KR101643872B1 - water purifier and control method thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a water purifier.
According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a water purifier including: a main module having a filtering section for filtering water and a main casing forming an outer shape; And a sub-module disposed outside the main casing, the sub-module having a sub-casing formed separately from the main casing, the sub-module having an inlet port formed in the sub-casing and forming an inlet port for introducing purified water; A discharge port formed in the subcasing and discharging the purified water introduced from the inflow port to the outside of the casing when a user requests to take the inflow; And a water supply port formed in the sub-casing and communicating purified water introduced through the inlet port to the outside.

Description

Water purifier and control method thereof. {water purifier and control method thereof}

The present invention relates to a water purifier, and more particularly, to a water purifier divided into a main module and a submodule.

A water purifier is a device that filters harmful elements such as foreign substances and heavy metals contained in water by physical and chemical methods. Recently, it has been pointed out that the active oxygen in the body, which is caused by stress and environmental pollution, is an important factor of modern geriatric diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, heart disease and promotes aging. Thus, drinking hydrogen- There is a theory that it helps to maintain health. In addition, the water purifier can be divided into cold / cold or cold / on or cold / on / water purifier.

However, as the function of the water purifier is diversified, the volume of the water purifier becomes larger.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0006]

First, it reduces the volume of the water purifier.

Second, a water purifier having a desired function can be purchased separately as needed.

Third, the water purifier is detachably disposed at a desired installation site.

The problems of the present invention are not limited to the above-mentioned problems, and other problems not mentioned can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description.

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a water purifier including: a main module having a filtering part for filtering water and a main casing forming an outer shape; And a sub-module disposed outside the main casing, the sub-module having a sub-casing formed separately from the main casing, the sub-module having an inlet port formed in the sub-casing and forming an inlet port for introducing purified water; A discharge port formed in the subcasing and discharging the purified water introduced from the inflow port to the outside of the casing when a user requests to take the inflow; And a water supply port formed in the sub-casing and communicating purified water introduced through the inlet port to the outside.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a control method for a water purifier, comprising: a main module having a filtering section for filtering water and a main casing forming an outer shape; And a sub-module disposed outside the main casing and having a sub-casing formed separately from the main casing, the water purifier further comprising: a user inputting an outgoing command to the sub-module; Transmitting an outgoing command signal to the main module in the sub module; And opening the raw water valve for interrupting the flow path between the filtration unit and the raw water supply unit in the main module.

The details of other embodiments are included in the detailed description and drawings.

According to the present invention, there is one or more of the following effects.

First, there is an advantage that the size of the water purifier is reduced because the water purifier does not need to include a complex function.

Second, the water purifiers purchased separately can be connected to each other, which is advantageous not at the time of purchase.

Third, the water purifier can be separated or incorporated, which also has the advantage of increasing space utilization.

The effects of the present invention are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the claims.

1 is a perspective view illustrating a water purifier according to an embodiment of the present invention.
2 is a perspective view illustrating a connection relationship of the water purifier according to an embodiment of the present invention.
3 is a water pipe view of a water purifier according to an embodiment of the present invention.
4 is a block diagram illustrating a power supply method of a water purifier according to an embodiment of the present invention.
5 is a block diagram illustrating a signal flow of a water purifier according to an embodiment of the present invention.
6 is a flowchart illustrating a control method of a water purifier according to an embodiment of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The advantages and features of the present invention, and the manner of achieving them, will be apparent from and elucidated with reference to the embodiments described hereinafter in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The present invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. To fully disclose the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art, and the invention is only defined by the scope of the claims. Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout the specification.

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings for explaining a water purifier and a control method thereof according to embodiments of the present invention.

1 is a perspective view illustrating a water purifier according to an embodiment of the present invention. 2 is a perspective view illustrating a connection relationship of the water purifier according to an embodiment of the present invention. 3 is a water pipe view of a water purifier according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 to 3, the water purifier is classified into a direct water type and a storage type according to the presence or absence of a water tank. The storage type water purifier includes a water storage tank for storing the filtered water. The storage type water purifier provides the water contained in the water reservoir at the user's request.

