Water dispenser with residual water recovery function

Abstract

The present invention provides a water dispenser having a residual water recovery function. [Solution] The present invention relates to a water dispenser that prevents temperature changes in the cold and hot water due to the mixing of residual water during the initial water supply process, thereby enabling the dispenser to always dispense cold and hot water at the normal temperature, by recovering residual water in the water supply line at the initial stage of the cold or hot water supply process before dispensing the cold or hot water.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a water dispenser having a residual water recovery function. More specifically, it relates to a water dispenser having a residual water recovery function that can prevent temperature changes in cold and hot water caused by the mixing of residual water remaining on the water outlet line during the initial water outlet process and always discharge cold and hot water at a normal temperature.

Background Art

[0002] Recently, due to the rapid industrial development, environmental pollution has become severe. Among these, water pollution has reached a serious level, and in most places such as homes and government offices, drinking water is consumed through water dispensers or water purifiers.

[0003] A water dispenser is generally configured to be able to discharge the water stored in a water storage bucket for drinking, and a device for heating or cooling water is separately provided inside the water dispenser.

[0004] Such a water dispenser generally includes a case body into which a water storage bucket can be inserted on the upper surface, a cold water tank disposed inside the case body for cooling the water flowing in from the water storage bucket, a hot water tank connected to the cold water tank for heating the water flowing in from the cold water tank, and a water outlet cock for discharging cold or hot water.

[0005] When the user operates to discharge cold or hot water, water is supplied from the cold water tank or the hot water tank through the water outlet line and cold or hot water is discharged through the water outlet cock.

[0006] Since the water storage bucket of the water dispenser is generally fixed in an externally exposed state on the upper surface of the case body, problems such as contamination of the water storage bucket and deterioration inside the water storage bucket may occur, and there are also problems such as a decrease in the aesthetic sense in terms of the interior of the indoor space.

[0007] To address these issues, a separate cover has been developed and is used to surround the outside of the water bucket. However, this is not an integrated product with the water dispenser, and it does not connect properly to the water dispenser, causing inconvenience in use and contributing little to improving the aesthetics of the room.

[0008] Furthermore, while various water dispensers with different shapes and structures have been developed recently to solve these problems, the level of development is still very low, as changes in shape or structure can cause problems with the cold or hot water dispensing function. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0009] [Patent Document 1] Registered Patent No. 10-0710875 of the Republic of Korea [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0010] The present invention was made to solve the problems of the prior art, and the object of the present invention is to provide a water dispenser that prevents temperature changes in the dispensed water due to the mixing of residual water during the initial dispensing process, thereby enabling the dispenser to always dispense water at the exact set temperature, by recovering residual water in the dispensing line at the initial stage of dispensing from a first tank or a second tank that stores water at different temperatures (for example, cold water is stored in the first tank and hot water is stored in the second tank) and then dispensing water from the first tank or the second tank.

[0011] Another object of the present invention is to provide a water dispenser that can always dispense cold and hot water at the normal temperature while minimizing the recovery time delay and enabling rapid water dispensing operation by recovering residual water according to the conditions of the water dispensing operation signal, or by dispensing cold or hot water together with residual water without recovering residual water. [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] To achieve the objectives of the present invention, the water dispenser according to the present invention includes a water outlet line that dispenses water from a first water tank or a second water tank located in a case body to a water outlet coke, a recovery line with one end connected to the water outlet line and the other end connected to the first water tank or the second water tank, a flow path switching valve installed at the connection point between the recovery line and the water outlet line to switch the flow path of the water supplied through the water outlet line to the recovery line or the water outlet coke, and a control unit that controls the operation of the flow path switching valve, wherein the first water tank and the second water tank each store water at different temperatures.

[0013] Here, the recovery line is characterized in that one end is connected to a fulcrum adjacent to the outflow cork within the entire section of the outflow line.

[0014] Here, the case body is formed so that a water bucket can be inserted into its top surface, the first water tank is arranged in the internal space of the case body so that water flows in from the water bucket inserted into the case body, and the second water tank is connected to the first water tank via a connecting line so that water stored in the first water tank flows in.

