Sensing module, water purifier and water purifier assembly including the same

Abstract

The sensing module includes a support, a moving member supported by the support so as to be relatively movable with respect to the support, a magnet supported by the moving member so as to be movable together with the moving member, and a reed switch supported by the support. The reed switch senses the magnet when the magnet is placed within a predetermined distance from the reed switch by the moving member moving to one side.

Description

Technical Field

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[0005]

[0001] The present invention relates to a sensing module, a water purifier including the same, and a water purifier assembly.

Background Art

[0002] Generally, a water purifier is a device that is supplied with water from a water source such as a water supply, filters the water into purified water, and then provides the purified water to a user. Such a water purifier filters water into purified water using a filter, and the water filtered by the filter flows along a flow path provided inside the water purifier and then discharges water outside the water purifier.

[0003] On the other hand, since the filter mounted on the water purifier has a reduced filtration performance after being used for a predetermined period, it needs to be replaced with a new filter. The user separates the used filter from the main body and then mounts the new filter on the main body again for use.

[0004] Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2013-0018528 "Water Purifier" (hereinafter, Patent Document 1) of the present applicant discloses a water purifier in which a user can replace a water purification filter by separating the water purification filter from a device housing.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

[0008] However, in the case of a water purifier that determines filter replacement by sensing a magnet on the filter via a reed switch located in the device housing, the magnet is discarded along with the filter when the filter is replaced. In this case, the water purifier discards the filter and magnet together every time the filter is replaced, and since the magnet must be produced along with the filter each time, there is a problem of excessive cost.

[0009] Therefore, there is a need for a water purifier that can sense whether or not the filter has been replaced while also reducing manufacturing costs. [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0010] One embodiment of the present invention was made in view of the above-mentioned background, and aims to provide a sensing module and a water purifier including the same that can determine whether or not a filter has been replaced by sensing a magnet that moves due to the filter when the filter is attached to the filter frame.

[0011] Furthermore, one embodiment of the present invention aims to provide a sensing module and a water purifier including the same, which can reduce production costs by preventing the magnet from being discarded when the filter is replaced, by configuring the magnet and a reed switch that senses it as a single module independent of the filter.

[0012] Furthermore, one embodiment of the present invention aims to provide a sensing module and a water purifier including the same that can determine the replacement of not only filters that are mounted by moving vertically according to the orientation of a movable member supporting a magnet, but also filters that are mounted by moving horizontally. [Means for solving the problem]

[0013] A sensing module according to one aspect of the present invention includes a support, a movable member supported by the support so as to be movable relative to the support, a magnet supported by the movable member so as to be movable together with the movable member, and a reed switch supported by the support, wherein the reed switch senses the magnet when the magnet is within a predetermined distance from the reed switch as the movable member moves to one side.

[0014] Furthermore, when the movable member moves to one side, the system further includes an elastic member that provides a restoring force to the movable member toward the other side, which is the opposite side of the movable member, and the elastic member can have one end supported by the support and the other end supported by the movable member.

[0015] Furthermore, the movable member includes an engaging portion extending in a direction in which it is offset from the direction in which it moves, and the support can have a fixing device formed on it that selectively interferes with the engaging portion.

[0016] Furthermore, the fixing device has a groove shape that extends along the direction in which the movable member moves, and the engaging portion is located inside the fixing device and can interfere with the fixing device when the movable member moves a predetermined distance to one side.

[0017] A water purifier according to another aspect of the present invention includes a frame, which includes a filter frame on which a filter capable of filtering water can be seated, and a sensing module capable of sensing whether the filter has been replaced from the filter frame, the sensing module including a support supported by the frame, a movable member supported by the support so as to be movable relative to the support and moving away from the filter frame when the filter is seated on the filter frame, a magnet supported by the movable member so as to be movable together with the movable member, and a reed switch supported by the support, the reed switch sensing the magnet when the magnet is placed within a predetermined distance from the reed switch as the movable member moves away from the filter frame.

[0018] Furthermore, when the moving member moves away from the filter frame, the system further includes an elastic member that provides a restoring force to the moving member in the direction toward the filter frame, wherein one side of the elastic member may be supported by the support and the other side may be supported by the moving member.

