KR102101802B1 - water purifier and method for controlling the same - Google Patents

Abstract

The water purifier according to the present invention includes a case having a storage space, a filter provided inside the case to purify water supplied from a water supply source, and a water supply passage supplying water supplied from the water supply source to the filter. It is provided on the water supply passage, the water supply valve for controlling the flow of water passing through the water supply passage, provided on the outside of the case, the water outlet through which the water passing through the filter is taken out, and the water passing through the filter When the washing command is input to the outlet and the outlet provided to the outside of the case, provided on the outlet passage to control the flow of water passing through the outlet passage, a user receiving a washing command from the user and the operating unit , A control unit for controlling at least one of the water supply valve or the water discharge valve to be opened or closed intermittently, the user The cleaning of the water purifier and the internal flow path of the valve only operate the button at the time there is an effect that it is possible to automatically proceed to.

Description

Water purifier and method for controlling the same}

The present invention relates to a water purifier and a control method therefor.

In general, water purifiers are used for household purposes as a mechanism to remove impurities by filtering water.

In detail, the water purifier is connected to the water supply to remove floating substances or harmful components contained in tap water using a filter, and is configured to purify and take out as much water as desired according to the user's operation.

Various water purifiers such as purified water as well as hot and cold water have been released. And, in recent years, water purifiers having a small size and capable of being installed in various installation environments have been developed.

In addition, a pipe for flowing purified water is provided inside the water purifier, and a valve, a water intake port, and the like are provided in the pipe. When the water purifier is used for a long time, foreign substances contained in water may be caught in piping, valves, and water intake ports, and microorganisms and the like may breed.

However, in the related art, in order to clean the flow path of the water purifier, there is a problem that the cover must be separated from the main body of the water purifier, and various pipes exposed to the outside must be connected to a separate washing device.

According to Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2001-0111954, a water purifier is installed in order of a precipitation filter, a pre-carbon filter, a membrane filter, and a post carbon filter, and includes a water purification flow path and a take-out nozzle.

In the conventional water purifier as described above, purified water that has passed through the filter is directly supplied to the water discharge nozzle along the purified water flow path.

In addition, in the case of a water purifier equipped with a cold water function, the purified water passing through the filter is cooled while passing through a cooling tank and then supplied to the outlet nozzle along the cold water flow path. In addition, in the case of a water purifier having a hot water function, the purified water that has passed through the filter is heated while passing through the hot water tank and then supplied to the water outlet nozzle along the hot water flow path.

As described above, the purified water discharged from the filter passes through a plurality of flow paths, valves, and tanks until it is taken out to the discharge nozzle.

At this time, when the water purifier is used for a long time, foreign substances contained in water may be caught in piping, valves, and the like, and microorganisms or the like may breed.

Therefore, it is necessary to periodically sterilize the flow path, the valve, and the like.

In the conventional case, since the sterilization process of the flow path and the valve is complicated, most of the specialized coordinators who have received training separately visited and sterilized the flow path and the valve of the water purifier.

Therefore, even if the user recognizes the need to sterilize the flow path and valve of the water purifier, sterilization of the water purifier could not be performed at a desired time, and maintenance and management costs of the water purifier had to be increased due to visit care by a professional coordinator. .

In addition, in the conventional case, a separate sterilization kit had to be provided for sterilization treatment of a flow path and a valve of the water purifier.

In this case, there is a problem in that it is difficult to directly sterilize the user by adding a cost to the sterilization kit and having a high degree of difficulty in sterilization operation through the sterilization kit.

An object of the present invention is to provide a water purifier capable of washing the entire flow path and valve inside the water purifier from the water supply passage connected to the water supply source to the water discharge nozzle or the water discharge passage connected to the discharge port.

An object of the present invention is to provide a water purifier capable of automatically washing a flow path and a valve inside the water purifier by simply pressing a button at a user's desired time.

An object of the present invention is to provide a water purifier capable of cleaning the flow path and the valve inside the water purifier without connecting a separate sterilization kit or sterilization module.

An object of the present invention is to provide a water purifier capable of washing the flow path and the valve inside the water purifier by using water pressure supplied from the water supply source without using a separate power source such as a circulation pump.

An object of the present invention is to provide a water purifier capable of washing the flow paths and valves inside the water purifier without having a separate space for washing inside the water purifier.

An object of the present invention is to provide a water purifier that can be stopped immediately by a user's command even when the washing is in progress.

An object of the present invention is to provide a water purifier capable of promptly confirming and coping with a user in a state in which washing is in progress and when the washing is completed.

An object of the present invention is to provide a water purifier capable of increasing the user's convenience by draining immediately without the user having to process the washing water used for washing.

An object of the present invention is to provide a water purifier capable of extracting cold water by a user even while washing of the purified water passage is in progress.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a water purifier and a control method for preventing bacteria from being attached to a flow path and a valve by pulsation pressure after pulsation washing is performed after discharging bacteria from the flow path and piping through continuous water discharge. will be.

An object of the present invention is to provide a water purifier capable of increasing the removal rate of bacteria attached to the flow path and piping of the water purifier and a control method thereof.

