KR102491968B1 - Drinking water supplying device and method for controlling the same - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention includes a first step of closing a flow path in a mineral valve and driving a pump; a second step of stopping the driving of the pump and opening the mineral valve when the set pressure is reached; It provides a control method of a drinking water supply device comprising the; step of closing the passage in the mineral valve when the set time elapses.

Description

Drinking water supply device and its control method {DRINKING WATER SUPPLYING DEVICE AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING THE SAME}

The present invention relates to a drinking water supply device capable of providing mineral water and a control method thereof, and more specifically, to a drinking water supply device capable of providing a constant taste of water by stably mixing minerals in drinking water even at an early stage of operation and a control method thereof it's about

In general, a drinking water supply device refers to a device that supplies drinking water that a user can drink to a user. The drinking water supply device may be formed as an independent device or may be formed as a part of home appliances such as a refrigerator.

The drinking water supply device can not only supply drinking water at room temperature, but also cool the drinking water flowing inside the drinking water supply device using a cold water supply device including a refrigeration cycle or heat the drinking water with a heater to cool the drinking water or It is also possible to supply the user with hot water.

Drinking water may be ground water or raw water supplied from a tap, or may be purified water obtained by filtering raw water supplied from a tap with a separate filtering means such as a filter. However, drinking water described below is meant to encompass drinkable water and is not limited to the aforementioned types of water.

Recently, drinking water supply devices have been made to provide functional water tailored to various needs of users, rather than just providing filtered purified water, cold water, or hot water to users.

For example, a drinking water supply device having a mineral supply module may be provided to provide a user with mineral water containing a predetermined amount of minerals.

These minerals, along with proteins, fats, carbohydrates, and vitamins, are known to play a biochemical (catalytic) action in the human body as one of the five essential nutrients, or to play an important role in the construction of bones or teeth.

In particular, elements such as calcium (Ca), potassium (K), magnesium (Mg), and sodium (Na) are enough to be supplied to the human body in small amounts, but they are essential mineral elements for smooth metabolism.

Mineral water containing these minerals can play an auxiliary role in the body to promote health, such as discharging waste materials accumulated in the body and promoting digestion.

In addition, when a predetermined amount of minerals are contained in the drinking water, the user can feel a more improved water taste when drinking the drinking water.

In order to generate such mineral water, a mineral water supply module such as an electrolysis device, a mineral filter, or a device for directly supplying concentrated minerals to purified water may be installed in the drinking water supply device.

In order to directly supply concentrated minerals to purified water, a mineral container accommodating the concentrated minerals and a mineral supply line connecting the mineral container and the drinking water supply line to add the concentrated minerals to drinking water are required.

Since air is included in the pipe when the drinking water supply device is initially operated, when the user extracts mineral water at the initial stage of operation, the ratio of minerals to the mineral water is changed, resulting in a different taste.

The present invention is to solve the above problems, and the present invention provides a drinking water supply device and a control method for providing mineral water in which minerals are mixed at a constant ratio even at the beginning of operation.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention includes a first step of closing a flow path in a mineral valve and driving a pump; a second step of stopping the driving of the pump and opening the mineral valve when the set pressure is reached; It provides a control method of a drinking water supply device comprising the; step of closing the passage in the mineral valve when the set time elapses.

The first step and the second step may be repeatedly performed a set number of times.

In the first step, the air in the passage is compressed while the minerals are moved into the passage, and in the second step, the air in the passage is discharged together with the minerals.

It is possible to further include the step of inputting an initialization signal to an input unit by a user.

When power is applied to the drinking water supply device, it is possible to perform the first step and the second step.

The set pressure may be equal to or greater than the pressure when minerals are normally supplied.

The setting time may be the same as or greater than the time when minerals are normally supplied.

In addition, the present invention is provided with a first valve for opening and closing the flow path and a flow sensor for sensing the flow rate of drinking water, the first flow path for guiding the drinking water; a water outlet passage connected to a rear end of the first passage to discharge the drinking water; a connection pipe connecting the first flow path and the water outlet flow path; a second flow path provided with a pressure sensor for supplying minerals to the connection pipe and measuring pressure, and a second valve for opening and closing the flow path; a mineral container disposed in front of the second valve and accommodating concentrated minerals; a pump applying pressure to the second passage; It provides a drinking water supply device comprising a; control unit for filling minerals in the second passage by adjusting the pump and the second valve.

