Water purifier and method for controlling same

Abstract

One embodiment of the water purifier may be provided to discharge room-temperature water, cold water, or hot water. The water purifier may comprise: a hot water module for heating water; a cold water module for cooling the water; a sensing device disposed in a flow path through which the water discharged from the hot water module and the cold water module flows; and a water discharge part connected to the sensing device and through which the water is discharged. The water purifier can measure the quality of water after adjusting the temperature of the sensing device to be the same as or similar to a measurement reference temperature when the temperature of the sensing device is different from the measurement reference temperature as hot water or cold water is discharged.

Description

Water purifier and its control method

[0001] The present invention relates to a water purifier and a control method thereof, and more particularly, to a water purifier having a structure capable of obtaining accurate indicator values ​​by avoiding errors in measured water quality indicator values ​​due to temperature differences in water discharged at a temperature other than room temperature, and a control method thereof.

[0002] The material described in this section merely provides background information for the present invention and does not constitute prior art.

[0003] A water dispenser is a device that supplies water and dispenses a desired amount of water at a desired temperature according to the user's operation. Such devices can be applied to a variety of fields, but are most commonly used in refrigerators and water purifiers. In particular, the water dispensers in refrigerators and water purifiers are designed to dispense a preset amount of water according to the user's operation. Recently, water dispensers capable of supplying not only purified water but also cold and hot water have been developed.

[0004] For example, a water purifier is connected to a water source, such as a tap, to receive raw water, uses a filter to remove suspended solids and harmful substances from the raw water, and is configured to dispense the desired amount of purified water according to the user's operation. A variety of water purifiers are available that can not only purify water but also heat or cool the purified water to provide cold or hot water. Recently, smaller water purifiers that can be installed in a variety of installation environments have been developed.

[0005] For drinking water dispensed from a water purifier, thorough water quality management is required. Therefore, water purifiers may be equipped with sensing devices to measure water quality. These sensing devices can be configured in a variety of configurations to measure various indicators, such as turbidity, pH, residual chlorine, total dissolved solids (TDS), and dissolved oxygen.

[0006] For example, in the case of a sensing device that measures TDS values, a sensing electrode immersed in water can measure the frequency of the current and convert it to measure the TDS value.

[0007] However, even for the same water, the measured current frequency can vary depending on temperature. Therefore, by measuring both water temperature and current frequency simultaneously, the current frequency can be compensated for, resulting in a TDS value with reduced error.

[0008] However, even with corrected measurements, errors can still occur. Water purifiers can cool or heat water, resulting in a temperature range of approximately 5°C to 90°C.

[0009] Measuring TDS values ​​across such a wide temperature range can be problematic due to temperature-related errors, making it difficult to obtain accurate TDS values. Even with temperature correction, errors can still occur.

[0010] Therefore, to obtain an accurate TDS value, it is necessary to measure the TDS value at a temperature that reduces the error and increases reliability. This temperature is room temperature or close to room temperature. This is because the correlation between the TDS value and the current frequency used to derive the TDS value is established at the set temperature of room temperature.

[0011] Of course, room temperature refers to the temperature surrounding the water purifier, and thus can vary somewhat depending on the surrounding conditions. Therefore, it is necessary to develop a water purifier with a structure capable of measuring TDS values ​​in a temperature range close to room temperature, thereby reducing errors and obtaining highly reliable TDS values, as well as a control method for such a water purifier.

[0012] Related technology is disclosed in Korean registered patent No. 10-2449624.

[0013] The purpose of the present invention is to provide a water purifier having a structure capable of obtaining accurate indicator values ​​by avoiding errors in measured water quality indicator values ​​due to temperature differences in water discharged at a temperature other than room temperature, and a control method thereof.

[0014] In addition, an object of the present invention is to provide a water purifier having a structure capable of obtaining an accurate indicator value of water quality when cold water is discharged, and a control method thereof.

[0015] In addition, an object of the present invention is to provide a water purifier having a structure capable of obtaining an accurate indicator value of water quality when cold water is discharged, and a control method thereof.

[0016] The objectives of the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above. Other objectives and advantages of the present invention not mentioned above can be understood through the following description and will be more clearly understood through the embodiments of the present invention. Furthermore, it will be readily apparent that the objectives and advantages of the present invention can be realized by the means and combinations thereof set forth in the claims.

[0017] One embodiment of a water purifier may be configured to discharge room temperature water, cold water, or hot water. The water purifier may include a hot water module for heating water; a cold water module for cooling water; a sensing device positioned in a flow path through which water discharged from the hot water module and the cold water module flows; and a water discharge port connected to the sensing device and through which water is discharged.

[0018] When hot or cold water is discharged and the temperature of the sensing device differs from the measurement reference temperature, the water purifier adjusts the sensing device to a temperature similar to the measurement reference temperature, and then measures the water quality.

