Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the embodiment in which the spirit of the present invention is shown, and other embodiments which are degenerative by another addition, change or deletion of another element or included in the scope of the present invention can be easily Can be proposed.
The water dispensing apparatus according to the present invention may be applied to various devices including a refrigerator and a water purifier capable of automatically supplying water. Hereinafter, a water dispensing apparatus is applied to a door of a refrigerator for convenience of explanation and understanding, I will explain it.
1 is a perspective view of a refrigerator to which an embodiment of the present invention is applied.
As shown in the drawings, a refrigerator 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a main body 10 forming a storage space having a front surface opened and a door 20 opening and closing the storage space.
The door 20 may include a pair of refrigerating compartment doors 21 and a freezing compartment door 22. The upper and lower ends of the door 20 are connected to the main body 10 by a hinge so that the refrigerating compartment and the freezing compartment are rotated can do.
A water dispensing apparatus 100 may be provided on the front surface of the freezing chamber door 22 or the refrigerating chamber door 21. In FIG. 1, the water dispensing apparatus 100 is shown in the freezing chamber door 22 as an example. The water dispensing apparatus 100 is not limited to the refrigerator 1 but may be provided in various apparatuses capable of automatically taking out water including a water purifier.
The water dispensing apparatus 100 may be configured to allow water or ice to be taken out from the outside without opening the freezing chamber door 22 and to be recessed from the front surface of the freezing chamber door 22. The water dispensing apparatus 100 will be described in more detail below.
An ice maker may be provided on the rear surface of the freezer compartment door 22. The ice maker can freeze the supplied water to make and store ice. The ice dispenser 100 is connected to the ice dispenser 100 by an ice chute so that ice can be taken out to the outside through the water dispensing apparatus 100 when the water dispensing apparatus 100 is operated. .
The main body 10 may be provided with a filter device for purifying the water supplied from an external water source. The water tank 11, in which purified water having passed through the filter device is stored and cooled by cold air in the storage space, May be provided. The water tank may be connected to the water dispensing apparatus 100 and / or the ice making apparatus to supply water necessary for taking out or freezing. Of course, the water tank may be provided in such a form that it is not connected to the water supply source, but is filled in and then detached from the water supply source.
2 is a front view of a water dispensing apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. 3 is a block diagram of the water dispensing apparatus.
As shown in the figure, the water dispensing apparatus 100 is provided on the front surface of the freezing chamber door 22. [ The water dispensing apparatus 100 is configured to be exposed to the outside through a front surface of the freezer compartment door 22 so that the user can directly operate and check the use state.
The water dispensing apparatus 100 is formed in an overall shape by the dispenser housing 110. The dispenser housing 110 forms a recessed space 111 of the water dispensing apparatus 100. An upper portion of the water dispensing apparatus 100 is connected to a water supply valve 121, And a water level sensing member 130 for sensing the water level of the water filled in the container 2. [ A water level indicating unit 140 may be provided on the inside of the housing 110 to indicate a target water level and a current water level of the water filled in the container 2. An input unit 150 for operating the water dispensing apparatus 100 and a display 160 for displaying an operation state of the water dispensing apparatus 100 are further provided on one side of the dispenser housing 110 .
In more detail, the housing 110 forms an outer shape of at least a part of the water dispensing apparatus 100. [ When the water dispensing apparatus 100 is provided on the refrigerator door 20, the water dispensing apparatus 100 forms a part of the outer shape of the refrigerator door 20.
The housing 110 provides an indented space 111 and a container 2 for receiving water is disposed in the space 110 of the housing 110. The space 111 is formed so that a bottom surface is formed on the bottom surface of the space 111 of the housing 110. The bottom surface of the space 111 is extended or drawn out in the front- The bottom plate may be further provided.
The water nozzle 120 and the water level sensing member 130 may be provided on the upper surface of the space 111. That is, the space 111, which is recessed inward of the housing 110, may have a top surface where the water nozzle 120 and the water level sensing member 130 are formed at a position facing the bottom surface.
A water level indicating unit 140 may be provided on both right and left sides of the housing 110 to indicate a target water level L1 of the water filled in the container 2 and a current water level L2. For this purpose, the left and right side surfaces of the space 111, which is recessed into the housing 110, may be formed to face each other.
Although not shown, a take-out lever may be further provided on a rear wall of the housing 110. The take-out lever is for taking out a desired amount of water through the water nozzle 120 by the user. While the take-out lever is being pressed, the water valve 121 is opened and water is taken out, The water supply valve 121 is closed to stop the water from being taken out.
That is, when the user holds the container 2 and presses the take-out lever, the water is supplied. After the desired amount of water is supplied in a state where the take-out lever is pressed, if the take- Lt; / RTI >
The upper portion of the housing 110 may further include an input unit 150 for operating the operation of the water dispensing apparatus 100. The input unit 150 may be configured to perform various types of operations for operating the water dispensing apparatus 100 such as a state or a kind of water. The input unit 150 may be configured to be operated for starting or completing the water supply, if necessary, in place of the extraction lever.
The input unit 150 may select water to be taken out through the water nozzle 120 as purified water or cold water and set a target water level L1 of water taken out through the water nozzle 120.
A plurality of the input units 150 may be arranged to set the amount of water to be filled in the container 2 through the water nozzle 120 so that the set amount of water can be taken out according to the input unit 150 And the amount of water taken out may be changed according to the number of times the same input unit 150 is pressed as needed.
At this time, the amount of water filled in the container 2 may be set to a height based on the bottom surface of the space 110 of the housing 110, that is, the bottom surface on which the container 2 is placed. When the water supply is started, the container 2 can be filled with water until it reaches the set height, that is, the target water level L1 by the input unit 150.
When the water dispensing apparatus 100 is connected to the ice maker, the ice can be taken out through the ice chute provided on the housing 110 by the operation of the input unit 150. Also, the input unit 150 may be configured to set the operation state of the refrigerator 1 on which the water dispensing apparatus 100 is mounted.
In addition, the input unit 150 may be provided with a knob for rotation operation and a touch pad type that can be touched and dragged, in addition to a touch or a button type. The input unit 150 may be provided on one side of the housing 110, .