The water purifier according to the present invention includes a case having a storage space, a filter provided inside the case to purify water supplied from a water supply source, and a water supply passage supplying water supplied from the water supply source to the filter, It is provided on the water supply passage, the water supply valve for controlling the flow of water passing through the water supply passage, and provided on the outside of the case, the water outlet nozzle through which the water passing through the filter is taken out, and the water passing through the filter And an outlet valve for supplying water to the outside of the case, an outlet valve provided on the outlet passage to regulate the flow of water passing through the outlet passage, and an operation unit receiving a washing instruction from a user and a washing instruction input to the operating unit. If it is, characterized in that it comprises a control unit for controlling to open or close intermittently at least one of the water supply valve or the water discharge valve It shall be.

According to this, washing of the flow path and the valve inside the water purifier can be automatically performed only by pressing a button at a user's desired time. In addition, without connecting a separate sterilization kit or sterilization module, the flow path and the valve inside the water purifier can be cleaned. In addition, without using a separate power source such as a circulation pump, washing of the flow path and valve inside the water purifier may be performed by the water pressure supplied from the water supply source. Further, without providing a separate space for washing inside the water purifier, the flow path and the valve inside the water purifier can be cleaned.

In addition, the operation unit includes a washing button and a water discharge button, the user presses the washing button and presses the water discharge button, washing proceeds, and in the process of washing, when the user presses the washing button again, the washing is stopped. It is characterized by. According to this, even if the washing is in progress, the washing may be stopped immediately by a user's command.

In addition, the control unit further includes a notification unit for visually and / or audibly outputting a notification according to a washing state to the outside of the case, wherein the notification unit is different from a washing process in progress and a washing completion state. It is characterized by outputting a notification. According to this, the user can immediately check and cope with the state in which the washing is in progress and when the washing is completed.

In addition, the control method of the water purifier according to the present invention is an input step of inputting a washing command through the operation unit, and when the washing command is input, the control unit opens the water supply valve and the water discharge valve for a predetermined first time. 1 continuous water discharge step, and when the first time passes, the control unit controls the at least one of the water supply valve or the water discharge valve to open or close intermittently for a preset second time, and the second time When it passes, the control unit comprises a second continuous water discharge step of opening the water supply valve and the water discharge valve for a predetermined third time.

According to this, the cold water can be taken out by the user even while the washing of the purified water passage is in progress. In addition, it is possible to prevent bacteria from being attached to the flow path and the valve due to the pressure of the pulsation after pulsation washing is performed after discharging bacteria from the flow path and the pipe through the continuous water discharge. In addition, it is possible to increase the removal rate of the attached bacteria in the flow path and the piping of the water purifier.

According to the present invention, there is an effect capable of washing the entire flow path and the valve inside the water purifier from the water supply passage connected to the water source to the water discharge nozzle or the water discharge passage connected to the outlet.

According to the present invention, there is an effect that the washing of the flow path and the valve inside the water purifier can be automatically performed only by pressing a button at a user's desired time.

According to the present invention, without connecting a separate sterilization kit or sterilization module, there is an effect that the flow path and the valve inside the water purifier can be cleaned.

According to the present invention, without using a separate power source, such as a circulation pump, there is an effect that can be made to wash the flow path and the valve inside the water purifier by the water pressure supplied from the water source.

According to the present invention, without providing a separate space for washing inside the water purifier, there is an effect that can be made to wash the flow path and the valve inside the water purifier.

According to the present invention, even when the washing is in progress, there is an effect that the washing can be stopped immediately by a user's command.

According to the present invention, there is an effect that the user can immediately check and cope with the state in which the washing proceeds and the time when the washing is completed.

According to the present invention, there is an effect to increase the user's convenience by immediately draining the washing water used for washing without the user having to process it.

According to the present invention, there is an effect that the user can take out cold water even while the washing of the purified water flow is in progress.

According to the present invention, after releasing bacteria in the flow path and piping through continuous water discharge, pulsation washing is performed, thereby preventing bacteria from being attached to the flow path and the valve due to the pressure of the pulsation.

According to the present invention, there is an effect that can increase the removal rate of the attached bacteria in the flow path and the pipe of the water purifier.

According to the present invention, there is an effect that can clean the flow path and the pipe of the water purifier in a short time.

1 is a perspective view of a water purifier according to an embodiment of the present invention.
2 is an exploded perspective view of the water purifier.
3 is a perspective view of a water extraction module which is a component of the present invention.
4 is a view showing a flow path and a valve in the water purifier of the present invention.
5 is a block diagram of a water purifier according to an embodiment of the present invention.
6 is a flowchart illustrating a pulsation washing process according to an embodiment of the present invention.
7 is a view showing an example of the on and off signals input to the water supply valve which is a component of the present invention.
8 is a graph comparing the removal rate of bacteria according to the presence or absence of pulsation.

Hereinafter, specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the spirit of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments presented below, and those skilled in the art to understand the spirit of the present invention may add other embodiments included within the scope of the same spirit by adding, changing, deleting, and adding components. It may be easily implemented, but it will also be said to be included within the scope of the present invention.