The water purifier may not include a water tank. The water purifier inflows raw water at every request of the user. The water purifier can supply the purified water directly at every user request. In the casing, a filtration part 103 for filtering raw water is accommodated. In the case of a low water type water purifier, a water tank is accommodated in the casing.

A water purifier according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a main module 100 having a main casing 110 in which a filtration unit 103 for filtering water is disposed and forms an outer shape; And a sub-module 200 disposed on the outside of the main casing 110 and having a sub-casing 210 formed separately from the main casing 110. The sub-module 200 is formed on the sub- An inlet port 230 defining an inlet through which purified water flows; A discharge port 240 formed in the subcasing 210 and discharging the purified water introduced from the inflow port 230 to the outside of the casing when the user requests to take the inflow; And a water supply port 250 formed in the sub-casing 210 and transferring the purified water introduced through the inlet port 230 to the outside.

The filtration part 103 is accommodated in the main casing 110. The filtering unit 103 may include a plurality of filters. The filtration unit 103 may be a sediment filter, a pre-carbon filter, a reverse osmosis membrane filter, a post-carbon filter, and a nano filter filter, and the type, number, and order of the filters may be variously changed according to the filtration method of the water purification apparatus or the filtration performance required of the water purification apparatus .

For example, a pretreatment composite filter in which the sediment filter and the pre-carbon filter are integrated may be used, or an ultrafiltration filter may be provided in place of the reverse osmosis membrane filter. It is also possible that a micro filter or another functional filter is provided instead of or in addition to the above-described filter. Sediment filters can filter foreign matter and suspended matter contained in raw water by applying nonwoven fabric.

The free carbon filter can filter chlorine components and odors contained in raw water by applying surfactant charcoal. The reverse osmosis membrane filter can filter fine particles of about 0.001um. The post-carbon filter is superior in adsorption power to the surfactant charcoal of the pre-carbon filter, so that the pigment and odor can be removed. The hollow fiber membrane filter can filter the bacteria contained in the raw water by applying a hollow fiber membrane.

The constant includes the normal temperature water that maintains the normal temperature. The constant includes the cooling water whose temperature is lower than the normal temperature. The constant includes hot water whose temperature is higher than normal temperature water. In the case of a low water type water purifier, a water tank is accommodated in the casing. The water receptacle 217 is disposed outside the casing. The water receiver 217 stores water to be dropped after leaving the water purifier. The water receptacle 217 is detachably mounted to the casing. The water receiver 217 is mounted on the subcasing 210. The main module 100 includes a main casing 110. The sub-module 200 includes a sub-casing 210.

The main casing 110 and the sub-casing 210 are separately formed. The main casing 110 and the sub-casing 210 may be disposed at different places. For example, the main casing 110 may be disposed at the lower end of the sink, and the sub-casing 210 may be disposed at the table. The inlet port 230 forms an inlet. The inlet may be formed in the casing. The discharge port 240 forms an outlet. The outlet may be formed in the casing. The user can obtain the purified water from the discharge port 240. [ And a water receiver 217 may be disposed at the lower end of the discharge port 240. The water receptacle 217 is disposed outside the sub-casing 210.

The water receiver 217 stores water to be dropped after leaving the water purifier. The water receiver 217 is detachably mounted on the sub-casing 210. In the subcasing 210, a water supply port 250 is formed. When a plurality of sub modules 200 are provided, the water supply port 250 is where the purified water supplied to the other sub modules 200 is discharged.

The sub-module 200 includes a delivery pipe 260 connecting the inlet port 230 and the water supply port 250; An outflow pipe 270 connecting the delivery pipe 260 and the discharge port 240; And an outflow valve 271 for opening and closing the outflow pipe 270. The submodule 200 includes a delivery pipe 260 connecting the inlet port 230 and the water supply port 250; An outflow pipe 270 for leading the purified water introduced through the inlet port 230 to the outlet port 240; And an outflow valve 271 for opening and closing the outflow pipe 270. The outflow pipe 270 may be branched from the delivery pipe 260 to receive purified water.

The delivery pipe 260 is disposed inside the subcasing 210. The delivery piping 260 flows at a constant flow rate. The outflow pipe 270 connects the delivery pipe 260 and the outflow pipe 270. The water outlet valve 271 controls the water outlet pipe 270. The outflow pipe 270 is disposed inside the sub-casing 210. The valve may be a solenoid valve.

