user interface referred to as an input button in this specification may be composed of a capacitive touch pad.

[0049] A water discharge device (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention may further include a second housing (300).

[0050] The second housing (300) can form the rear exterior of the water discharge device (10). The second housing (300) has a space provided inside and can be formed in a shape similar to a rectangular prism. The second housing (300) can be connected to the rear of the first housing (200), and in this case, the internal spaces of each housing (200, 300) are connected to each other.

[0051] A filter unit (110) may be provided in the internal space of the second housing (300). The filter unit (110) is configured to purify raw water, such as tap water, flowing into the water outlet device (10) from the outside to produce purified water that is drinkable by the user, and may include at least one filter. For example, in an embodiment including two filters, the filter unit (110) may include a first filter and a second filter.

[0052] At this time, the first filter can perform primary filtration by introducing raw water. For example, the first filter may be a filter that functions to remove suspended solids, residual chlorine components, etc. in water by utilizing the adsorption capacity of activated carbon, which has a large surface area and a fine pore structure.

[0053] The primary filtered water discharged from the first filter can flow into the second filter. The second filter is connected to the first filter and can filter the primary filtered water a second time. For example, the second filter may be a filter that filters out bacteria, microorganisms, etc. in the water using an electrostatic adsorption method. In this case, the second filter may contain powdered activated carbon.

[0054] The second housing (300) is equipped with a filter unit (110), and may also be equipped with a heater unit for generating hot water, a cooler for generating cold water, etc. Accordingly, the second housing (300) is formed to be larger in the height direction than the first housing (200).

[0055] Specifically, the first housing (200) is connected to the upper front side of the second housing (300), and its lower surface is spaced apart from the ground where the water discharge device (10) is installed by a certain distance or more. As will be described later, on the lower surface of the first housing (200), a first water discharge section (120) through which at least one of purified water, cold water, and hot water is discharged, and a second water discharge section (170) through which nutrient water is discharged may be exposed (the configuration of the exposed water discharge section may also be referred to as a tap section).

[0056] A water discharge device (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention may further include a base (400).

[0057] A base (400) may be positioned on the front lower side of the water discharge device (10). The base (400) may be formed in a shape similar to a flat plate having a predetermined thickness. The upper surface of the base (400) is formed flat, and said upper surface is positioned to face the lower surface of the first housing (200) where the first water discharge section (120) and the second water discharge section (170) are exposed. Thus, a container for receiving purified water, cold water, hot water, and nutrient water discharged from the first water discharge section (120) and the second water discharge section (170) can be placed on the base (400).

[0058] Hereinafter, a nutrient supply system (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail.

[0059] The nutrient water supply system (100) may include a first water outlet (120). The first water outlet (120) is configured to discharge water discharged from the filter unit (110). Unless specifically limited in the specification of the present invention, the term "water" may be understood to mean at least one of purified water, which is raw water purified through the filter unit (110), cold water obtained by cooling the purified water, and hot water obtained by heating the purified water.

[0060] The first water outlet (120) may include a cold water outlet (121) and a hot water outlet (122).

[0061] The cold water outlet (121) is configured to discharge purified water or cold water to the outside of the water outlet device (10). Depending on a user command input through the input unit (220), the cold water outlet (121) may discharge purified water, which is raw water purified in the filter unit (110), or discharge cold water that has been cooled to a temperature below a certain temperature through a cooler.

[0062] The hot water outlet (122) is configured to discharge hot water to the outside of the water outlet device (10). If the user command input through the input unit (220) is a hot water discharge command, hot water can be discharged from the hot water outlet (122).

[0063] As shown in the example disclosed in this specification, the cold water outlet (121) and the hot water outlet (122) may each exist as separate outlet configurations, or they may be integrated into a single outlet configuration as needed.

[0064] The nutrient supply system (100) may include a cartridge section (130).

[0065] As described above, the cartridge section (130) is configured to store and dispense liquid nutrients and may include at least one cartridge (131, 132) and a pump (133, 134).

