Water purifier

Abstract

To provide a water purifier capable of directly cutting off a power supply and interrupting pump operation in a case of malfunctions in a water level sensor, preventing leakage when a tank is full.SOLUTION: A water purifier includes a pump 400 for supplying water stored in a first water tank 101 to a second water tank 102 via a flow path connecting the first and second water tanks, a detection unit provided on one side of the second water tank for detecting the water level, a control unit 700 electrically connected to the pump, for controlling operation of the pump according to the water level detected by the detection unit, and an emergency leak prevention unit mounted on the upper part of the second water tank and electrically connected to the pump. The emergency leak prevention unit controls operation of the pump independently of the control unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The following embodiments relate to a water purifier. [Background technology]

[0002] The water purifier has a water bucket filled with water and can adjust the temperature of the water discharged from the bucket. For example, Registered Utility Model No. 0112708 discloses a raw water cooling and heating device that is installed above the raw water discharge port of a mineral water bottle. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] An object of one embodiment is to provide a water purifier that can directly cut off the power supply and suspend pump operation when the water level sensor is full by installing a mechanical float to prevent leakage when the water level sensor fails. [Means for solving the problem]

[0004] A water purifier according to one embodiment includes a first water tank for storing water, a second water tank connected to the first water tank, a pump for supplying water stored in the first water tank to the first water tank through a flow path connecting the first water tank and the second water tank, a detection unit disposed on one side of the second water tank for detecting a water level, a control unit electrically connected to the pump and controlling operation of the pump according to the water level detected by the detection unit, and an emergency leakage prevention unit mounted on an upper part of the second water tank and electrically connected to the pump, and the emergency leakage prevention unit can control operation of the pump independently of the control unit.

[0005] According to one aspect, the control unit or the emergency leak prevention unit controls the pump to a first mode or a second mode depending on the water level, and the pump operates in the first mode and stops in the second mode.

[0006] According to one aspect, the emergency leakage prevention unit includes a switch member disposed on top of the second water tank in a direction opposite to the direction of gravity and electrically connected to the pump; a floating member disposed in the second water tank and spaced apart from the switch member in the direction of gravity, the floating member having a vertical distance from the switch member that changes depending on the water level; and a connecting member interposed between the switch member and the floating member, and when the water level reaches a predetermined water level, the floating member pressurizes the switch member via the connecting member, and the pump can be switched to the second mode.

[0007] According to one aspect, the floating member has a density less than that of the water and can drift on the water surface of the second water tank.

[0008] In one aspect, the vertical distance between the floating member and the switch member is shorter in the second mode than in the first mode.

[0009] According to one aspect, the water purifier further includes a power source that supplies power to the pump, and a power line having one end connected to the pump and the other end connected to the power source to transmit the power, and the power line may be electrically connected to the pump via the switch member.

[0010] According to one aspect, in the second mode, the power line may be interrupted by the switch member.

[0011] According to one aspect, the detection unit includes a water level sensor that detects the water level of the second water tank and is electrically connected to the control unit to transmit a signal in real time, and if it is determined that the water level detected by the water level sensor has reached a preset water level, the control unit can issue a signal to stop operation of the pump. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] According to one embodiment of the water purifier, a mechanical float is installed to prevent leakage in the event of a water level sensor failure, and when the water level sensor is full, the power supply can be directly cut off to suspend pump operation.

[0013] The effects of the water purifier according to one embodiment are not limited to those mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of a water purifier according to an embodiment; [Figure 2] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of a water purifier according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] 1 shows a second water tank of a water purifier according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating a pump control method of a control unit and an emergency leakage prevention unit of a water purifier according to an embodiment. [Figure 5] 1 shows an emergency leakage prevention unit of a water purifier according to an embodiment. [Figure 6] 1 shows an emergency leakage prevention unit of a water purifier according to an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, various modifications may be made to the embodiments, and the scope of the patent application is not limited or restricted by such embodiments. It should be understood that all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives to the embodiments are included in the scope of the patent.

[0016] The terms used in the embodiments are merely used for the purpose of explanation and are not to be construed as limiting. A singular expression includes a plural expression unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this specification, the terms "comprise" or "have" indicate the presence of a feature, number, step, operation, component, part, or combination thereof described in the specification, and should be understood as not precluding the possibility of the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0017] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, have the same meaning as commonly understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains. Commonly used predefined terms should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with the meaning they have in the context of the relevant art, and should not be interpreted as having an ideal or overly formal meaning unless expressly defined herein.