[0019] When hot water is discharged from the outlet of the water purifier, after the discharge of hot water is completed and a set minimum waiting time has elapsed, water at room temperature flows to the sensing device to make the temperature of the measuring point of the sensing device a first set temperature, and when the first set temperature is reached, the sensing device can measure the water quality.

[0020] In addition, when cold water is discharged from the outlet, the water purifier closes the flow path of the sensing device until the temperature of the measuring point of the sensing device reaches the second set temperature after the minimum waiting time has elapsed after the discharge of the cold water is completed, and when the second set temperature is reached, the sensing device can measure the water quality.

[0021] The control method of the water purifier can measure the water quality using a sensing device after the discharge of hot or cold water from the outlet is completed.

[0022] A control method for a water purifier according to one embodiment may include a step of completing the discharge of hot water when hot water is discharged; a step of checking the elapse of a set minimum waiting time after the discharge of hot water is completed; a step of flowing water at room temperature to a sensing device; a step of checking whether the temperature of a measurement point of the sensing device reaches a first set temperature; and a step of measuring the water quality by the sensing device.

[0023] A control method for a water purifier according to another embodiment may include: a step of completing the discharge of cold water when cold water is discharged; a step of confirming the elapse of a set minimum waiting time after the discharge of cold water is completed; a step of closing a flow path of a sensing device; a step of confirming whether the temperature of a measurement point of the sensing device reaches a second set temperature; and a step of measuring the water quality by the sensing device.

[0024] In a water purifier and a control method thereof according to the present invention, when hot or cold water is discharged from the water purifier and an error may occur in the measured value of water quality due to a difference between the measurement reference temperature and the actual water temperature, the sensing device can be adjusted to a room temperature identical to or similar to the measurement reference temperature to measure the water quality. Accordingly, an error resulting from the temperature difference can be overcome and an accurate measured value can be obtained.

[0025] Furthermore, in the water purifier and control method according to the present invention, the sensing device, which becomes heated when hot water is discharged and reaches a temperature higher than the measurement reference temperature, can be rapidly cooled using room temperature water. Accordingly, the cooling device quickly recovers to a temperature equal to or similar to the measurement reference temperature, enabling accurate water quality measurements to be obtained quickly.

[0026] In addition, in the water purifier and its control method according to the present invention, when cold water is discharged, the passage of the sensing device that is cooled to a temperature lower than the measurement reference temperature can be closed to allow the temperature of the sensing device to naturally rise.

[0027] Accordingly, the cooling device can be restored to a temperature equal to or similar to the measurement reference temperature to obtain accurate water quality measurement values, and energy can be saved because the sensing device is not forcibly heated to increase the temperature.

[0028] In addition to the effects described above, specific effects of the present invention are described below while explaining specific details for carrying out the invention.

[0029] Figure 1 is a schematic drawing of a water purifier according to one embodiment.

[0030] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing a sensing device according to one embodiment.

[0031] Fig. 3 is a drawing for explaining the structure of a water purifier according to one embodiment.

[0032] Fig. 4 is a drawing for explaining the operation of a water purifier according to one embodiment.

[0033] Figure 5 is a flowchart for explaining a control method of a water purifier when hot water is discharged from a water outlet.

[0034] Figure 6 is a flowchart for explaining a control method of a water purifier when cold water is discharged from a water outlet.

[0035] The above-described objects, features, and advantages will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, so that those skilled in the art can easily practice the technical idea of ​​the present invention. In describing the present invention, if it is determined that a detailed description of known technologies related to the present invention may unnecessarily obscure the gist of the present invention, a detailed description thereof will be omitted. Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, the same reference numerals are used to indicate the same or similar components.

[0036] Although terms like "first" and "second" are used to describe various components, these components are not limited by these terms. These terms are used merely to distinguish one component from another, and unless otherwise specified, a "first" component may also be a "second" component.

[0037] Throughout the specification, unless otherwise specifically stated, each element may be singular or plural.

[0038] As used herein, singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. In this application, terms such as "consisting of" or "comprising" should not necessarily be construed to include all of the components or steps described in the specification, and should be construed to mean that some of the components or steps may not be included, or that additional components or steps may be included.

[0039] Throughout the specification, when we refer to "A and / or B", this means A, B, or A and B, unless otherwise stated, and when we refer to "C through D", this means C or more and D or less, unless otherwise stated.

[0040] Throughout this specification, "upward / downward" refers to the vertical direction of the water purifier when installed for everyday use. "Left / Right" refers to the direction perpendicular to the up / down direction, and "front / backward" refers to the direction perpendicular to both the up / down and left / right directions. "Bilateral" or "lateral" has the same meaning as left / right, and these terms may be used interchangeably throughout this specification.

