Water distribution device

Abstract

A water distribution device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure comprises: a water supply channel through which raw water supplied from a water source flows; a filter configured to generate purified water by filtering the raw water supplied through the water supply passage; a purified water passage through which the purified water that has passed through the filter flows; and a water quality measurement unit connected to the purified water channel and configured to measure the water quality of the purified water, in which the water quality measurement unit includes a turbidity sensor module configured to measure the turbidity of the water, and a virtual impactor provided at the front end of the turbidity sensor module.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present specification relates to a water dispensing device and a method of operating the same, and more particularly, to a water dispensing device including a sensor capable of determining water quality and a method of operating the same. Background Art

[0002] A water dispenser is a device that supplies water in a desired amount at a desired temperature based on user input. While these devices are used in a variety of fields, they are commonly found in refrigerators and water purifiers. In particular, the water dispensers in refrigerators and water purifiers are configured to automatically supply a set amount of water based on user input. Recently, water dispensers have been developed that can supply not only purified water but also both cold and hot water.

[0003] For example, a water purifier is connected to a water source (such as a faucet) to receive raw water, and is configured to remove floating matter and harmful substances contained in the raw water by using a filter, and to purify and distribute a desired amount of water according to a user's operation. Various purifiers are available on the market, including purifiers that can not only purify water but also heat or cool the purified water to supply hot or cold water. In addition, purifiers with compact sizes and that can be installed in various installation environments are currently being developed.

[0004] If water distribution equipment is used for an extended period of time, microorganisms and the like may multiply in pipes, valves, and water outlets, or the equipment may become contaminated. Furthermore, if the filter replacement cycle has passed, floating particles and harmful substances contained in the raw water may not be removed. Therefore, it is important to accurately measure water quality and hygienically manage water distribution equipment, and the quality performance of purified water should also be managed.

[0005] Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2017-0005264, which is a related art, discloses a water treatment device including: a water quality measuring unit configured to measure water quality of water stored in a purified water tank and generate water quality information; a circulation channel providing a path for resupplying purified water stored in the purified water tank to a filter unit; and a controller configured to discharge the purified water stored in the purified water tank through the circulation channel or resupply the water to the filter unit based on the water quality information. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Technical issues

[0007] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a water dispensing device capable of more accurately measuring water quality.

[0008] Another object of the present invention is to provide a water distribution device that can efficiently sterilize a channel in a short time.

[0009] Another object of the present invention is to provide a water distribution device capable of hygienically managing a channel by automatically detecting abnormalities in water quality and performing sterilization.

[0010] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a water dispensing device capable of selectively sterilizing a channel based on water quality measurement results.

[0011] Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide a water dispensing device capable of accurately measuring the water quality of raw water and purified water.

[0012] Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide a water dispensing device capable of improving sensing accuracy and efficiency through a rinsing operation and a water pipe configuration sharing a sensor.

[0013] Solution to the problem

[0014] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the above and other purposes can be achieved by providing a water distribution device, which includes: a water supply channel, through which raw water supplied from a water source flows; a filter, which is configured to produce purified water by filtering the raw water supplied through the water supply channel; a purified water channel, through which the purified water that has passed through the filter flows; and a water quality measuring unit, which is connected to the purified water channel and is configured to measure the water quality of the purified water, wherein the water quality measuring unit includes a turbidity sensor module configured to measure the turbidity of water and a virtual impactor arranged at the front end of the turbidity sensor module.

[0015] The virtual impactor may be configured to reduce a flow rate of water flowing into the turbidity sensor module by passing only some of the water flowing into the water quality measurement unit.

[0016] The virtual impactor may be configured to size-classify pollutants contained in water flowing into the water quality measurement unit to increase turbidity of water flowing into the turbidity sensor module.

[0017] The water distribution device may further include: a discharge channel through which the raw water or the purified water is discharged; an impactor discharge channel connected to the discharge channel and through which water that is not introduced into the turbidity sensor module by the virtual impactor is discharged; and an impactor discharge valve provided in the impactor discharge channel.

[0018] The water distributing device may further include a water outlet through which the purified water is discharged; and a water discharge channel that guides the purified water to the water outlet, wherein the discharge channel may branch from the water discharge channel between the water quality measuring unit and the water outlet.

[0019] The water distributing device may further include a water discharge valve selectively supplying the raw water or the purified water to the water discharge channel and the drain channel.

[0020] The virtual impactor may be configured as a multi-stage impactor including an impactor that separates particles of different sizes.

[0021] The virtual impactor may further include: a first-stage impactor configured to separate first particles as the largest particles; a second-stage impactor configured to separate second particles smaller than the first particles and third particles as the smallest particles; a first impactor channel through which the first particles separated by the first-stage impactor flow; a second impactor channel through which the second particles separated by the second-stage impactor flow; and a third impactor channel through which the third particles separated by the second-stage impactor flow.

[0022] The virtual impactor may also include: a first impactor valve, which is arranged between the first impactor channel and the impactor exhaust channel; a second impactor valve, which is arranged between the first impactor channel and the turbidity sensor module; a third impactor valve, which is arranged between the second impactor channel and the impactor exhaust channel; a fourth impactor valve, which is arranged between the second impactor channel and the turbidity sensor module; a fifth impactor valve, which is arranged between the third impactor channel and the impactor exhaust channel; and a sixth impactor valve, which is arranged between the third impactor channel and the turbidity sensor module.

[0023] The water distribution device may also include: a sterilization channel, the sterilization channel having a first side branching from the water supply channel and a second side connected to the filter side; and a sterilization module, the sterilization module being arranged in the sterilization channel and configured to heat water passing through the sterilization channel, wherein the hot water discharged from the sterilization module is controlled to flow to different channel areas based on water quality data measured by the water quality measuring unit, and a sterilization operation is performed on each channel area.

[0024] The water dispensing device may be configured to sterilize the purified water passage using hot water discharged from the sterilization module in response to water quality data measured by the water quality measurement unit for the third particles being greater than or equal to a first reference value.

[0025] The water distribution device may also include: a hot water channel, the hot water channel having a side branching from the purified water channel; a hot water module, the hot water module being arranged in the hot water channel and configured to heat the purified water passing through the hot water channel; a cold water channel, the cold water channel having a side branching from the purified water channel; and a cold water module being arranged in the cold water channel and configured to cool the purified water passing through the cold water channel, wherein the water distribution device is configured to sterilize the purified water channel and the cold water channel using the hot water discharged from the sterilization module in response to the water quality data measured by the water quality measurement unit for the third particles being greater than or equal to a second reference value greater than the first reference value.

[0026] The water distributing device may be configured to sterilize the entire channel using hot water discharged from the sterilization module in response to water quality data measured by the water quality measurement unit for the third particles being greater than or equal to a third reference value greater than the second reference value.

[0027] The water dispensing device may be configured to sterilize the purified water passage and the water discharge passage using hot water discharged from the sterilization module in response to water quality data measured by the water quality measurement unit for the third particles being greater than a second reference value greater than the first reference value.

[0028] The water distributing device may be configured to sterilize the entire channel using hot water discharged from the sterilization module in response to water quality data measured by the water quality measurement unit for the second particles being greater than or equal to the first reference value.

[0029] The water dispensing device may further include an output unit configured to display abnormal water quality information in response to water quality data measured by the water quality measurement unit with respect to the first particle being greater than or equal to the first reference value.

[0030] The water distribution device may further include a sensing channel that branches from the water supply channel and through which the raw water flows, wherein the water quality measurement unit may be configured to measure the water quality of the purified water in response to the purified water being introduced through the purified water channel, and configured to measure the water quality of the raw water in response to the raw water being introduced through the sensing channel.