[0066] Pumps (133, 134) can be connected to each cartridge (131, 132). In an embodiment having a first cartridge (131) and a second cartridge (132) as in the embodiment of the present invention, two pumps (133, 134) are also provided, so that a first pump (133) is connected to the first cartridge (131) and a second pump (134) is connected to the second cartridge (132).

[0067] The pump (133, 134) can pressurize the cartridge (131, 132) to discharge liquid nutrients stored in the cartridge (131, 132) to the outside of the cartridge (131, 132).

[0068] The pump (133, 134) may be, for example, a peristaltic pump. A peristaltic pump is also referred to as a tubing pump and may operate by rotating while compressing elastic tubing to continuously push out fluid. In this case, the fluid is a liquid nutrient contained in a cartridge (131, 132). However, this is merely an example, and the operation method of the pump (133, 134) may be changed as needed, and a pump (133, 134) of a form corresponding to an appropriate operation method may be applied. For example, the pump (133, 134) may be formed as an air pump, a membrane pump (diaphragm pump), a piston pump, etc.

[0069] The nutrient water supply system (100) may include a first flow path (140) through which water discharged from a filter section (110) flows, and a second flow path (150) that branches off from the first flow path (140) and connects to a first outlet section (120).

[0070] As in the example disclosed in this specification, when the first outlet (120) is configured to be divided into a cold water outlet (121) and a hot water outlet (122), the second flow path (150) may be configured to be divided into a cold water outlet flow path (151) connected to the cold water outlet (121) and a hot water outlet flow path (152) connected to the hot water outlet (122).

[0071] A cold water outlet valve (OV1) may be provided in the cold water outlet path (151). The cold water outlet valve (OV1) may be opened when a user's command to discharge cold water or purified water is entered.

[0072] A hot water outlet valve (OV2) may be provided in the hot water outlet path (152). The hot water outlet valve (OV2) may be opened when a user's command to discharge hot water is entered.

[0073] A cold water inlet valve (IV) may be additionally provided on the first Euro (140). The cold water inlet valve (IV) may be opened when a user's command to discharge cold or purified water is entered. The cold water inlet valve (IV) may be closed when a user's command to discharge hot water is entered.

[0074] A heater unit may be further provided on the first Euro (140). Water is introduced into the heater unit, and the introduced water is heated to a certain temperature and then discharged. The heater unit can be operated when a user's command to discharge hot water is input.

[0075] A cooler may be further provided on the first Euro (140). Water is introduced into the cooler, and the introduced water is cooled to a certain temperature and then discharged. The cooler can be operated when a user's command to discharge cold water is entered.

[0076] On the first Euro (140), a water inlet valve for receiving water into the heater section and a cold water inlet valve for receiving water into the cooler section may be additionally provided. As the opening and closing of the cold water inlet valve, the water inlet valve, and the cold water inlet valve (IV) are appropriately controlled, water, cold water, or hot water can be selectively discharged through the first outlet section (120).

[0077] The nutrient supply system (100) may include a cartridge section (130) and a third path (160) connected to a first path (140).

[0078] At this time, at a point (M) (see FIG. 2) of the third Euro (160), liquid nutrients discharged from the cartridge section (130) and cold water or purified water (hereinafter referred to as 'cold purified water') that has flowed through the first Euro (140) may be mixed.

[0079] The nutrient water supply system (100) may include a second water outlet (170) connected to the end of the third water path (160). As described above, the second water outlet (170) is configured to discharge nutrient water to the outside of the water outlet device (10). The second water outlet (170) may also be referred to as a nutrient water outlet (170) to correspond to its function. Meanwhile, the end of the second water outlet (170) is exposed to the outside of the water outlet device (10) through the lower surface of the first housing (200), thereby allowing a user to receive and consume nutrient water.

[0080] The third Euro (170) may include a nutrient water discharge valve (OV3) that controls the flow of nutrient water. When a user's command to discharge nutrient water is entered, the nutrient water discharge valve (OV3) is opened, and the nutrient water can be discharged to the outside of the discharge device (10) through the second discharge section (170). When a user's command to discharge purified water, cold water, or hot water instead of nutrient water is entered, the nutrient water discharge valve (OV3) is closed.