The display 160 is provided at an upper portion of the water housing 110 and is configured to display various kinds of operation information of the water dispensing apparatus 100. For example, selection of purified water, cold water, water, and ice selected through the input unit 150, target water level, various settings of the water dispensing apparatus 100, Can be displayed. Accordingly, the user can confirm the operation selected through the display 160 and the status thereof.
The display 160 may include a display module including a LCD window or a plurality of LEDs, and various devices capable of expressing information in a state of pictures or characters.
When the water dispensing apparatus 100 is provided in the refrigerator, the display 160 may display the general operation state of the refrigerator 1, that is, the temperature or operation time information of the refrigerator compartment, have.
A water nozzle 120 may be provided on the upper surface of the space 111 of the housing 110. The water nozzle 120 may be disposed at the center of the upper surface of the space 111 of the housing 110 and may be formed into a tubular shape so that water can be drawn toward the container located inside the space 110 of the housing 110 And may protrude inwardly of the space 111 of the housing 110 by a predetermined length.
Therefore, when the conventional container 2 is placed inside the space 110 of the housing 110, the water nozzle 120 may be positioned at the center of the container 2. The user can visually confirm the water extraction state by the water nozzle 120.
The water nozzle 120 may be connected to a water supply channel such as a water supply source or a water supply channel connected to a water tank in which water for water supply is stored. A water supply valve 121 is provided on the water supply channel to determine whether to start water supply through operation of the input unit 150 by the user.
The level sensing member 130 is positioned on the upper surface of the housing space 111. The water level sensing member 130 may be an ultrasonic sensor for sensing the water level of the water filled in the container 2. The ultrasonic sensor may be an active system capable of transmitting and receiving ultrasonic signals at the same time. If necessary, the transmitter and the receiver may be separately formed on the upper surface of the housing space. Of course, it is also possible to use other sensors and devices as long as the level sensing member 130 can sense the level of the water filled in the container 2.
The water level sensing member 130 may be positioned at a position adjacent to the water nozzle 120. The position of the water level sensing member 130 may be located on the upper surface of the space 110 of the housing 110 like the water nozzle 120 and may transmit ultrasound signals toward the center of the container 2 The water nozzle 120 may be located at a position adjacent to the water nozzle 120.
Meanwhile, a plurality of the level sensing members 130 may be provided to more accurately detect the height of the water filled in the container 2.
The water level indicating unit 140 may be provided on both left and right sides of the space 111 of the housing 110. The water level indicating unit 140 is configured to intuitively confirm the target water level L1 and the current water level L2 of the water to be filled in the container.
In detail, the water level indicating unit 140 may include a plurality of light emitting members 141 which can irradiate light or rays to the outer surface of the container 2. The plurality of light emitting members 141 may be arranged in the vertical direction from the bottom of the space 110 of the housing 110 to a height adjacent to the water nozzle 120. The light emitting members 141 may be arranged at regular intervals, and each of the light emitting members 141 may be connected to the controller 170 to exchange information about the on and off states.
In addition, each of the light emitting members 141 has height information, and the height information may be stored in the controller 170 or may be transmitted to the controller 170 in a state where the height information is stored in a separate storage unit. That is, the target level L1 can be displayed by the light emitting member 141 when the user operates it, and the height information of the light emitting member 141 that is turned on at this time can be displayed by the controller 170 at the current level L2 So that the water supply of the target water level L1 can be performed.
The light emitting members 141 may be disposed on both right and left sides, and may face each other at the same height. The light emitted from the light emitting member 141 is directed toward the container 2 and the light emitting members 141 are turned on and off by the target level L1 and the current level (L2) can be displayed.
The light emitting member 141 is moved from the left and right sides of the container 2 toward the outer side of the container 2 in a state where the container 2 is seated inside the space 110 of the housing 110 The light emitting member 141 corresponding to the set height of the plurality of light emitting members 141 is turned on and the light emitting member 141 corresponding to the current water level is turned on to illuminate the surface of the container 2 The target level L1 and the current level L2 are displayed so that the user can intuitively determine the level.
Meanwhile, the water level sensing member 130 may further include a cover 142. The cover 142 allows the light emitted from the light emitting member 141 to be more clearly displayed on the container 2, so that a large number of slits through which light is allowed to pass may be formed, And a lens that can be displayed in the form of a lens.
The cover 142 may be provided at a position corresponding to each of the light emitting members 141 and may be mounted on the housing 110 with the light emitting member 141 and one assembly. Of course, the cover 142 may be mounted on the left and right sides of the space 111 of the housing 110 to shield all of the light emitting members 141 at the time of installation.
The controller 170 is for controlling the operation of the water dispensing apparatus 100 and includes an input unit 150, a water level sensing member 130, a water supply valve 121, a display 160, 140 and the like so as to control them.
The control unit 170 stores the target level L1 inputted through the input unit 150 and compares the current level L2 displayed by the level indicator unit 140 to obtain the target level L1, The water supply valve 121 is maintained in the opened state until the water supply valve 121 reaches the predetermined temperature. The target water level L1 and the current water level L2 are the absolute height based on the bottom of the space 110 of the housing 110 and are not influenced by the size and shape of the container 2.
Hereinafter, an operation of the water dispensing apparatus 100 having the above-described structure will be described with reference to the drawings.
4 is a view sequentially showing the operation states of the water dispensing apparatus. 5 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the water dispensing apparatus.
As shown in the drawing, in order to take out water through the water dispensing apparatus 100, the container 2 is first positioned inside the space 111 of the housing 110 as shown in FIG. 4 (a) . At this time, the container 2 is positioned below the water nozzle 120 so that water can be supplied through the water nozzle 120. In this state, the water level sensing member 130 is also placed in the container 2, The water level of the inside of the container can be easily detected from above.
At this time, it is possible to confirm that the container 2 is disposed by the ultrasonic signal in the level sensing member 130. That is, the water level sensing member 130 measures a distance from the water level sensing member 130 to the bottom of the housing 110 by an ultrasonic signal, and the distance between the water level sensing member 130 and the bottom of the housing 110 It is determined that the container 2 does not exist and it is determined that the container 2 exists if the distance is shorter than the distance to the bottom of the housing 110 that is initially set.
