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 Art

[0002] The water purifier includes a water bucket filled with water and can adjust the temperature of the water from the bucket and discharge it. For example, Utility Model Registration No. 0112708 discloses an above-installed raw water cooling and warming water purifier for the raw water discharge part of a mineral water bottle.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0003] An object according to one embodiment is to provide a water purifier that can directly cut off the power supply and interrupt the pump operation in the case of full water by attaching a mechanical floating bag for leak prevention when the water level sensor fails.

Means for Solving the Problems

[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 the 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 part arranged on one side of the second water tank for detecting the water level, a control part electrically connected to the pump for controlling the operation of the pump according to the water level detected by the detection part, and an emergency leak prevention part mounted on the upper part of the second water tank and electrically connected to the pump, and the emergency leak prevention part can control the operation of the pump individually from the control part.

[0005] According to one aspect, the control part or the emergency leak prevention part controls the pump in a first mode or a second mode according to the water level, and the pump can operate in the first mode and stop in the second mode.

[0006] In one aspect, the emergency leak prevention unit includes a switch member positioned on the upper part of the second water tank in the opposite direction to gravity and electrically connected to the pump; a floating member positioned away from the switch member in the direction of gravity and located inside the second water tank, the vertical distance from the switch member changing according to the water level; and a connecting member interposed between the switch member and the floating member. When the water level reaches a preset 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 an even lower density than the water and can drift on the surface of the water in the second water tank.

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

[0009] In one aspect, the water purifier further includes a power supply 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 supply to transmit the power, wherein the power line can be electrically connected to the pump via the switch member.

[0010] In one aspect, when in the second mode, the power line can be interrupted by the switch member.

[0011] In 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. If the water level detected by the water level sensor is determined to have reached a preset water level, the control unit can issue a signal to interrupt the operation of the pump. [Effects of the Invention]

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

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

[0014] [Figure 1] This figure shows a perspective view of a water purifier according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] A schematic representation of the configuration of a water purifier according to one embodiment is shown. [Figure 3] This shows the second water tank of a water purifier according to one embodiment. [Figure 4] A schematic diagram illustrates the pump control method for the control unit and emergency leak prevention unit of a water purifier according to one embodiment. [Figure 5] This shows an emergency leak prevention section of a water purifier according to one embodiment. [Figure 6] This shows an emergency leak prevention section of a water purifier according to one embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0015] The embodiments will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings. However, various modifications may be made to the embodiments, and the scope of the patent application will not be limited or restricted by such embodiments. All modifications, equivalents, or substitutes to the embodiments should be understood to be included within the scope of the patent.

[0016] The terms used in the embodiments are for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as intended to limit them. Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this specification, terms such as “includes” or “having” indicate the presence of features, figures, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification, and should not be understood as preemptively excluding the possibility of the presence or addition of one or more other features, figures, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

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

[0018] Furthermore, when explaining with reference to the attached drawings, the same components will be assigned the same reference numerals regardless of the reference numerals used in the drawings, and redundant explanations will be omitted. In the description of embodiments, if a specific explanation of related prior art is deemed to unnecessarily obscure the gist of the embodiment, such detailed explanation will be omitted.

[0019] Furthermore, in describing the components of an embodiment, terms such as First, Second, A, B, (a), (b), etc., may be used. These terms are used to distinguish a component from other components, and the terms do not limit the nature, order, or sequence of the component in question. If it is stated that any component is “connected,” “joined,” or “connected” to another component, it should be understood that while that component may be directly connected or connected to the other components, further components may be “connected,” “joined,” or “connected” between each component.

[0020] Components included in any one embodiment and components having a common function will be described using the same name in other embodiments. Unless otherwise stated, the descriptions set forth in any one embodiment can be applied to other embodiments, and specific descriptions within overlapping ranges will be omitted.

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

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

[0023] The water purifier body 110 includes a first surface 1101, a second surface 1102 opposite to 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 where the water outlet valve 840 is disposed, a rear surface opposite to the front surface, and a first side surface 1103B and a second side surface 1103C provided between the front surface 1103A and the rear surface and located on opposite sides of each other.

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

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

[0027] In one embodiment, the water tank 100 can be located on 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 can 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 can be installed so as to be separated from the first water tank 101. A pump 400 and a filter 500 are positioned 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 the water discharged from the first water tank 101 to the second water tank 102.

