Faucet control device and method and faucet

Abstract

Disclosed are a faucet control apparatus and method and a faucet. The faucet control apparatus according to the present invention includes an input unit through which a user sets a desired amount and a desired temperature of water discharge, first and second water amount sensors that respectively measure the amounts of hot and cold water supplied from hot and cold water pipes, first and second temperature sensors that respectively measure the temperatures of hot and cold water supplied from the hot and cold water pipes, a heating water tank having a heater therein to initially heat hot water supplied from the hot pipe and store the heated hot water, a third temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of water in the heating water tank, a direct hot water supply pipe for supplying hot water from the hot pipe, an electronic valve for selectively mixing and discharging the heated hot water input from the heating water tank, hot water input from the direct hot water supply pipe, and cold water input from the cold water pipe, and a controller for controlling whether to drive the heater provided in the heating water tank based on the temperature of water in the heating water tank, and controlling the opening degree of the electronic valve such that the amount and temperature of water discharge become a target amount and a target temperature set to correspond to the desired amount and the desired temperature of water discharge set by the user.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a faucet control device and method, as well as a faucet capable of automatically adjusting temperature. Background Technology

[0002] A faucet installed in a sink, washbasin, etc., consists of a body configured to supply cold and hot water via cold and hot water pipes, and a control lever mounted on the body for connecting / disconnecting the water and selecting between cold and hot water. When the user holds and rotates the control lever or moves it up / down, they can stop or supply water and control the temperature of the supplied water. When the water flow is adjusted by opening / closing the control lever and both hot and cold water are supplied through a single faucet, the water temperature is adjusted by changing the rotation angle of the control lever.

[0003] In a standalone water supply system, the hot water supplied through taps is affected by the boiler's status. For example, when the boiler is operating at full capacity to ensure hot water, hot water is supplied simultaneously with tap operation; however, when the boiler operates for a short period, cold water is supplied initially and reaches the predetermined temperature as the hot water volume gradually increases. Meanwhile, a central water supply system is affected by factors such as the distance between the hot water supply source and the hot water user, external temperature, water pressure, and whether the household uses hot water.

[0004] Furthermore, when the internal temperature of the hot water tap is uneven, sometimes hot water may suddenly be supplied through the tap, or the water temperature may change simultaneously with the supply of hot water. Such rapid changes in hot water temperature can cause skin burns due to the high temperature, while a rapid drop in temperature can cause inconvenience to the user. Additionally, there is a problem where the water temperature changes even when the hot water supply pressure changes.

[0005] Relatedly, Korean Patent No. 10-1986942 discloses a faucet capable of automatically adjusting temperature, as well as a device and method for controlling the faucet. However, it has the following limitation: the faucet disclosed in this patent can only perform the target operation under conditions of sufficient power supply. That is, in Korea, for example, with a maximum power of approximately 5 kW in a home and a maximum power of approximately 3 kW in a household socket, heating 50 ml of water with a heater for 1 second can raise the temperature by approximately 12°C. Under these conditions, when the temperature of the hot water in the hot water pipe drops to 20°C, even if the control valve allows hot water to be discharged from the hot water pipe at a rate of 50 ml per second, the hot water temperature can still rise to 32°C within 1 second. The temperature is far lower than the user's desired temperature, thus making it difficult to achieve the intended target of the faucet. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Technical issues

[0007] One object of the present invention is to provide a faucet control device and method capable of automatically adjusting the temperature.

[0008] Furthermore, an object of the present invention is to provide a faucet control device and method that can automatically adjust the temperature to maintain a constant discharge temperature even if the supply pressure of hot or cold water changes.

[0009] Furthermore, one object of the present invention is to provide a faucet that can automatically adjust the temperature to maintain a constant discharge temperature even if the supply pressure of hot or cold water changes.

[0010] Technical solution

[0011] According to one aspect of the present invention, a faucet control device capable of automatically controlling temperature is provided.

[0012] According to one aspect of the present invention, a faucet control device is provided, comprising: an input unit that receives a desired water volume and a desired outlet water temperature set by a user; a first water volume sensor and a second water volume sensor, the first and second water volume sensors being installed in a hot water pipe and a cold water pipe respectively, and measuring the water volume of hot water and cold water respectively; a first temperature sensor and a second temperature sensor, the first and second temperature sensors being installed in the hot water pipe and the cold water pipe respectively, and measuring the temperature of hot water and cold water respectively; a heating water tank, the heating water tank including a heater and initially heating and storing hot water supplied from the hot water pipe; a third temperature sensor, the third temperature sensor measuring the temperature of water in the heating water tank; a heating module, the heating module including a heater and secondary heating and providing hot water supplied from the hot water pipe; and a distributor, the distributor... The device distributes hot water supplied from the hot water pipe to the heating tank and the heating module according to a preset ratio; a fourth temperature sensor measures the temperature of the mixed hot water from the initial heating of the hot water discharged from the heating tank and the secondary heating of the hot water discharged from the heating module; an automatic actuator valve module is installed at the hot and cold water outlets; and a controller controls whether to drive the heater installed in the heating tank based on the water temperature in the tank, and controls whether to drive the heating module and the automatic actuator valve module based on the water volume and the values ​​measured by the first to fourth temperature sensors, so that the water volume and outlet temperature are set as target water volume and target temperature corresponding to the desired water volume and desired outlet temperature set by the user.

[0013] Preferably, the input unit is an angle sensor that measures at least one of the horizontal rotation angle and the vertical rotation angle when the faucet knob is operated.

[0014] Preferably, the controller sets the maximum horizontal rotation angle of the faucet knob relative to the horizontal rotation reference point, sets the lowest point of the faucet knob relative to the vertical rotation reference point, and calculates the horizontal and vertical rotation angles of the faucet knob using the horizontal and vertical rotation reference points.

[0015] Preferably, the controller calculates the target water volume and target outlet water temperature corresponding to the stop position of the faucet knob, and controls the opening degree of the automatic actuator valve module based on the water pressure of hot and cold water, the calculated water volume of hot and cold water, and the temperature of hot and cold water, so that the outlet water volume and temperature become the target water volume and target temperature.

[0016] Preferably, the input unit is a wireless control device with wireless communication capabilities that sends the user-defined desired water volume and desired outlet water temperature to the controller.

[0017] Preferably, the input device is an input panel that receives and displays the user's desired water volume and desired outlet water temperature on its output device, and provides the desired water volume and desired outlet water temperature to the controller.

[0018] Preferably, the distributor distributes the hot water supplied from the hot water pipe to the heating tank and the heating module at a water volume ratio of 1:1 to 1:4.

[0019] Preferably, the automatic actuator module includes a first electronic valve and a second electronic valve installed at the outlets of hot water and cold water, respectively, and the controller uses the volume of heated hot water and cold water and the values ​​measured by the first temperature sensor to the fourth temperature sensor to control the opening degree of the first electronic valve and the second electronic valve.

[0020] Preferably, the automatic actuator valve module includes a third electronic valve that mixes and discharges the hot and cold water supplied from the hot and cold water outlets, and the controller controls the electronic valve based on the water volume of the hot and cold water and the values ​​measured by the first to fourth temperature sensors, such that the water volume and temperature of the outlet water become the target water volume and target temperature.

[0021] Preferably, when the hot water temperature measured by the first temperature sensor is higher than the target temperature of the outlet water, the controller uses the target water volume, hot water temperature, cold water temperature, hot water volume, and cold water volume to calculate the increase in cold water, sets the decrease in hot water volume based on the increase in cold water volume, and controls the opening degree of the automatic actuator valve module by reflecting the increase in cold water volume and the decrease in hot water volume.

[0022] Preferably, when the hot water temperature measured by the first temperature sensor is lower than the target outlet water temperature, the controller drives the heating module and controls the automatic valve module to prevent cold water from being discharged until the hot water temperature measured by the fourth temperature sensor reaches the target outlet water temperature corresponding to the user-set desired outlet water temperature; when the hot water volume is less than the target outlet water volume, the controller controls the automatic valve module to completely discharge the hot water; when the hot water volume is greater than the target outlet water volume, the controller controls the automatic valve module to make the outlet water volume the same as the target outlet water volume; when the hot water temperature measured by the first temperature sensor reaches the target outlet water temperature, the heating module is stopped; and the automatic valve module is controlled based on the hot and cold water volumes and the hot and cold water temperatures measured by the first and second temperature sensors to make the water volume and outlet water temperature the target water volume and target temperature.

[0023] Preferably, when both the hot and cold water volumes increase, the controller controls the opening of the automatic valve module to reduce the increased hot and cold water volumes to maintain the output water volume; when the hot water volume decreases, the controller controls the automatic valve module to reduce the cold water volume to maintain the output water temperature; when the cold water volume decreases, the controller controls the automatic valve module to reduce the hot water volume to maintain the output water temperature.

[0024] Preferably, when the hot water volume increases, the controller controls the automatic actuator valve module to increase the cold water volume by decreasing the hot water volume to maintain the outlet water volume, and drives the heating module in accordance with the outlet water temperature to maintain the outlet water temperature.

[0025] Preferably, when the water pressure of hot or cold water changes, the controller calculates the water temperature change based on the pressure change to control the opening degree of the automatic actuator valve module.

[0026] Preferably, the heating module is positioned between the distributor and the location where the initially heated hot water is discharged from the heating tank.

[0027] Preferably, the heating module consists of multiple heaters, and the heaters are driven sequentially or selectively from the heaters adjacent to the distributor.

[0028] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a faucet control device is provided, comprising: a heating tank that controls a heater therein and initially heats and stores hot water supplied from a hot water pipe; a mixer that supplies hot water supplied after initially heating water discharged from the heating tank and hot water supplied from the hot water pipe in a predetermined mixing ratio; a heating module that reheats and provides the mixed hot water supplied and discharged from the mixer; and an automatic actuator valve module installed at the outlets of hot and cold water. The faucet control device includes a processor and a memory connected to the processor, wherein the memory stores program commands that can be executed by controlling the automatic actuator valve module based on the water volume of hot and cold water and values ​​measured by a first temperature sensor to a fifth temperature sensor, such that the water volume and outlet water temperature are target water volume and target temperature set corresponding to desired water volume and desired temperature set by a user.

[0029] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a faucet control device is provided, comprising: an input unit that receives a desired water volume and a desired outlet water temperature set by a user; a first water volume sensor and a second water volume sensor, the first and second water volume sensors being installed in a hot water pipe and a cold water pipe, respectively measuring the water volume of hot water and cold water; a first temperature sensor and a second temperature sensor, the first and second temperature sensors being installed in the hot water pipe and the cold water pipe, respectively measuring the temperature of hot water and cold water; a heating water tank including a heater, which initially heats and stores hot water supplied from the hot water pipe; and a third temperature sensor, wherein... The system comprises: a third temperature sensor that measures the water temperature in the heating tank; a mixer that mixes initially heated hot water discharged from the heating tank with hot water supplied from the hot water pipe at a predetermined mixing ratio; a fourth sensor that measures the temperature of the heated hot water discharged from the mixer; a heating module that reheats and provides the mixed hot water supplied and discharged from the mixer; a fifth temperature sensor that measures the temperature of the reheated hot water discharged from the heating module; an automatic actuator valve module installed at the hot and cold water outlets; and a controller that controls whether to drive the heating tank based on the water temperature in the tank. The heater in the water tank is controlled based on the water temperature in the water tank to determine whether to drive the heater installed in the water tank, and based on the water volume of hot and cold water and the values ​​measured by the first to fifth temperature sensors to determine whether to drive the heating module and the opening of the automatic actuator valve, so that the water volume and outlet water temperature are the target water volume and target temperature set by the user. The controller adaptively controls the opening of the automatic actuator valve by monitoring the water volume and temperature of hot and cold water; (a) when the mixed hot water temperature measured by the fourth temperature sensor is lower than the target outlet water temperature, (a1) the controller drives the heating module and controls the automatic actuator valve module to drive the heater. The controller stops driving the heating module and controls the automatic actuator valve module to discharge cold water until the temperature of the hot water measured by the fifth temperature sensor reaches the target temperature of the outlet water. When the hot water volume is less than the target volume of the outlet water, the controller controls the automatic actuator valve module to discharge the hot water completely. When the hot water volume is greater than the target volume of the outlet water, the controller controls the automatic actuator valve module to make the outlet water volume the same as the target volume of the outlet water. (a2) When the hot water temperature measured by the fourth temperature sensor reaches the target temperature of the outlet water, the controller stops driving the heating module and controls the automatic actuator valve module based on the hot water and cold water volume and the hot water and cold water temperature measured by the fourth temperature sensor and the second temperature sensor to make the outlet water volume and temperature the target water volume and target temperature.(b) When the hot water temperature measured by the fourth temperature sensor is the target outlet temperature or higher, (b1) the controller controls the automatic actuator module based on the flow rates of hot and cold water and the temperatures of the heated hot and cold water, so that the outlet flow rate and temperature become the target flow rate and temperature. And when at least one of the hot and cold water flows changes such that the flow rate and outlet temperature are the same as the target flow rate and temperature, (b21) when both the hot and cold water flows increase, the controller decreases the hot and cold water flows, so that the outlet flow rate and temperature become the target outlet flow rate and temperature. (b22) When the hot water flow decreases, the controller controls the automatic actuator module to reduce the flow rate of cold water by the reduction in the flow rate of hot water, thereby achieving the target outlet temperature, or controls the automatic actuator module to increase the flow rate of cold water by the reduction in the flow rate of hot water and drive the heating module to raise the hot water temperature. (b23) When the cold water flow decreases, the controller controls the automatic actuator module to reduce the flow rate of hot water by the reduction in the flow rate of cold water.

[0030] According to another aspect of the present invention, a faucet control method capable of automatically controlling temperature is provided.

[0031] According to one aspect of this disclosure, a faucet control method includes: (a) receiving a desired temperature and volume of water from a user; (b) measuring the volumes of hot and cold water in hot and cold water pipes; (c) measuring the temperatures of hot and cold water in hot and cold water pipes; (d) calculating a target volume and target temperature of the water to be dispensed corresponding to the desired temperature and volume of the water from the user; (e) providing mixed hot water by mixing hot water in the hot water pipe with hot water in a heating tank storing hot water heated at a preset temperature; and (f) controlling an automatic actuator valve module installed at the outlet of the hot and cold water using the volume and temperature of the mixed hot and cold water, such that the temperature and volume of the water dispensed become the same as the target volume and target temperature of the water dispensed, wherein (f1) when the temperature of the mixed hot water is higher than the target temperature of the water dispensed, an increase in hot water is calculated using the target volume of the water dispensed, the temperature of the mixed hot water, the temperature of the cold water, the volume of the mixed hot water, and the volume of the cold water, and a decrease in the volume of the mixed hot water is set by the increase in the cold water, and the decrease in the volume of the mixed hot water is calculated by reflecting the increase in the cold water and the volume of the mixed hot water. The automatic actuator module is controlled by the reduction of the amount of water flow. (f2) When the temperature of the mixed hot water is lower than the target temperature of the outlet water, the mixed hot water is heated by the heating module set after the heating water tank until the target temperature of the outlet water is reached, and the automatic actuator module is controlled to prevent the cold water from being discharged. When the amount of heated hot water is less than the target amount of outlet water, the automatic actuator module is controlled to completely discharge the hot water. When the amount of hot water is greater than the target amount of outlet water, the automatic actuator module is controlled to make the amount of outlet water the same as the target amount of outlet water. (g1) When the amount of mixed hot water and cold water both increase, the opening of the automatic actuator module is controlled to reduce the amount of mixed hot water and cold water to maintain the amount of outlet water. (g2) When the amount of mixed hot water decreases, the automatic actuator module is controlled to reduce the amount of cold water to maintain the temperature of outlet water. (g3) When the amount of cold water decreases, the automatic actuator module is controlled to reduce the amount of mixed hot water to maintain the temperature of outlet water.

[0032] Preferably, when the volume of mixed hot water decreases, the automatic actuator module controls the cold water volume to increase the volume of hot water to maintain the output water volume, and the heating module heats the mixed hot water to make the output water temperature reach the target temperature.

[0033] Preferably, when the volume of hot or cold water changes, the opening degree of the automatic actuator valve module is controlled by calculating the temperature change of the water based on the change in volume.

[0034] Another preferred embodiment of the faucet control device according to the present invention includes: an input unit that receives a desired water volume and a desired water temperature set by a user; a first water volume sensor and a second water volume sensor that respectively measure the water volume of hot water supplied from a hot water pipe and a cold water pipe; a first temperature sensor and a second temperature sensor that measure the temperature of the hot water supplied from the hot water pipe and the cold water pipe; a heating tank that includes a heater, the heating tank heating and storing hot water supplied from the hot water pipe, and supplying heated hot water to the faucet when the user uses the faucet; a third temperature sensor that measures the water temperature in the heating tank; and a direct hot water pipe. The system includes: a direct hot water pipe supplying hot water from the hot water pipe to the faucet; a distributor distributing the hot water from the hot water pipe to the heating tank and the direct hot water pipe according to a preset ratio; an electronic valve supplying water to the faucet at a desired flow rate and temperature input by the user by mixing heated hot water from the heating tank, hot water from the direct hot water pipe, and cold water from the cold water pipe through a drain pipe; a fourth temperature sensor measuring the temperature of the water supplied through the drain pipe of the electronic valve; and a controller controlling whether to activate the heater installed in the heating tank based on the water temperature in the tank, and controlling the opening of the electronic valve so that the flow rate and temperature of the water become the target flow rate and temperature corresponding to the desired flow rate and temperature set by the user.

[0035] Preferably, the electronic valve includes: a hose having a cylindrical receiving space inside; a first inlet pipe receiving heated hot water supplied from a heating tank and providing it to the receiving space; a second inlet pipe receiving hot water supplied from a direct hot water pipe and providing it to the receiving space; a third inlet pipe receiving cold water supplied from a cold water pipe and providing it to the receiving space; a drain pipe for discharging water to a faucet; a switch inserted into the cylindrical receiving space to be movable in the longitudinal direction of the housing and determining the opening degree of one or both inlet pipes from the first to the third inlet pipe according to their position in the receiving space; a motor controlled by a controller to rotate; and a shaft mechanically connecting the motor and the switch and converting the rotational motion of the motor into the linear motion of the switch.

[0036] Preferably, the faucet control device further includes a second electronic valve, which is installed between the faucet and the electronic valve and supplies water input from the electronic valve to the faucet. The controller controls the second electronic valve so that the amount of water input through the discharge pipe of the electronic valve corresponds to the target amount of water output.

[0037] Preferably, within the accommodating space, the position of the switch is determined according to the rotation direction and amount of the motor, within a first movement range where the opening ratio of the first inlet pipe and the second inlet pipe is determined to be 1:0 to 0:1, a second movement range where the opening ratio of the second inlet pipe and the third inlet pipe is determined to be 1:0 to 0:1, and a third movement range where the opening ratio of the first inlet pipe and the third inlet pipe is determined to be 1:0 to 0:1.

[0038] Preferably, the controller determines the switch position by controlling the rotation direction and amount of rotation of the motor based on the measured values ​​of the first to third temperature sensors, wherein: i) when the difference between the measured value of the first temperature sensor and the measured value of the third temperature sensor is below a preset first reference error and the target temperature is above the measured value of the first temperature sensor, the switch position is determined within a first movement range; ii) when the difference between the measured value of the first temperature sensor and the measured value of the third temperature sensor is below a preset first reference error and the target temperature is below the measured value of the first temperature sensor, the switch position is determined within a second movement range; iii) when the difference between the measured value of the first temperature sensor and the measured value of the third temperature sensor is below a preset first reference error and the target temperature is below the measured value of the first temperature sensor, the switch position is determined within a second movement range; When the difference between the measured values ​​of the first and third temperature sensors is greater than the first reference error and the measured value of the third temperature sensor is higher than the measured value of the first temperature sensor, the position of the switch is determined within the first movement range when the target temperature is above the measured value of the first temperature sensor, the position of the switch is determined within the second movement range when the target temperature is below the measured value of the first temperature sensor, and the position of the switch is determined within the third movement range from the time point when the target temperature becomes higher than the measured value of the first temperature sensor; iv) when the difference between the measured value of the first temperature sensor and the measured value of the third temperature sensor is greater than the preset first reference error and the measured value of the third temperature sensor is lower than the measured value of the first temperature sensor, the position of the switch is determined within the third movement range.

[0039] Preferably, the controller calculates the amount of remaining hot water in the hot water pipe from the hot water supply location to the faucet based on the hot water supply amount measured by the first water flow sensor, the cold water supply amount measured by the second water flow sensor, the measured values ​​measured by the first temperature sensor to the third temperature sensor, and the target temperature and target water volume of the outlet water; and based on the amount of remaining hot water, if it determines that the measured value measured by the fourth temperature sensor cannot be maintained above the target temperature of the outlet water until the remaining hot water is completely used, the heater installed in the heating water tank is activated.

[0040] Preferably, a heater is installed at the direct hot water pipe, and the controller calculates the amount of remaining hot water in the hot water pipe from the hot water supply location to the faucet based on the hot water supply amount measured by the first water flow sensor, the cold water supply amount measured by the second water flow sensor, the measured values ​​measured by the first temperature sensor to the third temperature sensor, and the target temperature and target water volume of the outlet water; and based on the amount of remaining hot water, if it is determined that the measured value measured by the fourth temperature sensor cannot be maintained above the target temperature of the outlet water until the remaining hot water is fully used, at least one of the heater installed in the heating water tank and the heater installed in the direct hot water pipe is activated.

[0041] Preferably, when the difference between the measured value of the fourth temperature sensor and the target temperature of the outlet water is greater than or equal to the second reference error, the controller controls the electronic valve to change the mixing ratio of heated hot water supplied through the heating water tank and hot water supplied through the direct hot water pipe, the mixing ratio of heated hot water supplied through the heating water tank and cold water supplied through the cold water tank, or the mixing ratio of hot water supplied through the direct hot water pipe and cold water supplied through the cold water pipe, so that the difference between the measured value of the fourth temperature sensor and the target temperature of the outlet water becomes less than or equal to the second reference error.

[0042] Preferably, a heat-insulating device is provided between the distributor and the heating water tank.

[0043] Preferably, the blocking device is a one-way valve.

[0044] Preferably, a pressure sensor is installed on the heating water tank to measure the pressure inside the heating water tank. When the pressure inside the heating water tank reaches the preset reference pressure, the controller drives the electronic valve to connect the first inlet pipe and the third inlet pipe to remove the pressure in the heating water tank.

[0045] Preferably, whenever the measured value obtained by the third temperature sensor increases by a preset reference temperature, the controller removes the pressure in the heating water tank by connecting the first inlet pipe and the third inlet pipe.

[0046] Preferably, the controller determines the position of the switch by controlling the rotation direction and amount of rotation of the motor based on the measured values ​​of the first to third temperature sensors, wherein: i) when the difference between the measured value of the first temperature sensor and the measured value of the third temperature sensor is below a preset first reference error and the target temperature is above the measured value of the first temperature sensor, the position of the switch is determined within a first movement range; ii) when the difference between the measured value of the first temperature sensor and the measured value of the third temperature sensor is below a preset first reference error and the target temperature is below the measured value of the first temperature sensor, the position of the switch is determined within a second movement range; iii) when the difference between the measured value of the first temperature sensor and the measured value of the third temperature sensor is greater than the first reference error, and the measured value of the first temperature sensor is above the target temperature, the position of the switch is determined within a third movement range, and the measured value of the first temperature sensor is below the target temperature, the position of the switch is determined within the first movement range.

[0047] Preferably, the controller calculates the heating temperature of the hot water supplied to the faucet based on the amount of residual hot water in the hot water pipe connecting the hot water supply location and the faucet, the capacity of the heating tank, the measurement value of the first temperature sensor, the measurement value of the third temperature sensor, the supply amount of residual hot water, and the minimum supply temperature set for the outlet water; and determines whether to drive the heater installed in the heating tank based on the calculated heating temperature and the measurement value of the third temperature sensor.

[0048] Preferably, the electronic valve includes: a first inlet pipe receiving hot water supplied from a heating tank and hot water supplied from a direct hot water pipe mixed in a preset volume ratio; a second inlet pipe receiving cold water supplied from a cold water pipe; a drain pipe for discharging water to a faucet; a switch determining the mixing ratio of the hot water input from the first inlet pipe and the cold water input from the second inlet pipe, and supplying water to the drain pipe; a motor controlled by a controller to rotate; and an actuation module mechanically connecting the motor to the switch and determining the mixing ratio of the hot water and cold water based on the switch in correspondence with the rotational movement of the motor.

[0049] Preferably, the faucet control device further includes a second electronic valve, which is installed between the faucet and the electronic valve and supplies water input from the electronic valve to the faucet. The controller controls the second electronic valve so that the amount of water input through the discharge pipe of the electronic valve corresponds to the target amount of water output.

[0050] Preferably, the controller calculates the amount of remaining hot water in the hot water pipe from the hot water supply location to the faucet based on the hot water supply amount measured by the first water flow sensor, the cold water supply amount measured by the second water flow sensor, the measured values ​​measured by the first temperature sensor to the third temperature sensor, and the target temperature and target water volume of the outlet water; and based on the amount of remaining hot water, if it determines that the measured value measured by the fourth temperature sensor cannot be maintained above the target temperature of the outlet water until the remaining hot water is completely used, the heater installed in the heating water tank is activated.

[0051] Preferably, a heater is installed at the direct hot water pipe, and the controller calculates the amount of remaining hot water in the hot water pipe from the hot water supply location to the faucet based on the hot water supply measured by the first water flow sensor, the cold water supply measured by the second water flow sensor, the measured values ​​measured by the first to third temperature sensors, and the target temperature and target water volume of the outlet water; and based on the amount of remaining hot water, if it is determined that the measured value measured by the fourth temperature sensor cannot be maintained above the target temperature of the outlet water until the remaining hot water is fully used, at least one of the heater installed in the heating water tank and the heater installed in the direct hot water pipe is activated.