Of course, other sensors or devices other than the water level sensing member 130 may be provided to confirm the existence of the container 2, such as a separate ultrasonic sensor or a proximity sensor, a contact sensor, or a switch device, May be detected. [S110]
When the presence of the container 2 is confirmed in the water level sensing member 130, the user can perform a water level input operation through the input unit 150. In a state where the presence of the container 2 in the level sensing member 130 is not confirmed, the water supply valve 121 is not opened even if the input unit 150 is operated, So that the container 2 is not detected.
The user operates the input unit 150 to determine the water level of the water to be supplied to the container 2. At this time, the user determines the water extraction height based on the bottom surface of the space 110 of the housing 110, that is, the target water level L1 through the input unit 150. [ The input height may be set to a predetermined height by pressing the input unit 150 or may be set to any height through a continuous increase and decrease in height.
The target water level L1 inputted by the input unit 150 may be displayed on the outer surface of the container 2 through the water level indicating unit 140 as shown in FIG. That is, the target water level L1 inputted through the user's operation is irradiated to the surface of the container 2 so that the user can intuitively recognize the water level L1 through the water level indicating unit 140, Can be displayed on the container.
When the target level L1 is inputted by the input unit 150, the control unit 170 irradiates light from the light emitting member 141 having the corresponding height to display the height set on the surface of the container 2 . Of course, when the target height is increased or decreased through the input unit 150, the light emitting member 141 is continuously turned on and off, and the final set height can be displayed. [S121]
At this time, the light emitting member 141 that displays the finally set target level L1 maintains the ON state continuously so that the water filled in the container 2 can be confirmed whether it reaches the target water level L1. The set height information of the light emitting member 141 set to the final target water level L1 is stored in the controller 170 and compared with the current water level L2.
On the other hand, when the input of the target level L1 is completed, the water supply valve 121 is opened and water is supplied to the inside of the container 2 through the water nozzle 120. The supplied water is filled in the container 2, and the water level is gradually increased. [S130]
At this time, the level sensing member 130 continuously transmits and receives ultrasound signals to check the change in the level of the water in the container 2. When the water level in the container 2 reaches the level of the light emitting members 141 at a predetermined height position, the corresponding light emitting member 141 is turned on as shown in FIG. 4 (c) L2) can be displayed.
The light emitting member 141 corresponding to the target water level L1 is turned on and the target water level L1 is visualized on the surface of the container 2 in a state where the target water level L1 is set. As the water supply progresses, the water level in the container 2 increases and the water level sensing member 130 senses a change in the water level in the container 2. [S140]
The light emitting member 141 having a height corresponding to the current water level L2 sensed by the water level sensing member 130 is turned on by the controller 170 so that the current water level is set on the surface of the container 2 So that it can be visualized. Therefore, the user can confirm the change in the water level of the water filled in the container 2 while looking at the surface of the container.
At this time, the light emitting member 141 for visualizing the current water level L2 may be configured to irradiate light of a different color from the light emitting member 141 for visualizing the target water level L1, It is possible to distinguish the target level L1 from the current level L2.
In the state in which the water supply is proceeding, the light emitting member 141 which displays the fixed target level L1 is always on, and in order to display the increased current level L2, The light emitting members 141 not corresponding to the corresponding water level are turned off so that the light emitting members 141 in a position close to the light emitting member 141 gradually displaying the target water level L1 are sequentially turned on, . [S141]
On the other hand, the water supply valve 121 is opened until the water filled in the container 2 reaches the target water level L1, and reaches the target water level L1 completely as shown in FIG. 5 (d) , The light emitting member 141 indicating the target water level L1 and the current water level L2 becomes the same. That is, the display of the target level L1 and the display of the current level L2 can be displayed by the light-emitting member 141 having the same height.
In this state, the controller 170 determines that the target water level L1 is satisfied when the target water level L1 becomes equal to the current water level L2. Accordingly, the water supply valve 121 is closed, and the light emitting member 141 is turned off, and then it can be output through the voice or the display 160 that the water discharge is completed.
After the water supply to the target water level L1 is completed, the controller 170 initializes data of the water level sensing unit 130 and the water level indicating unit 140. [S150]
Meanwhile, the water dispensing apparatus according to the present invention may have various other embodiments in addition to the above-described embodiments.
The second embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that the level indicating unit is arranged to be moved up and down by a pair of light emitting members and is provided on each of the left and right sides so that one light emitting member displays the target water level, Is displayed.
Hereinafter, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The water dispensing apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention is the same as the water dispensing apparatus according to the second embodiment except for the water dispensing apparatus and the water level indicating unit, and thus the same reference numerals are used for the same components and a detailed description thereof will be omitted. .
6 is a front view of a water dispensing apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention. 7 is a block diagram of the water dispensing apparatus.
As shown in the drawing, the water dispensing apparatus 200 according to the second embodiment of the present invention forms a space in which the container 2 can be accommodated by the housing 110. A water nozzle 120 and a water level sensing member 130 are provided on the upper surface of the space 111 of the housing 110.
The water nozzle 120 is connected to the water supply valve 121 to enable selective supply of water to the vessel 2. The water level sensing member 130 detects the water level in the container 2 and transmits the water level to the controller 170. The control unit 170 compares the current level L2 sensed by the level sensing member 130 with the target level L1 set by the user so that the operation of the water supply valve 121 and the level indicator unit 240 . At this time, both the target level L1 and the sensed current level L2 are set on the basis of the bottom surface of the space 110 of the housing 110.
An input unit 150 may be provided outside the housing 110 for inputting a target level L1 for supplying water or inputting an operation state of the water dispensing apparatus 200. [ Further, a display 160 for outputting the operation state of the water dispensing apparatus 200 may be further provided on the outer side of the housing 110.
An opening 112 is formed in the left and right sides of the inner space of the space 110 of the housing 110 so as to be vertically elongated and the opening 112 may be provided with a water level indicator unit 240.
The opening 112 is formed to extend in the vertical direction to form a path for moving the level indicator unit 240 up and down and may have a length corresponding to the moving distance of the level indicator unit 240 .
