Water distribution device

Abstract

A water distribution device according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises: a water supply flow path through which raw water supplied from a water supply source flows; a filter for filtering the raw water supplied to the water supply flow path to generate purified water; a purified water flow path through which the purified water flowing through the filter flows; a sensing flow path branched from the water supply flow path, the raw water flowing through the sensing flow path; and a water quality detection unit connected to the purified water flow path and the sensing flow path, the purified water or the raw water flowing into the water quality detection unit. The water quality detection unit detects the quality of the purified water if the purified water flows into the water quality detection unit through the purified water flow path, and detects the quality of the raw water if the raw water flows into the water quality detection unit through the sensing flow path.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a water distribution device and an operating method thereof, and more particularly to a water distribution device including a sensor capable of distinguishing the water quality of raw water and outlet water and an operating method thereof. Background Art

[0002] A water dispensing device is a device for supplying water, and can take out a desired amount of water at a desired temperature according to a user's operation. The water dispensing device as described above can be applied to various fields, and can be applied to refrigerators and water purifiers as representatives. In particular, the water dispensing device provided in the refrigerator and the water purifier is configured to have a function of supplying a preset amount of water according to a user's operation. In recent years, as such a water dispensing device, a water dispensing device that can supply not only purified water but also cold water and warm water is being developed.

[0003] For example, a water purifier is configured to receive raw water by connecting to a water supply source such as a water pipe, and to remove suspended solids or harmful components contained in the raw water by using a filter, and to purify and take out a required amount of water according to the operation of the user. As such a water purifier, various products are on the market that can heat or cool purified water to supply cold water or warm water in addition to supplying purified water. In addition, recently, a water purifier that is small in size and can be installed in various installation environments is being developed.

[0004] When a water distribution device is used for a long time, microorganisms may grow or become contaminated in the pipes, valves, and outlets, and as the filter replacement cycle passes, it may not be possible to remove suspended solids or harmful components contained in the raw water. Therefore, in water distribution devices, accurate water quality detection and sanitation management become important, and it is also necessary to manage water purification quality performance.

[0005] The existing document Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2017-0005264 discloses a water treatment device, which includes: a water quality detection unit, which detects the water quality of water stored in the clean water tank to generate water quality information; a circulation flow path, which provides a path for resupplying the clean water stored in the clean water tank to the filter unit; and a control unit, which discharges the clean water stored in the clean water tank or resupplies it to the filter unit through the circulation flow path according to the water quality information. Such a water treatment device is only a system that can detect the quality of clean water, and cannot sense the defects of the filter and the contamination of raw water. Summary of the invention

[0006] Problem that the invention aims to solve

[0007] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a water distribution device capable of dealing with water quality accidents caused by raw water by detecting the quality of raw water.

[0008] Another object of the present invention is to provide a water distribution device capable of managing and visualizing the difference in water quality detection values ​​between raw water and water discharged from a water purifier.

[0009] Normally, the pollution level of tap water and purified water is low, but in order to detect low-concentration pollution, the key is to minimize the deviation of the detection value. The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a system that can detect the water quality of raw water and outlet water using one water quality sensor, thereby eliminating the deviation that may occur between sensors when using sensors for raw water and outlet water separately.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to provide a water dispensing device that can reduce material costs by sharing sensors and make the product structure compact.

[0011] Another object of the present invention is to provide a water distribution device capable of improving sensing accuracy and efficiency by utilizing a water piping structure and a rinsing operation for sharing sensors.

[0012] Another object of the present invention is to provide a water distribution device capable of easily determining the degree of contamination and managing the contamination.

[0013] Means used to solve problems

[0014] The water distribution device according to the embodiment of the present invention detects the water quality of raw water and purified water in a common water quality detection unit, thereby preventing sensing errors and managing water quality with the same standard.

[0015] The water distribution device of the embodiment of the present invention uses a sensor to obtain specific water quality data of raw water and purified water, and analyzes and compares the results, so as to appropriately deal with water quality accidents caused by raw water and deterioration of purified water quality.

[0016] The water distribution device according to the embodiment of the present invention can improve the sensing accuracy and efficiency by configuring the water distribution pipe flow path and the control logic of the rinsing action etc. for sharing the sensor.

[0017] In order to achieve the above-mentioned problem, a water distribution device according to one embodiment of the present invention includes: a water supply flow path, in which raw water supplied from a water supply source flows; a filter, which filters the raw water supplied to the water supply flow path to produce clean water; a clean water flow path, in which the clean water flowing through the filter flows; a sensing flow path, which branches off from the water supply flow path, in which the raw water flows; and a water quality detection unit, which is connected to the clean water flow path and the sensing flow path, in which the clean water or the raw water flows; if the clean water flows into the water quality detection unit through the clean water flow path, the water quality detection unit detects the water quality of the clean water, and if the raw water flows into the water quality detection unit through the sensing flow path, the water quality detection unit detects the water quality of the raw water.

[0018] If the water quality detection unit detects the water quality of the raw water, the water quality of the purified water is detected after the purified water passes through the water quality detection unit for one or more rinsing operations.

[0019] The water distribution device according to an embodiment of the present invention may further include: a water supply valve, which opens and closes the clean water flow path; and a sensing valve, which opens and closes the sensing flow path.

[0020] The water supply path may include: a first water supply path connecting the water supply source and the water supply valve; and a second water supply path connecting the water supply valve and the filter; one end of the sensing path may be connected to the first water supply path, and the other end may be connected to the water quality detection unit.

[0021] The water distribution device according to an embodiment of the present invention may further include a three-way valve configured to selectively supply the raw water to the clean water flow path and the sensing flow path.

[0022] The water quality detection unit may include a turbidity sensor configured to irradiate light toward a portion of the raw water or the purified water and sense turbidity based on a scattered light pattern of the received light.