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

[0031] The detection unit 130 can be positioned on one side of the second water tank 102. The detection unit 130 can 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 can be electrically connected to the pump 400 via a control line L1. The control line L1 may have one end electrically connected to the control unit 700 and the other end electrically connected to the pump 400. The control unit 700 can control the operation of the pump 400 according to the water level detected in real time by the detection unit 130.

[0033] The emergency leak prevention unit 140 is electrically connected to the pump 400. The emergency leak prevention unit 140 can control the operation of the pump 400. Here, the emergency leak prevention unit 140 can individually control the operation of the pump 400 in cooperation with the control unit 700.

[0034] Referring again to Figure 2, a 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 the water from the first water tank 101 and supply it 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 discharge line 832 may be provided between the second water tank 102 and the water outlet valve 840.

[0037] For example, the hot water tank inlet line 811, the cold water tank inlet line 821, and the second water tank discharge line 832 may each 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, the 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 inside the hot water tank 200. In a different example, water supplied from the first water tank 101 may be supplied to one side of the hot water tank 200 and stored inside 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 a control unit 700 to determine whether or not it heats up and / or the degree of heating. The lower part of the hot water tank 200 may be provided with a drain port from which water can be discharged. Inside the hot water tank 200, a temperature sensor is provided to measure the temperature of the heated water.

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

[0041] The chilled water tank 300 includes a cooler 301. For example, the cooler 301 may include a cooling coil surrounding the outside of the chilled water tank 300. The control unit 700 can control whether or not the cooler 301 is cooled and / or the degree of cooling. The lower part of the chilled water tank 300 may be provided with a drain port from which water can be discharged. Inside the chilled water tank 300, a temperature sensor is provided to measure the temperature of the cooled water.

[0042] The compressor 600 can be connected to the chilled 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 piping that connects the top of the hot water tank 200 and the top of the second water tank 102. Air exiting the hot water tank 200 through the hot water tank air vent 813 can move to the second water tank 102.

[0044] The chilled water tank air vent 823 can connect the chilled water tank 300 and the second water tank 102. For example, the chilled water tank air vent 823 may include piping that connects the top of the chilled water tank 300 to the top of the second water tank 102. Air from the chilled water tank 300 can move to the second water tank 102 via the chilled water tank air vent 823.

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

[0046] The chilled water tank discharge line 822 can connect the chilled water tank 300 to the water outlet valve 840. For example, the chilled water tank discharge line 822 may include piping through which cooled water can pass, connecting the top of the chilled water tank 300 to the water outlet valve 840.

[0047] In one embodiment, the hot water tank water detection sensor 900 can detect whether or not water is present 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 located adjacent to the upper part 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, the first water tank 101 or the second water tank 102 may be filled with water. After the hot water tank 200 is filled with water, water may rise up to the hot water tank air vent 813. By installing the hot water tank water detection sensor 900 in the part of the hot water tank air vent 813 that is filled with water, it is possible to detect whether or not water is present in the hot water tank 200.

[0050] Referring again to Figures 3 and 4, the control unit 700 or emergency leak prevention unit 140 of the water purifier 10 according to one embodiment can control the pump 400 in a first mode or a second mode according to 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 leak prevention unit 140. Furthermore, in the second mode, the pump 400 can be controlled to stop by the control unit 700 or the emergency leak prevention unit 140.

[0052] As described above, the control unit 700 can control the operation of the pump 400 according to 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 send a signal to interrupt the operation of the pump 400. That is, if the signal transmitted by the water level sensor is determined to have reached a preset water level in the second water tank 102, the control unit 700 can switch the pump 400 from the first mode to the second mode. Also, if the water level in the second water tank 102 is determined to be below a preset water level, the control unit 700 can switch the pump 400 back to the first mode.

[0054] If the water level sensor fails to operate properly due to a malfunction or other reason, it will not be able to detect that the second water tank 102 is full, and a leak may occur 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 leak 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 Figure 4, the water purifier 10 according to one embodiment includes a power supply P and a power line L2.

[0056] Power supply P can supply power to pump 400.

[0057] The power line L2 may have one end connected to the pump 400 and the other end connected to the power supply P. The power line L2 can be electrically connected to the pump 400 and the power supply P to transmit power. The power line L2 is connected to the pump 400 via the emergency leak prevention unit 140. Therefore, the emergency leak prevention unit 140 can allow or cut off the power supply 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 leak prevention unit 140. Also, in the second mode, the power line L2 may be shut off by the emergency leak prevention unit 140.

