KR100973711B1 - Digital tap device - Google Patents

Abstract

Disclosed is a digital water supply device including a touch screen to provide a user with a beautiful appearance. The digital water supply device includes a faucet, a water temperature and flow rate data input unit, a water supply device driver, and a controller. The faucet provides the user with tap water. The water temperature and flow rate data input unit receives the water temperature input data and the flow rate input data from the user. The tap water drive unit regulates the water temperature and flow rate of the tap water. The control unit controls the water supply device driver such that the tap water has a water temperature corresponding to the water temperature input data and a flow rate corresponding to the flow rate input data. Through the touch screen, the water temperature and the quantity per unit time can be automatically adjusted at the same time, and a beautiful appearance can be provided.

Tap, touch screen

Description

DIGITAL TAP DEVICE}

The present invention relates to a water supply device, and more particularly, to a digital water supply device capable of automatically adjusting the water temperature and the quantity per unit time based on input data.

In general, the water supply is mounted in a sink, a bath, a sink or the like and provides the user with tap water. The water supply apparatus includes a faucet for adjusting the strength of cold water and / or hot water. Faucets include single handle faucets, double handle faucets, and single lever faucets, depending on the handle.

1 is a view showing a conventional single handle faucet.

Referring to FIG. 1, the single handle faucet 100 includes a handle 110 and a washer 120. The user may rotate the knob 110 in a counterclockwise direction so that the tap water is supplied from the single handle faucet 100 or the knob 110 may be rotated in the clockwise direction so that the tap water is not supplied. That is, when the knob 110 rotates in the counterclockwise direction, the washer 120 is raised to supply tap water, and when the knob 110 is rotated in the clockwise direction, the washer 120 is lowered to block the supply of tap water. Since the water supply device including the single handle faucet 100 can supply only one of hot water and cold water, its frequency of use is currently decreasing.

2 is a view showing a conventional double handle faucet.

Referring to FIG. 2, the double handle faucet 200 includes a hot water handle 210 and a cold water handle 220. The user may rotate the hot water knob 210 counterclockwise to allow hot water to be supplied from the double handle faucet 200, and rotate the cold water handle 220 counterclockwise from the double handle faucet 200. Cold water can be supplied. In addition, the user can block the hot water supply from the double handle faucet 200 by rotating the hot water handle 210 in the clockwise direction, and can block the cold water supply by rotating the cold water handle 220 in the clockwise direction. The water supply device including the double handle faucet 200 has a inconvenience to rotate the handle to open and close, and adjust the handle until the temperature of the mixed water of hot and cold water is the appropriate temperature to check the water temperature There is an inconvenience, and even if the water temperature is adjusted, there is a problem that the temperature and strength of the tap water must be adjusted again if the intensity of the water is not desired.

3 is an exploded perspective view showing a conventional single lever faucet.

Referring to FIG. 3, the single lever faucet 300 includes a handle 310, a fastening bolt 320, a cartridge 330, and a body 340. The handle 310 is movable up, down, left, and right, and the mixed water of hot and cold water is supplied or blocked when moved up and down, and the ratio of hot and cold water is adjusted when moving to the left and right. The upper portion of the cartridge 330 is accommodated in a circular hole formed in the fastening bolt 320, and the screw part formed on the outer surface of the fastening bolt 320 is coupled to the screw part formed in the main body 340 to be fixed to the main body 340. do. In addition, the handle 310 is fixed to the upper outer surface of the fastening bolt 320 is coupled to the handle 310 and the main body 340. The single lever faucet 300, similar to the double handle faucet 200, there is an inconvenience to check the water temperature by adjusting the handle until the temperature of the mixed water of hot and cold water is a proper temperature, When the strength or temperature of hot water delivered from a water supply facility such as a boiler is changed rapidly, the temperature of the discharged water is also changed suddenly, causing a sudden cold or hot water discharge.

As described above, the single handle faucet 100, the double handle faucet 200, and the single lever faucet 300 of FIGS. 1 to 3 manually adjust the handle for opening and closing, temperature and strength control of tap water. There is discomfort to be done. In addition, when the manual faucet is placed in an open state due to carelessness of the user, a large amount of water is wasted until someone discovers it, and water flowing down while the user opens and closes the faucet also has a problem. In order to reduce such inconvenience and waste of water, an automatic faucet that automatically opens and closes a faucet using a sensor that detects a human body approaching and leaving near a faucet has appeared.

4 is a perspective view of a conventional automatic faucet.

Referring to FIG. 4, the conventional automatic faucet 400 includes a body 410, a discharge port 420, a temperature control valve 430, and an access detection sensor 440, and includes a hot water pipe 450 and a cold water pipe. 460 is fastened.

The temperature control valve 430 moves in the first direction to adjust the relative amounts of the hot water supplied through the hot water pipe 450 and the cold water supplied through the cold water pipe 460, and the second perpendicular to the first direction. Direction to adjust the amount of mixed water of cold water and hot water whose relative amount is adjusted. The proximity sensor 440 detects the human body approaching the faucet and supplies tap water through the discharge port 420, and detects the departure of the human body to block the tap water supplied through the discharge port 420. As such, the conventional automatic faucet 400 may automatically supply or block the tap water by detecting a human body approaching and leaving near the faucet.

However, even in the case of the conventional automatic faucet 400, there is an inconvenience to manually adjust the temperature control valve 430 in order to adjust the temperature, even if the water temperature is adjusted, the water temperature and There is a problem that the intensity should be adjusted again.

On the other hand, an automatic faucet capable of automatically adjusting the water temperature, including a water temperature input unit, has been developed, but such an automatic faucet cannot automatically adjust the strength of the tap water at the same time, so a separate manual control valve or handle is essential. That is, even in the case of a conventional automatic faucet, it is impossible to automatically adjust the water temperature and the strength of the tap water at the same time, causing inconvenience to the user, and there is a problem in that the manual adjustment valve or the handle is not provided to provide a beautiful appearance.

In order to solve the above problems, the present invention is to provide a digital water supply device that can automatically adjust the water temperature and the quantity per unit time at the same time based on the water temperature input data and the flow rate input data, can provide a beautiful appearance The purpose.

In order to achieve the above object, the digital water supply apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a faucet, a water temperature and flow rate data input unit, a water supply device driver, and a controller.

The faucet is fastened with a hot water pipe into which hot water flows in and a cold water pipe into which cold water flows, and provides the user with mixed water in which the hot water and the cold water are mixed. The water temperature and flow rate data input unit receives water temperature input data and flow rate input data from the user. The water supply device driver adjusts the water temperature and the flow rate of the mixed water. The control unit receives the water temperature input data and the flow rate input data from the water temperature and flow rate data input unit, and the mixed water has a water temperature corresponding to the water temperature input data and has a flow rate corresponding to the flow rate input data. Control the drive. The water temperature and flow rate data input unit may be a touch screen.

In an embodiment, the water temperature and flow rate data input unit may include a flat panel display panel including image pixels displaying an image and touch screen sensors sensing a user's contact, and a voltage corresponding to the image data provided from the controller. A driver integrated circuit configured to provide the flat panel display panel to drive the flat panel display panel to display the image, and to generate the water temperature input data and the flow rate input data from the detected results of the touch screen sensors and provide them to the controller. It may include.