[0018] In addition, in the description with reference to the accompanying drawings, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals regardless of the reference numerals, and redundant description thereof will be omitted. In the description of the embodiments, if a detailed description of related known technology is determined to unnecessarily obscure the gist of the embodiments, the detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0019] Furthermore, when describing components of an embodiment, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), (b), etc. may be used. These terms are used to distinguish the component from other components, and do not limit the nature, order, or sequence of the components. When a component is described as being "coupled," "coupled," or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that the component may be directly coupled or connected to the other component, but additional components may be "coupled," "coupled," or "connected" between the components.

[0020] Components that have the same functions as components included in one embodiment will be described using the same names in other embodiments. Unless otherwise specified, the description of one embodiment may also be applied to other embodiments, and detailed descriptions will be omitted to the extent that they overlap.

[0021] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a water purifier according to one embodiment, FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the configuration of the water purifier according to one embodiment, FIG. 3 is a diagram of a second water tank of the water purifier according to one embodiment, FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a pump control method of the control unit and emergency leakage prevention unit of the water purifier according to one embodiment, FIG. 5 is a diagram of the emergency leakage prevention unit of the water purifier according to one embodiment, and FIG. 6 is a diagram of the emergency leakage prevention unit of the water purifier according to one embodiment.

[0022] Referring to FIG. 1, a water purifier 10 according to an embodiment includes a water purifier body 110 .

[0023] The water purifier body 110 includes a first surface 1101 , a second surface 1102 opposite the first surface 1101 , and a side surface 1103 between the first surface 1101 and the second surface 1102 .

[0024] The side surface 1103 includes a front surface 1103A on which the water outlet valve 840 is located, a rear surface opposite the front surface, and a first side surface 1103B and a second side surface 1103C located opposite each other and disposed between the front surface 1103A and the rear surface.

[0025] The water outlet valve 840 protrudes from one side (for example, the front surface 1103A) of the water purifier body 110, and hot water, cold water, and / or purified water are discharged from the water outlet valve 840.

[0026] Referring to FIG. 2, the water purifier 10 according to one embodiment includes a water tank 100 and a pump 400.

[0027] In one embodiment, the water tank 100 may be disposed on the top of the water purifier 10. The water tank 100 includes a first water tank 101 and a second water tank 102. The first water tank 101 may be configured to be detachable from the body of the water purifier 10. For example, the first water tank 101 may contain tap water.

[0028] The second water tank 102 may be provided so as to be spaced apart from the first water tank 101. A pump 400 and a filter 500 are disposed between the first water tank 101 and the second water tank 102.

[0029] For example, the pump 400 may be connected to the lower part of the first water tank 101. The pump 400 can transfer water discharged from the first water tank 101 to the second water tank .

[0030] 2 to 4, the water purifier 10 according to one embodiment includes a detection unit 130, a control unit 700, and an emergency leakage prevention unit 140.

[0031] The detector 130 may be disposed on one side of the second water tank 102. The detector 130 may detect the water level of the second water tank 102 in real time.

[0032] The control unit 700 is electrically connected to the detection unit 130 and to the pump 400. In particular, the control unit 700 may be electrically connected to the pump 400 via a control line L1. One end of the control line L1 may be electrically connected to the control unit 700, and the other end may be electrically connected to the pump 400. The control unit 700 may control the operation of the pump 400 according to the water level detected in real time by the detection unit 130.

[0033] The emergency leakage prevention unit 140 is electrically connected to the pump 400. The emergency leakage prevention unit 140 can control the operation of the pump 400. Here, the emergency leakage prevention unit 140 can control the operation of the pump 400 separately from the control unit 700.

[0034] Referring again to FIG. 2, the water purifier 10 according to one embodiment includes a hot water tank 200, a cold water tank 300, a filter 500, a compressor 600, and a hot water tank water detection sensor 900.

[0035] A filter 500 may be provided between the pump 400 and the second water tank 102. The filter 500 can purify water from the first water tank 101 and supply the purified water to the second water tank 102. The filter 500 includes a first filter 501 and a second filter 502. The second water tank 102 may store purified water.