The outflow pipe 270, the delivery pipe 260, and the outflow valve 271 are accommodated in the subcasing 210. The end of the outflow pipe 270 is connected to the exhaust port 340. The discharge port 340 may protrude to the outside of the subcasing 210. The end of the outflow pipe 270 may be connected to the delivery pipe 260. The outflow pipe 270 may be directly connected to the inflow port 230. The inflow port 230 and the water supply port 250 may protrude out of the subcasing 210 or may be connected to the hose or pipe outside the subcasing 210. The submodule 200 includes a heat exchange unit 280, 290 that is accommodated in the casing and exchanges the introduced purified water and heat energy. The heat exchange units 280 and 290 are disposed inside the subcasing 210. The heat exchange units 280 and 290 include a cooling unit 280 and / or a heating unit 290.

The cooling unit 280 may include a heat pump or a thermoelectric device using a coolant. A thermoelectric element is a Peltier element using a Peltier effect, which is a phenomenon in which heat is absorbed by an electric current . Thermoelectric devices can be a bead such as commerce telluride and antimony Tel alloy as a couple. The thermoelectric elements can be combined in plural to enhance the refrigeration effect .

The cooling unit 280 is a condenser that compresses the gaseous refrigerant by applying mechanical energy to the gaseous refrigerant and discharges the gaseous refrigerant of high temperature and high pressure and the condenser that condenses the gaseous refrigerant and discharges the liquid heat and discharges the liquid refrigerant of high temperature and high pressure. An expansion valve for reducing the pressure of the liquid refrigerant at high temperature and high pressure to a pressure at which evaporation is possible, and an evaporator in which the low temperature low pressure liquid refrigerant absorbs the vaporization heat and changes into low temperature low pressure gaseous refrigerant. The refrigerant flowing in the evaporator is supplied with the heat of vaporization from the purified water contained in the cold water tank. The purified water contained in the cold water tank is cooled.

The cold water tank discharges cold water. In the water purifier, the piping in which the purified water flows can play the role of the cold water tank. The heating unit 290 includes a resistance wire to which a current is applied and which generates a joule heat, and a hot water tank that absorbs joule heat from the resistance wire. The water contained in the hot water tank is heated by absorbing heat energy from the hot water tank. The hot water tank discharges hot water. The water purifier is responsible for the role of the hot water tank in piping where the purified water flows. The first sub-module 200a includes a heating unit 290. [ The outflow pipe 270 of the first sub-module 200a discharges hot water. The second sub-module 200b includes a cooling unit 280. [ The outflow pipe 270 of the second sub-module 200b discharges cold water.

The water purifier according to one embodiment of the present invention includes an operation portion 212 disposed outside the sub-casing 210 to control the discharge port 240. The operation unit 212 is connected to the outflow pipe 270. The user can push or pull the operation unit 212 to discharge the purified water. The operating portion 212 is disposed above the water receiving portion 217. The operation unit 212 may be formed as a button, and when the operation unit 212 is a button, the solenoid valve may be controlled to intermittently control the outflow pipe 270.

The main module 100 and the sub module 200 are connected to a hose 300 made of a soft material. The main module 100 and the sub module 200 are spaced apart from each other. The flexible hose 300 connects the main casing 110 and the submodule 200 to each other. The hose 300 is connected to the inlet port 230. The purified water discharged from the main casing 110 is connected to the delivery pipe 260 disposed in the subcasing 210 through the hose 300. The main module 100 and the submodule 200 may be connected to each other by metal piping. The main module 100 and the sub module 200 can be coupled to each other according to the user's selection. The main module 100 and the sub module 200 may be coupled to each other to have a single outline. The sub-module 200 includes a first sub-module 200a connected to the main module 100; And the second sub module 200b connected to the first sub module 200a and the water supply port 250 of the first sub module 200a is connected to the inlet port 230 of the second sub module 200b do. The plurality of sub modules 200 may be provided. The submodule 200 discharges the purified water at different temperatures. The water supply port 250 of the second sub module 200b is connected to the inlet port 230 of the third sub module 200c. The submodules 200 may be connected to each other by a flexible hose 300.