In one embodiment, the water supply unit driving unit may include a hot water control unit for adjusting the flow rate of the hot water and a cold water control unit for adjusting the flow rate of the cold water. The control unit, in order to adjust the water temperature of the mixed water, to control the hot water control unit and the cold water control unit to change the ratio of the flow rate of the hot water and the flow rate of the cold water, to adjust the flow rate of the mixed water, The hot water control unit and the cold water control unit may be controlled to change the magnitude of the flow rate of the hot water and the flow rate of the cold water while maintaining a ratio of the flow rate of the hot water and the flow rate of the cold water. The water supply driving unit may include a DC motor, a step motor, or a servo motor.

The digital water supply apparatus may further include a water temperature and flow rate sensor unit configured to sense the water temperature and the flow rate of the mixed water to provide water temperature sensing data and flow rate sensing data to the controller. The controller may provide the water temperature sensing data and the image data corresponding to the flow rate sensing data to the water temperature and flow rate data input unit, and the water temperature and flow rate data input unit may display an image corresponding to the image data. The control unit, when the water temperature corresponding to the water temperature input data and the water temperature corresponding to the water temperature sensing data are different from each other, controls the water supply device driver to adjust the water temperature of the mixed water, the flow rate corresponding to the flow rate input data When the flow rate corresponding to the flow rate sensing data is different from each other, the water supply device driver may be controlled to adjust the flow rate of the mixed water.

In one embodiment, the water supply device driving unit includes a hot water adjusting unit for adjusting the flow rate of the hot water and a cold water adjusting unit for adjusting the flow rate of the cold water, the control unit, based on the water temperature input data and the water temperature sensing data The hot water adjusting unit and the cold water adjusting unit are controlled to change the ratio of the flow rate of the hot water and the flow rate of the cold water, and the ratio of the flow rate of the hot water and the flow rate of the cold water is based on the flow rate input data and the flow rate sensing data. The hot water control unit and the cold water control unit may be controlled to change the size of the flow rate of the hot water and the flow rate of the cold water while maintaining.

In one embodiment, the water temperature and flow rate sensor unit is mounted to the mixed water pipe flowing the mixed water, the mixed water temperature sensor for generating the water temperature sensing data by sensing the water temperature of the mixed water and the mixed water pipe, It may include a mixed water speed sensor for sensing the flow rate of the mixed water to generate the flow rate sensing data.

In another embodiment, the water temperature and flow rate sensor unit is mounted on the hot water pipe, the hot water temperature sensor for generating a hot water temperature sensing data by sensing the water temperature of the hot water, mounted on the cold water pipe, and sensing the water temperature of the cold water And a cold water temperature sensor configured to generate cold water temperature sensing data, and a mixed water speed sensor configured to generate the flow rate sensing data by sensing a flow rate of the mixed water and sensing the flow rate of the mixed water, wherein the water temperature sensing data includes: The hot water temperature sensing data and the cold water temperature sensing data may be included.

In another embodiment, the water temperature and flow rate sensor unit is mounted to the mixed water pipe flowing the mixed water, the mixed water temperature sensor for generating the water temperature sensing data by sensing the water temperature of the mixed water, is mounted to the hot water pipe, And a hot water speed sensor configured to generate a hot water speed sensing data by sensing a flow rate of the hot water, and a cold water speed sensor mounted on the cold water pipe and generating cold water speed sensing data by sensing the flow rate of the cold water. The hot water speed sensing data and the cold water speed sensing data may be included.

In order to achieve the above object, the digital water supply device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a faucet, a touch screen, a water temperature and flow rate sensor unit, a water supply device driver and a controller.

The faucet is fastened with a hot water pipe into which hot water flows in and a cold water pipe into which cold water flows, and provides the user with mixed water in which the hot water and the cold water are mixed. The touch screen displays water temperature and flow rate of the mixed water and receives water temperature input data and flow rate input data from the user. The water temperature and flow rate sensor unit senses the water temperature and the flow rate of the mixed water. The water supply device driver adjusts the water temperature and the flow rate of the mixed water. The controller receives the water temperature input data and the flow rate input data from the water temperature and flow rate data input unit, and receives the water temperature sensing data and the flow rate sensing data from the water temperature and flow rate sensor unit, and the water temperature input data and the flow rate input data. And controlling the water supply device driving unit such that the mixed water has a water temperature corresponding to the water temperature input data and a flow rate corresponding to the flow rate input data based on the water temperature sensing data and the flow rate sensing data.

In one embodiment, the water supply unit driving unit may include a hot water control unit for adjusting the flow rate of the hot water and a cold water control unit for adjusting the flow rate of the cold water. The controller may control the hot water control unit and the cold water control unit to change a ratio of the flow rate of the hot water and the flow rate of the cold water when the water temperature corresponding to the water temperature input data and the water temperature corresponding to the water temperature sensing data are different. And changing the magnitude of the flow rate of the hot water and the flow rate of the cold water while maintaining a ratio of the flow rate of the hot water and the flow rate of the cold water when the flow rate corresponding to the flow rate input data and the flow rate corresponding to the flow rate sensing data are different from each other. The hot water control unit and the cold water control unit can be controlled to.

In an embodiment, the controller may provide image data corresponding to the water temperature sensing data and the flow rate sensing data to the touch screen, and the touch screen may display an image corresponding to the image data.

The digital water supply apparatus according to the embodiments of the present invention as described above may automatically adjust the water temperature and the quantity per unit time simultaneously based on the water temperature input data and the flow rate input data.

In addition, the digital water supply apparatus according to the embodiments of the present invention may provide a beautiful appearance including a touch screen for receiving water temperature input data and flow rate input data.

With respect to the embodiments of the present invention disclosed in the text, specific structural to functional descriptions are merely illustrated for the purpose of describing embodiments of the present invention, embodiments of the present invention may be implemented in various forms and It should not be construed as limited to the embodiments described in.

As the inventive concept allows for various changes and numerous modifications, particular embodiments will be illustrated in the drawings and described in detail in the text. However, this is not intended to limit the present invention to a specific disclosed form, it should be understood to include all modifications, equivalents, and substitutes included in the spirit and scope of the present invention.

The terms first, second, etc. may be used to describe various components, but the components should not be limited by the terms. The terms may be used for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another component. For example, without departing from the scope of the present invention, the first component may be referred to as the second component, and similarly, the second component may also be referred to as the first component.

When a component is said to be "connected" or "connected" to another component, it may be directly connected to or connected to that other component, but other components may be present in the middle. It should be understood. On the other hand, when a component is said to be "directly connected" or "directly connected" to another component, it should be understood that there is no other component in between. Other expressions describing the relationship between components, such as "between" and "immediately between," or "neighboring to," and "directly neighboring to" should be interpreted as well.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular example embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the present invention. Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this application, the terms "comprise" or "having" are intended to indicate that there is a feature, number, step, action, component, part, or combination thereof that is described, and that one or more other features or numbers are present. It should be understood that it does not exclude in advance the possibility of the presence or addition of steps, actions, components, parts or combinations thereof.

Unless defined otherwise, all terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. Terms such as those defined in the commonly used dictionaries should be construed as meanings consistent with the meanings in the context of the related art and shall not be construed in ideal or excessively formal meanings unless expressly defined in this application. .

Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings, it will be described in detail a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The same reference numerals are used for the same constituent elements in the drawings and redundant explanations for the same constituent elements are omitted.

5 is a diagram illustrating a digital water supply device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 5, the digital water supply device 1000 includes a faucet 1100 and a water temperature and flow rate data input unit 1200.