The control unit may stop driving the pump and open the mineral valve when a set pressure is reached after closing the flow path at the second valve and driving the pump, and close the mineral valve when a set time elapses. Do.

The control unit can repeatedly perform the process of claim 9.

An input unit to which an initialization signal is input by a user is further included, and when the initialization signal is input to the input unit, the control unit can perform the operation described in claim 9.

When power is applied, the control unit can perform the operation described in claim 9.

The set pressure may be equal to or greater than the pressure when minerals are normally supplied.

The setting time may be the same as or greater than the time when minerals are normally supplied.

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide mineral water mixed with minerals in a constant ratio even at the initial stage of operation. Therefore, when the drinking water supply device is used for the first time or after several times of use, the taste of water can be maintained constant.

In addition, according to the present invention, for initialization in which a certain ratio of minerals is mixed at the beginning of operation, initialization may be automatically performed when a user requests initialization or when power is applied.

1 is an external perspective view of a drinking water supply device according to an embodiment of the present invention;
2 is a conceptual diagram showing the structure and piping of a drinking water supply device according to an embodiment of the present invention;
3 is a view schematically showing the configuration of a mineral supply module according to an embodiment of the present invention.
4 is a control flow diagram according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Hereinafter, a drinking water supply device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Regardless of the reference numerals, the same or corresponding components are given the same reference numerals, and redundant description thereof will be omitted, and for convenience of explanation, the size and shape of each illustrated component member may be exaggerated or reduced.

Hereinafter, in defining terms, water before passing through the filter unit is referred to as raw water, raw water filtered through the filter is referred to as purified water, and raw water or purified water containing minerals is defined as mineral water. In addition, both the raw water and the purified water may be defined as "drinking water" representing water in a state in which a user can drink.

Furthermore, the front end and the rear end may mean an upstream side and a downstream side based on the forward flow direction of the fluid. In this case, the forward flow direction refers to a direction in which drinking water flows within the drinking water supply device in the process of being discharged out of the drinking water supply device.

1 is an external perspective view of a drinking water supply device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 1 , a drinking water supply device 1 includes a cabinet 2 and a dispenser 3 forming an external shape, and the dispenser 3 refers to a space where a user receives drinking water. Therefore, the dispenser 3 is generally formed in front of the cabinet 2 .

The dispenser 3 may include a cock 73 through which drinking water is discharged, and a second input unit 4 for manipulating the discharge of drinking water.

The second input unit 4 may be provided in the form of a lever that is manipulated by pushing or pulling by the user.

A user may push or pull a lever corresponding to the second input unit 4 . For example, the user may put drinking water discharged from the cock 73 into the cup C by pushing or pulling the lever while placing the cup C under the cock 73 .

At this time, the drinking water supply device 1 may be driven in a real-time control mode. In the real-time control mode, the drinking water supply device 1 may be controlled to discharge drinking water through the cock 73 based on the time the user pushes or pulls the lever.

That is, when the user manipulates the lever, the drinking water supply device 1 can be driven in a real-time control mode.

Meanwhile, the drinking water supply device 1 may further include a mineral supply module (see FIGS. 2 and 3 ) for supplying minerals to the drinking water discharged from the drinking water supply device 1 .

That is, through the mineral supply module, the user can receive mineral water containing minerals in the drinking water from the drinking water supply device 1 .

At this time, the drinking water supply device 1 may further include a display unit 6 for notifying replacement time of the mineral container provided in the mineral water supply module, failure of components, and the like. The display unit 6 is provided with a first input unit through which the user inputs various information, so that the screen provided by the display unit 6 can be changed according to the information input by the user through the first input unit.

Since the display unit 6 is provided in the form of a touch panel, it is possible for the user to include the first input unit on the screen of the display unit 6 . In addition, it is possible that the first input unit has the form of a button provided adjacent to the display unit 6 .

Meanwhile, in the embodiment of FIG. 1 , an embodiment in which a drinking water supply device is independently provided is shown, but the drinking water supply device may be incorporated into a part of another device such as a refrigerator.

Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 2 , a configuration and piping of a drinking water supply device equipped with a mineral water supply module according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described.