[0015] Preferably, the water dispenser according to the present invention is characterized by further including a guide pipe that is positioned to protrude upward from the case body and whose upper end is formed such that the water dispenser is positioned higher than the raw water bucket.

[0016] Here, the outlet line is characterized in that its lower end is connected to the first tank and the second tank, respectively, and its upper end is connected to the outlet cork, so that water can be discharged through the outlet cork.

[0017] Preferably, the water dispenser according to the present invention further includes a first supply pump and a second supply pump that operate to supply water from a first water tank and a second water tank through an outlet line, respectively, and a control unit controls the operation of the first supply pump and the second supply pump in response to a water dispensing operation signal from the user.

[0018] Here, the control unit controls the water to be discharged from the first tank or the second tank into the discharge coke based on a water discharge operation signal generated by the user, and controls the operation of the flow path switching valve so that the water flow path is switched to the recovery line or the discharge coke during the water discharge process.

[0019] Here, the control unit controls the operation of the flow path switching valve so that when a water discharge operation signal is generated by the user, a first water discharge mode is performed in which water stored on the discharge line is recovered through the recovery line and then discharged from the first tank or the second tank into the discharge coke.

[0020] In this configuration, the control unit operates in the first discharge mode such that the selected path of the flow channel switching valve is directed toward the recovery line during a preset recovery time, and after the recovery time, it operates so that the selected path of the flow channel switching valve is directed toward the discharge coke.

[0021] Here, the control unit determines whether the water discharge operation signal corresponds to a preset recovery condition, and if the water discharge operation signal corresponds to the recovery condition, it controls the operation of the flow path switching valve so that the first water discharge mode is performed, and if the water discharge operation signal does not correspond to the recovery condition, it controls the operation of the flow path switching valve so that the second water discharge mode is performed in which water is discharged from the first tank or the second tank together with the water stored on the water discharge line.

[0022] Here, the recovery conditions include a first condition that the time interval between the current water discharge operation signal and the previous water discharge operation signal is equal to or greater than a reference time, and the control unit is characterized in that if the water discharge operation signal meets the first condition, it will perform the first water discharge mode.

[0023] Here, the recovery condition further includes a second condition regarding whether the temperature of the water discharged by the current water discharge operation signal is different from the temperature of the water discharged by the previous water discharge operation signal. The control unit determines whether the water discharge operation signal meets the second condition when it does not meet the first condition. If it meets the second condition, the control unit controls the operation of the flow path switching valve so that the first water discharge mode is executed.

Advantages of the Invention

[0024] According to the present invention, in the process of discharging water at different temperatures in the first water tank and the second water tank, for example, cold water or warm water, after collecting the remaining water in the water discharge line at the initial stage of water discharge, cold water or warm water is discharged. This can prevent temperature changes of cold water and warm water due to the mixing of remaining water in the initial water discharge process and enable the discharge of cold water and warm water at a normal temperature at all times.

[0025] Also, by determining whether to collect the remaining water according to the conditions of the water discharge operation signal, or by discharging cold water or warm water together with the remaining water without collecting the remaining water, it is possible to always discharge cold water and warm water at the accurately set temperature, and at the same time minimize the delay in the collection time and enable a rapid water discharge operation.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0026] [Figure 1] It is a perspective view schematically showing the external shape of a water dispenser according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] It is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the internal structure of a water dispenser according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] It is a drawing conceptually showing the overall flow path structure of a water dispenser according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] It is a block diagram schematically showing the control-related configuration of a water dispenser according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] It is a flowchart stepwise showing the water discharge operation control flow of a water dispenser according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6]This is a conceptual diagram showing the overall flow path structure of a water dispenser according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0027] In the following sections, specific embodiments for realizing the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0028] First, when assigning reference numerals to the components in each drawing, it should be noted that identical components should, as much as possible, have the same reference numeral even if they appear in other drawings. Furthermore, when describing the present invention, if it is determined that a specific explanation of a related known configuration or function would obscure the gist of the invention, such detailed explanation will be omitted.

