KR20220044712A - water purifier and control method thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

A water purifier according to the present invention comprises: a water purifier body having a filter therein to purify raw water supplied from the outside and supply the same in a purified state; a water discharge module having at least a portion coupled to the water purifier body to protrude forward from the water purifier body, the at least a portion being rotated or lifted with respect to the water purifier body, and a water discharge nozzle provided on a lower end to supply the purified water supplied from the water purifier body to a user; a drive unit providing power required for the rotation or lifting of the water discharge module; a sensing unit installed in the water purifier body or the water discharge module to recognize the position and size of a container placed around the water purifier body; and a control unit receiving position information and size information of a container from the sensing unit and controlling the drive unit so that the water discharge nozzle moves above the container. According to the present invention, the position and height of the water discharge nozzle can be freely changed while the water discharge module with the water discharge nozzle is coupled to the water purifier body.

Description

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

The present invention relates to a water purifier and a method for controlling the same.

In general, a water purifier is a device that filters water supplied from a water source by physical and chemical methods to remove impurities and then supplies the water.

Such water purifiers may be classified into a natural filtration type, a direct filtration type, an ion exchange resin type, a distillation type, a reverse osmosis type, and the like according to the purification principle or method.

In addition, the water purifier passes through a filter and stores purified water according to the shape. In general, the water purifier is a device that filters water to remove impurities, and is widely used for home use.

In the case of a household water purifier, it is connected to the water supply and removes suspended matter or harmful components contained in the tap water using a filter, and is configured to purify and extract as much water as desired according to the user's operation.

Such household water purifiers are available in a variety of products capable of dispensing hot and cold water as well as purified water. And, in recent years, a water purifier that is small in size and can be installed in various installation environments has been developed.

Korean Patent No. 1381803 discloses a water purifier in which a water outlet from which water is taken out is provided at an upper end of a main body unit, and the water outlet is separated from the main unit and rotated by a set angle and then reconnected. In the water purifier having such a structure, the user can separate and recombined the water outlet to change the position of the water outlet to a set position while maintaining the position of the main body. Because it is a belt, there is an advantage that it can be installed without being limited by the installation space of the water purifier.

However, the water purifier according to the prior art has the following problems.

First, in order to change the position of the water outlet, it is inconvenient to separate the water outlet from the main unit, change the position, and then rejoin the water outlet. In addition, there is a problem that damage to the binding site may occur during the repeated separation and bonding process of the water outlet.

Second, since the water outlet pipe is connected to the water outlet unit, there is a problem that water leakage may occur if the water outlet pipe is damaged during the separation and coupling process of the water outlet unit. In addition, when the water outlet part repeatedly rotates, the water outlet pipe or the fitting part to which the water outlet pipe is connected may be damaged, and there is a problem that water leakage may occur due to this.

Third, the position of the water outlet is determined by the groove of the coupling hole formed in the body unit. Therefore, the water outlet can be positioned only at a set position in which the groove is formed, and there is a problem in that it cannot be positioned at any point.

Fourth, there is a problem in that a container such as a cup is positioned vertically below the position where the water extraction unit is set, and water extraction must proceed in that state.

Fifth, when a container such as a cup is disposed around the water purifier, since the water outlet does not automatically rotate or descend, there is a problem in that the user must directly change the position of the water outlet according to the position of the container.

Korean Patent Publication No. 10-1381803

It is an object of the present invention to provide a water purifier capable of freely changing the position and height of the water outlet nozzle while the water outlet module provided with the water outlet nozzle is coupled to the water purifier body.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a water purifier in which the rotation or elevating operation of the water extraction module is automatically performed for changing the position of the water extraction nozzle.

In addition, when a container such as a cup is placed around the water purifier by the user, the water purifier detects this and provides a water purifier in which the water outlet nozzle automatically rotates to the upper end adjacent to the container.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a water purifier in which the water outlet nozzle is lowered according to the size of the container and the water is taken out in a state in which the height is automatically adjusted.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a water purifier in which the water extraction nozzle automatically returns to its initial position when the water extraction proceeds and the water extraction is completed in a state where the position of the water extraction nozzle is adjusted.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a water purifier capable of preventing the water discharged from the water outlet nozzle from splashing out of the cup due to a drop.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a water purifier capable of changing the position of the water outlet nozzle according to various installation environments.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a water purifier capable of maintaining the state accommodated in the fixed cover without arbitrarily descending due to the weight of the elevating cover in a state in which the elevating cover equipped with the water outlet nozzle is completely accommodated in the fixed cover.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a water purifier in which the lifting operation of the lifting cover to which the water outlet nozzle is mounted can be made in a straight line.

In addition, it is to provide a water purifier in which deformation such as bending of the fixed cover and the elevating cover is prevented and the mutual fastening force is secured.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a water purifier that facilitates fastening of the elevating cover and the fixed cover.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a water purifier in which the lifting operation of the lifting cover equipped with the water outlet nozzle can be smoothly performed.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a water purifier capable of reducing wear and noise caused by friction between the lifting cover and the fixed cover.

In addition, various parts are not exposed to the outside to provide a water purifier with a beautiful appearance.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a water purifier that is hygienic and can prevent damage and deformation of the water outlet nozzle.

A water purifier according to one aspect of the present invention for achieving the above object includes a water purifier body having a filter therein, purifying raw water supplied from the outside, and supplying it in a purified state, and at least a portion of the water purifier body a water outlet module coupled to protrude forward, at least part of which rotates or moves up and down with respect to the water purifier body, and has a water outlet nozzle at a lower end for supplying purified water supplied from the water purifier body to a user; A driving unit for providing power necessary for rotation or elevating operation, a sensing unit installed in the water purifier main body or the water outlet module to recognize the position and size of a vessel placed around the water purifier main body, and the position of the vessel from the sensing unit and a control unit for receiving information and size information and controlling the driving unit to move the water outlet nozzle to the upper part of the container.

The sensing unit may be provided as a proximity sensor or a camera.

A plurality of the sensing units may be disposed in a longitudinal direction on a front cover that covers a front surface of the water purifier body or a side panel that forms a side surface of the water purifier body.

A plurality of the sensing units may be disposed in a lateral direction on a front cover covering a front surface of the water purifier body or a side panel forming a side surface of the water purifier body.

The front cover may be formed in a convex shape in the front, and a plurality of the sensing units may be disposed along a circumferential direction of the front cover.

The sensing unit may be installed at a lower end of the water extraction module or at the water extraction nozzle.

The water outlet module is rotatably mounted on the inside of the water purifier body, and a rotator that rotates with respect to the water purifier body is fixed to the outside of the rotator, and rotates with the rotator to change the height of the water outlet nozzle. may contain units.

The elevating unit is fixed to the outside of the rotator, has an elevating space on the inner side, a fixed cover with an open lower side, and the water outlet nozzle are fixed, and is accommodated in the elevating space of the fixed cover while elevating It may include an elevating cover for varying the height of the water outlet nozzle and a guide part for guiding the elevating cover to move up and down in a straight line.