The water level indicating unit 240 displays the target water level L1 and the current water level L2 which are set on the surface of the container 2 by irradiating light. And a cover member 243 for shielding them.
More specifically, the water level indicating unit 240 includes a target level indicator unit 240a provided on one side of left and right sides of the space 111 of the housing 110, And a current level display unit 240b.
Since the target level display unit 240a and the current level display unit 240b have the same configuration and differ only in the installation position and operation, the structure will be collectively referred to as a level display unit 240 .
The water level indicating unit 240 is disposed to face the outer surface of the container 2 and includes a light emitting member 241 for indicating the water level on the outer surface of the container. The level indicator unit 240 may further include a driving unit 242 that allows the light emitting member 241 to be moved up and down along the opening 112.
Although not shown in detail, the driving unit 242 may have a rack-and-pinion structure that is moved up and down by a motor. The driving unit 242 may have various configurations that can be moved up and down along the opening 112.
The driving unit 242 of the target level indicator unit 240a of the driving unit 242 is moved to the height inputted by the user by the operation of the input unit 150 and the target level L1 ) Can be displayed. The driving unit 242 of the current level indicator unit 240b of the driving unit 242 is moved to a height corresponding to the current level of the light emitting member 241 to display the current level.
Meanwhile, the level indicator unit 240 may further include a cover member 243 for shielding the opening 112. The cover member 243 is configured to shield the opening 112 and allow light emitted from the light emitting member 241 to pass therethrough. A plurality of slits 244 may be formed in the cover member 243 as necessary so that light emitted from the light emitting member 241 appears more clearly on the surface of the container 2.
Hereinafter, the operation of the water dispensing apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described.
8 is a view sequentially showing the operation state of the water dispensing apparatus.
As shown in the drawing, in order to take out water through the water dispensing apparatus 200, the container 2 is first positioned inside the space 111 of the housing 110 as shown in FIG. 8 (a) . The existence of the container 2 is confirmed by the device for sensing the level sensing member 130 or the container 2 provided separately.
When the presence of the container 2 is confirmed in the water level sensing member 130, the user can operate the input unit 150. In this state, the user operates the input unit 150 to determine the water level of the water supplied to the container 2. At this time, the user determines the height based on the bottom surface of the space (111) of the housing (110) through the input unit (150).
The target level L1 inputted by the input unit 150 may be displayed on the outer surface of the container 2 through the left target level display unit 240a as shown in FIG. That is, the user can intuitively recognize the target level L1 inputted through the operation of the user by illuminating the surface of the container 2 with light.
The driving unit 242 is driven corresponding to the target level L1 inputted by the user and the driving unit 242 is driven at a height corresponding to the bottom surface of the space 111 of the housing 110, The driving unit 242 is operated so that the driving unit 241 can be positioned. Therefore, at the height input by the user, the light emitting member 241 can illuminate the light to display the target water level L1 on the outer surface of the container 2.
When the target level L1 is inputted by the input unit 150, the control unit 170 irradiates light from the light emitting member 241 of the corresponding height to display the height set on the surface of the container 2 . At this time, the light emitting member 241 indicating the finally set target level L1 maintains the ON state continuously so that the water filled in the container 2 can be confirmed whether it reaches the target water level L1. The height information of the light emitting member 241 set at the target water level L1 is stored in the controller 170. [
On the other hand, when the input of the target water level L1 is completed, the water supply valve 121 is opened and water is supplied to the inside of the container 2 through the water nozzle 120. [ The supplied water is filled in the container 2, and the water level is gradually increased.
At this time, the water level sensing member 130 continuously transmits and receives an ultrasonic signal to check the water level in the container 2. Each time the water level in the container 2 reaches the level of the predetermined light emitting members 241, the light emitting member 241 of the current level indicator unit 240b on the right side is turned on as shown in FIG. 8 (c) The current water level status can be displayed.
In detail, the light emitting member 241 is moved to the height position corresponding to the target water level L1 by the driving unit 242 while the target water level L1 is set, and the container 2 The target water level L1 is visualized on the surface of the water surface. As the water supply progresses, the height of the water in the container 2 increases and the change in the water level in the container 2 is sensed by the water level sensing member 130.
The driving unit 242 is driven by the control unit 170 to move the light emitting member 241 of the current level indicator unit 240b in an on state to a height corresponding to the current level, It is possible to visualize the current water level on the surface. Therefore, the user can visually confirm the change in the water level of the water filled in the container 2.
On the other hand, the water supply valve 121 is opened until the water filled in the container 2 reaches the target water level L1, and when the water level reaches the target water level L1 completely as shown in FIG. 8 (d) , The light emitting member 241 of the present level indicator unit 240b reaches the height of the target water level L1. That is, the display of the target level L1 and the display of the current level L2 can be located at the same height.
In this state, the controller 170 determines that the target water level L1 and the current water level L2 are equal to each other to satisfy the target water level L1, and the light emitting member 241 is turned off, It is possible to output through the voice or display 160 that it has been completed.
Meanwhile, the water dispensing apparatus according to the present invention may have various other embodiments in addition to the above-described embodiments.
The third embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that the input unit is configured as a rotary knob.
Hereinafter, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The water dispensing apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention is the same as the water dispensing apparatus of the first embodiment except for the input unit, and thus the same reference numerals are used for the same components and a detailed description thereof will be omitted. .
9 is a front view of a water dispensing apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
As shown in the drawing, the water dispensing apparatus 300 according to the third embodiment of the present invention forms a space 111 through which the container 2 can be received by the housing 110. [ A water nozzle 120 and a water level sensing member 130 are provided on the upper surface of the space 111 of the housing 110.
The water nozzle 120 is connected to the water supply valve 121 to enable selective supply of water to the vessel 2. The water level sensing member 130 detects the water level in the container 2 and transmits the water level to the controller 170. The control unit 170 controls the operation of the water supply valve 121 and the water level indicating unit 140 by comparing the water level sensed by the water level sensing member 130 with the target water level L1 set by the user . At this time, both the set target level L1 and the sensed current level L2 are based on the bottom surface of the space 110 of the housing 110.