[0019] Furthermore, through holes are formed in the filter frame, and when the filter is separated from the filter frame, at least a portion of the movable member can pass through the through holes and be placed inside the filter frame.

[0020] Furthermore, the moving member includes a main body and an engaging portion extending from the main body in a direction offset from the direction in which the moving member moves, and the sensing module can be supported by the frame such that when the filter is separated from the filter frame, it is positioned in either a first position in which at least a portion of the main body passes through the through hole and is located inside the filter frame, or a second position in which at least a portion of the engaging portion passes through the through hole and is located inside the filter frame.

[0021] Further, when the magnet is detected by the reed switch, a control device for determining that the filter has been replaced from the filter frame can be further included.

[0022] A water purifier assembly according to another aspect of the present invention includes a filter for filtering water to provide purified water, and a water purifier to which the filter is removably attached. The water purifier includes a frame including a filter frame on which the filter can be seated, and a sensing module capable of sensing whether the filter has been replaced from the filter frame. The sensing module includes a support supported by the frame, a moving member that moves in a direction away from the filter frame when the filter is seated on the filter frame, and is supported by the support so as to be relatively movable with respect to the support, a magnet supported by the moving member so as to be movable together with the moving member, and a reed switch supported by the support. The reed switch senses the magnet when the moving member moves in a direction away from the filter frame and the magnet is within a predetermined distance from the reed switch.

Advantages of the Invention

[0023] According to an embodiment of the present invention, when the filter is attached to the filter frame or when the flow path module is attached to the main frame, it is possible to determine whether the filter or the flow path module has been replaced by sensing a magnet moved by the filter or the flow path module.

[0024] Further, according to an embodiment of the present invention, by configuring the magnet and the reed switch for sensing it as one module independent of the filter or the flow path module, it is possible to prevent the magnet from being discarded when the filter or the flow path module is replaced, and to reduce the production cost.

[0025] Further, according to an embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to determine the replacement of a filter, a flow path module, etc. attached to the water purifier by moving the moving member in the vertical or horizontal direction according to the orientation of the moving member that supports the magnet.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0026] [Figure 1] It is a perspective view showing a water purifier assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] It is an exploded perspective view of the water purifier assembly of FIG. 1. [Figure 3] It is a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III of FIG. 1. [Figure 4] It is a perspective view of the filter, filter assembly and sensing module of FIG. 2. [Figure 5] It is a cross-sectional view taken along line V-V of FIG. 4. [Figure 6] [[ID="23"]]It is a perspective view when the filter of FIG. 4 is seated on the filter assembly. [Figure 7] It is a cross-sectional view taken along line VII-VII of FIG. 6. [Figure 8] It is a perspective view when the sensing module of FIG. 4 is placed in the first posture. [Figure 9] It is a perspective view when the sensing module of FIG. 8 is switched to the second posture. [Figure 10] It is a perspective view when the sensing module of FIG. 9 is seated on the flow path module. [Figure 11] It is a cross-sectional view taken along line XI-XI of FIG. 10. [Figure 12] It is a cross-sectional view showing the state where the moving member of the sensing module of FIG. 11 has moved.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0027] Hereinafter, specific embodiments for realizing the technical idea of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0028] In addition, if it is determined that a specific description of a related known configuration or function in the description of the present invention may obscure the essence of the present invention, such detailed description will be omitted.

[0029] Furthermore, when it is mentioned that one component is "connected," "supported," or "attached" to another component, it should be understood that while it may be directly connected, supported, or attached to the other component, other components may also exist 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 the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0031] Furthermore, terms including ordinal numbers such as "first," "second," etc., can be used to describe various components, but the components in question are not limited by such terms. These terms are used solely for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another.

[0032] As used herein, "includes" embodies a particular characteristic, domain, constant, step, operation, element and / or component, and does not exclude the presence or addition of other particular characteristics, domain, constant, step, operation, element, component and / or group.

[0033] Furthermore, the terms "up," "down," etc., used herein are explained based on those shown in the drawings, and it should be made clear in advance that they may be expressed differently if the direction of the object changes. Note that the up-down, front-back, and left-right directions used herein may also refer to the coordinate axes in Figures 1 and 2.