[0041] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a water purifier according to one embodiment. The water purifier according to one embodiment is installed in an indoor kitchen and can filter and provide hot or cold water to the user as needed.

[0042] A water purifier may include a main body (10) and a water outlet (20). The water outlet (20) may be positioned so that it is exposed to the outside at the top of a sink (50) installed in a kitchen so that the user can conveniently use it. Other components, such as the main body (10), may be positioned so that they are not exposed to the outside in the space below the sink (50) for aesthetic reasons.

[0043] The main body (10) is connected to a water supply pipe (61) and can receive raw water from the water supply pipe (61). In addition, the main body (10) is connected to a sewage pipe (62), and water stored in the main body (10) or water flowing into the main body (10) from the drain part (30) can be drained to the outside of the water purifier and discharged into the sewage pipe (62).

[0044] The main body (10) may be equipped with a filter unit (11) for filtering raw water, a hot water module (12) for heating the filtered water, a cold water module (13) for cooling the filtered water, a control board for implementing a control unit for controlling the operation of the water purifier, and other components necessary for the operation of the water purifier.

[0045] The outlet (20) is connected to the main body (10) by a pipe and can discharge water required by the user. The water discharged from the outlet (20) can include, for example, drinking water for the user to consume or washing water for the user to use to wash food, dishes, and other items.

[0046] Therefore, drinking water can be raw water filtered to a level suitable for drinking and heated or cooled as needed. Washing water can be room temperature water filtered and sterilized to wash dishes, food, etc. The degree of filtration and sterilization of drinking water and washing water may differ.

[0047] Since drinking water and washing water are qualitatively different water and cannot mix, drinking water and washing water can flow along separate channels.

[0048] The outlet (20) is provided so that the flow paths of drinking water and washing water are separated, and a drinking outlet (21) through which drinking water is discharged and a washing outlet (22) through which washing water is discharged can be provided, respectively.

[0049] For example, washing water can flow through a pipe directly connected to the main body (10) and the outlet (20) and be discharged from the outlet (20). On the other hand, drinking water needs to be more thoroughly managed because it is consumed by the user.

[0050] Accordingly, drinking water discharged from the main body (10) can be discharged from the outlet (20) through the detection unit (40) and drain unit (30) described later, which are connected by a pipe between the main body (10) and the outlet (20).

[0051] In addition, the water purifier may include a drain section (30) and a detection section (40). The drain section (30) may be connected to the main body (10) and the water outlet (20) via a pipe. The detection section (40) may be connected to the main body (10) and the drain section (30) via a pipe, and may detect the water quality.

[0052] The detection unit (40) and the drain unit (30) can be placed between the main body (10) and the outlet (20) in a path through which drinking water flows, and the detection unit (40) can be directly connected to the main body (10) so that drinking water discharged from the main body (10) can flow into the detection unit (40). Meanwhile, the drain unit (30) can be directly connected to the outlet (20) and can be directly connected to the main body (10).

[0053] Water flowing into the drain section (30) can optionally flow to the outlet section (20) or the main body (10). If the water flowing into the drain section (30) is for consumption by the user, it can flow through the drain section (30) to the outlet section (20).

[0054] On the other hand, if the water flowing into the drain section (30) is not suitable for the user to drink, it may flow from the drain section (30) to the main body (10) and be drained from the main body (10) to the sewer pipe (62). For this operation, the drain section (30) may be equipped with a switching valve that controls the direction of water flow.

[0055] The flow of water in a water purifier is, for example, as follows. Raw water from a water pipe (61) can pass through a detection unit (40) and then flow back into the main body (10). Washing water formed by sterilizing and filtering the raw water in the main body (10) can flow directly to the water outlet (20) and be discharged from the washing water outlet (22) of the water outlet (20).

[0056] Meanwhile, the drinking water formed by filtering raw water in the main body (10) and heating or cooling it as needed can flow back into the detection unit (40), pass through the detection unit (40) and the drain unit (30), and be discharged from the drinking water outlet (21) of the outlet unit (20). Of course, if needed, the drinking water can also flow back into the main body (10) from the drain unit (30) and be drained into the sewer pipe (62).

[0057] In the case of drinking water, the detection unit (40) can be repeatedly passed through for thorough water quality management. That is, the water quality of the raw water can be measured by the detection unit (40) as it passes through the detection unit (40) in the raw water state, and the water quality of the drinking water can be measured by the detection unit (40) as it passes through the detection unit (40) again in the drinking water state.

[0058] The sensing unit (40) can measure the water quality of raw water and drinking water. For example, the sensing unit (40) can include at least one of a turbidity sensor, an ion sensor, a chlorine sensor, a TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) sensor, and a BOD (Biochemical Oxygen Demand) sensor.