2 is a conceptual diagram showing the structure and piping of a drinking water supply device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 2 , the drinking water supply device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention converts raw water flowing into the drinking water supply device 1 through the external hydrant 10 into purified water through the filter unit 20. can

The configuration of the filter unit 20 may be variously modified, and the filter unit 20 may be configured through a plurality of single filters 21, 22, and 23.

For example, the filter unit 20 may include a pre-carbon filter 21, a UF filter 22, and a post-carbon filter 23.

When raw water is filtered through the filter unit 20 and purified water is generated, the purified water is discharged to the outside of the drinking water supply device 1 through the purified water pipe 30, the purified water supply valve 32, and the cock 73. can

At this time, the drinking water supply device 1 may be formed to supply cold water or hot water according to the user's request.

The hot water supplied by heating purified water is a first branched purified water pipe 301 branched at point A of the purified water pipe 30 located at the rear end of the filter unit 20, a heating device 51, a hot water pipe 50, Water may be discharged to the outside through the hot water supply valve 52 and the cock 73.

The cold water supplied after the purified water is cooled is the second branch purified water pipe 302 branched downstream from point A in the purified water pipe 30, the cooling device 41, the cold water pipe 40, the cold water supply valve 42, and the cork. It can be taken out to the outside through (73).

For convenience of description, FIG. 2 shows an embodiment in which purified water, cold water, and hot water are discharged through a single cock 73. However, it is also possible to have separate cocks for clean water, cold water and hot water, or one cock for clean water and cold water and another cock for hot water.

Coke valves 74 (hereinafter referred to as "first valves") may be provided at rear ends (ie, downstream) of the purified water supply valve 32, the cold water supply valve 42, and the hot water supply valve 52. can

The cock valve 74 may be connected to the distribution pipe 60. Also, the distribution pipe 60 may be connected to the purified water pipe 30, the cold water pipe 40 and the hot water pipe 50, respectively.

A water outlet pipe 70 through which purified water, cold water or hot water can be supplied may be provided at a rear end of the cock valve 74 .

Therefore, purified water, cold water or hot water can be supplied to the distribution pipe 60, and when the cock 73 is opened through the single cock valve 74, purified water, cold water or hot water selectively flows through the water outlet pipe 70. can be supplied through

Meanwhile, a mineral supply module 100 for supplying minerals to drinking water flowing into the water outlet pipe 70 may be connected to the water outlet pipe 70 .

The mineral supply module 100 may be connected to one side of the water outlet pipe 70 through a connection pipe 120 connected to the water outlet pipe 70 . At this time, the connection pipe 120 may be formed as a mineral water generating unit in which drinking water and minerals are mixed.

The water outlet pipe 70 includes a first flow path 71 connected to the connection pipe 120 at the front end of the connection pipe 120 and a water outlet connected to the connection pipe 120 at the rear end of the connection pipe 120. A flow path 72 may be included.

When the cock valve 74 is opened, purified water, cold water or hot water flows into the first flow path 71 toward the cock 73 and may flow into the connecting pipe 120 before being discharged through the cock 73. there is.

That is, the first flow passage 71 is disposed upstream of the connection pipe 120 and is a pipe for supplying drinking water such as purified water, cold water, or hot water toward the connection pipe 120 .

The water outlet passage 72 is a pipe provided between the connection pipe 120 and the cock 73 so that the mineral water generated in the connection pipe 120 is selectively discharged to the cock 73 .

The mineral supply module 100 includes a mineral container 140, a pump 160 pressurizing the mineral container 140, a second flow path 110 connecting the connection pipe 120 and the mineral container 140, A mineral valve 130 (hereinafter also referred to as a "second valve") provided on the second flow path 110 may be included.

Minerals supplied from the mineral supply module 100 to the connection pipe 120 may be highly concentrated minerals.

In addition, the amount of minerals supplied from the mineral supply module 100 to the connection pipe 120 may be an important factor in determining the taste of the mineral water discharged through the cork 73.

At this time, the amount of minerals supplied from the mineral supply module 100 to the connection pipe 120 may be extremely small compared to the flow rate of drinking water (ie, purified water, hot water or cold water) flowing through the connection pipe 120. there is.

Accordingly, the micro-passage portion 121 may be provided in the connection pipe 120 . That is, concentrated minerals may be supplied to drinking water flowing into the connection pipe 120 through the micro-passage part 121 .