[0029] Furthermore, when it is mentioned that one component is 'connected', 'supported', 'linked', 'supplied', 'transmitted', or 'contacted' by another component, it should be understood that this may mean that it is directly connected, supported, linked, supplied, transmitted, or contacted by other components, but that other components may also be present in between.

[0030] The terms used herein are used solely to describe specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the invention. Singular expressions include plural expressions unless clearly intended to be otherwise in the context.

[0031] Furthermore, the terms "top," "bottom," and "side" used herein are explained based on what is shown in the drawings, and it should be made clear in advance that they may be expressed differently if the orientation of the object changes. For similar reasons, some components are exaggerated, omitted, or shown schematically in the attached drawings, and the size of each component does not fully reflect its actual size.

[0032] Furthermore, while terms including ordinal numbers, such as "first," "second," etc., can be used to describe a variety of components, the components themselves are not limited by such terms. These terms are used solely for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another.

[0033] As used in this specification, the term "includes" does not mean to embody a specific characteristic, area, constant, stage, operation, element and / or component, nor does it mean to exclude the existence or addition of other specific characteristics, areas, constants, stages, operations, elements, components and / or groups.

[0034] Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view showing the external shape of a water dispenser according to one embodiment of the present invention, Figure 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of a water dispenser according to one embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 3 is a conceptual drawing showing the overall flow path structure of a water dispenser according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] A water dispenser according to one embodiment of the present invention has a configuration that is excellent in terms of ease of use and aesthetic design, with the water outlet positioned higher than the raw water bucket, and comprises a case body 100, a first water tank 210, a second water tank 220, a guide pipe 120, a water outlet line 300, a first supply pump 211, a second supply pump 221, a recovery line 400, a flow path switching valve 410, and a control unit 600.

[0036] The case body 100 is a case-shaped structure with an internal storage space, and is formed so that a water bucket 10 can be inserted and secured to its top surface. A water bucket connection port (not shown) is formed on the top surface of the case body 100 so that the water bucket 10 can be inserted and secured to it, and when the water bucket 10 is secured to the water bucket connection port, water is supplied from the water bucket 10 to the bottom through the water bucket connection port.

[0037] A cover 110, formed to surround the outside of the water bucket 10, can be detachably attached to the top surface of the case body 100. The cover 110 can be attached to the top surface of the case body 100 using various attachment structures, such as a left-right sliding method or an up-down insertion method. Such a cover 110 can function as part of the case body 100's structure while attached to it.

[0038] The first water tank 210 and the second water tank 220 store water at different temperatures, but for example, the first water tank 210 and the second water tank 220 can store any one of the following: constant temperature water, chilled water, or hot water. In the following, the first water tank 210 will be described as a chilled water tank where chilled water is stored, and the second water tank 220 will be described as a hot water channel where hot water is stored, but the scope of the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0039] The first water tank 210 is positioned in the internal space of the case body 100 so that water flows in from a raw water bucket 10 inserted into the case body 100. The first water tank 210 is equipped with a separate cooling device (not shown) to cool the water stored inside the first water tank 210.

[0040] The second water tank 220 is located below the first water tank 210 and is connected to the first water tank 210 via a connecting line 230 so that water stored in the first water tank 210 flows into it. The second water tank 220 is equipped with a separate heating device (not shown) to heat the water stored inside the second water tank 220. An air vent 222 can be formed on the upper surface of the second water tank 220 to release internal pressure.

[0041] A hollow pipe-shaped guide pipe 120 is positioned to protrude upward from one end of the upper surface of the case body 100. A water outlet 130 is attached to the upper end of the guide pipe 120 to allow for the discharge of cold or hot water. An operating section 140, which can be operated by the user, is formed on one side of the guide pipe 120. The operating section 140 may be equipped with buttons or the like that allow for the discharge of cold or hot water.

[0042] At this time, the guide pipe 120 is formed so that its upper end is located at a position higher than the upper surface height of the raw water bucket 10, and the water outlet caulk 130 is formed at the upper end of the guide pipe 120, so the water outlet caulk 130 is located higher than the upper surface of the raw water bucket 10. A cover 110 is placed outside the raw water bucket 10, and the cover 110 functions as part of the case body 100, so a water receiving portion 111 can be formed on the upper surface of the cover 110, located vertically below the water outlet caulk 130.