[0059] The detection unit (40) can measure at least one of the indicator values ​​of the incoming water, such as turbidity, pH, residual chlorine, TDS, and dissolved oxygen.

[0060] Accordingly, the detection unit (40) may be equipped with a number of various sensors that measure different indicator values. A sensing device (41) according to an embodiment may be placed in the detection unit (40), and the sensing device (41) may measure various indicator values ​​if the type of sensor changes.

[0061] However, in the following description, a sensing device (41) including a TDS sensor that senses the amount of total dissolved solids (TDS) contained in water is specifically described. The sensing unit (40) may be equipped with various sensors that measure indicator values ​​other than the TDS value in addition to the sensing device (41) according to the embodiment.

[0062] Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram of a sensing device (41) according to one embodiment. The sensing device (41) is provided in the detection unit (40) and is positioned in a water-flowing path to measure the temperature and quality of the water. The water quality can be measured, for example, as a TDS value.

[0063] The water purifier of the embodiment can measure temperature to accurately measure TDS values, taking into account the characteristics of TDS values ​​that change with temperature. This is because it can accurately measure TDS values ​​by measuring the water temperature and reflecting the water temperature.

[0064] It's best to place water quality and temperature measurement points as close together as possible, but separately. Because water temperature can change with location in the flow path, if the water quality and temperature measurement points are too far apart, accurate temperature measurements at the water quality measurement point will be impossible.

[0065] Therefore, to satisfy this structure, it is appropriate to have a means for measuring temperature and water quality integrated into a single sensing device (41). The specific structure of this sensing device (41) is as follows.

[0066] The sensing device (41) may include a body (100), a temperature sensing unit (300), and a water quality sensing unit (200). The body (100) may be connected to an external pipe through which water flows, and a space through which water flows may be formed. The sensing portions of the temperature sensing unit (300) and the water quality sensing unit (200) may be arranged in the longitudinal direction of the body (100), i.e., in a direction intersecting the direction of water flow.

[0067] The temperature sensing unit (300) is placed in the body (100) and can measure the temperature of water. The sensing portion of the temperature sensing unit (300) can be immersed in water in a passage formed inside the body (100).

[0068] The water quality sensing unit (200) is arranged separately from the temperature sensing unit (300) in the body (100) and can measure the water quality. Similarly, the sensing portion of the water quality sensing unit (200) can be immersed in water in a passage formed inside the body (100).

[0069] The water quality sensing unit (200) includes a TDS sensor that senses the amount of total dissolved solids (TDS) contained in water, and the measured value for water quality may be a TDS value.

[0070] In the sensing device (41), the temperature sensing unit (300) and the water quality sensing unit (200) are separated from each other, but are provided as an integral part of the sensing device (41), and the temperature measurement point and the water quality measurement point can be arranged close to each other. Therefore, the temperature and TDS value of the water can be measured at positions close enough to ignore errors, so that an accurate TDS value according to the temperature can be reflected in the operation of the water purifier described later.

[0071] Since temperature measurement points and water quality measurement points can be considered to be essentially the same, below, temperature measurement points and water quality measurement points can be referred to as measurement points without distinction.

[0072] Fig. 3 is a drawing for explaining the structure of a water purifier according to one embodiment. The water purifier may include a filter unit (11), a hot water module (12), a cold water module (13), and a first switching valve (14) arranged in a main body (10) as devices related to the flow of water. As illustrated in Fig. 3, each device may be connected to each other in series or in parallel through pipes.

[0073] At this time, the sensing device (41) is placed downstream of the hot water module (12) and the cold water module (13), and is placed in the flow path through which water discharged from the hot water module (12) and the cold water module (13) flows, so that the temperature and quality of the water can be measured.

[0074] The raw water can be filtered and become room temperature water by passing through the filter unit (11). The hot water module (12) and the cold water module (13) can be arranged in parallel between the filter unit (11) and the sensing device (41).

[0075] The hot water module (12) can heat water and turn it into hot water. For example, the hot water module (12) can be equipped with an electric heating device and receive electricity from an external source to heat flowing water.

[0076] The cold water module (13) can cool water and change it into cold water. The cold water module (13) can cool water using a refrigeration cycle method using a refrigerant or a cooling method using a thermoelectric element. Water passing through the hot water module (12) or cold water module (13) flows into a sensing device (41), and the sensing device (41) can measure the temperature and quality of the water.

[0077] The first switching valve (14) can be placed between the filter unit (11) and the hot water module (12) and the cold water module (13). The first switching valve (14) can change the direction of water flow to the hot water module (12) or the cold water module (13) by operating according to a command from a control unit that controls the operation of the water purifier.