An input unit 350 may be provided outside the housing 110 to set a target water level L1 for water supply and input an operation state of the water dispensing apparatus 300. [
The input unit 350 may include a water level input unit 351 for setting a target water level L1 of the water to be extracted through the water dispensing apparatus 300 and a water dispensing unit 351 including an integer excluding the target water level L1, And a setting input unit 352 for inputting another setting of the device 300. [
The water level input unit 351 is configured in the form of a dial knob and is configured to be able to determine the increase or decrease of the target water level L1 by a user's rotation operation. For example, the target level L1 may be increased during the clockwise rotation of the level input unit 351, and may be decreased during the counterclockwise rotation.
The water level input unit 351 is configured to be depressible and configured to press the water level input unit 351 to finally set the target water level L 1 after completion of setting the target water level L 1 by the rotation operation of the water level input unit 351. ). Of course, the input of the rotation operation of the water level input unit 351 may be activated by the depressing operation of the water level input unit 351, thereby preventing unwanted input by the user's careless operation.
The rotation amount of the water level input unit 351 during operation is transmitted to the control unit 170 and the control unit 170 sets the set height corresponding to the rotation amount of the water level input unit 351 to the water level indicating unit 140 And the water level indicating unit 140 is configured to display a corresponding height on the surface of the container 2. At this time, the target level L1 set by the amount of rotation of the level input unit 351 is determined based on the bottom surface of the space 110 of the housing 110.
A display 160 for outputting the operation state of the water dispensing apparatus 300 may be further provided on one side of the housing 110. The display 160 is configured to display various setting information as well as the operation status of the water dispensing apparatus 300.
The water level indicating unit 140 may be provided on both left and right sides of the space 111 of the housing 110. The water level indicating unit 140 is configured to intuitively confirm the target water level L1 of the water filled in the container 2 and the current water level L2.
In detail, the water level indicating unit 140 may be composed of a plurality of light emitting members 141 capable of irradiating light to the outer surface of the container 2. The plurality of light emitting members 141 may be arranged in the vertical direction from the bottom of the space 110 of the housing 110 to a height adjacent to the water nozzle 120. The light emitting members 141 may be arranged at regular intervals, and each of the light emitting members 141 may be connected to the controller 170 to exchange information about height information and on / off.
In addition, each of the light emitting members 141 has height information and can transmit the height information to the controller 170. That is, the light emitting member 141 is operated by the user's operation to display the target water level L1, and the height of the corresponding light emitting member 141 is stored and compared with the current water level L2, Water is supplied by the water level L1.
The light emitting members 141 may be disposed on both right and left sides, and may face each other at the same height. The light emitted from the light emitting member 141 is directed toward the container 2 and the target level L1 and the current level L2 can be displayed on the surface of the container 2. [
The light emitting member 141 is moved from the left and right sides of the container 2 toward the outer side of the container 2 in a state where the container 2 is seated inside the space 110 of the housing 110 The light emitting member 141 corresponding to the set height of the plurality of light emitting members 141 is turned on and the light emitting member 141 corresponding to the current water level is turned on to illuminate the surface of the container 2 So that the user can intuitively judge the water level.
Hereinafter, operation of the water dispensing apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention will be described.
FIG. 10 is a view sequentially showing the operation states of the water dispensing apparatus.
As shown in the drawing, in order to take out water through the water dispensing apparatus 300, the container 2 is first positioned inside the space 111 of the housing 110 as shown in FIG. 10 (a) . At this time, the container 2 is positioned below the water nozzle 120 so that water can be supplied through the water nozzle 120. In this state, the water level sensing member 130 is also placed in the container 2 As shown in Fig.
When the presence of the container 2 is confirmed by the water level sensing member 130, the user can operate the water level input unit 351. The water supply valve 121 is not opened by operating the water level input unit 351 in a state where the presence of the container 2 is not confirmed in the water level sensing member 130, (2) is not detected.
In this state, the user rotates the water level input unit 351 to determine the target water level L1 of water to be supplied to the container 2. [ At this time, the target level L1 is set through the level input unit 351, and a height is set based on a bottom surface of the space 110 of the housing 110. [
Specifically, when the user rotates the level input unit 351 clockwise, the control unit 170 turns on the light emitting member 141 having the corresponding height to set the target level L1 on the outer surface of the container 2, . ≪ / RTI > Therefore, as the level input unit 351 is further rotated clockwise, the light emitting member 141 is gradually turned on. When the water level input unit 351 is rotated counterclockwise in order to lower the target water level again, the light emitting member 141 having the corresponding height is turned on in the control unit 170, The height of the target water level L1 becomes lower.
In this way, the target level L1 can be adjusted by rotating the level input unit 351, and the target level L1 inputted through the operation of the user can be adjusted by the user, It is possible to display the light by irradiating the surface thereof with light.
When the target level L1 is inputted by the input unit 350, the user inputs the completion of the setting of the target level L1 by pressing the level input unit 351 as shown in FIG. 10 (b) . At this time, the control unit 170 maintains a state of being irradiated with light from the light emitting member 141 having a corresponding height, so that the height set on the surface of the container 2 can be continuously displayed.
The light emitting member 141 that displays the finally set target water level L1 maintains the on state continuously so that the water filled in the container 2 can be confirmed whether or not the water reaches the target water level L1. The set height information of the light emitting member 141 set at the target level L1 is stored in the controller 170. [
On the other hand, when the input of the target water level L1 is completed, the water supply valve 121 is opened and water is supplied to the inside of the container 2 through the water nozzle 120. [ The supplied water is filled in the container 2, and the water level is gradually increased.
At this time, the water level sensing member 130 continuously transmits and receives an ultrasonic signal to check the water level in the container 2. Each time the water level in the container 2 reaches the height of the predetermined light emitting members 141, the corresponding light emitting member 141 is turned on as shown in FIG. 10 (c) .
The light emitting member 141 corresponding to the target water level L1 is turned on and the target water level L1 is visualized on the surface of the container 2 in a state where the target water level L1 is set. As the water supply progresses, the height of the water in the container 2 increases and the change in the water level in the container 2 is sensed by the water level sensing member 130.