The water temperature and flow rate data input unit 1200 receives water temperature input data and flow rate input data from a user. In one embodiment, the water temperature and flow rate data input unit 1200 may be configured as a touch screen having a two-dimensional planar shape. In another embodiment, the water temperature and flow rate data input unit 1200 may be configured as a touch screen having a one-dimensional bar shape. In addition, the water temperature and flow rate data input unit 1200 may be configured to include both a flat screen and a bar-shaped touch screen. According to an embodiment, the water temperature and flow rate data input unit 1200 may have a waterproof film on the touch screen to protect the touch screen from tap water. Also, according to an embodiment, the water temperature and flow rate data input unit 1200 may further include an on / off button. For example, the on / off button may be a mechanical button, or may be an electronic button having a touch screen or a piezoelectric element. The tap 1100 supplies a mixture of hot and cold water, that is, tap water, corresponding to the water temperature input data and the flow rate input data input through the water temperature and flow rate data input unit 1200. Therefore, the digital water supply apparatus 1000 may automatically adjust the water temperature and the quantity per unit time simultaneously based on the water temperature input data and the flow rate input data, and provide a beautiful appearance including a touch screen.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating the digital water supply device of FIG. 5.

Referring to FIG. 6, the digital water supply device 1000 includes a faucet 1100, a water temperature and flow rate data input unit 1200, a controller 1300, a water temperature and flow rate sensor unit 1400, and a water supply device driver 1500. do.

The water temperature and flow rate data input unit 1200 includes a flat display panel 1210 and a driver integrated circuit 1220. The flat panel display panel 1210 includes image pixels that display an image based on a voltage provided from the driver integrated circuit 1220. In addition, the flat panel display panel 1210 includes a touch screen that detects a change in output of a touch screen sensor when a user's hand, a touch pen, or the like touches the touch panel. In one embodiment, the flat panel display panel 1210 may include a touch screen that is separately manufactured and attached. In another embodiment, the flat panel display panel 1210 may include touch screen sensors including thin film transistors formed inside the image pixel. According to an exemplary embodiment, the flat panel display panel 1210 may be a liquid crystal display panel, an organic light emitting display panel, a plasma display panel, or the like. The driver integrated circuit 1220 applies a voltage corresponding to the image data provided from the control unit 1300 to the flat panel display panel 1210 so that the flat panel display panel 1210 displays an image. In addition, the driver integrated circuit 1220 receives analog touch signals indicating a vertical component and a horizontal component of a position where a user's hand or a touch pen is in contact with the flat panel display panel 1210. The driver integrated circuit 1220 converts the received analog touch signals into digital touch data and provides the same to the controller 1300. The digital touch data includes the water temperature input data and the flow rate input data. According to an embodiment, the horizontal direction data of the digital touch data may correspond to the water temperature input data, and the vertical direction data of the digital touch data may correspond to the flow rate input data.

The controller 1300 receives the water temperature input data and the flow rate input data from the driver integrated circuit 1220, and controls the water supply device driver 1500 to supply the tap water having the corresponding water temperature and flow rate from the tap 1100. do. In addition, the control unit 1300 receives the water temperature sensing data and the flow rate sensing data from the water temperature and flow rate sensor unit 1400 and displays the image data in the water temperature and flow rate data input unit 1200 to display the corresponding water temperature and / or flow rate. to provide. If there is a difference between the actual water temperature indicated by the water temperature sensing data and the desired water temperature indicated by the water temperature input data, the controller 1300 may change the flow rate ratio of the hot water and the cold water supplied from the hot water pipe and the cold water pipe. 1500). In addition, when there is a difference between the actual flow rate indicated by the flow rate sensing data and the desired flow rate indicated by the flow rate input data, the controller 1300 may change the overall size while maintaining the ratio of the flow rate of the supplied hot water and the flow rate of the cold water. The water supply device 1500 may be controlled.

The water temperature and flow rate sensor unit 1400 senses the water temperature and the flow rate of the mixed water of the hot water and the cold water supplied from the tap 1100. Here, the flow rate corresponds to the quantity per unit time of the mixed water since the cross-sectional area of the mixed water pipe that is the passage of the mixed water is already known at the speed of the mixed water. That is, the flow rate is used here in the same sense as the quantity per unit time of the mixed water, generally called the tap water strength. Here, the sense that the water temperature and flow rate sensor unit 1400 senses the flow rate of the tap water has the same meaning as the water temperature and flow rate sensor unit 1400 senses the strength of the tap water, that is, the quantity per unit time. In one embodiment, the water temperature and flow rate sensor unit 1400 may include a hot water temperature sensor installed in the hot water pipe and a cold water temperature sensor installed in the cold water pipe. In another embodiment, it may include a mixed water temperature sensor installed in the mixed water pipe. In addition, in one embodiment, the water temperature and flow rate sensor unit 1400 may include a hot water speed sensor installed in the hot water pipe and a cold water speed sensor installed in the cold water pipe. In another embodiment, it may include a mixed water speed sensor installed in the mixed water pipe.

The water supply apparatus 1500 adjusts the speed of hot water, cold water, or mixed water flowing from the hot water pipe, the cold water pipe, or the mixed water pipe of the tap 1100 such that the mixed water corresponding to the water temperature input data and the flow rate input data is supplied. . The water supply device driving unit 1500 includes a hot water control motor for adjusting the speed of the hot water installed and supplied to the hot water pipe, and a cold water control motor for adjusting the speed of the cold water installed and supplied to the cold water pipe. The digital water supply apparatus 1000 according to an embodiment of the present invention may automatically adjust the water temperature and the flow rate of the tap water supplied with a control motor installed in each of the hot water pipe and the cold water pipe.

The faucet 1100 provides a user with mixed water in which hot water and cold water are mixed. The water tap 1100 includes a hot water pipe supplied with hot water and a cold water pipe supplied with cold water. In addition, the tap 1100 further includes a discharge port through which the mixed water in which the hot water and the cold water are mixed is discharged. Here, the mixed water means the tap water in which the cold water supplied from the outside through the hot water and cold water pipes supplied from the outside through the hot water pipe, the mixed water pipe is the discharge port of the faucet 1100, the hot water pipe and the cold water pipe By connecting the means the pipe flowing the mixed water. However, when the user sets the minimum water temperature, the mixed water supplied from the tap 1100 may be cold water supplied from a cold water pipe, and when the user sets the maximum water temperature, the mixture supplied from the tap 1100 The water may be hot water supplied from a hot water pipe.

Hereinafter, an operation of the digital water supply apparatus 1000 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 6.

The user turns on the digital water supply device 1000 through the water temperature and flow rate data input unit 1200. For example, the user may double-click the flat panel 1210 to turn on the digital water supply device 1000. According to an embodiment, the water temperature and flow rate data input unit 1200 may further include an on / off button, and the user may turn on the digital water supply device 1000 by pressing the on / off button.

When the digital water supply device 1000 is turned on, the tap 1100 supplies mixed water mixed with hot water and cold water. The temperature and speed of the mixed water supplied at turn-on may be the same as the temperature and speed of the mixed water that was supplied at the time of last turn-off. In addition, according to an embodiment, even when the digital water supply device 1000 is turned on, the tap 1100 may not supply tap water until the user sets a desired water temperature and flow rate through the water temperature and flow rate data input unit 1200. have.

In the embodiment of supplying the mixed water at the turn-on of the digital water supply device 1000, the water temperature and the flow rate sensor unit 1400 sense the water temperature and the flow rate of the mixed water discharged at the same time as the turn-on. The water temperature sensing data and the flow rate sensing data sensed by the water temperature and flow rate sensor unit 1400 are provided to the controller 1300. The controller 1300 provides image data to the water temperature and flow rate data input unit 1200 based on the water temperature sensing data and the flow rate sensing data. The water temperature and flow rate data input unit 1200 displays a corresponding image based on the image data.