[0034] The specific configuration of the water purifier assembly 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0035] Referring below to Figures 1 and 2, a water purifier assembly 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention can provide clean water to a user by filtering water supplied from an external source. For example, the water purifier assembly 1 can be supplied with water from a water source (not shown), such as a tap, and can filter the supplied water into clean water. The water purifier assembly 1 may include a water purifier 10 and a filter 20.

[0036] Referring to Figures 2 to 4, the water purifier 10 can filter water and provide clean water to the user when the filter 20 is installed. The water purifier 10 may include a frame 100, a flow path module 200, a cooling body 300, a cooling section 400, a heat dissipation section 500, a fan unit 600, a power supply device 700, a sensing module 800, and a control device 900.

[0037] Frame 100 can support the flow path module 200, cooling body 300, cooling section 400, heat dissipation section 500, fan unit 600, power supply device 700, and sensing module 800. Frame 100 can also house the cooling body 300, cooling section 400, heat dissipation section 500, fan unit 600, power supply device 700, and sensing module 800 internally. Frame 100 may include a main frame 110 and a filter frame 120.

[0038] The main frame 110 can support the flow path module 200, cooling body 300, cooling section 400, heat dissipation section 500, fan unit 600, power supply device 700, and sensing module 800. The main frame 110 can also support the filter frame 120. An inlet 111 and an outlet 112 may be formed in the main frame 110.

[0039] The inlets 111 can be formed in the main frame 110 so that air flows into the interior of the frame 100. Multiple inlets 111 may be provided, and each of the multiple inlets 111 may be formed on the left and right sides of the main frame 110. Alternatively, the multiple inlets 111 may be arranged adjacent to the lower part of the main frame 110.

[0040] The exhaust port 112 can be formed in the main frame 110 so that air that has flowed into the inside of the frame 100 can be discharged. The exhaust port 112 may be formed on the back of the main frame 110, or multiple outlets may be provided.

[0041] The filter frame 120 can support the filter 20 and provide a space for the filter 20 to sit. The filter frame 120 may be supported by the main frame 110 so as to be located above the cooling body 300 and in front of the heatsink 520, which will be described later. Through holes 121 can also be formed in the filter frame 120.

[0042] The through-hole 121 can be formed in the filter frame 120 for the moving member 820 of the sensing module 800, which will be described later, to pass through. For example, at least a portion of the moving member 820 can be located inside the filter frame 120 through the through-hole 121, and when the moving member 820 is pressed by the filter 20, the moving member 820 can move inside the through-hole 121. The through-hole 121 may be provided so as to penetrate the filter frame 120 in the front-rear direction.

[0043] The flow path module 200 can guide the water filtered by the filter 20 to the outside of the frame 100. The flow path module 200 may be supported on the main frame 110 so as to be positioned on the front of the main frame 110. Furthermore, the flow path module 200 may be detachably mounted on the main frame 110 so as to be replaceable from the main frame 110. The flow path module 200 may include an outlet section 210 and a flow path section 220.

[0044] The water outlet section 210 can discharge water flowing along the flow channel section 220 to the outside. The water outlet section 210 may be located on the front of the main frame 110, and at least a portion of it may be exposed to the outside of the frame 100. The water outlet section 210 may also be in communication with the flow channel section 220. On the other hand, although the water outlet section 210 has been described in this specification as being one component with the flow channel section 220, this is merely an example, and the water outlet section 210 may be provided in a different configuration from the flow channel section 220, or it may be integrally formed with the frame 100.

[0045] The flow path section 220 can provide a passage for water to flow. The flow path section 220 can guide the water filtered by the filter 20 to the outlet section 210. The flow path section 220 may also be located on the front of the main frame 110 or above the outlet section 210. Referring further to Figure 10, the flow path section 220 may include a flow path section housing 220h that houses and supports the passage for water to flow. The flow path section housing 220h may include an engagement part housing groove 220g that can house a part of the engagement part 200 of the sensing module 800, which will be described later. The engagement part housing groove 220g may be formed concave inward from the surface of the flow path section housing 220h and extend vertically, with its lower end open and its upper end closed.

[0046] Referring again to Figure 3, the cooling body 300 can provide a space in which the water it contains is cooled to a predetermined temperature or below. Furthermore, the cooling body 300 can support the cooling unit 400, and one surface of the cooling unit 400 can be in contact with the outer surface of the cooling body 300. In this case, the cold air generated in the cooling unit 400 can be transmitted into the interior of the cooling body 300.