The drawings attached to the following embodiments are examples of the same invention idea, but in order not to be damaged, the invention may be expressed differently for each drawing in order to facilitate understanding. There may be a specific part not displayed according to the drawing, or may be exaggerated according to the drawing.

1 is a perspective view of a water purifier according to an embodiment of the present invention. And, Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of the water purifier.

1 to 2, the water purifier 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention is provided with a case 110 forming an outer shape and a filter provided inside the case 110 to filter raw water introduced from the outside Water purifier main body 100 including 120, water outlet nozzle 210 formed to protrude forward of the water purifier main body 100 and supplying water passing through the filter 120 to the outside of the water purifier main body 100 ) May include a water extraction module 200 provided therein, and a tray 300 provided below the water extraction nozzle 210.

First, the external shape of the water purifier main body 100 may be formed by the case 110. The case 110 includes a front cover 111 that forms the exterior of the front, a rear cover 112 that forms the exterior of the back, a base 113 that forms a bottom surface, and a top cover 114 that forms an upper surface. It may be composed of side panels 115 forming both sides. The front cover 111 and the rear cover 112, the base 113 and the top cover 114, and a pair of side panels 115 are assembled with each other to form the appearance of the water purifier body 100, the case 110 ).

At this time, the front and rear ends of the base 113 and the top cover 114 may be formed to be rounded, and the front cover 111 and the rear cover 112 may be formed to be rounded to the base 113 and the top cover ( 114) may be formed convexly in front and rear, respectively, to have curvatures corresponding to the front end and the rear end.

In addition, a water outlet nozzle 210 is formed on the front surface of the water purifier main body 100. In addition, the outlet nozzle 210 may be formed to protrude downward of the outlet module 200 formed to protrude in front of the front cover 111. Therefore, water purified through the water extraction nozzle 210 may be taken out.

For this, the mounting grooves 111a and 114a are formed in the front cover 111 and the top cover 114 so that the water outlet module 200 can be inserted and fixed.

In detail, the mounting groove 111a has a concave shape downward from the center top of the front cover 111, and the mounting groove 114a has a concave shape rearward from the front end of the top cover 114.

Inside the case 110, a filter 120 for water purification and a filter bracket 130 on which a plurality of valves (not shown) are mounted are provided.

The filter bracket 130 includes a bottom portion 131 coupled with the base 113, a filter receiving portion 132 in which the filter 120 is accommodated, and an outlet module mounting portion in which the outlet module 200 is mounted. It can be composed of (133).

In detail, the bottom portion 131 is formed to correspond to the shape of the front end of the base 113, and is coupled to the base 113. The mounting position of the filter bracket 130 may be fixed by the combination of the bottom surface portion 131, and the bottom surface shape of the filter receiving portion 132 may be formed.

The filter bracket 130 may be locked and restrained by a hook method on the base 113, and may also be fixed by a screw that is fastened on the lower surface of the base 113.

The filter accommodating portion 132 is formed to extend in the vertical direction, and forms a recessed space from the front (left in the drawing) to the rear (right in the drawing) so that the filter 120 can be accommodated. A plurality of filters 120 may be mounted on the filter accommodation unit 130. The filter 120 is for purification of raw water (tap water) supplied, and may be configured to combine filters having various functions.

In addition, the filter housing 130 may be further provided with a filter socket 134 on which the filter 120 is mounted, and the filter socket 134 is provided with a pipe through which purified water flows. The piping can be connected to multiple valves (not shown). Therefore, the raw water passes through the filter 120 in order to be directed to a valve (not shown) for water supply.

A plurality of valves (not shown) may be provided on the rear surface (right side of the drawing) of the filter accommodating part 132, and the valves (not shown) may be heated with the cooling tank 150 as well as the filter 120. The assembly 160 and the water extraction module 200 selectively supply purified water, cold water, and hot water.

The water receiving module mounting portion 133 is formed at an upper end of the filter receiving portion 132. The water outlet module mounting portion 133 has a structure in which the mounting groove 133a is formed from the top to the bottom at the top so that the water outlet module 200 can be inserted and fixed. At this time, the water discharge module mounting portion 133 may be formed to have a curvature corresponding to the curvature of the front cover 111 that covers the front of the water discharge module mounting portion 133. The upper portion of the filter bracket 130 may be shielded by a top cover 114.

A compressor 141 and a condenser 142 are provided on the upper surface of the base 113. In addition, a cooling fan 143 is provided between the compressor 141 and the condenser 142 to be configured to cool the compressor 141 and the condenser 142. As the compressor 141, an inverter type compressor capable of adjusting the cooling capacity by varying the frequency may be used. Therefore, cooling of purified water can be efficiently performed, thereby reducing power consumption.

In addition, the condenser 142 may be located at the rear of the base 113 and may be positioned at a position corresponding to the outlet 112a formed in the rear cover 112. The condenser 142 may be formed by bending a plurality of flat tube type refrigerant tubes multiple times in order to improve the heat exchange efficiency while simultaneously using the space efficiently and configured to be accommodated in the condenser bracket 144.