For example, the connection pipe 120 may be formed in a “T” shape.

At this time, the connection pipe 120 is a mixing pipe 122 provided in parallel with the first flow passage 71 and the water outflow passage 72 between the first flow passage 71 and the water outflow passage 72 and the mixing pipe 122 A micro-channel portion 121 may be provided to supply concentrated minerals toward the mixing tube 122 in a direction perpendicular to the tube 122 .

Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 3 , a specific configuration of the mineral supply module 100 and a structure in which minerals are supplied from the mineral supply module 100 toward the water outlet pipe 70 will be described in detail.

3 is a view schematically showing the configuration of a mineral supply module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Hereinafter, for convenience of description, the reference numeral 74 denoted as a cock valve above denotes a first valve.

2 and 3 together, the drinking water supply device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a water outlet pipe 70 configured to flow drinking water, a flow sensor 75 configured to detect the flow rate of the drinking water, and the water outlet A connection pipe 120 providing a mineral supply passage toward one side of the pipe 70, a second passage 110 formed to supply minerals toward the connection pipe 120, and a mineral container 140 containing concentrated minerals. , and a pump 160 configured to pressurize the mineral container 140 .

The water outlet pipe 70 may include a first flow path 71 and a water outlet flow path 72 . At this time, the first flow path 71 may be provided on an upstream side compared to the water outlet flow path 72 .

Specifically, the first flow path 71 may be formed to allow drinking water to flow, and a first valve 74 formed to selectively open and close the first flow path 71 may be provided in the first flow path 71. can

The flow sensor 75 may be configured to detect the flow rate of drinking water flowing through the water outlet pipe 70 . More specifically, the flow rate sensor 75 may be formed to sense the flow rate of drinking water flowing through the first flow path 71 in real time.

The flow sensor 75 may be provided in the purified water pipe 30 at the rear end of the filter unit 20 or may be provided in the first flow path 71 . That is, the flow sensor 75 may be provided in a pipe or flow path provided upstream of the connection pipe 120 to sense the flow rate of drinking water.

The water outlet passage 72 may be formed to be connected to the rear end of the first passage 71 to discharge drinking water. That is, drinking water may be discharged through the cock 73 by sequentially flowing through the first flow path 71 and the water outlet flow path 72 .

The connection pipe 120 may be formed to connect the first flow path 71 and the water outlet flow path 72 .

At this time, the connection pipe 120 may be formed in a “T” shape, and the mixing pipe 122 and the warming pipe guide the drinking water passing through the first passage 71 to the water outlet passage 72. A micro-passage portion 121 may be provided to form a flow path of concentrated minerals toward the mixing pipe 122 in a direction perpendicular to the direction 122 .

When the concentrated mineral is guided to the mixing pipe 122, the pressure of the concentrated mineral may drop while passing through the micro-passage part 121.

A cross-sectional diameter of the micro-channel portion 121 may be smaller than a length of the micro-channel portion 121 . In addition, the cross-sectional area of the micro-passage portion 121 may be smaller than that of the mixing pipe 122 .

Accordingly, the amount of concentrated minerals guided toward the mixing pipe 122 can be precisely controlled.

The second flow path 110 may be formed to supply minerals (eg, concentrated minerals) toward the connection pipe 120 . That is, the second passage 110 may be formed as a mineral supply pipe (or a mineral supply passage).

One end of the second passage 110 in the longitudinal direction may be connected to the connection pipe 120 . More specifically, one end of the second flow path 110 in the longitudinal direction may be connected to the micro flow path portion 121 of the connection pipe 120 .

Accordingly, the supply pressure of the concentrated minerals supplied through the second flow path 110 may be lowered by the micro flow path part 121 . That is, the micro-passage part 121 functions to lower the supply pressure of the concentrated minerals supplied through the second flow-path 110 .

In addition, a second valve 130 may be provided in the second passage 110 . The second valve 130 is formed to selectively open and close the second flow path 110 .

The mineral container 140 may be formed to accommodate concentrated minerals. Also, the mineral container 140 may be formed to be connected to the connection pipe 120 through the second flow path 110 .

That is, one longitudinal end of the second flow path 110 may be connected to the connection pipe 120 and the other longitudinal end of the second flow path 110 may be connected to the mineral container 140 .