[0023] The water quality detection unit may include at least one of a turbidity sensor, an ion sensor, a residual chlorine sensor, a total dissolved solids (TDS) sensor, and a biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) sensor, and may detect at least one of the turbidity, pH, residual chlorine, TDS (Total Dissolved Solids), and dissolved oxygen of the inflowing water.

[0024] The water distribution device of one embodiment of the present invention may also include: a water outlet to discharge the clean water; a water outlet flow path to guide the clean water to the water outlet; a drainage flow path that branches off from the water outlet flow path between the water quality detection part and the water outlet to discharge the raw water or the clean water; and a water outlet valve to selectively supply the raw water or the clean water to the water outlet flow path and the drainage flow path.

[0025] The water distribution device of one embodiment of the present invention may also include: a warm water flow path, one side of which is branched from the clean water flow path; a warm water module, which is arranged on the warm water flow path and heats the clean water passing through the warm water flow path; a cold water flow path, one side of which is branched from the clean water flow path; and a cooling module, which is arranged on the cold water flow path and cools the clean water passing through the cold water flow path.

[0026] The warm water flow path and the cold water flow path may merge with the outlet water flow path or re-merge with the clean water flow path.

[0027] The water distribution device according to an embodiment of the present invention may further include a water outlet sterilization module for irradiating ultraviolet rays toward the water outlet.

[0028] The water distribution device of one embodiment of the present invention may further include: a sterilization flow path, one side of which is branched from the water supply flow path and the other side is connected to the filter side; and a sterilization module, which is arranged on the sterilization flow path and heats the water passing through the sterilization flow path.

[0029] The water distribution device according to an embodiment of the present invention may further include: a conversion valve for supplying the raw water to the water supply flow path or the sterilization flow path; and a sensing valve for opening and closing the sensing flow path.

[0030] The water distribution device according to an embodiment of the present invention may further include a control unit configured to perform a feedback action based on the water quality data detected by the water quality detection unit.

[0031] If the water quality data of the raw water does not deviate from a preset normal range, the control unit may control the rinsing operation to be performed by passing the purified water through the water quality detection unit more than once.

[0032] If the water quality data of the purified water detected after the rinsing action differs from the water quality data of the purified water detected before the rinsing action by more than a reference value, the control unit may perform the rinsing action again and re-detect the water quality of the purified water.

[0033] The water distribution device of one embodiment of the present invention may further include an output unit. If the water quality data of the raw water deviates from a preset normal range, the output unit displays abnormal raw water quality information; if the water quality data of the purified water deviates from the preset normal range, the output unit displays abnormal purified water quality information.

[0034] If the water quality data of the purified water is abnormal, and after detecting the water quality of the raw water, the water quality data of the raw water is abnormal, the control unit controls the output unit to output raw water quality abnormality notification information; if the water quality data of the raw water is not abnormal, the control unit controls the output unit to output purified water quality abnormality notification information.

[0035] The water distribution device of one embodiment of the present invention may also include: a water outlet to discharge the purified water; a water outlet sterilization module to irradiate ultraviolet rays to the water outlet; the control unit may operate the water outlet sterilization module for a specified time based on the water quality data detected by the water quality detection unit.

[0036] The water distribution device of one embodiment of the present invention may also include: a sterilization flow path, one side of which is branched from the water supply flow path and the other side is connected to the filter side; and a sterilization module, which is arranged on the sterilization flow path and heats the water passing through the sterilization flow path; the control unit can operate the sterilization module for a specified time based on the water quality data detected by the water quality detection unit.

[0037] Effects of the Invention

[0038] According to at least one embodiment of the present invention, one sensor can be used to detect the quality of raw water and the quality of purified water to deal with water quality accidents caused by raw water and deterioration in the quality of purified water.

[0039] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present invention, the sensing accuracy and efficiency can be improved by using a common water piping configuration for a sensor and a rinsing action.

[0040] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present invention, pollution can be easily determined and managed.

[0041] According to at least one embodiment of the present invention, by sharing the same type of sensors in the water distribution device, it is possible to reduce additional material costs and make the product structure compact.

[0042] On the other hand, various effects other than these are disclosed directly or implicitly in the detailed description of the embodiments of the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0043] Figure 1 FIG. 4 is a conceptual diagram of water quality sensing of a water distribution device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] Figure 2 It is a block diagram of the main components of a water distribution device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0045] Figure 3 It is a flow chart of the operation method of the water distribution device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] Figure 4 It is a flow chart of the operation method of the water distribution device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0047] Figure 5 It is a flow chart of the operation method of the water distribution device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0048] Figure 6 is a conceptual diagram of a water distribution device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0049] Figures 7 to 9 It is used to illustrate Figure 6 Reference is made to the drawings for the action of the water distribution device.

[0050] Fig.10 is a conceptual diagram of a water distribution device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0051] Fig.11 and Fig.12 It is used to illustrate Fig.10 Reference is made to the drawings for the action of the water distribution device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0052] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to such embodiments and can be modified in various forms.

[0053] In the drawings, in order to clearly and briefly describe the present invention, illustration of parts not related to the description is omitted, and the same reference numerals are used for the same or very similar parts throughout the specification.

[0054] On the other hand, the suffixes "module" and "unit" of the constituent elements used in the following description are only given for the convenience of writing the description, and they themselves do not have different meanings or functions. Therefore, the "module" and "unit" can be used interchangeably.

[0055] In addition, in this specification, the terms "first", "second", etc. may be used to describe various elements, but the elements are not limited to these terms. These terms are used only to distinguish one element from another element.

[0056] Figure 1 FIG. 4 is a conceptual diagram of water quality sensing of a water distribution device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0057] Reference Figure 1 The water distribution device of the embodiment of the present invention includes: a water supply flow path 11, in which raw water supplied from a water supply source flows; and a filter 10, which filters the raw water supplied to the water supply flow path 11 to produce purified water.