[0052] Preferably, when the difference between the measured value of the fourth temperature sensor and the target temperature of the outlet water is greater than or equal to a preset second reference error, the controller changes the mixing ratio of heated hot water and cold water by controlling the electronic valve, so that the difference between the measured value of the fourth temperature sensor and the target temperature of the outlet water becomes less than or equal to the preset second reference error.

[0053] Preferably, a heat-insulating device is provided between the distributor and the heating water tank.

[0054] Preferably, the blocking device is a one-way valve.

[0055] Preferably, a pressure sensor is installed on the heating water tank to measure the pressure in the heating water tank. When the pressure in the heating water tank reaches the preset reference pressure, the controller drives the electronic valve to connect the first inlet pipe and the second inlet pipe to remove the pressure in the heating water tank.

[0056] Preferably, whenever the measured value obtained by the third temperature sensor increases by a preset reference temperature, the controller removes the pressure in the heated water tank by connecting the first inlet pipe and the second inlet pipe.

[0057] Preferably, the controller calculates the heating temperature of the hot water supplied to the faucet from the hot water supply pipe, based on the amount of residual hot water in the hot water pipe connecting the hot water supply location and the faucet, the capacity of the heating tank, the measurement values ​​of the first temperature sensor, the second temperature sensor, the third temperature sensor, the amount of residual hot water supplied, and the minimum supply temperature set for the outlet water; and determines whether to drive the heater installed in the heating tank based on the calculated heating temperature and the measurement value of the third temperature sensor.

[0058] Preferably, the electronic valve includes: a first electronic valve having a first input pipe for receiving heated hot water from a heating tank and a second input pipe for receiving residual hot water from a direct hot water pipe, and responding to a control signal from a controller to mix the heated hot water and the residual hot water at a volume ratio of 1:0 to 0:1 and output them; a second electronic valve regulating the discharge rate of heated hot water input from the output pipe of the first electronic valve and discharging the heated hot water to a faucet; and a third electronic valve regulating the discharge rate of cold water input from a cold water pipe and outputting cold water to a faucet.

[0059] Preferably, the controller controls the opening of the first electronic valve so that the temperature of the heated hot water output from the electronic valve becomes the target temperature of the outlet water until the temperature of the hot water supplied from the hot water pipe, as measured by the first temperature sensor, becomes the maximum supply temperature. At this point, the controller controls the third electronic valve to close so that cold water is not discharged into the faucet. The controller also controls the opening of the second electronic valve so that the amount of heated hot water supplied from the second electronic valve to the faucet becomes the target amount of outlet water. When the temperature of the hot water supplied from the hot water pipe, as measured by the first temperature sensor, becomes the maximum supply temperature, the controller controls the opening of the second and third electronic valves in accordance with the target temperature and the target amount of outlet water.

[0060] Preferably, the controller calculates the amount of remaining hot water in the hot water pipe from the hot water supply location to the faucet based on the hot water supply amount measured by the first water flow sensor, the cold water supply amount measured by the second water flow sensor, the measured values ​​measured by the first to third temperature sensors, and the target temperature and target water volume of the outlet water; and based on the amount of remaining hot water, if it determines that the measured value measured by the fourth temperature sensor cannot be maintained above the target temperature of the outlet water until the remaining hot water is completely used, the heater installed in the heating water tank is activated.

[0061] Preferably, a heater is installed at the direct hot water pipe, and the controller calculates the amount of remaining hot water in the hot water pipe from the hot water supply location to the faucet based on the hot water supply measured by the first water flow sensor, the cold water supply measured by the second water flow sensor, the measured values ​​measured by the first to third temperature sensors, and the target temperature and target water volume of the outlet water; and based on the amount of remaining hot water, if it is determined that the measured value measured by the fourth temperature sensor cannot be maintained above the target temperature of the outlet water until the remaining hot water is fully used, at least one of the heater installed in the heating water tank and the heater installed in the direct hot water pipe is activated.

[0062] Preferably, when the difference between the measured value of the fourth temperature sensor and the target temperature of the outlet water is above the preset second reference error, the controller changes the mixing ratio of hot water and cold water by controlling the electronic valve, so that the difference between the measured value of the fourth temperature sensor and the target temperature of the outlet water becomes below the preset second reference error.

[0063] Preferably, a pressure sensor is installed on the heating water tank to measure the pressure inside the heating water tank. When the pressure inside the heating water tank reaches a preset reference pressure, the controller drives an electronic valve to connect the first inlet pipe and the second inlet pipe to remove the pressure inside the heating water tank.

[0064] Preferably, whenever the measured value obtained by the third temperature sensor increases by a preset reference temperature, the controller removes the pressure in the heating water tank by connecting the first inlet pipe and the second inlet pipe.

[0065] Preferably, the controller calculates the heating temperature of the hot water supplied to the faucet from the hot water supply pipe, based on the amount of residual hot water in the hot water pipe connecting the hot water supply location and the faucet, the capacity of the heating tank, the measurement values ​​of the first temperature sensor, the second temperature sensor, the third temperature sensor, the amount of residual hot water supplied, and the minimum supply temperature set for the outlet water; and determines whether to drive the heater installed in the heating tank based on the calculated heating temperature and the measurement value of the third temperature sensor.

[0066] Beneficial effects

[0067] A faucet control device and method, as well as a faucet, are provided according to embodiments of the present invention, which can automatically adjust the discharge temperature to maintain a constant even if the supply pressure of hot or cold water changes. Attached Figure Description

[0068] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating the structure of a faucet control device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0069] Figure 2This is a diagram showing the horizontal and vertical rotation angles of a faucet knob according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0070] Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating a faucet control method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0071] Figure 4 and Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for controlling a valve using a faucet control device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0072] Figure 6 This is a diagram illustrating an electronic valve according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0073] Figure 7 This is a diagram showing the main parts of an electronic valve according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0074] Figure 8 This is a diagram illustrating an example of controlling the volume of hot and cold water according to the rotation of an electronic valve, based on an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0075] Figures 9 to 12 This is a diagram illustrating the structure of a faucet control device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0076] Figure 13 This is a diagram illustrating how the controller drives the heater based on measurements from a first temperature sensor and a third temperature sensor when the faucet is not in use.

[0077] Figure 14 This is a diagram illustrating a method of driving the heater, executed by a controller based on the minimum supply temperature of the mixed hot water, the maximum temperature of the heated hot water, and the distribution ratio of hot water to the direct hot water pipe and the heated water tank.

[0078] Figure 15 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for correcting the opening degree of an electronic valve based on the time point at which the faucet is used.

[0079] Figure 16 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for correcting the opening of an electronic valve when the flow rate of hot water supplied from a hot water pipe or cold water supplied from a cold water pipe changes.

[0080] Figure 17 This is a diagram illustrating the structure of a faucet control device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0081] Figure 18 This is a diagram illustrating an example of an electronic device used in an embodiment.

[0082] Figure 19 This is a diagram showing a switch installed in an electronic valve.

[0083] Figure 20 This is a diagram showing the position of the switch installed in the electronic valve corresponding to the case of heating only hot water or supplying only heated hot water.

[0084] Figure 21 This is a diagram showing the location of the switch installed in the electronic valve corresponding to the case of supplying only hot water or only cold water.

[0085] Figure 22 This diagram shows the positions of the switches installed in the electronic valves corresponding to situations where only cold water is supplied, cold water and hot water are mixed and supplied in equal parts, or the water supply is stopped.

[0086] Figure 23 This is a diagram showing the distance between the positions of the switches installed in the electronic valve when only cold water is supplied and when only hot water is supplied.

[0087] Figure 24 This is a diagram showing the maximum range of switches installed in an electronic valve.

[0088] Figure 25 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a photoelectric sensor installed in an electronic valve to set the initial position of the switch.

[0089] Figure 26 This shows when using Figure 18 The diagram shown illustrates the control method for the heater inside the water tank using an electronic valve.

[0090] Figure 27 It is shown that by using the installation of Figure 17 The diagram illustrates an embodiment where a specific electronic valve between the electronic valve and the faucet regulates the flow rate of water to provide a target water volume to the faucet.

[0091] Figure 28 This is a diagram showing an example of a cartridge used in an electronic valve.

[0092] Figure 29 This is a diagram showing another example of the spindle used in an electronic valve.

[0093] Figure 30 This is a diagram illustrating the structure of a faucet control device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0094] Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular forms used herein are intended to include the plural forms. In this specification, terms such as “configuration,” “comprising,” etc., should not be construed as necessarily including all the components or steps described herein, some of which may be excluded, or may further include additional components or steps. Furthermore, terms such as “component,” “module,” etc., indicate a unit for performing at least one function or operation, and can be implemented by hardware or software, or by a combination of hardware and software. Exemplary embodiments of the invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0095] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating the structure of a faucet control device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0096] refer to Figure 1 According to an embodiment of the present invention, a faucet control device 100 includes a temperature / water volume setter 105, a plurality of water volume sensors 110a and 110b, a plurality of temperature sensors 120a to 120d, a plurality of electronic valves 130a, 130b and 130c, a directional control valve 130d, a heating water tank 140, a heating module 145, and a controller 150.

[0097] The temperature / water volume setter 105 is a component through which the user sets the desired water volume and desired temperature. Figure 1 The temperature / water volume setter 105 shown is a rotation sensor combined with a standard faucet knob 3. The rotation sensor is a component used to measure the horizontal and vertical rotation angles of the faucet knob 3. For example, the faucet control device 100 can detect the stop position of the faucet knob 3 based on its previous stop position (the horizontal and vertical rotation amount at the previous end time of operation) and the current movement (horizontal and vertical rotation amount).

[0098] refer to Figure 2 Regarding the horizontal rotation of faucet knob 3, assume that the angle when faucet knob 3 rotates to the left to its maximum extent is 0°, and the angle θ when faucet knob 3 rotates to the right to its maximum extent is... Hmax °. Under this assumption, when the faucet knob 3 is in the center, the angle of the faucet knob 3 is 0.5θ. Hmax °. That is, when the horizontal rotation angle of the faucet knob 3 is between 0° and 90°, and when the faucet knob 3 is in the center, the angle is 45°. Furthermore, for the vertical rotation angle of the faucet knob 3, the angle when the faucet knob 3 is at its lowest point is set to 0°, and the angle when the faucet knob 3 is at its highest point (top) is set to θ. Vmax °. For example, the vertical rotation of the faucet knob 3 can be set to a range of 0° to 45°.

[0099] When calculating the stop position based on the previous stop position and the current movement of the faucet knob 3, there is a problem that the error gradually increases over time. Therefore, the faucet control device 100 adjusts the intermediate angle (0.5θ) Hmax The horizontal reference angle (°) is set as the horizontal rotation angle of the faucet knob 3, and the vertical reference angle (0° at the bottom of the faucet knob 3) is set as the vertical rotation angle. Then, the movement of the faucet knob is initialized when the faucet knob 3 is at the horizontal and vertical reference angles. In addition, the vertical and horizontal rotation of the faucet knob 3 can be measured based on the initial movement of the faucet knob 3 to calculate the current rotation of the faucet knob 3, thereby minimizing the error.

[0100] In addition, the faucet control device 100 can determine the final position as the stopping position detected after a predetermined time (e.g., 1 second) has elapsed after the faucet knob 3 stops.

[0101] As described above, the faucet control device 100 calculates the user's desired water temperature and volume by measuring the horizontal and vertical rotation angles of the faucet knob 3.

[0102] Meanwhile, various types of input devices can be used as temperature / water volume setters 105. For example, when the hot water knob and cold water knob are separate, the user's desired water temperature and volume can be obtained by measuring the amount of rotation of the hot water knob and cold water knob. In addition, the desired temperature and volume can be received from the user via a touch panel, and when the faucet control device 100 is equipped with a communication module, the desired water temperature and volume can also be received from the user via a smartphone, wireless controller, etc.

[0103] Water flow sensors 110a and 110b measure the flow rates of hot and cold water flowing in hot water pipe 1 and cold water pipe 2, respectively. In the following description, water flow sensor 110a installed in hot water pipe 1 is referred to as the first water flow sensor, and water flow sensor 110b installed in cold water pipe 2 is referred to as the second water flow sensor. Pressure sensors can also be used instead of water flow sensors 110a and 110b to measure the flow rates of hot and cold water. By installing pressure sensors in each of hot water pipe 1 and cold water pipe 2 instead of water flow sensors, the water pressure in hot water pipe 1 and cold water pipe 2 is measured respectively. Hereinafter, the pressure sensor installed in hot water pipe 1 is referred to as the first pressure sensor, and the pressure sensor installed in cold water pipe 2 is referred to as the second pressure sensor. The first and second pressure sensors measure the water pressure in hot water pipe 1 and cold water pipe 2, respectively, and output the measured values ​​(hereinafter referred to as measured values) to controller 150.

[0104] Temperature sensors 120a to 120d are respectively installed in hot water pipe 1, cold water pipe 2, heating water tank 140, and hot water pipe that is finally connected to the faucet.

[0105] A first temperature sensor 120a is installed at the hot water inlet through which hot water flows in and measures the temperature of the hot water supplied through the hot water pipe 1 (hereinafter referred to as the "initial hot water temperature"). A second temperature sensor 120b is installed in the cold water pipe 2 and measures the temperature of the cold water supplied through the cold water pipe 2 (hereinafter referred to as the "cold water temperature"). The initial hot water temperature and cold water temperature measured by the first temperature sensor 120a and the second temperature sensor 120b, respectively, are output to the controller 150.

[0106] The third temperature sensor 120c measures the temperature of the water in the heating tank 140. The heating tank 140 contains a heater 140a, which initially heats and maintains the hot water supplied from the hot water pipe 1. As mentioned above, when the maximum power of the household is limited, it may be difficult to raise the temperature of the hot water using only the heating module 145. That is, when the maximum allowable power of a particular electronic product is 3kW, a 3kW heater can be used to raise the temperature of 50ml of hot water to approximately 12°C per second. In this case, if the initial hot water temperature is 20°C, the hot water temperature can be raised to 32°C using only the heating module 145. Therefore, there is a problem that when the user sets the desired temperature to 40°C, the water may not be supplied at the user's desired temperature. Furthermore, even if the user's desired temperature is 32°C, the hot water temperature rises slowly when only the heating module 145 is used, thus requiring a waiting time until the outlet water temperature reaches 32°C.

[0107] These problems can be solved by using a heated water tank 140. When the faucet is not in use (the user is not using water), the heater 140a (hereinafter referred to as the "first heater") installed in the heated water tank 140 is activated to heat the water in the heated water tank 140 to a preset first temperature (e.g., 80°C). If the water temperature in the heated water tank 140 reaches the first temperature, the controller 150 stops the operation of the first heater 140a. In this state, when the water temperature in the heated water tank 140 drops to a preset second temperature (e.g., 40°C), the controller 150 activates the first heater 140a again, thereby repeating the operation of heating the water in the heated water tank 140 to the preset first temperature (e.g., 80°C). The first and second temperatures are determined based on the amount of hot water remaining in the pipe from the initial inflow point of the hot water (the location where the hot water is diverted from the central pipe to the household when supplied by a district heating company, and the hot water outlet point of the boiler installed in the household when heating is provided separately) to the tap 3, the initial hot water temperature, the capacity of the heating tank 140, the amount of hot and cold water, and the capacity of the first heater 140a, etc. In this case, it is advantageous to set the first temperature as high as possible to ensure the desired outlet water temperature, but preferably, considering the possibility of the user being scalded, the heat resistance of the heating tank 140, etc., the first temperature is set to below 100°C if possible. Meanwhile, although... Figure 1 Only one heater is installed in the heating water tank 140, but multiple heaters can be installed in the heating water tank 140.

[0108] The first heater 140a installed in the heating water tank 140 can be controlled to be activated when the faucet is not operated. Whether to activate the first heater 140a can be determined based on factors such as the remaining hot water volume in the pipe from the initial hot water inflow point to the faucet 3, the initial hot water temperature, the cold water temperature, the capacity of the heating water tank 140, the user-set desired outlet water temperature and volume, the hot and cold water volumes, the capacity of the first heater 140a, and the capacity of the second heater 140b installed in the heating module 145. Furthermore, the capacity of the first heater 140a can be largely determined based on the capacity of the heating water tank 140 and the initial hot water temperature. For example, when the capacity of the heating water tank 140 is 1L, the capacity of the first heater 140a only needs to be 503W to raise the temperature from 20°C to 80°C in 10 minutes. As described above, the initially heated hot water, heated at a first temperature, is held in the heating tank 140. The controller 150 controls the first electronic valve 130a in accordance with the user's operation on the faucet 1, so that the initially heated hot water is supplied from the heating tank 140 to the faucet 3.

[0109] When faucet 3 is not in use, the first electronic valve 130a is closed to prevent heated hot water from the heating tank 140 from being supplied to the second electronic valve 130b. Conversely, when faucet 3 is in use, the first electronic valve 130a is controlled to allow heated hot water from the heating tank 140 to flow to the second electronic valve 130b. The distribution ratio of hot water supplied through hot water pipe 1 to the heating tank 140 and the heating module 145 depends on the opening degree of the first electronic valve 130a. That is, when the first electronic valve 130a is fully open, the hot water supplied through hot water pipe 1 is distributed to the heating tank 140 and the heating module 145 in a 1:1 ratio. A more detailed description of the controller 150's control operation of the first electronic valve 130a will follow.

[0110] Simultaneously, the hot water distribution ratio can be set by appropriately determining the inner diameter of the pipe branching from hot water pipe 1 to heating water tank 140 and the inner diameter of the pipe branching from hot water pipe 1 to heating module 145. In this case, it is preferable to set the distribution ratio of hot water flowing from hot water pipe 1 to heating water tank 140 and heating module 145 in the range of 1:1 to 1:4. In this case, it is preferable to install a directional control valve 130d at the hot water inlet of heating water tank 140, which allows hot water to flow only from hot water pipe 1 to heating water tank 140, to prevent heat from the hot water being heated in heating water tank 140 from being transferred to hot water pipe 1 and heating module 145. However, when the directional control valve 130d is installed at the hot water inlet of heating water tank 140, there is a problem that heat is continuously transferred from heating water tank 140 because the pipes leading to hot water outlet of heating water tank 140, heating module 145 and hot water pipe 1 are interconnected. This could lead to energy waste because the remaining hot water in hot water pipe 1, the hot water supplied to heating tank 140, and the hot water in heating module 145 are all heated by the first heater 140a installed in heating tank 140. Therefore, in this case, it is preferable to also install a directional control valve at the drain point of heating module 145. Alternatively, this problem can be solved by installing a directional control valve before the branch pipe connected to hot water pipe 1 is installed to the heating tank 140 and heating module 145. With this configuration, heating tank 140 and heating module 145 are thermally isolated from hot water pipe 1 by the directional control valve and the first electronic valve 130a, so the first heater 140a installed in heating tank 140 only heats the hot water supplied to heating tank 140 and the hot water in heating module 145.

[0111] In contrast, by installing a fourth electronic valve (not shown) at the location where hot water supplied through the hot water pipe 1 flows to the heating tank 140 and the heating module 145, hot water can be distributed to the heating tank 140 and the heating module 145 at a preset ratio (e.g., a volume ratio of 1:2 for hot water distributed to the heating tank 140 and the heating module 145). This distribution ratio is determined based on the remaining amount of hot water in the pipe from the initial inflow point of the hot water to the faucet 3, the initial hot water temperature, the capacity of the heating tank 140, the desired outlet water temperature and desired water volume set by the user, the water volume of hot and cold water, the capacity of the first heater 140a, the capacity of the second heater 140b installed in the heating module 145, etc. In this case, the fourth electronic valve is a selectively applied component.

[0112] Simultaneously, the fourth electronic valve is controlled so that hot water supplied through the hot water pipe 1 flows into the heating module 145 when the faucet 3 is not in use. Furthermore, the fourth electronic valve is controlled so that when the faucet 3 is in use, the hot water supplied through the hot water pipe 1 is distributed to the heating tank 140 and the heating module 145 at a preset ratio. Therefore, preferably, heat transfer from the heated hot water in the heating tank 140 to the hot water pipe 1 and the heating module 145 is prevented when the user is not using the faucet 3.

[0113] The heating module 145 reheats the hot water flowing into it and supplies the reheated hot water to the second electronic valve 130b. Although in Figure 1The heating module 1450 is equipped with one second heater 140b, but multiple heaters can be installed at the heating module 145. When multiple second heaters 140b are provided, the controller 150 can control the multiple second heaters 140b to be driven sequentially or selectively and to raise the temperature along the water supply pipe. Furthermore, the multiple second heaters 140b can be individually configured in a single device and can be installed in multiple separate heating modules 145. When multiple second heaters 140b are provided, preferably, the temperature of the hot water is raised sequentially by driving the heaters from positions closest to the hot water inflow point. Therefore, it has the advantage of being able to precisely control the hot water temperature. For example, assuming the hot water temperature discharged to the desired faucet is 44°C according to the user-set desired temperature and water volume, when the volume ratio of hot water flowing into the heating tank 140 and heating module 145 at a rate of 90 ml per second through the hot water pipe is 1:2, the temperature of the initially heated water discharged from the heating tank 140 is 43°C, and the temperature of the hot water flowing into the heating module 145 is 40°C. The heating module 145 should raise the temperature of the hot water flowing inside to 44.5°C. If the heating module 145 is equipped with two heaters with capacities of 1kW and 0.5kW respectively, the 1kW heater can raise the temperature of 60ml of hot water by approximately 3.3°C per second, and the 0.5kW heater can raise the temperature of 60ml of hot water by approximately 1.65°C per second. Therefore, the 1kW heater continues to operate while maintaining this condition, and the 0.5kW heater is controlled to run repeatedly for 3 seconds and then stop for 1 second. Assuming that under the above conditions, the hot water temperature discharged to the required tap is 43.2℃ according to the user-set required temperature and water volume, then only a 1kW heater needs to be operated.

[0114] In addition, Figure 1 In this configuration, the heating module 145 is positioned at the location where the secondary heated hot water discharged from the heating module 145 and the primary heated hot water discharged from the heating tank 140 are mixed and then discharged to the faucet 3. However, the heating module 145 can be located between the location where hot water flows in from the hot water pipe 1 and the location where hot water is distributed to the heating tank 140 and the heating module 145, or between the location where hot water is distributed to the heating tank 140 and the heating module 145 and the heating tank 140, or between the location where the primary heated hot water is discharged from the heating tank 140 and the second electronic valve 130b. Considering the heating time of the second heater 140b of the heating module 145 (i.e., the time it takes for the second heater 140b to raise the temperature of the hot water flowing in the heating module 145 to the target temperature), preferably, in... Figure 1In this configuration, the heating module 145 is installed such that the position where the primary heated hot water discharged from the heating water tank 140 and the secondary heated hot water that has passed through the heating module 145 are mixed is offset from the position of the hot water pipe 1. At the same time, the fourth temperature sensor 120d measures the temperature of the mixed hot water from the primary heated hot water discharged from the heating water tank 140 and the secondary heated hot water discharged from the heating module 145, and provides this temperature to the controller 150.

[0115] The second electronic valve 130b and the third electronic valve 130c are respectively installed at the positions supplying mixed hot water to the faucet 3 and supplying cold water to the faucet 3, and regulate the supply of mixed hot and cold water in response to control signals from the controller 150. Although in Figure 1 The second electronic valve 130b and the third electronic valve 130c are respectively installed at the locations where mixed hot and cold water is supplied to the faucet 3. However, the mixed hot and cold water can also be supplied to the faucet 3 via an electronic valve for temperature regulation. In this case, the electronic valve for temperature regulation is driven under the control of the controller 150 and adjusts the mixing ratio of the mixed hot and cold water, thereby matching the temperature of the water discharged from the faucet 3 with the desired temperature. Simultaneously, when the mixing ratio of the mixed hot and cold water is adjusted via the electronic valve for temperature regulation, by installing an additional electronic valve for water flow regulation after this electronic valve, the water flow rate can be matched with the desired water flow rate under the control of the controller 150.

[0116] In contrast, users can manually adjust the water flow using a knob mounted on a physical faucet, without needing to install an additional electronic valve for water flow adjustment after the electronic valve for temperature control. When using a structure where water flow is adjusted via a knob mounted on a physical faucet, it has the advantage of allowing the mixed hot and cold water to be used in a 1:1 ratio by using an auxiliary battery to drive the electronic valve for temperature control during power outages or electrical failures. In this case, the spindle that only adjusts the water flow is mounted on the physical faucet. Furthermore, the controller 150 can obtain the desired water temperature based on the amount of left and right rotation detected by a rotation sensor mounted on the faucet knob, or it can receive the desired water temperature from the user via a specially installed desired temperature setter.

[0117] When an electronic valve for temperature regulation is used, as described above, a directional control valve is installed before the pipe connected to the hot water pipe 1 branches off to the heating tank 140 and heating module 145, thereby thermally isolating the heating tank 140 and heating module 145 from the hot water pipe 1. In this case, the heating tank 140 and heating module 145 can also be thermally isolated from the cold water pipe 1 only when the electronic valve for temperature regulation is controlled to completely block the mixing of hot water.

[0118] The controller 150 controls whether to activate the first heater 140a, the second heater 140b, the second electronic valve 130b, and the third electronic valve 130c based on the flow rates of hot and cold water and the values ​​measured by the first to fourth temperature sensors. This ensures that the flow rate and temperature of the water discharged from the faucet 3 correspond to the target flow rate and temperature set by the user. The operation of the controller 150 in controlling the first heater 140a, the second heater 140b, the second electronic valve 130b, and the third electronic valve 130c will be described in detail below.