The guide unit may include a guide groove formed in the fixed cover along the elevating direction, a gear tooth formed therein, and a first pinion gear rotatably coupled to the elevating cover and fitted into the guide groove.

The driving unit may include a first driving member connected to a first rotation shaft of the first pinion gear to provide rotational power.

The control unit may change the rotational direction of the first driving member to elevate the lifting cover.

The water purifier body has a convex shape in the front, an opening is formed at the upper portion in the circumferential direction, a front cover forming a front exterior of the water purifier body, a base forming a bottom surface of the water purifier body; a top plate forming an upper surface of the water purifier body and a filter bracket disposed behind the front cover, an upper end positioned at a height corresponding to the opening, and a filter bracket to which the filter is mounted, wherein the rotator includes the filter bracket It is rotatably mounted on the upper end of the, it is possible to shield the opening.

The front cover includes a lower cover extending from the base to a lower end of the opening to shield the filter bracket, spaced apart from the lower cover and extending from the upper end of the opening to the top plate, and rotatable with the upper end of the rotator It may include an upper cover to be coupled.

The filter bracket has a curvature corresponding to the outer surface of the rotator and includes a rotator mounting portion supporting a lower end of the rotator, a bottom surface portion mounted on the base and spaced apart from a lower portion of the rotator mounting portion, and the rotator mounting portion; It may include a filter accommodating part connecting between the bottom parts and forming a space in which the filter is accommodated.

A second pinion gear is rotatably mounted to an inner lower end of the rotator, an internal gear is formed in the circumferential direction on the rotator mounting portion, and when the rotator rotates, the second pinion gear is to be moved along the internal gear can

The driving unit may include a second driving member connected to a second rotation shaft of the second pinion gear to provide rotational power.

The control unit may change the rotation direction of the second driving member to rotate the rotator in both directions.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for controlling a water purifier, comprising: positioning a container around a main body of the water purifier by a user; detecting the position and height of the container by the sensing unit; controlling the driving unit so that the water extraction nozzle is positioned at the upper end of the container; It includes the step of being located adjacent to and the step of proceeding the water out from the water outlet nozzle.

When the sensing unit first detects the position of the vessel, the control unit controls the driving unit to rotate the water extraction module toward the vessel, the sensing unit detects the height of the vessel secondarily, The control unit may control the driving unit to lower the water extraction module toward the container.

When the water extraction from the water extraction nozzle is completed, the controller may control the driving unit to return the water extraction module to an initial position.

According to the present invention as described above, there is an effect that the position and height of the water outlet nozzle can be freely changed while the water outlet module having the water outlet nozzle formed is coupled to the water purifier body.

In addition, there is an effect that the rotation or elevating operation of the water extraction module for changing the position of the water extraction nozzle is automatically performed.

In addition, when a container such as a cup is placed around the water purifier by the user, the water purifier detects this and the water outlet nozzle automatically rotates toward the upper end adjacent to the container.

In addition, the water outlet nozzle descends according to the size of the container, and the water ejection proceeds in a state in which the height is automatically adjusted.

In addition, in a state where the position of the water extraction nozzle is adjusted, water extraction proceeds and when water extraction is completed, the water extraction nozzle automatically returns to its initial position.

In addition, there is an effect of preventing the water discharged from the water outlet nozzle from splashing out of the cup due to a drop.

In addition, there is an effect that the position of the water outlet nozzle can be changed according to various installation environments.

In addition, there is an effect of maintaining the state accommodated in the fixed cover without arbitrarily descending due to the weight of the lifting cover in a state in which the elevating cover equipped with the water outlet nozzle is completely accommodated in the fixed cover.

In addition, there is an effect that the lifting operation of the lifting cover equipped with the water outlet nozzle can be made in a straight line.

In addition, deformation such as bending of the fixed cover and the elevating cover is prevented, and there is an effect of securing a mutual fastening force.

In addition, there is an effect that it is easy to fasten the lifting cover and the fixed cover.

In addition, there is an effect that the lifting operation of the lifting cover equipped with the water outlet nozzle can proceed smoothly.

In addition, there is an effect of reducing abrasion and noise caused by friction between the lifting cover and the fixed cover.

In addition, since various parts are not exposed to the outside, there is a beautiful effect in appearance.

In addition, it is hygienic and has the effect of preventing damage and deformation of the water outlet nozzle.

1 is a perspective view of a water purifier according to an embodiment of the present invention.
2 is a perspective view showing a changed position of the water outlet nozzle of the water purifier according to an embodiment of the present invention.
3 is an exploded perspective view of a water purifier according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view showing a portion of FIG. 3 taken out.
5 to 6 are front views illustrating a state in which a sensing unit is provided in a water purifier according to an embodiment of the present invention.
7 is a perspective view showing a part of the lifting cover.
8 is a front view showing the water outlet module in a state in which the elevating cover is raised.
9 is a front view showing the water outlet module in a state in which the elevating cover is lowered.
10 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing the coupling structure of the rotator and the filter bracket.
11 is a bottom perspective view of the rotator.
12 is a rear perspective view showing the coupling structure of the rotator and the filter bracket.
13 is a flowchart illustrating a method for controlling a water purifier according to an embodiment of the present invention.
14 is a flowchart illustrating a control method of a water purifier according to another embodiment of the present invention.

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

The drawings attached to the following embodiments are embodiments of the same inventive idea, but within the range that the inventive idea is not damaged, in order to be easily understood, the expression of minute parts may be expressed differently for each drawing. And, depending on the drawing, a specific part may not be displayed or may be exaggerated according to the drawing.

Hereinafter, a water purifier according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

1 is a perspective view of a water purifier according to an embodiment of the present invention. And, Figure 2 is a perspective view showing a state in which the position of the water outlet nozzle of the water purifier according to an embodiment of the present invention is changed.

As shown, the water purifier 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention may be formed to have a long length in the front-rear direction and a narrow width in the left-right direction. Accordingly, the water purifier 10 has a slim appearance as a whole.

In addition, the water purifier 10 according to the present invention is installed in front of the water purifier body 100 and the water purifier body 100, and rotates horizontally in both directions based on the water purifier body 100, or vertically It may include a water extraction module 400 for changing the position of the water extraction nozzle 430 during the lifting operation.

First, the water purifier body 100 includes a housing 110 and a filter 120 .

The outer shape of the water purifier 10 may be formed by the housing 110 . The housing 110 includes a front cover 111 forming a front appearance, a rear cover 112 forming a rear appearance, a base 113 forming a lower surface, a top cover 114 forming an upper surface, and left and right sides. It is composed of side panels 115 that form both sides. The front cover 111 and the rear cover 112 , the base 113 , the top cover 114 , and the pair of side panels 115 may be assembled with each other to form the exterior of the water purifier 10 .

At this time, the front and rear ends of the base 113 and the top cover 114 may be formed to be rounded, and the front cover 111 and the rear cover 112 may be formed to be rounded. 114) may be formed to be convex forward and rearward, respectively, to have a curvature corresponding to the front and rear ends.