[0031] The water quality measurement unit is configured to measure the water quality of the purified water after performing a rinsing operation in which the purified water passes through the water quality measurement unit one or more times when measuring the water quality of the raw water.

[0032] The water dispensing device may further include a switching valve configured to supply the raw water to the water supply channel or the sterilization channel; and a sensing valve configured to open and close the sensing channel.

[0033] Advantageous Effects of the Present Disclosure

[0034] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, water quality can be measured more accurately.

[0035] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, a channel can be effectively sterilized in a short time.

[0036] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, it is possible to hygienically manage a channel by automatically detecting abnormal water quality and performing sterilization.

[0037] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, a channel may be selectively sterilized in response to water quality measurements.

[0038] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, sensing accuracy and efficiency may be improved through a rinsing operation and a water pipe configuration that shares a sensor.

[0039] Meanwhile, various other effects will be directly or implicitly disclosed in the following detailed description of the embodiments of the present disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0040] Figure 1 is a block diagram of the main components of a water dispensing device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0041] Figure 2 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a water dispensing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0042] Figures 3 to 6 is describing Figure 2 Refer to the diagram when operating the water distribution device.

[0043] Figure 7 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a water dispensing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0044] Figure 8 is a diagram referred to when describing optical turbidity sensing using light.

[0045] Figures 9 to 11 is a diagram referred to in describing a virtual impactor according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0046] Figure 12 is a diagram referred to when describing the sanitary management standard of the water distribution device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0047] Figures 8 to 12 2 are drawings referred to in describing a turbidity sensor module according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0048] Figures 13 to 15 1 is a diagram referred to when describing sterilization of a water dispensing device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0049] Figure 16 and Figure 17 is a graph to which reference is made when describing the distribution of measured turbidity values. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0050] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, it should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to these embodiments and can be modified in various forms.

[0051] In the drawings, in order to clearly and briefly describe the embodiments of the present disclosure, illustration of parts that are not related to the description is omitted, and the same reference numerals are used for the same or very similar parts throughout the specification.

[0052] Hereinafter, the suffixes "module" and "unit" of the elements herein are used for convenience of description and thus can be used interchangeably and do not have any distinguishable meanings or functions. Therefore, the terms "module" and "unit" can be used interchangeably.

[0053] It will be understood that although the terms "first," "second," etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another.

[0054] Figure 1 is a block diagram of the main components of a water dispensing device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0055] Reference Figure 1 The water dispensing device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a water quality measuring unit 50. The water quality measuring unit 50 may include a turbidity sensor module 55 (see Figure 9). According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, turbidity (degree of pollution) can be detected in an optical sensing manner. The transmitted light method and the scattered light method are used as optical sensing methods for measuring turbidity. The transmitted light method senses turbidity by emitting light to the fluid, receiving the light that has passed through the fluid, and processing the data. The scattered light method senses turbidity by receiving scattered light and converting it into data, and the scattered light method is classified according to the method of generating scattered light and the method of processing the received light data. The turbidity sensor module 800 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can emit light to some raw water or purified water, and can sense turbidity based on the received scattered light pattern. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, particles and microorganisms are separated by patterning the movement and intensity of light scattered by microorganisms, and big data processing is performed to distinguish the types of indicator microorganisms according to water quality / sanitation standards. In addition, the detected microbial concentration value and safety index are provided on the display for intuitive identification by the user.

[0056] In addition, the water quality measurement unit 50 can use a water quality measurement sensor, such as a turbidity sensor, a microbial sensor, a total dissolved solids (TDS) sensor, etc., to detect contamination of the water in the channel. The water quality measurement unit 50 can include at least one of a turbidity sensor, a microbial detection sensor, a chlorine sensor, a TDS sensor, and a biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) sensor, and can measure at least one of the turbidity, microorganisms, residual chlorine, total dissolved solids (TDS), and dissolved oxygen of the incoming water. At least one of the sensors included in the water quality measurement unit 50 can be a shared sensor that measures the water quality of both the raw water and the purified water.

[0057] In the present disclosure, the inflow of purified water or raw water into the water quality measurement unit 50 does not only mean that the purified water or raw water flows into the water quality measurement unit 50. For example, some of the purified water or raw water may be sampled for water quality measurement in the water quality measurement unit 50 and then discharged after measurement. In addition, at least some of the sensors included in the water quality measurement unit 50 may also measure the water quality of the flowing liquid. In this case, the inflow of purified water or raw water into the water quality measurement unit 50 may mean that at least some of the purified water or raw water passes through the sensor-capable area of ​​the water quality measurement unit 50.

[0058] For example, if the turbidity sensor module 800 includes an internal chamber, and when water flows into the internal chamber connected to the channel 20 and fills the chamber, the turbidity sensor module 800 can measure the water quality by emitting light to the water filling the chamber and receiving the scattered light pattern. In addition, the water in the internal chamber can be discharged after the water quality is measured. Alternatively, the light source and light receiver of the turbidity sensor module 800 can be located in a specific channel section (e.g., the section after the purified water channel 20 and the sensing channel 12 are connected) to emit light to the purified water or raw water passing through the specific channel section and receive the scattered light pattern.

[0059] The water dispensing device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can measure the water quality of raw water and purified water by using a shared sensor for the same measurement item (such as turbidity, etc.). The turbidity sensor module can measure the turbidity of the raw water and the turbidity of the purified water and transmit the sensed data to the controller 60. The controller 60 can control other components of the water dispensing device, such as the turbidity sensor, etc., based on the sensed data of the water quality measurement unit 50.

[0060] The water dispensing device comprises a filter 10 (see Figure 2 The filter 10 is configured to produce purified water by filtering raw water supplied from a water source. The filter 10 is provided to purify the supplied raw water and filter out various impurities and harmful substances contained in the raw water. One or more filters 10 are provided, and in the case of providing multiple filters, a combination of filters with various functions can be used. For example, three filters 10 can be provided, including a pre-carbon filter, a post-carbon filter, and a membrane filter or a hollow fiber membrane filter provided between the pre-carbon filter and the post-carbon filter. Alternatively, the filter 10 may include a pre-carbon filter and a UF composite filter.

[0061] The purified water purified by the filter 10 flows to the storage tank or channel 20 (see Figure 2 Since the water stored in the storage tank provides an environment suitable for the growth of microorganisms over time, it is more preferred that the water immediately flows through the channel 20. The purified water that has passed through the filter 10 flows to the purified water channel 20.

[0062] In addition, the water distribution device includes a valve unit 90 including valves for controlling the flow of water. The valve unit 90 may include a plurality of valves V1, V2, V3, V4, etc., which will be described later.

[0063] When the water quality measuring unit 50 measures the water quality of the raw water, the controller 60 may control the valve unit 90 , etc., so that a rinsing operation in which purified water passes through the water quality measuring unit 50 one or more times is performed.

[0064] The water quality measuring unit 50 measures the water quality of the purified water after performing the rinsing operation, thereby minimizing the influence of the raw water on the water quality measurement of the purified water. Therefore, by using only one water quality sensor of the same type, each of the raw water and the purified water can be effectively and accurately sensed.

[0065] When tap water and purified water are discharged, they generally have a low degree of water contamination, and in order to measure low contamination concentrations, it is important to minimize measurement deviations. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, by providing and controlling a channel capable of simultaneously measuring raw water and discharged water using a single sensor, compared to a technique of measuring raw water and discharged water separately, an increase in material costs can be minimized and a product can be manufactured in a compact size.

[0066] The water quality of tap water (raw water) and that of water purifiers (purified water) mostly fall into the low concentration range, and in order to clearly show the performance difference between raw water and discharged water, it is most important to minimize the measurement deviation between devices by using one sensor for comparison.