[0043] Thus, the water outlet caulk 130 is located at the top of the raw water bucket 10 and is positioned relatively higher than the water outlet caulk of a typical water dispenser. This allows the user to perform the water dispensing process without bending down when dispensing cold or hot water, improving user convenience. Additionally, a water receiving section 111 is formed on the upper surface of the cover 110, allowing the cover 110 to function as part of the case body 100. At the same time, the higher position of the water outlet caulk 130 enhances the overall aesthetic design.

[0044] An outlet line 300 is connected to the outlet cork 130 to enable the discharge of cold or hot water. The lower end of the outlet line 300 is connected to the first tank 210 and the second tank 220, respectively, and the upper end is connected to the outlet cork 130. For example, the outlet line 300 may include a cold water outlet line 310 with one end connected to the first tank 210 and a hot water outlet line 320 with one end connected to the second tank 220, as shown in Figures 2 and 3. The cold water outlet line 310 and the hot water outlet line 320 can be combined into one before entering the guide pipe 120, so that a single outlet line 300 is connected to the outlet cork 130 along the guide pipe 120.

[0045] A chilled water valve 311 and a hot water valve 321 can be installed in the chilled water outlet line 310 and the hot water outlet line 320, respectively. The chilled water valve 311 and the hot water valve 321 can be applied to solenoid valves and are kept in a closed state at all times, and are controlled to open only during the chilled water or hot water outlet process.

[0046] A first supply pump 211, which operates to supply cold water from the first water tank 210 through the outlet line 300, and a second supply pump 221, which operates to supply hot water from the second water tank 220 through the outlet line 300, are arranged inside the case body 100.

[0047] The first supply pump 211 is mounted on the cold water outlet line 310 of the outlet line 300, and the pumping pressure from the first supply pump 211 supplies water from the first tank 210 to the outlet cork 130 through the outlet line 300. The second supply pump 221 can be mounted on the connecting line 230 that connects the first tank 210 and the second tank 220. Water is supplied from the first tank 210 to the second tank 220 through the second supply pump 221, and the pumping pressure from the second supply pump 221 supplies water from the second tank 220 to the outlet cork 130 through the outlet line 300.

[0048] In one embodiment of the present invention, since the water outlet coke 130 is located higher than the raw water bucket, unlike a typical water dispenser, water cannot be dispensed from the first water tank 210 and the second water tank 220 due to the difference in potential energy. Therefore, in one embodiment of the present invention, the system is configured to supply water from the first water tank 210 and the second water tank 220 to the water outlet coke 130 using the pumping pressure of the first supply pump 211 and the second supply pump 221.

[0049] Furthermore, in one embodiment of the present invention, the outlet cork 130 is positioned higher than the raw water bucket at the top of the case body 100, so the length of the outlet line 300 connecting the first water tank 210 and the second water tank 220 located inside the case body 100 to the outlet cork 130 is formed to be relatively long.

[0050] Once the process of discharging cold or hot water through the outlet coke 130 is complete, the discharging is interrupted, and any cold or hot water that could not be discharged remains inside the outlet line 300. The remaining water on the outlet line 300 mainly remains in the section from the outlet coke 130 fulcrum to the cold water valve 311 and the hot water valve 321.

[0051] In this manner, if a certain period of time elapses with cold or hot water remaining inside the outlet line 300, the cold or hot water will exchange heat with the outside at room temperature, causing the cold water to lose its coldness and the hot water to lose its heat. In other words, the water remaining inside the outlet line 300 will change to a room temperature state after a certain period of time. If the user operates the control unit 140 in this state to start a new water dispensing process, the water remaining inside the outlet line 300 will be discharged first through the outlet coke 130, and cold or hot water will be dispensed only after all the remaining water in the outlet line 300 has been discharged. In other words, since the remaining water in the outlet line 300 is discharged at the beginning of the water dispensing process, the user will not be able to dispense cold or hot water at a normal temperature.