The pump 160 may pressurize the inside of the mineral container 140 to discharge the concentrated minerals contained in the mineral container 140 to the outside of the mineral container 140 .

For example, the pump 160 may be formed as an air pump. That is, the pump 160 may be an air pump configured to suck in external air and inject the external air into the mineral container 140 .

Accordingly, the pump 160 may suck in external air and inject it into the mineral container 140 to increase the pressure in the mineral container 140 .

That is, when external air is injected into the mineral container 140 by driving the pump 160, the concentrated minerals accommodated in the mineral container 140 are converted into the mineral container 140 due to the increase in pressure in the mineral container 140. ) can be discharged out.

At this time, the concentrated minerals discharged out of the mineral container 140 may flow into the second flow path 110 and the pressure within the second flow path 110 may increase. Also, since the inside of the mineral container 140 and the second passage 110 are in communication with each other, the pressure within the mineral container 140 and the pressure of the second passage 110 may be the same.

In addition, an injection hole 141 for injecting external air into the mineral container 140 and a discharge hole 142 through which concentrated minerals are discharged from the mineral container 140 may be formed in the lower portion of the mineral container 140. can

Specifically, concentrated minerals accommodated in the mineral container 140 are directed downward of the mineral container 140 by gravity. In this case, since the injection hole 141 and the discharge hole 142 are formed below the mineral container 140, the airtightness of the mineral container 140 may be improved.

More specifically, the drinking water supply device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention may further include a container fastening part 150 coupled to the mineral container 150 at a lower side of the mineral container 140 .

In this case, the injection hole 141 and the discharge hole 142 may be formed at a lower end of the container fastening part 150 .

In addition, the container coupling part 150 may include an air injection passage 143 communicating with the injection hole 141 and a mineral discharge passage 144 communicating with the discharge hole 142 .

At this time, the injection hole 141 may communicate with the inside of the mineral container 140 through the air injection passage 143, and the discharge hole 142 may communicate with the inside of the mineral container 140 through the mineral discharge passage 144 ( 140) may be in communication with the inside.

Since the pump 160, that is, the air pump is formed to inject air into the mineral container 140, the airtightness of the mineral container 140 is maintained in order to discharge a necessary amount of concentrated minerals from the mineral container 140. it is necessary to do

As described above, since the mineral container 140 is disposed above the container fastening part 150 and the injection hole 141 and the discharge hole 142 are provided at the lower end of the container fastening part 150, , the airtightness of the mineral container 140 may be improved.

In addition, an air filter 161 may be provided at an air inlet side of the pump 160 . The air filter 161 serves to control impurities included in the air injected into the mineral container 140 through the pump 160 . At this time, the air filter 161 may be formed of a hydrophobic member.

In addition, a check fitting or a check valve 163 may be provided in the connection line 162 connecting the pump 160 and the mineral container 140 (ie, the container fastening part 150).

The check fitting or check valve 163 prevents the reverse flow of minerals from the mineral container 140 toward the pump 160 . This is because when minerals flow back into the pump 160, the pump 160 may be damaged.

A pressure sensor 200 is provided in the second flow path 110 . The pressure sensor 200 may measure the pressure inside the second passage 110 . When the pump 160 is operated, air is injected into the mineral container 140. Since the second flow path 110 communicates with the mineral container 140, the pressure of the mineral container 140 and As the pressure of the second flow passage 110 rises, the pressure measured by the pressure sensor 200 rises.

An embodiment of the present invention is provided with a first valve 74 for opening and closing the flow path and a flow sensor 75 for detecting the flow rate of drinking water, a first flow path 71 for guiding drinking water, and the above for discharging the drinking water. A water outflow passage 72 connected to the rear end of the first passage 71, a connection pipe 120 connecting the first passage 71 and the water outflow passage 72, and minerals toward the connection pipe 120. The second flow path 110 equipped with a pressure sensor 200 for supplying and measuring pressure, and a second valve 130 for opening and closing the flow path, disposed in front of the second valve 130, so that concentrated minerals The mineral container 140 that is accommodated, the pump 160 that applies pressure to the second flow path 110, and the pump 160 and the second valve 130 are adjusted to release minerals into the second flow path 110. It includes a control unit 180 that fills.