The user can check the water temperature and the flow rate of the currently provided mixed water from the displayed image, and if it is not the desired water temperature and flow rate, the user can set the new water temperature and the flow rate. The user may set a new water temperature and flow rate through the water temperature and flow rate data input unit 1200. The water temperature and flow rate data input unit 1200 generates water temperature input data and flow rate input data based on a user input. In addition, the water temperature and flow rate data input unit 1200 provides the water temperature input data and the flow rate input data to the controller 1300.

The controller 1300 controls the speed of the hot water supplied from the hot water pipe, that is, the strength of the hot water and the speed of the cold water supplied from the cold water pipe, that is, the strength of the hot water, based on the water temperature input data and the flow rate input data. Control 1500. When the user changes only the water temperature, the controller 1300 may control the water supply device 1500 to change only a ratio of the speed of the hot water supplied from the hot water pipe and the speed of the cold water supplied from the cold water pipe. In addition, when the user only changes the flow rate, the control unit 1300 is the ratio of the speed of the hot water supplied from the hot water pipe and the speed of the cold water supplied from the cold water pipe fixed the speed of the hot water supplied from the hot water pipe and the cold water pipe The water supply device 1500 may be controlled to adjust the speed of the cold water supplied from the high or low overall. In addition, the controller 1300 may control the water supply device 1500 to simultaneously adjust the ratio and overall size of the intensity of the hot water and the intensity of the cold water.

Even when a user provides a mixture of water temperature and flow rate, the water temperature and flow rate sensor unit 1400 senses the water temperature and flow rate of the mixed water supplied periodically. If the water temperature or flow rate suddenly changes, the controller 1300 displays the changed water temperature and flow rate through the water temperature and flow rate data input unit 1200, and the mixed water corresponding to the set water temperature and flow rate may be provided again. 1500).

As such, the digital water supply apparatus 1000 according to an embodiment of the present invention may supply mixed water corresponding to the water temperature and flow rate set by the user through the water temperature and flow rate data input unit 1200. That is, the digital water supply apparatus 1000 may automatically adjust the water temperature and flow rate of the tap water supplied, such as the quantity of water per unit time, so that the desired water temperature and flow rate are only one-touch. In addition, the digital water supply device 1000 may optionally include a manual adjustment lever or a handle, and may include a water temperature and flow rate data input unit 1200 configured as a touch screen to provide a beautiful appearance.

FIG. 7 is a view illustrating an appearance of a faucet included in the digital water supply device of FIG. 5.

Referring to FIG. 7, the tap 1100 includes a discharge port 1110, a hot water pipe 1120, and a cold water pipe 1130.

The discharge port 1110 is a hole through which hot water supplied from the outside through the hot water pipe 1120 and cold water supplied from the outside through the cold water pipe 1130 are discharged. That is, the discharge port 1110 is provided with a mixture of the hot water and the cold water mixed. In some cases, the mixed water provided may be substantially either hot water or cold water. The hot water pipe 1120 is a pipe through which hot water is supplied from the outside, and the cold water pipe 1130 is a pipe through which cold water is supplied from the outside. The hot water pipe 1120 and the cold water pipe 1130 are combined in the tap 1100 to form a mixed water pipe. In the mixed water pipe, mixed water mixed with the hot water and the cold water flows, and the mixed water pipe is connected to the discharge port 1110 and the mixed water is discharged through the discharge port 1110. According to the embodiment, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the faucet 1100 may have various shapes. For example, the faucet 1100 may have a discharge port 1110 embedded in one side of a sink, a sink, or a bathtub.

8 is a cross-sectional view of an example of a water tap included in the digital water supply device of FIG. 5.

Referring to FIG. 8, the tap 1100 includes a discharge port 1110, a hot water pipe 1120, a cold water pipe 1130, and a mixed water pipe 1140. The hot water pipe 1120 is equipped with a hot water temperature sensor 1410, and the cold water pipe 1130 is equipped with a cold water temperature sensor 1420. In addition, a hot water control unit 1510 is mounted on the hot water pipe 1120, and a cold water control unit 1520 is mounted on the cold water pipe 1130. In addition, the mixed water pipe 1140 is equipped with a mixed water speed sensor 1430.

The hot water temperature sensor 1410 mounted on the hot water pipe 1120 may include a first water temperature probe 1411 and a first water temperature connector 1412. The hot water temperature sensor 1410 senses the temperature of the hot water flowing in the hot water pipe 1120 and transmits the hot water temperature sensing data to the controller 1300 of FIG. 6. The first water temperature probe 1411 may be, for example, a variable resistor whose resistance varies with temperature. The first water temperature connector 1412 is a connector connecting the first water temperature probe 1411 and the controller 1300 of FIG. 6. According to an embodiment, the control unit 1300 of FIG. 6 applies a test current or a test voltage to the hot water temperature sensor 1410, measures the output voltage or current, and measures the temperature of the hot water flowing in the hot water pipe 1120. Hot water temperature sensing data can be provided.

In addition, the cold water temperature sensor 1420 mounted on the cold water pipe 1130 may include a second water temperature probe 1421 and a second water temperature connector 1422. The cold water temperature sensor 1420 senses the temperature of the cold water flowing through the cold water pipe 1130 and transmits cold water temperature sensing data to the controller 1300 of FIG. 6. The second water temperature probe 1412 may be, for example, a variable resistor whose resistance varies with temperature. The second water temperature connector 1422 is a connector connecting the second water temperature probe 1421 and the controller 1300 of FIG. 6. According to an embodiment, the controller 1300 of FIG. 6 applies a test current or a test voltage to the cold water temperature sensor 1420, measures the output voltage or current, and measures the temperature of the cold water flowing in the cold water pipe 1130. Cold water temperature sensing data may be provided.

According to an embodiment, the faucet 1100 does not include the hot water temperature sensor 1410 mounted on the hot water pipe 1120 and the cold water temperature sensor 1420 mounted on the cold water pipe 1130, and the mixed water pipe 1140. It may include only the mixed water temperature sensor mounted on. That is, in one embodiment, the controller 1300 of FIG. 6 may include the hot water temperature sensing data and the cold water temperature sensing data provided from the hot water temperature sensor 1410 and the cold water temperature sensor 1420, and the currently supplied hot water and cold water. The water temperature of the currently supplied mixed water can be measured based on the speed ratio of. In another embodiment, the controller 1300 of FIG. 6 may measure the water temperature of the currently supplied mixed water based on the mixed water temperature sensing data provided from the mixed water temperature sensor. That is, the water temperature sensing data may be the hot water temperature sensing data and the cold water temperature sensing data, or the water temperature sensing data may be the mixed water temperature sensing data. When the hot water temperature sensor 1410 and the cold water temperature sensor 1420 are mounted on the faucet 1100, a change in temperature of the hot water and the cold water may be detected. When only the mixed water temperature sensor is mounted on the faucet 1100, the number of sensors may be reduced.