[0078] Meanwhile, the water outlet (20) is connected to the sensing device (41) and can discharge water. The water outlet (20) can discharge room temperature water, hot water, or cold water. For example, if the first switching valve (14) operates and water passes through the hot water module (12), but the hot water module (12) does not operate, unheated room temperature water can be discharged through the water outlet (20).

[0079] Additionally, the water purifier may include a second switching valve (31). The second switching valve (31) may be placed in the drain section (30). The second switching valve (31) may operate according to a command from the control section to change the direction of water flow to the water outlet (20) or outside the water purifier.

[0080] Accordingly, water that the user drinks is discharged through the outlet (20), and water that the user cannot drink or that is not used for drinking can be drained directly to the outside through the drain (30).

[0081] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the operation of a water purifier according to one embodiment. The TDS value may vary depending on the temperature. The TDS value measured by the water quality sensing unit (200) is the value at the set temperature of room temperature. Therefore, if the water temperature is not at the set temperature, an error may occur in the measured TDS value. Here, the set temperature of room temperature may be, for example, 25°C. Hereinafter, the set temperature of room temperature may also be referred to as the "measurement reference temperature."

[0082] The water passing through the sensing device (41) due to the operation of the hot water module (12) or cold water module (13) may be lower or higher than the set temperature of room temperature, so the measured TDS value may have an error.

[0083] In order to reduce these errors, it is necessary to adjust the temperature inside the sensing device (41) and the temperature of the water quality measurement point to the measurement reference temperature or to a similar temperature.

[0084] After hot or cold water flows inside the sensing device (41), the temperature of the measuring point may not be the measurement reference temperature due to heat transfer between the hot or cold water remaining in the sensing device (41) and the wall of the heated or cooled sensing device (41).

[0085] Therefore, in the water purifier of the embodiment, in order to reduce errors in the TDS value due to cooling or heating after hot or cold water flows inside the sensing device (41), an environment can be created so that the temperature of the measuring point becomes the measurement reference temperature or a temperature similar thereto. This will be described in detail below.

[0086] First, when water at room temperature that is not heated or cooled is discharged from the outlet (20), the temperature of the measuring point in the sensing device (41) becomes the measurement reference temperature or a similar temperature, so an accurate TDS value can be obtained, and the TDS value can be measured without a separate process or action.

[0087] When hot or cold water is discharged from the outlet (20), the operation of the water purifier described below is required to set the sensing device (41) to the measurement reference temperature or a temperature similar thereto. However, it is appropriate not to perform this operation of the water purifier while the user continues to use the water purifier, so as not to cause inconvenience to the user.

[0088] If the user does not use the water purifier for a set minimum standby time, it can be expected that the user will not use the water purifier for a relatively long period of time thereafter. The temperature of the sensing device (41) can be adjusted to measure water quality during this time.

[0089] The minimum waiting time may be, for example, 2 minutes from the time when hot or cold water is discharged from the outlet (20), but is not limited thereto and may be selected as another appropriate time.

[0090] Since there is a difference in the temperature control method of the sensing device (41) when hot water is discharged from the outlet (20) and when cold water is set, these will be explained separately.

[0091] First, there is the case where hot water is discharged from the outlet (20). When hot water is discharged from the outlet (20), the temperature at the water quality measurement point in the sensing device (41) may be higher than the measurement reference temperature. In this case, the sensing device (41) may be cooled to the measurement reference temperature or a similar temperature.

[0092] When hot water is discharged from the outlet (20), after the discharge of hot water is completed and the set minimum waiting time has elapsed, water at room temperature can be made to flow to the sensing device (41) so that the temperature of the measuring point of the sensing device (41) can be made the first set temperature.

[0093] When hot water is discharged, the sensing device (41) and the pipe connected thereto may be placed in an atmosphere at a temperature higher than the measurement reference temperature. Therefore, the sensing device (41) may be cooled by flowing room temperature water into the sensing device (41). Of course, room temperature water is water that has not been heated or cooled.

[0094] The first set temperature is a temperature that ensures the reliability of the measured TDS value by ensuring that there is no or little error due to the measurement temperature. When the temperature of the measurement point of the sensing device (41) reaches the first set temperature, the sensing device (41) can measure the water quality, i.e., the TDS value.

[0095] In an embodiment, a sensing device (41) that is heated when hot water is discharged and reaches a temperature higher than the measurement reference temperature can be rapidly cooled using room temperature water. Accordingly, the cooling device quickly recovers to a temperature equal to or similar to the measurement reference temperature, enabling accurate water quality measurement values ​​to be quickly obtained.

[0096] When cold water is discharged from the outlet (20), the temperature of the water quality measurement point in the sensing device (41) may be lower than the measurement reference temperature. In this case, the temperature of the sensing device (41) may be increased to become the measurement reference temperature or a similar temperature.