[0047] The cooling body 300 can provide a space for water to flow. For example, the cooling body 300 can be configured in a direct-connection type that provides a path for water to flow. In this case, the cooling body 300 is provided with a plurality of partition walls 310 that are offset from each other, and the plurality of partition walls 310 can form a path for water to flow. Also, water that flows in from the top of the cooling body 300 can be discharged from the bottom of the cooling body 300. On the other hand, the direction of water flowing along the path formed inside the cooling body 300 can be changed multiple times by the plurality of partition walls 310. Also, the water that flows into the cooling body 300 can be cooled by the cooling unit 400 as it flows along the plurality of partition walls 310.

[0048] However, the concept of the present invention is not necessarily limited thereto, and in other examples, the cooling body 300 may be a water storage tank capable of holding water. In this case, the cooling body 300 can provide space for holding incoming water and space for holding chilled water cooled by the cooling unit 400. For example, the water contained in the cooling body 300 can fill the cooling body 300 from bottom to top by water flowing into the cooling body 300. The water flowing into the inside of the cooling body 300 can be cooled by the cooling unit 400 while it is filling.

[0049] In another example, the cooling body 300 may have a pipe shape (not shown) that allows water that enters the cooling body 300 first to be discharged first. In this case, the water flowing along the pipe can be cooled by the cooling unit 400. Also, the water that flows into the pipe of the cooling body 300 can be cooled to a low temperature as it flows along the pipe and discharged from the pipe.

[0050] The cooling unit 400 can cool the water that flows into the cooling body 300 to a predetermined temperature or lower. The cooling unit 400 may be supported on the cooling body 300 so that one side is in contact with the outer surface of the cooling body 300. Alternatively, the cooling unit 400 may be supported on the rear side of the cooling body 300. For example, the cooling unit 400 may be supported on the cooling body 300 so that its front surface is in contact with the rear surface of the cooling body 300. The cooling unit 400 may also be supplied with power from a power supply device 700, and the power supplied to the cooling unit 400 may be adjusted by the power supply device 700.

[0051] Furthermore, since the cooling unit 400 is composed of an electronic cooling device, cooling systems such as evaporators and compressors can be omitted, and water can be cooled in a minimal volume. The cooling unit 400 may include a thermoelectric module 410 and a cold block 420.

[0052] The thermoelectric module 410 can be cooled on one side and heated on the other side when current flows through it. The front of the thermoelectric module 410 can be in contact with the back of the cold block 420. For example, when the front of the thermoelectric module 410 is cooled, the cold air generated by the thermoelectric module 410 is transferred to the back of the cooling body 300 via the cold block 420. The back of the thermoelectric module 410 can be in contact with the heat pipe 510, which will be described later, and the heat generated by the thermoelectric module 410 can be transferred to the heat pipe 510.

[0053] The cold block 420 can transfer the cold air generated by the thermoelectric module 410 to the cooling body 300. The cold block 420 may be supported on the cooling body 300 so that its front surface is in contact with the back surface of the cooling body 300. Furthermore, the cold block 420 can support the thermoelectric module 410 so that its back surface is in contact with the front surface of the thermoelectric module 410. The cold air generated by the thermoelectric module 410 can be transferred by the cold block 420 to the water inside the cooling body 300. For example, the cold block 420 can be made of a material with high thermal conductivity. The cold block 420 may also be directly bonded to the cooling body 300, or it may be attached to the cooling body 300 by fastening members such as screws.

[0054] The heat dissipation unit 500 can release heat generated by the thermoelectric module 410 to the outside in order to prevent a decrease in the cooling efficiency of the thermoelectric module 410. The heat dissipation unit 500 can also release heat generated by the power supply device 700 to the outside. The heat dissipation unit 500 may include a heat pipe 510 and a heat sink 520.

[0055] The heat pipe 510 is positioned on the back of the thermoelectric module 410 and can transfer heat generated in the thermoelectric module 410 to the heat sink 520. For example, the heat pipe 510 can receive heat from the thermoelectric module 410 via a heat transfer medium and transfer the received heat to the heat sink 520. The heat pipe 510 can be made of a material with high thermal conductivity and multiple heat pipes can be provided.