The control unit 170 can turn on the light emitting member 141 having a height corresponding to the current water level L2 so that the current water level can be visualized on the surface of the container 2. [ Accordingly, the user can visually confirm the change in the current water level L2 of the water filled in the container 2. [
In this state, the light-emitting member 141 that displays the fixed target level L1 is always in the ON state, and the light-emitting member 141 that displays the increased current level L2 is in a state in which the light- The light emitting member 141 having the corresponding height is turned on and the light emitting member 141 corresponding to the previous water level is turned off. Accordingly, as the water level increases, the light emitting member 141, which displays the current water level L2 gradually closer to the light emitting member 141 indicating the target water level L1, can be turned on.
On the other hand, the water supply valve 121 is opened until the water filled in the container 2 reaches the target water level L1 and reaches the target water level L1 completely as shown in FIG. 10 (d) , The target level L1 becomes equal to the light-emitting member 141 at the current level. That is, the display of the target level L1 and the display of the current level L2 can be displayed by one line.
In this state, the controller 170 determines that the target water level L1 and the current water level L2 are equal to each other to satisfy the target water level L1, and the light emitting member 141 is turned off, It is possible to output through the voice or display 160 that it has been completed.
Meanwhile, the water dispensing apparatus according to the present invention may have various other embodiments in addition to the above-described embodiments.
A fourth embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that the input section is configured as a drag pad.
Hereinafter, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The water dispensing apparatus according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention is the same as the water dispensing apparatus of the first embodiment except for the input unit, and thus the same reference numerals are used for the same components and a detailed description thereof will be omitted. .
11 is a front view of a water dispensing apparatus according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
As shown in the drawing, a water dispensing apparatus 400 according to a third embodiment of the present invention forms a space 111 through which the container 2 can be received by the housing 110. A water nozzle 120 and a water level sensing member 130 are provided on the upper surface of the space 111 of the housing 110.
The water nozzle 120 is connected to the water supply valve 121 to enable selective supply of water to the vessel 2. The water level sensing member 130 detects the water level in the container 2 and transmits the water level to the controller 170. The control unit 170 controls the operation of the water supply valve 121 and the water level indicating unit 140 by comparing the water level sensed by the water level sensing member 130 with the target water level L1 set by the user . At this time, both the target level L1 and the sensed current level L2 are set on the basis of the bottom surface of the space 110 of the housing 110.
The outside of the housing 110 may include an input unit 450 for inputting a target water level L1 and an operation state of the water dispensing apparatus 400 for water supply.
The input unit 450 includes a water level input unit 451 for setting a target water level L1 of the water to be taken out through the water dispensing apparatus 400, And a setting input unit 452 for inputting another setting of the fencing apparatus 400. [
The level input unit 451 is configured in the form of a touch pad and has a structure capable of being dragged as well as being touched. The water level input unit 451 may be located on the side of the housing 110 and may be vertically extended and positioned inside upper and lower regions of the space 110 of the housing 110.
The water level input unit 451 may extend from the bottom surface of the space 110 of the housing 110 to the lower end of the water nozzle 120. [ Therefore, it is possible to set the height of the water to be supplied to the container 2, that is, the target water level L1 by the drag operation of the user.
The water level input unit 451 is configured so as to be able to touch the water level input unit 451 and after the completion of the setting of the target water level L1 by the drag operation of the water level input unit 451, ). Of course, the input through the drag operation of the water level input unit 451 may be activated by the touch operation of the water level input unit 451, thereby preventing unwanted input due to the user's careless operation.
The control unit 170 receives the set distance corresponding to the dragged distance of the water level input unit 451 from the water level indicator unit 451, 140, and the water level indicating unit 140 is configured to display a corresponding height on the surface of the container 2. At this time, the target level L1 set by the level input unit 451 is determined based on the bottom surface of the space 110 of the housing 110.
Meanwhile, a display 160 for outputting the operation state of the water dispensing apparatus 400 may be further provided on one side of the housing 110. The display 160 displays various setting information as well as the operation status of the water dispensing apparatus 400 to provide information that the user can use the water dispensing apparatus 400 more conveniently.
The water level indicating unit 140 may be provided on both left and right sides of the space 111 of the housing 110. The water level indicating unit 140 is configured to intuitively confirm the target water level L1 of the water filled in the container 2 and the current water level L2.
In detail, the water level indicating unit 140 may be composed of a plurality of light emitting members 141 capable of irradiating light to the outer surface of the container 2. The plurality of light emitting members 141 may be arranged in the vertical direction from the bottom of the space 110 of the housing 110 to a height adjacent to the water nozzle 120. The light emitting members 141 may be arranged at regular intervals, and each of the light emitting members 141 may be connected to the controller 170 to exchange information about the height information and the on and off states.
In addition, each of the light emitting members 141 has height information and can transmit the height information to the controller 170. That is, the target level L1 can be displayed by the light-emitting member 141 by the user's operation, and the height of the corresponding light-emitting member 141 is stored to supply water corresponding to the height.
The light emitting members 141 may be disposed on both right and left sides, and may face each other at the same height. The light emitted from the light emitting member 141 is directed toward the container 2 and the target level L1 and the current level L2 can be displayed on the surface of the container 2. [
The light emitting member 141 is moved from the left and right sides of the container 2 toward the outer side of the container 2 in a state where the container 2 is seated inside the space 110 of the housing 110 The light emitting member 141 corresponding to the set height of the plurality of light emitting members 141 is turned on and the light emitting member 141 corresponding to the current water level L2 is turned on, The surface is displayed so that the user can intuitively judge the water level.
Hereinafter, operation of the water dispensing apparatus according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described.
12 is a view sequentially showing the operation states of the water dispensing apparatus.
As shown in the drawing, in order to take out water through the water dispensing apparatus 400, the container 2 is first lowered into the space 111 of the housing 110 as shown in FIG. 12 (a) . At this time, the container 2 is positioned below the water nozzle 120 so that water can be supplied through the water nozzle 120. In this state, the water level sensing member 130 is also positioned in the container 2 As shown in Fig.
If it is confirmed that the container 2 is disposed in the space of the housing 110, the user can touch and drag the water level input unit 451 to determine the water level of water supplied to the container 2. At this time, the user determines the height based on the bottom surface of the space (111) of the housing (110) through the water level input unit (451).