The condenser bracket 144 is formed with a condenser mounting portion 145 to which the condenser 142 is fixed and a tank mounting portion 146 on which a cooling tank 150 for making cold water can be mounted. The condenser mounting portion 145 forms a space corresponding to the overall shape of the condenser 142 to accommodate the condenser 142. In addition, the condenser mounting portion 145 is formed such that the cooling fan 143 and the discharge port 112a face each opening, thereby enabling effective cooling of the condenser 142.

And, the tank mounting portion 146 is formed above the condenser bracket 144, that is, above the condenser mounting portion 145. The lower end of the cooling tank 150 is inserted into the tank mounting part 146 so that the tank mounting part 146 fixes the cooling tank 150.

The cooling tank 150 is for cooling purified water to make cold water, and cooling water for heat exchange with the purified water is filled. In addition, an evaporator for cooling the cooling water is accommodated in the cooling tank 150, and a cooling passage 151 is formed so that purified water passing through the filter 120 can pass through the cooling tank. Therefore, the purified water may be cooled while circulating inside the cooling tank 150 along the cooling passage 151.

One side of the filter bracket 130 is further provided with a support plate 135 extending toward the cooling tank 150. The support plate 135 is provided above the compressor 141 and extends from the filter bracket 130 to the condenser bracket 144 to provide a space in which the heating and control modules 160 and 170 are mounted.

The heating and control modules 160 and 170 may include a heating assembly 160 for making hot water and a control assembly 170 for controlling the overall driving of the water purifier 10. The heating assembly 160 and the control assembly 170 may be combined with each other to be combined in a single module state, and may be mounted on the support plate 135 in a combined state.

The heating assembly 160 is for heating purified water, and can heat purified water in a variety of known ways, including an induction heating (IH) method. The heating assembly 160 is capable of heating water at an instant and rapid speed during a hot water extraction operation, and can take out hot water at a desired temperature according to a user's operation.

The control assembly 170 is for controlling the operation of the water purifier 10, to control the compressor 141, the cooling fan 143, and various valves and sensors, the heating assembly 160, etc. It is composed. The control assembly 170 may be modularized and configured by a combination of PCBs divided into multiple parts for each function. In addition, in the structure in which the water purifier 10 takes out only cold water and purified water, the heating assembly 160 and the fish ratio for controlling the same may be omitted, and at least one or more fish ratios may be omitted in this manner.

Meanwhile, the purified water discharged from the filter 120 of the water purifier 10 passes through several flow paths and valves until it is taken out to the discharge nozzle 210 or the drain.

At this time, when the water purifier is used for a long time, foreign substances contained in water may be caught in the flow path, the valve, and the like, and microorganisms or the like may breed.

Therefore, it is necessary to periodically sterilize the flow path, the valve, and the like.

In the present invention, it is possible to easily sterilize the flow path and the valve using pulsation.

3 is a perspective view of a water extraction module which is a component of the present invention. And, Figure 4 is a view showing a flow path and a valve in the water purifier of the present invention. And, Figure 5 is a block diagram of a water purifier according to an embodiment of the present invention.

3 to 5, the water purifier according to the present invention is provided on the water supply channel 510 for supplying water supplied from the water supply source 1 to the filter 120, and on the water supply channel 510 , Water supply valve 520 to regulate the flow of water passing through the water supply passage 510, and provided on the outside of the case 110, the water passing through the filter 120 to the case 110 outside It may include an outflow passage (531,532,533,534) to be supplied, and an outflow valve (541,542,543,544) provided on the outflow passage (531,532,533,534) to regulate the flow of water passing through the outflow passage (531,532,533,534).

In addition, when a washing command is input to the manipulation unit 410 and the manipulation unit 410,420 receiving a washing command from a user, at least one of the water supply valve 520 or the water discharge valve 541,542,543,544 is opened or closed intermittently. It may include a control unit to control.

Here, the control unit may mean the above-described control assembly 170, or may mean a controller provided separately from the control assembly 170.

In this embodiment, the operation unit 410 may be provided on the upper surface of the water extraction module 200, and a water extraction button 420 may be provided on the front surface of the water extraction module 200.

As described above, in order for the operation unit 410 to be provided on the upper surface of the water discharge module 200, a storage space in which the operation unit 410 is accommodated may be formed on the upper surface of the case 220.

According to the present invention, the operation unit 410 is provided on the upper surface of the water discharge module 200, so that a tall adult user can easily control the overall operation of the water purifier 10. On the other hand, in the case of a small child user, it is impossible to recognize the operation unit 410 provided on the upper surface of the water extraction module 200, and even if it is recognized, it cannot be easily operated, so that hot water is discharged by pressing the operation unit 410 at random. This can prevent safety accidents such as burning hands.

On the other hand, the water discharge button 420 is provided on the front of the water discharge module 200, so that the user can recognize the water discharge button 420 as well as an adult user as well as a small child, and when the water discharge is desired, the water discharge button 420 is easily provided. By maneuvering, it is possible to proceed with water extraction.