The sub-module 200 includes a button disposed in the sub-casing 210 and for inputting a drive command of the electric component accommodated in the sub-casing 210 by the user. A control panel 211 is disposed in front of the subcasing 210. When a plurality of submodules 200 are arranged, each submodule 200 includes a select button 214. [ The selection button 214 may display the temperature of the purified water discharged from each submodule 200. For example, the first sub-module 200a is a hot water module including a heating unit 290. [

The first sub-module 200a includes a hot water button. In another example, the second sub-module 200b is a cold water module including a cooling unit 280. [ The second sub-module 200b includes a cold water button. In another example, the third sub-module 200c discharges the hot water. The third sub-module 200c includes a hot water button. The hot water button, the cold water button, and the hot water button may be the selection button 214. Pressing the hot water button and pressing the operating lever can drain hot water. When the cold water button is pressed and the operation lever is pressed, cold water may be discharged. Pressing the hot water button and pressurizing the operation lever can drain the water.

The main module may include a fourth sub-module 200d and a fifth sub-module 200e. The fourth sub-module 200d may be an ionic water module including an electrolytic cell. The electrolytic cell generates acidic ionized water and alkaline ionized water by applying an electric force to the purified water. The fifth sub-module 200e may be a mineral water module equipped with an additive supply device. The additive feeder includes minerals such as Ca, K, Na, Mg, and the like. The fifth sub-module 200e can supply the user with an integer containing minerals. The sixth sub-module 200f may be a separate tank. If the first sub module 200a, the second sub module 200b, and the third sub module 200c are vertical type water purifiers, if the user desires to store cold water or hot water because the amount of cold water and / or hot water is large, May be additionally provided. Although not shown in the figure, the submodule may be connected to a coffee maker. The coffee maker may receive the purified water directly from the main module, or may receive hot water from the first sub module 200a, which is a hot water module.

The sub-module 200 includes a warning unit 216 disposed in the sub-casing 210 and informing the main module 100 of the abnormality. The warning unit 216 recognizes the state of the main module 100 to the user. The plurality of sub modules 200 and the main module 100 are communicatively connected to each other. The plurality of sub modules 200 and the main module 100 are electrically connected to each other.

The period of use of the filtration unit 103 may be limited. The filtration unit 103 may be periodically replaced. The main module 100 includes a main control unit 101. [ The main control unit 101 can recognize the replacement timing of the filtration unit 103. [ The main control unit 101 sends a warning command to the sub module 200 when it is determined that the replacement time of the filter is imminent or that the current filter is to be replaced. The sub-module 200 includes a sub-control unit 201. The sub control unit 201 sends a warning command to the warning unit 216 formed on the control panel 211. [

4 is a block diagram illustrating a power supply method of a water purifier according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 4, the main module 100 includes a power cord 10 connected to an external power source; And a main power port 20 for externally supplying power received through the power cord 10. The sub module 200 may be connected to the main power port 20 to receive power. The external power supply supplies AC power. The power cord 10 supplies AC power to the main module 100. The main module 100 supplies power to the submodule 200 through the main power port 20. The sub-module 200 has a sub-power port 30.

The first sub-module 200a is supplied with power from the main module 100. The first sub-module 200a supplies power to the second sub-module 200b through the first sub-power port 30. The main module 100 may include an AC / DC converter 40 for converting AC power to DC power. The DC power converted through the AC / DC converter 40 is transmitted to the sub-module 200. Each sub-module 200 transmits DC power to each other. Each sub-module 200 may supply DC power through a DC power connection 35. [

The sub module 200 includes a first sub module 200a receiving power from the main module 100; And a second sub-module 200b receiving power from the first sub-module 200a. The first sub-module 200a may include a first sub-power port 30. And the second sub-module 200b may include a second sub-power port 30. [ The main module 100 can supply AC power to the submodule 200. The sub-module 200 can supply AC power to the other sub-modules 200. [ The first sub-power port 30 of the first sub-module 200a supplies AC power to the second sub-power port 30 of the second sub-module 200b. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a signal flow of a water purifier according to the present invention. Referring to FIG. 5, the sub-module 200 includes a sub-receiver 60 receiving a signal; And a sub-transmitter 61 for transmitting signals to an external device. The plurality of sub-modules 200 are communicatively connected to at least one other sub-module 200 or the main module 100.