[0119] First, the temperature / water volume setter 105 is described as a rotary sensor connected to a common faucet knob 3. In this case, the controller 150 determines the user's desired temperature and desired water volume based on the horizontal and vertical rotation angles of the faucet knob 3 measured by the rotary sensor.

[0120] Therefore, although not in Figure 1 As shown in the diagram, controller 150 may include a memory and a processor. The memory may store commands for executing the faucet control method described below. Furthermore, the processor may execute the commands stored in the memory.

[0121] Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating the execution process of a faucet control method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0122] First, the controller 150 controls the temperature of the water in the heating water tank 140 to remain within a preset temperature range by driving the first heater 140a based on the temperature of the water in the heating water tank 140, which is periodically input from the third temperature sensor 120c (S300). For example, when the faucet 3 is not operated (the user is not using water), the controller 150 drives the first heater 140a installed in the heating water tank 140, so that the water in the heating water tank 140 is heated to a preset first temperature (e.g., 80°C). If the water temperature in the heating water tank 140 reaches the first temperature, the controller 150 stops the operation of the first heater 140a. In this state, when the temperature of the water in the heating water tank 140 drops to a preset second temperature (e.g., 40°C), the controller 150 drives the first heater 140a again, thereby repeating the operation of heating the water in the heating water tank 140 to the preset first temperature (e.g., 80°C). Preferably, the first heater 140a installed in the heating water tank 140 is generally controlled to be driven when the faucet 3 is not operated, but if necessary (e.g., when the temperature of the hot water needs to be further increased due to insufficient hot water supply), the first heater 140a can be driven even when the faucet 3 is operated.

[0123] Simultaneously, the activation of the first heater 140a can be determined based on the values ​​measured by the first temperature sensor 120a and the third temperature sensor 120c. For example, the water temperature measured by the third temperature sensor 120c may be 45°C, but the temperature of the hot water measured by the first temperature sensor 120a (which is essentially the same as the temperature of the hot water in the hot water pipe 1) may be 30°C due to the excellent insulation performance of the heating tank 140. In this case, depending on the amount of hot water remaining in the pipe between the hot water supply location and the heating tank 140, it may be difficult to supply water at the user's desired temperature when the user later operates the faucet 3. For example, when the temperature of the hot water measured by the first temperature sensor 120a is 30°C, the capacity of the heating water tank 140 is 2000ml, the remaining hot water volume is 6000ml, the hot water supply rate is 60ml / s, and the hot water supplied through the hot water pipe 1 is distributed to the heating water tank 140 and the heating module 145 at 20ml / s and 40ml / s respectively, then the remaining hot water and the hot water in the heating module 145 are all discharged within 100 seconds.

[0124] When the first heater 140a and the second heater 140b are not activated, the temperature of the hot water supplied to the second electronic valve 130b drops to 35°C within 100 seconds until all the remaining hot water and the hot water in the heating tank 140 are discharged. Therefore, there is a problem that the system cannot handle situations where the user's desired water temperature exceeds 35°C. To prevent this, the controller 150 needs to first detect and maintain the amount of remaining hot water in the hot water pipe 1. The amount of remaining hot water can be determined based on the time taken from the moment the faucet 3 is activated until the hot water temperature measured by the first temperature sensor 120a reaches the maximum supply temperature, and the maximum supply volume of hot water. For example, when the maximum supply volume of hot water is 80 ml / s, and the time taken from the moment the faucet 3 is activated until the hot water temperature measured by the first temperature sensor 120a reaches the maximum supply temperature is 80 seconds, the amount of remaining hot water is 6400 ml.

[0125] In this state, when the hot water temperature measured by the first temperature sensor 120a is 30°C, the capacity of the heating water tank 140 is 2000ml. The user-set desired outlet water temperature and desired water volume are 42°C and 60ml / s, respectively. The hot water supplied through the hot water pipe 1 is distributed to the heating water tank 140 and the heating module 145 at 20ml / s and 40ml / s, respectively. The remaining hot water is discharged in approximately 106.7 seconds, and the hot water in the heating water tank 140 is discharged at 100 seconds. Therefore, the time point when the hot water in the heating water tank 140 is discharged is almost the same as the time point when the remaining hot water is completely discharged. Therefore, the temperature of the hot water in the heating water tank 140 can be obtained by the following formula, so that the user-set desired temperature and desired water volume can be supplied for 106.7 seconds. 106.7 seconds is the time taken until the hot water temperature measured by the first temperature sensor 120a reaches the maximum supply water temperature.

[0126] [Formula 1]

[0127]

[0128] Among them, T t Q is the desired outlet water temperature. t It is the expected water output (the same as the hot water supply), T h Q is the temperature of the hot water in the heating tank 140. ha This refers to the amount of hot water allocated to the 140-ton heating tank, T. l It is the temperature of the hot water supplied from hot water pipe 1.

[0129] Therefore, in order to supply water at the user-set desired temperature and volume for 106.7 seconds (the time it takes for the hot water temperature, as measured by the first temperature sensor 120a, to reach the maximum supply water temperature), the temperature of the hot water in the heating tank 140 should be at least 66°C. Thus, even if the temperature is higher than a preset second temperature (e.g., 40°C), the first heater 140a installed in the heating tank 140 can be activated. Of course, since the heating module 145 can be used to further increase the temperature of the hot water, the activation temperature of the first heater 140a installed in the heating tank 140 can be set to be as low as the temperature corresponding to the capacity of the heating module 145.

[0130] As described above, the controller 150 can determine whether to activate the first heater 140a based on the temperature of the hot water in the hot water pipe 1 measured by the first temperature sensor 120a, the temperature of the water in the heating water tank 140 measured by the third temperature sensor 120c, the amount of remaining hot water in the pipe between the hot water supply point and the heating water tank 140, and the capacity of the heating water tank 140. In this case, considering that the heating time of the first heater 140a increases with the increase of the capacity of the heating water tank 140, it is preferable that the capacity of the heating water tank 140 is appropriately determined between 1L and 3L. In addition, in order to minimize the activation time of the first heater 140a without excessively increasing the capacity of the heating water tank 140, a method can be adopted to set the target temperature and target water volume of the outlet water to be different from the desired temperature and desired water volume set by the user until the remaining hot water in the pipe between the hot water supply point and the heating water tank 140 is used up. For example, even if the user sets the desired temperature and desired water flow rate to be 45°C and 80 ml / s respectively, the target water temperature and target water flow rate can be limited to a maximum of 40°C and 60 ml / s until the remaining hot water in the pipe between the hot water supply point and the heating tank 140 is used up. These limits are determined based on the capacity of the heating tank 140, the capacity of the first heater 140a, the amount of remaining hot water, etc.

[0131] Next, the controller 150 receives the user's input of the desired outlet water temperature and desired water volume via the temperature / water volume setter 105. When the temperature / water volume setter 105 is a rotary sensor coupled to the knob of the public faucet 3, the controller 150 calculates the desired outlet water temperature and desired water volume based on the amount of knob rotation (at least one value of horizontal rotation and vertical rotation) input from the rotary sensor. Next, the controller 150 determines the target outlet water temperature and target water volume corresponding to the user-inputted desired outlet water temperature and desired water volume (S320). For example, the target temperature of the discharge volume can be calculated using Equation 2.

[0132] [Equation 2]

[0133]

[0134] Where T is the target amount of water discharged, T h T is the supply temperature of hot water. L Q is the supply temperature of cold water. Hmax Q represents the maximum supply of hot water. Lmax θ represents the maximum supply of cold water. H θ is the horizontal rotation angle. Hmax This is the maximum horizontal rotation angle of the faucet knob.

[0135] The target water volume for hot and cold water used to supply the target water volume can be calculated using Equations 3 and 4.

[0136] [Formula 3]

[0137]

[0138] Among them, Q H θ is the target water volume for hot water. V θ is the vertical rotation angle of the faucet knob. Vmax This is the maximum vertical rotation angle of the faucet knob.

[0139] [Formula 4]

[0140]

[0141] Among them, Q L The target volume of cold water.

[0142] The target water volume for hot water and the target water volume for cold water can be calculated using Equations 3 and 4, and then the target water volumes can be added together to obtain the final target water volume discharged through faucet 3. In the method for determining the target temperature and target water volume of the discharged water based on Equations 2 and 4, the supply temperature of hot water (T in Equation 2)... H The temperature of the hot water supplied through the hot water pipe 1 when the first heater 140a in the heating water tank 140 and the second heater 140b in the heating module 145 are not driven, and the temperature of the mixed hot water measured by the fourth temperature sensor 120d when one or both of the first heater 140a in the heating water tank 140 and the second heater 140b in the heating module 145 are driven.

[0143] Normally, the target temperature and target volume of the outlet water are set to be the same as the desired temperature and desired volume of the outlet water input by the user. However, as mentioned above, the desired temperature and desired volume of the outlet water may not be supplied to the user at the initial stage of operation of the faucet 3, and in this case, the target temperature and target volume of the outlet water may be set to be different from the desired temperature and desired volume of the outlet water input by the user. Next, the controller 150 opens the first electronic valve 130a, causing the initially heated water held in the heating water tank 140 to be discharged (S330).

[0144] Next, the controller 150 determines whether to activate the second heater 140b in the heating module 145 (S340) based on the temperature of the hot water supplied from the hot water pipe 1 as measured by the first temperature sensor 120a, the temperature of the cold water supplied from the cold water pipe 2 as measured by the second temperature sensor 120b, the volume of the hot water supplied from the hot water pipe 1 as measured by the first water volume sensor 110a, the volume of the cold water supplied from the cold water pipe 2 as measured by the second water volume sensor 110b, the temperature of the hot water in the heating tank 140 as measured by the third temperature sensor 120c, the capacity of the heating tank 140, and the temperature of the mixed hot water as measured by the fourth temperature sensor 120d. The second heater 140b is activated when a target water temperature needs to be increased during the initial operation of the faucet 3, or when the volume of hot water supplied from the hot water pipe 1 decreases during the operation of the faucet 3.

[0145] Next, the controller 150 controls whether to open the second electronic valve 130b and the third electronic valve 130c and the opening degree of the electronic valves based on the temperature of the hot water supplied from the hot water pipe 1 as measured by the first temperature sensor 120a, the temperature of the cold water supplied from the cold water pipe 2 as measured by the second temperature sensor 120b, the water volume of the hot water supplied from the hot water pipe 1 as measured by the first water volume sensor 110a, the water volume of the cold water supplied from the cold water pipe 2 as measured by the second water volume sensor 110b, the temperature of the hot water in the heating water tank 140 as measured by the third temperature sensor 120c, the temperature of the mixed hot water as measured by the fourth temperature sensor 120d, and the target temperature and target water volume of the outlet water (S350).

[0146] First, the operation of the second electronic valve 130b and the third electronic valve 130c controlled by the controller 150 is described when water in the 2400ml heating tank 140 is heated by the first heater 140a and maintained at 80°C. In the following description, it is assumed that the remaining hot water volume in the pipeline between the hot water supply point and the heating tank 140 is 6400ml. The first electronic valve 130a is controlled to distribute the hot water supplied from the hot water pipe 1 to the heating tank 140 and the heating module 150. The hot water and cold water temperatures measured by the first temperature sensor 120a and the second temperature sensor 120b are 30°C and 20°C, respectively. The maximum water supply rates for hot water and cold water are 80ml / s and 100ml / s, respectively, and the maximum hot water supply temperature is 60°C.

[0147] When the user sets the desired outlet water temperature and desired outlet water flow rate to 42℃ and 60ml / s respectively, the controller 150 checks whether the temperature of the mixed hot water in the heating tank 140 (initial heating) and the heated module 145 (secondary heating) can reach the user-set desired outlet water temperature, until all remaining hot water is used. If it is determined to be possible, the controller 150 sets the user-set desired outlet water temperature and desired water flow rate as the target outlet water temperature and target water flow rate. However, if it is determined to be impossible, the target outlet water temperature is set lower than the user-set desired outlet water temperature or the target outlet water flow rate is set lower than the user-set target outlet water flow rate.

[0148] In the example above, when the initial heated hot water in the heating tank 140 is discharged at a rate of 20 ml / s, it takes 120 seconds for 2400 ml of the initial heated hot water to be fully used, which is longer than the 106.7 seconds required for the remaining hot water to be fully used. In this case, the temperature of the mixed hot water supplied to the second electronic valve 130b is 46.67°C. Therefore, water with a temperature higher than the user's desired temperature is discharged by only opening the second electronic valve 130b. Therefore, it is necessary to reduce the amount of mixed hot water by controlling the second electronic valve 130b, and to supply cold water with the reduced amount of mixed hot water by controlling the third electronic valve 130c, so that the temperature of the water discharged from the faucet 3 reaches the target temperature of 42°C. In this case, when the mixed hot water and cold water are supplied to the faucet 3 at rates of 49.5 ml / s and 10.5 ml / s respectively, the water temperature becomes 42°C. In this configuration, the hot water supply from hot water pipe 1 to heating tank 140 is 16.5 ml / s, and the hot water supply to heating module 145 is 33 ml / s. Therefore, the first electronic valve 130a opens, allowing the initially heated hot water to be discharged from heating tank 140 at a rate of 16.5 ml / s. Considering that the initial heated hot water is discharged from heating tank 140 at a rate of 24.75 ml / s when the first electronic valve 130a is fully open, the first electronic valve 130a is open to approximately 66.7% of its full capacity. The opening degrees of the second electronic valve 130b and the third electronic valve 130c can be calculated using Equations 5 and 6.

[0149] [Formula 5]

[0150]

[0151] Among them, O θH When the target temperature of the water discharged through the faucet 3 is the target supply temperature, the ratio of the horizontal rotation of the faucet knob 105 to the opening degree of the second electronic valve 130b is used.

[0152] [Formula 6]

[0153]

[0154] Among them, O θL When the target temperature of the water discharged through faucet 3 is the target supply temperature, the ratio of the horizontal rotation of faucet knob 105 to the opening degree of the third electronic valve 130c is used. When the valve is fully open, O θH and O θL It can be set to 1.

[0155] According to Equations 5 and 6, the second electronic valve 130b and the third electronic valve 130c are opened to 61.9% and 10.5% of their full opening, respectively. Simultaneously, the depletion time of the remaining hot water in the heating water tank 140 and the depletion time of the initially heated hot water in the heating water tank 140 are increased to 129 seconds and 145 seconds, respectively, and the depletion time of the initially heated hot water in the heating water tank 140 becomes longer than the depletion time of the initially heated hot water in the heating water tank 140. The controller 150 can then stably provide water at the user's desired temperature and flow rate.

[0156] As described above, water can be stably supplied at the user's desired temperature and volume until the temperature and volume of hot and cold water supplied through the hot water pipe 1 and cold water pipe, respectively, begin from the operating time of faucet 3 (i.e., the time when the user uses the faucet). Furthermore, when the temperature of the hot water in the heating tank 140 does not reach the first set temperature (e.g., 80°C) or when the temperature of the remaining hot water is too low, this situation can be addressed by setting the target temperature and target volume of the outlet water to be lower than the user's target temperature and target volume.

[0157] Next, the controller 150 checks whether the flow rate of hot water supplied through the hot water pipe 1 and the flow rate of cold water supplied through the cold water pipe 2 have changed (S360). This operation of the controller 150 continues from the time the faucet 3 is operated until the time the operation of the faucet 3 ends. When hot and cold water are used at the first consumption location and hot or cold water is used at the second consumption location, a change occurs in the flow rate of hot water supplied through the hot water pipe 1 and the flow rate of cold water supplied through the cold water pipe 2. That is, hot and cold water supplied to the house at a specified water pressure are distributed from the main hot water pipe and the main cold water pipe to the consumption locations. Furthermore, when hot and cold water are used at multiple consumption locations, the flow rate of hot and cold water changes at each consumption location.

[0158] Figure 4 and Figure 5This is a flowchart illustrating a method for controlling a second electronic valve and a third electronic valve based on changes in the flow rate of hot and cold water according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Hereinafter, a method is described in which the faucet control device, after monitoring changes in the flow rate of hot and cold water, controls the opening degree of the second electronic valve 130b and the third electronic valve 130c based on these changes.

[0159] First, when it is determined that only the hot water volume has decreased (S400), the controller 150 determines whether water can be supplied at the user's desired temperature and volume by simply changing the opening of the second electronic valve 130b and the third electronic valve 130c (S450). If it is determined that water can be supplied at the user's desired temperature and volume by simply changing the opening of the second electronic valve 130b and the third electronic valve 130c, the controller 150 selectively controls the first electronic valve 130a, the second electronic valve 130b, and the third electronic valve 130c, so that the temperature and volume of the supplied water become the target temperature and target volume corresponding to the user's desired temperature and volume (S410).

[0160] Assumptions and References Figure 3 The example described uses the same conditions, namely, assuming that a 2400ml heating tank 140 contains initially heated hot water at 80°C, with 6400ml of hot water remaining. The temperatures of the hot and cold water measured by the first temperature sensor 120a and the second temperature sensor 120b are 30°C and 20°C, respectively. The maximum supply rates of the hot and cold water are 80ml / s and 100ml / s, respectively, and the maximum supply temperature of the hot water is 60°C. In this case, if the desired temperature and desired water flow rate set by the user are 42°C and 60ml / s, respectively, and when the mixed hot and cold water are supplied to the faucet 3 at 49.5ml / s and 10.5ml / s, respectively, the outlet water temperature and flow rate become 42°C and 60ml / s, respectively. In this case, the hot water flow rate supplied from the hot water pipe 1 to the heating tank 140 is 16.5ml / s, and the hot water flow rate supplied to the heating module 145 is 33ml / s. That is, the first electronic valve 130a is fully open (66.7%).

[0161] In this situation, if the flow rate of hot water supplied through hot water pipe 1 decreases to 60 ml / s, the flow rate of mixed hot water supplied through the second electronic valve 130b becomes 37.1 ml / s, which is 61.9% of the flow rate of hot water supplied through hot water pipe 1. In this case, the flow rate of initially heated hot water discharged from heating tank 140 and the flow rate of hot water discharged from heating module 145 are 12.4 ml / s and 24.7 ml / s, respectively. Therefore, if the flow rates of hot and cold water are not changed by controlling the second electronic valve 130b and the third electronic valve 130c, the outlet water temperature and flow rate decrease to 40.8°C and 47.6 ml / s, respectively. Therefore, in order to maintain the outlet water temperature and flow rate, it is necessary to selectively control the first electronic valve to the third electronic valves 130a, 130b, and 130c to change the flow rate of initially heated hot water, mixed hot water, and cold water discharged from heating tank 140.

[0162] First, let's explain the opening degree of the third electronic valve 130c. In this case, if the second electronic valve 130b is also opened, the mixed hot water can be discharged at 40 ml / s. That is, if the second electronic valve 130b is opened to 82.5% of its maximum capacity, the mixed hot water is discharged at 49.5 ml / s. In this case, if the first electronic valve 130a is controlled to make the temperature of the mixed hot water 46.7°C, water can be supplied at 60 ml / s at the user's desired temperature of 42°C. Therefore, if the first electronic valve 130a is opened to 66.7% of its maximum capacity, the initially heated hot water is discharged from the heating tank 140 at 16.5 ml / s, and the temperature of the mixed hot water becomes 46.7°C. As described above, the temperature and flow rate of the outlet water can be maintained by adjusting the opening degrees of the first electronic valve 130a and the second electronic valve 130b.

[0163] Next, it is possible to consider increasing the cold water flow rate by additionally opening only the third electronic valve 130c, without changing the opening degree of the second electronic valve 130b, to correspond to the reduction in the mixed hot water flow rate. In this case, cold water should be supplied at 22.9 ml / s, therefore, the third electronic valve 130c is opened fully at 22.9%. In this case, the temperature of the mixed hot water should be 55.6°C. Therefore, if the initially heated hot water is discharged from the heating tank 140 at 19 ml / s, the water can be supplied at 60 ml / s at the user-desired temperature of 42°C. However, when the first electronic valve 130a is fully open, the maximum amount of initially heated hot water discharged from the heating tank 140 at a rate of 37.1 mL / s while the mixed hot water is supplied is 18.6 mL / s. Therefore, in this case, if only the third electronic valve 130c is opened, the water may not be supplied at the user-desired temperature and flow rate. Therefore, the controller 150 performs this operation when it confirms that the water can be supplied at the user-desired temperature and flow rate by opening the third electronic valve 130c, based on the maximum supply of mixed hot water. Of course, the water temperature and flow rate can be maintained by changing the opening degrees of the first electronic valve 130a, the second electronic valve 130b, and the third electronic valve 130c. However, the two methods described above are more efficient because in this case, it is necessary to change the opening degrees of all three electronic valves 130a, 130b, and 130c.

[0164] Therefore, even without driving the second heater 140b of the heating module 145, by selectively adjusting the opening degrees of the first electronic valve 130a, the second electronic valve 130b, and the third electronic valve 130c, water can be continuously supplied at the user's desired temperature and flow rate, even if the amount of hot water supplied from the hot water pipe 1 is reduced. Of course, when the second heater 140b is driven, the consumption of initial heated hot water maintained in the heating tank 140 corresponding to the capacity of the second heater 140b can be reduced.

[0165] Simultaneously, when the remaining hot water in the heating tank 140 and the initially heated hot water are fully utilized, the hot water temperature in the heating tank 140 and the hot water temperature in the heating module 145 reach the maximum supply temperature (e.g., 60°C). If this state is normal, the controller 150 can check whether the normal state has been achieved by checking whether the values ​​measured by the first temperature sensor 120a installed at the location where hot water flows in from the hot water pipe 1 and the temperature sensor 120b installed at the location where cold water flows in from the cold water tank 2 have reached the maximum supply temperature. In this case, hot water is supplied to the second electronic valve 130b at the same temperature and in the same quantity, regardless of whether the first electronic valve 130a is open. Therefore, preferably, the controller 150 allows all the hot water supplied from the hot water pipe 1 to flow to the heating module 143 by closing the first electronic valve 130a. In this state, to supply water at 42°C and 60 ml / s (i.e., the desired temperature and volume set by the user), the second electronic valve 130b and the third electronic valve 130c are controlled to supply mixed hot water at 33 ml / s and cold water at 27 ml / s. Therefore, the second electronic valve 130b and the third electronic valve 130c are opened to approximately 41.3% and 27%, respectively, fully open. As described above, when the volume of hot water supplied through hot water pipe 1 decreases to 60 ml / s while supplying water, the mixed hot water is discharged to the second electronic valve 130b at 24.8 ml / s. Therefore, the temperature and volume of the outlet water decrease to 39.2°C and 51.8 ml / s, respectively.

[0166] As described above, when the hot water flow decreases after reaching normal operation, the mixed hot water flow rate can be changed to 33 ml / s by additionally opening the second electronic valve 130b without changing the opening degree of the third electronic valve 130c. That is, if the second electronic valve 130b is opened to its full 55% capacity, mixed hot water is supplied at a rate of 33 ml / s, thus maintaining the outlet water temperature and flow rate. However, in this case, if the third electronic valve 130c is additionally opened without changing the opening degree of the second electronic valve 130b, there is a problem that the outlet water flow rate remains unchanged, but the temperature drops to 36.9°C.

[0167] Next, when it is determined that water can be supplied at the user's desired temperature and volume simply by changing the opening of the second electronic valve 130b and the third electronic valve 130c, the controller 150 checks whether water can be supplied at the user's desired temperature and volume when the second heater 140b of the heating module 145 is driven (S415). Of course, the outlet water temperature can be further increased when the first heater 140a of the heating tank 140 is also driven, but the capacity of the first heater 140a is not greater than the capacity of the second heater 140b, so the following description is based on driving the second heater 140b. If it is determined that water can be supplied at the user's desired temperature and volume when the second heater 140b is driven, the controller 150 drives the second heater 140b and selectively controls the first electronic valve 130a, the second electronic valve 130b, and the third electronic valve 130c, such that the outlet water temperature and volume become the target temperature and target volume corresponding to the user's desired temperature and volume (S420). In this case, the water supplied from the hot water pipe 1 to the heating module 145 is heated by the second heater 140b while flowing, and the temperature rise of the second heater 140b can be calculated by the following formula.

[0168] [Formula 7]

[0169]

[0170] Where ΔT is the heating rate, P is the capacity of the second heater 140b (KW), c is the specific heat of water (4.18KJ / (Kg℃)), ρ is the density of water (1Kg / L), t is the heating time (min), α is the safety ratio (assumed to be 1.2), and q is the flow rate (L / min).

[0171] When the heating module 145 is constructed by installing a cylindrical heater with an outer diameter of 1 cm and a length of 18 cm inside a pipe with an inner diameter of 2 cm and a length of 20 cm, the heating module 145 can be filled with approximately 49 ml of water. Therefore, when hot water at 30°C is supplied to the heating module 145 at a flow rate of 20 ml / s, the heated water is discharged within approximately 2.5 seconds. When the capacity of the cylindrical heater is 1 kW, according to Equation 7, the temperature of the secondary heated hot water discharged from the heating module 145 increases by approximately 10°C to 40°C. Furthermore, when a heating module is constructed by connecting two such heating modules, the temperature of the hot water flowing into the heating module 145 at a flow rate of 20 ml / s can be increased by approximately 20°C. Simultaneously, when the flow rate of hot water flowing into the heating module 145 is doubled (i.e., 40 ml / s), the hot water temperature increases by 10°C within approximately 1.2 seconds. Since when the heating module 145 is manufactured into a tubular shape based on this fact, it can be concluded that the amount of temperature rise after the predetermined delay time is based on the instantaneous rate of change of the amount of temperature rise according to Equations 7 and 8, which are independent of the heating time.