[0058] The filter 10 is used to purify the supplied raw water and filter out various impurities and harmful substances contained in the raw water. The filter 10 may be provided with more than one, and in the case where a plurality of filters 10 are provided, it may be configured as a filter with multiple functions. For example, the filter 10 may be provided with three, including a pre-activated carbon (PRECARBON) filter, a post-activated carbon filter, and a membrane filter or a hollow fiber membrane filter arranged between the pre-activated carbon filter and the post-activated carbon filter. Alternatively, the filter 10 may be composed of a pre-activated carbon filter and a UF composite filter.

[0059] The purified water purified by the filter 10 is sent to a storage tank or a flow path 15 ( Figure 6 The water stored in the storage tank becomes an environment that is conducive to the proliferation of microorganisms over time, so it is preferably directly flowed through the flow path 20. The purified water that has passed through the filter 10 flows to the purified water flow path 20.

[0060] On the other hand, the water distribution device includes a sensing flow path 12, which is branched from the water supply flow path 11, and the raw water flows in the sensing flow path 12. The sensing flow path 12 is a dedicated flow path for detecting the water quality of the raw water, and can be branched at the front end of the filter 10 so that the raw water bypasses the filter 10.

[0061] The common sensor 51 is connected to the purified water flow path 11 and the sensing flow path 12, so that the water quality of purified water flowing through the purified water flow path 11 and the water quality of raw water flowing through the sensing flow path 12 can be detected. Thus, the water quality of raw water and the water quality of purified water are detected by one common sensor 51, so that the sensor cost and the flow path configuration cost in the case where a raw water quality detection sensor and a purified water quality detection sensor are separately provided can be reduced, and the deviation between sensors that may be generated by using two sensors can be fundamentally avoided.

[0062] Figure 1 In the embodiment, a turbidity sensor 51 is exemplified as the common sensor 51. The turbidity sensor 51 detects the turbidity of raw water and the turbidity of purified water and transmits the sensing data to the control unit 60. The control unit 60 may be based on a water quality detection unit such as the turbidity sensor 51 (see Figure 2 50), etc.) to control other components of the water distribution device.

[0063] The turbidity sensor 51 of one embodiment of the present invention can sense turbidity (pollution) by optical sensing. The optical sensing methods for detecting turbidity include a transmitted light method and a scattered light method. The transmitted light method senses turbidity by irradiating light to the fluid and receiving the light passing through the fluid and then processing the data. The scattered light method is a method of receiving scattered light and processing data to sense turbidity, and is subdivided according to the method of generating scattered light and the method of processing the received data.

[0064] The water dispensing device includes a water quality detection unit 50 having one or more common sensors 51. The water quality detection unit 50 may include a turbidity sensor 51 that irradiates light to a portion of the raw water or the purified water and senses turbidity based on a scattered light pattern of the received light.

[0065] In addition, the water quality detection unit 50 may include at least one of a turbidity sensor 51, a microorganism detection sensor, a residual chlorine sensor, a TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) sensor, and a BOD (Biochemical Oxygen Demand) sensor to detect at least one of turbidity, microorganisms, residual chlorine, TDS (Total Dissolved Solids), and dissolved oxygen of the inflowing water. At least one of the plurality of sensors included in the water quality detection unit 50 may be a common sensor that detects all the water qualities of raw water and purified water.

[0066] If the purified water flows into the water quality detection unit 50 through the purified water flow path 20 , the water quality detection unit 50 detects the water quality of the purified water. If the raw water flows into the water quality detection unit 50 through the sensing flow path 12 , the water quality detection unit 50 detects the water quality of the raw water.

[0067] In this specification, the flow of clean water or raw water into the water quality detection unit 50 does not simply mean that the clean water or raw water flows into the water quality detection unit 50. For example, a portion of the clean water or raw water may be sampled and discharged after the water quality is detected in the water quality detection unit 50. In addition, at least a portion of the sensor included in the water quality detection unit 50 may detect the water quality of the flowing liquid. In this case, the flow of clean water or raw water into the water quality detection unit 50 may mean that at least a portion of the clean water or raw water passes through the senseable section of the water quality detection unit 50.

[0068] For example, in the case where the turbidity sensor 51 has an internal chamber, after water flows into the internal chamber connected to the flow paths 20 and 12 to fill it, the turbidity sensor 51 can detect the water quality by irradiating light to the filled water and receiving the scattered light pattern. In addition, after the water quality is detected, the water in the internal chamber can be discharged. Alternatively, the light source unit and the light receiving unit of the turbidity sensor 51 can be arranged in a specific flow path section (for example, the section after the clean water flow path 20 merges with the sensing flow path 12), irradiating light to the clean water or raw water passing through the specific flow path section, and receiving the scattered light pattern.

[0069] On the other hand, at least one valve V may be disposed in the water supply passage 11 to selectively supply raw water to the purified water passages 15 and 20 and the sensing passage 12. Thus, raw water flows to the purified water passages 15 and 20 or the sensing passage 12, thereby preventing raw water and purified water from being simultaneously supplied to the water quality detection unit 50.

[0070] For example, the valve V may include a water supply valve that opens and closes the clean water flow paths 15 and 20 and a sensing valve that opens and closes the sensing flow path 12. Alternatively, the valve V may be a three-way valve that selectively supplies the raw water to the clean water flow paths 15 and 20 and the sensing flow path 12.

[0071] On the other hand, the raw water used in the test can be discharged to the side of the drain port 90b along the drainage flow path 14. The purified water used in the test can be discharged to the side of the drain port 90b according to its water quality and priority. For example, when it is not used for a specified time or the product is running, the purified water of the initial water quality test is discharged, and the subsequent purified water can be discharged to the side of the water outlet 90a along the water outlet flow path 14. In addition, at ordinary times, the purified water purified by the filter 10 can be discharged to the side of the water outlet 90a along the water outlet flow path 14.