Sub-module 200 includes a sub-receiver 60 receiving a signal; And a sub-transmitter 61 for transmitting signals to an external device. The plurality of sub-modules 200 are communicatively connected to at least one other sub-module 200 or the main module 100.

The sub-module 200 includes a sub-control unit 201. The sub-control unit 201 controls the sub-module 200. The sub control unit 201 receives information from the heat exchanging units 280 and 290 and the outflow valve 271 and a select button 214 and an outflow button 215 to be described later. At least one of the sub-modules 200 includes a selection button 214 provided for the user to select one of the plurality of sub-modules 200 in a preliminary manner; And an outgoing button 215 provided to allow the user to specify an outgoing destination among a plurality of sub modules 200. The sub transmitting section 61 and the sub receiving section 60 are connected to the selection button 214 And transmits or receives the generated selection signal and the outgoing signal generated in conjunction with the outgoing button 215.

The sub control unit 201 is connected to the select button 214 and the outflow button 215. The sub control unit 201 is connected to the sub receiving unit 60. The sub control unit 201 is connected to the sub transmission unit 61. The sub control unit 201 transmits the selection signal or the outgoing signal transmitted from the other sub module 200 to the sub transmission unit 61. The sub-receiver 60 transmits the selection signal or the outgoing signal transmitted from the other sub-module 200 to the sub-transmitter 61.

For example, when the selection button 214 or the exit button 215 of the third sub-module 200c is pressed, the sub-control unit 201 recognizes it and transmits it to the sub-transmission unit 61. [ The sub-transmitter 61 of the third sub-module 200b transmits a selection signal to the sub-receiver 60 of the second sub-module 200b. The information transmitted to the sub-receiver 60 of the second sub-module 200b may be transmitted to the sub-transmitter 61 of the second sub-module 200b and transmitted to the first sub-module 200a.

The user selects the desired sub-module 200 by pressing the select button 214. [ The submodule 200 may perform different functions and may be arranged in different positions. For example, if the first sub-module 200a has a hot water discharge function and the user wants hot water, the user presses the select button 214 to designate the first sub-module 200a.

The user can press the exit button 215 if he wants the integer to be exited in the desired sub-module 200. For example, if the user wishes to take the hot water out, the user presses the select button 214 which designates the first sub-module 200a. The select button 214 and / or the exit button 215 may be formed in the main module 100 and / or the submodule 200.

The main module 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a main receiving unit 50 for receiving signals from the sub module 200; And a raw water valve 3 for closing the flow path between the filtration unit 103 and the raw water supply unit upon receiving the selection signal from the main reception unit 50. The plural submodules 200 are connected to the sub- And a water outlet valve 271 for closing the flow path of the purified water flowing to the discharge port 240 upon receipt of the selection signal by the user.

The sub-transmitter 61 transmits an outgoing signal and a select signal. The sub-receiver 60 receives an outgoing signal and a select signal. The sub module 200 and the main module 100 transmit / receive a selection signal and an outgoing signal between each other.

For example, when the user presses the selection button 214 designating the second sub-module 200b, the second sub-controller 201 transmits a selection signal to the first sub-module 200a through the second sub- And the third sub-module 200c. The selection signal may be signal A. The first sub-reception unit 60 receives a selection signal from the second sub-transmission unit 61. The first sub-module 200a transmits a selection signal to the main module 100. [ The first sub-module 200a and the third sub-module 200c close the water outlet valve 271 when a selection signal is received. Therefore, if any one of the first sub-module 200a and the third sub-module 200c is out of the water, the outflow is stopped. On the other hand, the main control unit 101 closes the raw water valve 3. Therefore, the filter no longer emits purified water since the raw water no longer flows. This double safety device can prevent water from coming out of the plurality of sub modules 200 or overloading the filter.