[0056] The heatsink 520 can dissipate the heat transferred from the heat pipe 510 to the outside. The heatsink 520 may be positioned above the cooling body 300, or it may be positioned above the cooling body 300 and separated from it upward. The heatsink 520 may remain positioned above the heat pipe 510 and be connected to it, allowing heat to be transferred from the heat pipe 510.

[0057] The fan unit 600 can direct airflow such that outside air flows into the frame 100 and the air that has entered the frame 100 is discharged to the outside of the frame 100. For example, when the fan unit 600 is operating, outside air can flow into the frame 100 through the inlet 111, and the air that has entered the frame 100 can be discharged to the outside of the frame 100 through the outlet 112.

[0058] The power supply device 700 can supply power to the thermoelectric module 410 and the fan unit 600. The power supply device 700 can be electrically connected to the thermoelectric module 410 and the fan unit 600. For example, the power supply device 700 may be a switched-mode power supply (SMPS). However, this is merely an example, and the power supply device 700 can be any well-known device that can supply power to the thermoelectric module 410 and the fan unit 600.

[0059] The sensing module 800 can sense whether the filter 20 has been replaced from the filter frame 120, or whether the flow path module 200 has been mounted on the main frame 110. In other words, the sensing module 800 can detect whether the filter 20 has been replaced by sensing whether the filter 20 has been seated from the filter frame 120, or whether the flow path module 200 has been replaced by sensing whether the flow path module 200 has been mounted on the main frame 110. For example, referring to Figures 4 and 5, the sensing module 800 can sense whether the filter 20 has been separated from the filter frame 120 when the filter 20 has been separated from the filter frame 120. As another example, referring to Figures 6 and 7, the sensing module 800 can sense whether the filter 20 has been mounted on the filter frame 120 when the filter 20 has been mounted on the filter frame 120. Referring to Figure 11, the sensing module 800 can sense whether the flow channel module 200 is mounted on the main frame 110 when the flow channel module 200 is mounted on the main frame 110. As another example, referring to Figure 12, the sensing module 800 can sense whether the flow channel module 200 is separated from the main frame 110 when the flow channel module 200 is separated from the main frame 110. The sensing module 800 can be supported by either the main frame 110 or the filter frame 120.

[0060] On the other hand, referring to Figures 7 to 11, the sensing module 800 may include a support 810, a movable member 820, a magnet 830, an elastic member 840, and a reed switch 850.

[0061] The support 810 can support the movable member 820, the elastic member 840, and the reed switch 850. For example, the support 810 can movably support the movable member 820. The support 810 can have a space formed inside in which the movable member 820 can be accommodated, and the movable member 820 can move within the space formed inside the support 810. The support 810 can also be opened on both sides in the direction in which the movable member 820 moves. The support 810 may have a fastener 811 that can engage with the movable member 820.

[0062] Referring to Figure 9, the fastener 811 is formed on the side surface of the support 810 and can selectively interfere with the engaging portion 822 of the movable member 820, which will be described later. For example, the fastener 811 may have a groove shape that extends along the direction in which the movable member 820 moves. In this case, the engaging portion 822 can move while remaining inserted inside the fastener 811 and can selectively interfere with the fastener 811.

[0063] The movable member 820 can be supported by the support 810 so as to be movable relative to the support 810. For example, the movable member 820 can move along either the vertical or horizontal direction depending on the orientation of the sensing module 800. Furthermore, the movable member 820 can support a magnet 830 and move relative to the support 810 together with the magnet 830.

[0064] Referring again to Figure 5, when the filter 20 is separated from the filter frame 120, at least a portion of the movable member 820 can pass through the through hole 121 and be positioned inside the filter frame 120. For example, when the filter 20 is separated from the filter frame 120, one end of the movable member 820 may be positioned inside the filter frame 120. Also, referring again to Figure 7, when the filter 20 is seated on the filter frame 120, one end of the movable member 820 can move away from the filter 20.

[0065] On the other hand, the movable member 820 may include a main body portion 821 and an engaging portion 822.