A filter 120 for purifying and discharging raw water introduced from the upper portion is provided inside the housing 110 .

Meanwhile, the water outlet module 400 is disposed on the front surface of the water purifier body 100 . The water outlet module 400 protrudes forward of the front cover 111 , and purified water is discharged through the water outlet nozzle 430 protruding downward.

Also, the front cover 111 may include an upper cover 111a and a lower cover 111b. In addition, the upper cover 111a and the lower cover 111b are vertically spaced apart from each other to form an opening 101 therebetween, and the opening 101 is rotatably mounted to the water purifier body 100 . It may be shielded by the rotator 200 .

In this case, a flat portion 111c may be formed in the center of the lower cover 111b in the vertical direction.

When the flat portion 111c is formed on the lower cover 111b as described above, in contrast to the case where the entire lower cover 111b is convex forward, when the user takes out water, a container such as a cup can be put more deeply. There is an advantage that there is, there is also an advantage that can stably support a container such as a cup.

In addition, when rotating the water extraction module 400, there is an advantage that can be centered with respect to the flat portion (111c).

For reference, in a state in which the water extraction module 400 is rotated to the left or right, a container such as a cup may be stably supported by the flat side panel 115 .

The water extraction module 400 is configured to rotate together with the rotator 200 . Accordingly, the user can rotate the water outlet module 400 at a desired angle according to the installation state or installation environment of the water purifier 10 .

For example, a control unit 300 including a water extraction button 310 is provided in front of the top cover 114 , and the operation unit 300 has a structure that can be rotated together with the water extraction module 400 .

As another example, the manipulation unit 300 may not be provided in the water purifier body 100 , but may be provided in the water outlet module 400 .

In this case, it is preferable that the water extraction button 310 of the operation unit 300 is provided on the upper surface of the water extraction module 400 . If the water dispensing button 310 is provided on the front of the water dispensing module 400, when the user presses the water dispensing button 310, a horizontal force is applied to the water dispensing module 400, and the water dispensing module 400 There is a possibility that this arbitrarily rotates. On the other hand, when the water extraction button 310 is provided on the upper surface of the water extraction module 400, when the user presses the water extraction button 310, a vertical force is applied to the water extraction module 400, so the water extraction module 400 There is no fear of this arbitrarily rotating. Accordingly, when the water dispensing button 310 is provided in the water dispensing module 400 , the water dispensing button 310 should be provided on the upper surface of the water dispensing module 400 .

As another example, the manipulation unit 300 may be formed on both the top cover 114 of the water purifier body 100 and the upper surface of the water outlet module 400 .

In addition, the water extraction module 400 includes a lifting unit that is fixed to the outside of the rotator 200 and changes the height of the water extraction nozzle. With the configuration of the elevating unit as described above, the height of the water outlet nozzle 430 may be varied.

The rotation and elevating operation of the water extraction module 400 as described above will be described later.

3 is an exploded perspective view of a water purifier according to an embodiment of the present invention.

A filter 120 for water purification and a filter bracket 130 to which a plurality of valves (not shown) are mounted are provided inside the housing 110 .

The filter bracket 130 includes a bottom part 131 coupled to the base 113 , a filter receiving part 132 in which the filter 120 is accommodated, and a rotator mounting part 133 in which the rotator 200 is mounted. ) can be composed of

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

The filter bracket 130 may be caught and constrained to the base 113 by a hook method, and may also be fixed by a screw fastened to the lower surface of the base 113 .

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

A filter socket 134 to which the filter 120 is mounted may be further provided in the filter accommodating part 130 , and a pipe through which purified water flows is provided in the filter socket 134 , The pipe may be connected to a plurality of valves (not shown). Accordingly, the raw water passes through the filter 120 in turn and then can be directed to a valve (not shown) for water supply.

A plurality of valves (not shown) may be provided on the rear surface (right side in the drawing) of the filter accommodating part 132 , and the valves (not shown) include the filter 120 as well as the cooling tank 150 and The induction heating assembly 170 and the water outlet module 400 selectively supply purified water, cold water, and hot water.

A rotator mounting part 133 on which the rotator 200 is rotatably mounted is formed on the upper end of the filter receiving part 132 .

In this case, the rotator mounting part 133 may be formed to have a curvature corresponding to the curvature of the front cover 111 covering the front of the rotator mounting part 133 . An upper portion of the filter bracket 130 may be shielded by a top cover 114 . The upper end of the rotator mounting unit 133 may extend rearward to provide a space in which the rotator 200 is mounted.

In addition, the manipulation unit 300 may be provided above the rotator 200 , and the manipulation unit 300 is connected to the rotator 200 and rotates together when the rotator 200 is rotated.

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

In addition, the condenser 142 may be located at the rear of the base 113 , and may be located at a position corresponding to the discharge port 112a formed in the rear cover 112 . The condenser 142 may be formed by bending a flat tube type refrigerant pipe a plurality of times in order to efficiently use space and improve heat exchange efficiency at the same time, and is configured to be accommodated in the condenser bracket 144 .

A condenser mounting part 145 to which the condenser 142 is fixed and a tank mounting part 146 to which a cooling tank 150 for making cold water can be mounted are formed in the condenser bracket 144 . The condenser mounting part 145 forms a space having a shape corresponding to the overall shape of the condenser 142 to accommodate the condenser 142 . In addition, the condenser mounting part 145 is formed such that portions facing the cooling fan 143 and the discharge port 112a are opened, respectively, so that effective cooling of the condenser 142 is possible.

In addition, the tank mounting part 146 is formed above the condenser bracket 144 , that is, above the condenser mounting part 145 . The lower end of the cooling tank 150 is inserted into the tank mounting unit 146 , and the tank mounting unit 146 fixes the cooling tank 150 .

The cooling tank 150 is for making cold water by cooling the purified water, and the cooling water for heat exchange with the incoming purified water is filled. In addition, an evaporator 151 for cooling the coolant may be accommodated in the cooling tank 150 . In addition, the purified water may be cooled by allowing the purified water to pass through the inside of the cooling tank.

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

The heating and control module 160 may include an induction heating assembly 170 for making hot water and a control assembly 180 for controlling overall driving of the water purifier 10 . The induction heating assembly 170 and the control assembly 180 may be coupled to each other to form a single module, and may be mounted on the support plate 135 in a coupled state.

The induction heating assembly 170 is for heating purified water and is configured to be heated by an induction heating (IH) method. The induction heating assembly 170 can heat water immediately and quickly when hot water is taken out, and can heat purified water to a desired temperature by controlling the output of a magnetic field to provide it to the user. Accordingly, it is possible to extract hot water of a desired temperature according to the user's operation.

The control assembly 180 is for controlling the operation of the water purifier 10 , and can control the compressor 141 , the cooling fan 143 , various valves and sensors, the induction heating assembly 170 , and the like. is configured to The control assembly 180 may be modularly configured by a combination of PCBs divided into a plurality of parts for each function. Also, in a structure in which the water purifier 10 takes out only cold water and purified water, a PCB for controlling the induction heating assembly 170 may be omitted, and at least one PCB may be omitted in this way.