[0081] The nutrient supply system (100) may include a check valve (CV1) provided at the end of the first flow path (140). Here, the end where the check valve (CV1) is installed refers to the end on the side connected to the third flow path (160).

[0082] Referring to FIG. 2, one end of the first flow path (140) is connected to the filter section (110), and the other end of the first flow path (140) is connected to the check valve (CV1). At this time, the check valve (CV1) is installed so that water cannot flow in the direction of the third flow path (160) inside it. In other words, the flow of water in the direction toward the first flow path (140) is blocked inside the check valve (CV1).

[0083] That is, a check valve (CV1) is installed at the end of the first flow path (140), and the first flow path (140) and the third flow path (160) are separated by the check valve (CV1). Therefore, water from the first flow path (140) is allowed to flow into the third flow path (160), but liquid nutrients or nutrient water from the third flow path (160) are restricted from flowing into the first flow path (140).

[0084] Meanwhile, the second flow path (150) connected to the first outlet (120) branches off in the middle of the first flow path (140). Therefore, liquid nutrients and nutrient water cannot flow into the first flow path (140) and the second flow path (150) by means of the check valve (CV1). As a result, there is no concern that nutrients will be mixed into the purified water, cold water, or hot water provided to users who do not wish to consume nutrients.

[0085] In the case of conventional functional water dispensing devices in which water and nutrient water flow through a single channel and are discharged through a single outlet, users who consume water immediately after dispensing the nutrient water end up consuming water mixed with some liquid nutrients. This is not only hygienically undesirable but may also lead to serious health problems due to unintended ingestion.

[0086] On the other hand, according to an embodiment of the present invention, a first outlet (120) for discharging water that is not mixed with liquid nutrients and a second outlet (170) for discharging nutrient water that is mixed with liquid nutrients are provided as independent components.

[0087] In addition, the water flow path for discharging water without liquid nutrients and the water flow path for discharging nutrients are spatially separated into the second flow path (150) and the third flow path (160), respectively, and a check valve (CV1) is installed to prevent liquid nutrients from flowing from the third flow path (160) to the second flow path (150), thereby enabling more hygienic management of the water discharge device (10). Furthermore, users who need to be careful about nutrient intake can also consume water with peace of mind.

[0088] The nutrient supply system (100) may include check valves (CV2, CV3) installed to prevent liquid nutrients discharged through pumps (133, 134) from flowing back into cartridges (131, 132).

[0089] Check valves (CV2, CV3) are provided in the same number as pumps (133, 134) and can be installed on the third flow path (160). For convenience, the check valve (CV1) installed at the end of the first flow path (140) may be referred to as the first check valve (CV1), and the check valves (CV2, CV3) installed on the third flow path (160) may be referred to as the second check valve (CV2) and the third check valve (CV3).

[0090] Based on the flow direction of the liquid nutrients, the second check valve (CV2) and the third check valve (CV3) are connected to the rear of the pump (133, 134). Additionally, the second check valve (CV2) and the third check valve (CV3) block the flow of liquid nutrients within them toward the pump (133, 134) or the cartridge (131, 132). This prevents the liquid nutrients discharged from the cartridge (131, 132) from flowing back toward the cartridge (131, 132).

[0091] The nutrient supply system (100) may include a control unit (180).

[0092] The control unit (180) can perform the role of controlling the overall operation of the nutrient water supply system (100).

[0093] To this end, the control unit (180) may include all kinds of devices capable of processing data, such as a processor. Here, 'processor' may refer to a data processing device embedded in hardware having a physically structured circuit to perform a function expressed by code or instructions included in a program, for example. Examples of such data processing devices embedded in hardware may include a microprocessor, a central processing unit (CPU), a processor core, a multiprocessor, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a graphics processing unit (GPU), etc., but the scope of the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0094] Specifically, the control unit (180) can control the discharge of any one of purified water, cold water, hot water, and nutrient water according to a user command. To this end, the control unit (180) can control the operation of one or more of the cold purified water inlet valve (IV), cold purified water outlet valve (OV1), hot water outlet valve (OV2), nutrient water outlet valve (OV3), and pumps (133, 134).