[0172] [Formula 8]

[0173]

[0174] Where ΔT is the temperature rise, P is the capacity of the second heater 140b (KW), c is the specific heat of water (4.18KJ / (Kg℃)), ρ is the density of water (1Kg / L), α is the safety ratio (assumed to be 1.2), and q is the flow rate (L / min).

[0175] In the same situation as the example above, when the flow rate of hot water supplied from hot water pipe 1 decreases to 30 ml / s after 60 seconds from the time faucet 1 is used, even if the second electronic valve 130b is opened to the maximum extent, the mixed hot water can only be supplied at 30 ml / s. Therefore, the flow rate of cold water should be increased to 30 ml / s to provide water at the user's desired flow rate of 60 ml / s. In this case, the temperature of the mixed hot water should be 64°C, for which the initially heated hot water should be discharged from the heating tank 140 at 20.4 ml / s and the hot water should be discharged from the heating module 145 at 9.6 ml / s. However, since the maximum amount of initially heated hot water that can be discharged from the heating tank 140 is 15 ml / s (which is half of the hot water supplied through hot water pipe 1), this condition cannot be met. Therefore, it is necessary to reheat the hot water flowing into the heating water at a flow rate of 15 ml / s by driving the second heater 140b of the heating module 145.

[0176] If the capacity of the second heater 140b is 1.5kW, according to Equation 8, the temperature of the hot water supplied at 15ml / s can be increased by approximately 20°C. Of course, if the heater efficiency is not 100% but 80%, the temperature increase is approximately 16°C. Therefore, when the second heater 140b is activated, secondary heated water at 50°C is discharged from the heating module 140 at a flow rate of 15ml / s, and the temperature of the mixed hot water can be increased to a maximum of 65°C. Therefore, even if the flow rate of hot water supplied through the hot water pipe 1 decreases, the second heater 140b can be activated to continuously supply water at the user's desired temperature and flow rate. If the flow rate of hot water supplied through the hot water pipe 1 decreases excessively, even if both the first heater 140a and the second heater 140b are activated, the discharged water may not be supplied at the user's desired temperature and flow rate. In this case, the second electronic valve 130b and the third electronic valve 130c are controlled so that the temperature of the water discharged by activating the first heater 140a and the second heater 140b becomes the user's desired temperature and the flow rate decreases (S425).

[0177] Simultaneously, when the remaining hot water in the heating tank 140 and the initially heated hot water are fully utilized, the temperature of the hot water in the heating tank 140 and the temperature of the hot water in the heating module 145 reach the maximum supply temperature (e.g., 60°C). In this case, when the flow rate of hot water supplied through the hot water pipe 1 decreases to 30 ml / s, even if the second electronic valve 130b is fully open, 60°C mixed hot water can still be supplied at a flow rate of 30 ml / s. Therefore, the flow rate of cold water should be increased to 30 ml / s to provide water at the user's desired flow rate of 60 ml / s. In this case, the temperature of the mixed hot water becomes 40°C, so the water cannot be supplied at the user's desired temperature. In this case, by driving the second heater 140b to raise the temperature of the hot water supplied through the heating module 145 to 68°C, the water can be supplied at the user's desired temperature. In this case, by appropriately adjusting the driving time of the second heater 140b, the hot water temperature can be raised by 8°C.

[0178] Next, when it is determined that only the cold water volume is reduced (S430), the opening degree of the third electronic valve 130c is changed to supply water with the temperature and volume desired by the user (S435).

[0179] If the user sets the desired temperature and desired water flow rate to 42℃ and 60ml / s respectively, then refer to the above. Figure 3 Under the same conditions described, when the mixed hot and cold water are supplied to faucet 3 at rates of 49.5 ml / s and 10.5 ml / s respectively, the outlet water temperature and flow rate become 42°C and 60 ml / s respectively. Therefore, the opening amounts of the second electronic valve 130b and the third electronic valve 130c are approximately 61.9% and 10.5% of full opening, respectively. In this case, when the cold water flow rate decreases from 100 ml / s to 80 ml / s, the opening degree of the third electronic valve 130c becomes 13.1% of full opening to maintain the cold water supply at 10.5 ml / s. If the remaining hot water in the heating tank 140 and the initially heated hot water are fully utilized, the temperature of the hot water in the heating tank 140 and the temperature of the hot water in the heating module 145 become the maximum supply temperature (e.g., 60°C). In this configuration, the supply rates of the mixed hot and cold water become 33 ml / s and 27 ml / s, respectively, and the opening degrees of the second electronic valve 130b and the third electronic valve 130c are 41.3% and 27% fully open, respectively. In this configuration, when the flow rate of cold water supplied from the cold water pipe 2 decreases to 80 ml / s, the opening degree of the third electronic valve 130c becomes 33.8% fully open to maintain the cold water supply rate at 27 ml / s. When only the cold water supply decreases, the water can be supplied at the user's desired temperature through the control of the aforementioned third electronic valve 130c.

[0180] Next, when it is determined that the flow rates of both hot and cold water are reduced (S440), the control corresponding to the reduction in hot water flow rate is executed by selectively controlling the first to third electronic valves 130a, 130b, and 130c according to steps S400 to S425 and selectively driving the first heater 140a and the second heater 140b. Then, the control of the third electronic valve 130c corresponding to the reduction in cold water flow rate is executed according to steps S430 and S435, thereby providing water at the user's desired temperature (S445).

[0181] In two scenarios, the supply of hot and cold water increases. First, when hot and cold water are supplied to a specific consumption location at maximum capacity, the supply decreases due to another consumption location using hot or cold water. Then, when the other consumption location stops using hot and cold water, the supply of hot and cold water to the specific consumption location increases. Second, when hot or cold water is used at both the other and specific consumption locations, hot or cold water is supplied at a rate less than the maximum capacity. In this state, when the other consumption location stops using hot or cold water, the supply of hot or cold water to the specific consumption location increases.

[0182] If only the hot water volume is increased (S450), the controller 150 selectively changes the opening degree of the first electronic valve 130a to the third electronic valve 130c, thereby supplying the user with the desired temperature and volume of water (S455).

[0183] Assumptions and References Figure 3 The example described uses the same conditions, namely, assuming that the initial heated hot water is stored in a 2400ml heating tank 140 at 80°C, with 6400ml of hot water remaining. The temperatures of the hot water and cold water measured by the first temperature sensor 120a and the second temperature sensor 120b are 30°C and 20°C, respectively. The maximum water supply rates of the hot water and cold water are 80ml / s and 100ml / s, respectively, and the maximum water supply temperature of the hot water is 60°C. Furthermore, when the initially heated hot water is retained in the heating water tank 140, and when hot water is supplied at a rate of 60 ml / s through the hot water pipe 1 and cold water is supplied at a rate of 100 ml / s through the cold water pipe 2, the first electronic valve 130a, the second electronic valve 130b, and the third electronic valve 130c need to be fully opened to 55%, 82.5%, and 10.5% or 63.3%, 61.9%, and 22.9% respectively, so as to supply water at a rate of 60 ml / s at the user's desired temperature of 42°C.

[0184] In this situation, when the hot water supply from hot water pipe 1 increases to 80 ml / s, the mixed hot water supply to faucet 3 increases from 49.5 ml / s to 66 ml / s or from 37.1 ml / s to 49.5 ml / s. Therefore, in each case, it is necessary to adjust the opening of the second electronic valve 130b or the third electronic valve 130c to ensure that the water flow is 60 ml.

[0185] First, the method for reducing the opening of the second electronic valve 130b will be explained. To reduce the supply of mixed hot water to 49.5 ml / s, the opening of the second electronic valve 130b needs to be reduced from 82.5% (fully open) to 61.9%, and to reduce the supply of mixed hot water to 37.1 ml / s, the opening of the second electronic valve 130b needs to be reduced from 61.9% (fully open) to 46.4%. In these cases, the supply of cold water is 10.5 ml / s and 22.9 ml / s, respectively. Therefore, in these cases, the mixed hot water should become 46.7°C and 55.6°C, respectively, and correspondingly, in these cases, the opening of the first electronic valve 130a needs to be adjusted to 41.3% and 47.5% (fully open). When the flow of hot water supplied to the hot water pipe 1 increases, as described above, the water can be supplied at the user's desired temperature and flow rate by reducing the opening of the first electronic valve 130a and the second electronic valve 130b.

[0186] Next, the method for reducing the opening of the third electronic valve 130c will be explained. First, when the increase in mixed hot water is 16.5 ml / s, the supply of cold water is 10.5 ml / s. In this case, it is impossible to reduce the cold water to the desired amount. Therefore, in this situation, the third electronic valve 130c is completely closed, and the opening of the second electronic valve 130b is adjusted so that the amount of mixed hot water supplied to the faucet 3 becomes 60 ml. Therefore, the second electronic valve 130b should be fully open (75%). In this case, the temperature of the mixed hot water supplied to the faucet 3 should be the user's desired temperature, i.e., 42°C. Therefore, when the first electronic valve 130a is fully open (36%), the temperature of the mixed hot water becomes 42°C. Simultaneously, since the supply of cold water is 22.9 ml / s when the increase in mixed hot water is 12.4 ml / s, in this case, the water flow can be controlled to the user's desired flow rate by reducing the cold water supply by 12.4 ml / s. In this situation, the third electronic valve 130c opens to 10.5% of its full capacity, thereby supplying cold water to the faucet 3 at a flow rate of 10.5 ml / s. In this case, to supply water at the user-desired temperature of 42°C, the temperature of the mixed hot water supplied to the faucet 3 should be 46.7°C; correspondingly, the first electronic valve 130a is controlled to be fully open at 41.3%. As described above, by selectively controlling the first electronic valve 130a, the second electronic valve 130b, and the third electronic valve 130c, even if the flow rate of hot water supplied from the hot water pipe 1 increases, water can still be supplied at the user-desired temperature and flow rate.

[0187] In contrast, when only the flow rate of cold water is increased (S460), the controller 150 reduces the opening of the third electronic valve 130c to provide water at the user's desired temperature and flow rate (S465). Assume that while supplying water at the user's desired temperature and flow rate, the flow rate of cold water increases from 100 ml / s to 120 ml / s. That is, when the third electronic valve 130c is fully open (10.5%) and cold water is supplied to the faucet 3 at a flow rate of 10.5 ml / s while the flow rate of cold water increases by 120 ml, the opening of the third electronic valve 130c can be reduced to 8.5% of its full open position, so that the flow rate of cold water supplied to the faucet 3 becomes 10.5 ml.

[0188] At the same time, when the flow of both hot and cold water supplied to faucet 3 increases, the control method for increasing only hot water is executed, and then the opening amount of the third electronic valve 130c is controlled to reduce the increase in cold water relative to full opening, so that water can be continuously supplied at the temperature and flow rate desired by the user.

[0189] In the above description, the controller 150 calculates the volume of hot and cold water using water flow sensors 110a and 110b, which are located in the hot water pipe 1 and the cold water pipe 2, respectively. In contrast, pressure sensors could be used instead of water flow sensors to measure the volume of hot and cold water.

[0190] For example, Equations 9 and 10 can be used to derive the water volume based on water pressure.

[0191] [Formula 9]

[0192]

[0193] Where P is the water pressure (1000 g / cm³). 2 V is the flow velocity (cm / s), and g is the acceleration due to gravity (9.8 m / s²). 2 ).

[0194] [Formula 10]

[0195]

[0196] In the formula, Q is the volume of water and A is the cross-sectional area of ​​the pipe.

[0197] Equation 11 can be derived from Equations 9 and 10.

[0198] [Equation 11]

[0199]

[0200] Since K = 0.6597d² (d is the inner diameter of the pipe), it can be seen that the water pressure is directly proportional to the square of the water volume.

[0201] For example, the pipe's inner diameter is 15mm, and the water pressure is 0.5kg / cm². 2 At that time, the water flow rate was 470 ml / s.

[0202] Therefore, when the water pressure measured by the first pressure sensor and the second pressure sensor is A kg / cm² 2 and Bkg / cm 2 When A is less than B, the ratio of hot water to cold water is A:B / A. The volume and ratio of hot and cold water can be calculated based on this relationship.

[0203] Meanwhile, when controlling the valve based on changes in the flow rate and pressure of hot and cold water, there may be a problem that the valve opening needs to be adjusted too frequently to respond to changes immediately. To prevent this problem, preferably, even after the outlet water temperature has reached a normal state based on the amount of rotation of the faucet knob, changes in the temperature or flow rate of hot and cold water are only controlled when the changed outlet water temperature is higher than the normal outlet water temperature by a predetermined reference change amount (e.g., ±3°C) or when the change in the flow rate of hot and cold water is greater than a predetermined reference change (e.g., ±10% flow rate change).

[0204] Furthermore, the faucet control device according to the present invention can set the target water temperature differently according to the season or the user. For example, a user may feel that 30°C water is too hot in summer, but feels that the water is too cold in winter. Therefore, it is preferable to adaptively set the target water temperature according to the season for user-friendly control. For example, the target water temperature can be reduced by 10% in summer and increased by 10% in winter depending on the amount of rotation of the faucet knob. Of course, this control can be performed not only based on the season, but also based on the internal temperature of the location where the faucet is located. For example, when the temperature of the location where the faucet is located is lower than a specific set temperature (e.g., 30°C), the target water temperature can be increased by 10% according to the amount of rotation of the faucet knob; when the temperature is above the set temperature, the target water temperature can be increased by 10%.

[0205] Even if the user inputs faucet knob rotation information via a specific input device, or directly inputs the target water temperature and volume, the control can be applied in the same way. Furthermore, when the user inputs faucet knob rotation information via a specific input device or directly inputs the target water temperature and volume, the target water temperature can be set differently for each user. That is, by predicting and analyzing each user's preferred water temperature and volume, the target water temperature and volume can be controlled differently for each user even with the same amount of faucet knob rotation. In this case, when the input device is a smartphone, user information can be easily retrieved by automatically receiving user information from the smartphone. In contrast, when a control panel is used as the input device, user settings can be configured via the control panel.

[0206] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the faucet control device 100 can receive information from the user corresponding to the vertical and horizontal rotation of the faucet knob, rather than information corresponding to the faucet knob itself, via a specific input device. Furthermore, it can receive the user's desired water temperature and flow rate, rather than information corresponding to the vertical and horizontal rotation of the faucet knob. In this case, the specific input device can be a smartphone, a control panel with input and output devices, etc. When a smartphone is used as the input device, it is preferable to install an application for controlling the faucet control device 100 according to the present invention on the smartphone. Depending on the user's selection or setting, cold water temperature, hot water temperature, cold water flow rate, hot water flow rate, outlet water temperature, outlet water flow rate, etc., are selectively displayed on the output device of the control panel. Furthermore, the input device of the control panel can be a touchscreen, a voice recognition device, a button input device, etc. In this case, the faucet control device 100 according to the present invention can include a communication unit for sending / receiving data to / from the input and output devices, and a device capable of wired or wireless communication (including a Bluetooth module, a WiFi module, etc.) can be used as the communication unit.

[0207] Figure 6 and Figure 7 This is a diagram showing an example of an electronic valve used when supplying mixed hot and cold water to faucet 3 from its location.

[0208] refer to Figure 6 and Figure 7 According to an embodiment of the present invention, the electronic valve 500 includes an upper housing 510, a temperature regulator 520, a connector 530, and a lower housing 540.

[0209] The upper housing 510 has a space therein and accommodates the temperature regulator 520 and the connector 530. The upper housing 510 is cylindrical and formed such that the diameter of the upper part is smaller than the diameter of the lower part. The upper module of the temperature regulator 520 is inserted into and rotatably fixed in the cylinder with a small diameter formed on the upper part of the upper housing 510. In this structure, the outer surface of the upper module of the temperature regulator 520 and the inner surface of the cylinder with a small diameter formed on the upper part of the upper housing 510 are in contact with each other, so that multiple grooves are formed circumferentially on the outer surface of the upper module of the temperature regulator 520, thereby reducing the frictional surface with the inner surface of the cylinder with a small diameter formed on the upper part of the upper housing 510 and ensuring smooth rotation of the temperature regulator 520. Furthermore, when multiple annular bearings are mounted circumferentially on the outer surface of the upper module of the temperature regulator 520, the friction with the inner surface of the cylinder with a small diameter formed on the upper part of the upper housing 510 can be further reduced. The lower module of the temperature regulator 520 contacts the inner surface of the upper part of the upper housing 510. Preferably, multiple grooves are formed along the circumference on the top of the lower module of the temperature regulator or multiple annular bearings are installed to reduce friction with the inner surface of the upper part of the upper housing 510.

[0210] A engagement groove for engaging with a linear motor (not shown) is formed on the top of the upper module of the temperature regulator 510, and the temperature regulator 520 rotates in response to the rotation of the linear motor. A locking step 525 is formed on the upper part of the upper module of the temperature regulator 5210, and multiple stops are mounted at corresponding positions on the inner surface of the upper housing 510. The temperature regulator 520 rotates relative to the upper housing 510 within a predetermined angular range via the locking step 525 and the stops. Furthermore, as... Figure 6 As shown, multiple channels 521 and 522 with a cut-ring shape are formed on the bottom of the lower module of the temperature regulator 520. The first channel 521 of the multiple channels 521 and 522 controls the flow of hot water formed between the hot water inlet 531 and the hot water outlet 533 at the connector 530 according to the rotation state of the temperature regulator 520. The second channel 522 controls the flow of cold water formed between the cold water inlet 532 and the cold water outlet 534 at the connector 530 according to the rotation state of the temperature regulator 520. An example of the connector 530 adjusting the mixing ratio of hot and cold water according to the amount of rotation of the temperature regulator 520 is shown below. Figure 8 As shown.

[0211] refer to Figure 8 When the channels 521 and 522 formed on the bottom of the temperature regulator 520 are symmetrically arranged with the hot water inlet 531, cold water inlet 532, hot water outlet 533 and cold water outlet 534 formed at the connector 530, Figure 8(a) The hot water inlet 531 and the cold water inlet 532 are each partially open in the same manner. Therefore, when hot and cold water flow into the interior through the hot water inlet 531 and the cold water inlet 532 at rates of 40 ml / s and 80 ml / s respectively, hot and cold water are discharged through the cold water inlet 532 and the cold water outlet 534 at rates of 20 ml / s and 40 ml / s respectively. Simultaneously, when the linear motor connected to the temperature regulator 520 rotates 30° clockwise... Figure 8 (b) The hot water flowing into the hot water inlet 531 is completely discharged to the hot water outlet 533, while the cold water is not discharged to the cold water outlet 534 because no channel is formed between the cold water inlet 532 and the cold water outlet 534. Conversely, when the linear motor connected to the temperature regulator 520 rotates 30° counterclockwise ( Figure 8 (c) The cold water flowing into the cold water inlet 532 is completely discharged to the cold water outlet 534, while the hot water is not discharged to the hot water outlet 533 because no channel is formed between the hot water inlet 531 and the hot water outlet 533. Furthermore, when the linear motor connected to the temperature regulator 520 rotates 12° clockwise ( Figure 8 (d) Approximately 90% of the hot water flowing in the hot water inlet 531 is discharged to the hot water outlet 533, and approximately 10% of the cold water flowing in the cold water inlet 532 is discharged to the cold water outlet 534. In contrast, when the linear motor connected to the temperature regulator 520 rotates 12° counterclockwise... Figure 8 (e) Approximately 10% of the hot water flowing in the hot water inlet 531 is discharged to the hot water outlet 533, and approximately 90% of the cold water flowing in the cold water inlet 532 is discharged to the cold water outlet 534. As described above, the mixing ratio of hot and cold water can be adjusted by adjusting the rotation direction and amount of the temperature regulator 520. The rotation direction and amount of the temperature regulator 520 are controlled by the controller 150.

[0212] Connector 530 is connected to lower housing 540. For this purpose, insertion portions 535-1 and 535-2 are formed on the bottom edge of connector 530. Insertion portions 535-1 and 535-2 are inserted into mating grooves formed at corresponding positions on the top of lower housing 540, thereby securing connector 530 to lower housing 540. Simultaneously, a protrusion is formed at the center of the top of connector 530 and engages in a protrusion insertion hole formed on the bottom of temperature regulator 520. Therefore, temperature regulator 520 rotates on the protrusion formed on the top of connector 530. The connector rotatably contacts temperature regulator 520 and is made of a material with a low coefficient of friction and high elasticity to prevent hot and cold water leakage.

[0213] The lower housing 540 is joined to the upper housing 510. For this purpose, fastening protrusions 549-1 and 549-2 are formed on the top edge of the lower housing 530. The fastening protrusions 549-1 and 549-2 are inserted into mating grooves 515 formed at corresponding positions on the side of the upper housing 510. Hot water inlet 545, cold water inlet 546, hot water outlet 547, and cold water outlet 548, corresponding to the hot water inlet 531, cold water inlet 532, hot water outlet 533, and cold water outlet 534 formed on the connector 530, are formed on the top of the lower housing 540. In this configuration, a rubber ring is fitted onto the outer surface of each of the hot water inlet 545, cold water inlet 546, hot water outlet 547, and cold water outlet 548 to prevent leakage. In addition, hot water inlet pipe 541, cold water inlet pipe 542, hot water outlet pipe 543 and cold water outlet pipe 544 are installed on the bottom of the lower shell, and these pipes are connected to hot water inlet 545, cold water inlet 546, hot water outlet 547 and cold water outlet 548 respectively through channels formed in the lower shell 540.

[0214] The following description refers to the use of the second electronic valve 130b and the third electronic valve 130c without reference. Figures 6 to 8 The method described herein involves using an electronic valve (hereinafter referred to as the "fourth electronic valve") to control a faucet. In this case, hot water is connected to the hot water inlet pipe 541 of the fourth electronic valve 500 via its outlet pipe, and cold water is connected to the cold water inlet pipe 542 of the fourth electronic valve 500 via its outlet pipe. Furthermore, the hot water outlet pipe 543 of the fourth electronic valve 500 is connected to the hot water pipe of the faucet 4, and the cold water outlet pipe 544 is connected to the cold water pipe of the faucet 3.

[0215] First, the volume of hot and cold water flowing in the hot water inlet pipe 541 and cold water inlet pipe 542 is described, and the discharge to the hot water outlet pipe 543 and cold water outlet pipe 544 is determined by the rotation of the temperature regulator 520. When the linear motor connected to the temperature regulator 520 rotates 30° clockwise, the hot water flowing in the hot water inlet 531 is set to be completely discharged to the hot water outlet 533; when the linear motor connected to the temperature regulator 520 rotates 30° counterclockwise, the cold water flowing in the cold water inlet 532 is set to be completely discharged to the cold water outlet 534. Furthermore, when the state of the linear motor connected to the temperature regulator 520 rotating 30° clockwise is set to 0°, the state of the linear motor connected to the temperature regulator 520 rotating 30° counterclockwise is set to 60°. In this case, when hot water flows into the hot water inlet pipe 541 at a flow rate of xml / s and cold water flows into the cold water inlet pipe 542 at a flow rate of yml / s, the flow rates of hot water and cold water discharged into the hot water outlet pipe 543 and the cold water outlet pipe 544 are calculated by the following formula.

[0216] [Equation 12]

[0217]

[0218]

[0219] Where X is the volume of hot water discharged to the hot water outlet pipe 543, Y is the volume of cold water discharged to the cold water outlet pipe 544, and k is the rotation amount of the temperature regulator 530.

[0220] In this case, when the temperatures of the hot water and cold water discharged to the hot water outlet pipe 543 and the cold water outlet pipe 544 are a℃ and b℃ respectively, the temperature of the mixed water of hot water and cold water, cold water, can be obtained by the following formula.

[0221] [Equation 13]

[0222]

[0223] Meanwhile, the fourth electronic valve 500 only functions to regulate the temperature of the mixed water by adjusting the mixing ratio of hot and cold water; a water flow regulator should be installed downstream of the fourth electronic valve 500. (Reference) Figure 1 The first electronic valve 130a described can be used as a water flow regulator. Alternatively, a spindle used in ordinary faucets can be used as a water flow regulator. In this case, the function of adjusting the mixing ratio of hot and cold water corresponding to the horizontal rotation of the faucet knob is removed, and the spindle only functions to adjust the volume of the mixed hot and cold water corresponding to the vertical rotation of the faucet knob.

[0224] For example, it is described that when water in a 2400ml heating tank 140 is heated by a first heater 140a and maintained at 80°C, the operation of a fourth electronic valve 500 is controlled by a controller 150. Assume that, in the following description, the remaining hot water in the pipe between the hot water supply point and the heating tank 140 is 6400ml, the first electronic valve 130a distributes the hot water supplied from the hot water pipe 1 to the heating tank 140 and the heating module 150, the temperatures of the hot water and cold water measured by the first temperature sensor 120a and the second temperature sensor 120b are 30°C and 20°C respectively, the maximum supply rates of hot water and cold water are 80ml / s and 100ml / s respectively, and the maximum supply temperature of the hot water is 60°C.

[0225] When the user sets the desired outlet water temperature and desired water volume to be 42℃ and 60ml / s respectively, the controller 150 checks whether the temperature of the mixed hot water from the initial heating in the heating tank 140 and the secondary heating in the heating module 145 can reach the user-set desired outlet water temperature, until all remaining hot water is used. If it is determined to be possible, the controller 150 sets the user-set desired outlet water temperature and desired water volume as the target outlet water temperature and target water volume. However, if it is determined to be impossible, the target outlet water temperature is set lower than the user-set desired outlet water temperature, or the target outlet water volume is set lower than the user-set target outlet water volume.