[0066] The main body 821 can be supported by the support 810 so as to be movable relative to the support 810. The main body 821 may be positioned inside the support 810, or it may move inside the support 810. In addition, at least a portion of the main body 821 can pass through the through hole 121 and be positioned inside the filter frame 120. The main body 821 can support the engaging portion 822.

[0067] Referring to Figures 9, 11, and 12, the engaging portion 822 can selectively interfere with the fixing device 811. For example, the engaging portion 822 interferes with the fixing device 811 when it moves a predetermined distance to one side. The engaging portion 822 may extend from the main body 821 in a direction that is offset from the direction in which the moving member 820 moves. The engaging portion 822 is also located inside the fixing device 811 and can move inside the fixing device 811. The engaging portion 822 interferes with the fixing device 811 when the main body 821 moves away from the filter frame 120. In this case, it is possible to prevent the main body 821 from moving excessively away from the filter frame 120. Furthermore, the engaging portion 822 protrudes from the main body 821 and can engage with grooves, steps, etc., in the housing of parts of the water purifier that need to be replaced.

[0068] The magnet 830 can be supported on the movable member 820 so as to be movable together with the movable member 820. For example, the magnet 830 may be supported inside the movable member 820, or it may move in accordance with the movement of the movable member 820. The magnet 830 can be provided as a well-known means having magnetism.

[0069] The elastic member 840 can provide a restoring force to the moving member 820 toward the other side, which is the opposite side, when the moving member 820 moves toward one side. For example, when the sensing module 800 is attached to the filter frame 120, the elastic member 840 can provide a restoring force to the moving member 820 toward the filter frame 120 when the moving member 820 moves toward the filter frame 120. The elastic member 840 can ensure that at least a portion of the moving member 820 remains positioned inside the filter frame 120 when the filter 20 is separated from the filter frame 120. Also, for example, when the sensing module 800 is fastened to the main frame 110 adjacent to the flow channel module 200, the elastic member 840 can provide a restoring force to the moving member 820 to return it to its original position when the moving member 820 is moved by the flow channel module 200. Furthermore, the elastic member 840 can be supported at one end by the support 810 and at the other end by the movable member 820. The reed switch 850 can sense the magnetism of the magnet 830 when the magnet 830 is placed within a predetermined distance. For example, when the filter 20 is seated on the filter frame 120, causing the movable member 820 to move away from the filter 20, the reed switch 850 can sense the magnetism of the magnet 830 moved by the movable member 820. Also, when the filter 20 is separated from the filter frame 120, causing the movable member 820 to move inward from the filter frame 120, the reed switch 850 may not be able to sense the magnetism of the magnet 830 moved by the movable member 820. Furthermore, for example, if the sensing module 800 is fastened to the main frame 110 so as to be adjacent to the flow channel module 200, and the moving member 820 is moved so as to be adjacent to the magnet 830 during the process of the flow channel module 200 being seated on the main frame 110, and the reed switch 850 and the magnet 830 are positioned within a predetermined distance of each other, the reed switch 850 can sense the magnetism of the magnet 830.Furthermore, when the flow path module 200 is separated from the main frame 110, the movable member 820 moves away from the magnet 830, and when the reed switch 850 and the magnet 830 are separated by a preset distance, the reed switch 850 may not be able to sense the magnetism of the magnet 830 that has been moved by the movable member 820.

[0070] The reed switch 850 can generate an electrical signal to the control device 900 based on whether the magnetism of the magnet 830 is detected. For example, the reed switch 850 can generate an electrical signal when it detects the magnetism of the magnet 830 and transmit the generated electrical signal to the control device 900. The reed switch 850 can also be supported by the support 810.

[0071] On the other hand, the sensing module 800 can be supported by the frame 100 so as to be placed in either a first or second posture. Referring to Figures 5 to 8, the first posture of the sensing module 800 as described herein may be a posture in which the sensing module 800 is supported by the frame 100 so as to allow the movable member 820 to move horizontally. The first posture may be a posture in which, when the filter 20 is separated from the filter frame 120, at least a portion of the main body 821 of the sensing module 800 passes through the through hole 121 of the filter frame 120 and is positioned inside the filter frame 120. In this case, the sensing module 800 can move along the horizontal direction to sense the replacement of the filter 20 seated on the filter frame 120. Also, referring to Figure 9, the second posture of the sensing module 800 may be a posture in which the sensing module 800 is supported by the frame 100 so as to allow the movable member 820 to move vertically.