[0072] If the water quality detection unit 50 detects the water quality of the raw water, the control unit 60 may control the valve V and the like to perform a rinsing operation in which the purified water passes through the water quality detection unit 50 more than once.

[0073] The water quality detection unit 50 detects the water quality of the purified water after the rinsing operation is performed, thereby minimizing the influence of raw water on the purified water quality detection. Thus, even if only one water quality sensor of the same type is provided, raw water and purified water can be effectively and accurately sensed respectively.

[0074] In normal times, the water quality of tap water and purified water flowing out is low in pollution, but in order to detect low concentrations of pollution, it is important to minimize the deviation of the detection value. Compared with the technology of separately detecting raw water and effluent water, according to the embodiment of the present invention, by using one sensor to simultaneously detect the flow path structure and control of raw water and effluent water, the increase in material costs is minimized, making the product structure compact.

[0075] The quality of tap water (raw water) and water purifier water (purified water) is mostly in the low concentration range. Therefore, in order to reliably indicate the performance difference between raw water and effluent water, it is key to use a sensor for comparison to minimize the detection deviation between devices.

[0076] Figure 2 It is a block diagram of the main components of a water distribution device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0077] Reference Figure 2 The water distribution device of one embodiment of the present invention comprises the above-mentioned water quality detection unit 50 and the control unit 60. The water quality detection unit 50 can use a water quality detection sensor such as a turbidity sensor, a microbial sensor, a TDS sensor, etc. to sense the water quality pollution of the water in the flow path.

[0078] In addition, the water dispensing device includes a valve section 90 having a plurality of valves for controlling the flow of water. The valve section 90 may include a reference Figure 1 The valve V described above. In addition, the valve unit 90 may further include a plurality of valves V1, V2, V3, etc., which will be described below.

[0079] In addition, the water distribution device includes a warm water module 30 for providing warm water and a cold water module 40 for providing cold water. The warm water module 30 can heat the clean water and discharge it to the water outlet 90a. The cold water module 40 can cool the clean water and discharge it to the water outlet 90a.

[0080] In addition, the water distribution device further includes an operating portion 75 and an output portion 85 .

[0081] The operation unit 75 is used to receive user input and may include more than one button. For example, the operation unit 75 is set as a touch panel and may include: a capacity button for selecting the water output capacity; a warm water button for selecting warm water and further selecting the temperature of the warm water flowing out; a clean water button for selecting clean water; a cold water button for selecting cold water; and other function buttons.

[0082] The output unit 85 may include a display device such as a display (not shown), a light emitting diode (LED) (not shown), etc. For example, the output unit 85 may display information such as the operating state of the water distribution device, the operating state associated with an error, or the degree of water contamination.

[0083] The output unit 85 may include an audio device such as a speaker (not shown) or a buzzer (not shown). For example, the output unit 85 may output an effect sound for the operating state of the water distribution device, or output a predetermined warning sound when an error occurs.

[0084] In addition, the water distribution device may also include a plurality of modules for sanitation, for example, the water distribution device may also include: a sterilization module 70, which uses high temperature water; and a water outlet sterilization module 80, which is used to sterilize the water outlet 90a side where contamination is more likely to occur.

[0085] The sterilization module 70 can heat water to a high temperature instantly to sterilize bacteria growing in the water. In addition, the control unit 60 can also operate the sterilization module 70 and circulate the sterilization water (high temperature water) flowing out of the sterilization module 70 to other flow paths to sterilize the flow paths.

[0086] The water outlet sterilization module 80 irradiates ultraviolet rays toward the water outlet 90a to remove bacteria or viruses. The water outlet sterilization module 80 may include at least one ultraviolet lamp (Ultraviolet rays lamp) or at least one UV LED (Ultraviolet rays Light Emitting Diode).

[0087] The water outlet sterilization module 80 may be driven periodically according to the control of the control unit 60. Alternatively, the water outlet sterilization module 80 may be driven within a specified period before water is discharged. More preferably, the control unit 60 may drive the water outlet sterilization module 80 only when necessary based on the water quality data detected in the water quality detection unit 50, thereby improving efficiency. For example, the control unit 60 may control the water outlet sterilization module 80 based on the water quality detection result of the purified water.

[0088] The control unit 60 may be connected to each component provided in the water distribution device. For example, the control unit 60 may send and / or receive signals to and from each component provided in the water distribution device, and may control the overall operation of each component.

[0089] The control unit 60 may include at least one processor, and the processor included therein may be used to control the overall operation of the water dispensing device. Here, the processor may be a common processor such as a CPU (central processing unit). Of course, the processor may be a dedicated device such as an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or a processor based on other hardware.

[0090] The control unit 60 may perform various operations based on the data received by the water quality detection unit 50 including various sensors such as the turbidity sensor 51. In addition, the control unit 60 may store the data received by the water quality detection unit 50 in a memory (not shown).

[0091] The water quality detection unit 50 can detect the water quality and output it to the control unit 60. The control unit 60 can be controlled to perform feedback actions corresponding to the water quality sensing data of raw water and / or purified water. Alternatively, the water quality detection unit 50 directly determines the pollution degree and transmits it to the control unit 60, and the control unit 60 controls other components to perform appropriate feedback actions based on the received pollution degree.

[0092] The control unit 60 can identify the contamination status of the raw water and / or the purified water, and control the output unit 85 to provide the user with a cleaning reminder or information on the filter replacement cycle.

[0093] In addition, the control unit 60 detects the odor that may be generated in the water tank 10 in advance according to the contamination degree of the raw water and / or the purified water, and uses the sterilization module 70 and the outlet sterilization module 80 to perform the automatic washing / sterilization logic before the user notices it. In this way, the convenience and hygiene of non-professional users can be improved.

[0094] Figure 3 It is a flow chart of the operation method of the water distribution device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0095] Reference Figure 3 The control unit 60 supplies raw water to the water quality detection unit 50, and the water quality detection unit 50 detects the water quality of the raw water (S300).