[0226] In the example above, the time required to fully utilize the remaining hot water is 106.7 seconds. Therefore, the initial heated hot water in the heating tank 140 only needs to be used more slowly than 106.7 seconds. Thus, water is discharged from the heating tank 140 at a maximum rate of 22 ml / s, and it takes 109 seconds to fully utilize 2400 ml of the initial heated hot water. In this case, the temperature of the mixed hot water supplied to the fourth electronic valve 500 is 43.75°C, and the rotation amount of the temperature regulator 520 of the fourth electronic valve 500 can be obtained from Equations 12 and 13. In this case, the rotation amount of the temperature regulator 520 of the fourth electronic valve 500 is calculated to be 0.2°. In this case, the flow rates of hot water and cold water discharged to the hot water outlet pipe 543 and cold water outlet pipe 544 are 79.7 ml / s and 0.33 ml / s, respectively. Therefore, the water flow controller installed after the fourth electronic valve 500 controls the mixed water with a temperature of 42℃ and a flow rate of 80.03ml / s to be discharged at the user-set flow rate of 60ml / s.

[0227] If the remaining hot water and the initial heated hot water in the heating water tank 140 are used up and the water reaches normal operating conditions, the hot water temperature in the heating water tank 140 and the hot water temperature in the heating module 145 will become the maximum supply water temperature (e.g., 60°C). In this case, when the rotation amount of the temperature regulator 520 of the fourth electronic valve 500 is set to 23.7°, the flow rates of hot water and cold water discharged from the hot water outlet pipe 543 and the cold water outlet pipe 544 become 48.4 ml / s and 39.5 ml / s, respectively. Therefore, the water flow controller installed after the fourth electronic valve 500 controls the mixed water at a temperature of 42°C and a flow rate of 87.9 ml / s to be discharged at the user-set flow rate of 60 ml / s.

[0228] For those skilled in the art, when referring to Figure 3 and Figure 4As described in Equations 12 and 13, the method for controlling the corresponding rotation amount of the fourth electronic valve 500 is obvious when at least one of the hot water volume and the cold water volume increases or decreases while using the faucet 3 before and after reaching the normal state.

[0229] Meanwhile, it is assumed that the flow rates of hot water, cold water, mixed hot water, mixed water, etc., linearly correspond to the valve opening levels described below. However, when the valve opening level decreases below a predetermined level, the flow rate changes linearly. For example, when the valve opening level is 50%, half of the incoming water flow is supplied through the valve, while when the valve opening level is 10%, less than 10% of the incoming water flow is supplied through the valve. Therefore, it is preferable to consider this difference when determining the valve opening level. Furthermore, when the outlet water temperature and flow rate resulting from this difference are within a preset error range (e.g., ±2°C for temperature and ±5 ml / s for flow rate), it can be set to disregard this difference.

[0230] Meanwhile, when faucet 3 is a conventional faucet with a spindle, the final change in the horizontal and vertical rotation of the knob by faucet 3 depends on the mixing ratio of hot and cold water on the spindle and the volume of the mixed water. In this case, by approximately controlling the second electronic valve 130b and the third electronic valve 130c based on the following formula, water can be supplied at the target temperature and target volume.

[0231] Hot water flow adjustment: QH0

[0232] Cold water adjustment: QL0

[0233] Horizontal rotation angle of the faucet knob: θH

[0234] Maximum horizontal rotation angle of the faucet knob: θHmax

[0235] When θH / θHmax ≥ 0.5, the third electronic valve remains unchanged, while the second electronic valve opens additionally at a ratio of θHmax / (2θH), thereby increasing the discharge of QH0 and keeping the final mixed hot water volume constant. When θH / θHmax < 0.5, the second electronic valve remains unchanged, while the third electronic valve opens additionally at a ratio of θHmax / (2(θHmax-θH)), thereby increasing the discharge of QL0 and keeping the final mixed cold water volume through the faucet constant.

[0236] Meanwhile, because the heating tank 140 and heating module 145 are sealed to the hot water pipe 1 and the second electronic valve 130b (or an electronic valve for temperature control), the volume of water in the heating tank 140 increases when heated, thus applying excessive pressure to the pipe between the heating tank 140, heating module 145, and the hot water pipe 1 and the second electronic valve 130b. This can cause damage to the device, so the pressure needs to be reduced to an appropriate level (e.g., 1.5 times the hot water supply pressure). For this purpose, preferably, a bypass pipe is installed connecting the heating tank 140 and the hot water pipe 1, and a one-way valve is installed, which allows water to flow from the heating tank 140 to the hot water pipe 1 only in the bypass pipe when the second electronic valve 130b is used. In this case, the one-way pipe can be a valve that opens when the pressure is higher than a first reference pressure (e.g., 1.2 times the hot water supply pressure). Of course, a bypass pipe can be omitted, and instead, when the pressure in the heating water tank 140 reaches the first reference pressure, the second electronic valve 130b is opened to reduce the pressure in the heating water tank 140 below the first reference pressure. Furthermore, even if an electronic valve for temperature regulation is used, the pressure in the heating water tank 140 can be reduced by installing a bypass pipe. However, in this case, the pressure in the heating water tank 140 can be reduced to an appropriate level or lower by adjusting the electronic valve for temperature regulation, allowing the mixed hot water to be supplied to the cold water pipe 2. For this purpose, a pressure sensor should be installed in the heating water tank 140, and the controller 150 controls the second electronic valve 130b or the electronic valve for temperature regulation based on the value input from the pressure sensor. If the value input from the pressure sensor reaches an appropriate level, the controller 150 stops the operation of the heater 140a installed in the heating water tank 140, thereby preventing an additional increase in the water volume in the heating water tank 140 and correspondingly preventing an increase in the pressure in the heating water tank 140.

[0237] Meanwhile, when configured to use the second electronic valve 130b and the third electronic valve 130c to control the discharge of mixed hot and cold water, water cannot be used during power outages or malfunctions. To address this, the device is configured such that a three-way valve is installed at each connection point between the hot water pipe 1 and the cold water pipe 2 and the device according to the invention. Under normal circumstances, hot water supplied from the hot water pipe 1 and cold water supplied from the cold water pipe 2 are delivered to the device according to the invention. In the event of a power outage or malfunction, the user manually adjusts the knobs installed on the three-way valves so that the hot water supplied from the hot water pipe 1 and the cold water supplied from the cold water pipe 2 are supplied to the faucet through bypass pipes. In this configuration, the device can be configured such that when the actuator additionally rotates the knob of the three-way valve in the same direction, wherein the knob of the three-way valve is changed by the user to the position for power outages or malfunctions, the discharge of hot and cold water can be adjusted. This configuration can be applied in the same manner when using electronic valves for temperature regulation. In contrast, the device can be configured such that when an electronic valve for temperature regulation is used and the water flow is adjusted by a knob mounted on the faucet, power is supplied to the controller 150, and in the event of a power outage or malfunction, the electronic valve for temperature regulation is used via an auxiliary battery without installing a three-way valve and a bypass pipe, and the electronic valve for temperature regulation is driven to a position where the hot and cold water are mixed in a 1:1 ratio so that water can be used continuously.

[0238] Figures 9 to 12 This is a diagram illustrating the structure of a faucet control device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0239] refer to Figure 9 According to another embodiment of the present invention, a faucet control device 200 includes a temperature / water volume setter 3a, a plurality of water volume sensors 210a and 210b, a plurality of temperature sensors 220a to 220d, a directional control valve 230, a direct hot water pipe 240, a heating water tank 250, a heater 255, an electronic valve 260, and a controller 270.

[0240] The temperature / water volume setter 105 is a component for users to set the desired temperature and desired water volume of the outlet water. Figure 9 The temperature / water flow setter 3a shown is a rotation angle measuring sensor that is combined with the knob of the public faucet 3. The rotation angle measuring sensor is a component that measures the horizontal and vertical rotation angles of the faucet knob. However, compared with the reference... Figure 2 Unlike the described embodiments, in this disclosure, the temperature / water flow setter 3a only measures the horizontal rotation angle of the faucet knob and provides it to the controller 270. The controller 270 calculates the user's desired temperature based on the horizontal rotation direction of the faucet knob and the amount of rotation input from the temperature / water flow setter 3a. The operation of measuring the horizontal rotation angle of the faucet knob via the temperature / water flow setter 3a is similar to that of a reference device. Figure 2The operation of measuring the horizontal rotation angle of the faucet knob is the same as described. Simultaneously, the user physically adjusts the desired water flow rate based on the vertical rotation of the faucet knob. Therefore, a spindle for water flow adjustment is installed in the faucet 3 to adjust only the water flow rate corresponding to the vertical rotation of the faucet knob. The spindle for water flow adjustment, corresponding to the vertical rotation of the faucet knob, regulates the flow rate of water supplied from the electronic valve 260 to the faucet 3 at the user-set desired temperature.

[0241] In contrast, a faucet knob can be configured to operate only in the vertical direction and allow the user to physically set the desired water flow rate, and can be configured to receive the desired water temperature separately. This embodiment is illustrated in... Figure 10 (Chinese) Reference Figure 10 The desired water temperature is input from the user via a temperature setting device 280, which is installed separately from the faucet knob. The temperature setting device 280 can be configured as a rotary knob, a push-button, etc. The desired water temperature input by the user via the temperature setting device 280 is then input to the controller 270. The water flow rate is adjusted by the faucet knob relative to a reference temperature. Figure 9 The descriptions are the same.

[0242] Water flow sensors 210A and 210B measure the flow rates of hot and cold water supplied to the faucet control device 200 from hot water pipe 1 and cold water pipe 2, respectively. In the following description, water flow sensor 210a, which measures the flow rate of hot water supplied from hot water pipe 1, is referred to as the first water flow sensor, and water flow sensor 110b, which measures the flow rate of cold water supplied from cold water pipe 2, is referred to as the second water flow sensor. Alternatively, pressure sensors can be used instead of water flow sensors 210a and 210b to measure the flow rates of hot and cold water. By providing pressure sensors instead of water flow sensors, the water pressures of the hot and cold water supplied from hot water pipe 1 and cold water pipe 2 are measured, respectively. The process of converting the water pressures of the hot and cold water measured by such pressure sensors into the flow rates of hot and cold water is described in reference. Figure 1 The descriptions are the same.

[0243] Temperature sensors 220a to 220d are respectively installed in the pipe connected to the hot water pipe 1, the pipe connected to the cold water pipe 2, and the pipe installed in the heating water tank 250 and connected between the electronic valve 260 and the faucet 3.

[0244] The first temperature sensor 220a is installed at the hot water inlet through which hot water flows in and measures the temperature of the hot water supplied through the hot water pipe 1. Immediately after hot water is used, the temperature of the hot water in the hot water pipe 1 becomes the same as the temperature of the hot water in the heating tank 250. Therefore, the measurements obtained by the first temperature sensor 220a and the third temperature sensor 220c show the same temperature. However, as time passes from the point when hot water use ends, the temperature of the hot water in the hot water pipe gradually decreases, and the temperature of the hot water measured by the first temperature sensor 220 also gradually decreases. In this case, when the directional control valve 230 completely blocks heat transfer between the hot water pipe 1 and the heating tank 250, the temperature of the hot water measured by the first temperature sensor 220a is the same as the temperature of the hot water in the hot water pipe 1. However, in reality, since the directional control valve 230, which is located between the hot water pipe 1 and the heating tank 250, does not completely prevent heat transfer between the hot water pipe 1 and the heating tank 250, the temperature of the hot water measured by the first temperature sensor 220a is different from the temperature of the hot water in the hot water pipe 1.

[0245] Assuming the temperature of the hot water measured by the first temperature sensor 220a is not significantly different from the temperature of the hot water in the hot water pipe 1, the faucet control device 200 according to the present invention sets the temperature of the hot water measured by the first temperature sensor 220a as the temperature of the hot water in the hot water pipe 1. However, when the difference between the temperature of the hot water measured by the first temperature sensor 220a and the temperature of the hot water in the hot water pipe 1 is large, this needs to be considered. Therefore, when the difference between the temperature of the hot water measured by the first temperature sensor 220a at the time of hot water use and the temperature of the hot water measured by the first temperature sensor 220a at a predetermined time interval (e.g., 10 ms) after the time of hot water use is greater than a preset first reference value (e.g., 2°C), the controller 270 changes the temperature of the hot water measured by the first temperature sensor 220a to the temperature of the hot water in the hot water pipe 1.

[0246] In addition, a second temperature sensor 220b is installed at the cold water inlet through which cold water flows in and measures the temperature of the cold water supplied through the cold water pipe 2. A third temperature sensor 220c is installed in the heating water tank 250 and measures the temperature of the hot water supplied to the heating water tank 250. When a considerable amount of time has passed since the end of hot water use, the temperatures of the hot water in the hot water pipe 1 and the hot water in the heating water tank 250 both decrease and reach the same temperature. In contrast, immediately after the end of hot water use, the hot water in the hot water pipe 1 and the hot water in the heating water tank 250 both reach the highest supply temperature (e.g., 60°C). At the same time, as the heater 255 installed in the heating water tank 250 operates, the temperature of the hot water in the heating water tank 250, as measured by the third temperature sensor 220c, increases. A fourth temperature sensor 220d is installed in the pipe connecting the electronic valve 260 to the faucet 3 and outputs the temperature of the water supplied from the electronic valve 260 to the faucet 3. The measured values ​​obtained by the first temperature sensor 220a to the fourth temperature sensor 220d are input to the controller 270.

[0247] Hot water supplied to the faucet control device 200 via hot water pipe 1 is diverted to direct hot water pipe 240 and heating water tank 250. Preferably, the distribution ratio of hot water flowing from hot water pipe 1 to direct hot water pipe 240 and heating water tank 250 is set in the range of 1:1 to 1:4. The distribution ratio can be adjusted according to the diameter, shape, length, etc. of direct hot water pipe 240. Additionally, a three-way valve capable of adjusting the distribution ratio can be applied at the diversion point of hot water supplied to the faucet control device 200 via hot water pipe 1. In this case, the distribution ratio of the three-way valve can be adjusted manually or automatically via a control signal input from controller 270. A directional control valve 230 is installed before the hot water diversion point and performs the function of preventing hot water supplied from hot water pipe 1 from flowing back to hot water pipe 1 and preventing or minimizing heat transfer from heating water tank 250 to hot water pipe 1.

[0248] In the above description, the directional control valve 230 is installed before the hot water branch point, but the directional control valve can also be installed at each of the hot water inlet and hot water outlet of the heating water tank 250. Figure 11 This embodiment is illustrated. (Reference) Figure 11 A first directional control valve 230a is installed at the hot water inlet of the heating water tank 250, and a second directional control valve 230b is installed at the hot water outlet of the heating water tank 250. This configuration allows for thermal isolation of the heating water tank 250 from other components. The first directional control valve 230a can be a safety valve that allows water to flow from the hot water pipe 1 directly to the heating water tank 250, but discharges water from the heating water tank 250 when the pressure in the heating water tank 250 increases above a first reference pressure (e.g., 5 bar), causing the pressure in the heating water tank 250 to drop below a second reference pressure (e.g., 2 bar).

[0249] at the same time, Figure 12 It shows the combination of Figure 10 The method shown illustrates how to set the desired outlet water temperature and desired water volume. Figure 11 The configuration of the installation direction control valve is shown. (Reference) Figure 12 The user inputs the desired water temperature via a separately installed temperature setter 280, and directional control valves 230a and 230b are installed at the hot water inlet and hot water outlet of the heating water tank 250, respectively.

[0250] The heating water tank 250 is manufactured to hold a predetermined water volume (e.g., 1.8 L), and a heater 255 and a third temperature sensor 220c are installed in the heating water tank 250. By activating the heater 255 installed in the heating water tank 250 while the faucet is not in use (the user is not using water), the water in the heating water tank 250 is heated to a preset first temperature (e.g., 80°C). If the water temperature in the heating water tank 250 reaches the first temperature, the controller 270 stops the operation of the heater 255. In this state, when the water temperature in the heating water tank 250 drops to a preset second temperature (e.g., 40°C), the controller 270 activates the heater 255 again, thereby repeating the operation of heating the water in the heating water tank 250 to the preset first temperature (e.g., 80°C).

[0251] The first temperature, the second temperature, and whether to activate the heater 255 are determined based on the remaining hot water volume in the pipe from the initial hot water inflow point (the location of the pipe branching from the central pipe to the household in centralized heating and the hot water outflow point of the boiler installed in the household in individual heating) to the faucet 3, the initial hot water temperature, the capacity of the heating tank 250, the volume of hot and cold water, and the capacity of the heater 255. In this case, it is advantageous to set the first temperature as high as possible to ensure the desired outlet water temperature, but considering the possibility of scalding the user, the heat resistance of the heating tank 250, etc., if possible, the first temperature is preferably set to 90°C or lower (e.g., 75°C). Meanwhile, although in Figure 9Only one heater is installed in the heating water tank 250, but multiple heaters can be installed in the heating water tank 250. Furthermore, the capacity of the heater 255 can be determined substantially by the capacity of the heating water tank 250 and the minimum temperature of the remaining hot water in the hot water pipe 1. For example, when the capacity of the heating water tank 250 is 1.8L, the capacity of the heater 255 only needs to be 940W (the safety factor of the heater is set to 1.25) to raise the temperature to 80°C by heating the hot water at 20°C for 10 minutes. The heated hot water in this way is stored in the heating water tank 250, and the controller 270 controls the electronic valve 260 in correspondence with the user's operation of the faucet 3, thereby supplying a mixture of heated hot water supplied from the heating water tank 250 and hot water supplied through the direct hot water pipe 240 to the faucet 3.

[0252] Meanwhile, as mentioned above, when determining whether to drive the heater 255 based solely on the temperature measured by the third temperature sensor 220c, there is a problem that hot water can be supplied stably, but power consumption increases. Considering this problem, when the controller 270 determines whether to drive the heater 255 based on the measurements of the first temperature sensor 220a and the third temperature sensor 220c when the faucet 3 is not in use, power consumption can be optimized. Figure 13 This is a diagram illustrating a method by which the heater 255 is driven by the controller 270 based on the measurements of the first temperature sensor 220a and the third temperature sensor 220c when the faucet 3 is not in use.

[0253] refer to Figure 13When power is supplied to the faucet control device 200 according to this disclosure, the controller 270 periodically checks the temperature of the hot water in the hot water pipe 1 and the temperature of the hot water in the heating tank 250, as measured by the first temperature sensor 220a and the third temperature sensor 220c. First, the controller 270 checks whether the measured value T1 of the first temperature sensor 220a is lower than a first reference temperature V1 (S1305). If the measured value T1 of the first temperature sensor 220a is the first reference temperature V1 or higher, the controller 270 shuts off the heater 255 (S1325). Conversely, when the measured value T1 of the first temperature sensor 220a is lower than the first reference temperature V1, the controller 270 checks whether the measured value T1 of the first temperature sensor 220a is lower than a second reference temperature V2 (S1310). If the measured value T1 of the first temperature sensor 220a is the second reference temperature V2 or higher, the controller 270 checks whether the measured value T3 of the third temperature sensor 220c is lower than a fifth reference temperature V5 (S1330). When the measured value T3 of the third temperature sensor 220c is the fifth reference temperature V5 or higher in step S1330, the controller 270 shuts off the heater 255 (S1325). Conversely, when the measured value T3 of the third temperature sensor 220c is lower than the fifth reference temperature V5, the controller 270 turns on the heater 255 (S1350). Furthermore, when the measured value T3 of the third temperature sensor 220c changes to the ninth reference temperature V9 or higher while the heater 255 is on, the controller 270 shuts off the heater 255 (S1325). Conversely, when the measured value T3 of the third temperature sensor 220c is lower than the ninth reference temperature V9, the controller 255 keeps the heater 255 on (S1350).

[0254] When it is determined in step S1310 that the measured value T1 of the first temperature sensor 220a is lower than the second reference temperature V2, the controller 270 checks whether the measured value T1 of the first temperature sensor 220a is lower than the third reference temperature V3 (S1315). If the measured value T1 of the first temperature sensor 220a is the third reference temperature V3 or higher, the controller 270 checks whether the measured value T3 of the third temperature sensor 220c is lower than the sixth reference temperature V6 (S1335). When the measured value T3 of the third temperature sensor 220c is the sixth reference temperature V6 or higher in step S1335, the controller 270 turns off the heater 255 (S1325). Conversely, when the measured value T3 of the third temperature sensor 220c is lower than the sixth reference temperature V6, the controller 270 turns on the heater 255 (S1360). Furthermore, when the measured value T3 of the third temperature sensor 220c becomes the tenth reference temperature V10 or higher while the heater 255 is on, the controller 270 shuts off the heater 255 (S1325). Conversely, when the measured value T3 of the third temperature sensor 220c is lower than the tenth reference temperature V10, the controller 255 keeps the heater 255 on (S1360).

[0255] When it is determined in step S1315 that the measured value T1 of the first temperature sensor 220a is lower than the third reference temperature V3, the controller 270 checks whether the measured value T1 of the first temperature sensor 220a is lower than the fourth reference temperature V4 (S1320). If the measured value T1 of the first temperature sensor 220a is the fourth reference temperature V4 or higher, the controller 270 checks whether the measured value T3 of the third temperature sensor 220c is lower than the seventh reference temperature V7 (S1340). When the measured value T3 of the third temperature sensor 220c is the seventh reference temperature V7 or higher in step S1340, the controller 270 turns off the heater 255 (S1325). Conversely, when the measured value T3 of the third temperature sensor 220c is lower than the seventh reference temperature V7, the controller 270 turns on the heater 255 (S1370). Furthermore, when the measured value T3 of the third temperature sensor 220c becomes the eleventh reference temperature V11 or higher while the heater 255 is on, the controller 270 shuts off the heater 255 (S1325). Conversely, when the measured value T3 of the third temperature sensor 220c is lower than the eleventh reference temperature V11, the controller 255 keeps the heater 255 on (S1370).

[0256] When it is determined in step S1320 that the measured value T1 of the first temperature sensor 220a is lower than the fourth reference temperature V4, the controller 270 checks whether the measured value T3 of the third temperature sensor 220c is lower than the eighth reference temperature V8 (S1345). When the measured value T3 of the third temperature sensor 220c is the eighth reference temperature V8 or higher in step S1345, the controller 270 turns off the heater 255 (S1325). Conversely, when the measured value T3 of the third temperature sensor 220c is lower than the eighth reference temperature V8, the controller 270 turns on the heater 255 (S1380). Furthermore, when the measured value T3 of the third temperature sensor 220c becomes the twelfth reference temperature V12 or higher while the heater 255 is on, the controller 270 turns off the heater 255 (S1325). Conversely, when the measured value T3 of the third temperature sensor 220c is lower than the twelfth reference temperature V12, the controller 255 keeps the heater 255 on (S1370).

[0257] The reference temperature mentioned above can be set as shown in the table below. The reference temperature can be changed by the capacity of the heating water tank 250, the volume of the remaining hot water in the hot water pipe 1, the capacity of the heater 255, the maximum heating temperature of the hot water set for the heating water tank 250, the temperature of the remaining hot water in the hot water pipe 1, and the temperature of the cold water in the cold water pipe 2.

[0258] [Table 1]

[0259] project Reference temperature project Reference temperature project Reference temperature V1 35℃ V9 45℃ V9 50℃ V2 30℃ V6 50℃ V10 60℃ V3 25℃ V7 65℃ V11 70℃ V4 20℃ V8 60℃ V12 75℃

[0260] As described above, by actively controlling the opening and closing of the heater 255 based on the remaining hot water in the hot water pipe 1 and the cooling degree of the heated hot water in the heating tank 250, water at the temperature desired by the next user can be supplied immediately when the next user uses the tap 3, and the power consumed to drive the heater 255 can also be reduced. (See reference...) Figure 13 Note that when the faucet control device 200 according to the invention is not used, the heater 255 can be controlled to turn on / off based on a reference temperature preset for the values ​​of the first temperature sensor 220a and the third temperature sensor 220c. In contrast, the heater 255 can be controlled to operate based on the minimum supply temperature of the mixed hot water (residual hot water supplied through the direct hot water pipe 240 and heated hot water supplied from the heating tank 250), the maximum temperature of the heated hot water in the heating tank 250, and the distribution ratio of the hot water supplied through the hot water pipe 1 to the direct hot water pipe 240 and the heating tank 250.

[0261] Figure 14 This is a diagram illustrating the method by which the controller 270 drives the heater 255 in the above-described manner.

[0262] refer to Figure 14 The controller 270 checks whether the faucet 3 is being used based on the flow values ​​input from the first flow sensor 210a and the second flow sensor 210b (S1400). In this case, when the measured value input from at least one of the first flow sensor 210a and the second flow sensor 210b is greater than 0 or exceeds a predetermined flow rate, the controller 270 determines that the faucet 3 is being used. Next, when it is determined that the faucet 3 is not being used (S1405), the control unit 270 calculates the target heating temperature of the hot water in the heating tank 250 according to the following formula (S1410).

[0263] [Formula 14]

[0264]

[0265] Among them, T 3,target It is the target heating temperature of the hot water in the heating tank 250, T 4,target T1 is the target supply temperature of the mixed hot water, T1 is the temperature of the remaining hot water in hot water pipe 1, and k is the distribution ratio of the remaining hot water from hot water pipe 1 to direct hot water pipe 240 and heating water tank 250. For example, in Equation 15, k can be set to 0.6 (i.e., the distribution ratio to direct hot water pipe 240 and heating water tank 250 can be 6:4), and T 4,target It can be set to 45℃.