[0052] In one embodiment of the present invention, a recovery line 400 and a flow path switching valve 410 are installed to prevent residual water from being discharged from the discharge line 300 during the initial discharge process.

[0053] One end of the recovery line 400 is connected to a pivot point adjacent to the outlet cork 130 within the entire length of the outlet line 300, and the other end is connected to the first water tank 210. The flow path switching valve 410 is installed at the connection point between the recovery line 400 and the outlet line 300 and operates to switch the flow path of the water supplied through the outlet line 300 to either the recovery line 400 or the outlet cork 130. The flow path switching valve 410 is operated by the control unit 600.

[0054] In the process of discharging cold or hot water through such a recovery line 400 and flow path switching valve 410, the residual water in the discharge line 300 is initially recovered into the first water tank 210 through the recovery line 400, and after the recovery of the residual water, it is possible to control the process so that cold or hot water is discharged normally.

[0055] In other words, when a user issues a water dispensing operation signal, the control unit 600 can control the operation of the flow path switching valve 410 so that cold or hot water is dispensed after the water stored on the water dispensing line 300 has been recovered through the recovery line 400. The residual water recovery path in the initial water dispensing line 300 is shown by a dotted line in Figure 3.

[0056] More specifically, the control unit 600 can control the operation of the flow path switching valve 410 so that either the first water discharge mode or the second water discharge mode is executed when a water discharge operation signal is generated.

[0057] The first discharge mode is a mode in which cold or hot water is discharged after the residual water in the recovery line 400 has been recovered, and the second discharge mode is a mode in which cold or hot water is discharged immediately without the residual water recovery process in the recovery line 400.

[0058] In the first discharge mode, the control unit 600 can control the operation so that the selected path of the flow channel switching valve 410 is directed towards the recovery line 400 during a preset recovery time, and after the recovery time, it can control the operation so that the selected path of the flow channel switching valve 410 is directed towards the discharge coke 130. The recovery time can be set in various ways according to the user's needs. For example, it can be set to 1 second, 2 seconds, etc.

[0059] In this way, the control unit 600 performs the first water discharge mode, which prevents residual water in the water discharge line 300 from being discharged at the beginning of the cold water or hot water discharge process, and ensures that cold water or hot water at the correct temperature is always dispensed accurately.

[0060] The control unit 600 can also control the operation of the flow path switching valve 410 so that the first water discharge mode is performed each time a water discharge operation signal is generated. However, in the first water discharge mode, the water discharge process is delayed during the residual water recovery time. Therefore, the second water discharge mode can be performed depending on the conditions for generating the water discharge operation signal, thereby enabling a faster water discharge process.

[0061] To this end, the control unit 600 can determine whether the water discharge operation signal corresponds to a preset recovery condition, and if the water discharge operation signal corresponds to the recovery condition, it can control the operation of the flow path switching valve 410 so that the first water discharge mode is performed, and if the water discharge operation signal does not correspond to the recovery condition, it can control the operation of the flow path switching valve 410 so that the second water discharge mode is performed so that cold water or hot water is discharged together with the water stored on the water discharge line 300.

[0062] In this case, the recovery conditions may include a first and second condition. The first condition is whether the time interval between the current water outlet operation signal and the previous water outlet operation signal is equal to or greater than a reference time, and the second condition is whether the type of chilled / hot water selected from the current water outlet operation signal is different from the type of chilled / hot water selected from the previous water outlet operation signal. In this case, the reference time can be set in various ways according to the user's needs, for example, 3 minutes, 5 minutes, etc.

[0063] Referring to Figure 5, when a water discharge operation signal is generated (S10), it is determined whether the water discharge operation signal meets the first condition (S20). If the first condition is met, that is, if the time difference between the time of occurrence of the previous water discharge process and the time of generation of the current water discharge operation signal exceeds the standard time (for example, 5 minutes), the first water discharge mode for recovering residual water is performed (S40). If the first condition is not met, that is, if the time difference between the time of occurrence of the previous water discharge process and the time of generation of the current water discharge operation signal is within the standard time, it is determined whether the second condition is met (S30). If the second condition is met, that is, if the previous water discharge operation signal was for cold water discharge and the current water discharge operation signal is for hot water discharge, and the types of water discharged, that is, the temperature of the water discharged, are different, the first water discharge mode for recovering residual water is performed (S40). If the second condition is not met, that is, if the previous water discharge operation signal was for cold water discharge and the current water discharge operation signal is also for cold water discharge, and the type of water discharged between them, i.e., the temperature of the water discharged is the same, then the second water discharge mode is performed, in which cold water or hot water is discharged together with the remaining water without recovering the remaining water (S50).