The water purifier according to the embodiment of the present invention further includes a raw water valve 3 for interrupting the flow path between the filtration part 103 and the raw water supply part, and the raw water valve 3 receives the outgoing signal from the main receiving part 50 The flow path can be opened. The main control unit 101 opens the raw water valve and supplies the raw water to the filtration unit 103. [ The constants passed through the filtering unit 103 are supplied from the main module 100 to the submodule 100. The outgoing signal may be signal B and / or signal C.

The sub-transmitter 61 transmits the outgoing signal B only when the selection signal and the outgoing signal are generated in the same sub-module 200. The sub control unit 201 is connected to the outgoing button 215 and the selection button 214. The sub control unit 201 may include a memory (not shown). When the select button 214 selects itself but the outflow button 215 selects another sub module 200 Do not send an outgoing command. The sub control unit 201 does not transmit an outgoing command unless the outgoing button 215 for which the selection button 214 has selected itself for a predetermined period of time is pressed. For example, when the select button 214 is pushed to the second sub-module 200b but the outgoing button 215 is pressed to the first sub-module 200a, the second sub- Cancel and wait.

The outgoing signal B generated in the second sub module 200b is transmitted to the main module 100 through the first sub module 200a. The main control unit 101 commands the opening of the raw water valve 3 when an outgoing signal is applied. When the raw water valve 3 is opened, the filter discharges purified water. The second sub-control unit 201 commands the opening of the outflow valve 271. [ The integer is directed to the second sub-module 200b through the water supply port of the first sub-module 200a.

The main control unit 101 transmits the outgoing signal C to the sub module 200. [ The outgoing signal C transmitted from the main module 100 is transmitted to the second sub module 200b through the first sub module 200a. The second sub-control unit 201 opens the outflow valve 271 when the outgoing signal C is received.

A plurality of sub modules 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention are provided and a plurality of sub modules 200 are provided between the remaining sub modules 200 of the plurality of sub modules 200 and the main module 100 And a first sub module 200a functioning as a data link. The first sub module 200a serves as an intermediary of information between the main module 100 and the plurality of sub modules 200. [ The second sub-module 200b connects the third sub-module 200c with the first sub-module 200a.

The sub module 200 includes a first sub module 200a communicably connected to the main module 100; And a second submodule 200b communicably connected to the first submodule 200a. The first submodule 200a includes a first submodule 200b receiving a signal input to the second submodule 200b, A receiving unit 60; And a first sub-transmitter 61 for transmitting the information transmitted from the second sub-module 200b to the main module 100. [

The second sub-module 200b includes: a second sub-receiver 60 for receiving a signal input to the third sub-module 200c; And a second sub-transmitter (61) for transmitting the information transmitted from the third sub-module (200c) to the first sub-module (200a). The signal input to the third sub-module 200c is transmitted to the first sub-module 200a via the second sub-module 200b. The signal input to the second sub-module 200b is transmitted to the third sub-module 200c and the first sub-module 200a. The main module 100 includes a main receiving unit 50. The main module 100 includes a main transmitter 51.

6 is a flowchart illustrating a control method of a water purifier according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 6, a control method of a water purifier according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a main module 100 having a main casing 110 in which a filtration unit 103 for filtering water is disposed, and which forms an outer shape; And a sub-module (200) having a sub-casing (210) disposed outside the main casing (110) and formed separately from the main casing (110), wherein the submodule (200) Inputting (S7); Transmitting (S9) an outgoing command signal to the main module (100) from the sub module (200); And opening the raw water valve (S11) for interrupting the flow path between the filtration part (103) and the raw water supply part (1) in the main module (100).

The submodule (200) comprises an inlet port (230) formed in the subcasing (210) and forming an inlet through which purified water flows; A discharge port 240 formed in the subcasing 210 and discharging the purified water introduced from the inlet port 230 to the outside of the casing when a user requests to take it; And a water supply port 250 formed in the sub-casing 210 and transferring the purified water introduced through the inlet port 230 to the outside. The raw water valve (3) can regulate the flow rate of raw water flowing into the water purification type water purification apparatus.

The raw water is supplied from a raw water supply unit 1 such as a water supply. The flow rate of the raw water may flow into the water purification type water purification apparatus depending on the opening / closing degree of the raw water valve 3. The raw water valve 3 may be a pressure reducing valve. When a plurality of sub modules 200 are arranged, each sub module 200 has a select button 214.