[0097] When cold water is discharged from the outlet (20), the flow path of the sensing device (41) can be closed until the temperature of the measuring point of the sensing device (41) reaches the second set temperature after the minimum waiting time has elapsed after the discharge of the cold water is completed.

[0098] When cold water is discharged, the sensing device (41) and the pipe connected thereto may be placed in an atmosphere with a temperature lower than the measurement reference temperature. Therefore, it is necessary to increase the temperature of the sensing device (41).

[0099] When hot water is discharged, the temperature of the sensing device (41) may be much higher than room temperature, for example, 80°C or higher. Therefore, when hot water is discharged, it is appropriate to flow room temperature water to the sensing device (41) for cooling.

[0100] However, when cold water is discharged, the temperature of the sensing device (41) is relatively small, for example, 5°C or more, and has a difference from room temperature. Therefore, there is no need to flow room temperature water to raise the temperature of the sensing device (41), but it is appropriate, considering energy saving and convenience of use, to leave the cooled water as is without flowing it so that the temperature of the sensing device (41) naturally rises through heat transfer with the surroundings.

[0101] Therefore, after the discharge of cold water, the control unit can operate the first switching valve (14) and / or the second switching valve (31) to close the flow path of the sensing device (41) and wait until the temperature of the sensing device (41) reaches the second set temperature.

[0102] As with the first set temperature, the second set temperature is a temperature that ensures the reliability of the measured TDS value by ensuring that there is no or little error due to the measurement temperature. When the temperature of the measurement point of the sensing device (41) reaches the second set temperature, the sensing device (41) can measure the water quality, i.e., the TDS value.

[0103] When cold water is discharged, the passage of the sensing device (41) that is cooled and becomes lower than the measurement reference temperature can be closed to allow the temperature of the sensing device (41) to naturally rise. Accordingly, the cooling device can be restored to a temperature equal to or similar to the measurement reference temperature, thereby obtaining an accurate water quality measurement value. In addition, energy can be saved because the sensing device (41) is not forcibly heated to increase the temperature.

[0104] In one embodiment, the first set temperature and the second set temperature may be the same, and the first set temperature and the second set temperature may be set to a measurement reference temperature, for example, 25°C. In this case, there is no error in the TDS value due to the difference between the temperature of the measurement point and the measurement reference temperature, so an accurate TDS value can be measured.

[0105] However, in these cases, it can take considerable time to reach the reference temperature. Furthermore, since the temperature is the room temperature of the location where the water purifier is installed, this temperature can vary depending on the environment and season.

[0106] Therefore, the first set temperature and the second set temperature may not reach the measurement reference temperature. For example, if the measurement reference temperature is 25°C, but the ambient temperature around the water purifier is 22°C, 28°C, etc., the first set temperature and the second set temperature cannot reach the measurement reference temperature.

[0107] Taking this into account, in another embodiment, the first set temperature may be provided to be higher than the second set temperature. Additionally, the first set temperature may be higher than the measurement reference temperature, and the second set temperature may be lower than the measurement reference temperature.

[0108] For example, if the measurement reference temperature is 25°C, the first set temperature can be set to 30°C and the second set temperature can be set to 20°C. Although the first and second set temperatures are somewhat different from the measurement reference temperature, the temperature difference is small, so the error in the TDS value due to the temperature difference can be ignored.

[0109] Meanwhile, in another embodiment, the first set temperature may be set higher than 30°C, and the second set temperature may be set lower than 20°C. In this case, the error in the TDS value due to the temperature difference may be greater, but on the other hand, there is an advantage in that the TDS value can be measured quickly.

[0110] In an embodiment, when hot or cold water is discharged from a water purifier and an error may occur in the measured value of water quality due to a difference between the measurement reference temperature and the actual water temperature, the sensing device (41) can be adjusted to a room temperature that is the same as or similar to the measurement reference temperature to measure the water quality. Accordingly, an error resulting from the temperature difference can be overcome and an accurate measured value can be obtained.

[0111] As described above, the water purifier may include a drain portion (30) disposed between the sensing device (41) and the water outlet (20) and draining water to the outside. When hot water is discharged, room temperature water flowing through the sensing device (41) for cooling may be drained to the outside through the drain portion (30).

[0112] After the discharge of hot water from the outlet (20) is completed, the water at room temperature flowing into the sensing device (41) after the minimum waiting time has elapsed can be introduced into the drain portion (30) and drained to the outside.

[0113] The water flowing to cool the sensing device (41) after the minimum waiting time has elapsed is not for the user to drink and the user does not want it, so it is appropriate for the water flowing through the sensing device (41) during the cooling time to be drained to the outside.

[0114] When the temperature of the measuring point of the sensing device (41) reaches the first set temperature after the discharge of hot water from the outlet (20) is completed, the sensing device (41) can measure the water quality while the water at room temperature flows through the sensing device (41) and is drained to the outside through the drain part (30).