More specifically, when the user drags the water level input unit 451 upward while the water level input unit 451 is touched, the controller 170 turns on the light emitting member 141 located at a height corresponding to the dragged distance, The target water level can be displayed on the outer surface of the water tank 2.
Therefore, as the drag distance of the water level input unit 451 becomes longer, the light emitting member 141 is gradually turned on. If the user desires to lower the target water level L1 again, if the water level input unit 451 is touched and dragged downward, the control unit 170 displays the water level input unit 451 at a height corresponding to the drag distance of the water level input unit 451 The lower light emitting member 141 is turned on so that the height of the target water level indicated by the container 2 can be lowered.
In this way, the target level L1 can be adjusted by dragging the level input unit 451, and the target level L1 inputted through the operation of the user can be adjusted by the user, It is possible to display the light by irradiating the surface thereof with light.
When the target level L1 is inputted by the input unit 450, the user inputs the completion of the setting of the touch target level L1 to the level input unit 451 as shown in FIG. 10 (b) . At this time, the control unit 170 maintains a state of being irradiated with light from the light emitting member 141 having a corresponding height, so that the height set on the surface of the container 2 can be continuously displayed.
The light emitting member 141 that displays the finally set target height maintains the ON state continuously so that the water filled in the container 2 can be confirmed whether it reaches the target water level L1. Then, the set height information of the light emitting member 141 set as the final target is stored in the controller 170.
On the other hand, when the input of the target level L1 is completed, the water supply valve 121 is opened and water is supplied to the inside of the container 2 through the water nozzle 120. The supplied water is filled in the container 2, and the water level is gradually increased.
At this time, the water level sensing member 130 continuously transmits and receives an ultrasonic signal to check the water level in the container 2. Each time the water level in the container 2 reaches the level of the predetermined light emitting members 141, the corresponding light emitting member 141 is turned on as shown in FIG. 12 (c) .
Specifically, in a state in which the target water level L1 is set, the light emitting member 141 corresponding to the target water level L1 is turned on to visualize the target water level on the surface of the container 2. As the water supply progresses, the height of the water in the container 2 increases and the change in the water level in the container 2 is sensed by the water level sensing member 130.
The control unit 170 can turn on the light emitting member 141 having a height corresponding to the current water level L2 so that the current water level can be visualized on the surface of the container 2. [ Therefore, the user can directly confirm the change in the water level of the water filled in the container 2.
In this state, the light-emitting member 141, which indicates the fixed target level, is always on, and the light-emitting member 141, which displays the increased current water level, Is turned on and the light emitting member 141 corresponding to the previous water level is turned off so that the light emitting member 141 displaying the current water level near the light emitting member 141 gradually displaying the target water level L1 is turned on .
On the other hand, the water supply valve 121 is opened until the water filled in the container 2 reaches the target water level L1, and when the water level reaches the target water level completely as shown in FIG. 12 (d) The light emitting member 141 of the current level L1 and the current level L2 become the same. That is, the display of the target level L1 and the display of the current level L2 can be displayed by one line.
In this state, the controller 170 determines that the target water level L1 and the current water level L2 are equal to each other to satisfy the target water level L1, and the light emitting member 141 is turned off, It is possible to output through the voice or display 160 that it has been completed.
Meanwhile, the water dispensing apparatus according to the present invention may have various other embodiments in addition to the above-described embodiments.
The fifth embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that the input unit is constituted by a drag-type touch pad and further comprises a display for displaying the current water level.
Hereinafter, a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The water dispensing apparatus according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention is the same as the water dispensing apparatus according to the first embodiment except for the input unit and the display, and thus the same reference numerals are used for the same components, It will be omitted.
13 is a front view of a water dispensing apparatus according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.
As shown in the drawing, the water dispensing apparatus 500 according to the third embodiment of the present invention forms a space 111 through which the container 2 can be received by the housing 110. A water nozzle 120 and a water level sensing member 130 are provided on the upper surface of the space of the housing 110.
The water nozzle 120 is connected to the water supply valve 121 to enable selective supply of water to the vessel 2. The water level sensing member 130 detects the water level in the container 2 and transmits the water level to the controller 170. The control unit 170 controls the operation of the water supply valve 121 and the water level indicating unit 140 by comparing the water level sensed by the water level sensing member 130 with the target water level L1 set by the user . At this time, both the target level L1 and the sensed current level L2 are based on the bottom surface of the space 110 of the housing 110.
An outside of the housing 110 may include an input unit 550 for inputting a target water level L1 and an operation state of the water dispensing apparatus 500 for water supply.
The input unit 550 includes a water level input unit 551 for setting a target water level L1 of the water to be taken out through the water dispensing apparatus 500 and a water level sensor And a setting input unit 552 for inputting another setting of the apparatus 500. [
The water level input unit 551 is configured in the form of a touch pad, and has a draggable structure as well as a touch. The water level input unit 551 may be located on the side of the housing 110 and may extend vertically and may be located inside the upper and lower regions of the space 110 of the housing 110.
The water level input unit 551 may extend from the bottom surface of the space 110 of the housing 110 to the lower end of the water nozzle 120. [ Therefore, the height of the water supplied to the container 2 by the user's drag operation, that is, the target water level, can be set equal to the actual height.
The water level input unit 551 is configured so as to be able to touch the water level input unit 551 and after the completion of the setting of the target water level L1 by the drag operation of the water level input unit 551, ). Of course, the input of the rotation operation of the water level input unit 551 may be activated by the touch operation of the water level input unit 551, thereby preventing unwanted input by the user's careless operation.
The control unit 170 receives a set distance corresponding to the dragged distance of the water level input unit 551 from the water level indicator unit 140 So that the water level indicating unit 140 can display a corresponding height on the surface of the container 2. [ The target level L1 set by the level input unit 551 is determined based on the bottom surface on which the container 2 is placed, that is, the bottom surface of the space 110 of the housing 110.
Meanwhile, a display 560 for outputting the operation state of the water dispensing apparatus 500 may be further provided on one side of the housing 110. The display 560 displays various setting information as well as the operation status of the water dispensing apparatus 500 to provide information that the user can use the water dispensing apparatus 500 more conveniently.