[0266] Next, the controller compares the target heating temperature T of the hot water in the heating tank 250. 3,target and the current temperature T of the hot water in the heating tank 250 as measured by the third temperature sensor 220c. 3,tur (S1415). If the target heating temperature T of the hot water in the heating tank 250 is... 3,target The current temperature T of the hot water in the heating tank is lower than 250. 3,tur If the target heating temperature T of the hot water in the heating tank 250 is reached, then the controller 270 will turn on the heater 255 (S1420). In contrast, when the target heating temperature T of the hot water in the heating tank 250 is reached... 3,target The current temperature T of the hot water in the heating tank 250 is higher than or equal to the current temperature of the hot water. 3,tur When the heater 255 is activated, the controller 270 shuts off the heater 255 (S1430). After the heater 255 is activated, the controller 270 compares the current temperature T of the hot water in the heating tank 250 with the temperature measured by the third temperature sensor 220c. 3,tur The maximum heating temperature T of the hot water in the heating tank 250 3,max (S1425). In contrast, when the current temperature T of the hot water in the heating tank 250 is... 3,tur The maximum heating temperature T of the hot water in the heating tank 250 is higher than or equal to the maximum heating temperature of the hot water. 3,maxWhen the current temperature T of the hot water in the heating tank 250 reaches a certain level, the controller 270 shuts off the heater 255 (S1430). This differs from the controller 270, which shuts off the heater 255 when the current temperature T of the hot water in the heating tank 250 reaches a certain level. 3,tur The maximum heating temperature T of the hot water in the heating tank is lower than 250. 3,max At that time, the process proceeds to step S1415.

[0267] According to the above method, when the faucet 3 is not in use, the controller 270 appropriately controls whether to drive the heater 255 installed in the heating water tank 250, thereby minimizing power consumption while stably supplying hot water when the user uses the faucet 3 later.

[0268] At the same time, as referenced Figure 13 and Figure 14 As described, when the faucet control device 200 according to the invention is not used, the temperature of the hot water in the heating tank 250 is regulated by appropriately opening or closing the heater 255, so that when the user uses the faucet 3, water can be provided immediately at the user's desired temperature. However, when the temperature of the remaining hot water in the hot water pipe 1 is too low, in an environment such as with the faucet control device 200 according to the invention, when the amount of remaining hot water in the hot water pipe 1 becomes greater than the capacity of the heating tank 250, the temperature of the hot water supplied by the faucet control device 200 according to the invention may become lower than the user's desired outlet temperature before the remaining hot water in the hot water pipe 1 is completely used up. In this case, even when the faucet 1 is in use, the controller 270 heats the hot water in the hot water pipe 1 by driving the heater 255, thereby ensuring the user's desired outlet temperature.

[0269] For example, when the capacity of the heating water tank 250 is 2L, the capacity of the heater 255 is 1.5kW, the hot water flow rate supplied from the hot water pipe 1 is 100ml / s, the hot water distribution between the heating water tank 250 and the direct hot water pipe 240 is 1:1, the temperature of the hot water supplied through the hot water pipe 1 is 20℃, and the user's desired outlet water temperature is 38℃, when the temperature of the hot water in the heating water tank 250 is 50℃, the 50℃ hot water is discharged from the heating water tank 250 at a flow rate of 50ml / s, the 50℃ hot water is discharged through the direct hot water pipe 250 at a flow rate of 50ml / s, and the 50℃ hot water is supplied to the electronic valve 260 at a flow rate of 100ml / s. Therefore, there is a problem that even if 100% of the hot water is supplied to the faucet 1 by controlling the electronic valve 260, the supplied hot water temperature is lower than 38℃ (i.e., the user's desired outlet water temperature). In this case, the temperature of the hot water in the heating tank 250 can be raised by about 6°C by driving the heater 255 with a capacity of 1.5kW, so that the user can be supplied with hot water at the desired temperature of 38°C.

[0270] When using the faucet control device 200 of the present invention, whether to drive the heater 255 is determined based on the remaining hot water volume in the hot water pipe 1 (i.e., when hot water is provided by a regional heating company, the volume of cooled hot water retained in the hot water pipe 1 until hot water at the supply temperature is provided at the location point where the pipe diverges from the central pipe to the home, and when heated separately, the volume of cooled hot water retained in the hot water pipe 1 until hot water at the supply temperature is provided at the hot water outlet point of the boiler installed in the home), the remaining hot water temperature, the capacity of the heating water tank 250, the capacity of the heater 255, the hot water flow rate supplied from the hot water pipe 1, the hot water distribution ratio between the heating water tank and the direct hot water pipe 240, the temperature of the water outlet desired by the user, i.e., 38°C, the hot water and water volume in the heating water tank, etc. When using the faucet control device 200 according to the present invention, if it is determined that the temperature of the water outlet desired by the user cannot be ensured even when the heater 255 is operated, the controller 270 sets the temperature and water volume of the water outlet to be lower than the temperature and water volume of the water outlet desired by the user, and while driving the heater 255, supplies the water outlet to the faucet 1 based on the temperature and water volume of the remaining hot water, the capacity of the heating water tank 250, the temperature of the hot water in the heating water tank 250, the hot water distribution ratio between the heating water tank 250 and the direct hot water pipe 240, the capacity of the heater 255, etc.

[0271] When the faucet 3 is not in use, the electronic control valve 260 is controlled to the position closing the hot water pipe side to prevent the heat of the heated hot water in the heating water tank 250 from being transferred to the faucet 3. In addition, the controller 270 controls the mixing ratio of the cold water supplied from the cold water pipe 2, the heated hot water discharged from the heating water tank 250, and the mixed hot water supplied through the direct hot water pipe 240 by controlling the electronic valve 260 at the time point of using the faucet 3, and then supplies water to the faucet 3. For example, when the temperature and water volume of the water outlet desired by the user are 40°C and 8 ml / s respectively, the temperature and water volume of the mixed hot water are 47°C and 100 ml / s respectively, and the water supply temperature and water volume of the cold water are 20°C and 120 ml / s respectively, the mixing ratio of the mixed hot water and the cold water is adjusted by adjusting the rotation amount of the electronic valve 260 based on the following formula.

[0272] [Equation 15]

[0273]

[0274] Where, K is the rotation amount of the electronic control valve 260 (when K = 0.5, half of the mixed hot water is supplied; when 0 ≤ K < 0.5, the mixed hot water is mixed from 0 to half with respect to the cold water; when 0.5 < K ≤ 1, the cold water is mixed from 0 to half), T O is the desired temperature of the water outlet, T H is the temperature of the mixed hot water, T L is the temperature of the cold water, Q HQ is the supply of mixed hot water. L This refers to the supply of cold water. In this case, Q... H and Q L It can be set to the maximum water supply through the hot water pipe 1 and the cold water pipe 2, measured at the location where the faucet control device 200 according to the invention is installed.

[0275] By substituting the value from the example above into Equation 15, K becomes 0.282. Therefore, the control of the electronic valve 260 ensures that the mixed hot and cold water are included in the outflow volume at 28.2% and 71.8%, respectively. Thus, the mixed hot and cold water are supplied to the faucet 3 via the electronic valve 260 at rates of 22.56 ml / s and 57.44 ml / s, respectively, and finally, the hot water is discharged through the faucet 3 at the user-desired temperature of 40°C and a flow rate of 80 ml / s.

[0276] Meanwhile, the controller 270 can use the following control electronic valve 260 at the time when the faucet 3 is used.

[0277] [Formula 16]

[0278]

[0279] Where M0 is the initial opening degree of electronic valve 260 at the time point when faucet 3 is used (0≤M0≤1), and T req Q represents the user's desired outlet water temperature. Cmax Q represents the maximum supply of cold water. Hmax For the maximum hot water supply, T1, T2, and T3 are the measured values ​​from the first to the third temperature sensors (hot water temperature, cold water temperature, and hot water temperature in heating tank 250), respectively, and k is a constant with a value between 0 and 1. In this case, Q Hmax and Q Cmax It can be set to the maximum water supply through the hot water pipe 1 and the cold water pipe 2, measured at the location where the faucet control device 200 according to the invention is installed.

[0280] In Equation 16, when M0 = 0, the mixing ratio of hot water to cold water is 0:1; when M0 = 1, the mixing ratio is 1:0; and when M0 = 0.5, the mixing ratio is 1:1. In this case, the stepper motor driving the electronic valve 260 is located in the center. In this case, the controller 270, considering M0 = 1 when M0 > 1, controls the electronic valve 260 to maximize the hot water supply ratio (cold water is blocked); and considering M0 = 0 when M0 < 0, controls the electronic valve 260 to maximize the cold water supply ratio (hot water is blocked). Furthermore, k is the flow rate ratio of the remaining hot water supplied through the direct hot water pipe 240 in the mixed hot water. When the flow rate of the mixed hot water is 100 ml / s, and the flow rates of the heated hot water supplied from the heating tank 250 and the remaining hot water supplied through the direct hot water pipe 240 are 40 ml / s and 60 ml / s respectively, k is calculated to be 0.6.

[0281] As described above, the controller 270 determines the initial opening degree of the electronic valve 260 at the point in time when the faucet 3 is used based on Equations 15 and 16, thereby enabling the supply of water at the temperature and flow rate desired by the user. However, due to measurement errors of temperature sensors 220a, 220b, and 220c, and measurement errors of flow sensors 210a and 210b, the temperature and flow rate of the water supplied based on the initial opening degree of the electronic valve 260 determined at the point in time when the faucet 3 is used may differ from the temperature and flow rate desired by the user. For example, the flow rates of hot and cold water in Equations 15 and 16 can be measured after the electronic valve 260 is operated and water begins to flow through the faucet 3. Therefore, the supply rate of the mixed hot and cold water in Equation 15 and the maximum supply rate of hot and cold water in Equation 16 can vary depending on the point in time when the faucet 3 is used. For example, when the maximum supply of cold water supplied through the cold water pipe 2 is set to 120 ml / s for the location where the faucet control device 200 according to the invention is installed, the supply of cold water supplied through the cold water pipe 2 may become 80 ml / s at the time the faucet 3 is used due to the use of cold water in other locations. In this case, when the electronic valve 260 is controlled according to the opening ratio of the electronic valve 260 calculated by Equation 15 or Equation 16, the temperature of the outlet water becomes higher than the temperature desired by the user. This problem can be solved by installing a pressure sensor (not shown) at a location adjacent to the hot water pipe 1 and the cold water pipe 2. The flow rates of hot water and cold water can be obtained immediately before the faucet 3 is used by Equation 11 based on the values ​​measured by the pressure sensor installed at a location adjacent to the hot water pipe 1 and the cold water pipe 2, and when these values ​​are set to the maximum supply of hot and cold water in Equation 16, the temperature of the outlet water can be the temperature desired by the user. Hereinafter, a method for correcting the opening of the electronic valve 260 determined at the time the faucet 3 is used when the pressure sensor is not installed is described.

[0282] Figure 15 This demonstrates a method for correcting the opening degree of the electronic valve 260, determined at the point in time when the faucet 3 is used.

[0283] refer to Figure 15 When the initial control of the electronic valve 260 is completed according to the use of the faucet 3 via formula 15 or formula 16 (S1500), the controller 270 checks the current temperature T of the outlet water measured by the fourth temperature sensor 220d. 4,cur With the user-defined desired outlet water temperature T 4,target Is the absolute value of the difference lower than the reference temperature T? ref (S1505). If the current temperature T of the outlet water... 4,cur With the desired temperature T of the effluent 4,target The absolute value of the difference is lower than the reference temperature T. ref If the current temperature T of the outlet water is not adjusted, the controller 270 will complete the control without correcting the opening degree of the electronic valve 260. In contrast, when the current temperature T of the outlet water is... 4,cur With the desired temperature T of the effluent 4,target The absolute value of the difference is higher than or equal to the reference temperature T. ref At that time, controller 270 compares the current temperature T of the outlet water. 4,cur With the desired temperature T of the effluent 4,target (S1510). If the current temperature T of the outlet water... 4,cur Below the desired outlet water temperature T 4,target Then the controller 270 will control the outlet water by checking the current temperature T. 4,cur With the desired temperature T of the effluent 4,target The absolute value of the difference, multiplied by a predetermined correction constant α, is added to M0 obtained from Equation 15 or Equation 16 to determine the new opening ratio of electronic valve 260, and electronic valve 260 (S1520) is controlled. In contrast, if the current temperature T of the outlet water... 4,cur The desired water temperature T is higher than or equal to the effluent temperature. 4,target Then the controller 270 will subtract the current temperature T of the outlet water from M0 obtained by equation 15 or equation 16. 4,cur With the desired temperature T of the effluent 4,target The absolute value of the difference is multiplied by a predetermined correction constant α to obtain the new opening ratio of electronic valve 260, and electronic valve 260 is controlled (S1525). Next, controller 270 repeats steps S1505 to S1520 until the current temperature T of the outlet water is reached. 4,cur With the desired temperature T of the effluent 4,target The absolute value of the difference becomes less than the reference temperature T. ref .

[0284] Preferably, for reference Figure 15The described method for controlling the opening ratio of the electronic valve 260, which is determined at the time of use of the faucet 3, ensures that the current temperature T of the outlet water... 4,cur With the desired temperature T of the effluent 4,target The absolute value of the difference becomes less than the reference temperature T. ref Furthermore, the correction constant can be determined experimentally (e.g., α = 0.01 × |T|). 4,target -T 4,cur |), and may depend on the environment in which the faucet control device 200 according to the invention is installed.

[0285] As described above, when the initial control of the electronic valve 260 is completed at the time of using the faucet 2, the controller 270 performs secondary control based on changes in the temperature or flow rate of the hot water supplied from the hot water pipe 1 or the cold water supplied from the cold water pipe 2. Secondary control is performed in the following situations: i) when the flow rate of the hot water supplied from the hot water pipe 1 or the cold water supplied from the cold water pipe 2 changes due to the use of hot or cold water at another water usage location; ii) when the temperature of the mixed hot water supplied to the electronic valve 260 continuously decreases due to the use of the remaining hot water in the hot water pipe 2; iii) when the remaining hot water in the hot water pipe 2 is fully used and hot water at the highest supply temperature is supplied from the hot water pipe 2, thereby causing the temperature of the mixed hot water supplied to the electronic valve 260 to continuously increase, etc. In these cases, when the temperature of the mixed hot water increases or decreases, a reference is used... Figure 15 The described method for controlling the opening ratio of the electronic valve 260 can control the outlet water temperature to be close to the user-set desired temperature. Therefore, the following describes a method for correcting the opening ratio of the electronic valve 260 when the flow rate of hot water supplied from hot water pipe 1 or cold water supplied from cold water pipe 2 changes due to the use of hot or cold water at another water usage location.

[0286] Figure 16 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for correcting the opening ratio of electronic valve 260 when the flow rate of hot water supplied from hot water pipe 1 or cold water supplied from cold water pipe 2 changes.

[0287] refer to Figure 16 When initial control of the electronic valve 260 is achieved by using faucet 3 based on formula 15 or formula 16, or by referring to the above... Figure 15 When the method described for controlling the opening ratio of the electronic valve 260 controls the outlet water temperature to be close to the user-set desired temperature (S1600), the controller 270 compares the current flow rate Q of the hot water supplied from the hot water pipe 1 as measured by the first temperature sensor 210a. Hcur And previous traffic Q Hold The difference Q HD and the current flow rate Q of the cold water supplied from the cold water pipe 2, as measured by the second flow sensor 210b. CcurAnd previous traffic Q Cold The difference Q CD (S1610). If the current flow rate Q of the cold water Ccur And previous traffic Q Cold The difference Q Cold The current flow rate Q of the hot water is greater than Hcur And previous traffic Q Hold The difference Q Cold Then the controller 270 will control the current flow rate Q of the hot water. Hcur And previous traffic Q Hold The difference Q Cold The value obtained by multiplying by the predetermined correction constant β and adding it to k obtained through Equation 15 or M0 obtained through Equation 16 is used to determine the new opening ratio of electronic valve 260, and electronic valve 260 is controlled (S1620). In contrast, if the current flow rate Q of the cold water... Ccur And previous traffic Q Cold The difference Q Cold Less than the current flow rate Q of hot water Hcur And previous traffic Q Hold The difference Q Cold Then the controller 270 will subtract the current flow rate Q of the hot water from k obtained by equation 15 or M0 obtained by equation 16. Hcur And previous traffic Q Hold The difference Q Cold The value obtained by multiplying by a predetermined correction constant β is determined as the new opening ratio of electronic valve 260, and electronic valve 260 is controlled (S1630). In contrast, if the current flow rate Q of the cold water... Ccur And previous traffic Q Cold The difference Q Cold With the current flow rate Q of hot water Hcur And previous traffic Q Hold The difference Q Cold If the opening ratio is the same, controller 270 maintains the opening ratio of electronic valve 260. Furthermore, controller 270 repeats steps S1610 to S1630 until the current flow rate Q of the cold water is reached. Ccur And previous traffic Q Cold The difference Q Cold The current flow rate Q becomes less than that of hot water. Hcur And previous traffic Q Hold The difference Q Cold .

[0288] At the same time, due to the reference Figure 9 and Figure 10In the described embodiment, the heating water tank 250 is sealed to the hot water pipe 1 and the electronic valve 260. Therefore, when the water in the heating water tank 250 is heated, the volume increases, and excessive pressure is applied to the heating water tank 250, the direct hot water pipe 220, and the pipe between the hot water pipe 1 and the electronic valve 260. Furthermore, due to the reference... Figure 11 and Figure 12 In the described embodiment, the heating tank 250 is itself sealed; therefore, when the water in the heating tank 250 is heated, its volume increases, thus applying excessive pressure to the heating tank 250. This can cause damage to the device, so it is necessary to reduce the pressure to an appropriate level (e.g., 1.5 times the hot water supply pressure). To this end, a pressure sensor (not shown) is installed at the heating tank 250, and the controller 250 controls the opening ratio of the electronic valve 260 (e.g., K = 0.5 in Equation 15, M0 = 0.5 in Equation 16) such that when the pressure in the heating tank 250 measured by the pressure sensor is a first reference pressure (e.g., 5 bar) or higher, the mixed hot water flows to the cold water. Furthermore, when the pressure in the heating tank 250 or the pressure in the enclosed space including the heating tank 250 reaches a second reference pressure (e.g., 2 bar), the controller 270 controls the opening ratio of the electronic valve 260 (e.g., K = 0 or M0 = 0), thereby blocking the discharge of mixed hot water to the cold water pipe 2. This pressure reduction operation of the controller 270 is performed continuously after the faucet control device 200 according to the invention is installed, and is independent of the user's use of the faucet 3.

[0289] Furthermore, the controller 270 can perform a pressure reduction operation based on the value measured by the third temperature sensor 220c installed in the heating water tank 250. In this case, it is not necessary to install a pressure sensor in the heating water tank 250, and the controller 270 measures the pressure increase corresponding to the increase in water temperature in the heating water tank 250 as measured by the third temperature sensor 220c installed in the heating water tank 250, and controls the opening ratio of the electronic valve 260 (e.g., K = 0.5 in Equation 15, M0 = 0.5 in Equation 16) so that when the pressure in the heating water tank 250 corresponding to the pressure increase is a first reference pressure (e.g., 5 bar), the mixed hot water flows to the cold water. Furthermore, when the decrease in water temperature in the heating water tank 250 as measured by the third temperature sensor 220c installed in the heating water tank 250 reaches a preset reference decrease, the controller 270 controls the opening ratio of the electronic valve 260 (e.g., K = 0 or M0 = 0), thereby blocking the discharge of mixed hot water to the cold water pipe 2. The pressure increase and decrease corresponding to the temperature increase and decrease in the heating water tank 250 can be measured experimentally and stored in the controller 270. This pressure reduction operation of the controller 270 is performed continuously after the faucet control device 200 according to the invention is installed, and is independent of the user's use of the faucet 3.

[0290] Figure 17 This is a diagram illustrating the structure of a faucet control device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0291] refer to Figure 17 According to another embodiment of the present invention, a faucet control device 200 includes a temperature / water flow setter 3a, a plurality of flow sensors 210a and 210b, a plurality of temperature sensors 220a to 220d, a directional control valve 230, a direct hot water pipe 240, a heating water tank 250, a heater 255, an electronic valve 260, and a controller 270.

[0292] Functions, operation and reference of temperature / water flow setter 3a, multiple flow sensors 210a and 210b, multiple temperature sensors 220a to 220d, multiple directional control valves 230a and 230b, direct hot water pipe 240, heating tank 250, heater 255 Figure 11 The embodiments described are the same. The second directional valve 230b of the plurality of directional control valves 230a and 230b can be removed. Alternatively, the plurality of directional control valves 230a and 230b installed at the inlet and outlet of the heating water tank 250 can also be removed, and can be as described in... Figure 10 In the illustrated embodiment, only one directional control valve is installed before the location where the hot water supplied through the hot water pipe 1 flows to the direct hot water pipe 240 and the heating water tank 250. Figure 17 In the faucet control device 200 shown according to another embodiment of the present invention, the outlet pipes of the direct hot water pipe 240 and the heating water tank 250 are directly connected to the electronic valve 260. Therefore, the electronic valve 260 receives hot water supplied from the direct hot water pipe 240, heated hot water supplied from the heating water tank 250, and cold water supplied from the cold water tank 2, and supplies them to the faucet 3. Consequently, the control method of the controller 270 is also changed. The operation of the controller 270 controlling the electronic valve 260 will be described in detail below.

[0293] The controller 270 controls the operation of the electronic valve 260 primarily based on measurements from the first temperature sensors 220a through 220d, the first flow sensor 210a, and the second flow sensor 210b. The electronic valve 260 used in this embodiment is a valve that adjusts the mixing ratio between two inputs selected from three inputs. An example of the electronic valve 260 used in this embodiment is shown below. Figure 18 middle.

[0294] refer to Figure 18The electronic valve 260 includes a first inlet pipe 1810, a second inlet pipe 1820, a third inlet pipe 1830, a drain pipe 1840, a switch 1850, a stepper motor 1860, a rotating shaft 1870, and a waterproof module 1880. The direct hot water pipe 240, the pipe connected to the outlet of the heating water tank 250, and the cold water pipe 2 are respectively connected to the first to third inlet pipes 1810, 1820, and 1830. Alternatively, depending on the situation, the outlet of the heating water tank 250 and the direct hot water pipe 240 can be connected to the first inlet pipe 1810 and the second inlet pipe 1820, respectively. The pipe connected to the faucet 3 is connected to the drain pipe 1840. The switch is manufactured to connect two hollow pistons. Figure 19 An example of a switch 1850 is shown below. (Reference) Figure 19 The switch 1850 includes a first piston 1852, a second piston 1854, and a connecting module 1856 that connects and secures the two pistons 1852 and 1854. A threaded annular shaft housing is fixed to the longitudinal end of each of the pistons 1852 and 1854 to the cylinders of the pistons 1852 and 1854. The switch 1850 is coupled to a shaft 1870 and reciprocates within an electronic valve as the shaft 1870 rotates. A stepper motor 1880 rotates the shaft 1870 clockwise or counterclockwise in response to a control signal from a controller 270. The method by which the controller 270 controls the stepper motor 1860 is described below. The shaft 1870 has threads on its outer surface and is driven by the stepper motor 1860, causing the switch 1850 to reciprocate within an electronic valve 260. A waterproof module 1880 prevents fluid in the electronic valve 260 from leaking into the stepper motor 1860. The waterproof module 1880 includes a plurality of O-rings mounted on the outer surface of a shaft exposed from the electronic valve 260, and a cover for receiving the O-rings.

[0295] The following text explains the use of... Figure 18 The operation of the controller 270 is shown when the electronic valve 260 is activated.

[0296] The controller 270 receives the measured values ​​T1, T2, and T3 from the first temperature sensor 220a to the third temperature sensor 220c, as well as the user-set desired temperature T. 4,targetIn this case, only when the remaining hot water in the hot water pipe 1 is fully utilized, according to the invention, from the point in time when hot water at the highest supply temperature (e.g., 60°C) is supplied to the faucet control device 200 from the hot water pipe 1 until the heating water tank 250 is filled with hot water at the highest supply temperature (e.g., 60°C) supplied from the hot water pipe 1, is the measurement value T3 of the third temperature sensor 220c lower than the measurement value T1 of the first temperature sensor 220a. When the measurement value T1 of the first temperature sensor 220a is greater than or equal to the measurement value T3 of the third temperature sensor 220c, the controller 270 controls the electronic valve 260 to mix the heated hot water supplied from the heating water tank 250 and the cold water supplied from the cold water tank 1 and discharge it to the faucet 3. Furthermore, when the measured value T1 of the first temperature sensor 220a is the same as the measured value T3 of the second temperature sensor 220b, or when the absolute value of the difference between the measured value T1 of the first temperature sensor 220a and the measured value T3 of the second temperature sensor 220b is less than a preset reference temperature (e.g., 2°C), the controller 270 controls the electronic valve 260 to mix the hot water supplied from the direct hot water pipe 240 and the heated hot water supplied from the heating tank 250 and discharge it to the faucet 3. Additionally, when the user sets the desired temperature T... 4,target When the measured value T2 of the second temperature sensor 220b is greater than or equal to the measured value T1 of the first temperature sensor 220a, the controller 270 controls the electronic valve 260 to mix the cold water supplied from the cold water pipe 1 and the heated hot water supplied from the heated water tank 250 and discharge it to the faucet 3. Furthermore, when the user sets the desired temperature T... 4,target When the measured value T1 of the first temperature sensor 220a is greater than or equal to the measured value T3 of the third temperature sensor 220c, the controller 270 controls the electronic valve 260 to mix the hot water supplied from the direct hot water pipe 240 and the heated hot water supplied from the heating tank 250 and discharge it to the faucet 3. In this case, the opening ratio of the electronic valve 260 is determined based on the K value obtained by Equation 15 or the M0 value obtained by Equation 16. For example, the determined K value or M0 value can be converted into the number of steps calculated based on the characteristic value of the stepper motor 1860 that drives the electronic valve 260, the diameter of the inlet pipe formed in the electronic valve 260, the length of the switch 1850 installed on the electronic valve 260, the inlet pipe selected to communicate with the discharge pipe 1840 formed at the electronic valve 260, etc.