[0064] To summarize, if the water discharge process is repeated in a short period of time, the residual water temperature in the discharge line 300 will not change to room temperature and will remain in a cold or warm state. In this case, cold or warm water can be discharged without recovering the residual water. However, even if the water discharge process is repeated in a short period of time, if the type of water discharged previously and the type of water discharged now are different, such as cold water and warm water, then, for example, if the residual water in the discharge line 300 is the cold water that was discharged previously and the water being discharged now is warm water, then the remaining water can be recovered and the warm water discharged afterward can be made to work.

[0065] According to this control method, it is possible to dispense chilled and hot water at the exact temperature at all times, and in some situations, chilled or hot water can be dispensed quickly without recovering residual water, and even in this case, chilled and hot water at the exact temperature can be dispensed.

[0066] Figure 6 is a conceptual diagram showing the overall flow path structure of a water dispenser according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0067] As shown in Figure 6, an air vent 222 is formed on the upper surface of the second water tank 220 to release pressure from inside the second water tank 220. In the second water tank 220, the water is heated and the internal pressure increases, which can cause the water to boil and overflow, so a separate air vent line 500 is connected to the air vent 222 to prevent this.

[0068] One end of the air vent line 500 is connected to the air vent 222 and the other end is connected to the first water tank 210. Therefore, the steam from the second water tank 220 flows into the first water tank 210 along the air vent line 500, as shown by the dashed arrow in Figure 6, and the second water tank 220 maintains a stable pressure state at all times. At this time, the air vent line 500 can be connected to the first water tank 210 by connecting it to the recovery line 400 through a foot member and connecting it to the first water tank 210 in a single line. Of course, each can also be connected to the first water tank 210 through separate lines.

[0069] In one embodiment of the present invention, an on / off valve 510 can be mounted on the air vent line 500. The on / off valve 510 can be controlled by the control unit 600 to remain open at all times and to close only when hot water is being dispensed.

[0070] In other words, when a hot water discharge signal is generated, the control unit 600 can control the operation of the hot water supply pump 221 to activate and at the same time control the operation of the on / off valve 510 to close.

[0071] As described above, the hot water supply pump 221 is mounted on the connecting line 230 that connects the first water tank 210 and the second water tank 220. Water is supplied from the first water tank 210 to the second water tank 220 through the hot water supply pump 221, and the water from the second water tank 220 is supplied to the outlet coke 130 through the outlet line 300 by the pumping pressure from the hot water supply pump 221.

[0072] If the air vent line 500 is open during this hot water discharge process, the water from the second tank 220 can be discharged through the air vent line 500 rather than being supplied through the hot water discharge line 320. In particular, because the position of the discharge coke 130 is higher than the position of the first tank 210, the phenomenon of hot water discharge through the air vent line 500 may be deeper.

[0073] Therefore, in one embodiment of the present invention, an on / off valve 510 is installed in the air vent line 500, and the on / off valve 510 is closed when the hot water supply pump 221 is operating, thereby preventing the water from the second water tank 220 from being discharged into the air vent line 500 and allowing the water to be discharged smoothly and stably through the hot water outlet line 320.