Hereinafter, the main components of the water purifier will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings.

The water outlet module 400 is rotatably mounted on the water purifier body 100 and includes a rotator 200 that rotates on both sides with respect to the water purifier body 100, and is fixed to the outside of the rotator 200 and a lifting unit for varying the height of the water outlet nozzle 430 .

Here, the lifting unit and the rotator 200 may be integrally formed, and may be in a detachably coupled state.

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view showing a portion of FIG. 3 taken out.

5 to 6 are front views illustrating a state in which a sensing unit is provided in a water purifier according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 4 , the filter bracket 130 includes a bottom part 131 coupled to the base 113 , a filter receiving part 132 in which the filter 134 is accommodated, and the rotator 200 . It may be composed of a rotator mounting unit 133 to be mounted.

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

The filter bracket 130 may be caught and constrained to the base 113 by a hook method, and may be fixed by a screw fastened to the lower surface of the base 113 . The bottom portion 131 is configured not to interfere with the rotation ring 910 rotatably fixed to the base 113 for rotation of the tray 900 so that the rotation of the tray 900 is smoothly performed.

In addition, the filter 120 is mounted on the filter accommodating part 132 .

A rotator mounting part 133 is formed at an upper end of the filter receiving part 132 . The rotator mounting part 133 has a semicircular shape that protrudes forward to have a predetermined curvature, and has a structure in which the rotator 200 can be seated on the upper end. In this case, the rotator mounting part 133 may be formed to have a curvature corresponding to the outer surface of the rotator 200 . Accordingly, the rotator 200 is configured to be rotated while seated on the rotator mounting unit 133 .

In addition, a protrusion protruding upward in parallel with the circumference is formed on the extension portion 136 extending rearwardly on the upper end of the rotator mounting portion 133, and an internal gear 133b may be formed on the inner surface of the protrusion portion. there is. The internal gear 133b has a curvature corresponding to that of the rotator mounting part 133, and is gear-coupled with a pinion gear 271 rotatably mounted at the lower end of the rotator 200 to be described later, and the pinion gear 271 When is rotated along the internal gear 133b, the rotator 200 is rotated.

The rotator 200 is formed in a circular shape, and the water extraction module 400 is formed to protrude forward of the rotator 200 . The water extraction module 400 may be integrally configured with the rotator 200 and rotate together when the rotator 200 rotates.

An upper cover 111a may be provided above the rotator 200 . The upper cover 111a forms the front exterior of the water purifier 10 together with the lower cover 111b that shields the filter bracket 130 from the front. Accordingly, the upper cover 111a forms a portion of the front exterior of the water purifier between the rotator 200 and the top cover 114 and is formed to be round.

A top cover 114 may be provided on the upper end of the upper cover 111a. The top cover 114 forms an upper surface of the water purifier 10 . In addition, the manipulation unit 300 is mounted on the top cover 114 . The manipulation unit 300 is formed in a circular shape, is coupled to the rotator 200 and is configured to rotate together when the rotator 200 rotates. And, the water dispense button 310 is provided on the operation unit 300 .

In this embodiment, a part of the manipulation unit 300 covers the upper surface of the water outlet module 400 , and the other part is coupled to the top cover 114 , and may be formed in an oval shape. In addition, the upper surface of the manipulation unit 300 is formed to have an inclined surface that decreases toward the closer to the water extraction module 400 .

Accordingly, it is possible to improve the operability of the operation unit 300 while improving the user's operation convenience and readability.

On the other hand, referring to FIGS. 5 to 6 , the water purifier according to the present invention includes driving units 610 and 620 that provide power required for the rotation or elevating operation of the water outlet module 400 , and the water purifier body 100 or the It is installed in the water outlet module 400 and receives the location information and size information of the container from the sensing units 710 and 720 and the sensing units 710 and 720 for recognizing the position and size of the vessel placed around the water purifier body 100. , a control unit for controlling the driving units 610 and 620 to move the water outlet nozzle 430 to the upper portion of the container.

For example, the sensing units 710 and 720 may be provided as a proximity sensor 710 or a camera 720 . In the following description, the proximity sensor 710 and the camera 720 may refer to the sensing units 710 and 720 .

In addition, the sensing units 710 and 720 are disposed in the longitudinal direction (of the elevating cover) in the front cover 111 covering the front surface of the water purifier body 100 or the side panel 115 forming the side surface of the water purifier body 100 . in the elevating direction) may be arranged in plurality.

In addition, the sensing units 710 and 720 are disposed in a lateral direction (rotation of the rotator) in the front cover 111 covering the front surface of the water purifier body 100 or the side panel 115 forming the side surface of the water purifier body 100 . direction) may be arranged in plurality.

For example, the front cover 111 may have a convex shape in the front, and the sensing units 710 and 720 may be disposed to be spaced apart from each other in a circumferential direction (circumferential direction) of the front cover 111 .

As another example, the sensing units 710 and 720 may be installed at the lower end of the water extraction module 400 or at the water extraction nozzle 430 .

The sensing units 710 and 720 detect the position and height of a container such as a cup placed in the vicinity of the front cover 111 .

For example, the sensing units 710 and 720 detect whether a container such as a cup is placed in the center of the front cover 111 , to the left of the center or to the right of the center.

To this end, the sensing units 710 and 720 are spaced apart along the periphery of the front cover 111 at the lower or central portion of the front cover 111 to detect the lateral position of the container placed around the front cover 111 .

5 to 6 , the sensing units 710 and 720 may be installed at the center of the front cover 111 to detect a container placed at the center of the front cover 111 . In addition, the sensing units 710 and 720 may be installed on the left side of the front cover 111 to detect a container placed on the left side of the front cover 111 . Also, the sensing units 710 and 720 may be installed on the right side of the front cover 111 to detect a container placed on the right side of the front cover 111 .

In addition, the sensing units 710 and 720 detect the height of the container placed around the front cover 111 .

For example, referring to FIG. 5 , the sensing unit 710 may be provided as a proximity sensor, and a plurality of sensing units 710 may be provided to detect the height of a container placed around the front cover 111, and may be spaced apart along the vertical direction. there is.

As another example, referring to FIG. 6 , the sensing unit 720 may be provided as a camera, and is installed at the center of the front cover 111 or at the bottom of the water outlet module 400 to detect the acquired focus information or image information. As a basis, the height of the container placed around the front cover 111 may be detected.

7 is a perspective view showing a part of the lifting cover. And, Figure 8 is a front view showing the water outlet module in a state in which the elevating cover is raised. And, FIG. 9 is a front view showing the water outlet module in a state in which the elevating cover is lowered.