When the initialization operation is performed, the control unit 180 closes the flow path at the second valve 130 and drives the pump 160, and stops driving the pump 160 when a set pressure is reached, and the mineral The valve 130 is opened, and the mineral valve 130 is closed when a set time elapses.

4 is a control flow diagram according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 4 , first, an initialization signal is input (S10).

At this time, it is possible for the user to input the initialization signal through the first input unit. When the display unit 6 is in the form of a touch panel and is capable of displaying information and inputting information, the user selects a menu for initialization by touching the display unit 6, and transmits a signal requesting initialization. can be entered.

Of course, if the display unit 6 cannot input information and can only perform a function of providing information to the user, a signal requesting initialization through the first input unit disposed adjacent to the display unit 6 can be entered.

In addition, it is also possible to set to perform initialization when power is applied to the drinking water supply device. Since the drinking water supply device provides cold water, hot water, etc., and drives a pump, electricity must be supplied from an external power source. When the drinking water supply device is initially installed and connected to an external power source, the control unit 180 recognizes it and determines that an initialization signal is input.

Then, the flow path is closed in the mineral valve 130 (S20). When the drinking water supply device is not newly connected to an external power source, normally, the mineral valve 130 keeps the second flow path 110 sealed, so that the minerals in the mineral container 140 are not removed. It prevents leakage to the outside via the 2 flow path 110.

With the mineral valve 130 closed, the pump 160 is driven (S30).

Since the mineral valve 130 is disposed at one end of the second flow path 110, when the mineral valve 130 blocks the second flow path 110, the air supplied from the pump 160 It is compressed between the pump 160 and the mineral valve 130. This is because the additional air supplied from the pump 160 is guided to the mineral container 140 and the mineral container 140 communicates with the second flow path 110 .

It is determined whether the pressure measured by the pressure sensor 200 installed in the second flow passage 110 has reached a set pressure (S40).

At this time, it is preferable that the set pressure is equal to or greater than the pressure when minerals are normally supplied. By driving the pump 160, the inside of the second flow path 110 is raised to the set pressure. In this case, the minerals in the mineral container 140 must be moved to the second flow path 110. because it does

At this time, if air exists in the second flow path 110, the air is compressed as the pressure inside the second flow path 110 increases, and the minerals inside the mineral container 140 are moved to the empty space.

When the pressure measured by the pressure sensor 200 reaches the set pressure, the operation of the pump 160 is stopped so that the pressure inside the second flow passage 110 does not rise any more (S50). This is because if excessive pressure is provided to the second flow path 110 by the pump 160, leakage may occur in the second flow path 110 or a problem may occur in other systems.

When the pressure measured by the pressure sensor 200 reaches the set pressure, the mineral valve 130 is opened (S60).

Since the mineral valve 130 is disposed at one end of the second flow path 110, when the mineral valve 130 opens the flow path, the inside of the second flow path 110 communicates with the outside. Therefore, when the mineral valve 130 is opened in a state where the pressure of the second flow path 110 is higher than that of the outside, the pressure becomes the same as the outside and the minerals in the second flow path 110 can be discharged to the outside. there is. Also, air in the second flow passage 110 may be discharged together with minerals.

Therefore, initially, the air that may be inside the second flow path 110 is discharged to the outside, and finally the air is removed from the second flow path 110 or only a small amount remains and is discharged from the mineral container 140. can be filled with minerals.

The mineral valve 130 is opened for a set time (S70).

The setting time is preferably the same as or greater than the time when minerals are normally supplied. When the mineral valve 130 opens the second flow path 110, a sufficient amount of time is required for the air existing in the second flow path 110 to be sufficiently discharged. because it takes the same or greater amount of time.

If it is determined that the set time has elapsed, it is detected whether S20 to S70 have been repeatedly performed as many times as set (S80).

At this time, when the size of the set number increases, the reliability of initialization increases, whereas when the size of the set number decreases, reliability decreases but operation efficiency may increase. When the above-described steps S20 to S70 are performed, the minerals contained in the mineral container 140 are discharged without being included in the drinking water that the user drinks, so the minerals may be discarded.

Accordingly, the set number of times may be differently set according to situations by an operator or a user or may be changed later.

Then, the mineral valve 130 is closed (S90). When the mineral valve 130 is closed, the second flow path 110 is sealed against the outside, and air from the outside via the mineral valve 130 is prevented from being introduced.