[0095] As an example, the user may input a command to select a nutrient water discharge mode for discharging nutrient water using the input unit (220). At this time, the control unit (180) receives the command and can open the cold water inlet valve (IV) and the nutrient water discharge valve (OV3) to discharge nutrient water, and close the cold water discharge valve (OV1) and the hot water discharge valve (OV2).

[0096] As another example, the user may input a command to select a cold water dispensing mode or a purified water dispensing mode to dispense cold water or purified water using the input unit (220). At this time, the control unit (180) receives the command and can open the cold water inlet valve (IV) and the cold water outlet valve (OV1) and close the nutrient water outlet valve (OV3) and the hot water outlet valve (OV2) so that cold water or purified water is dispensed.

[0097] In addition to this, the control unit (180) can perform control corresponding to a user's command to select a hot water outlet mode.

[0098] Hereinafter, an example of the arrangement structure of the components of the nutrient supply system (100) will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 5.

[0099] FIG. 3 is a drawing for further explaining the flow path structure of a nutrient water supply system according to one embodiment of the present invention, showing the interior with the first housing removed, FIG. 4 is a drawing of the structure of FIG. 3 viewed from above, and FIG. 5 is a drawing of the structure of FIG. 3 viewed from below.

[0100] Referring to FIGS. 3 through 5, each cartridge (131, 132) may be arranged side by side along the width direction of the water outlet device (10). A pump (133, 134) connected to each cartridge (131, 132) is positioned at the rear of the cartridge (131, 132) and is connected to the cartridge (131, 132) through a third flow path (160). A first water outlet (120) and a second water outlet (170) are also positioned at the rear of the cartridge (131, 132). (See FIG. 5)

[0101] Meanwhile, all components of the cartridge section (130) and all fluid passages constituting the third fluid path (160) are arranged in the internal space of the first housing (200). At this time, the first water outlet section (120) and the second water outlet section (170) are also arranged in the internal space of the first housing (200).

[0102] In this way, through an arrangement structure in which the second discharge section (170), the cartridge section (130), and the third flow path (160) through which the nutrient water flows are all placed in the first housing (200), the path through which the nutrient water flows can be formed short. That is, since the liquid nutrients and nutrient water do not leave the first housing (200) and are discharged by moving only along a short path, the required flow path is short, and the pipe constituting the flow path can also be formed short, and consequently, there is an advantage that the overall size of the discharge device (10) does not increase.

[0103] In addition, by placing the cartridge (131, 132) on the front of the water outlet (120, 170), it is possible to implement the function of discharging nutrient water without increasing the height of the water outlet device (10).

[0104] FIG. 6 is a drawing illustrating the installation of a cartridge in a water discharge device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0105] Referring to FIG. 6, the first housing (200) may include a cartridge installation section (210) in which a space is formed for inserting a cartridge (131, 132). The cartridge installation section (210) may be positioned in front of the first water outlet (120) and the second water outlet (170). The cartridge installation section (210) may be formed as a space in which a portion of the upper surface of the first housing (210) is open. A user may insert the cartridge (131, 132) through the open upper surface of the first housing (200) to insert the cartridge (131, 132) into the cartridge installation section (210).

[0106] In a possible embodiment, when the cartridges (131, 132) are fully inserted, the upper surface of the cartridges (131, 132) may be exposed to the outside of the water dispensing device (10) to form a part of the upper surface of the water dispensing device (10). In another possible embodiment, a cover portion covering the upper surface of the cartridges (131, 132) may be further provided when the cartridges (131, 132) are fully inserted. In the embodiment provided with the cover portion, the cover portion must be opened or separated to allow for the removal of the cartridges (131, 132).