[0115] After the sensing device (41) has cooled to the first set temperature, it is necessary to allow room temperature water to flow into the sensing device (41) while measuring water quality. At this time, flowing water into the sensing device (41) to measure water quality is not intended for drinking by the user, and the user does not want this. Therefore, even at this time, the water can be drained to the outside through the drain unit (30).

[0116] Meanwhile, when cold water is discharged, the sensing device (41) is closed, so after the second set temperature is reached, it is necessary to flow room temperature water to the sensing device (41) to measure water quality.

[0117] Accordingly, when the temperature of the measuring point of the sensing device (41) reaches the second set temperature after the discharge of cold water from the outlet (20) is completed, the sensing device (41) can measure the water quality while the water at room temperature flows through the sensing device (41) and is drained to the outside through the drain part (30).

[0118] When measuring the water quality after hot or cold water is discharged and the temperature of the sensing device (41) has recovered to a temperature equal to or similar to the measurement reference temperature as described above, it is necessary to allow the sensing device (41) to flow at room temperature without heating or cooling the water again.

[0119] Accordingly, in this case, the water purifier can stop the operation of the hot water module (12) and the cold water module (13) while the sensing device (41) measures the water quality.

[0120] Next, a method for controlling a water purifier that measures water quality using a sensing device (41) after discharging hot or cold water from a water outlet (20) is described. Duplicate explanations of the previously described method for controlling a water purifier may be omitted. Control of a water purifier may be implemented by the control unit provided in the water purifier.

[0121] Fig. 5 is a flowchart for explaining a control method of a water purifier when hot water is discharged from a water outlet (20). Fig. 5 presents a control method of a water purifier for obtaining accurate water quality measurements when hot water is discharged from a water purifier.

[0122] When hot water is discharged, the water purifier can complete the discharge of hot water (S110). This can be done by the user operating the water purifier. The same applies to the discharge of cold water, described below.

[0123] The control unit can check whether the set minimum waiting time has elapsed after the discharge of hot water is completed (S120). When the minimum waiting time has elapsed, the control unit can cool the heating device by flowing room temperature water to the sensing device (41) (S130) so that the heated sensing device (41) has a temperature equal to or similar to the measurement reference temperature.

[0124] The control unit can check whether the temperature of the measurement point of the sensing device (41) has reached the first set temperature (S140). When the sensing device (41) reaches the first set temperature, the sensing device (41) can measure the water quality (S150).

[0125] The water purifier may include a drain portion (30) that is placed between the sensing device (41) and the water outlet (20) and drains water to the outside.

[0126] After the discharge of hot water from the outlet (20) is completed, the water at room temperature flowing into the sensing device (41) after the minimum waiting time has elapsed can be introduced into the drain portion (30) and drained to the outside.

[0127] When the temperature of the measuring point of the sensing device (41) reaches the first set temperature after the discharge of hot water from the outlet (20) is completed, the sensing device (41) can measure the water quality while the water at room temperature flows through the sensing device (41) and is drained to the outside through the drain part (30).

[0128] Through the process described above, when hot water is discharged, water at room temperature is allowed to flow through the sensing device (41) to make the temperature of the measuring point of the sensing device (41) the same as or similar to the measurement reference temperature, and then the water quality is measured to obtain an accurate measurement value.

[0129] Fig. 6 is a flowchart for explaining a control method of a water purifier when cold water is discharged from a water outlet (20). Fig. 6 presents a control method of a water purifier for obtaining accurate water quality measurements when cold water is discharged from a water purifier.

[0130] When cold water is discharged, the water purifier can complete the discharge of cold water (S210). The control unit can check the elapse of the set minimum waiting time after the discharge of cold water is completed (S220).

[0131] When the minimum waiting time has elapsed, the control unit can operate the first switching valve (14) and / or the second switching valve (31) to close the flow path of the sensing device (41) (S230). The control unit can check whether the temperature of the measurement point of the sensing device (41) has reached the second set temperature (S240).

[0132] When the second set temperature is reached, the control unit can operate the first switching valve (14) and / or the second switching valve (31) again to allow water at room temperature to flow to the sensing device (41) (S241). The sensing device (41) can measure the water quality while the water at room temperature is flowing (S250).

[0133] In the case where cold water is discharged, when the temperature of the measuring point of the sensing device (41) reaches the second set temperature after the discharge of cold water from the discharge port (20) is completed, the sensing device (41) can measure the water quality while the water at room temperature flows through the sensing device (41) and is drained to the outside through the drain port (30).

[0134] Through the process described above, when cold water is discharged, the temperature of the sensing device (41) is naturally increased to make the temperature of the measuring point of the sensing device (41) the same as or similar to the measurement reference temperature, and then the water quality is measured to obtain an accurate measurement value.