7 to 9 , the water outlet module 400 is fixed to the rotator 200 disposed inside the water purifier body 100 through the opening 101 provided in the front cover 111 , and the water purifier body A fixed cover 410 protruding forward of 100 and having an upper end connected to the lower end of the manipulation unit 300, accommodated inside the fixed cover 410, and supported in contact with the fixed cover 410 It may include a lifting cover 420 that elevates and a water outlet nozzle 430 that is mounted on the lower end of the elevating cover 420 and moves up and down together with the elevating cover 420 .

The water outlet nozzle 430 is coupled to the lower end of the lifting cover 420, and when the lifting cover 420 moves up and down along the fixed cover 410, as a result, the vertical position (height) of the water outlet nozzle 430 may be variable.

As will be described later, since the fixed cover 410 is fixed to the rotator 200, the position of the lifting cover 420 and the water outlet nozzle 430 coupled to the fixed cover 410 to be lifted and lowered is variable even in the horizontal direction. can be

For reference, the upper end of the fixed cover 410 is connected to the lower end of the manipulation unit 300 .

According to this, a gap is formed between the rotator 200 and the manipulation unit 300, and when the elevating cover 420 is maximally raised, the upper end of the elevating cover 420 is the rotator 200 and the manipulation unit 300. It may be located in the gap between

In this case, the length of the elevating cover 420 may be increased, and as a result, the elevating cover 420 and the maximum lifting height of the water outlet nozzle 430 coupled to the elevating cover 420 may be higher. In addition, the lifting cover 420 and the maximum descending height of the water outlet nozzle 430 coupled to the lifting cover 420 may be lowered.

That is, the height adjustment range of the lifting cover 420 and the water outlet nozzle 430 coupled to the lifting cover 420 may be increased.

In addition, when the upper end of the fixed cover 410 is connected to the lower end of the manipulation unit 300 as described above, as a result, the water outlet module 400 has its upper end attached to the water purifier body 100 primarily by the manipulation unit 300 . supported, and its lower end or central portion may be secondaryly supported by the water purifier body 100 by the rotator 200 .

Accordingly, the water extraction module 400 can be more firmly connected to the water purifier body 100 , and it is possible to prevent the water extraction module 400 from shaking when the water extraction module 400 rotates or moves up and down.

In this embodiment, the rotator 200 and the water outlet module 400 may be connected by a bridge 500 passing through the opening 101 .

The bridge 500 integrally connects the rotator 200 and the fixed cover 410 .

The bridge 500 passes through the opening 101, and both ends are fixed to the rotator 200 and the fixing cover 410, respectively.

Accordingly, when the water extraction module 400 and the rotator 200 rotate, the bridge 500 moves along the opening 101 .

On the other hand, in this embodiment, the inside of the bridge 500 and the front end of the rotator 200 to which the bridge 500 is connected, the fixed cover 410 and the rear surface of the lifting cover 420 (right side with reference to FIG. 4) There may be formed a passage communicating with each other so that various pipes pass. When the passage is formed as described above, the inner space of the water purifier body 100 and the inner space of the elevating cover 420 may communicate.

Accordingly, a pipe for supplying at least one of purified water, cold water, and hot water generated in the water purifier body 100 may be connected to the water outlet nozzle 430 provided in the elevating cover 420 through the passage.

For example, the pipe may include a purified water pipe for supplying purified and cold water, and a hot water pipe for supplying hot water.

At this time, the purified water pipe and the hot water pipe may be made of a flexible material such as rubber or silicone, and may respond to the lifting operation of the lifting cover 420 while being bent or unfolded.

In this case, when the elevating cover 420 and the water outlet nozzle 430 move up and down, the pipe is bent or unfolded in the inner space of the elevating cover 420, so that it can respond to the elevating operation of the elevating cover 420, Furthermore, cold water, purified water, and hot water may be supplied to the water outlet nozzle 430 irrespective of the height of the lifting cover 420 and the water outlet nozzle 430 .

On the other hand, the fixed cover 410 has an elevating space therein in the vertical direction, and the elevating cover 420 is accommodated in the elevating space provided on the inside of the fixed cover 410 and elevates, while the water outlet nozzle ( 430) can be varied in height.

That is, the lifting cover 420 elevates while protruding from the open lower side of the fixed cover 410 in a state accommodated inside the fixed cover 410 .

For example, when the lifting cover 420 is lifted up to the maximum, the lifting cover 420 may be completely accommodated inside the fixed cover 410 .

As described above, when the elevating cover 420 is lowered while the elevating cover 420 is raised, it is exposed to the outside of the fixed cover 410 .

Conversely, when the elevating cover 420 is raised in a state in which the elevating cover 420 is lowered, the elevating cover 420 is accommodated inside the fixed cover 410 .

In this way, the lifting cover 420 is raised and lowered, and the height of the water outlet nozzle 430 fixed to the lifting cover 420 may be varied.

For reference, the outer shape of the lifting cover 420 may be formed to correspond to the shape of the lifting space of the fixed cover 410 .

For example, at least a portion of the fixed cover 410 and the lifting cover 420 may have an arc-shaped cross-section, and may have a circular cross-section.

As another example, at least a portion of the fixed cover 410 and the lifting cover 420 may have a straight cross-section. In addition, the fixed cover 410 and the lifting cover 420 may have cross-sections of various shapes.

In addition, the water extraction module 400 may include guide portions 440 and 450 for guiding the lifting cover 420 to ascend and descend in a straight line while securing the fixing force of the fixed cover 410 and the lifting cover 420 .

Since the lifting cover 420 moves up and down in a state accommodated in the fixed cover 410 , the lifting operation of the lifting cover 420 may be guided in a straight line by the fixed cover 410 . However, while the lifting cover 420 is exposed to the outside of the fixed cover 410, if the lifting cover 420 shakes even a little to both sides, the lifting operation of the lifting cover 420 is unstable, and this phenomenon occurs If repeated, it causes deformation and damage of the fixed cover 410 or the lifting cover 420 .

As an example, the fixed cover 410 and the lifting cover 420 form a protrusion or a groove at a position corresponding to each other along the elevating direction of the elevating cover 420, respectively, while increasing the mutual fastening force, the elevating cover 420 ) can guide the linear movement.

At this time, when the groove portion is formed in the fixed cover 410, the elevating cover 420 may have a protrusion to be fitted into the groove portion.

Conversely, when a protrusion is formed in the fixing cover 410 , a groove portion into which the protrusion is fitted may be formed in the lifting cover 420 .

7 to 9 , the guide portions 440 and 450 are concavely formed from the upper side to the lower side along the elevating direction in the fixed cover 410 , and gear teeth 431 are formed on at least one side of the inner surface. The groove 440 and the guide groove 440 are rotatably coupled to the upper end of the front surface of the lifting cover 420 , and fitted into the guide groove 440 to rotate and elevate while meshing with the gear teeth 441 . It may include a first pinion gear (450).

Conversely, the guide parts 440 and 450 are formed in the lifting cover 420 in the ascending and descending direction, and are rotatably coupled to a guide groove having a gear tooth formed therein, and the fixed cover 410, and to the guide groove. It may include a first pinion gear that is fitted and meshed with the gear teeth.