For example, the operation unit 410 is provided with a touch panel, a capacity button 411 for selecting the water discharge capacity, a hot water selection, and further, a hot water button 412 for selecting the temperature of the hot water to be discharged, and for selecting water purification. It may include a water purification button 413, a cold water button 414 for selecting cold water, a continuous button 415 for selecting continuous water, and a washing button 416 for inputting a washing command.

In addition, the operation unit 410 may be formed to be inclined downward from rear to front. Therefore, a user located in front of the water purifier can operate the operation unit 410 in a state where readability is secured.

Hereinafter, the flow path and the valve of the water purifier 10 will be described in more detail.

The water purifier 10 purifies and cools or heats the water supplied from the external water supply source 1 and then supplies it to the outlet nozzle 210 or discharges it to the outlet.

The water purifier 10 may be connected to an external water supply source 1 by a water supply passage 510 to receive water.

In addition, the water supply passage 510 may be provided with a water supply valve 520 that regulates the flow of water supplied from the water supply source 1 to the filter 120. For example, when the water supply valve 520 is opened, water is supplied from the water supply source 1 to the filter 120, and when the water supply valve 520 is closed, water supplied from the water supply source 1 to the filter 120 is supplied. It can be blocked.

In addition, a flow sensor (not shown) for detecting a flow rate supplied to the filter 120 may be further provided in the water supply passage 510.

As described above, water supplied from the water supply source 2 through the water supply passage 510 is purified by purified water while passing through the filter 120.

At this time, the filter 120 may be provided with one or more, and may be configured by combining various types of filters when provided in plural.

For example, three filters 120 may be provided, and may include a free carbon filter and a post carbon filter, and a membrane filter disposed between the free carbon filter and the post carbon filter.

The purified water passing through the filter 120 is discharged to the outside of the water purifier 10. At this time, the purified water may be discharged to the outside of the water purifier 10 through the water discharge nozzle 210, or may be discharged to the outside of the water purifier 10 through the discharge flow path.

For example, the purified water passing through the filter 120 may be divided into a purified water flow path 531, a cold water flow path 532, and a hot water flow path 533 while passing through the branch 550.

Here, it is revealed that at least one of the purified water flow path 531, the cold water flow path 532, and the warm water flow path 533 may be omitted.

First, the purified water passage 531 transfers the purified water passing through the filter 120 to the water outlet nozzle 210 side. In addition, the water purification passage 531 is provided with a water purification valve 541, and can regulate the flow of purified water passing through the water purification passage 531.

On the other hand, the cold water flow path 532 delivers the purified water that has passed through the filter 120 to the water discharge nozzle 210, but after cooling the purified water in the cooling tank 150 provided on the cold water flow path 532, the water discharge nozzle (210). In addition, the cold water flow path 532 is provided with a cold water valve 542, and can regulate the flow of purified water or cold water passing through the cold water flow path 532.

The purified water flow path 531 and the cold water flow path 532 may be separately connected to the water discharge nozzle 210, and after being connected to a separate 2in-1out type connector 560, the water discharge nozzle (535) through the common flow path 535 210). In addition, the common flow path 535 may be provided with a common valve 545 that regulates the flow of purified water or cold water passing through the common flow path 535.

In addition, the water purifier 10 of the present invention is provided on the discharge flow path 534 and the discharge flow path 534 branched from the common flow path 535, the flow of purified water or cold water passing through the discharge flow path 534 It may further include a discharge valve 544 to regulate.

The fluid exiting the discharge passage 534 may be discharged to the outside of the water purifier 10 through a separate outlet formed at the rear or side of the water purifier 10 rather than the water discharge nozzle 210. At this time, the discharge passage 534 may be extended to the outside of the water purifier 10, the end of the discharge passage 534 may be connected to a sink or sewer.

On the other hand, the hot water flow path 533 delivers the purified water that has passed through the filter 120 to the water outlet nozzle 210, but after heating the purified water in the heating assembly 160 provided on the hot water flow path 533, the water discharge nozzle (210). In addition, the hot water flow path 533 is provided with a hot water valve 543, it is possible to control the flow of purified water or hot water passing through the hot water flow path 533. At this time, the hot water valve 543 may be provided between the branch 550 and the heating assembly 160.

In addition, a second hot water valve 546 may be further provided between the heating assembly 160 and the outlet nozzle 210 to secondarily regulate the flow of hot water.

In addition, the hot water flow path 533 may be provided with a flow control valve that controls the amount of purified water supplied to the heating assembly 160 or the amount of hot water discharged from the heating assembly 160.

In addition, the water purifier 10 of the present invention may further include a steam flow path 537 and a safety valve 547 for discharging steam generated when heating the hot water in the hot water tank included in the heating assembly 160. You can. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the pressure inside the hot water tank from being excessively increased by steam. The safety valve 547 is configured to open at a set pressure, and may have various structures in a range in which steam discharge inside the hot water tank can be smoothly performed.

Meanwhile, the steam flow path 537 may also be connected to the discharge flow path 534. Therefore, the steam discharged from the hot water tank may also be discharged to the outside of the water purifier 10 through the discharge passage 534.