[0067] In addition, the water distribution device may include a hot water module 30 and a cold water module 40 configured to supply hot / cold water. The hot water module 30 heats purified water and then flows the water toward the water outlet 90a (see FIG. Figure 2 The cold water module 40 cools the purified water and then discharges the water toward the water outlet 90a.

[0068] In addition, the water dispensing device further includes an operating unit 75 and an output unit 85 .

[0069] The operation unit 75 can receive user input and include one or more buttons. For example, the operation unit 75 can be configured as a touch panel and can include a capacity button for selecting the capacity of water to be discharged, a hot water button for selecting the hot water to be discharged and the temperature of the hot water, a purified water button for selecting purified water, a cold water button for selecting cold water, and other function buttons.

[0070] The output unit 85 may include a display device, such as a display (not shown) or a light emitting diode (LED) (not shown), etc. For example, the output unit 85 may display information such as the operating status of the water dispensing device, the operating status related to the occurrence of an error, or the degree of water contamination.

[0071] The output unit 85 may include an audio device such as a speaker (not shown), a buzzer (not shown), etc. For example, the output unit 85 may output a sound effect for the operating state of the water dispensing device and output a predetermined warning sound when an error occurs.

[0072] In addition, the water distribution device may further include a module for sanitation. For example, the water distribution device includes a sterilization module 70 using high temperature or hot water. In addition, the water distribution device includes a water outlet sterilization module 80 for sterilization located on the side of the water outlet 90a where the possibility of contamination is high.

[0073] The sterilization module 70 instantly heats the water to a high temperature to sterilize bacteria growing in the water. Furthermore, the controller 60 can operate the sterilization module 70 so that the sterilized water (hot water) discharged from the sterilization module 70 can circulate through another channel to sterilize that channel. Based on the water quality data measured by the water quality measurement unit 50, the controller 60 can control the hot water discharged from the sterilization module 70 to flow to different channel areas, thereby performing a sterilization operation on each channel area.

[0074] The water outlet sterilization module 80 may remove bacteria or viruses by emitting ultraviolet (UV) light toward the water outlet 90a. The water outlet sterilization module 80 may include at least one ultraviolet (UV) lamp or at least one ultraviolet light emitting diode (UVLED).

[0075] The water outlet sterilization module 80 can be activated periodically under the control of the controller 60. Alternatively, the water outlet sterilization module 80 can be activated within a specified time period before the water is discharged. More preferably, based on the water quality data measured by the water quality measurement unit 50, the controller 60 can activate the water outlet sterilization module 80 only when necessary, thereby improving efficiency. For example, the controller 60 can control the water outlet sterilization module 80 based on the purified water quality measurement results.

[0076] The controller 60 may be connected to each component provided in the water distribution device. For example, the controller 60 may send and / or receive signals with the corresponding components provided in the water distribution device and may control the overall operation of the corresponding components.

[0077] The controller 60 may include at least one processor and may control the overall operation of the water dispensing device by using the processor included therein. Here, the processor may be a general-purpose processor such as a central processing unit (CPU). Obviously, the processor may be a dedicated device such as an ASIC or other hardware-based processor.

[0078] The controller 60 may perform various operations based on data received from the water quality measurement unit 50, which includes various sensors such as the turbidity sensor 800. In addition, the controller 60 may store the data received from the water quality measurement unit 50 in a memory (not shown).

[0079] The water quality measurement unit 50 can measure the water quality and output it to the controller 60. The controller 60 can perform feedback operations in response to the received raw water and / or purified water quality measurement data. Alternatively, the water quality measurement unit 50 can directly determine the contamination level and send it to the controller 60, and the controller 60 can control other components based on the received contamination level to perform appropriate feedback operations.

[0080] By identifying the contamination status of the raw water and / or purified water, the controller 60 may control the output unit 85 to provide a cleaning alarm or information on a filter replacement cycle to the user.

[0081] In addition, the controller 60 can detect odors that may be generated based on the degree of contamination of raw water and / or purified water, and can operate the sterilization module 70 and the water outlet sterilization module 80 to perform automatic cleaning / sterilization logic before the customer recognizes it. Therefore, user convenience and hygiene for non-professional users can be improved.

[0082] Figure 2 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a water dispensing device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figures 3 to 6 is describing Figure 2 Refer to the diagram when operating the water distribution device.

[0083] Reference Figure 2 The water distributing apparatus includes a water supply channel 11 through which raw water supplied from a water source flows; and a filter unit 10 configured to generate purified water by filtering the raw water supplied by the water supply channel 11 .

[0084] Purified water having passed through the filter unit 10 may flow toward the water outlet 90a through the purified water passage 20. Purified water having passed through the filter unit 10 may flow into the water quality measuring unit 50. When purified water is introduced, the water quality measuring unit 50 may measure water quality of the purified water.

[0085] In addition, the sensing channel 12 may branch from the water supply channel 11 so that raw water can directly flow into the water quality measurement unit 50 through the sensing channel 12. When raw water is introduced, the water quality measurement unit 50 may measure the water quality of the raw water.

[0086] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the filter unit 10 and the water supply valve V1 may be provided in the water supply passage 11, and the water supply valve V1 is configured to control the supply of water to the purified water passage 20. The water supply valve V1 may open and close the purified water passage 20. When the water supply valve V1 is opened, raw water passes through the purified water passage 20. Figure 3 The first line L1 is purified by passing through the filter unit 10 , and the purified water may flow into the water quality measurement unit 50 through the purified water channel 20 .

[0087] On the other hand, the water supply channel 11 may include a first water supply channel 11 a connecting the water source with the water supply valve V1 and a second water supply channel 11 b connecting the water supply valve V1 with the filter 10 .

[0088] In addition, the sensing passage 12 may have a first end connected to the first water supply channel 11a and a second end connected to the water quality measurement unit 50. A valve V2 configured to open and close the sensing channel 12 may be provided in the sensing channel 12. When the sensing valve V2 is opened, raw water may flow along the sensing channel 12. Figure 4 The second line L2 flows directly into the water quality measurement unit 50 through the sensing channel 12 .

[0089] Reference Figure 2 The water distribution device may further include: a water outlet 90a, through which purified water is discharged; a water discharge channel 13, which guides the purified water to the water outlet 90a; a discharge channel 14, which branches from the water discharge channel 13 between the water quality measuring unit 50 and the water outlet 90a, and through which raw water or purified water is discharged; and a water discharge valve V3, which selectively supplies raw water or purified water to the water discharge channel 13 and the discharge channel 14.

[0090] Under the control of controller 60, water discharge valve V3 transfers water that has undergone water quality measurement to drain section 90b and water outlet 90a. During this process, the water that has undergone water quality measurement flows into drain passage 14. By draining and cleaning the raw water, it is prevented from being discharged as drinking water.

[0091] On the other hand, the water discharge channel 13 may include a first water discharge channel 13 a connecting the water quality measurement unit 50 with the water discharge valve V3 , and a second water discharge channel 13 b connecting the water discharge valve V3 with the water outlet 90 a .

[0092] Reference Figure 2 The water distribution device may include: a water supply channel 11 through which raw water supplied from a water source flows; a filter unit 10 configured to produce purified water by filtering the raw water supplied from the water supply channel 11; a purified water channel 20 through which the purified water that has passed through the filter unit 10 flows; and a water quality measurement unit 50 connected to the purified water channel 20 and configured to measure the water quality of the purified water. In addition, the water quality measurement unit 50 includes a turbidity sensor module 55 (see Figure 9 etc.) and virtual impactor 900 (see Figure 9 etc.), the turbidity sensor module 55 is configured to measure the turbidity of water, and the virtual impactor 900 is set at the front end of the turbidity sensor module 55.