[0107] Through this structure, the cartridge (131, 132) can be easily detached, thereby improving the convenience of replacing the cartridge (131, 132).

[0108] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the flow of water in the dispensing mode of drinking water, not nutrient water, in a nutrient water supply system according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining in detail the flow of nutrient water in the dispensing mode of nutrient water and the process of mixing liquid nutrients with water in a nutrient water supply system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0109] First, referring to Fig. 7, the dispensing modes of drinking water (cold water, purified water, hot water) other than nutrient water will be explained.

[0110] In the purified water discharge mode or cold water discharge mode, the control unit (180) opens the cold purified water inlet valve (IV) and the cold purified water outlet valve (OV1). Then, purified water or cold water (cold water is further cooled by passing through a cooler) that has flowed through the first path (140) via the filter unit (110) passes through the cold purified water inlet valve (IV) and the cold purified water outlet valve (OV1) and is discharged to the outside of the discharge device (10) through the cold purified water outlet path (151) and the cold purified water outlet unit (121). At this time, the nutrient water outlet valve (OV3) is in a closed state.

[0111] In the hot water discharge mode, the control unit (180) opens the hot water discharge valve (OV2). Then, the hot water generated by heating the purified water in the heater unit passes through the hot water discharge valve (OV2) and is discharged to the outside of the discharge device (10) through the hot water discharge path (152) and the hot water discharge unit (122). At this time, the nutrient water discharge valve (OV3) is closed.

[0112] Meanwhile, in the purified water discharge mode, cold water discharge mode, and hot water discharge mode, water may flow into the third flow path (160), but since the nutrient water discharge valve (OV3) is closed, the nutrient water is not discharged through the second discharge section (170). In addition, once water has flowed into the third flow path (160), it cannot flow back into the first flow path (140) or the second flow path (150) by means of the first check valve (CV1), thus improving the hygiene and safety of drinking water (cold water, purified water, hot water) rather than nutrient water.

[0113] Next, the discharge mode of the nutrient water will be described with reference to Fig. 8.

[0114] In the nutrient water discharge mode, the control unit (180) opens the cold water inlet valve (IV) and the nutrient water discharge valve (OV3). The purified water or cold water (cold water is further cooled by passing through a cooler) that has flowed through the first flow path (140) via the filter unit (110) passes through the cold water inlet valve (IV) and the check valve (CV1) and flows into the third flow path (160). The control unit (180) controls at least one of the first pump (133) and the second pump (134) to discharge liquid nutrients from at least one of the first cartridge (131) and the second cartridge (132).

[0115] The discharged liquid nutrients and the incoming purified or cold water meet at a mixing point (M) on the third path (160) and are mixed to form nutrient water. The nutrient water thus generated flows along the third path, passes through the nutrient water discharge valve (OV3), and is discharged to the outside of the discharge device (10) through the second discharge section (170).

[0116] Meanwhile, as illustrated in FIG. 8, liquid nutrients and nutrient water cannot flow back into the first flow path (140) by means of the first check valve (CV1) and can only flow in the third flow path (160). Additionally, once purified water or cold water has entered the third flow path (160), it cannot return to the first flow path (140) by means of the first check valve (CV1).

[0117] Thus, liquid nutrients or water already mixed with liquid nutrients (nutrient water) can never flow into the first flow path (140), and the outlet path of the nutrient water and the outlet path of the drinking water that is not nutrient water can be completely separated.

[0118] FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating the control operation by section during the discharge of nutrient water when a user selects a nutrient water discharge mode in a nutrient water supply system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0119] The control unit (180) can control the cartridge unit (130) so that liquid nutrients are not discharged from the cartridge unit (130) from a second time point (t2), after a predetermined time has elapsed since the first time point (t1) when the discharge of nutrients begins through the second discharge unit (160), until a third time point (t3) when the discharge of nutrients is terminated.

[0120] More specifically, the control unit (180) can open the nutrient water discharge valve (OV3) so that nutrient water can be discharged when the user selects the nutrient water discharge mode. Through this, nutrient water is discharged through the second discharge unit (160). To generate nutrient water, the control unit (180) controls the pumps (133, 134) to discharge liquid nutrients from the cartridges (131, 132).