Hereinafter, the pulsation washing process of the water purifier 10 configured as described above will be described.

First, when a washing command is input from the user, a pulsation is generated.

For example, when the user presses the wash button 416 of the operation unit 410 and then presses the water discharge button 420, the control unit recognizes the washing command.

Thereafter, the control unit controls to open or close the at least one of the water supply valve 520 or the water discharge valve 540 intermittently.

For example, when a washing command is input through the operation unit 410, the control unit may control the outlet valve 540 to be opened, and the water supply valve 520 may be controlled to be opened or closed intermittently.

If, the water outlet passage (531,532) includes a water purification passage 531 and a cold water passage 532, the control unit controls the water purification valve 541 provided in the water purification passage 531 to open, and the water supply valve ( 520 may be intermittently controlled to open or close, so that the water supply channel 510 and the water purification channel 531 may be pulsated.

Then, when the washing of the purified water flow path 531 is completed, the control unit controls the cold water valve 542 provided in the cold water flow path 532 to be opened, and the water supply valve 520 is intermittently controlled to open or close. , The water supply flow path 510 and the cold water flow path 531 may be pulsated.

The washing water generated in the washing process may be discharged to the water discharge nozzle 210 or discharged to the outside of the water purifier 10 through the discharge passage 534.

As described above, after washing the purified water channel 531 first and then washing the cold water channel 532, the user may take out cold water while washing the purified water channel 531.

If, when the water outlet flow path includes a hot water flow path (533), the control unit controls the hot water valve (543) provided in the hot water flow path (533) to open, and the water supply valve (520) is opened or closed intermittently By controlling, the water supply channel 510 and the hot water channel 533 may be pulsated.

As another example, when a washing command is input through the operation unit 410, the control unit may control the water supply valve 520 to be opened, and the water outlet valve 540 may be intermittently opened or closed.

As another example, when a washing command is input through the operation unit 410, the control unit may control the water supply valve 520 and the water discharge valve 540 to be intermittently opened or closed intersecting each other.

That is, it is possible to control the water supply valve 520 to be opened and the water discharge valve 540 to be closed, and the water supply valve 520 to be closed to open the water discharge valve 540.

As another example, when a washing command is input through the operation unit 410, the control unit may control the water supply valve 520 and the water discharge valve 540 to open or close at the same time intermittently.

That is, the water supply valve 520 is opened and the water outlet valve 540 is opened and opened, and the water supply valve 520 is closed, so that the water discharge valve 540 is also closed.

In addition to this, various embodiments may occur in a range in which a pulsation may be formed in a flow path inside the water purifier 10.

When the opening and closing of any one of the valves 520 and 540 is repeated as described above, turbulence is generated in the flow paths 510,531,532,533,534, and pulsations are generated.

Internal washing of the flow paths 510,531,532,533,534 and the valves 520,540 may be performed by the turbulence and pulsations generated as described above.

In particular, it is possible to clean the flow paths 510,531,532,533,534 and valves 520,540 only by the water pressure of the water source 1 without a separate sterilization kit or sterilization module or separate circulation pump.

In addition, the washing water used for washing can be discharged directly to a sink or a sewer to facilitate user convenience.

For reference, when the user presses the washing button 416, and the washing command is input, when the user presses the washing button 416 again, washing may be stopped.

In addition, the control unit may further include a notification unit 600 for visually and / or aurally outputting a notification according to a washing state to the outside of the case 110.

In detail, the notification unit 600 may include an LED lamp 610 outputting light to the outside and / or a speaker 620 outputting notification sound to the outside.

In this case, the notification unit 600 may output different notifications in a state in which the washing process is in progress and a state in which the washing is completed.

Therefore, the user can confirm whether the washing is completed through the color of the LED lamp 610 or the pattern of blinking, or confirm whether the washing is completed through the notification sound.

In addition, the water purifier of the present invention may be a direct water purifier.

In general, the term 'direct water purifier' does not mean that cold water and hot water are stored in the heating tank of the cooling tank 150 and / or the heating assembly 160, but that cold water or hot water is taken out through the blowing nozzle 210. As it progresses, it means a water purifier in a manner in which cooling and / or heating are performed instantaneously.

If, instead of a direct water purifier, in the case of a low water purifier that stores a certain amount of cold water in a cold water tank or a certain amount of hot water in a hot water tank, intermittent on / off of the water supply valve 520 and / or the water discharge valve 540 The pulsation generated by the off may be lost in the cold water tank or the hot water tank, and further, the generated pulsations may be completely eliminated. Therefore, washing of the flow path by pulsation becomes impossible.

In order to prevent the pulsation disappearing in this way, it is necessary to adopt a direct water purifier.

In the case of the direct water purifier, cold water and hot water are not stored in the heating tank of the cooling tank 150 and / or the heating assembly 160, and the coil is heated in the heating tank of the cooling tank 150 and / or the heating assembly 160. Since the flow path 151 having the shape of the back is provided, the pulsation generated by the intermittent on / off of the water supply valve 520 and / or the water discharge valve 540 can be smoothly transmitted, and thus, inside the water purifier Pulsation is applied to the entire flow path, and washing of the flow path and piping by the pulsation can be performed.