[0093] In the case of a turbidity sensor, the accuracy and reliability of the measured value increase as the flow rate decreases. Furthermore, the higher the turbidity concentration, the higher the accuracy and reliability of the measured value. Virtual impactor 900 can concentrate and immerse particles by utilizing the difference in inertial force depending on particle size. A water distribution device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can include virtual impactor 900 positioned at the front end of turbidity sensor module 55, thereby increasing the turbidity concentration and reducing the measured flow rate to increase the accuracy and reliability of the measured turbidity value.

[0094] Reference Figure 2 The water distribution device may further include: a discharge channel 14 through which raw water or purified water is discharged; an impactor discharge channel 14a, which is connected to the discharge channel 14 and through which water that does not flow from the virtual impactor 900 into the turbidity sensor module 55 is discharged; and an impactor discharge valve V4 provided in the impactor discharge channel 14a.

[0095] The impactor discharge valve V4 is a discharge valve for discharging residual water generated when the virtual impactor 900 is activated. When the virtual impactor 900 is activated, the water filtered by the virtual impactor 900 can flow along Figure 6 The fourth line L4 in the flow to the discharge channel 14 to be discharged to the outside. Figures 8 to 17 An example of using a virtual impactor 900 to improve turbidity sensing accuracy and the operation of a water dispensing device based on the sensed turbidity data is described in detail.

[0096] On the other hand, a water outlet sterilization module 80 is located on one side of the water outlet 90a, which discharges purified water. This module 80 sterilizes the space surrounding the water outlet and any remaining water. The controller 60 can operate the module 80 for a predetermined period of time based on the water quality data measured by the water quality measurement unit 50.

[0097] Reference Figure 2 , the sterilization passage 71 may have a first side branching from the water supply passage 11 and a second side connected to the filter 10 side, and a sterilization module 70 configured to heat water passing through the sterilization passage 71 is provided in the sterilization passage 71. The controller 60 may operate the sterilization module 70 for a predetermined period of time based on the water quality data measured by the water quality measuring unit 50.

[0098] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the water supply valve V1 may be a switching valve that selectively supplies raw water to the water supply channel 11 or the sterilization channel 71 .

[0099] Reference Figure 2The water distribution device may further include: a hot water channel 21 having a side branching from the purified water channel 20; a hot water module 30, which is arranged in the hot water channel 21 and is configured to heat the purified water passing through the hot water channel 21; a cold water channel 22 having a side branching from the purified water channel 20; and a cold water module 40, which is arranged in the cold water channel 22 and is configured to cool the purified water passing through the cold water channel 22.

[0100] Reference Figure 2 , the hot water channel 21 and the cold water channel 22 can be joined to the purified water channel 2 again. Alternatively, the hot water channel 21 and the cold water channel 22 can also be joined to the water supply channel 13 again.

[0101] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the discharge pump 65 may be provided in the discharge channel 14. By operating the discharge pump 65 after measuring the water quality, the water for which the water quality measurement is performed may be discharged to the outside more quickly at a faster rate.

[0102] Furthermore, the drain pump 65 can operate during the sterilization process for each channel section. Therefore, sterilized hot or hot water can be discharged to the outside more quickly. Specifically, when sterilizing the water discharge channel 13 of the cork connected to the water outlet 90a, some hot water is discharged toward the water outlet 90a, but a large amount of hot water may be discharged toward the drain portion 90b. This prevents potential safety incidents, user discomfort, and the inconvenience of having to handle large amounts of hot water when discharging large amounts of hot water.

[0103] On the other hand, the water quality measuring unit 50 may measure the water quality of purified water when purified water is introduced through the purified water channel 20 , and may measure the water quality of raw water when raw water is introduced through the sensing channel 12 .

[0104] When measuring the quality of raw water, the water quality measuring unit 50 can measure the quality of purified water after performing a rinsing operation in which purified water passes through the water quality measuring unit 50 one or more times. As described above, sensing accuracy and efficiency can be improved through the rinsing operation and the water pipe configuration of the shared sensor.

[0105] Figure 7 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a water dispensing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0106] The water dispensing device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may correspond to various water treatment devices and purification devices, such as a purifier, a refrigerator, etc., in which water is introduced from an external source and the introduced water is purified and then discharged.

[0107] For example, the water distributing device may be provided as an under-sink type water purifier, at least a portion of which is provided in a space below a kitchen sink.

[0108] Reference Figure 7 The water dispensing device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a water discharge portion 200 having at least a portion exposed to the outside of the water tank and a remaining body portion installed inside the water tank.

[0109] The water distribution device includes: a water supply channel 11, which guides raw water supplied from the outside to the inside; a filter 10, which is configured to purify the raw water supplied along the water supply channel 11 into purified water; and a purified water channel 20, through which the purified water passing through the filter 10 flows to the water discharge part 200.

[0110] On the other hand, the water supply channel 11 connects an external water source and the filter 10. Raw water supplied from the external water source may be supplied to the filter 10 through the water supply channel 11.

[0111] The water (raw water) supplied to the filter 10 can be purified into purified water by passing through the filter 10. At least one filter 10 can be provided. For example, a plurality of filters 10 can be provided. Therefore, the water that has passed through the water supply channel 11 can be purified into cleaner water by passing through the plurality of filters 10.

[0112] On the other hand, the purified water having passed through the filter 10 may flow toward the water discharge portion 200 exposed to the outside of the water tank 10 through the purified water passage 20 .

[0113] To this end, a first end of the purified water channel 20 may be connected to the filter 10, and a second end of the purified water channel 20 may be connected to the water discharge portion 200. On the other hand, at least one of the cold water channel 22, the hot water channel 21, and the washing water channel 90c may branch from the purified water channel 20.

[0114] exist Figure 6 , an example is illustrated in which the cold water channel 22 is integrated into the purified water channel 20 , and the hot water channel 21 and the washing water channel 90 c are branched from the purified water channel 20 .

[0115] One end of the purified water passage 20 is connected to the filter 10, and water having passed through the filter 10 flows toward the water discharge portion 200 through the connected water discharge passage 13. The water discharge passage 200 includes a water outlet 90a and can dispense purified water, etc.

[0116] Water may be supplied toward the wash water outlet in a sterile water state through the wash water module 1030 provided in the wash water channel 90c. In the case where the water discharge portion 200 includes a plurality of water outlets, the wash water outlet may also be formed in the water discharge portion 200 in some examples.

[0117] On the other hand, a pressure reducing valve 1010 for adjusting the flow rate of water supplied to the filter 10 may be provided in the water supply passage 11 .

[0118] In addition, at least one of a flow sensor 1011 for detecting the flow of water, a feed valve 35 for adjusting the flow of water or regulating the flow of water, or a flow rate sensor (not shown) for detecting the flow rate of water can be installed in the water supply channel 11 or the purified water channel 20.

[0119] In addition, an on / off valve for regulating the flow of water in each channel may be separately provided in the purified water channel 20, the hot water channel 21 and the washing water channel 90c. For example, a washing water valve 1019 may be provided in the washing water channel 90c.

[0120] Alternatively, a cold / hot / purified water valve 1015 for selectively supplying purified water to the purified water channel 20 and the hot water channel 21 may be installed at a branch point of the purified water channel 20 and the hot water channel 21.

[0121] In addition, a safety device 1025 such as a device for preventing backflow may be provided in the hot water channel 21. In addition, a safety valve 1016 for discharging steam may be provided in the hot water module 30. The steam of the hot water module 30 may be discharged toward the discharge portion 90b through the connected channel 15.