[0036] A hot water tank inlet line 811 may be provided between the second water tank 102 and the hot water tank 200. A cold water tank inlet line 821 may be provided between the second water tank 102 and the cold water tank 300. A second water tank outlet line 832 may be provided between the second water tank 102 and the water outlet valve 840.

[0037] For example, each of the hot water tank inlet line 811, the cold water tank inlet line 821, and the second water tank outlet line 832 may include piping connected to the lower part of the second water tank 102 through which the purified water in the second water tank 102 passes.

[0038] For example, an end of the hot water tank inlet line 811 may be connected to one side of the hot water tank 200. The purified water supplied from the second water tank 102 may be stored in the hot water tank 200. As another example, the water supplied from the first water tank 101 may be supplied to one side of the hot water tank 200 and stored in the hot water tank 200.

[0039] The hot water tank 200 includes a heater 201. The heater 201 can heat the purified water supplied to the hot water tank 200. For example, the heater 201 may be controlled by the control unit 700 to determine whether or not to heat and / or the degree of heating. A drain port through which water can be discharged may be provided at the bottom of the hot water tank 200. A temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of the heated water is provided inside the hot water tank 200.

[0040] An end of a cold water tank inlet line 821 may be connected to one side of the cold water tank 300. The purified water supplied from the second water tank 102 is stored in the cold water tank 300.

[0041] The cold water tank 300 includes a cooler 301. For example, the cooler 301 may include a cooling coil surrounding the outside of the cold water tank 300. The control unit 700 can control whether or not the cooler 301 performs cooling and / or the degree of cooling. A drain port through which water can be discharged may be provided at the bottom of the cold water tank 300. A temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of the cooled water is provided inside the cold water tank 300.

[0042] The compressor 600 may be coupled to the cold water tank 300 .

[0043] The hot water tank air vent 813 can connect the hot water tank 200 and the second water tank 102. For example, the hot water tank air vent 813 may include a pipe connecting the top of the hot water tank 200 and the top of the second water tank 102. Air leaving the hot water tank 200 through the hot water tank air vent 813 can move to the second water tank 102.

[0044] The cold water tank air vent 823 may connect the cold water tank 300 and the second water tank 102. For example, the cold water tank air vent 823 may include a pipe connecting the top of the cold water tank 300 and the top of the second water tank 102. Air coming out of the cold water tank 300 can move to the second water tank 102 through the cold water tank air vent 823.

[0045] The hot water tank discharge line 812 may connect the hot water tank 200 to the outlet valve 840. For example, the hot water tank discharge line 812 may include a pipe that connects the top of the hot water tank 200 to the outlet valve 840 and allows heated water to pass through.

[0046] The cold water tank discharge line 822 may connect the cold water tank 300 to the water outlet valve 840. For example, the cold water tank discharge line 822 may include a pipe that connects the top of the cold water tank 300 to the water outlet valve 840 and allows cooled water to pass through.

[0047] In one embodiment, the hot water tank water detection sensor 900 can detect the presence or absence of water in the hot water tank 200 .

[0048] The hot water tank water detection sensor 900 can be provided on the hot water tank air vent 813. For example, the hot water tank water detection sensor 900 may be provided at a position adjacent to the upper level of the hot water tank 200.

[0049] For example, water may flow into the hot water tank 200 via the first water tank 101 or the second water tank 102. After the hot water tank 200 is filled with water, water may be filled into the first water tank 101 or the second water tank 102. After the hot water tank 200 is filled with water, water may rise up to the hot water tank air vent 813. By providing the hot water tank water detection sensor 900 at the part where the hot water tank air vent 813 is filled with water, it is possible to detect whether water is present in the hot water tank 200.

[0050] Referring again to FIGS. 3 and 4, the control unit 700 or the emergency leakage prevention unit 140 of the water purifier 10 according to an embodiment can control the pump 400 in a first mode or a second mode depending on the water level.

[0051] Specifically, in the first mode, the pump 400 can be controlled to operate by the control unit 700 or the emergency leakage prevention unit 140. In addition, in the second mode, the pump 400 can be controlled to stop by the control unit 700 or the emergency leakage prevention unit 140.