Hereinafter, a control method of a water purifier according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described.

6 is a flowchart illustrating a pulsation washing process according to an embodiment of the present invention.

3 to 6, the control unit waits for a pulse cleaning command (S1).

Then, the control unit 170 determines whether a washing command is input from the user through the operation unit 410 and / or the water extraction button 420 (S2). The user may input a washing command by sequentially pressing the washing button 416 and the water outlet button 420 of the operation unit 410.

If a washing command is input, the control unit detects this, and opens the water supply valve 520 and the water discharge valve 540 (S3).

Therefore, the water supplied from the water supply source 1 may be continuously discharged through the water supply passage 510 and the water discharge passage. At this time, the water that has passed through the water supply passage 510 and the water discharge passage may be discharged to the water discharge nozzle 210 or the water purifier 10 through the discharge passage 534.

Thereafter, the control unit 170 determines whether or not continuous water extraction has been performed for a predetermined time t1 through the timer 171 (S4).

The control unit 170 may determine whether continuous water extraction has been performed for a fourth preset time through the timer 171.

If continuous effluent is not made before pulsation washing, there is a fear that bacteria may adhere to the flow path and the valve due to the pressure of the pulsation.

Therefore, the continuous effluent prior to pulsation washing is performed first, and bacteria in the flow path and the valve are first discharged in advance.

For example, the control unit 170 may determine whether the continuous watering has been performed for 30 seconds through the timer 171 and may proceed to the next step S5 after 30 seconds have passed.

In the step (S4), when the continuous water discharge time reaches a predetermined time, the control unit 170 is opened in the state of any one of the water supply valve 520 and the water discharge valve 540, the other is opened intermittently It is controlled to close (S5).

For example, the water outlet valve 540 may be controlled to open, and the water feed valve 520 may be controlled to open and close intermittently.

The control unit 170 may control the water supply valve 520 such that the water supply valve 520 is opened for the first set time and repeated during the second set time to be repeated two or more times.

Further, the control unit 170 may control the outlet valve 540 to repeat the operation of opening and closing the outlet valve 540 for a first set time and closing for a second set time two or more times.

Therefore, while the pulsation is generated inside the water purifier 10, the flow path and the valve inside the water purifier 10 can be washed by the pulsation.

Thereafter, the control unit 170 determines whether pulsation washing is performed for a predetermined time t2 through the timer 171 (S6).

In the step (S6), when the pulsation washing time reaches a predetermined time, the control unit opens the water supply valve 520 and the water discharge valve 540 (S7).

Therefore, the water supplied from the water supply source 1 is continuously discharged.

Thereafter, the control unit 170 determines whether the continuous water extraction proceeds for a predetermined time t3 through the timer 171 (S8).

The control unit 170 may determine whether continuous water extraction has been performed for a third preset time through the timer 171.

In the step (S8), when the continuous water discharge time reaches a preset time, the control unit closes the water supply valve 520 and the water discharge valve 540, and ends the washing mode.

7 is a view showing an example of the on and off signals input to the water supply valve which is a component of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 7, in the pulsation forming step (S5), at least one of the water supply valve 520 or the water discharge valve 540 is open for 1 second and is blocked for 1 second. It can be controlled to repeat 10 or more times.

In addition, the first continuous water extraction step (S3), the pulsation formation step (S5), and the second continuous water extraction step (S7) may be performed for a total of 5 minutes.

8 is a graph comparing the removal rate of bacteria according to the presence or absence of pulsation.

Referring to FIG. 8, when pulsation is not performed and continuous extraction is performed for 5 minutes, the attachment bacteria removal rate is 53.81%, and in the process of performing continuous extraction for 5 minutes, pulsation is performed 10 times in 1 second increments. When supplied, the removal rate of attached bacteria was 87.51%.

Therefore, it can be seen that even if only 10 pulses were supplied, the attachment bacteria removal rate was significantly increased.

In addition, it was confirmed that even if the first continuous extraction step (S3), the pulsation formation step (S5), and the second continuous extraction step (S7) were performed for a total of 5 minutes or more, the removal rate of the attached bacteria did not increase any more.

According to the present invention as described above, the entire flow path and the valve inside the water purifier are washed from the water supply path connected to the water supply source to the water discharge path connected to the outlet nozzle or outlet, but the flow path and piping of the water purifier are washed within a short time within 5 minutes. There is an effect that can be done.