The first pinion gear 450 may be inserted into the guide groove 440 formed in a straight line and move in a straight line along the guide groove 440 . Accordingly, the lifting operation of the lifting cover 420 can be made in a straight line.

In addition, the first pinion gear 450 may be rotatably mounted to the lifting cover 420 .

The first pinion gear 450 is meshed with the gear teeth 441 of the guide groove 440 in the same manner as a rack and pinion, and the first pinion gear 450 rotates while the guide groove ( 440) can be ascended and descended in a straight line.

As described above, with the configuration of the guide groove 440 in which the first pinion gear 450 and the gear teeth 441 are formed, the first pinion gear 450 rotates and ascends and descends more accurately along the guide groove 440 in a straight line. As a result, the lifting of the lifting cover 420 can be performed more accurately in a straight line.

In addition, the gear teeth 441 of the guide groove 440 and the gear teeth 451 of the first pinion gear 450 include a straight section or a curved section formed perpendicularly or inclined to the elevating direction of the elevating cover 220 . can do. In particular, some or all of the gear teeth 441 of the guide groove 440 and the gear teeth 451 of the first pinion gear 450 may be formed in a curved shape.

When the gear teeth 441 of the guide groove 440 and the gear teeth 451 of the first pinion gear 450 are curved as described above, the gear teeth 441 of the guide groove 440 and the first pinion The gear teeth 451 of the gear 450 may be smoothly engaged. In addition, in the process of lifting the lifting cover 220, the guide groove 440 by the force applied to the gear teeth 441 of the guide groove 440 and the gear teeth 451 of the first pinion gear 450. ) of the gear tooth 441 and the gear tooth 451 of the first pinion gear 450 can be prevented from being damaged.

If the gear teeth 441 of the guide groove 440 and the gear teeth 451 of the first pinion gear 450 are formed in a straight line, and a sharp corner is formed, the force is concentrated in the sharp part and damage may occur. There are concerns.

For example, the gear teeth 441 of the guide groove 440 and the uneven portions of the gear teeth 451 of the first pinion gear 450 may protrude or concave in a semicircular shape.

Again, referring to FIGS. 7 to 9 , the first rotation shaft 452 of the first pinion gear 450 is connected to the first driving member 610 providing rotational power. Here, the first driving member 610 refers to the aforementioned driving unit.

According to this, when the first driving member 610 rotates, the first pinion gear 450 also rotates.

In this case, the control unit may change the rotation direction of the first driving member 610 to elevate the lifting cover 420 .

In addition, the control unit may change the rotation speed of the first driving member 610 to adjust the lifting speed of the lifting cover 420 .

For example, the first driving member 610 may be provided as a motor rotatable in both directions.

Accordingly, when a signal is output from the control unit to the first driving member 610 , the first driving member 610 rotates, and the first pinion gear 450 moves up and down along the guide groove 440 according to the rotation direction. While doing so, the lifting cover 420 and the water outlet nozzle 430 to which the first pinion gear 450 is fixed may be raised and lowered.

In this case, the control unit may be connected to the sensing units 710 and 720 to adjust the rotation amount and rotation speed of the first driving member 610 according to the height of the container detected by the sensing units 710 and 720 .

A detailed control method of the first driving member by the sensing unit and the control unit as described above will be described later.

10 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing the coupling structure of the rotator and the filter bracket. And, Figure 11 is a bottom perspective view of the rotator. And, Figure 12 is a rear perspective view showing the coupling structure of the rotator and the filter bracket.

Hereinafter, a 'rotator', which is a component of the present invention, will be described with reference to the drawings.

The water extraction module 400 is connected to the rotator 200 and rotates together with the rotator 200 to change the horizontal position of the water extraction nozzle 430 .

3 and 11, the rotator 200 includes a circular rotator body 210 having a hollow 211, an upper disk 220 fixed to the upper portion of the rotator body 210, and the rotator body ( It may include a lower disk 230 fixed to the lower portion of the 210 .

The rotator body 210, the upper disk 220, and the lower disk 230 may be combined into one module by assembling or the like.

For example, the rotator body 210 has a plurality of first seating protrusions on the inner upper portion where the lower end of the upper disk 220 is seated, and the second seat on the inner lower portion of the rotator body 210 , on which the upper end of the lower disk 230 is seated. A plurality of projections can be formed.

In addition, the first seating projection and the upper disk, the second seating projection and the lower disk may be integrally coupled through a fastening means such as a screw.

Meanwhile, through holes 221,231 communicating with the hollow 211 of the rotator body 210 may be formed in the center of the upper disk 220 and the lower disk 230, respectively.

The through holes 221,231 may be disposed on the same axis as the rotation center of the rotator 200 .

The through holes 221,231 are formed to inform the operator of the installation positions of the purified water pipe and the hot water pipe through which the taken-out water flows.

For example, a hot water pipe, a purified water pipe, and a cold water pipe may enter the inside of the rotator 200 through the through holes 221,231 .

Meanwhile, the rotator 200 is rotatably mounted inside the water purifier body 100 .

At this time, a second pinion gear 271 is rotatably mounted on the inner lower end of the rotator 200, and a protrusion 133a protruding upward along the circumferential direction is formed on the rotator mounting portion 133, and the protrusion An internal gear 133b is formed on the inner surface of the 133a. The protrusion 133a may be formed in a semicircular shape or an arcuate shape when viewed from the top.

Accordingly, when the rotator 200 rotates, the second pinion gear 271 moves along the internal gear 133b.

In addition, the second rotation shaft 271a of the second pinion gear 271 is connected to the shaft of the second driving member 620 providing rotational power. The second driving member 620 means a driving unit.

Also, the controller may change the rotation direction of the second driving member 620 to rotate the rotator 200 in both directions.

For example, the second driving member 620 may be provided as a motor rotatable in both directions.

Accordingly, when a signal is output from the control unit to the second driving member 620, the second driving member 620 rotates, and the second pinion gear 271 and the internal gear 133b rotate according to the rotation direction. . And, while the second pinion gear 271 rotates to one side or the other side, the second pinion gear 271 moves in both directions along the fixed rotator 200, and by this process, the rotator 200 and the rotator 200 ) and connected to the water outlet module 400 may also rotate.

In this case, the control unit may be connected to the sensing units 710 and 720 to adjust the rotation amount and rotation speed of the second driving member 620 according to the position of the container detected by the sensing units 710 and 720 .

A detailed control method of the second driving member 620 by the sensing unit and the control unit as described above will be described later.

13 is a flowchart illustrating a method for controlling a water purifier according to an embodiment of the present invention. And, FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a control method of a water purifier according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Hereinafter, a method of adjusting the position and height of the water outlet nozzle through the control of the driving unit will be described.

As an example, with reference to FIGS. 5 and 13 , when the sensing unit 710 is provided as a proximity sensor, a method of controlling the water purifier will be described.

First, in a state in which power is supplied to the water purifier, a container is positioned around the water purifier body 100 by the user (S101).