[0072] Referring to Figure 11, when the flow path module 200 is mounted on the main frame 110, a portion of the engaging portion 822 is housed in the engaging portion housing groove 200g. As the flow path module 200 descends, the upper end of the engaging portion 822 contacts the upper end of the engaging portion housing groove 200g and moves downward. Subsequently, the reed switch 850 and the magnet 830 are positioned within a predetermined distance, and the reed switch 850 senses the magnetism of the magnet 830. Based on this, the control device 900 can determine that the flow path module 200 has been mounted on the main frame 110.

[0073] Referring to Figure 12, when the flow channel module 200 is separated from the main frame 110, as the flow channel module 200 rises, the upper end of the engaging portion 822 moves upward, separating from the upper end of the engaging portion housing groove 200g, while a portion of the engaging portion 822 is housed in the engaging portion housing groove 200g. Subsequently, the reed switch 850 and the magnet 830 move out of a preset distance, and the reed switch 850 can no longer sense the magnetism of the magnet 830. Based on this, the control device 900 can determine that the flow channel module 200 has been separated from the main frame 110. In addition, multiple sensing modules 800 may be provided. Some of the multiple sensing modules 800 can sense the replacement of the filter 20 seated on the filter frame 120, and other parts of the sensing modules 800 can sense the replacement of the flow channel module 200 seated on the frame 100. For example, the sensing module 800 can be positioned adjacent to the flow channel module 200 on the front of the frame 100, and can sense whether the flow channel module 200 has been replaced. In this case, the sensing module 800 is supported by the frame 100 to assume a second posture, and can sense the replacement of the flow channel module 200, which is separated from or attached to the frame 100 by moving in the vertical direction.

[0074] The control device 900 can determine that the filter 20 has been replaced from the filter frame 120 when the magnetism of the magnet 830 is detected by the reed switch 850. For example, when the filter 20 is attached to the filter frame 120, the reed switch 850 can generate an electrical signal by detecting the magnetism of the magnet 830 when the magnet 830 is positioned within a predetermined distance. In this case, the control device 900 receives the electrical signal from the reed switch 850 and can determine that the filter 20 has been replaced from the filter frame 120. Also, when the flow path module 200 is attached to the main frame 110, the reed switch 850 can generate an electrical signal by detecting the magnetism of the magnet 830 when the magnet 830 is positioned within a predetermined distance. In this case, the control device 900 receives the electrical signal from the reed switch 850 and can determine that the flow path module 200 has been replaced from the main frame 110. The control device 900 can be implemented by an arithmetic unit including a microprocessor, measuring devices such as sensors, and memory, and the implementation method is obvious to those skilled in the art, so further detailed explanation is omitted.

[0075] Thus, the sensing module 800 according to one embodiment of the present invention has the effect of accurately detecting the replacement of the filter 20 or the flow channel module 200 by sensing the magnetism of the magnet 830 that moves due to the filter 20 or the flow channel module 200 when the filter 20 is mounted on the filter frame 120 or the flow channel module 200 is mounted on the main frame 110.

[0076] Furthermore, by configuring the sensing module 800 with the magnet 830's magnetism and the reed switch 850 that senses it in a single module independent of the filter 20 or the flow channel module 200, it is possible to prevent the magnet 830 from being discarded along with the filter 20 or the flow channel module 200 when the filter 20 or the flow channel module 200 is replaced. In this case, since the magnet 830 does not need to be produced together with the filter 20 or the flow channel module 200, it is possible to reduce production costs.

[0077] Furthermore, since the sensing module 800 can be selectively positioned in a first and second orientation, it has the effect of being able to detect not only the replacement of parts that move vertically and are mounted according to the orientation of the movable member 820, but also the replacement of parts that move horizontally and are mounted. That is, when the sensing module 800 is oriented so that the movable member 820 moves horizontally, i.e., when it is placed in the first orientation, the movable member 820 can detect the replacement of the filter 20 that moves horizontally and is mounted on the filter frame 120. Also, when the sensing module 800 is oriented so that the movable member 820 moves vertically, i.e., when it is placed in the second orientation, the movable member 820 can detect the replacement of the flow path module 200 that moves vertically and is mounted on the main frame 110.