The selection button 214 may display the temperature of the purified water discharged from each submodule 200. For example, the first sub-module 200a is a hot water module including a heating unit 290. [ The first sub-module 200a includes a hot water button. The hot button is a select button 214. In another example, the second sub-module 200b is a cold water module including a cooling unit 280. [ The second sub-module 200b includes a cold water button. The cold water button is a select button 214.

In another example, the third sub-module 200c discharges the hot water. The third sub-module 200c includes a hot water button. The hot water button is a selection button 214. Pressing the hot water button and pressing the operating lever can drain hot water. When the cold water button is pressed and the operation lever is pressed, cold water may be discharged. Pressing the hot water button and pressurizing the operation lever can drain the water. The control panel 211 may include a separate exit button 215 for receiving an outgoing command.

The method for controlling a water purifier according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a sub module 200 selection step S1 for selecting any one of a plurality of sub modules 200, Module 200 may be performed in the sub-module 200 selected in the selecting step. The main module 100 includes a main control unit 101. [

The sub-module 200 includes a sub-control unit 201. The main control unit 101 controls the opening and closing of the raw water valve 3. [ The sub control unit 201 controls the opening and closing of the outflow valve 271. The sub control unit 201 is connected to the control panel 211. When the user presses the selection button 214, the sub control unit 201 recognizes this.

The sub control unit 201 transmits a signal to the other sub module 200 and / or the main module 100 connected thereto. For example, when the selection button 214 disposed in the second sub-module 200b is pressed, the second sub-control unit 201 commands the second sub-transmission unit 61 to transmit a signal. The second sub-transmitter 61 transmits a signal to the third sub-receiver 60 and the first sub-receiver 60. The information transmitted to the first sub-receiver (60) is transmitted to the first sub-controller (201). The first sub-control unit 201 commands the first sub-transmission unit 61 to transmit a signal. The first sub-transmission unit 61 transmits a signal to the main control unit 101. [ The outgoing command may also be transmitted to the main control unit 101 and / or the other sub control unit 201 through the same process.

The sub control unit 201 determines whether the sub module 200 selected in the sub module 200 selection step and the sub module 200 inputted with the outgoing command are the same sub module 200. [ For example, when the selection button 214 of the first sub-module 200a is pressed, the outflow valve 271 is opened when the outflow button 215 of the first sub-module 200a is pressed. However, if the exit button 215 of the second sub-module 200b is pressed after the selection button 214 of the first sub-module 200a is pressed, the first sub-control unit 201 and the second sub- The water outlet valve 271 is not opened.

Each sub-module 200 includes a sub-control unit 201. Therefore, it is possible to check whether or not the outgoing command has been input to itself, to satisfy two conditions, to be reset, or to wait until the remaining conditions are satisfied.

When the selection button 214 is pressed, the main control unit 101 recognizes the signal and commands the water valve 3 to close. When the sub-module 200 selection step is performed, the raw water valve 3 may be closed (S5). When the button is depressed, the main control unit 101 recognizes the signal and instructs the raw water valve 3 to close. The filtration unit 103 no longer discharges the purified water since the raw water no longer flows. The raw water valve 3 can open the flow path when it receives an outgoing signal from the main receiving unit 50. The main control unit 101 opens the raw water valve and supplies the raw water to the filtration unit 103. [ The constants passed through the filtering unit 103 are supplied from the main module 100 to the submodule 100.

 The operation of the water purifier according to the present invention and the control method thereof will be described as follows.

The main module 100 may be disposed at an invisible position such as the bottom of the sink. The sub-module 200 is disposed at a place where users can easily access, such as a table or a table. The user presses the select button 214 formed in the sub module 200. [ Each module supplies an integer of different temperature. When the user presses a selection button 214 disposed in the first sub-module 200a, the first sub-transmitter 61 transmits a signal to the main module 100. [ Also, the first sub-transmitter 61 transmits a signal to the second sub-module 200b. The second sub-control unit 201 recognizes this and closes the water outlet valve 271. [

On the other hand, the main control unit 101 instructs the raw water valve 3 to close. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a malfunction even if the user presses the selection button 214 of another sub module 200 inadvertently while taking in the sub module 200 from the sub module 200.