[0096] The control unit 60 may be controlled to perform a feedback action based on the water quality data detected by the water quality detection unit 50 .

[0097] For example, when the water quality detection unit 50 detects the raw water quality (S300), if the raw water quality data is out of a preset normal range (S310), the control unit 60 may control the output unit 85 to display raw water quality abnormality information (S315).

[0098] If the water quality data of the raw water does not deviate from the preset normal range ( S310 ), the control unit 60 controls the purified water to pass through the water quality detection unit 50 for one or more rinsing operations ( S320 ).

[0099] After that, the control unit 60 supplies raw water to the filter 10, and the water quality detection unit 50 detects the water quality of the purified water purified in the filter 10 (S330). By detecting the water quality of purified water (S330) after the rinsing operation (S320), the influence caused by raw water can be minimized.

[0100] On the other hand, if the determined water quality data of the purified water is out of the preset normal range ( S340 ), the control unit 60 may control the output unit 85 to display purified water quality abnormality information ( S345 ).

[0101] According to the embodiment of the present invention, the user can distinguish between the received raw water quality abnormal information and the purified water quality abnormal information, so as to quickly determine where the problem is when there is an abnormality in the purified water.

[0102] Figure 4 It is a flow chart of the operation method of the water distribution device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0103] Reference Figure 4 The control unit 60 may control the rinsing operation to be performed after the raw water quality is detected (S410). Thereafter, the control unit 60 may control the detection of the water quality of the purified water that can be discharged from the water quality detection unit 50 located at the front end of the water outlet 90a (S420).

[0104] On the other hand, the control unit 60 may compare the water quality data of the purified water detected (S420) after the rinsing action (S410) with the water quality data of the purified water detected before the rinsing action (S410) (S430). The control unit 60 may perform evaluation based on the value difference of the water quality data or the ratio.

[0105] For example, the control unit 60 calculates the ratio (S430) of the existing water outlet data value A detected before the rinsing action (S410) and the data value detected (S420) after the rinsing action (S410). If the ratio is within the reference value (ex. 5%) (S440), the control unit 60 normally ends the water quality detection process (S450), and if not (S440), the rinsing action can be performed again (S460).

[0106] Alternatively, if the difference between the existing water outlet data value A detected before the rinsing action (S410) and the data value detected (S420) after the rinsing action (S410) is above a specified reference value, the control unit 60 can be controlled to execute the rinsing action again and detect the water quality of the purified water again.

[0107] According to one embodiment of the present invention, by performing a rinsing action after raw water quality sensing, the influence of raw water on the purified water flow path and the water quality detection unit 50 that detects water quality in the purified water flow path can be eliminated, and the influence of raw water can be confirmed again by water outlet water quality sensing.

[0108] Figure 5 It is a flow chart of the operation method of the water distribution device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0109] Reference Figure 5 The control unit 60 supplies raw water to the filter 10, and the water quality detection unit 50 detects the water quality of the purified water purified in the filter 10 (S510).

[0110] If the water quality data of the purified water is abnormal ( S520 ), the control unit 60 may control the valve unit 90 to supply raw water to the water quality detection unit 50 ( S530 ).

[0111] The water quality detection unit 50 detects the water quality of the raw water ( S540 ).

[0112] If the water quality data of the raw water is abnormal (S550), the water quality data abnormality of the purified water (S520) is caused by the abnormality of the raw water, so the control unit 60 can control the output unit 85 to output the raw water quality abnormality notification information (S560).

[0113] If the water quality data of the raw water is normal (S550), the water quality data of the purified water is abnormal (S520) because the purified water quality is lower than usual. Therefore, the control unit 60 can control the output unit 85 to output purified water quality abnormality notification information (S565).

[0114] In addition, the control unit 60 may control the washing machine to perform a rinsing operation ( S570 ) after the raw water quality is detected ( S540 ).

[0115] Figure 6 is a conceptual diagram of a water distribution device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figures 7 to 9 It is used to illustrate Figure 6 Reference is made to the drawings for the action of the water distribution device.

[0116] Reference Figure 6 The water distribution device includes: a water supply flow path 11, in which raw water supplied from a water supply source flows; and a filter unit 10, which filters the raw water supplied to the water supply flow path 11 to generate purified water.

[0117] The purified water passing through the filter 10 flows toward the water outlet 90a through the purified water flow path 20. The purified water passing through the filter 10 may flow into the water quality detection unit 50. The water quality detection unit 50 may detect the water quality of the purified water after the purified water flows into the filter 10.

[0118] In addition, since the sensing flow path 12 is branched from the water supply flow path 11, raw water can directly flow into the water quality detection unit 50 through the sensing flow path 12. The water quality detection unit 50 can detect the water quality of the raw water after the raw water flows in.

[0119] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a water supply valve V1 may be provided in the water supply flow path 11, and the water supply valve V1 is controlled to supply water to the filter unit 10 and the clean water flow path 20. The water supply valve V1 can open and close the clean water flow path 20. If the water supply valve V1 is opened, raw water can flow along the filter unit 10 and the clean water flow path 20. Figure 7 The first line L1 is purified through the filter unit 10 , and the purified water can flow into the water quality detection unit 50 through the purified water flow path 20 .

[0120] On the other hand, the water supply flow path 11 may include: a first water supply flow path 11 a connecting the water supply source and the water supply valve V1 ; and a second water supply flow path 11 b connecting the water supply valve V1 and the filter 10 .

[0121] In addition, one end of the sensing flow path 12 may be connected to the first water supply flow path 11a, and the other end may be connected to the water quality detection unit 50. The sensing flow path 12 may be provided with a sensing valve V2 for opening and closing the sensing flow path 12. If the sensing valve V2 is opened, raw water can flow along the sensing flow path 11a. Figure 8 The second line L2 directly flows into the water quality detection unit 50 through the sensing flow path 12 .