[0078] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above as specific examples, these are merely illustrative, and the present invention is not limited thereto, but should be interpreted as having the broadest scope of the technical idea disclosed herein. Those skilled in the art can combine / substitute the disclosed embodiments to carry out patterns of shapes not specified, and this will not depart from the scope of the present invention. Furthermore, those skilled in the art can easily modify or transform the embodiments disclosed herein, and it is clear that such modifications or transformations also fall within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. support, A movable member supported by the support so as to be movable relative to the support, A magnet supported by the moving member so as to be movable together with the moving member, and Includes a reed switch supported by the aforementioned support, The aforementioned reed switch is When the moving member moves to one side, it senses that the magnet is within a predetermined distance from the reed switch. The moving member includes a main body and an engaging portion extending from the main body in a direction that is offset from the direction in which the moving member moves. A sensing module characterized in that the support is configured to be positioned in either a first position in which the main body is pressed and the movable member is supported to move horizontally, or a second position in which the engaging portion is pressed and the movable member is supported to move vertically.

2. When the moving member moves to the one side, the system further includes an elastic member that provides a restoring force to the moving member toward the other side, which is the opposite side of the one side. The sensing module according to claim 1, characterized in that the elastic member has one end supported by the support and the other end supported by the movable member.

3. The sensing module according to claim 1, characterized in that the support is provided with a fastener that selectively interferes with the engaging portion.

4. The fixing device has a groove shape that extends along the direction in which the moving member moves, The sensing module according to claim 3, characterized in that the engaging portion is located inside the fixing device and interferes with the fixing device when the moving member moves a predetermined distance to one side.

5. A frame including a filter frame on which a filter capable of filtering water can be mounted, and The system includes a sensing module capable of detecting whether the filter has been replaced from the filter frame. The sensing module is Supporting body supported by the aforementioned frame, When the filter is seated on the filter frame, a movable member moves away from the filter frame and is supported by the support so as to be movable relative to the support, A magnet supported by the moving member so as to be movable together with the moving member, and Includes a reed switch supported by the aforementioned support, The aforementioned reed switch is As the moving member moves away from the filter frame, the magnet is detected when it is placed within a predetermined distance from the reed switch. The filter frame has through holes formed in it. The moving member includes a main body and an engaging portion extending from the main body in a direction that is offset from the direction in which the moving member moves. A water purifier characterized in that the sensing module is supported by the frame such that when the filter is separated from the filter frame, it is positioned in one of two positions: a first position in which at least a portion of the main body is located inside the filter frame through the through hole, and a second position in which at least a portion of the engaging portion is located inside the filter frame through the through hole.

6. When the moving member moves away from the filter frame, the system further includes an elastic member that provides a restoring force to the moving member in the direction toward the filter frame. The water purifier according to claim 5, characterized in that the elastic member is supported on one side by the support and on the other side by the movable member.

7. The water purifier according to claim 5, further comprising a control device that determines that the filter has been replaced from the filter frame when the magnet is detected by the reed switch.

8. A filter that filters water to provide purified water, and The water purifier includes the aforementioned filter which is removablely attached, The aforementioned water purifier is A frame including a filter frame on which the aforementioned filter can be seated, and The system includes a sensing module capable of sensing whether the filter has been replaced from the filter frame, The sensing module is Supporting body supported by the aforementioned frame, When the filter is seated on the filter frame, a movable member moves away from the filter frame and is supported by the support so as to be movable relative to the support, A magnet supported by the moving member so as to be movable together with the moving member, and Includes a reed switch supported by the aforementioned support, The aforementioned reed switch is As the moving member moves away from the filter frame, the magnet is detected when it is within a predetermined distance from the reed switch. The filter frame has through holes formed in it. The moving member includes a main body and an engaging portion extending from the main body in a direction that is offset from the direction in which the moving member moves. The sensing module is supported by the frame such that, when the filter is separated from the filter frame, it is positioned in one of two positions: a first position in which at least a portion of the main body is located inside the filter frame through the through hole, and a second position in which at least a portion of the engaging portion is located inside the filter frame through the through hole.

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