[0122] On the other hand, the water discharge valve 1018 is provided in the water discharge passage 13 to supply purified water, cold water, and hot water flowing toward the water discharge part 200 to the water discharge part 200 or may block water.

[0123] In addition, the discharge passage 14 may be branched from the water discharge passage 13, or a discharge valve 1017 may be provided in the discharge passage 14 to discharge purified water, cold water, hot water, and raw water toward the discharge portion 90b.

[0124] On the other hand, for example, each of the water discharge valve 1018 and the drain valve 1017 may be implemented as a three-way valve having one inlet, a first outlet that is selectively opened, and a second outlet, and including an actuator that selectively opens and closes the two outlets. In this case, the first outlet may be connected to the water discharge portion 200, and the second outlet may be connected to the drain portion 90b.

[0125] On the other hand, raw water is supplied through a water supply channel 11 connected to a water source such as a water pipe, a water tank or an underground pipe. A pressure reducing valve 1010 is installed in the water supply channel 11, and the raw water passes through the pressure reducing valve 1010 so that the pressure is reduced to a set pressure.

[0126] In addition, the raw water from which impurities are removed is converted into purified water while passing through the filter 10. The purified water flows along the purified water passage 20. In addition, the water may be branched into cold water-purified water and hot water.

[0127] First, the purified water branched into cold water-purified water is branched into cold water and purified water again, and based on the operation of the cold water module 40 caused by the user's operation of selecting purified water or cold water, the purified water or cold water can be supplied to the user through the water discharge part 200.

[0128] When the user requests to discharge cold water, the purified water passes through the cooling coil inside the cold water module 40. The water flowing along the cooling coil exchanges heat with the coolant in the cold water module 40 and is then cooled. To this end, the coolant is continuously cooled to maintain the set temperature. For reference, the compressor can be driven to cool the coolant. The drive of the compressor can be determined by the cold water temperature sensor provided in the cold water module 40. Therefore, the coolant can always be maintained at a preset temperature, and for this purpose, the drive of the compressor can be controlled. The frequency of the compressor can be adjusted to correspond to the load required by the variable frequency compressor, and the cooling capacity of the compressor can be adjusted. In other words, the compressor can be driven by inverter control to cool the coolant with optimal efficiency.

[0129] On the other hand, when a user requests to discharge hot water, the water can be heated to a set temperature while passing through the hot water module 30. The hot water module 30 can be heated by induction heating, and the output of the working coil provided in the hot water module 30 can be adjusted to achieve this. The purified water passing through the hot water module 30 can be heated to a set temperature. The hot water heated while passing through the hot water module 30 can flow toward the water discharge portion 200.

[0130] On the other hand, the sterilization channel 71 has a first side branched from the water supply channel 11 and a second side connected to the filter 10. A sterilization module 70 configured to heat water passing through the sterilization channel 71 and a flow control valve 1013 configured to adjust the amount of water flowing into the sterilization channel 71 may be provided in the sterilization module 70.

[0131] On the other hand, a feed valve 1012 for selectively supplying raw water to the water supply channel 11 or the sterilization channel 71 may be provided at a position where the sterilization channel 71 branches from the water supply channel 11 .

[0132] On the other hand, the water supply channel 11 may include a first water supply channel 11 a connecting the water source with the feed valve 1012 and a second water supply channel 11 b connecting the feed valve 1012 with the filter 10 .

[0133] On the other hand, the sensing channel 12 may branch from the first water supply channel 11a at the front end of the feed valve 1012. The sensing channel 12 may include a sensing valve 1014 configured to open and close the sensing channel 12 and a backflow prevention device 1020 configured to prevent backflow of raw water.

[0134] The controller 60 may close the feed valve 1012 and open the sensing valve 1014 to control the supply of raw water to the water quality measurement unit 50 through the sensor channel 14 .

[0135] After measuring the water quality of the raw water, the controller 60 may close the water discharge valve 1018 and open the discharge valve 1017 to discharge the raw water measured by the water quality measurement unit 50 toward the discharge portion 90 b .

[0136] The controller 60 may open the feed valve 1012 toward the purified water passage 20 and close the sensing valve 1014 to control the supply of purified water to the water quality measurement unit 50 .

[0137] In addition, the controller 60 may close the water discharge valve 1018 and open the drain valve 1017 to perform a rinsing operation by controlling the purified water having passed through the water quality measuring unit 50 to be discharged toward the drain part 90 .

[0138] Then, the controller 60 can control the valve in the same manner to supply purified water to the water quality measurement unit 50 for water quality measurement of the purified water. Therefore, the influence of the raw water can be removed and the water quality of the purified water can be accurately measured by the same water quality measurement unit 50.

[0139] As described above, the water quality measurement unit 50 includes the turbidity sensor module 55 as an optical sensor.

[0140] Figure 8 is a diagram referred to when describing optical turbidity sensing using light.

[0141] Reference Figure 8 Water flows into the chamber 730 through the inlet 740, and the water in the chamber 730 is discharged through the outlet 750. The light source 710 including a plurality of light sources and the light receiver 720 configured to receive light are disposed to face each other on the left or right side of the chamber 730.

[0142] The turbidity sensor module 55 can emit light into some of the raw water or purified water and can sense turbidity based on the received scattered light pattern. For example, the turbidity sensor module 55 can detect scattered light emitted from a visible light laser source and reflected and scattered by floating matter in the water, and output it as a signal value.

[0143] Scattered light increases in proportion to the amount of particles in the fluid and may also be affected by external noise generated by external environments such as particle behavior or fluid state (physical conditions such as the formation of bubbles or vortices), vibration, etc. Furthermore, to more accurately measure turbidity in low-concentration sections, a virtual impactor 900 is provided at the front end of the turbidity sensor module 55, thereby reducing the flow rate of the fluid flowing into the turbidity sensor module 55 and improving the accuracy of the sensed turbidity value.

[0144] Figures 9 to 11 2 is a diagram referred to when describing a virtual impactor according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0145] Reference Figure 9 , the virtual impactor 900 is set at the front end of the turbidity sensor module 55.

[0146] The virtual impactor 900 may pass only some of the water flowing into the water quality measurement unit 50 , thereby reducing the flow rate of water flowing into the turbidity sensor module 55 .

[0147] For example, when 100% of the flow rate of 1.0 to 1.3 L / min of cold water / purified water or 0.4 L / min of hot water is introduced into the virtual impactor 900, the virtual impactor 900 only delivers about 10% to 20% of the flow rate (0.1 to 0.26 L / min of cold water / purified water, 0.04 to 0.08 L / min of hot water) to the turbidity sensor module 500. In addition, the virtual impactor 900 can discharge 80% to 90% of the flow rate to the outside. Figure 9 , an example is shown in which approximately 40% to 45% of the flow rate (0.4 to 0.59 L / min of cold water / purified water, 0.16 to 0.18 L / min of hot water) is discharged through each of the left and right sides.

[0148] In addition, the pollutants contained in the water flowing into the virtual impactor and the water quality measurement unit 50 are classified by size, thereby increasing the turbidity of the water flowing into the turbidity sensor module 55. Therefore, the flow rate of the measurement target can be reduced, and the particle concentration can be increased, so that the turbidity value increases, and the measurement accuracy and reliability of the turbidity sensor module 500 are expected to increase.

[0149] The virtual impactor 900 may filter out particles greater than or equal to a certain size and discharge the particles to the outside, or may allow them to flow into the turbidity sensor module 55 .

[0150] The virtual impactor 900 can separate and capture immersed particles by using the inertial force of each particle diameter. For example, if the particle size is small, the particle escapes through the outlet of the virtual impactor 900, and if the particle size is large, the particle cannot escape through the outlet and can be captured.