[0122] Reference Figure 6 The water distribution device may also include: a water outlet 90a, which discharges the clean water; a water outlet flow path 13, which guides the clean water to the water outlet 90a; a drainage flow path 14, which branches off from the water outlet flow path 13 between the water quality detection part 50 and the water outlet 90a, and discharges the raw water or the clean water; and a water outlet valve V3, which selectively supplies the raw water or the clean water to the water outlet flow path 13 and the drainage flow path 14.

[0123] According to the control of the control unit 60, the water outlet valve V3 can transfer the water that has finished the water quality detection to the drain port 90b or the water outlet 90a. Fig. 9 The third line L3 flows to the drainage flow path 14. By draining and washing the raw water, it is possible to prevent the raw water from flowing out as drinking water.

[0124] On the other hand, the water outlet flow path 13 may include: a first water outlet flow path 13a connecting the water quality detection unit 50 and the water outlet valve V3; and a second water outlet flow path 13b connecting the water outlet valve V3 and the water outlet 90a.

[0125] A water outlet sterilization module 80 for irradiating ultraviolet rays toward the water outlet 90a may be disposed on the side of the water outlet 90a from which the purified water is discharged. The water outlet sterilization module 80 may sterilize the water outlet space and residual water. The control unit 60 may operate the water outlet sterilization module 80 for a predetermined time based on the water quality data detected by the water quality detection unit 50.

[0126] Reference Figure 6 One side of the sterilization flow path 71 is branched from the water supply flow path 11, and the other side is connected to the filter 10. A sterilization module 70 for heating water passing through the sterilization flow path 71 may be arranged on the sterilization flow path 71. The control unit 60 may operate the sterilization module 70 for a predetermined time based on the water quality data detected by the water quality detection unit 50.

[0127] According to an embodiment of the present invention, when the sterilization flow path 71 is provided, the water supply valve V1 may be a switching valve that selectively supplies the raw water to the water supply flow path 11 and the sterilization flow path 71 .

[0128] Reference Figure 6 The water distribution device may also include: a warm water flow path 21, one side of which is branched from the clean water flow path 20; a warm water module 30, which is arranged on the warm water flow path 21, and heats the clean water passing through the warm water flow path 21; a cold water flow path 22, one side of which is branched from the clean water flow path 20; and a cooling module 40, which is arranged on the cold water flow path 22, and cools the clean water passing through the cold water flow path 22.

[0129] Reference Figure 6 The warm water flow path 21 and the cold water flow path 22 may be reunited with the clean water flow path 2. Alternatively, the warm water flow path 21 and the cold water flow path 22 may be reunited with the outlet water flow path 13.

[0130] Fig.10 is a conceptual diagram of a water distribution device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig.11 and Fig.12 It is used to illustrate Fig.10 Reference is made to the drawings for the action of the water distribution device. Fig.10 This is a water piping diagram of a water distribution device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig.11 Illustrated is a clean water sensing and drainage circuit 1110, Fig.12 A raw water sensing and drainage circuit 1210 is illustrated.

[0131] The water distribution device according to an embodiment of the present invention may be equivalent to various water treatment devices and purification devices such as a water purifier and a refrigerator, which allow water to flow in from the outside and purify the water before discharging it.

[0132] As an example, the water distribution device may be provided as an under sink type water purifier at least a portion of which is disposed in a lower space of a sink.

[0133] Reference Figures 10 to 12 The water distribution device according to an embodiment of the present invention may include: a water outlet 200, at least a portion of which is configured to be exposed to the outside of the sink; and a remaining main body, which is disposed inside the sink.

[0134] The water distribution device includes: a water supply path 11, which guides raw water supplied from the outside to the inside; a filter 10, which purifies the raw water supplied along the water supply path 11 into clean water; and a clean water path 20, which allows the clean water flowing through the filter 10 to flow to the water outlet 200 side.

[0135] On the other hand, the water supply flow path 11 connects an external water supply source and the filter 10 . Raw water supplied from the external water supply source can be supplied to the filter 10 through the water supply flow path 11 .

[0136] As described above, the water (raw water) supplied to the filter 10 is purified into clean water by the filter 10. The filter 10 may be provided with at least one. As an example, the filter 10 may be provided with a plurality of filters. Therefore, the water flowing through the water supply flow path 11 can be purified into cleaner water by the plurality of filters 10.

[0137] In addition, the purified water flowing through the filter 10 may flow toward the water outlet 200 exposed outside the sink 10 via the purified water flow path 20 .

[0138] To this end, one end of the purified water flow path 20 is connected to the filter 10, and the other end is connected to the water outlet 200. On the other hand, at least one of the cold water flow path 22, the warm water flow path 21 and the washing water flow path 90c can be branched from the purified water flow path 20.

[0139] Fig.10 An example is shown in which the cold water flow path 22 is integrated with the clean water flow path 20 , and the warm water flow path 21 and the washing water flow path 90 c are branched from the clean water flow path 20 .

[0140] One end of the purified water flow path 20 is connected to the filter 10, and the water flowing through the filter 10 flows toward the water outlet 200 via the connected water outlet flow path 13. The water outlet 200 may include a water outlet 90a, through which purified water can be taken out.

[0141] On the other hand, the cold water module 40 can be operated to cool the purified water flow path 20 and supply the cold water. After being cooled by the cold water module 40, the purified water can be supplied to the water outlet 200 in the form of cold water.

[0142] In addition, the water branched to the warm water flow path 21 is heated by the warm water module 30 provided on the warm water flow path 21 and is then supplied to the water outlet 200 side in the state of warm water.

[0143] In addition, the water branched to the washing water flow path 90c is supplied to the washing water outlet side in the state of sterilizing water via the washing water module 1030 provided on the washing water flow path 90c. In the case where the outlet 200 includes a plurality of outlets, the washing water outlet can also be formed in the outlet 200 according to an embodiment.