In detail, the display 560 includes a water level display 561 for displaying a water level of the water taken out through the water nozzle 120, a setting display 562 for displaying an operation state of the water dispensing apparatus 500 ) May be included.
Of course, if necessary, the display 560 may be configured to display both the operation state of the water dispensing apparatus 500 and the water level of the water to be taken out.
The water level display 561 is configured to visually display the water level of the water filled in the container 2 so that the user can intuitively recognize the water level. The water level display 561 is located at the side of the housing 110 and is connected to the controller 170 to display the current water level sensed by the water level sensing member 130 to the outside.
The water level display 561 may be formed to be long in the vertical direction and may extend from the height corresponding to the bottom of the space 110 of the housing 110 to below the water nozzle 120. Therefore, a height equal to the current water level height sensed by the water level sensing member 130 can be outputted from the side of the container 2 and visualized.
The current level L2 may be displayed in a color different from the target level L1 so that the target level L1 is displayed in a color different from the target level L1. Further, the level display 561 may display a target level L1 set by a user's operation, The current water level L2 and the current water level L2 can be expressed through a single water level display 561. [
The level indicator unit 140 may be provided on one side of the inner side surface of the space 111 of the housing 110. The water level indicating unit 140 is configured to intuitively confirm the target water level L1 of the water filled in the container 2 and the current water level L2.
In detail, the water level indicating unit 140 may be composed of a plurality of light emitting members 141 capable of irradiating light to the outer surface of the container 2. The plurality of light emitting members 141 may be arranged in the vertical direction from the bottom of the space 110 of the housing 110 to a height adjacent to the water nozzle 120. The light emitting members 141 may be arranged at regular intervals, and each of the light emitting members 141 may be connected to the controller 170 to exchange information about the on and off states.
In addition, each of the light emitting members 141 has height information and can transmit the height information to the controller 170. That is, the target level L1 can be displayed by the light-emitting member 141 by the user's operation, and the height of the corresponding light-emitting member 141 is stored to supply water corresponding to the height.
The light emitting member 141 is disposed on one side of the container 2 in a state where the container 2 is seated inside the space 110 of the housing 110, And the light emitting member 141 corresponding to the set height of the plurality of light emitting members 141 is turned on to intuitively display the target water level L1 selected by the user on the surface of the container 2 .
On the other hand, the light emitting member 141 of the level indicator unit 140 indicating the target level L1 is turned on only when the initial target level L1 is set, and after the target level L1 is set, 561 and may be turned off.
Hereinafter, operation of the water dispensing apparatus according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described.
14 is a view sequentially showing the operation states of the water dispensing apparatus.
As shown in the drawing, in order to take out water through the water dispensing apparatus 500, the container 2 is first lowered into the space 111 of the housing 110 as shown in FIG. 14 (a) . At this time, the container 2 is positioned below the water nozzle 120 so that water can be supplied through the water nozzle 120. In this state, the water level sensing member 130 is also placed in the container 2, As shown in Fig.
If it is confirmed that the container 2 is disposed inside the space of the housing 110, the user can touch and drag the water level input unit 551 to determine the water level of the water supplied to the container 2. At this time, the user determines the height based on the bottom surface of the space (111) of the housing (110) through the level input unit (551).
More specifically, when the user drags the water level input unit 551 upward while the water level input unit 551 is touched, the controller 170 turns on the light emitting member 141 located at a height corresponding to the dragged distance, The target water level L1 can be displayed on the outer surface of the water level sensor 2. Accordingly, as the drag distance of the water level input unit 551 becomes longer, the light emitting member 141 is gradually turned on.
When the user desires to lower the target water level L1 again, if the water level input unit 551 is touched and dragged downward, the control unit 170 displays the water level input unit 551 downward by a height corresponding to the drag distance of the water level input unit 551 The light emitting member 141 of the container 2 is turned on so that the height of the target water level L1 indicated by the container 2 can be lowered.
In this way, the target level L1 can be adjusted by dragging the level input unit 551, and the target level L1 inputted through the operation of the user can be adjusted by the user, It is possible to display the light by irradiating the surface thereof with light.
When the target level L1 is set, the level display 561 outputs a height corresponding to the target level L1 inputted to the controller 170, so that the target level L1 L1) and the output of the target level L1 via the level display 561 are also enabled.
When the target level L1 is inputted by the input unit 550, the user inputs the completion of setting the touch target level L1 to the level input unit 551 as shown in FIG. 14 (b), and the target level L1 . At this time, the light emitting member 141 may be turned off, and the water level display 561 maintains a state of continuously outputting the target water level L1.
On the other hand, when the input of the target water level L1 is completed, the water supply valve 121 is opened and water is supplied to the inside of the container 2 through the water nozzle 120. [ The supplied water is filled in the container 2, and the water level is gradually increased.
At this time, the water level sensing member 130 continuously transmits and receives an ultrasonic signal to check the water level in the container 2. As the water level in the container 2 increases, the controller 170 can display the current water level status through the water level display 561 as shown in FIG. 14 (c).
In detail, when the target water level L1 is set, a height corresponding to the target water level L1 is displayed on the water level display 561 to visualize the target water level L1. At this time, the height of the target water level L1 displayed through the water level display 561 is expressed by the height equal to the height of the water finally filled in the actual container 2.
As the water supply progresses, the height of the water filled in the container 2 increases, and the water level sensing member 130 continuously senses the change in the water level in the container 2.
The controller 170 displays the water level display 561 corresponding to the current water level L2. At this time, the current water level L2 is displayed in a different color from the color representing the target water level L1 or is displayed in another form, and is increased toward the target water level L1 and the target water level L1 in one screen The current water level L2 can be displayed.
On the other hand, the water supply valve 121 is opened until the water filled in the container 2 reaches the target water level L1, and when the water level reaches the target water level L1 as shown in FIG. 14 (d) , The target water level L1 on the water level display 561 becomes equal to the current water level L2. That is, the display of the target level L1 and the display of the current level L2 are overlapped with each other, and only the current level L2 is displayed through the level display 561. [