[0135] Although the present invention has been described with reference to the drawings exemplified above, it is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments and drawings disclosed herein, and that various modifications may be made by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technical idea of ​​the present invention. Furthermore, even if the operational effects according to the configuration of the present invention have not been explicitly described while describing the embodiments of the present invention, it is natural that the effects predictable by the corresponding configuration should also be acknowledged.

Claims

1. Hot water module for heating water; A chilled water module that cools water; A sensing device placed in a path through which water discharged from the hot water module and the cold water module flows; and A water outlet connected to the above sensing device and through which water is discharged Including, When hot water is discharged from the above-mentioned outlet, after the discharge of hot water is completed, the set minimum waiting time has elapsed, and then water at room temperature is flowed to the sensing device to make the temperature of the measuring point of the sensing device the first set temperature, and when the first set temperature is reached, the sensing device measures the water quality. water purifier.

2. In paragraph 1, When cold water is discharged from the above-mentioned outlet, after the discharge of cold water is completed, the flow path of the sensing device is closed until the temperature of the measuring point of the sensing device reaches the second set temperature after the minimum waiting time has elapsed, and when the second set temperature is reached, the sensing device measures the water quality. water purifier.

3. In paragraph 2, The above sensing device, A body connected to an external pipe through which water flows and in which a space through which water flows is formed; A temperature sensing unit disposed on the above body and measuring the temperature of water; and A water quality sensing unit that is arranged separately from the temperature sensing unit in the above body and measures the water quality Including, water purifier.

4. In paragraph 3, The above water quality sensing unit includes a TDS sensor that senses the amount of total dissolved solids (TDS) contained in water. The measurement value for water quality is the TDS value. water purifier.

5. In paragraph 2, The above first set temperature and the above second set temperature are the same. water purifier.

6. In paragraph 2, The above first set temperature is higher than the above second set temperature. water purifier.

7. In paragraph 2, A drain part is disposed between the sensing device and the water outlet and drains water to the outside. After the discharge of hot water from the above outlet is completed, the room temperature water flowing in the sensing device after the minimum waiting time has elapsed flows into the drain portion and is drained to the outside. water purifier.

8. In paragraph 7, After the discharge of hot water from the above-mentioned outlet is completed, when the temperature of the measuring point of the above-mentioned sensing device reaches the first set temperature, the above-mentioned sensing device measures the water quality while the water at room temperature flows through the above-mentioned sensing device and is drained to the outside through the above-mentioned drain portion. water purifier.

9. In paragraph 7, After the discharge of cold water from the above discharge port is completed, when the temperature of the measuring point of the above sensing device reaches the second set temperature, the above sensing device measures the water quality while the water at room temperature flows through the above sensing device and is drained to the outside through the above drain port. water purifier.

10. In paragraph 2, The above sensing device stops the operation of the hot water module and the cold water module while measuring the water quality. water purifier.

11. A control method for a water purifier that measures water quality using a sensing device after completion of discharging hot or cold water from a water outlet, A step for completing the discharge of hot water when hot water is discharged; A step for checking the elapse of the set minimum waiting time after the discharge of hot water is completed; A step of flowing room temperature water through the above sensing device; A step of checking whether the temperature of the measuring point of the above sensing device has reached the first set temperature; and The step of measuring the water quality by the above sensing device Including, Control method of water purifier.

12. In paragraph 11, A step for completing the discharge of cold water when cold water is discharged; A step for checking the elapse of the set minimum waiting time after the discharge of cold water is completed; A step of closing the flow path of the above sensing device; A step of checking whether the temperature of the measuring point of the above sensing device has reached the second set temperature; and The step of measuring the water quality by the above sensing device Including, Control method of water purifier.

13. In paragraph 11, A drain part is disposed between the sensing device and the water outlet and drains water to the outside. After the discharge of hot water from the above outlet is completed, the room temperature water flowing in the sensing device after the minimum waiting time has elapsed flows into the drain portion and is drained to the outside. Control method of water purifier.

14. In paragraph 13, After the discharge of hot water from the above-mentioned outlet is completed, when the temperature of the measuring point of the above-mentioned sensing device reaches the first set temperature, the above-mentioned sensing device measures the water quality while the water at room temperature flows through the above-mentioned sensing device and is drained to the outside through the above-mentioned drain portion. Control method of water purifier.

15. In paragraph 12, A drain part is disposed between the sensing device and the water outlet and drains water to the outside. After the discharge of cold water from the above discharge port is completed, when the temperature of the measuring point of the above sensing device reaches the second set temperature, the above sensing device measures the water quality while the water at room temperature flows through the above sensing device and is drained to the outside through the above drain port. Control method of water purifier.

Images