[0144] On the other hand, a pressure reducing valve 1010 for adjusting a flow rate of water supplied to the filter 10 may be provided in the water supply flow path 11 .

[0145] In addition, at least any one of a flow sensor 1011, an inflow valve, and a flow rate sensor (not shown) may be provided in the water supply flow path 11 or the clean water flow path 20. The flow sensor 1011 detects the flow rate of water, the inflow valve adjusts the flow rate of water or restricts the flow of water, and the flow rate sensor (not shown) detects the flow rate of water.

[0146] In addition, the purified water flow path 20, the warm water flow path 21, and the washing water flow path 90c may be additionally provided with an on-off valve for limiting the flow of water in each flow path. For example, a washing water valve 1019 may be provided in the washing water flow path 90c.

[0147] Alternatively, a cold water-hot water-purified water valve 1015 may be provided at a branch point between the purified water flow path 20 and the warm water flow path 21 to selectively supply purified water to the purified water flow path 20 and the warm water flow path 21 .

[0148] In addition, a safety element 1025 for backflow prevention and the like may be provided in the hot water flow path 21. In addition, a safety valve 1016 for exhausting steam may be provided in the hot water module 30. The steam of the hot water module 30 may be exhausted to the drain port 90b side through the connected flow path 15.

[0149] On the other hand, a water outlet valve 1018 is disposed on the water outlet flow path 13 , so that purified water, cold water, and warm water flowing toward the water outlet portion 200 can be supplied to or blocked from the water outlet portion 200 .

[0150] In addition, a drain flow path 14 may be branched from the water outlet flow path 13, and a drain valve 1017 may be disposed in the drain flow path 14 to discharge purified water, cold water, warm water, and raw water toward the drain port 90b.

[0151] On the other hand, as an example, the water outlet valve 1018 and the drain valve 1017 are respectively configured as a three-way valve including an actuator, the three-way valve having an inlet and a first outlet and a second outlet that are selectively opened, and the actuator selectively opens and closes the two outlets. In this case, the first outlet can be connected to the water outlet 200 side, and the second outlet can be connected to the drain port 90b side.

[0152] On the other hand, raw water is supplied through a water supply path 11 connected to a water supply source such as a water pipe, a water tank, or an underground water pipe. A pressure reducing valve 1010 is provided on the water supply path 11, and the raw water is reduced in pressure to a set pressure through the pressure reducing valve 1010.

[0153] In addition, the raw water passing through the filter 10 is converted into purified water after foreign matter is removed. The purified water flows along the purified water flow path 20. In addition, it can be branched to the cold water-purified water side and the warm water side.

[0154] First, the purified water branched to the cold water-purified water side is branched to the cold water side and the purified water side again, and the purified water or cold water can be supplied to the user through the water outlet 200 through the action of the cold water module 40 corresponding to the user's purified water or cold water selection operation.

[0155] If the user requests cold water to flow out, the clean water passes through the cooling coil inside the cold water module 40. The water flowing along the cooling coil is heat-exchanged with the cooling water inside the cold water module 40 and is cooled into cold water. For this reason, the cooling water is continuously cooled so that the set temperature can be maintained. For reference, a compressor can be driven for cooling the cooling water. The drive of the compressor can be determined based on a cold water temperature sensor provided inside the cold water module 40. Therefore, the cooling water can always maintain the set temperature, and for this purpose, the drive of the compressor can be adjusted. The compressor is an inverter compressor, and the frequency can be adjusted corresponding to the required load, and the cooling capacity can be adjusted. That is, the compressor can be driven using inverter control to cool the cooling water with optimal efficiency.

[0156] On the other hand, in the case where the user requests the warm water to flow out, the clean water may be heated at a set temperature in the process of passing through the warm water module 30. The warm water module 30 may be heated by induction heating, and for this purpose, the output of the working coil included in the warm water module 30 may be adjusted. The clean water passing through the warm water module 30 may be heated at a set temperature. The warm water heated by the warm water module 30 flows toward the water outlet 200 side.

[0157] On the other hand, one side of the sterilization flow path 71 branches off from the water supply flow path 11, and the other side is connected to the filter 10. The sterilization flow path 71 may be provided with a sterilization module 70 for heating water passing through the sterilization flow path 71 and a flow regulating valve 1013 for controlling the flow of the sterilization flow path 71.

[0158] On the other hand, a water supply valve 1012 for selectively supplying the raw water to the water supply flow path 11 and the sterilization flow path 71 may be disposed at a position where the sterilization flow path 71 branches from the water supply flow path 11 .

[0159] On the other hand, the water supply flow path 11 may include: a first water supply flow path 11 a connecting the water supply source and the water supply valve 1012 ; and a second water supply flow path 11 b connecting the water supply valve 1012 and the filter 10 .

[0160] On the other hand, the sensing flow path 12 may be branched from the first water supply flow path 11a at the front end of the water supply valve 1012. The sensing flow path 12 may be provided with a sensing valve 1014 for opening and closing the sensing flow path 12 and a backflow prevention element 1020 for preventing the backflow of raw water.

[0161] Reference Fig.12 The control unit 60 can be controlled to close the water supply valve 1012 and open the sensing valve 1014 so that the raw water is supplied to the water quality detection unit 50 through the sensing flow path 1014.

[0162] After the water quality of the raw water is detected, the control unit 60 closes the water outlet valve 1018 and opens the drain valve 1017 to discharge the raw water detected in the water quality detection unit 50 to the drain port 90b.

[0163] Reference Fig.11 The control unit 60 can control the water supply valve 1012 to open toward the purified water flow path 20 and close the sensing valve 1014 to supply purified water to the water quality detection unit 50 .

[0164] In addition, the control unit 60 controls to close the water outlet valve 1018 and open the drain valve 1017 so that the purified water passing through the water quality detection unit 50 is discharged to the drain port 90b side, thereby performing a rinsing operation.