Meanwhile, when the initialization operation is completed, information indicating that the initialization has been completed may be displayed through the display unit 6 . Of course, if there is a sound generating device that can generate sound, it is also possible to provide the user with information indicating that initialization has been completed through the sound generating device.

In an embodiment of the present invention, when extracting mineral water due to the initial use of the drinking water supply device, for example, replacing the mineral container, applying power to the drinking water supply device, exchanging other accessories, or for other reasons, In a situation where air may be included in the discharge passage, the air may be discharged to the outside to maintain the minerals contained in the mineral water at a constant rate.

Accordingly, since the user can maintain a constant ratio of minerals when extracting the mineral water for the first time and when extracting the mineral water after using it for a long time, the mineral water can have a constant taste at the beginning or after a lapse of time.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and as can be seen from the appended claims, modifications can be made by those skilled in the art to which the present invention belongs, and such modifications fall within the scope of the present invention.

1 Drinking water supply device 71 1st flow path
74 1st valve 75 flow sensor
100 Mineral Supply Module 110 2nd Euro
130 second valve 160 pump
180 control unit 200 pressure sensor

Claims (14)

a first flow path having a first valve for opening and closing the flow path and a flow sensor for detecting the flow rate of drinking water, and guiding drinking water;
a water outlet passage connected to a rear end of the first passage to discharge the drinking water;
a connection pipe connecting the first flow path and the water outlet flow path;
a second flow path provided with a pressure sensor for supplying minerals to the connection pipe and measuring pressure, and a mineral valve opening and closing the flow path;
a mineral container disposed in front of the mineral valve to receive concentrated minerals;
a pump applying pressure to the second passage;
In the drinking water supply device comprising a; control unit for filling the second flow path with minerals by adjusting the pump and the mineral valve,
A first step of closing the flow path with the mineral valve and driving the pump;
a second step of stopping the driving of the pump and opening the mineral valve when the set pressure is reached;
The control method of a drinking water supply device comprising the; step of closing the passage in the mineral valve when a set time elapses. According to claim 1,
The control method of a drinking water supply device, characterized in that the first step and the second step are repeatedly performed a set number of times. According to claim 1,
In the first step, minerals are moved into the passage while air is compressed in the passage,
In the second step, the control method of the drinking water supply device, characterized in that the air in the passage is discharged together with minerals. According to claim 1,
A method of controlling a drinking water supply device, further comprising the step of inputting an initialization signal to an input unit by a user. According to claim 1,
The control method of the drinking water supply device, characterized in that when power is applied to the drinking water supply device, the first step and the second step are performed. According to claim 1,
The control method of the drinking water supply device, characterized in that the set pressure is equal to or greater than the pressure when minerals are normally supplied. According to claim 1,
The control method of the drinking water supply device, characterized in that the set time is equal to or greater than the time when minerals are normally supplied. a first flow path having a first valve for opening and closing the flow path and a flow sensor for detecting the flow rate of drinking water, and guiding drinking water;
a water outlet passage connected to a rear end of the first passage to discharge the drinking water;
a connection pipe connecting the first flow path and the water outlet flow path;
a second flow path provided with a pressure sensor for supplying minerals to the connection pipe and measuring pressure, and a mineral valve opening and closing the flow path;
a mineral container disposed in front of the mineral valve to receive concentrated minerals;
a pump applying pressure to the second passage;
and a control unit for filling minerals into the second passage by adjusting the pump and the mineral valve. According to claim 8,
The control unit,
After closing the flow path in the mineral valve and driving the pump, stopping the driving of the pump and opening the mineral valve when a set pressure is reached, and closing the mineral valve when a set time elapses . According to claim 9,
The control unit,
A drinking water supply device characterized in that it repeatedly performs the process of claim 9. According to claim 9,
Further comprising an input unit to which an initialization signal is input by a user,
When an initialization signal is input to the input unit, the control unit performs the operation described in claim 9. According to claim 9,
When power is applied, the drinking water supply device characterized in that the control unit performs the operation described in claim 9. According to claim 9,
The drinking water supply device, characterized in that the set pressure is equal to or greater than the pressure when minerals are supplied. According to claim 9,
The drinking water supply device, characterized in that the set time is equal to or greater than the time when minerals are normally supplied.

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