[0151] As above Figures 2 to 6 As described above, the impactor exhaust passage 14a may be connected to the exhaust passage 14 and may exhaust water and / or pollutants that are blocked by the virtual impactor 900 from flowing into the turbidity sensor module 55. The impactor exhaust valve V4 is provided in the impactor exhaust passage 14a and may open and close the impactor exhaust passage 14a.

[0152] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, by installing virtual impactors 900 in multiple stages in series or in parallel, the turbidity value of each particle size can be measured. In addition, after the measurement, the pollutants can be inferred as shown in the following example.

[0153] Bacteria: 1μm↓

[0154] Biofilm fragments: 1μm to 50μm

[0155] Substances that cause rust: 50μm↑

[0156] Figure 10 is a diagram showing an example of a virtual impactor for analyzing pollutants by classifying the pollutants for each particle diameter, Figure 11 is a diagram showing an impactor nozzle, and Figure 10 and Figure 11 A multi-stage virtual impactor 900a and an impactor nozzle 1100 are shown.

[0157] Reference Figure 10 and Figure 11 , the virtual impactor 900a may be configured as a multi-stage impactor including impactors 910 and 920 for separating particles of different sizes.

[0158] The virtual impactor 900a can use the inertial force of particles moving according to the flow in the suddenly changing channel structure to classify particles by size. In this case, the size of the classified particles can be determined according to conditions such as nozzle size and flow rate.

[0159] Impactors 910 and 920 include impactor nozzles 1110 and 1120, respectively, and a plurality of slits 1101 are formed in each of impactor nozzles 1110 and 1120. To separate particles by inertial force, a flow rate greater than or equal to a predetermined magnitude is required when the flow is introduced. For this reason, when a single nozzle is used, a significant differential pressure is applied. Therefore, it is preferable to provide multiple nozzles by forming a plurality of slits 1101 to minimize the differential pressure. By forming a plurality of slits 1101, the differential pressure inside and outside the slits 1101 is reduced. The differential pressure can be reduced in proportion to the number of slits 1101.

[0160] On the other hand, the impactor nozzles 1110 and 1120 may include an internal channel 1102 through which contaminant particles (e.g., microorganisms introduced through the slit 1101) flow. The internal channel 1102 defines an internal space of the impactor nozzles 1110 and 1120. The contaminant particles may flow through the internal channel 1102, and the fluid from which the contaminant particles have been removed may flow in an external space of the internal channel 1102.

[0161] In the impactor nozzles 1110 and 1120 , the slits 1110 and the like are formed differently so that particles of different sizes can be classified.

[0162] The virtual impactor 900a may include a first-stage impactor 910 and a second-stage impactor 920. The first-stage impactor 910 is configured to separate first particles, which are the largest particles, from water introduced through the inlet 1011. The second-stage impactor 920 is configured to separate second particles, which are smaller than the first particles, and third particles, which are the smallest particles. For example, the first-stage impactor 910 may separate first particles larger than 50 μm, such as substances that cause rust, etc. The second-stage impactor 920 may separate second particles, which are medium-sized particles ranging from 1 μm to 50 μm, such as biofilm fragments, and third particles, such as bacteria, which are smaller than 1 μm.

[0163] In addition, the virtual impactor 900a may further include: a first impactor channel 931, through which the first particles separated by the first-stage impactor 910 flow; a second impactor channel 941, through which the second particles separated by the second-stage impactor 920 flow; and a third impactor channel 951, through which the third particles separated by the second-stage impactor 920 flow.

[0164] The fluid from which the first particles have been separated by the first-stage impactor 910 flows into the second-stage impactor 920 through the connecting channel 915 in the internal space 913 of the first-stage impactor 910. Furthermore, the fluid from which the second particles have been separated by the second-stage impactor 920 can flow into the third impactor channel 951 in the internal space 925 of the second-stage impactor 920.

[0165] The virtual impactor 900a may include a plurality of valves 961, 962, 963, 964, 965, and 966, and may control the flow of fluid and contaminant particles. The virtual impactor 900a may also include a first impactor valve 961 disposed between the first impactor channel 931 and the impactor exhaust channel 14a, and a second impactor valve 962 disposed between the first impactor channel 931 and the turbidity sensor module 55. The first impactor channel 931 and the impactor exhaust channel 14a are connected to the first exhaust connection channel 932, and the first impactor valve 961 may be disposed in the first exhaust connection channel 932. The first impactor channel 931 and the turbidity sensor module 55 may be connected to the first sensing connection channel 933, and the second impactor valve 962 may be disposed in the first sensing connection channel 933.

[0166] The virtual impactor 900a may further include a third impactor valve 963 disposed between the second impactor channel 941 and the impactor exhaust channel 14a, and a fourth impactor valve 964 disposed between the second impactor channel 941 and the turbidity sensor module 55. The second impactor channel 941 and the impactor exhaust channel 14a are connected to the second exhaust connection channel 942, and the third impactor valve 963 may be disposed in the second exhaust connection channel 942. The second impactor channel 941 and the turbidity sensor module 55 may be connected to the second sensing connection channel 943, and the fourth impactor valve 964 may be disposed in the second sensing connection channel 943.

[0167] The virtual impactor 900a may further include a fifth impactor valve 965 disposed between the third impactor channel 951 and the impactor exhaust channel, and a sixth impactor valve 966 disposed between the third impactor channel 951 and the turbidity sensor module 55. The third impactor channel 951 and the impactor exhaust channel 14a are connected to the third exhaust connection channel 952, and the fifth impactor valve 965 may be disposed in the third exhaust connection channel 952. The third impactor channel 951 and the turbidity sensor module 55 may be connected to the third sensing connection channel 953, and the sixth impactor valve 966 may be disposed in the third sensing connection channel 953.

[0168] For example, to measure large particles, the second impactor valve 962 is opened so that large particles can be introduced into the turbidity sensor module 55, and the third impactor valve 963 and the fifth impactor valve 965 are opened so that medium-sized particles and small particles can be discharged. In addition, the first impactor valve 961 is closed so that no large particles are discharged, and the fourth impactor valve 964 and the sixth impactor valve 966 are closed so that no medium-sized particles and no small particles are introduced into the turbidity sensor 55.

[0169] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, based on the water quality data measured by the water quality measurement unit 50 , by allowing the hot water discharged from the sterilization module 70 to flow to different channel areas, a sterilization operation can be performed on each channel area.

[0170] Figure 12 is a diagram referred to when describing the sanitary management standard of the water distribution device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 12 This figure shows an example of a hygiene management standard set based on a contamination degree standard value of the measured size of each contaminant and a sterilization operation performed for each passage section.

[0171] The degree of contamination can be categorized based on drinking water quality standards in various countries, including South Korea. Furthermore, the criteria for categorizing the degree of contamination can be determined based on drinking water turbidity quality standards in various countries, including South Korea. For example, the degree of contamination can be categorized based on 0.1, 0.3, and 0.5 nephelometric turbidity units (NTUs).

[0172] Reference Figure 12 If the contamination level is less than 0.5 NTU, the controller 60 determines that the level is normal and executes a normal water discharge mode. If the contamination level is higher than the level, the controller 60 stops discharging water and performs a sterilization operation by identifying the channel area corresponding to each contamination level. Compared to the existing sterilization algorithm that performs complete sterilization without dividing the channel area, the sterilization algorithm according to the embodiment of the present disclosure is more effective in dividing the sterilization area.