[0059] Referring to Figures 5 and 6, the emergency leak prevention unit 140 includes a switch member 141, a floating member 142, and a connecting member 143.

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

[0061] The floating member 142 is positioned at a distance from the switch member 141 in the direction of gravity. The floating member 142 may be located inside 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, for example, as a mechanical flotation device.

[0062] The connecting member 143 may be interposed between the switch member 141 and the floating member 142. That is, the connecting member 143 can 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 a 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. Inside the cylinder of such a connecting member 143, a piston is provided so as to be movable in the vertical direction. One end of the piston rises to pressurize the switch member 141. The other end of the piston pressurizes the floating member 142 as the floating member 142 rises. That is, the piston rises due to the pressurization of the floating member 142, and can pressurize the switch member 141.

[0063] For example, as shown in Figures 5 and 6, the floating member 142 can be connected to the other end of the connecting member 143 so that one side is fixed to the other end and the other side is rotatable around the axis of rotation. One side of the floating member 142, which is positioned adjacent to the other end of the piston within the cylinder of the connecting member 143, has a protruding end formed thereon. The protruding end rotates as the other side of the floating member 142 rises, and by pressurizing the other end of the piston, it can push the piston upward in the direction toward the switch member 141.

[0064] The aforementioned emergency leak prevention unit 140 allows the floating member 142 to pressurize the switch member 141 via the connecting member 143 when the water level in the second water tank 102 reaches a preset level. Here, the switch member 141 can have a contact formed thereon that operates to switch the pump 400 to the second mode via the floating member 142. Once 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 an even lower density than water. Therefore, the floating member 142 can drift on the surface of the water filling 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 compared to Figure 5, as shown in Figure 6. If the water level does not reach a preset level, the switch member 141 can control the pump 400 in first mode by allowing power to be supplied to the pump 400 through the power line L2. In short, in first mode, the water level in the second water tank 102 gradually increases as the water in the first water tank 101 is transferred to the second water tank 102 by the pump 400.

[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 level, the switch member 141 is pressurized by the floating member 142 as described above, allowing the pump 400 to switch to the second mode. That is, the power line L2 to the pump 400 is immediately cut off, so the pump 400 controlled in the second mode can interrupt its operation of 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 in 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. By stopping the operation of the pump 400 when the second water tank 102 is full, leakage can be prevented. Furthermore, even if the water level sensor and the control unit 700 do not function properly, the water purifier 10 according to one embodiment includes an emergency leak prevention unit 140 that includes a floating member 142 that drifts 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. By directly cutting off the power supply and power line L2 that supply power to the pump 400 separately from the control unit 700 when the second water tank 102 is full, the pump 400 can be interrupted, thereby preventing leakage.

[0068] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above with reference to the drawings, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and a person with ordinary skill in the art can apply various technical modifications and variations based on the above. For example, the described techniques may be performed in a different order than described, and / or the components of the described systems, structures, devices, circuits, etc. may be combined or assembled in a different manner than described, or substituted or replaced by other components or equivalents, and still achieve the appropriate results.

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

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 second water tank via a flow path connecting the first water tank and the second water tank, A detection unit is located on one side of the second water tank to detect the water level, A control unit is electrically connected to the pump and controls the pump to stop when it is determined that the water level detected by the detection unit has reached a preset water level. An emergency leak prevention unit is attached to the top of the second water tank and electrically connected to the pump, Includes, The emergency leak prevention unit controls the operation of the pump individually with the control unit, and stops the pump when the second water tank is full, in a water purifier.

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

3. The aforementioned emergency leak prevention unit is A switch member is positioned on top of the second water tank in the opposite direction to gravity and electrically connected to the pump, A floating member is positioned at a distance from the switch member in the direction of gravity, located within the second water tank, and whose vertical distance from the switch member changes according to the water level. A connecting member interposed between the switch member and the floating member, Includes, 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 an even lower density than the water and drifts on the surface of the water in the second water tank.

5. The water purifier according to 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 aforementioned water purifier is A power supply that provides power to the aforementioned pump, A power line having one end connected to the pump and the other end connected to the power supply to transmit the power, It further includes, The water purifier according to claim 3, wherein the power line is electrically connected to the pump via the switch member.

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

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 according to claim 1, wherein if the water level detected by the water level sensor is determined to have reached a preset water level, the control unit issues a signal to interrupt the operation of the pump.

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