The mixed water speed sensor 1430 mounted on the mixed water pipe 1140 senses the speed of the mixed water flowing through the mixed water pipe 1140 and transmits mixed water speed sensing data to the controller 1300 of FIG. 6. That is, in an embodiment including the mixed water speed sensor 1430, the flow rate sensing data may be the mixed water speed sensing data. According to an embodiment, the faucet 1100 does not include the mixed water speed sensor 1430 mounted on the mixed water pipe 1140, and is mounted on the hot water speed sensor and the cold water pipe 1130 mounted on the hot water pipe 1120. Cold water speed sensor. That is, in one embodiment, the control unit 1300 of FIG. 6 is the speed of the mixed water currently supplied based on the hot water speed sensing data and the cold water speed sensing data provided from the hot water speed sensor and the cold water speed sensor, that is, the mixed water. The intensity of can be measured. In another embodiment, the controller 1300 of FIG. 6 may measure the speed of the currently supplied mixed water, that is, the strength of the mixed water, based on the mixed water speed sensing data provided from the mixed water speed sensor 1430. . That is, the flow rate sensing data may be the hot water speed sensing data and the cold water velocity sensing data, or the flow rate sensing data may be the mixed water velocity sensing data. When the hot water speed sensor and the cold water speed sensor are mounted on the faucet 1100, a speed change of each of the hot water and the cold water may be detected. When only the mixed water speed sensor 1430 is mounted on the tap 1100, the number of sensors may be reduced.

The hot water pipe 1120 is equipped with a hot water controller 1510, and the cold water pipe 1130 is equipped with a cold water controller 1520.

The hot water control unit 1510 mounted on the hot water pipe 1120 may include a first control motor 1511, a first connecting rod 1512, and a first washer 1513. The hot water adjusting unit 1510 is controlled by the controller 1300 of FIG. 6 to control the speed of the hot water flowing through the hot water pipe 1120, that is, the strength of the hot water. The first regulating motor 1511 may be, for example, a DC motor, a step motor, a servo motor, or the like. The first regulating motor 1511 converts the electric force supplied from the controller 1300 of FIG. 6 into a mechanical force. The first connecting rod 1512 connects the first regulating motor 1511 and the first washer 1513 to transmit mechanical force by the first regulating motor 1511 to the first washer 1513. The hot water adjusting unit 1510 has a rotational force of the first regulating motor 1511 between the first regulating motor 1511 and the first connecting rod 1512 or between the first connecting rod 1512 and the first washer 1513. May further include a link unit for converting the first washer 1513 into a vertical force for moving up and down. For example, the link portion may include gears. The first washer 1513 moves up and down to adjust the speed of hot water supplied from the hot water pipe 1120. That is, when the first washer 1513 is raised by the mechanical force of the first regulating motor 1511, the strength of the hot water supplied from the hot water pipe 1120 is increased, and when the first washer 1513 is lowered. The strength of the hot water supplied from the hot water pipe 1120 is weakened. According to the embodiment, the hot water adjusting unit 1510 is not a method of moving up and down to adjust the speed of the hot water, but adopts a method of adjusting the size of the hot water by rotating clockwise or counterclockwise to adjust the size of the hot water supply port. can do.

In addition, the cold water control unit 1520 mounted on the cold water pipe 1130 may include a second control motor 1521, a second connecting rod 1522, and a second washer 1523. The cold water control unit 1520 is controlled by the controller 1300 of FIG. 6 to control the speed of the cold water flowing through the cold water pipe 1130, that is, the intensity of the cold water. The second regulating motor 1521 may be, for example, a DC motor, a step motor, a servo motor, or the like. The second regulating motor 1521 converts the electric force supplied from the controller 1300 of FIG. 6 into a mechanical force. The second connecting rod 1522 connects the second regulating motor 1521 and the second washer 1523 to transmit mechanical force by the second regulating motor 1521 to the second washer 1523. The cold water controller 1520 is a rotational force of the second regulating motor 1521 between the second regulating motor 1521 and the second connecting rod 1522 or between the second connecting rod 1522 and the second washer 1523. It may further include a link unit for converting into a vertical force to allow the second washer 1523 to move up and down. For example, the link portion may include gears. The second washer 1523 moves up and down to adjust the speed of the cold water supplied from the cold water pipe 1130. That is, when the second washer 1523 is raised by the mechanical force of the second regulating motor 1521, the strength of the cold water supplied from the cold water pipe 1130 is increased, and when the second washer 1523 is lowered. , The strength of the cold water supplied from the cold water pipe 1130 is weakened. According to an embodiment, the cold water control unit 1520 adopts a method of adjusting the speed of the cold water by rotating clockwise or counterclockwise to adjust the size of the cold water supply port, rather than moving up and down to adjust the speed of the cold water. can do.

In the digital water supply apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, the hot water adjusting unit 1510 for adjusting the speed of the hot water is mounted in the hot water pipe 1120, and the cold water adjusting unit 1520 for adjusting the speed of the cold water is in the cold water pipe. By being attached to 1130, the strength of the hot water and the strength of the cold water can be adjusted independently. Therefore, the hot water control unit 1510 and the cold water control unit 1520 adjusts the ratio of the speed of the hot water and the speed of the cold water to automatically adjust the water temperature, while maintaining the ratio while the speed of the hot water and the speed of the cold water The quantity per unit time can be adjusted automatically by adjusting the overall size of.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a water temperature and flow rate data input unit included in the digital water supply device of FIG. 5.

Referring to FIG. 9, the water temperature and flow rate data input unit 1200 includes a flat panel display panel 1210 and a driver integrated circuit 1220. The driver integrated circuit 1220 may include a first driver 1221, a second driver 1222, a first level detector 1223, a first parallel-to-serial converter 1225, a first buffer 1227, and a second level. Detector 1224, a second parallel-to-serial converter 1226, and a second buffer 1228.

The flat panel display panel 1210 displays an image in response to driving signals applied from the first driver 1221 and the second driver 1222, and detects a user's contact through the built-in touch screen sensors to provide a first level. Transmit analog touch signals to detector 1223 and second level detector 1224.

The first driver 1221 may be a gate driver that performs on / off control of the thin film transistors arranged on the flat panel display panel 1210 in response to the image control signals, and the second driver 1222 may be an image control signal. In response thereto, the source driver may supply a voltage corresponding to the image data provided from the controller 1300 of FIG. 6 to the liquid crystal panel to control the arrangement of the liquid crystal molecules. That is, the first driver 1221 and the second driver 1222 drive the flat panel display panel 1210 to display an image corresponding to the image data provided from the controller 1300 of FIG. 6.

The first level detector 1223 receives analog touch signals from the touch screen sensors. According to an exemplary embodiment, the analog touch signals received by the first level detector 1223 may be signals indicating which point a user touches on a vertical line of the flat panel display panel 1210. According to an embodiment, the first level detector 1223 may discharge the charges accumulated in the touch screen sensors in response to a reset signal to initialize the touch screen sensors to a state before contact. The first level detector 1223 converts the analog touch signals into digital touch signals based on the reference voltages. A first parallel-to-serial converter 1225 receives the digital touch signals input in parallel from a first level detector 1223. The first parallel-to-serial converter 1225 stores the digital touch signals in response to the load signal, and sequentially shifts the digital touch data through one signal line by sequentially shifting the digital touch signals in response to the shift clock signal. The first buffer 1227 may be an output driving circuit that maintains a constant output level of the digital touch data, and may include a CMOS inverter.

The second level detector 1224, the second parallel-to-serial converter 1226, and the second buffer 1228 are the first level detector 1223, the first parallel-to-serial converter 1225, and the first buffer 1227, respectively. It is driven in a similar way. However, the second level detector 1224, the second parallel-to-serial converter 1226, and the second buffer 1228 may provide information indicating which point on the horizontal line of the flat panel 1210 is in contact with FIG. 6. It may be provided to the controller 1300.