[0173] If the pollution level is less than (or less than or equal to) 0.5 NTU, the controller 60 determines the pollution level to be level zero (0), if the pollution level is greater than or equal to (or exceeds) 0.5 NTU and less than (or equal to) 1.5 NTU, the controller 60 determines the pollution level to be level 1, if the pollution level is greater than or equal to (or exceeds) 1.5 NTU and less than (or equal to) 2.5 NTU, the controller 60 determines the pollution level to be level 2. And if the pollution level is greater than or equal to (or exceeds) 2.5 NTU and less than (or equal to) 4.5 NTU, the controller 60 determines the pollution level to be level 3. In the present disclosure, "greater than or equal to" and "exceed" may be used interchangeably, and "less than" and "less than or equal to" may be used interchangeably.

[0174] Generally, contamination levels of 0.5 NTU or higher are considered to require sanitation management. If the water is not used for a long time and is stagnant for a long time, and if the contamination level increases to 2.5 NTU due to the influence of internal biofilm formation, there is a concern that bacteria may be detected, so the reference contamination level can be set to 2.5 NTU as a higher contamination level. A level of 2.5 NTU can be set to level 3.

[0175] If the turbidity of the third particles (eg, less than 1 μm) is less than the first reference value (eg, 0.5 NTU), the contamination level is as low as zero, so that the controller 60 may control the water to be discharged normally without performing an additional sterilization operation.

[0176] On the contrary, if the water quality data measured by the water quality measurement unit 50 with respect to the third particle is greater than or equal to the first reference value, the controller 60 may control the hot water discharged from the sterilization module 70 to sterilize the purified water channel 20 .

[0177] If the water quality data measured by the water quality measuring unit 50 for the third particle is greater than or equal to a second reference value (for example, 1.5 NTU) that is larger than the first reference value, and is less than a third reference value (for example, 2.5 NTU) that is larger than the second reference value, the controller 60 can control the hot water discharged from the sterilization module 70 to sterilize the purified water channel 20 and the cold water channel 22.

[0178] Alternatively, if the water quality data measured by the water quality measurement unit 50 for the third particle is greater than or equal to a second reference value (e.g., 1.5 NTU) that is larger than the first reference value, and is less than a third reference value (e.g., 2.5 NTU) that is larger than the second reference value, the controller 60 can control the hot water discharged from the sterilization module 70 to sterilize the purified water channel 20 and the water discharge channel 13.

[0179] The third reference value is a standard for classifying slight microbial contamination, bacterial growth in water, and severe microbial contamination, as well as contamination inside the product (e.g., inside the channel), where if the contamination level is higher than the third reference value, enhanced hygiene management needs to be applied.

[0180] If the water quality data of the third particles measured by the water quality measurement unit is greater than or equal to a third reference value greater than the second reference value, the controller 20 may control the hot water discharged from the sterilization module 70 to sterilize the entire channel.

[0181] On the other hand, if the contaminant particles are of large size, enhanced hygiene management may be applied.

[0182] Second particles (such as biofilm fragments) may cause serious contamination inside the product (such as inside the channel), and third particles (such as rust-causing substances) may cause serious problems, including damage to the filter unit 10, life problems, raw water problems, etc.

[0183] If the water quality data measured by the water quality measurement unit 50 for the second particles (eg, 1 μm to 50 μm) is greater than or equal to the first reference value, the controller 20 may control the hot water discharged from the sterilization module 70 to sterilize the entire channel.

[0184] In addition, if the water quality data measured by the water quality measurement unit 50 for the first particle size (e.g., greater than or equal to 50 μm) is greater than or equal to a first reference value, the controller 20 can control the output unit 85, which is configured to display abnormal water quality information. Furthermore, the controller 60 can report the situation to the manufacturer and seller, and the manufacturer and seller's service technicians can visit the site and inspect the raw water. If there is no problem with the raw water, all or part of the filter 10 can be replaced. If there is a problem with the raw water, the local water supply management agency can be contacted.

[0185] In the present disclosure, channels can be selected and sterilized based on the degree of contamination measured by the water quality measurement unit 50. By sterilizing specific areas, the time required for sterilization can be shortened. Furthermore, while approximately 15 liters of water are used for the entire sterilization operation, the amount of water required for sterilizing each channel is reduced to approximately 8 liters. This reduction in the amount of water required for sterilization allows for efficient long-term management and operation of the water distribution system.

[0186] Figures 13 to 15 1 is a diagram referred to when describing sterilization of a water dispensing device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 13 is a diagram showing an example of a sterilization operation for water contamination level 1 of small particles, Figure 14 is a diagram showing an example of a sterilization operation for water contamination level 2 of small particles, Figure 15 1 is a diagram showing an example of a sterilization operation at a water contamination level of 3 for small particles and a water contamination level of 1 for medium particles.

[0187] Reference Figures 13 to 15 The water distributing apparatus includes a water supply channel 11 through which raw water supplied from a water source flows; and a filter unit 10 configured to generate purified water by filtering the raw water supplied through the water supply channel 11 .

[0188] The purified water having passed through the filter unit 10 flows toward the water outlet 90a through the purified water passage 20. The purified water having passed through the filter unit 10 may flow into the water quality measuring unit 50. When the purified water is introduced, the water quality measuring unit 50 may measure the water quality of the purified water.

[0189] On the other hand, the sterilization channel 13 may branch from the water supply channel 11. The sterilization channel 13 may have a first side branching from the water supply channel 11 and a second side connected to the filter unit 10. A sterilization module 70 is provided in the sterilization channel 13 and is configured to generate hot water for sterilization.

[0190] Based on the water quality data measured by the water quality measurement unit 50, the water distribution device can control the hot water discharged from the sterilization module 70 to flow to different channel areas to perform a sterilization operation on each area. Therefore, the channel can be effectively sterilized in a short time.

[0191] Reference Figures 13 to 15 The water distribution device includes: a water outlet 90a, through which purified water is discharged; a water discharge channel 13, which guides the purified water to the water outlet 90a; a discharge channel 14, which branches off from the water discharge channel 13 between the water quality measuring unit 50 and the water outlet 90a, through which raw water or purified water is discharged; and a water discharge channel 13, through which raw water or purified water passes.

[0192] A water discharge valve V3 is provided in the water discharge passage 13 to selectively supply raw water or purified water to the water discharge passage 13 b and the drain passage 14 .

[0193] In addition, a hot water channel 21 and a cold water channel 22 are branched from the purified water channel 20. A hot water module 30 and a cold water module 40 configured to heat and cool purified water are provided in the hot water channel 21 and the cold water channel 22, respectively.

[0194] If the water quality data measured by the water quality measurement unit 50 is greater than or equal to the first reference value, the hot water discharged from the sterilization module 70 may sterilize the purified water channel 20 .

[0195] Reference Figure 13 In response to the contamination level 1 of the small particles, the controller 60 may control the hot water discharged from the sterilization module 70 to sterilize the purified water channel 20. Along the fifth line L5, the hot water sterilizes the purified water channel 20 and is discharged through the discharge channel 14.

[0196] In addition, if the water quality data measured by the water quality measurement unit 50 is greater than or equal to the first reference value, the discharge of water through the water outlet may be stopped. While stopping the discharge of drinking water, the controller 60 may selectively sterilize the channel in response to the degree of contamination of the channel, and then the discharge of water may be resumed.

[0197] On the other hand, if the water quality data measured by the water quality measurement unit 50 is greater than or equal to a second reference value greater than the first reference value, the purified water channel 20 and the cold water channel 22 (in some examples, the water discharge channel 13) can be sterilized using hot water discharged from the sterilization module 70.

[0198] Reference Figure 14In response to the small particle contamination level 2, the controller 60 may control the hot water discharged from the sterilization module 70 to sterilize the purified water channel 20 and the cold water channel 22. Along the sixth line L6, the hot water sterilizes the purified water channel 20 and the cold water channel 22 and is discharged through the discharge channel 14.