[0052] As described above, the control unit 700 can control the operation of the pump 400 in accordance with the water level detected in real time by the detection unit 130.

[0053] The detection unit 130 includes a water level sensor. The water level sensor can detect the water level of the second water tank 102. The water level sensor is electrically connected to the control unit 700. The water level sensor can transmit a signal to the control unit 700 in real time according to the detected water level. If the water level detected by the water level sensor is determined to have reached a preset water level, the control unit 700 can output a signal to suspend operation of the pump 400. That is, if the signal transmitted from the water level sensor determines that the water level of the second water tank 102 has reached the preset water level, the control unit 700 can switch the pump 400 from the first mode to the second mode. Alternatively, if the water level of the second water tank 102 is determined to be lower than the preset water level, the control unit 700 can switch the pump 400 to the first mode.

[0054] If the water level sensor does not function properly due to a malfunction or the like, it cannot detect whether the second water tank 102 is full, which may result in leakage inside the water purifier 10. Therefore, in addition to the control of the pump 400 by the control unit 700 based on the water level detection by the water level sensor, the emergency leakage prevention unit 140 can interrupt the operation of the pump 400 by cutting off the power supplied to the pump 400 when the second water tank 102 is full.

[0055] Referring to FIG. 4, a water purifier 10 according to an embodiment includes a power source P and a power line L2.

[0056] A power source P can provide power to the pump 400 .

[0057] The power line L2 may have one end connected to the pump 400 and the other end connected to a power source P. The power line L2 is electrically connected to the pump 400 and the power source P to transmit power. The power line L2 is connected to the pump 400 via the emergency leakage prevention unit 140. Therefore, the emergency leakage prevention unit 140 can allow or cut off the supply of power to the pump 400 depending on the water level in the second water tank 102.

[0058] For example, in the first mode, the power line L2 may be allowed to supply power to the pump 400 by the emergency leakage prevention unit 140. In addition, in the second mode, the power line L2 may be cut off by the emergency leakage prevention unit 140.

[0059] 5 and 6, the emergency leakage prevention part 140 includes a switch member 141, a floating member 142, and a connecting member 143.

[0060] The switch member 141 may be disposed on the top of the second water tank 102. The switch member 141 may be disposed so as to face in the direction opposite to the direction of gravity. The switch member 141 may be electrically connected to the pump 400. The switch member 141 may be, for example, a microswitch.

[0061] The floating member 142 is spaced apart from the switch member 141 in the direction of gravity. The floating member 142 may be disposed in the second water tank 102. The vertical distance of the floating member 142 from the switch member 141 may vary depending on the water level in the second water tank 102. The floating member 142 may be provided by, for example, a mechanical float.

[0062] The connecting member 143 may be interposed between the switch member 141 and the floating member 142. That is, the connecting member 143 may connect the switch member 141 and the floating member 142. The connecting member 143 may also be provided in the form of, for example, a cylinder and piston. The switch member 141 may be connected to one end of the cylinder, and the floating member 142 may be connected to the other end. A piston is provided inside the cylinder of the connecting member 143 so as to be vertically movable. One end of the piston rises to pressurize the switch member 141. The other end of the piston presses the floating member 142 as the floating member 142 rises. That is, the piston rises due to the pressure of the floating member 142, and can pressurize the switch member 141.

[0063] 5 and 6, the floating member 142 may be rotatably coupled with one side fixed to the other end of the connecting member 143 as a rotation axis. A protruding end is formed on one side of the floating member 142 disposed adjacent to the other end of the piston within the cylinder of the connecting member 143. The protruding end rotates as the other side of the floating member 142 rises, and presses the other end of the piston, thereby pushing the piston up in the direction toward the switch member 141.

[0064] In the emergency leakage prevention unit 140, when the water level in the second water tank 102 reaches a preset water level, the floating member 142 can pressurize the switch member 141 via the connecting member 143. Here, the switch member 141 can be formed with a contact that operates to switch the pump 400 to the second mode by the floating member 142. When the contact is formed, the power line L2 is immediately cut off by the switch member 141. As a result, the pump 400 is switched to the second mode.