In some embodiments, the flat panel display panel 1210 may be a liquid crystal display panel, an organic light emitting display panel, a plasma display panel, or the like. In some embodiments, the driver integrated circuit 1220 may be implemented as a single chip, or may be implemented as two or more chips. Those skilled in the art will also appreciate the number of horizontal or vertical drivers integrated in the driver integrated circuit 1220, and the level detector, parallel-to-serial converter, and buffer in the horizontal or vertical direction. It will be appreciated that the number is variable depending on the application.

10A to 10E are views illustrating appearances of examples of a water temperature and flow rate data input unit included in the digital water supply device of FIG. 5.

Referring to FIG. 10A, the water temperature and flow rate data input unit 1200a has a two-dimensional planar appearance. That is, the user may view the display plane included in the water temperature and flow rate data input unit 1200a. In an embodiment, the user may “double click” the display plane to turn on the digital water supply device 1000 of FIG. 5. In another embodiment, the water temperature and flow rate data input unit 1200a may further include an on / off button, and the user may “click” the on / off button to turn on the digital water supply device 1000 of FIG. 5. When the digital water supply device 1000 of FIG. 5 is turned on, the water temperature and flow rate of tap water currently supplied may be displayed. For example, a water temperature and flow rate status bar 1253 is displayed on the display plane. According to an embodiment, the water temperature and flow rate state bar 1253 may have various shapes such as a point, a straight line, and a curve. In addition, the display plane may further display an intensity scale 1254 indicating the flow rate, the strength of the tap water, or the amount of tap water supplied per unit time, and a water temperature scale 1255 indicating the temperature of the tap water. Meanwhile, the user may click the second setting position 1252 to increase the water temperature and the flow rate at the first setting position 1251 corresponding to the current water temperature and the flow rate, respectively. When the user clicks the second setting position 1252, various shapes such as a circle, a star, and a check shape may be displayed at the corresponding position on the display plane at the second setting position 1252. In addition, when the user clicks on the second set position 1252, the digital water supply device 1000 of FIG. 5 supplies tap water having a water temperature and a flow rate corresponding to the second set position 1252. For example, when the user clicks on the second set location 1252, tap water with a water temperature of 30 degrees and a medium-strength intensity may be supplied.

Referring to FIG. 10B, unlike the water temperature and flow rate data input unit 1200a of FIG. 10A, the water temperature and flow rate data input unit 1200b displays the current water temperature and flow rate 1262 on the display plane, the intensity scale 1263 and the water temperature. The scale 1264 is printed outside the display plane. According to an embodiment, the water temperature and flow rate data input unit 1200b may further include an on / off button outside the display plane, and the on / off button may also be configured as a touch screen. The user may set a desired water temperature and flow rate through the water temperature and flow rate data input unit 1200b in a manner similar to that described with reference to FIG. 10A.

Referring to FIG. 10C, unlike the water temperature and flow rate data input unit 1200b of FIG. 10B, the water temperature and flow rate data input unit 1200c may display a current water temperature 1272 on the outside of the display plane, and display and set the intensity 1273. And a water temperature display and setting unit 1274. The user may set a desired flow rate through the intensity display and setting unit 1273, set a desired water temperature through the water temperature display and setting unit 1274, and simultaneously set a desired water temperature and flow rate through the display plane.

Referring to FIG. 10D, the water temperature and flow rate data input unit 1200d includes two touch screens 1281 and 1282 having a one-dimensional bar shape. The user may view the current flow rate through the intensity display and setting unit 1281 and set a desired flow rate. In addition, the user may view the current water temperature through the water temperature display and setting unit 1282 and set a desired water temperature.

Referring to FIG. 10E, the water temperature and flow rate data input unit 1200e includes four touch screens 1291, 1292, 1293, and 1294 having a one-dimensional bar shape. The user may view the current flow rate through the intensity display unit 1291, and set a desired flow rate through the intensity setting unit 1292. In addition, the user may view the current water temperature through the water temperature display unit 1293 and set a desired water temperature through the water temperature setting unit 1294.

In addition, those skilled in the art will understand that, in addition to FIGS. 10A to 10E, the water temperature and flow rate data 1200 of FIG. 5 may have various shapes of appearances.

11A through 11C are diagrams illustrating examples of a temperature sensor included in the digital water supply device of FIG. 5.

Referring to FIG. 11A, the temperature sensor 1410a includes a water temperature probe 1411a and a water temperature connector 1412a. In one embodiment, the temperature sensor 1410a may be installed in each of the hot water and cold water pipes, and in another embodiment, the temperature sensor 1410a may be installed in the mixed water pipe. The thermistor 1417a is incorporated in the water temperature probe 1411a. The water temperature connector 1412a integrally formed with the water temperature probe 1411a is formed of a synthetic resin, and extends from the terminals 1413a and 1414a into the water temperature probe 1411a and insulated and coated with tubes 1415a and 1416a. Include. Thermistor 1417a included in the water temperature probe 1411a is connected to the wires 1415a and 1416a. The resin material and the inside of the water temperature connector 1412a are integrally injection molded by inserting the thermistor 1417a and the wires 1415a and 1416a connected thereto into the water temperature connector 1412a and the water temperature probe 1411a extending therefrom. And the inside of the water temperature probe 1411a to fix the wires 1415a and 1416a and the thermistor 1417a. The temperature sensor 1410a may generate the water temperature sensing data by using the characteristic that the resistance value decreases as the thermistor 1417a increases in water temperature. Since the temperature sensor 1410a is connected to the controller 1300 of FIG. 6 through the water temperature connector 1412a, the water temperature sensing data may be provided to the controller 1300 of FIG. 6.

11B and 11C, the temperature sensor 1410b includes a water temperature probe 1411b and a water temperature connector 1412b. In one embodiment, temperature sensor 1410b may be installed in each of the hot water and cold water pipes, and in other embodiments, temperature sensor 1410b may be installed in the mixed water pipe. The temperature sensor 1410b is a seed thermocouple temperature sensor in which a thermocouple wire is mounted in a thin sheath made of stainless steel or heat resistant steel, and an inorganic insulator such as magnesium oxide is embedded in the vicinity thereof. Since the temperature sensor 1410b has a thin outer diameter, the temperature of a small workpiece can be measured, and the siege type structure is resistant to high temperature and high pressure, can be used in a wide temperature range, and has a fast response. That is, the water temperature probe 1411b includes a thermocouple 1419b, magnesium 1421b surrounding the thermocouple 1419b, and a thermocouple protective tube 1422b. The water temperature connector 1412b is formed integrally with the water temperature probe 1411b. The temperature sensor 1410b connects both ends of two different kinds of metal wires 1419b, embeds one end into a hot water pipe, a cold water pipe, or a mixed water pipe, and generates a thermoelectric power according to the temperature difference when the temperature difference between both ends occurs. By sensing the current by, measure the temperature. Since the temperature sensor 1410b is connected to the controller 1300 of FIG. 6 through the water temperature connector 1412b, the water temperature sensing data may be provided to the controller 1300 of FIG. 6.

According to an embodiment, the temperature sensor included in the digital water supply device may include other types of thermocouple temperature sensors, platinum resistance temperature sensors, other types of thermistor temperature sensors, radiation temperatures, in addition to the temperature sensors shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B. It may be configured as a sensor.

12A and 12B are diagrams illustrating examples of a flow rate sensor included in the digital water supply device of FIG. 5.

In one embodiment, the flow rate sensors 1430a and 1430b may be installed in each of the hot water pipe and the cold water pipe, and in other embodiments, the flow rate sensors 1430a and 1430b may be installed in the mixed water pipe.