[0297] For example, such as Figure 20As shown in (a), when the controller 270 drives the stepper motor 1860 of the electronic valve 260 counterclockwise, the shaft 1870 rotates counterclockwise, and the switch 1850 moves from its initial position to a position for closing the second inlet pipe 1820 and the third inlet pipe 1830 and opening the first inlet pipe 1810 (first position). Therefore, the hot water supplied through the direct hot water pipe 240 passes sequentially through the left piston of the switch 1850 and flows to the discharge pipe 1840. Furthermore, as... Figure 20 As shown in (b), when the controller 270 drives the stepper motor 1860 of the electronic valve 260 counterclockwise, the shaft 1870 rotates counterclockwise, and the switch 1850 moves to the position where the first inlet pipe 1810 and the third inlet pipe 1830 are closed and the second inlet pipe 1820 is opened (second position). Therefore, the hot water supplied by the heating tank 250 flows through the left piston of the switch 1850 and to the drain pipe 1840. As described above, when the switch 1850 is between the first and second positions, the mixing ratio of hot water and heated hot water can be appropriately adjusted from 1:0 to 0:1.

[0298] In addition, such as Figure 21 As shown in (a), when the switch 1850 of the electronic valve 260 is in the second position, hot water supplied from the heating tank 250 flows through the left piston of the switch 1850 and into the drain pipe 1840. Furthermore, when the stepper motor 1860 of the electronic valve 260 is driven counterclockwise by the controller 270, as... Figure 21 As shown in (b), the shaft 1870 rotates counterclockwise, and the switch 1850 moves to the position where the first inlet pipe 1810 and the second inlet pipe 1820 are closed and the third inlet pipe 1830 is opened (third position). Therefore, the cold water supplied through the cold water pipe 1 passes sequentially through the right and left pistons of the switch 1850 and flows to the discharge pipe 1840. As described above, when the switch 1850 is between the second and third positions, the mixing ratio of hot water and cold water can be appropriately adjusted from 1:0 to 0:1.

[0299] Reference Figure 20 In the described method of driving the electronic valve 260, the initial position of the switch 2850 is that only the inlet pipe (third inlet pipe 1830) for cold water inflow is open. Figure 21 (The third position in the middle). In contrast, the initial position of the switch 1850 of the electronic valve 260 can be set differently. For example... Figure 22 As shown in (a), the initial position can be set for the position where the cold water supplied through the cold water pipe 1 flows through the left piston of the opening 1850 to the discharge pipe 1840. Furthermore, as... Figure 22As shown in (b), the initial position can be set where hot water flows from the inlet pipe (first inlet pipe 1810) of the direct hot water pipe 240 and cold water flows from the inlet pipe (third inlet pipe 1830) in a half-open position, and where hot water supplied from the direct hot water pipe 240 and cold water supplied through the cold water pipe 1 flow through the left piston of the switch 1850 to the outlet pipe 1840. Furthermore, as... Figure 22 As shown in (c), when the left piston of switch 1850 is manufactured longer than the right piston, the position used to close all the first inlet pipes 1810, 1820, and 1830 can be set to the initial position. Figure 22 As shown in (b), when the initial position of the switch 2850 of the electronic valve 260 is set, the following advantages are available: when the faucet control device 200 according to the invention is damaged or there is a power failure, water that is a 50 / 50 mixture of hot and cold water can be used. When the electronic valve 260 is manufactured as... Figure 22 As shown in (c), a fully shut-off function can be achieved, thus offering the advantage that the water flow can even be electrically controlled. Preferably, when the faucet control device 200 according to the invention is damaged or there is a power failure, Figure 22 The electronic valve 260 shown in (c) moves the switch 1850 of the electronic valve 260 to a position that supplies only cold water or a position that supplies both cold and hot water. For this purpose, preferably, the control device 200 according to the invention is equipped with an auxiliary battery, such that when the user presses the emergency use button, power from the auxiliary battery is supplied to the electronic valve 260 to actuate the electronic valve 260.

[0300] Reference Figure 20 and Figure 21 In the described method for driving the electronic valve 260, the K value or M0 value, which is the opening ratio of the electronic valve 260, is determined as follows. (See reference...) Figure 20 and Figure 21 The electronic valve 260's switch 1850 is in such a situation Figure 20 The location shown in (a) that only supplies hot water (first location) is similar to... Figure 21 The device reciprocates between the positions shown in (b) where only cold water is supplied (third position). In this case, the initial position of the switch 1850 of the electronic valve 260 can be set as follows: Figure 21(b) shows the position set to supply only cold water (third position). In this case, when the inner diameter of the first inlet pipe 1810, the second inlet pipe 1820, and the third inlet pipe 1830 is 5 mm, the distance between the second inlet pipe 1820 and the third inlet pipe 1830 is 7 mm, the length of the switch 1850 is 28 mm (the length of the left and right pistons is 12 mm), and the distance between the first and third positions is 12 mm. Therefore, if the switch 1850 moves 3 mm when the stepper motor 1860 rotates one revolution, the stepper motor 1840 only needs to rotate four revolutions counterclockwise to move the switch 1850 from the first position to the third position. In this case, the number of steps per revolution of the stepper motor 1860 depends on the frequency division ratio. When the number of steps per revolution is 800, it takes a total of 3200 steps to move the switch 1850 from the first position to the third position. In this case, the distance between the first and second positions, where hot water supplied through the direct hot water pipe 240 and heated hot water supplied through the heated water tank 250 can mix, is 6 mm. Therefore, in order to move switch 1850 from the first position to the second position, stepper motor 1860 only needs to rotate counterclockwise two revolutions, in which case the required number of steps is 1600. Therefore, as... Figure 20 As shown, in order to mix the hot water supplied through the direct hot water pipe 240 and the heated hot water supplied through the heated water tank 250 and supply it to the drain pipe 1840, the stepper motor 1860 is driven by a step number obtained by the following formula.

[0301] [Equation 17]

[0302] S = S P -M R ×S T

[0303] Where S is the number of steps required to move switch 1850 to the new position (when S is negative, stepper motor 1860 rotates counterclockwise, and when S is positive, it rotates clockwise), S P S is the number of steps to the previous position of switch 1850. T M is the number of steps required to move switch 1850 between the two selected inlet pipes. R It is the K value or M0 value.

[0304] In Equation 17, S = 0 indicates the first position where hot water supplied only through the direct hot water pipe 240 flows to the drain pipe 1840. When switch 1850 is in... Figure 21In the third position shown in (b), in order to mix and discharge the hot water supplied through the direct hot water pipe 240 and the heated hot water supplied through the heated water tank 250 at a volume ratio of 1:1, S becomes 2400 according to Equation 17. Therefore, the controller 270 moves the switch 1850 to the position corresponding to 800 steps by rotating the stepper motor 1860 of the electronic valve 260 clockwise by 2400 steps.

[0305] In addition, such as Figure 21 As shown, in order to mix the cold water supplied from the cold water pipe 2 and the heated hot water supplied from the heated water tank 250 and provide it to the discharge pipe 1840, the stepper motor 1860 is driven to obtain the number of steps by multiplying the K value or M0 value by 1600 steps (i.e., the number of steps required to move the switch 1850 from the second position to the third position) and then adding the 1600 steps to the obtained value.

[0306] [Formula 18]

[0307] S = S P -((1-M R )×S T +1600)

[0308] Where S is the number of steps required to move switch 1850 to the new position (when S is negative, stepper motor 1860 rotates counterclockwise, and when S is positive, it rotates clockwise), S P S is the number of steps to the previous position of switch 1850. T M is the number of steps required to move switch 1850 between the two selected inlet pipes. R It is the K value or M0 value.

[0309] When switch 1850 is in the position where hot water supplied through direct hot water pipe 240 and heated hot water supplied through heating water tank 250 can be mixed and discharged at a 1:1 volume ratio (position 800 steps), in order to mix and discharge heated hot water supplied through heating water tank 250 and cold water supplied through cold water pipe 1 at a 1:1 volume ratio, according to equation 18, S becomes -1600. Therefore, controller 270 moves switch 1850 to the position corresponding to 2400 steps by rotating stepper motor 1860 of electronic valve 260 counterclockwise by 1600 steps.

[0310] At the same time, the value of K obtained through Equation 15 or the value of M0 obtained through Equation 16 can be determined without using the value of K obtained through Equation 15 or the value of M0 obtained through Equation 16. Figure 18 The electronic valve 260 shown is connected to the opening ratio of two selected inlet pipes out of three. In the following description, the initial position of switch 1850 is exemplarily set such that only cold water supplied through cold water pipe 1 flows through the left piston of switch 1850 to discharge pipe 1840, as... Figure 23As shown in (a). In this case, when switch 1850 is reached, hot water supplied only through the direct hot water pipe 240 passes through the left piston of switch 1850 from... Figure 23 The position shown in (a) flows towards the position of the discharge pipe 1840 as shown in (a). Figure 23 In the position shown in (b), only the heated hot water supplied through the heating tank 250 flows through the left piston of switch 1850 to the discharge pipe 1840. If switch 1850 is turned from... Figure 23 Move to the position shown in (a) Figure 23 The required number of revolutions of stepper motor 1860 at the position shown in (b) is "a". Therefore, the required number of steps S is determined based on the frequency division value set for stepper motor 1860 as follows. need .

[0311] [Formula 19]

[0312] S need =a×b×c

[0313] Where a is the number of revolutions of the stepper motor, b is the frequency division value, and c is the number of steps required for the stepper motor to rotate one revolution when the frequency division value is 1.

[0314] Therefore, the total distance that the switch 1850 can move within the electronic valve 260 is 18mm, such as Figure 24 As shown. Furthermore, when from... Figure 23 The position shown in (a) to Figure 23 When the distance to the position shown in (b) is 14mm, and when switch 1850 moves 4mm with one revolution of stepper motor 1860, the number of revolutions of stepper motor 1860 is 3.5. Therefore, when the frequency division value is 1, the number of steps required for stepper motor to rotate one revolution is 200, and when the frequency division value is 16, the number of steps required for switch 1850 to move from... Figure 23 The position shown in (a) is moved to Figure 23 The number of steps S required for the position shown in (b) need It is 11200. Additionally, switch 1850 is set to... Figure 24 The position shown in (a) is moved to Figure 24 The number of steps S required for the position shown in (b) need It is 14400.

[0315] When for Figure 23 When the step value at the position shown in (a) (i.e., the initial position) is set to 0, the desired temperature T is set by the user. 4,target The stepping value of the stepper motor 1860 is determined based on the measured value T1 obtained by the first temperature sensor 220a, the measured value T2 obtained by the second temperature sensor 220b, and the measured value T3 obtained by the third temperature sensor 220c, as follows.

[0316] If the desired temperature T 4,target If the step value is less than the measured value T1 obtained by the first temperature sensor 220a, the step value of the stepper motor 1860 used to drive the electronic valve 260 is calculated by the following formula.

[0317] [Formula 20]

[0318]

[0319] Among them, M O Here are the step values ​​for the 1860 stepper motor, ColdMaxFlux is the maximum supply flow rate for cold water, HotMaxFlux is the maximum supply flow rate for hot water, and R... a To enable switch 1850 from Figure 24 The position shown in (a) is moved to Figure 24 The number of steps S required for the position shown in (b) need The value corresponding to half of .

[0320] Therefore, when the maximum supply of cold water is 120 ml / s, the maximum supply of hot water is 100 ml / s, the desired temperature is 30℃, the measured value T1 of the first temperature sensor 220a is 35℃, the measured value T2 of the second temperature sensor 220b is 20℃, and the measured value T3 of the third temperature sensor 220c is 60℃, the controller 270 will determine the step value of the stepper motor 1860 that drives the electronic valve 260 as the step value of 3953 calculated by Equation 20.

[0321] In contrast, if the desired temperature T 4,target If the measured value T1 of the first temperature sensor 220a is greater than or equal to the measured value T1, then the step number of the stepper motor 1860 used to drive the electronic valve 260 is calculated by the following formula.

[0322] [Equation 21]

[0323]

[0324] Among them, M O This is the step value for the 1860 stepper motor.

[0325] Therefore, when the maximum supply of cold water is 120 ml / s, the maximum supply of hot water is 100 ml / s, the desired temperature is 40℃, the measured value T1 of the first temperature sensor 220a is 35℃, the measured value T2 of the second temperature sensor 220b is 20℃, and the measured value T3 of the third temperature sensor 220c is 60℃, the controller 270 will determine 6720 calculated by Equation 21 as the step value of the stepper motor 1860 that drives the electronic valve 260.

[0326] Meanwhile, preferably, when using Figure 18When the electronic valve 260 is activated as shown, the heater 255 installed in the heating water tank 250 is controlled as follows: Figure 26 As shown.

[0327] refer to Figure 26 The controller 270 checks whether the faucet 3 is being used based on the flow values ​​input from the first flow sensor 210a and the second flow sensor 210b (S2600). Next, when it is determined that the faucet 3 is not being used (S2605), the controller 270 calculates the target heating temperature of the hot water in the heating tank 250 according to the following formula (S2610).

[0328] [Equation 22]

[0329]

[0330] Among them, T 3,target It is the target heating temperature of the hot water in the 250-ton heating tank, T. 4,target T1 is the target supply temperature of the mixed hot water, T1 is the temperature of the remaining hot water in hot water pipe 1, and k is the maximum amount of remaining hot water in hot water pipe 1.

[0331] In Equation 22, the value of k depends on the length and inner diameter of the hot water pipe. The value of k is calculated based on the time from immediately after the tap is used until hot water at its highest supply temperature reaches the tap, and is stored in the memory therein. That is, the value of k is calculated by multiplying the time from the start of tap use to the arrival of hot water at its highest supply temperature at the tap by the volume of hot water measured by the first flow sensor 210a. In this case, to prevent frequent on / off switching of the heater 255, it is preferable to set a predetermined amount of reserve for the target supply temperature of the mixed hot water. For example, the heater 255 can be set to be driven when the difference between the target supply temperature of the mixed hot water obtained from Equation 22 and the set target supply temperature for heating the hot water is 3°C or more.

[0332] Next, the controller compares the target heating temperature T in the heating water tank 250. 3,target and the current temperature T of the hot water in the heating tank 250 as measured by the third temperature sensor 220c. 3,tur (S2615). If the target heating temperature T of the hot water in the heating tank 250 is... 3,target The current temperature T of the hot water in the heating tank is lower than 250. 3,tur Then the controller 270 turns on the heater 255 (S2620). In contrast, when the target heating temperature T of the hot water in the heating tank 250 is reached... 3,target The current temperature T of the hot water in the heating tank 250 is higher than or equal to the current temperature of the hot water. 3,turAt this time, controller 270 shuts off heater 255 (S2630). After activating heater 255, controller 270 compares the current temperature T of the hot water in heating tank 250 as measured by third temperature sensor 220c. 3,tur The maximum heating temperature T of the hot water in the heating tank 250 3,max (S2625). In contrast, when the current temperature T of the hot water in the heating tank 250 is... 3,tur The maximum heating temperature T of the hot water in the heating tank 250 is higher than or equal to the maximum heating temperature of the hot water. 3,max When the current temperature T of the hot water in the heating tank 250 reaches a certain level, the controller 270 shuts off the heater 255 (S2630). This differs from the controller 270, which shuts off the heater 255 when the current temperature T of the hot water in the heating tank 250 reaches a certain level. 3,tur The maximum heating temperature T of the hot water in the heating tank is lower than 250. 3,max At that time, the process proceeds to step S2615.

[0333] The controller 270 appropriately controls whether to drive the heater 255 installed in the heating water tank 250 when the faucet 3 is not in use, thereby ensuring a stable supply of hot water when the user uses the faucet 3 afterward, while minimizing power consumption.

[0334] At the same time, the controller 270 cannot identify the position of the switch 1850 in the electronic valve 260 at the point when power is supplied to the faucet control device according to this disclosure. Of course, when manufacturing the faucet control device according to the present invention, the switch 1850 in the electronic valve 260 is in the initial position (the position where only cold water is discharged, such as...). Figure 23 As shown in (a)). In this case, as Figure 25 As shown, a photoelectric sensor 2510 is mounted on the body of the electronic valve 260 and the stepper motor 1860, and a rotating plate 2520 with a slit is mounted on a rotating shaft 1880. The rotating plate 2520 rotates together with the rotating shaft of the stepper motor 1860. The photoelectric sensor 2510 may be mounted at a position corresponding to the slit of the rotating plate 2520 in the faucet control device according to the invention, rather than at the body of the electronic valve 260 and the stepper motor 1860.

[0335] In manufacturing the faucet control device according to the present invention, the switch 1850 in the electronic valve 260 is set to be positioned in the initial position (the position where only cold water is discharged, such as...). Figure 23(a) In this state, when power is supplied to the faucet control device according to the present disclosure, the photoelectric sensor 2510 is turned on. However, due to alignment errors of the switch 1850 in the electronic valve 260, alignment errors of the rotating plate 2520 and the rotating shaft 1880, etc., the switch 1850 in the electronic valve 260 needs to be aligned at the time when the faucet control device according to the present invention is initially installed and powered on, and at the time when the power is turned off and then powered on again. For this purpose, the controller 270 rotates the stepper motor 1860 clockwise until the photoelectric sensor 2510 is turned on in one revolution. If the photoelectric sensor 2510 is not turned on in one revolution, the controller 270 rotates the stepper motor 1860 counterclockwise in one revolution until the photoelectric sensor 2510 is turned on. In addition, the controller 270 sets the position of the switch 1850 at the time when the photoelectric sensor 2510 is turned on as the initial position and sets the step value of the stepper motor 1860 to 0.

[0336] In contrast, if the photoelectric sensor 2510 is activated within one revolution when the stepper motor 1860 rotates clockwise, the controller 270 rotates the stepper motor 1860 clockwise again within one revolution until the photoelectric sensor 2510 is deactivated. If the photoelectric sensor 2510 is activated even within the second revolution, the controller 270 rotates the stepper motor clockwise within one revolution until the photoelectric sensor 2510 is deactivated. This process is repeated until the photoelectric sensor 2510 is deactivated. For Figure 23 and Figure 24 The electronic valve shown has a maximum movement distance of 18mm for the switch 1850 in the electronic valve 260. If the switch 1850 moves 4mm when the stepper motor 1860 rotates one revolution, the maximum number of revolutions of the stepper motor 1860 is 4.5. Therefore, the stepper motor 1860 can rotate a maximum of four times in one clockwise revolution. If the photoelectric sensor 2510 is not activated in each revolution, the controller 270 rotates the stepper motor 1860 counterclockwise in one revolution until the photoelectric sensor 2510 is activated. Furthermore, the controller 270 sets the position of the switch 1850 at the time when the photoelectric sensor 2510 is activated as the initial position and sets the step value of the stepper motor 1860 to 0. This process of setting the initial position of the switch 1850 can be performed when the photoelectric sensor is not activated at the time when the faucet control device according to the present invention is not in use.

[0337] Reference Figures 17 to 26 In the various embodiments described, preferably, the faucet control device according to the invention controls an electronic valve 260 having three inlet pipes and one outlet pipe (e.g., Figure 18As shown, the system mixes heated water supplied through the heating tank 250 with cold water supplied from the cold water pipe 2, and discharges water at the user's desired temperature and volume after the hot water supplied from the hot water pipe 1 has reached its maximum supply temperature (e.g., 60°C). This control system offers the advantage that the heating tank 250 is filled with hot water at its maximum supply temperature (e.g., 60°C) at the point when water use ceases, thus reducing power consumption.

[0338] In addition, in reference Figures 17 to 26 In the various embodiments described, the controller 270 determines the position of the switch 1850 by controlling the rotation direction and amount of rotation of the motor 1860 disposed in the electronic valve 260 based on the measurements from the first to the third temperature sensors 220a, 220b, and 220c. Preferably, in this case, the controller 270 determines the position of the switch 1850 by the following method.

[0339] i) When the difference between the measured value of the first temperature sensor 220a and the measured value of the third temperature sensor 220c is less than or equal to a preset first reference error (e.g., ±1°C) and the target temperature of the outlet water is greater than or equal to the measured value of the first temperature sensor 220a, the position of the switch 1850 is determined within a first movement range; ii) When the difference between the measured value of the first temperature sensor 220a and the measured value of the third temperature sensor 220c is less than or equal to a first reference error and the target temperature of the outlet water is lower than or equal to the measured value of the first temperature sensor 220a, the position of the switch 1850 is determined within a third movement range; iii) When the difference between the measured value of the first temperature sensor 220a and the measured value of the third temperature sensor 220c is greater than or equal to a preset first reference error and the measured value of the third temperature sensor 220c is higher than or equal to the measured value of the first temperature sensor 220a, the position of the switch 1850 is determined within a third movement range. When the target temperature of the outlet water is above the measured value of the first temperature sensor 220a, the position of the switch 1850 is determined within a first range of movement; when the target temperature of the outlet water is below the measured value of the first temperature sensor 220a, the position of the switch 1850 is determined within a second range of movement; and starting from the point in time when the target temperature of the outlet water becomes higher than the measured value of the first temperature sensor 220a, the position of the switch 1850 is determined within a third range of movement; and iv) when the difference between the measured value of the first temperature sensor 220a and the measured value of the third temperature sensor 220c is greater than a preset first reference error and the measured value of the third temperature sensor 220c is lower than the measured value of the first temperature sensor 220a, the position of the switch 1850 is determined within a third range of movement.

[0340] In this configuration, the first movement range of switch 1850 is such that the opening ratio of the first inlet pipe 1820, which receives heated hot water supplied from the heating tank 250 and supplies it to the electronic valve 260, and the second inlet pipe 1810, which receives hot water supplied from the direct hot water pipe 240 and supplies it to the electronic valve 260, is determined to be between 1:0 and 0:1; the second movement range is such that the opening ratio of the second inlet pipe 1810, which receives cold water supplied from the cold water pipe 2 and supplies it to the electronic valve 260, is determined to be between 1:0 and 0:1; and the third movement range is such that the opening ratio of the first inlet pipe 1820 to the third inlet pipe 1830 is determined to be between 1:0 and 0:1.

[0341] In contrast, in reference Figures 17 to 26 In the various embodiments described, the controller 270 determines the position of the switch 1850 by comparing the measured value of the first temperature sensor 220a with the target temperature of the outlet water and controlling the rotation direction and amount of rotation of the motor 1860 disposed in the electronic valve 260. In this case, when the measured value of the first temperature sensor 220a is above the target temperature of the outlet water, the controller 270 determines the position of the switch 1850 within a third movement range. Furthermore, when the measured value of the first temperature sensor 220a is below the target temperature of the outlet water, the controller 270 determines the position of the switch 1850 within a first movement range.

[0342] In various embodiments of the faucet control device according to this disclosure, the capacity of the heating tank 250 and the heating temperature of the hot water in the heating tank 250 are set such that the outlet water temperature can be maintained at a preset minimum supply temperature (e.g., 40°C) until hot water at the maximum supply temperature (e.g., 60°C) reaches the faucet. Therefore, at the point in time when hot water flows into the heating tank 250 when the faucet is operated, the heated hot water supplied from the heating tank 250 to the electronic valve 260 is maintained at at least above the preset minimum supply temperature. At the point in time when hot water at the maximum supply temperature is supplied to the heating tank 250, hot water at the maximum supply temperature is also supplied to the direct hot water pipe 240. Although the hot water temperature in the heating tank 250 is lower than the hot water temperature in the direct hot water pipe 240, the temperature of the hot water in the heating tank gradually increases and reaches the maximum supply temperature of the hot water because hot water at the maximum supply temperature is supplied to the heating tank 250. Therefore, the position of the switch 1850 of the electronic valve 260 can be determined solely by comparing the measurement value of the first temperature sensor 220 with the target temperature of the outlet water.

[0343] In this scenario, to maintain a preset minimum supply temperature (e.g., 40°C), the controller 270 calculates the heating temperature of the hot water in the heating tank 250 based on the amount of residual hot water in the hot water pipe 1 connecting the hot water supply point and the faucet, the capacity of the heating tank 250, and the measurement value of the first temperature sensor 220a, so as to supply water at the minimum supply temperature set for the outlet to the faucet; and determines whether to activate the heater installed in the heating tank 250 based on the calculated heating temperature and the measurement value of the third temperature sensor 220c. Hereinafter, assuming the amount of residual hot water is 4L, the temperature of the residual hot water is 22°C, the capacity of the heating tank 250 is 2L, the minimum supply temperature set for the outlet is 40°C, and the supply rate of residual hot water is 100ml / s, the method of controlling the heater using the controller 270 will be described.

[0344] first, Figure 17 The illustrated embodiment can supply water to the faucet containing a mixture of heated hot water supplied from the heating tank 250 and hot water supplied from the direct hot water pipe 240. The volume ratio of remaining hot water distributed to the heating tank 250 and the direct hot water pipe 240 is determined within a first movement range based on the position of the switch 1850 of the electronic valve 260. For example, when the switch 1850 of the electronic valve 260 is in a position where the opening ratio of the first inlet pipe 1820 and the second inlet pipe 1810 is 1:0, all remaining hot water is supplied to the heating tank 250 at a rate of 100 ml / s. Conversely, when the switch 1850 of the electronic valve 260 is in a position where the opening ratio of the first inlet pipe 1820 and the second inlet pipe 1810 is 1:1, the remaining hot water is supplied to each of the heating tank 250 and the direct hot water pipe 240 at a rate of 50 ml / s.

[0345] Meanwhile, as the remaining hot water is supplied to the heating tank 250, the temperature of the heated hot water in the heating tank 250 decreases over time. In this case, the temperature of the heated hot water in the heating tank 250 can be calculated per second from the point when the remaining hot water begins to be supplied to the heating tank 250 using the following formula.