Thereafter, when the user presses an outgoing button 215 disposed on the first sub-module 200a, the first sub-transmitter 61 transmits a signal to the main module 100. [ Also, the first sub-transmitter 61 transmits a signal to the second sub-module 200b. The second sub-control unit 201 recognizes this and maintains the shutoff of the outflow valve 271. On the other hand, the main control unit 101 commands the opening of the raw water valve 3. Therefore, even if a user selects a plurality of submodules 200 by mistake, malfunctions can be prevented.

The sub module 200 and the main module 100 may be connected to each other by a hose 300. [ Accordingly, the user can purchase only a part of the sub module 200 in consideration of the desired economic situation, free space, and necessity, or purchase the sub module 200 sequentially. Since each sub module 200 includes the water supply port 250 and the sub power port 30, it is possible to connect the sub modules 200 in series, so that assembly between the sub modules 200 is simple, 300) or piping connection is facilitated.

While the present invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to exemplary embodiments thereof, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed exemplary embodiments, but, on the contrary, It should be understood that various modifications may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Claims (19)

A main module having a main casing in which a filtration part for filtering water is arranged and forms an outer shape; And
And first, second and third submodules disposed outside the main casing and each having a subcasing formed separately from the main casing,
Each of the first, second, and third sub-
An inlet port formed in the subcasing and defining an inlet through which purified water flows;
A discharge port formed in the subcasing and discharging the purified water introduced from the inflow port to the outside of the subcasing when a user requests to take it;
A water outlet valve for opening / closing the discharge port;
A water supply port formed in the subcasing and transferring the purified water introduced through the inflow port to an inflow port of another submodule;
A sub-receiver receiving the signal;
A sub-transmitter for transmitting a signal;
A selection button for applying an outgoing signal according to a user operation; And
And a sub control section for controlling the water outlet valve according to an outgoing signal applied through the selection button,
The water inlet port of the first submodule and the inlet port of the second submodule are connected so that the purified water filtered by the filtration unit and sequentially discharged from the main module are sequentially transferred to the first, second, and third submodules, The water supply port of the second submodule is connected to the inlet port of the third submodule,
The sub-control unit of the second sub-
When the outgoing signal is applied through the select button of the second sub-module, the outgoing signal is transmitted to the sub-receiver of the first sub-module and the sub-receiver of the third sub-module via the sub-transmitter of the second sub- The water outlet valve of the second sub-module is opened,
And the sub-controllers of the first sub-module and the third sub-module respectively block the water outlet valve of the first sub-module and the water outlet valve of the third sub-module according to an outgoing signal inputted through the sub-receiver. The method according to claim 1,
The sub-
A delivery pipe connecting the inflow port and the water supply port;
An outflow pipe for leading the purified water introduced through the inflow port to the discharge port; And
And a water outlet valve for opening / closing the water outlet pipe.
3. The method of claim 2,
And the outflow pipe is branched from the delivery pipe to receive purified water.
3. The method of claim 2,
Wherein the outflow pipe, the delivery pipe, and the outflow valve are housed in the subcasing. 3. The method of claim 2,
The sub-
And a heat exchange unit accommodated in the casing and exchanging the introduced purified water and heat energy. The method according to claim 1,
Further comprising an operating portion disposed outside the sub-casing and controlling the discharge port. delete The method according to claim 1,
The sub-
Further comprising a warning unit disposed in the subcasing and notifying of an abnormality of the main module. The method according to claim 1,
The main module includes:
A power cord connected to an external power source; And
And a main power port for supplying power externally supplied through the power cord,
The sub-
And connected to the main power port to receive power. 10. The method of claim 9,
The sub-
A first sub-module receiving power from the main module; And
And a second submodule coupled to receive power from the first submodule. delete delete delete The method according to claim 1,
The main module includes:
A main receiving unit for receiving the outgoing signal from a sub-transmitting unit of the first sub-module; And
Further comprising a raw water valve for interrupting a flow path between the filtration unit and the raw water supply unit,
Wherein the raw-
And when the main signal receiver receives the outgoing signal, opens the channel. delete delete delete delete delete

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