[0165] Afterwards, the control unit 60 can supply purified water to the water quality detection unit 50 and detect the purified water quality by the same valve control. Thus, the purified water quality can be accurately detected in the same water quality detection unit 50 without the influence of the raw water.

[0166] The preferred embodiments of the present invention are shown and described above, but the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned specific embodiments. Without departing from the gist of the present invention as requested by the scope of the claims, a person skilled in the art in the art to which the present invention belongs can perform various modified implementations, and these modified implementations cannot be understood separately from the technical ideas or expectations of the present invention.

Claims

1. A water distribution device, wherein: include: a water supply flow path through which raw water supplied from a water supply source flows; a filter for filtering raw water supplied to the water supply flow path to produce purified water; a purified water flow path, in which purified water passing through the filter flows; a sensing flow path branched from the water supply flow path, wherein the raw water flows in the sensing flow path; as well as a water quality detection unit connected to the purified water flow path and the sensing flow path, and the purified water or the raw water flows into the water quality detection unit; If the purified water flows into the water quality detection unit through the purified water flow path, the water quality detection unit detects the water quality of the purified water, and if the raw water flows into the water quality detection unit through the sensing flow path, the water quality detection unit detects the water quality of the raw water.

2. The water distribution device according to claim 1, wherein: If the water quality detection unit detects the water quality of the raw water, the water quality of the purified water is detected after the rinsing operation in which the purified water passes through the water quality detection unit one or more times is performed.

3. The water distribution device according to claim 1, wherein: Also includes: A water supply valve, opening and closing the clean water flow path; as well as The sensing valve opens and closes the sensing flow path.

4. The water distribution device according to claim 3, wherein: The water supply flow path comprises: a first water supply flow path connecting the water supply source and the water supply valve; and a second water supply flow path connecting the water supply valve and the filter; One end of the sensing flow path is connected to the first water supply flow path, and the other end is connected to the water quality detection unit.

5. The water distribution device according to claim 1, wherein: A three-way valve is further included, and the three-way valve selectively supplies the raw water to the clean water flow path and the sensing flow path.

6. The water distribution device according to claim 1, wherein: The water quality detection unit includes a turbidity sensor that irradiates light toward a portion of the raw water or the purified water and senses turbidity based on a scattered light pattern of the received light.

7. The water distribution device according to claim 1, wherein: The water quality detection unit includes at least one of a turbidity sensor, an ion sensor, a residual chlorine sensor, a TDS sensor and a BOD sensor. The water quality detection unit detects at least one of turbidity, pH, residual chlorine, total dissolved solids, and dissolved oxygen of the inflowing water.

8. The water distribution device according to claim 1, wherein: Also includes: A water outlet for discharging the purified water; A water outlet flow path directs the purified water to the water outlet; A drainage flow path, branching from the water outlet flow path between the water quality detection unit and the water outlet, to discharge the raw water or the purified water; as well as The water outlet valve selectively supplies the raw water or the purified water to the water outlet flow path and the drain flow path.

9. The water distribution device according to claim 8, wherein: Also includes: a warm water flow path, one side of which branches off from the clean water flow path; A warm water module is arranged on the warm water flow path and heats the purified water passing through the warm water flow path; A cold water flow path, one side of which branches off from the clean water flow path; as well as The cooling module is arranged on the cold water flow path and cools the purified water passing through the cold water flow path.

10. The water distribution device according to claim 9, wherein: The warm water flow path and the cold water flow path merge with the outlet water flow path or merge with the clean water flow path again.

11. The water distribution device according to claim 9, wherein: It also includes a water outlet sterilization module for irradiating ultraviolet rays toward the water outlet.

12. The water distribution device of claim 1, wherein: Also includes: a sterilization flow path, one side of which is branched from the water supply flow path and the other side of which is connected to the filter side; and The sterilization module is arranged on the sterilization flow path and heats the water passing through the sterilization flow path.

13. The water distribution device of claim 12, wherein: Also includes: A switching valve for supplying the raw water to the water supply flow path or the sterilization flow path; as well as The sensing valve opens and closes the sensing flow path.

14. The water distribution device of claim 1, wherein: The device further includes a control unit configured to perform a feedback action based on the water quality data detected by the water quality detection unit.

15. The water distribution device of claim 14, wherein: If the water quality data of the raw water does not deviate from a preset normal range, the control unit controls to perform a rinsing operation in which the purified water passes through the water quality detection unit one or more times.

16. The water distribution device of claim 15, wherein: If the water quality data of the purified water detected after the rinsing operation differs from the water quality data of the purified water detected before the rinsing operation by a reference value or more, the control unit performs the rinsing operation again and re-detects the water quality of the purified water.

17. The water distribution device of claim 14, wherein: It also includes an output unit. If the water quality data of the raw water deviates from the preset normal range, the output unit displays abnormal water quality information of the raw water. If the water quality data of the purified water deviates from the preset normal range, the output unit displays abnormal water quality information of the purified water.

18. The water distribution device of claim 17, wherein: If the water quality data of the purified water is abnormal, and after detecting the water quality of the raw water, the water quality data of the raw water is abnormal, the control unit controls the output unit to output raw water quality abnormality notification information, If the water quality data of the raw water is not abnormal, the control unit controls the output unit to output purified water quality abnormality notification information.

19. The water distribution device of claim 14, wherein: Also includes: A water outlet for discharging the purified water; as well as A water outlet sterilization module irradiates ultraviolet light to the water outlet; The control unit operates the water outlet sterilization module for a predetermined time based on the water quality data detected by the water quality detection unit.

20. The water distribution device of claim 14, wherein: Also includes: a sterilization flow path, one side of which is branched from the water supply flow path and the other side of which is connected to the filter side; and A sterilization module, disposed on the sterilization flow path, for heating water passing through the sterilization flow path; The control unit operates the sterilization module for a predetermined time based on the water quality data detected by the water quality detection unit.

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