Here, the 'container', such as a cup, a water bottle, a pot, etc., the upper part is opened and various embodiments may occur within the range having a receiving space in which water is stored.

In step S101 , the container is positioned in front of the water purifier body 100 . For example, the container is positioned around the front cover 111 .

When the container is positioned around the front cover 111 as described above, the sensing unit 710 detects the location and height of the container.

First, the sensing unit 710 detects the position of the container.

In this case, a plurality of sensing units 710 are disposed along the circumference of the front cover 111 .

Referring to FIG. 5 , the sensing unit 710 located at the lowermost end senses the position of the container. In this case, the position of the container can be detected regardless of the height of the container.

In detail, in the proximity sensor 710a located in the lower left of the drawing, the container can be detected first. (S111)

If in step S111, the proximity sensor 710a on the left side detects the container, the control unit sends a signal to the second driving member 620, the second driving member 620 and the second driving member 620 Rotates the connected second pinion gear 271. (S121)

Accordingly, the rotator 200 and the water extraction module 400 connected to the second pinion gear 271 rotate to the left, and the water extraction nozzle 430 may be located on the upper part of the container.

On the other hand, in the step S111, if the container is not detected by the proximity sensor 710a on the left side, the proximity sensor 710b located in the center detects the container. (S112)

If in the step S112, the proximity sensor 710b of the center detects the container, the control unit sends a signal to the second driving member 620, the second driving member 620 and the second driving member 620 Rotates the connected second pinion gear 271. (S122)

Accordingly, while the water extraction module 400 is rotated toward the center, the water extraction nozzle 430 may be positioned on the upper portion of the container.

If the water extraction module 400 is located in the center in the standby mode, the control unit does not send a separate signal to the second driving member 620 , and the water extraction module 400 may maintain the position in the center.

On the other hand, even in step S112, if the container is not detected by the proximity sensor 710b in the center, the container is detected by the proximity sensor 710c located on the right side of the drawing. (S113)

In step S113, when the container is detected by the proximity sensor 710c on the right, the control unit sends a signal to the second driving member 620, and is connected to the second driving member 620 and the second driving member 620. The second pinion gear 271 is rotated. (S123)

Accordingly, while the water extraction module 400 is rotated to the right, the water extraction nozzle 430 may be positioned on the upper part of the container.

By the above method, the rotator 200 and the water extraction module 400 may rotate according to the position of the container, and the water extraction nozzle 430 may be located at the top of the container.

Meanwhile, as described above, when the water outlet nozzle 430 is positioned on the upper part of the container, the height of the water outlet nozzle 430 is adjusted according to the height of the container.

Hereinafter, it will be described on the assumption that the container is positioned on the right side of the front cover 111 .

First, a container is detected by the proximity sensors 710d, 710e, and 710f that are vertically spaced apart from each other on the upper part of the front cover 111. (S131)

If, in step S131, all proximity sensors 710d, 710e, and 710f detect a container, the control unit sends a signal to the first driving member 610, the first driving member 610 and the first driving member ( The first pinion gear 450 connected to 610 is rotated.

Accordingly, the lifting cover 420 and the water outlet nozzle 430 may be positioned at a maximum height.

At this time, when the elevating cover 420 and the water outlet nozzle 430 are positioned at the maximum rising height in the standby mode, the control unit does not output a separate signal to the first driving member 610, and the elevating cover 420 and the water outlet nozzle 430 may maintain an initial position. (S141)

On the other hand, in step S131, if all the proximity sensors (710d, 710e, 710f) do not detect the container, except for the uppermost proximity sensor (710d), the remaining proximity sensors (710e, 710f) detect the container. (S132)

If, in step S132, the container is detected by the remaining proximity sensors 710e and 710f, except for the uppermost proximity sensor 710d, the control unit sends a signal to the first driving member 610, the first driving member ( 610) and the first pinion gear 450 connected to the first driving member 610 is rotated by the first rotation amount. (S142)

Accordingly, the lifting cover 420 and the water outlet nozzle 430 may be positioned near the top of the container positioned near the proximity sensor 710e while descending by a set height.

On the other hand, in step S132, if the container is not detected by the remaining proximity sensors 710e and 710f except for the upper proximity sensor 710d, the lower proximity sensor 710f detects the container. (S133)

If, in step S133, the container is detected by the lower proximity sensor 710f, the control unit sends a signal to the first driving member 610, the first driving member 610 and the first driving member 610 The connected first pinion gear 450 is rotated by a second rotation amount greater than the first rotation amount. (S143)

Accordingly, the lifting cover 420 and the water outlet nozzle 430 may be positioned near the top of the container positioned near the proximity sensor 710f while descending by a set height.

On the other hand, in step S133, if the container is not detected by all the proximity sensors 710d, 710e, and 710f above, the controller determines that the height of the container is lower than that of the proximity sensor 710f. (S134)

Accordingly, the control unit sends a signal to the first driving member 610 to rotate the first driving member 610 and the first pinion gear 450 connected to the first driving member 610 a third time greater than the second rotation amount. Rotate the whole amount. (S144)

Accordingly, the lifting cover 420 and the water outlet nozzle 430 may be positioned near the upper end of the container positioned lower than the proximity sensor 710f while descending to the maximum by the set height.

As described above, the container is positioned around the front cover 111, the water outlet module 400 rotates according to the position and height of the container, and the lifting cover 420 and the water outlet nozzle 430 descend while the water outlet nozzle When the 430 is located on the upper part of the container, the user presses the water dispense button. (S151)

Thereafter, the control unit determines whether the discharge of purified water, hot water, or cold water is completed. (S152)

Then, when the water extraction is completed, the controller controls the first driving member 610 and the second driving member 620 to return the water extraction module 400 to the initial position. (S153)

As another example, with reference to FIGS. 6 and 14 , when the sensing unit 720 is provided as a camera, a method of adjusting the top and the height of the water outlet nozzle through the control of the driving unit will be described.

First, a container is positioned around the water purifier body 100 by a user (S201).

Here, the 'container', such as a cup, a water bottle, a pot, etc., the upper part is opened and various embodiments may occur within the range having a receiving space in which water is stored.

In step S201 , the container is positioned in front of the water purifier body 100 . For example, the container is positioned around the front cover 111 .

When the container is positioned around the front cover 111 as described above, the sensing unit 720 detects the location and height of the container.

First, the sensing unit 720 detects the position of the container.

In this case, a plurality of sensing units 720 are disposed along the circumference of the front cover 111 .

In detail, the camera 720a located on the left side of the drawing detects the container. (S211)

Alternatively, the container may be detected by the camera 720b located in the center. (S212)

Alternatively, the container may be detected by the camera 720c located on the right side of the drawing (S213).

Thereafter, the water outlet module 400 is rotated to the position of the cameras 720a, 720b, and 720c in which the container is detected. (S221)

In detail, in step S211 , when the camera 720a on the left detects the container, the control unit sends a signal to the second driving member 620 , and the second driving member 620 and the second driving member connected to the 620 . 2 Rotate the pinion gear (271).