[0346] [Equation 23]

[0347]

[0348] Among them, T t T represents the temperature (°C) of the heated water in the heating tank 250. t-1 T represents the temperature (°C) of the heated water in the heating tank 250 at time t-1. R Q represents the temperature of the remaining hot water (°C). T This refers to the capacity (ml) of the 250-liter heating water tank. R It is the amount of remaining hot water supplied to the heating tank 250 in seconds (ml / s).

[0349] Assuming the residual hot water supplied to heating tank 250 mixes uniformly with the hot water in heating tank 250, the temperature of the hot water in heating tank 250 decreases at a constant slope. That is, when the initial temperature of the heated hot water in heating tank 250 is T0, the target temperature of the outlet water is T... T The temperature of the remaining hot water is T. R The hot water supply volume is Q. T At that time, the temperature of the heated water in the heating water tank 250 is determined as follows.

[0350] [Equation 24]

[0351]

[0352] According to Equation 24, when the hot water supply, the initial temperature of the heated hot water in the heating tank 250, and the target temperature of the outlet water are constant, the rate of temperature decrease per second of the heated hot water in the heating tank 250 depends on the temperature of the remaining hot water. When the hot water supply is 100 ml / s, the initial temperature of the heated hot water in the heating tank 250 is 60℃, and the target temperature of the outlet water is 40℃, the rate of temperature decrease per second of the heated hot water in the heating tank 250 based on the temperature of the remaining hot water is shown in the table below.

[0353] [Table 2]

[0354]

[0355] Therefore, under the condition that the remaining hot water supplied to the heating water tank 250 is uniformly mixed with the heated hot water in the heating water tank 250, when the hot water supply rate is 100 ml / s, the initial temperature of the heated hot water in the heating water tank 250 is 60°C, the target outlet temperature is 40°C, and the temperature of the remaining hot water is 20°C, the temperature of the heated hot water in the heating water tank 250 decreases by 1°C per second. Therefore, the temperature of the heated hot water in the heating water tank 250 becomes the same as the target outlet temperature of 40°C after 20 seconds from the time the faucet is used. However, the hot water supplied from the hot water pipe 1 is input to the lower left side of the heating water tank 250 applied to the faucet control device according to this disclosure, and the heated hot water in the heating water tank 250 is output to the upper right side. Therefore, the remaining hot water supplied to the heating water tank 250 is not uniformly mixed with the hot water in the heating water tank 250, and slowly mixes with the heated hot water from the lower left side of the heating water tank 250. Therefore, when the temperature of the heated water output from the heating water tank 250 remains substantially unchanged until approximately 10 seconds have elapsed since the faucet was used, the temperature drops to a predetermined value approximately 10 seconds after the faucet was used. The following shows the time required from the time the faucet was used until the remaining hot water in the hot water pipe 1 was completely used, and the temperature of the heated water in the heating water tank 250, when the capacity of the heating water tank 250 applied to the faucet control device according to the invention is 2L, the amount of remaining hot water in the hot water pipe 1 is 4L, the initial temperature of the heated water in the heating water tank 250 is 60°C, the temperature of the remaining hot water is 20°C, and the target temperature of the outlet water is 40°C, from the time the faucet was used until the remaining hot water in the hot water pipe 1 was completely used, until the remaining hot water was completely discharged according to the supply of the remaining hot water.

[0356] [Table 3]

[0357]

[0358] Meanwhile, the higher the initial value of the heated hot water in the heating tank 250, the longer the heated hot water in the heating tank 250 will remain at that temperature from the time the tap is used until the remaining hot water in the hot water pipe 1 is completely drained. For example, when the capacity of the heating tank 250 is 2L, the amount of remaining hot water in the hot water pipe 1 is 4L, the initial temperature of the heated hot water in the heating tank 250 is 70°C, the temperature of the remaining hot water is 20°C, and the target temperature of the outlet water is 40°C, the temperature of the heated hot water in the heating tank 250 will become 51.0°C at the time when the remaining hot water in the hot water pipe 1 is completely used after the tap is used. Therefore, preferably, the initial temperature of the heated hot water in the heating tank 250 is appropriately set according to the capacity of the heating tank 250, the amount of remaining hot water in the hot water pipe 1, the temperature of the remaining hot water, and the target temperature of the outlet water. That is, when the heated hot water in the heating tank 250 is set high, it has the advantage of ensuring the target temperature of the outlet water until the remaining hot water in the hot water pipe 1 is completely drained, but there is a problem of increased power consumption of the heater in the heating tank 250. Therefore, the temperature drop per second of the heated hot water in the heating water tank 250 is calculated based on the difference between the target temperature of the outlet water and the temperature of the remaining hot water; the initial temperature of the heated hot water in the heating water tank 250 is determined by driving the heater based on the capacity of the heating water tank 250, the amount of remaining hot water in the hot water pipe 1, the temperature of the remaining hot water, the supply of the remaining hot water, and the target temperature of the outlet water.

[0359] Therefore, preferably, the controller 270 measures and stores the volume and temperature of the remaining hot water in the hot water pipe 1 connected to the faucet in the environment where the faucet control device according to the invention is installed, and stores these values ​​in a memory. In this case, the volume of the remaining hot water in the hot water pipe 1 connected to the faucet is calculated based on the time required from the time the faucet is first used until hot water at the highest supply temperature is supplied, and the water supply volume. For example, when the time required from the time the faucet is first used until hot water at the highest supply temperature is supplied is 40 seconds and the water supply volume is 100 ml / s, the volume of the remaining hot water in the hot water pipe 1 is 4 ml. Furthermore, since the temperature of the remaining hot water depends on the season, preferably, the controller 270 measures the temperature of the remaining hot water at a weekly or monthly interval and stores this value in a memory. Therefore, the controller 270 can optimally set the initial heating temperature of the hot water in the heating tank 250 by controlling whether to drive the heater based on the temperature of the remaining hot water in the environment where the faucet control device according to the invention is installed.

[0360] As described above, when the hot water in the heating tank 250 is controlled by the controller 270 to reach the initial heating temperature, and the user sets the desired outlet water temperature, the controller 270 calculates the target temperature corresponding to the user-set desired temperature. In this case, the target outlet water temperature can be set to be the same as the user-set desired temperature, or it can be set to be a predetermined temperature lower than the user-set desired temperature (e.g., 2°C). Next, before the hot water temperature supplied to the faucet reaches the minimum supply temperature set for the outlet water (e.g., 40°C) or the target outlet water temperature (e.g., 40°C), hot water at the maximum supply temperature (e.g., 60°C) is supplied from the hot water pipe 1, the direct hot water pipe 240 is filled with hot water at the maximum supply temperature. In contrast, before the hot water at the maximum supply temperature (e.g., 60°C) is supplied from the hot water pipe 1, the heating tank 250 is filled with hot water at a temperature of (e.g., 42°C). Furthermore, since hot water at the maximum supply temperature is continuously supplied from the hot water pipe 1, the heating tank 250 is also filled with hot water at the maximum supply temperature after a predetermined time has elapsed. Therefore, starting from the point when the hot water supply from the hot water pipe 1 reaches its maximum supply temperature, the controller 270 controls the electronic valve 260 to mix the hot water input from the heating tank 250 and the cold water input from the cold water pipe 1 and supply it to the faucet. Through this control operation, at the point when the faucet is no longer in use, the heating tank 250 is filled with hot water at its maximum supply temperature, thus minimizing the operation of the heater.

[0361] At the same time, it can be used with Figure 27 The electronic valve of the mandrel shown is used in place of the reference. Figure 18 The electronic valve 260 is described. (Reference) Figure 27 The spindle includes a first inlet pipe 2710, a second inlet pipe 2720, a third inlet pipe 2730, an outlet pipe 2740, and a knob 2750. Knob 2750 is related to a reference... Figure 18 The described stepper motor shaft is connected and rotates in accordance with the rotation of the stepper motor. For example, when the stepper motor rotates clockwise from 0 steps to 3600 steps, if knob 2750 is rotated clockwise from 0° to 360°, then knob 2750 rotates one revolution for every 3600 steps the stepper motor rotates. Figure 17 In the illustrated embodiment, it is assumed that the heating water tank 250, the direct hot water pipe 240, and the cold water pipe 2 are respectively connected to Figure 27The first inlet pipe 2710, the second inlet pipe 2720, and the third inlet pipe 2730 of the mandrel are shown to describe the operation of the electronic valve according to the rotation of the stepper motor. When the stepper motor step number is 0, only the heated hot water flowing in the first inlet pipe 2710 is completely discharged into the drain pipe 2740. When the stepper motor step number is 1200, only the remaining hot water flowing in the second inlet pipe 2720 is completely discharged into the drain pipe 2740. And when the stepper motor step number is 2400, only the cold water is completely discharged into the drain pipe 2740. Therefore, when the stepper motor's step number varies between 0 and 1200, heated hot water and residual hot water are mixed at a volume ratio of 1:0 to 0:1; when the stepper motor's step number varies between 1200 and 2400, residual hot water and cold water are mixed at a volume ratio of 1:0 to 0:1; and when the stepper motor's step number varies between 2400 and 3600, cold water and heated hot water are mixed at a volume ratio of 1:0 to 0:1. According to this method, a device equipped with... Figure 27 The electronic valve of the mandrel shown selects two inlet pipes from among the following: a first inlet pipe 2710 for flowing heated hot water, a second inlet pipe 270 for flowing residual hot water, and a third inlet pipe 2730 for flowing cold water. Then, by adjusting the opening ratio of the two selected inlet pipes, it achieves [the desired effect]. Figure 18 The electronic valve shown has the same effect.

[0362] At the same time, Figure 17 In the illustrated embodiment, the temperature / water volume setter 3a can be implemented in another manner. First, the temperature / water volume setter 3a can be configured as a reference... Figure 1 and Figure 2The described faucet / rotation sensor (e.g., rotation sensor or encoder) is used. In this case, the target water temperature is determined by the horizontal rotation amount of the vertical knob, and the target water volume is determined by the vertical rotation amount of the vertical knob. Next, as described above, the temperature / water volume setter 3a can receive information from the user corresponding to the vertical and horizontal rotation amounts of the faucet knob, rather than the faucet knob itself, via a specific input device. Furthermore, it can receive information from the user regarding the user's desired water temperature and volume, rather than information corresponding to the vertical and horizontal rotation amounts of the faucet knob. In this case, the specific input device can be a smartphone, a control panel with input and output devices, etc. When a smartphone is used as the input device, it is preferable to install an application for controlling the faucet control device 100 according to the present invention on the smartphone. Depending on the user's selection or setting status, the cold water temperature, hot water temperature, cold water volume, hot water volume, water outlet temperature, water outlet volume, etc., are selectively displayed on the output device of the control panel. Furthermore, the input device of the control panel can be a touchscreen, a voice recognition device, a button input device, etc. In this case, the faucet control device 100 according to the present invention may include a communication unit for sending / receiving data to / from input and output devices, and a device capable of wired or wireless communication, including a Bluetooth module, a WiFi module, etc., may be used as the communication unit. Furthermore, the temperature / water volume setter 3a may be configured as a reference... Figure 9 The described faucet / rotation sensor (e.g., rotation sensor or encoder) is used. In this case, the target temperature of the water outlet is determined by the amount of horizontal rotation of the faucet knob, and the target water volume is physically determined by a spindle that operates in response to the amount of vertical rotation of a vertical knob. In this case, the controller 270 obtains the water volume based on the value measured by either or both of the first flow sensor 210a and the second flow sensor 210b. Alternatively, the water volume can also be determined based on the amount of rotation of a rotation sensor (e.g., rotation sensor or encoder) mounted separately from the faucet knob.

[0363] At the same time, in reference Figures 17 to 27 In the described embodiment, the discharge of water to the faucet can be electronically controlled. For example, by using an appliance installed... Figure 17 A specific electronic valve (not shown) between the electronic valve 260 shown and the faucet 3 controls the discharge rate of water, which can supply water to the faucet at a target flow rate. Figure 27 It is shown that by using the installation of Figure 17 The diagram shows an embodiment where a specific electronic valve between the electronic valve 260 and the faucet 3 regulates the flow rate of water to provide a target water volume to the faucet. (See reference...) Figure 17 Compared to the configuration of the described embodiments, Figure 27The faucet control device 2700 shown according to another embodiment of the present invention differs in the number of electronic valves and the corresponding control operations, but is substantially the same in terms of the operation of other components. Therefore, the control operations according to the variation in the number of electronic valves are described below.

[0364] refer to Figure 27 ,and Figure 17 Compared to the illustrated embodiment, in faucet 3 and corresponding to Figure 17 A second electronic valve 260b is added between the first electronic valve 260a and the electronic valve 260. The first electronic valve 260a is connected to... Figure 17 The electronic valve 260 shown operates in the same manner. The second electronic valve 260b receives and outputs the discharge water from the output pipe of the first electronic valve 260a, regulates the discharge rate of the mixed hot water input from the output pipe of the first electronic valve 260a, and then outputs the mixed hot water to the faucet 3 or shower head (not shown) in response to the control signal of the controller 270. Figure 27 In the illustrated embodiment 2700, the temperature / water volume setter 3a can be implemented in various types, and the second directional control valve 230b installed at the outlet of the heating water tank 250 can be removed.

[0365] In this case, an electronic valve equipped with a spindle that regulates the discharge volume of the input water can be used as a second electronic valve 260b. In this case, the controller 270 controls a stepper motor located at the second electronic valve 260b to adjust the opening / closing amount of the spindle according to the target water volume discharged, so that the water volume discharged to the faucet or showerhead becomes the target water volume. In contrast, the valve installed... Figure 27 The second electronic valve 260b between the first electronic valve 260a and the faucet 3 shown can be equipped with Figure 28 or Figure 29 The mandrel shown. If using... Figure 28 The electronic valve shown is... Figure 27 The outlet pipe of the first electronic valve 260a shown can be connected to the discharge pipe 2740, the faucet 3 can be connected to the first inlet pipe 2710, and the movable nozzle can be connected to the second inlet pipe 2720. In this case, the third inlet pipe 2730 is blocked. Therefore, when using a device equipped with... Figure 28 When the second electronic valve 260b of the spindle is shown, water is discharged to the faucet 3 via the controller 270 when the stepper motor of the second electronic valve 260b has a step count of 0; when the stepper motor of the second electronic valve 260b has a step count of 1200, water is discharged to the movable nozzle; and when the step count is 2400, water is not discharged to either side. In contrast, when using... Figure 29 When the electronic valve is shown, Figure 27The outlet pipe of the first electronic valve 260a shown can be connected to the drain pipe 2850, the faucet 3 can be connected to the first inlet pipe 2810, the movable nozzle can be connected to the second inlet pipe 2820, and the fixed nozzle can be connected to the third inlet pipe 2830. In this case, the fourth inlet pipe 2840 is blocked. Therefore, when using a device equipped with... Figure 29 When the second electronic valve 260b of the spindle is shown, water is discharged to the faucet 3 through the controller 270 when the step number of the stepper motor of the second electronic valve 260b is 0; when the step number of the stepper motor of the second electronic valve 260b is 900, water is discharged to the movable nozzle; when the step number of the stepper motor of the second electronic valve 260b is 1800, water is discharged to the fixed nozzle; and when the step number of the stepper motor of the second electronic valve 260b is 2700, water is not discharged to either side.

[0366] In the description above, when using equipment Figure 28 and Figure 29 The electronic valve of the mandrel shown is as Figure 27 In the second electronic valve 260b of the embodiment shown, the discharge pipe of each mandrel serves as the inlet pipe of the second electronic valve 260b, and the water inlet pipe of each mandrel serves as the outlet pipe of the second electronic valve 260b.

[0367] Figure 30 This is a diagram illustrating the structure of a faucet control device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0368] refer to Figure 30 , and reference Figure 17 Compared to the described embodiment, the faucet control device 2900 according to another embodiment of the present invention differs in the number of electronic valves and the corresponding control operations, but is substantially the same in terms of the operation of other components. Therefore, the control operations depending on the number of electronic valves are described below.

[0369] refer to Figure 30 ,and Figure 17 Compared to the embodiments shown, in Figure 30 In the illustrated embodiment 2900, Figure 17The electronic valve 260 is divided into a first electronic valve 260a, a second electronic valve 260b, and a third electronic valve 260c. The first electronic valve 260a has a first input pipe for receiving heated hot water from the heating water tank 250 and a second input pipe for receiving residual hot water from the direct hot water pipe 240. In response to a control signal from the controller 270, it mixes and outputs heated hot water and residual hot water at a volume ratio of 1:0 to 0:1. The second electronic valve 260b receives the mixed hot water from the output pipe of the first electronic valve 260a and outputs it. In response to a control signal from the controller 270, it regulates the discharge rate of the mixed hot water input from the output pipe of the first electronic valve 260a, and then discharges the mixed hot water to the faucet. The third electronic valve 260c receives cold water from the cold water pipe 2 and outputs it. In response to a control signal from the controller 270, it regulates the discharge rate of the cold water input from the cold water pipe 2, and then regulates the cold water flow. Figure 30 In the illustrated embodiment 2900, the temperature / water flow setter 3a can be implemented in various types as described above, and the fifth temperature sensor can be installed between the first electronic valve 260a and the second electronic valve 260b. Furthermore, the second directional control valve 230b installed at the outlet of the heating water tank 250 can be removed.

[0370] exist Figure 30In the illustrated embodiment 2900, when the remaining hot water temperature measured by the first temperature sensor 220a is 20°C, the cold water temperature measured by the second temperature sensor 220b is 18°C, the heated hot water temperature in the heating water tank 250 measured by the third temperature sensor 220c is 60°C, the target outlet water temperature corresponding to the user-set desired temperature is 40°C, the hot water supply from the hot water pipe 2 is 100 ml / s, the cold water supply from the cold water pipe 2 is 120 ml / s, the remaining hot water volume in the hot water pipe 1 is 4 L, and the capacity of the heating water tank 250 is 4 L, the control operation of the controller 270 is as follows. In this case, assuming that when the remaining hot water is supplied to the heating water tank 250, the temperature change of the heating water tank 250 measured by the third temperature sensor 220c decreases by 0.1°C per second for 10 seconds starting from the time the tap is used, then decreases by 0.8°C per second for 10 seconds, and then decreases by 0.5°C per second. The degree of temperature drop in the heating water tank 250 may depend on the internal shape of the heating water tank 250, the input location of the hot water supplied from the hot water pipe 1, the output location of the hot water from the heating water tank 250, the installation location of the third temperature sensor 220c, etc. The temperature change of the heating water tank 250 as measured by the third temperature sensor 220c when residual hot water is supplied to the heating water tank 250 can be determined experimentally. Under these conditions, the residual hot water present in the hot water pipe 1 between the hot water supply location and the faucet is completely used up after 40 seconds from the time the faucet is used, and from the time the residual hot water is completely used up, hot water at the highest supply temperature (e.g., 50°C) is supplied from the hot water pipe 1 to the faucet. In this case, the temperature of the heated hot water in the heating water tank 250, as measured by the third temperature sensor 220c installed in the heating water tank 250, is approximately 40°C.

[0371] First, until the temperature of the hot water supplied from the hot water pipe 1, as measured by the first temperature sensor 220a, reaches the maximum supply temperature (e.g., 50°C), the controller 270 controls the opening of the first electronic valve 260a so that the temperature of the mixed hot water supplied from the first electronic valve 260a becomes the target outlet water temperature of 40°C. Furthermore, until the temperature of the hot water supplied from the hot water pipe 1, as measured by the first temperature sensor 220a, reaches the maximum supply temperature (e.g., 50°C), the controller 270 closes the third electronic valve 260c, so that the mixed hot water supplied from the first electronic valve 260a is completely discharged to the faucet 3 and no cold water is discharged. Additionally, the controller 270 controls the second electronic valve 260b so that the volume of mixed hot water supplied from the second electronic valve 260b to the faucet becomes the target outlet water volume.

[0372] Next, when the temperature of the hot water supplied from the hot water pipe 1, as measured by the first temperature sensor 220a, reaches the maximum supply temperature (e.g., 50°C), the controller 270 controls the first electronic valve 260a to completely discharge the hot water input from the heating tank 250. At the point when the faucet is no longer in use, this control operation fills the heating tank 250 with hot water at the maximum supply temperature (e.g., 50°C), thus minimizing the operation of the heater 255 installed in the heating tank 250. Furthermore, the controller 270 controls the second electronic valve 260b and the third electronic valve 260c corresponding to the target outlet water temperature and target water volume. In the following description, it is assumed that 44°C heated hot water is input to the second electronic valve 260b at a flow rate of 100 ml / s, and 18°C ​​cold water is input to the third electronic valve 260c at a flow rate of 120 ml / s. If the target water temperature and target water flow rate are 40℃ and 60ml / s respectively, then mixed hot water is supplied to faucet 3 from the second electronic valve 260b at a rate of 50.8ml / s, and cold water is supplied to faucet 3 from the third electronic valve 260c at a rate of 9.2ml / s. Conversely, if the target water temperature and target water flow rate are 40℃ and 100ml / s respectively, then mixed hot water is supplied to faucet 3 from the second electronic valve 260b at a rate of 84.6ml / s, and cold water is supplied to faucet 3 from the third electronic valve 260c at a rate of 15.4ml / s. Simultaneously, when mixed hot water is supplied to faucet 3 from the second electronic valve 260b at a rate of 100ml / s (the maximum supply rate of mixed hot water), cold water only needs to be supplied to faucet 3 from the third electronic valve 260c at a rate of 18ml / s to supply hot water at the target water temperature of 40℃. Therefore, under the corresponding conditions, the maximum supply rate of water to faucet 3 is 118.2ml / s.

[0373] As mentioned above, with reference Figure 27 Compared to the illustrated embodiments, the referenced Figure 30 The described embodiments have the advantage of increasing the supply of water discharged through the tap. Meanwhile, in reference... Figure 30 In the described embodiment, a diverter, a shower head (not shown), and a bathtub (not shown) can be installed between the faucet 3 and the point where the mixed hot water supplied from the second electronic valve 260b and the cold water supplied from the third electronic valve 260c are mixed. In this case, when using a diverter whose initial position is set to the bathtub, the function of filling the bathtub with hot water at the user's desired time via remote control can be realized. Of course, Figure 28The illustrated electronic valve equipped with a spindle can be installed between the faucet 3 and the point where the mixed hot water supplied from the second electronic valve 260b and the cold water supplied from the third electronic valve 260c are mixed. In this case, when the stepper motor of the corresponding electronic valve has a step count of 0, water is discharged to the faucet via the controller 270; when the stepper motor of the corresponding electronic valve has a step count of 900, water is discharged to the movable shower head; when the stepper motor of the corresponding electronic valve has a step count of 1800, water is discharged to the fixed shower head; and when the stepper motor of the corresponding electronic valve has a step count of 2700, water is not discharged to either side.

[0374] At the same time, it is applied to the reference. Figures 1 to 16 The components and control methods of the various embodiments described can be applied to the reference. Figures 17 to 30 The described embodiments. For example, in reference Figure 1 The configuration described in the embodiments, which sets the target water temperature differently for each season or each user, can be applied to reference. Figures 17 to 30 The described embodiments.

[0375] Although the invention has been described above with reference to exemplary embodiments, it should be understood that those skilled in the art can change and modify the invention in various ways without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as described in the claims.

Claims

1. A faucet control device, comprising: An input unit that receives the desired temperature of the effluent set by the user; A first water volume sensor and a second water volume sensor, which respectively measure the volume of hot water and cold water supplied from the hot water pipe and the cold water pipe; A first temperature sensor and a second temperature sensor, which measure the temperature of hot water and cold water supplied from hot water pipe and cold water pipe respectively; A heating water tank, wherein a heater is installed in the heating water tank, the heating water tank is used to heat and store hot water supplied from the hot water pipe, and to supply heated hot water to the faucet; A third temperature sensor measures the temperature of the water in the heating tank. A direct hot water pipe, which supplies hot water from the hot water pipe to the faucet; An electronic valve that selects two types of water as a target mixed water supply from heated hot water supplied from the heating tank, hot water supplied from the direct hot water pipe, and cold water supplied from the cold water pipe, and supplies water to the faucet through a drain pipe at a desired temperature input by the user, and discharges water through a drain pipe at a desired temperature input by the user by adjusting the mixing ratio of the selected target mixed water supply. A fourth temperature sensor measures the temperature of the effluent supplied through the discharge pipe of the electronic valve. as well as The controller controls whether to drive the heater installed in the heating water tank based on the temperature of the water in the heating water tank, and controls the opening degree of the electronic valve so that the water flow rate and temperature of the outlet water correspond to the target water flow rate and target temperature set by the user. The controller controls the electronic valve based on a measurement value measured by the third temperature sensor to reduce the pressure in the heating water tank so that heated hot water can flow into the cold water pipe or the hot water pipe.

2. The faucet control device according to claim 1 further includes a second electronic valve, the second electronic valve being installed between the faucet and the electronic valve, and supplying the water input from the electronic valve to the faucet. in, The controller controls the second electronic valve so that the amount of water entering from the discharge pipe of the electronic valve corresponds to the target amount of water to be discharged.

3. The faucet control device according to claim 1, wherein, The electronic valve includes: shell; A first inlet pipe receives heated hot water supplied from the heating tank; A second inlet pipe receives hot water supplied from the direct hot water pipe; A third inlet pipe receives cold water supplied from the cold water pipe; A discharge outlet, wherein the discharge outlet is used to discharge effluent; A switch, which is movably mounted within the housing; The motor, whose rotation is controlled by the controller; and An actuation module mechanically connects the motor to the switch and determines the mixing ratio of two types of water selected from heated hot water supplied from the first inlet pipe, hot water supplied from the second inlet pipe, and cold water supplied from the third inlet pipe.

Images