[0065] Specifically, the floating member 142 may be made of a material with a density lower than that of water. Therefore, the floating member 142 may drift on the surface of the water filled in the second water tank 102. When the water level is relatively low, the floating member 142 is relatively farther vertically from the switch member 141 as shown in FIG. 6 than in FIG. 5. If the water level does not reach a predetermined water level, the switch member 141 allows power to be supplied to the pump 400 through the power line L2, thereby controlling the pump 400 in the first mode. In short, in the first mode, the pump 400 transfers water from the first water tank 101 to the second water tank 102, and the water level in the second water tank 102 gradually increases.

[0066] As the water level in the second water tank 102 increases, the vertical distance between the floating member 142 and the switch member 141 decreases, causing the floating member 142 to rise as shown in Figure 5. When the water level in the second water tank 102 reaches a preset water level, the switch member 141 is pressurized by the floating member 142 as described above, and the pump 400 can be switched to the second mode. That is, the power line L2 to the pump 400 is immediately cut off, and the pump 400, controlled to the second mode, can stop transferring water from the first water tank 101 to the second water tank 102. Therefore, the water purifier 10 according to one embodiment can prevent leakage.

[0067] As described above, the water purifier 10 according to one embodiment includes a water level sensor that detects the water level of the second water tank 102 and a control unit 700 that controls the operation of the pump 400 according to the real-time water level detected by the water level sensor, thereby preventing leakage by stopping the operation of the pump 400 when the second water tank 102 is full of water. In addition, even if the water level sensor and the control unit 700 do not operate normally, the water purifier 10 according to one embodiment includes an emergency leakage prevention unit 140 that includes a floating member 142 that floats on the water surface in the second water tank 102 and a switch member 141 that controls the operation of the pump 400 according to the height of the floating member 142. Therefore, when the second water tank 102 is full of water, the power supply and power line L2 that supply power to the pump 400 are directly cut off separately from the control unit 700, thereby stopping the pump 400 and preventing leakage.

[0068] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above with reference to the drawings, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and those skilled in the art may apply various technical modifications and variations based on the above. For example, the described techniques may be performed in an order different from that described, and / or the components of the described systems, structures, devices, circuits, etc. may be combined or combined in a form different from that described, or may be replaced or substituted with other components or equivalents, and still achieve suitable results.

[0069] Therefore, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments, but is defined by the scope of the appended claims and equivalents thereof.

Claims

1. a first water tank for storing water; a second water tank connected to the first water tank; a pump that supplies water stored in the first water tank to the first water tank through a flow path that connects the first water tank and the second water tank; a detector disposed on one side of the second water tank and detecting a water level; a control unit electrically connected to the pump and controlling the operation of the pump in accordance with the water level detected by the detection unit; an emergency leak prevention unit mounted on an upper portion of the second water tank and electrically connected to the pump; Including, The emergency leak prevention unit controls the operation of the pump separately from the control unit.

2. the control unit or the emergency leak prevention unit controls the pump to a first mode or a second mode depending on the water level; The water purifier of claim 1 , wherein the pump operates in the first mode and stops in the second mode.

3. The emergency leakage prevention unit is a switch member disposed on the upper portion of the second water tank in a direction opposite to the direction of gravity and electrically connected to the pump; a floating member disposed in the second water tank and spaced apart from the switch member in a direction of gravity, the floating member being positioned within the second water tank such that the vertical distance from the switch member changes depending on the water level; a connecting member interposed between the switch member and the floating member; Including, The water purifier according to claim 2, wherein when the water level reaches a preset water level, the floating member pressurizes the switch member via the connecting member, and the pump is switched to the second mode.

4. The water purifier according to claim 3 , wherein the floating member has a density less than that of the water and drifts on the water surface of the second water tank.

5. The water purifier of claim 3, wherein the vertical distance between the floating member and the switch member is shorter in the second mode than in the first mode.

6. The water purifier is a power source for powering the pump; a power line having one end connected to the pump and the other end connected to the power source for transmitting the power; further comprising The water purifier according to claim 3 , wherein the power supply line is electrically connected to the pump via the switch member.

7. The water purifier according to claim 6, wherein the power line is interrupted by the switch member when in the second mode.

8. the detection unit includes a water level sensor that detects the water level of the second water tank and is electrically connected to the control unit to transmit a signal in real time; The water purifier of claim 1 , wherein the control unit outputs a signal to stop operation of the pump when it is determined that the water level detected by the water level sensor has reached a preset water level.

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