[0121] At this time, the time point for dispensing liquid nutrients (t1-1) may be the same as the first time point (t1) or may be separated by a certain time interval. If t1-1 and t1 are separated by a certain time interval, only water without liquid nutrients is dispensed from t1 to t1-1, and then nutrient water containing liquid nutrients is dispensed from t1-1. If t1-1 and t1 are the same, nutrient water containing liquid nutrients is dispensed from t1.

[0122] In addition, at this time, the liquid nutrient may be discharged continuously or periodically. When the liquid nutrient is discharged periodically, the operation of the pump (133, 134) may be controlled so that a predetermined amount of liquid nutrient is discharged at predetermined time intervals.

[0123] While the nutrient solution is being discharged, from the second point in time (t2), after a predetermined time has elapsed from the first point in time (t1), the control unit (180) may stop the operation of the pumps (133, 134) so ​​that the liquid nutrients are no longer mixed with the water. However, even at this time, the nutrient solution discharge valve (OV3) remains open. That is, from the second point in time (t2) onwards, water without the liquid nutrients mixed in is discharged through the second discharge unit (160).

[0124] The control unit (180) maintains the operation of the pumps (133, 134) from the second time point (t2) to the third time point (t3) and discharges only water, and closes the nutrient water discharge valve (OV3) so that the nutrient water discharge mode ends at the third time point (t3).

[0125] Thus, as the entire cycle of the nutrient water discharge mode proceeds, only water without liquid nutrients is discharged during a certain period in the latter part, so residual nutrients on the third flow path (160) can be washed away. Therefore, the third flow path (160) can be hygienically managed, and since the flow path is cleaned together during the nutrient water discharge mode cycle, a separate cleaning process is not required, thereby improving the convenience of managing the discharge device (10).

[0126] As described above, according to the present invention, nutrient water containing liquid nutrients or water not containing liquid nutrients can be dispensed according to the user's needs through a cartridge part equipped to store and discharge liquid nutrients.

[0127] In addition, the present invention enables hygienic management by configuring the device to dispense nutrient water containing liquid nutrients or water without liquid nutrients according to the user's needs, wherein the flow path for dispensing the nutrient water and the flow path for dispensing the water are completely spatially separated.

[0128] Furthermore, the present invention dispenses nutrient water containing liquid nutrients or water without liquid nutrients according to the user's needs. A cartridge part is disposed in a first housing containing a water dispensing part, and a flow path through which the liquid nutrients and nutrient water flow is disposed in the internal space of the first housing. This forms a short flow path for the nutrient water, and the overall size of the dispensing device does not increase, allowing it to maintain the form of a small appliance. Therefore, there is an advantage of efficient space arrangement from the user's perspective.

[0129] The foregoing description of the present invention is for illustrative purposes only, and those skilled in the art will understand that other specific forms can be easily modified without altering the technical spirit or essential features of the present invention. Therefore, the embodiments described above should be understood as illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. For example, each component described as a single unit may be implemented in a distributed manner, and components described as distributed may likewise be implemented in a combined form.

[0130] The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims set forth below rather than by the detailed description above, and all modifications or variations derived from the meaning and scope of the claims and equivalent concepts thereof should be interpreted as being included within the scope of the present invention. Explanation of the symbols

[0131] 10: Water outlet device 100: Nutrient supply system 110: Filter section 120: First outlet 121: Cold water outlet 122: Hot water outlet 130: Cartridge section 131,132: Cartridge 133,134: Pump 140: First Euro 150: 2nd Euro 151: Cold water outlet Euro 152: Hot water outlet path 160: 3rd Euro 170: Second outlet 180: Control unit CV1: First check valve CV2: Second check valve CV3: Third check valve IV1: Cold water inlet valve OV1: Cold water outlet valve OV2: Hot water outlet valve OV3: Nutrient water outlet valve 200: 1st Housing 210: Cartridge installation section 220: Input section 300: 2nd Housing 400: Stand