Claims (22)

A case having a storage space;
A filter provided inside the case to purify water supplied from a water supply source;
A water supply channel that supplies water supplied from the water source to the filter;
A water supply valve provided on the water supply passage, to regulate the flow of water passing through the water supply passage;
It is provided on the outside of the case, the water outlet nozzle through which the water passed through the filter;
An outflow passage for supplying water that has passed through the filter to the outside of the case;
An outflow valve provided on the outflow passage to regulate the flow of water passing through the outflow passage;
An operation unit that receives a washing command from a user; And
When a washing command is input to the operation unit, at least one of the water supply valve or the water discharge valve is opened for a first set time and closed for a second set time to repeat the operation twice or more, It includes a control unit that controls to generate a pulsation, and controls the water supply valve and the water discharge valve to open at the same time during the third set time so that continuous water discharge proceeds.
When the washing command is input to the control unit, the water purifying valve and the water outlet valve are simultaneously opened for a fourth predetermined time before generating the pulsation, so that the continuous water discharge is controlled. delete According to claim 1,
The water outlet passage includes a water outlet passage that supplies water passing through the filter to the water outlet nozzle, and the water outlet valve includes a water outlet valve provided on the water outlet passage. According to claim 3,
The water outlet flow path further includes a discharge flow path branching from the discharge flow path, and the water discharge valve further comprises a discharge valve provided on the discharge flow path.
According to claim 3,
The water outlet flow path, one end is connected to the filter, the other end is connected to the extraction flow path, the direct water purifier further comprising a water purification flow path for passing the purified water passing through the filter to the extraction flow path.
According to claim 3,
The water outlet flow path, a water purifier of one end is connected to the filter, the other end further comprises a cold water flow path connected to the take-out flow path, the cold water flow path is provided with a cooling tank for cooling the purified water passing through the filter.
According to claim 3,
The water outlet passage, one end is connected to the filter, the other end further comprises a hot water passage connected to the water outlet passage, the hot water passage is a direct water purifier equipped with a hot water tank for heating the purified water passing through the filter. .
According to claim 1,
When the washing command is input through the operation unit, the water outlet valve is opened, and the water supply valve is intermittently turned on / off.
According to claim 1,
When the washing command is inputted through the operation unit, the water supply valve is opened, and the water discharge valve is intermittently turned on / off.
According to claim 1,
When the washing command is inputted through the operation unit, the water supply valve and the water discharge valve are turned on / off to cross each other.
According to claim 1,
When the washing command is inputted through the operation unit, the water supply valve and the outlet valve are turned on / off at the same time.
According to claim 1,
The operation unit includes a washing button and a water discharge button,
When the user presses the wash button and presses the water discharge button, a direct water purifier characterized in that washing proceeds.
The method of claim 12,
In the process of washing, when the user presses the washing button again, the direct water purifier characterized in that the washing is stopped.
According to claim 1,
The control unit, the water purifier characterized in that it further comprises a notification unit for visually and / or aurally outputting a notification according to the washing state to the outside of the case.
The method of claim 14,
The notification unit is a direct water purifier that outputs different notifications in a state in which a washing process is in progress and a state in which washing is completed.
delete In the control method of the direct water purifier according to any one of claims 1 or 3 to 15,
An input step of inputting a washing command through the operation unit;
A first continuous water discharge step in which the water supply valve and the water discharge valve are opened for a preset fourth set time by the control unit to continuously discharge water when the washing command is input;
When the fourth preset time has elapsed, at least one of the water supply valve or the outlet valve is opened during the first preset time and closed during the second preset time at least one of the water supply valves or the outflow valves, and is preset by controlling. A pulsation step of generating pulsations over time;
When the pulsation forming step is finished, the control method of the direct-type water purifier including a second continuous water discharge step in which the water supply valve and the water discharge valve are opened for a preset third set time by the control unit to perform continuous water discharge.
The method of claim 17,
A control method of the direct-type water purifier, characterized in that the fourth set time during which the first continuous water extraction step is performed is 30 seconds.
The method of claim 17,
In the pulsation forming step, the control unit is controlled so that at least one of the water supply valve or the water discharge valve is opened (on) for 1 second and shielded (off) for 1 second to be repeated 10 or more times. How to control the formula water purifier.
The method of claim 17,
The first continuous water discharge step, pulsation forming step, the second continuous water discharge step is a control method of a direct water purifier, characterized in that proceeds within 5 minutes.
A case having a storage space;
A filter provided inside the case to purify water supplied from a water supply source;
A water supply channel that supplies water supplied from the water source to the filter;
A water supply valve provided on the water supply passage, to regulate the flow of water passing through the water supply passage;
A water purification channel through which water passes through the filter;
A common flow path connected to the purified water flow path;
It is provided on the outside of the case, connected to the common flow path water outlet nozzle through which the water passing through the filter is taken out;
A common valve provided on the common flow path to regulate the flow of water passing through the common flow path;
A discharge channel branched from the common channel;
A discharge valve installed on the discharge passage;
An operation unit that receives a washing command from a user; And
When a washing command is input to the control unit, at least one of the water supply valve or the discharge valve is opened for a first set time and closed for a second set time to repeat the operation twice or more. , Control to generate pulsation,
It includes a control unit for controlling the water supply valve and the discharge valve to be open (open) at the same time for a third set time to proceed with continuous water flow,
When the washing command is input to the control unit, the water purifying valve and the water outlet valve are simultaneously opened for a fourth predetermined time before generating the pulsation, so that the continuous water discharge is controlled.
delete

Images