[0074] The above description is merely illustrative of the technical concept of the present invention, and a person with ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention belongs will be able to make various modifications and variations without deviating from the essential characteristics of the present invention. Therefore, the embodiments disclosed herein are for illustrative purposes only, not to limit the technical concept of the present invention, and the scope of the technical concept of the present invention is not limited by such embodiments. The scope of protection of the present invention should be interpreted in accordance with the claims below, and all technical concepts within an equivalent scope should be interpreted as being included in the scope of rights of the present invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0075] 100 Case Body 110 cover 120 Guide Pipe 130 Izumi Coke 140 Operation section 210 Tank 1 211 First supply pump 220 Second Tank 221 Second supply pump 222 Air Vent 230 Connecting Line 300 Outflow Line 310 Cold water outlet line 311 Cold water valve 320 Hot water outlet line 321 Hot water valve 400 collection line 410 Flow path switching valve 500 Air Vent Lines 510 Shut-off valve 600 Control Unit

Claims

1. A water outlet line that dispenses water from the first or second water tank located in the case body of the water dispenser to the water dispenser, A recovery line having one end connected to the outflow line and the other end connected to the first tank or the second tank, A flow path switching valve, which is installed at the connection point between the recovery line and the outlet line and switches the flow path of water supplied through the outlet line to the recovery line or the outlet coke, and Includes a control unit for controlling the operation of the flow path switching valve, The first tank and the second tank each store water at different temperatures. The control unit controls the water to be discharged from the first tank or the second tank into the discharge coke in response to a water discharge operation signal generated by the user, and controls the operation of the flow path switching valve so that the water flow path is switched to the recovery line or the discharge coke during the water discharge process. Water dispenser.

2. The water dispenser according to claim 1, wherein one end of the recovery line is connected to a fulcrum adjacent to the water outlet cork within the entire section of the water outlet line.

3. The case body is formed so that a water bucket can be inserted into its upper surface. The first water tank is positioned in the internal space of the case body such that water flows in from a water bucket inserted into the case body. The water dispenser according to claim 1, wherein the second tank is connected to the first tank via a connecting line so that water stored in the first tank flows into it.

4. The water dispenser according to claim 3, further comprising a guide pipe positioned so as to protrude upward from the case body, with the upper end of the guide pipe formed such that the water outlet is positioned higher than the raw water bucket.

5. The water dispenser according to claim 4, wherein the lower end of the water outlet line is connected to the first water tank and the second water tank, respectively, and the upper end is connected to the water outlet cork, so that water can be dispensed through the water outlet cork.

6. The water dispenser is, The system further includes a first supply pump and a second supply pump that operate to supply water from the first tank and the second tank through the water outlet line, respectively. The water dispenser according to claim 4, wherein the control unit controls the operation of the first supply pump and the second supply pump in response to a water dispensing operation signal from the user.

7. The water dispenser according to claim 1, wherein when a user generates a water dispensing operation signal, the control unit controls the operation of the flow path switching valve so that a first dispensing mode is performed in which water stored on the dispensing line is recovered through the recovery line and then water is dispensed from the first tank or the second tank into the dispensing coke.

8. The control unit, The water dispenser according to claim 7, wherein in the first water discharge mode, the operation is controlled so that the selected path of the flow path switching valve is directed toward the recovery line during a preset recovery time, and after the recovery time, the operation is controlled so that the selected path of the flow path switching valve is directed toward the water discharge coke.

9. The control unit, Determine whether the aforementioned water discharge operation signal corresponds to the pre-set recovery conditions. If the water discharge operation signal matches the recovery conditions, the flow path switching valve is controlled to perform the first water discharge mode. The water dispenser according to claim 7, wherein if the water discharge operation signal does not meet the recovery conditions, the flow path switching valve is controlled to operate so that a second water discharge mode is performed in which water is discharged from the first tank or the second tank together with the water stored on the water discharge line.

10. The aforementioned recovery conditions are: The first condition includes whether the time interval between the current water discharge operation signal and the previous water discharge operation signal is greater than or equal to a standard time, The water dispenser according to claim 9, wherein the control unit controls the operation so that the first water dispensing mode is performed if the water dispensing operation signal meets the first condition.

11. The aforementioned recovery conditions are: This further includes a second condition regarding whether the temperatures of the water currently dispensed by the current water dispensing operation signal and the water dispensed by the previous water dispensing operation signal are different from each other. The control unit determines whether the water dispensing operation signal meets the second condition if it does not meet the first condition, and if it does meet the second condition, it controls the operation of the flow path switching valve so that the first water dispensing mode is performed, according to claim 10.

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