Claims

Claim 1 A nutrient water supply system for generating nutrient water containing liquid nutrients, comprising: a filter unit into which raw water flowing from outside the system flows and which purifies the raw water; a first outlet unit into which water discharged from the filter unit is discharged—the water being at least one of purified water, which is raw water purified through the filter unit; cold water cooled from the purified water; and hot water heated from the purified water; a cartridge unit into which the liquid nutrients are stored and discharged; a first flow path through which water discharged from the filter unit flows; a second flow path branched from the first flow path and connected to the first outlet unit; a third flow path connected to the cartridge unit and the first flow path, into which the liquid nutrients discharged from the cartridge unit and the cold water or purified water flowing through the first flow path are mixed; and a second outlet unit connected to the end of the third flow path and which discharges the nutrient water. Claim 2 A nutrient supply system according to claim 1, further comprising a check valve provided at the end of the first Euro connected to the third Euro. Claim 3 A nutrient water supply system according to paragraph 2, wherein one end of the first flow path is connected to the filter section and the other end of the first flow path is connected to the check valve, and inside the check valve, the flow of water toward the third flow path is blocked. Claim 4 A nutrient supply system according to claim 1, comprising a nutrient outlet valve provided in the third Euro and controlling the flow of the nutrient water. Claim 5 A nutrient supply system according to claim 1, wherein the cartridge portion comprises: at least one cartridge for storing the liquid nutrient; and a pump connected to the cartridge and pressurizing the cartridge for dispensing the liquid nutrient. Claim 6 A nutrient water supply system according to claim 1, further comprising a control unit that controls the output of any one of the purified water, cold water, hot water, and nutrient water according to a user command. Claim 7 In claim 6, the control unit controls the cartridge unit so that the liquid nutrient is not discharged from the cartridge unit from a second point in time after a predetermined time has elapsed since the first point in time when the discharge of the nutrient water begins through the second discharge unit, until a third point in time when the nutrient water discharge mode ends, when a nutrient water discharge mode for discharging the nutrient water according to a user command is selected. Claim 8 A water dispensing device for generating and supplying nutrient water containing liquid nutrients, comprising: a filter section into which raw water flows and a cartridge section for storing and dispensing the liquid nutrients, wherein a nutrient water supply system for generating nutrient water by mixing purified water or cold water cooled from the purified water and the liquid nutrients discharged from the cartridge section; a first housing that forms the front exterior of the water dispensing device and has the cartridge section provided in its internal space; and a second housing connected to the first housing that forms the rear exterior of the water dispensing device and has the filter section provided in its internal space; wherein the nutrient water supply system comprises a first dispensing section in which at least one of the purified water, the cold water, and hot water heated from the purified water is discharged to the outside of the water dispensing device, and a second dispensing section provided independently of the first dispensing section in which the nutrient water is discharged to the outside of the water dispensing device, wherein the first dispensing section and the second dispensing section are provided on the lower surface of the first housing. Claim 9 In claim 8, the cartridge unit comprises at least one cartridge for storing the liquid nutrient; and a pump connected to the cartridge and pressurizing the cartridge for dispensing the liquid nutrient, the dispensing device. Claim 10 In claim 9, the first housing includes a cartridge installation part in which a space is formed for inserting and installing the cartridge, and the cartridge installation part is positioned in front of the first water outlet and the second water outlet, forming a water outlet device. Claim 11 In item 10, the above cartridge is a water discharge device inserted into the cartridge installation part through the upper surface of the first housing. Claim 12 In claim 8, the above-mentioned nutrient water supply system comprises: a first flow path through which water discharged from the filter section flows; a second flow path branched from the first flow path and connected to the first water outlet section; and a third flow path connected to the cartridge section and the first flow path, through which liquid nutrients discharged from the cartridge section and cold water or purified water flowing through the first flow path are mixed. Claim 13 In paragraph 12, the third Euro is a water outlet device provided in the internal space of the first housing.

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