[0199] If the water quality data measured by the water quality measurement unit 50 is greater than or equal to a third reference value that is greater than the second reference value, the entire channel can be sterilized using hot water discharged from the sterilization module 70. The entire channel refers to the entire channel that can be sterilized with hot water, and does not necessarily mean all channels of the water dispensing device. For example, during the sterilization operation, the sensing channel 12 does not tilt throughout the entire channel.

[0200] Reference Figure 15 In response to the small particle contamination level of 3 or the medium-sized particle contamination level of 2, the controller 60 may control the hot water discharged from the sterilization module 70 to sterilize the purified water channel 20, the hot water channel 21, the cold water channel 22, and the water discharge channel 13. Along the sixth line L6, the hot water sterilizes the purified water channel 20, the hot water channel 21, and the cold water channel 22, and a portion of the hot water is discharged through the discharge channel 14. In addition, a portion of the hot water sterilizes the water discharge channel 13 and is discharged through the water outlet 90a.

[0201] Figure 16 and Figure 17 is a graph to which reference is made when describing the distribution of measured turbidity values, wherein Figure 16 is a graph showing the distribution of measured turbidity values / flow rates, Figure 17 is a graph showing baseline turbidity and measured turbidity values ​​at a given flow rate.

[0202] Reference Figure 16 and Figure 17 , the measured distribution decreases as the turbidity value increases. In addition, the measured distribution decreases as the flow rate decreases (±18% → ±4% at 1.5 NTU), and the measured distribution decreases as the turbidity value increases (±10 to 17% below 0.5 NTU, ±5 to 6% at 1.0 NTU, at a flow rate of 0.3 L / min).

[0203] Therefore, in the present disclosure, by providing a virtual impactor 900a at the front end of the turbidity sensor module 55, the flow rate of the water to be measured flowing into the turbidity sensor module 55 can be reduced, and the turbidity value can be increased. By measuring a sample with a reduced flow rate and increased turbidity value, turbidity can be measured more accurately and precisely.

[0204] It will be apparent that although preferred embodiments have been shown and described above, the present disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments described above, and that various modifications and variations may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the appended claims. Therefore, it is intended that modifications and variations should not be understood independently of the technical spirit or perspective of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A water distribution device, comprising: a water supply channel through which raw water supplied from a water source flows; a filter configured to produce purified water by filtering the raw water supplied through the water supply channel; a purified water passage through which the purified water having passed through the filter flows; as well as a water quality measuring unit connected to the purified water channel and configured to measure the water quality of the purified water, The water quality measurement unit includes a turbidity sensor module configured to measure the turbidity of water and a virtual impactor provided at the front end of the turbidity sensor module.

2. The water distribution device according to claim 1, wherein The virtual impactor is configured to reduce a flow rate of water flowing into the turbidity sensor module by passing only some of the water flowing into the water quality measurement unit.

3. The water distribution device according to claim 1, wherein: The virtual impactor is configured to classify pollutants contained in water flowing into the water quality measurement unit by size to increase turbidity of the water flowing into the turbidity sensor module.

4. The water distribution device according to claim 1, further comprising: a discharge channel through which the raw water or the purified water is discharged; an impactor drain passage connected to the drain passage and through which water not introduced into the turbidity sensor module by the virtual impactor is drained; as well as An impactor discharge valve is disposed in the impactor exhaust passage.

5. The water distribution device according to claim 4, further comprising: a water outlet, through which the purified water is discharged; as well as a water discharge channel that guides the purified water to the water outlet, The discharge passage is branched from the water discharge passage between the water quality measurement unit and the water outlet. 6 . The water distributing device according to claim 5 , further comprising a water discharge valve which selectively supplies the raw water or the purified water to the water discharge passage and the drain passage.

7. The water distribution device according to claim 4, wherein: The virtual impactor is configured as a multi-stage impactor including an impactor that separates particles of different sizes.

8. The water distribution device according to claim 7, wherein: The virtual impactor further comprises: a first-stage impactor configured to separate first particles that are largest particles; a second-stage impactor configured to separate second particles smaller than the first particles and third particles that are smallest particles; a first impactor channel through which the first particles separated by the first-stage impactor flow; a second impactor channel through which the second particles separated by the second-stage impactor flow; and a third impactor channel through which the third particles separated by the second-stage impactor flow; 9. The water distribution device according to claim 8, wherein: The virtual impactor further comprises: a first impactor valve disposed between the first impactor passage and the impactor exhaust passage; a second impactor valve disposed between the first impactor channel and the turbidity sensor module; a third impactor valve disposed between the second impactor passage and the impactor exhaust passage; a fourth impactor valve, the fourth impactor valve being disposed between the second impactor channel and the turbidity sensor module; a fifth impactor valve disposed between the third impactor passage and the impactor exhaust passage; and A sixth impactor valve is provided between the third impactor passage and the turbidity sensor module.

10. The water distribution device according to claim 7, further comprising: a sterilization passage having a first side branching from the water supply passage and a second side connected to a filter side; as well as a sterilization module, the sterilization module being disposed in the sterilization channel and configured to heat water passing through the sterilization channel, Wherein, the hot water discharged from the sterilization module is controlled to flow to different channel areas based on the water quality data measured by the water quality measurement unit, and the sterilization operation is performed on each channel area.

11. The water distribution device according to claim 10, wherein: The water dispensing device is configured to sterilize the purified water passage using hot water discharged from the sterilization module in response to water quality data measured by the water quality measurement unit for the third particles being greater than or equal to a first reference value.

12. The water distribution device according to claim 11, further comprising: a hot water channel having a side branching from the purified water channel; a hot water module disposed in the hot water channel and configured to heat purified water passing through the hot water channel; a cold water channel having one side branching from the purified water channel; as well as a cold water module disposed in the cold water channel and configured to cool purified water passing through the cold water channel, The water distribution device is configured to sterilize the purified water channel and the cold water channel using hot water discharged from the sterilization module in response to the water quality data measured by the water quality measurement unit for the third particles being greater than or equal to a second reference value greater than the first reference value.

13. The water distribution device according to claim 12, wherein: The water distributing device is configured to sterilize the entire channel using hot water discharged from the sterilization module in response to water quality data measured by the water quality measurement unit for the third particles being greater than or equal to a third reference value greater than the second reference value.

14. The water distribution device of claim 11, wherein: The water dispensing device is configured to sterilize the purified water passage and the water discharge passage using hot water discharged from the sterilization module in response to water quality data measured by the water quality measurement unit for the third particles being greater than a second reference value greater than the first reference value.

15. The water distribution device of claim 11, wherein: The water distributing device is configured to sterilize the entire channel using hot water discharged from the sterilization module in response to water quality data measured by the water quality measurement unit for the second particles being greater than or equal to the first reference value. 16 . The water dispensing apparatus of claim 11 , further comprising an output unit configured to display abnormal water quality information in response to water quality data measured by the water quality measurement unit for the first particle being greater than or equal to the first reference value.

17. The water distributing device according to claim 1, further comprising a sensing channel that branches from the water supply channel and through which the raw water flows. in, The water quality measurement unit is configured to measure the water quality of the purified water in response to the purified water being introduced through the purified water passage, and is configured to measure the water quality of the raw water in response to the raw water being introduced through the sensing passage.

18. The water distribution device of claim 17, wherein: The water quality measurement unit is configured to measure the water quality of the purified water after performing a rinsing operation in which the purified water passes through the water quality measurement unit one or more times when measuring the water quality of the raw water.

19. The water distribution device of claim 17, further comprising: a switching valve configured to supply the raw water to the water supply passage or the sterilization passage; as well as A sensing valve is configured to open and close the sensing channel.

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