Referring to FIG. 12A, the flow rate sensor 1430a includes electromagnets 1432a installed to face each other on an outer surface of a hot water pipe, a cold water pipe, or a mixed water pipe 1433a, and electromotive force sensors 1431a installed to face each other on an inner surface thereof. do. When the magnetic flux is distributed at right angles to the circular tube 1433a, the flow rate sensor 1430a uses an electromotive force generated in proportion to the flow rate of the flow rate in a direction perpendicular to the magnetic flux density due to the flow rate of the fluid in the tube. That is, when the electromotive force sensors 1431a measure the electromotive force induced in the direction perpendicular to the magnetic flux by the magnetic flux induced by the electromagnets 1432a, the hot water, cold water or mixed water pipe 1433a proportional to the measured electromotive force You can see the flow rate through In addition, since the cross-sectional area of the hot water pipe, cold water pipe, or mixed water pipe 1433a is known, the quantity of water flowing per unit time of hot water, cold water, or mixed water can be known from the flow rate. Since the flow rate sensor 1430a is connected to the control unit 1300 of FIG. 6, flow rate sensing data may be provided to the control unit 1300 of FIG. 6.

Referring to FIG. 12B, the flow rate sensor 1430b includes sound wave sensors 1434b and 1435b installed to face each other at a predetermined interval on an outer surface of the hot water pipe, the cold water pipe, or the mixed water pipe. The flow rate sensor 1430b uses ultrasonic waves in which the velocity of the wavelength changes in accordance with the change in the flow of the liquid. That is, the ultrasonic wavelength is calculated by detecting the time difference of the ultrasonic signals detected by the acoustic wave sensors 1434b and 1435b, and accordingly, when the ultrasonic wave length decreases, the flow rate of hot water, cold water, or mixed water is fine. Since the flow rate sensor 1430b is connected to the control unit 1300 of FIG. 6, flow rate sensing data may be provided to the control unit 1300 of FIG. 6.

According to an embodiment, the flow rate sensor included in the digital water supply device according to an embodiment of the present invention may be, in addition to the flow rate sensors shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B, other types of electronic flow rate sensors, other types of ultrasonic flow rate sensors, and mass flow rates. Sensor, differential pressure flow rate sensor, and the like.

13A and 13B are views illustrating an example of an adjusting unit included in the digital water supply device of FIG. 5.

In FIG. 13A and FIG. 13B, the control part used as the warm water control part is demonstrated to an example. The hot water control unit 1510a illustrated in FIGS. 13A and 13B adjusts the speed of the hot water, that is, the strength of the hot water, in a different manner from the hot water control unit 1510 of FIG. 8.

13A and 13B, the hot water control unit 1510a includes a control motor 1511a, a connecting rod 1512a, and a control plate 1513a. The fixing plate 1121a is inserted into the hot water pipe 1120a.

The regulating motor 1511a may be, for example, a DC motor, a step motor, a servo motor, or the like. The regulating motor 1511a converts the electric force supplied from the controller 1300 of FIG. 6 into a mechanical force. The connecting rod 1512a connects the regulating motor 1511a and the regulating plate 1513a to transmit mechanical force by the regulating motor 1511a to the regulating plate 1513a. An adjusting tool 1514a is formed in the adjusting plate 1513a, and a fixing tool 1522a is formed in the fixing plate 1121a. The fixing plate 1121a is inserted into and fixed to the hot water pipe 1120a. As a result, the fixing tool 1522a is also fixed. The adjusting plate 1513a is rotated clockwise or counterclockwise by the regulating motor 1511a, so that the adjusting opening 1514a is also rotated clockwise or counterclockwise. Unlike the hot water adjusting unit 1510 of FIG. 8, the hot water adjusting unit 1510a adjusts an area in which the fastener 1522a formed on the fixed plate 1121a and the control unit 1514a formed on the adjusting plate 1513a are vertically overlapped. Adjust the strength of the hot water. That is, the control motor 1511a rotates the control plate 1513a to prevent the control unit 1514a and the fixture 1522a from overlapping to block the supply of hot water, and the control unit 1514a and the fixture 1522a are completely By overlapping, the speed of hot water can be maximized.

In addition, those skilled in the art to which the present invention belongs may have a structure other than the structure shown in Figure 8, 13a and 13b included in the digital water supply apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention You will understand.

14 is a diagram illustrating a digital water supply device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 14, in the digital water supply device 1000a, unlike the digital water supply device 1000 shown in FIG. 5, the tap 1100a further includes a handle 1140a for manually adjusting the water temperature and the flow rate. .

The user can manually adjust the water temperature and the flow rate using the handle 1140a. For example, in an emergency situation such as a power failure situation or a failure situation, the user may manually adjust the water temperature and the flow rate using the handle 1140a. According to an embodiment, when the user sets the water temperature and the flow rate through the water temperature and flow rate data input unit 1200a, the handle 1140a may be automatically adjusted to correspond to the set water temperature and flow rate.

15 is a diagram illustrating a digital water supply device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 15, the digital water supply device 1000b includes a faucet 1100b and a water temperature and flow rate data input unit 1200b.

Unlike the digital water supply device 1000 illustrated in FIG. 5, the digital water supply device 1000b represents an embodiment applied to a sink. When the digital water supply device 1000b is applied to the sink, the user may set a desired water temperature and flow rate with only one touch, and the digital water supply device 1000b may provide the user with tap water corresponding to the set water temperature and flow rate. In addition, the digital water supply device 1000b may be applied to the sink to provide a beautiful appearance.

16 is a diagram illustrating a digital water supply device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 16, the digital water supply apparatus 1000c includes a faucet 1100c and a water temperature and flow rate data input unit 1200c.

Unlike the digital water supply device 1000 illustrated in FIG. 5, the digital water supply device 1000c represents an embodiment applied to a bathtub. According to an embodiment, the faucet 1100c may have a shape in which a discharge port is built in one side of the bathtub. In addition, according to an embodiment, the digital water supply device 1000c may further include a shower in addition to the faucet 1100c, and the water temperature and flow rate of the tap water provided to the user by the shower is a water temperature and flow rate data input unit 1200c. It may be automatically adjusted based on the water temperature input data and the flow rate input data input through. When the digital water supply device 1000c is applied to the bathtub, the user may set a desired water temperature and flow rate with only one touch, and the digital water supply device 1000c may provide the user with tap water corresponding to the set water temperature and flow rate. In addition, the digital water supply device 1000c may be applied to a bathtub to provide a beautiful appearance.

As described above, the digital water supply apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention automatically adjusts the water temperature and the quantity per unit time of tap water supplied based on the water temperature input data and the flow rate input data input through the water temperature and flow rate data input unit. Can be. In addition, the digital water supply apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention may provide a beautiful appearance including a touch screen for receiving water temperature input data and flow rate input data.

In addition, one of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the present invention can be applied to various tap water providing apparatuses.

The present invention can be usefully used in any tap water providing apparatus for providing tap water. For example, the digital water supply apparatus according to the present invention may be mounted to a wash basin, a bath, a sink, or the like, and may be usefully used to provide a user with a beautiful appearance.

While the present invention has been described with reference to the preferred embodiments thereof, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. It will be understood.

1 is a view showing a conventional single handle faucet.

2 is a view showing a conventional double handle faucet.

3 is an exploded perspective view showing a conventional single lever faucet.

4 is a perspective view of a conventional automatic faucet.

5 is a diagram illustrating a digital water supply device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating the digital water supply device of FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a view illustrating an appearance of a faucet included in the digital water supply device of FIG. 5.

8 is a cross-sectional view of an example of a water tap included in the digital water supply device of FIG. 5.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a water temperature and flow rate data input unit included in the digital water supply device of FIG. 5.

10A to 10E are views illustrating appearances of examples of a water temperature and flow rate data input unit included in the digital water supply apparatus of FIG. 5.

11A through 11C are diagrams illustrating examples of a temperature sensor included in the digital water supply device of FIG. 5.

12A and 12B are diagrams illustrating examples of a flow rate sensor included in the digital water supply device of FIG. 5.

13A and 13B are views illustrating an example of an adjusting unit included in the digital water supply device of FIG. 5.

14 is a diagram illustrating a digital water supply device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

15 is a diagram illustrating a digital water supply device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

16 is a diagram illustrating a digital water supply device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Explanation of symbols on the main parts of the drawings

1000: digital tap water

1100 faucet

1200: water temperature and flow rate data input unit

1300: control unit

1400: water temperature and flow rate sensor

1500: water supply unit

Claims (17)

A tap for fastening a hot water pipe into which hot water flows in and a cold water pipe into which cold water flows into and supplying a user with mixed water mixed with the hot water and cold water; A water temperature and flow rate data input unit configured to receive water temperature input data and flow rate input data from the user; A water supply device driver configured to adjust the temperature and flow rate of the mixed water; And Receiving the water temperature input data and the flow rate input data from the water temperature and flow rate data input unit, and controlling the water supply device driver to have the water temperature corresponding to the water temperature input data and the flow rate corresponding to the flow rate input data Including a control unit The water temperature and flow rate data input unit, A flat panel display panel including image pixels displaying an image and touch screen sensors sensing a contact of the user; And The flat panel display panel is driven to provide a voltage corresponding to the image data provided from the control unit to the flat panel display panel to display the image. And a driver integrated circuit configured to generate and provide the controller to the controller. The digital water supply apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the water temperature and flow rate data input unit is a touch screen. delete The water supply driving unit of claim 1, Hot water adjusting unit for adjusting the flow rate of the hot water; And Digital water device comprising a cold water control unit for adjusting the flow rate of the cold water. The method of claim 4, wherein the control unit, In order to adjust the water temperature of the mixed water, controlling the hot water adjusting unit and the cold water control unit to change the ratio of the flow rate of the hot water and the flow rate of the cold water, In order to control the flow rate of the mixed water, to control the hot water control unit and the cold water control unit to change the magnitude of the flow rate of the hot water and the flow rate of the cold water while maintaining the ratio of the flow rate of the hot water and the flow rate of the cold water. Characterized in digital water supply. The digital water supply device according to claim 1, wherein the water supply device driver includes a DC motor, a step motor, or a servo motor. The method of claim 1, And a water temperature and flow rate sensor configured to sense water temperature and flow rate of the mixed water to provide water temperature sensing data and flow rate sensing data to the controller. The method of claim 7, wherein The controller provides the water temperature sensing data and the image data corresponding to the flow rate sensing data to the water temperature and flow rate data input unit. And the water temperature and flow rate data input unit displays an image corresponding to the image data. The method of claim 7, wherein the control unit, If the water temperature corresponding to the water temperature input data and the water temperature corresponding to the water temperature sensing data are different from each other, the water supply device driving unit is controlled to adjust the water temperature of the mixed water, And when the flow rate corresponding to the flow rate input data is different from the flow rate corresponding to the flow rate sensing data, controlling the water supply device driver to adjust the flow rate of the mixed water. The method of claim 7, wherein The water supply device driving unit includes a hot water control unit for adjusting the flow rate of the hot water and a cold water control unit for adjusting the flow rate of the cold water, The controller controls the hot water adjusting unit and the cold water adjusting unit to change a ratio of the flow rate of the hot water and the flow rate of the cold water based on the water temperature input data and the water temperature sensing data, and controls the flow rate input data and the flow rate sensing. And controlling the hot water adjusting unit and the cold water adjusting unit to change the magnitude of the flow rate of the hot water and the flow rate of the cold water while maintaining a ratio of the flow rate of the hot water and the flow rate of the cold water based on data. . The method of claim 7, wherein the water temperature and flow rate sensor unit, A mixed water temperature sensor mounted on the mixed water pipe through which the mixed water flows and configured to sense the water temperature of the mixed water to generate the water temperature sensing data; And And a mixed water speed sensor mounted on the mixed water pipe and configured to sense the flow rate of the mixed water to generate the flow rate sensing data. The method of claim 7, wherein the water temperature and flow rate sensor unit, A hot water temperature sensor mounted on the hot water pipe and configured to sense water temperature of the hot water to generate hot water temperature sensing data; A cold water temperature sensor mounted to the cold water pipe and configured to sense cold water temperature to generate cold water temperature sensing data; And A mixed water speed sensor mounted on the mixed water pipe through which the mixed water flows and sensing the flow rate of the mixed water to generate the flow rate sensing data; The water temperature sensing data includes the hot water temperature sensing data and the cold water temperature sensing data. The method of claim 7, wherein the water temperature and flow rate sensor unit, A mixed water temperature sensor mounted on the mixed water pipe through which the mixed water flows and configured to sense the water temperature of the mixed water to generate the water temperature sensing data; A hot water speed sensor mounted on the hot water pipe and configured to sense a flow rate of the hot water to generate hot water speed sensing data; And A cold water speed sensor mounted on the cold water pipe and configured to sense a flow rate of the cold water to generate cold water speed sensing data; The flow rate sensing data includes the hot water speed sensing data and the cold water speed sensing data. A tap for fastening a hot water pipe into which hot water flows in and a cold water pipe into which cold water flows into and supplying a user with mixed water mixed with the hot water and cold water; A touch screen displaying the temperature and flow rate of the mixed water and receiving water temperature input data and flow rate input data from the user; A water temperature and flow rate sensor unit for sensing the water temperature and flow rate of the mixed water; A water supply device driver configured to adjust the temperature and flow rate of the mixed water; And The water temperature input data and the flow rate input data are received from the water temperature and flow rate data input unit, and the water temperature sensing data and the flow rate sensing data are provided from the water temperature and flow rate sensor unit, and the water temperature input data, the flow rate input data, and the water temperature. And a controller configured to control the water supply device driver so that the mixed water has a water temperature corresponding to the water temperature input data and a flow rate corresponding to the flow rate input data based on sensing data and the flow rate sensing data. The water supply device of claim 14, wherein Hot water adjusting unit for adjusting the flow rate of the hot water; And Digital water device comprising a cold water control unit for adjusting the flow rate of the cold water. The method of claim 15, wherein the control unit, When the water temperature corresponding to the water temperature input data and the water temperature corresponding to the water temperature sensing data are different, controlling the hot water adjusting unit and the cold water adjusting unit to change a ratio of the flow rate of the hot water and the flow rate of the cold water, When the flow rate corresponding to the flow rate input data and the flow rate corresponding to the flow rate sensing data are different, the magnitude of the flow rate of the hot water and the flow rate of the cold water are changed while maintaining the ratio of the flow rate of the hot water and the flow rate of the cold water. Digital water device characterized in that for controlling the hot water control unit and the cold water control unit. The method of claim 14, The controller may provide image data corresponding to the water temperature sensing data and the flow rate sensing data to the touch screen. And the touch screen displays an image corresponding to the image data.

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