Accordingly, while the rotator 200 and the water extraction module 400 are rotated to the left, the water extraction nozzle 430 may be positioned on the upper part of the container.

On the other hand, in step S212, when the camera 720b in the center detects the container, the control unit sends a signal to the second driving member 620, the second driving member 620 and the second driving member (620) The connected second pinion gear 271 is rotated.

Accordingly, while the water extraction module 400 is rotated toward the center, the water extraction nozzle 430 may be positioned on the upper portion of the container.

If, in the standby mode, the water extraction module 400 is located in the center, the control unit does not send a separate signal to the second driving member 620, and the water extraction module 400 can maintain the initially high and low position. there is.

Meanwhile, in step S213 , when the right camera 720c detects a container, the control unit sends a signal to the second driving member 620 , and sends a signal to the second driving member 620 and the second driving member 620 . The connected second pinion gear 271 is rotated.

Accordingly, while the water extraction module 400 is rotated to the right, the water extraction nozzle 430 may be positioned on the upper part of the container.

By the above method, the rotator 200 and the water extraction module 400 may rotate according to the position of the container, and the water extraction nozzle 430 may be located at the top of the container.

Meanwhile, a camera 720d for determining whether the water outlet nozzle 430 is positioned at the center of the container is installed at the water outlet nozzle 430 or the lower end of the lifting cover 420 adjacent to the water outlet nozzle 430 . In a state where the position of the water extraction nozzle 430 is automatically adjusted by the above process, the controller determines whether the water extraction nozzle 430 is located in the center of the container through the camera 720d. (S231) )

If, in step S231, the water outlet nozzle 430 is not positioned in the center of the container, the rotator 200 and the water outlet module 400 are rotated until the water outlet nozzle 430 is positioned in the center of the container, and the water outlet nozzle Readjust the position of (430). (S232)

Meanwhile, if it is determined in step S231 that the water extraction nozzle 430 is positioned at the center of the container, the controller controls the first driving member 610 to adjust the height of the water extraction nozzle 430 according to the height of the container.

In this case, the controller may determine the height of the container based on the image information of the container obtained from the cameras 720a, 720b, 720c, 720d.

When the height of the container is determined as described above, the control unit sends a signal to the first driving member 610 to rotate the first driving member 610 and the first pinion gear 450 connected to the first driving member 610 . (S241)

Accordingly, the lifting cover 420 and the water outlet nozzle 430 may be positioned near the top of the container while descending by a set height.

As described above, the container is positioned around the front cover 111, the water outlet module 400 rotates according to the position and height of the container, and the lifting cover 420 and the water outlet nozzle 430 descend while the water outlet nozzle When the 430 is located on the upper part of the container, the user presses the water dispense button. (S251)

Thereafter, the control unit determines whether the water extraction is complete. (S252)

And, when water extraction is completed, the water extraction module 400 may return to its initial position. (S253)

In the above-described embodiment, the sensing unit 710 and 720 first senses the position of the vessel, and the control unit controls the driving unit 620 to rotate the water extraction module 400 toward the vessel. , the detection unit 710 and 720 detects the height of the container secondarily, and the control unit controls the driving unit 610 to lower the water extraction module 400 toward the container. However, the scope of the present invention Note that is not limited to this.

As a modification, the sensing unit 710 and 720 first detects the height of the vessel, and the control unit controls the driving unit 610 to lower the water extraction module 400 adjacent to the upper end of the vessel. , the sensing units 710 and 720 may detect the position of the container secondarily, and the control unit may control the driving unit 620 to rotate the water extraction module 400 toward the container.

In addition, when the water extraction from the water extraction nozzle 430 is completed, the control unit controls the driving units 610 and 620 to return the water extraction module 400 to the initial position, but the scope of the present invention is not limited thereto. make it clear

As a modified example, when the water extraction from the water extraction nozzle 430 is completed, the water extraction nozzle 430 does not return and may maintain a rotated and lowered state at the location where the water extraction has been performed.

In addition, when the water extraction nozzle 430 returns to its initial position after water extraction from the water extraction nozzle 430 is completed, the return position of the water extraction nozzle 430 may be variously changed.

In addition, the sensing unit 710 may be installed at the lower end of the lifting cover 420, the first driving member 610 is rotated by the operation of the controller and the lifting cover 420 is lowered, the upper end of the container When the distance between the water extraction nozzle 430 and the water extraction nozzle 430 reaches a preset safety distance, the controller may adjust the height of the water extraction nozzle 430 in a manner that stops the operation of the first driving member 610 .

In addition, in the above description, it is specified that the position of the water outlet nozzle 430 is automatically adjusted without the user's hand through the sensing unit, the control unit, and the driving unit, but the scope of the present invention is not limited thereto. In some cases, in a state in which the sensing unit, the control unit, and the driving unit are turned off (off state), the user directly grasps the water outlet module 400 and rotates it in both directions, or holds the lifting cover 420 and lifts it up and down manually Of course, the position of the water outlet nozzle 430 may be adjusted. However, in this case, the rotation shafts of the first and second pinion gears may include an oil damper that provides rotation resistance.

According to the present invention as described above, there is an advantage that the position and height of the water extraction nozzle can be freely changed while the water extraction module having the water extraction nozzle is coupled to the water purifier body. There is also an advantage that the lifting operation is made automatically. In addition, when a container such as a cup is placed around the water purifier by the user, the water purifier detects this and the water outlet nozzle automatically rotates to the upper end adjacent to the container. In addition, there is an advantage in that the water extraction nozzle is lowered according to the size of the container, and the water extraction proceeds in a state in which the height is automatically adjusted. In addition, there is an advantage in that the water extraction nozzle automatically returns to the initial position when the water extraction proceeds and the water extraction is completed in a state where the position of the water extraction nozzle is adjusted.

Claims (15)

a water purifier body having a filter inside, purifying raw water supplied from the outside, and supplying it in a purified state;
a fixed cover, at least a portion of which is coupled to protrude forward from the front surface of the water purifier body, has an elevating space therein, and has an opening at the lower side;
a lifting cover that is accommodated in the lifting space of the fixed cover and exposed to the lower side of the fixed cover through the opening while ascending and descending; and
and a water outlet nozzle coupled to the lower end of the lifting cover to be exposed downward and supplying purified water supplied from the main body of the water purifier to a user,
By the lifting operation of the lifting cover, the height of the water outlet nozzle is adjusted,
The rear end of the fixed cover is connected to the water purifier body,
A passage is formed at the rear end of the fixed cover, so that the inner space of the water purifier body and the inner space of the fixed cover communicate with each other,
A pipe for supplying at least one of purified water, cold water, and hot water generated in the water purifier body is connected to the water outlet nozzle through the passage.
The method of claim 1,
The water purifier according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the fixed cover and the elevating cover includes a guide part for guiding the elevating cover to move up and down in a straight line.
3. The method of claim 2,
The guide part includes a guide groove formed in a straight line along the elevating direction on the fixed cover.
4. The method of claim 3,
Gear teeth are formed inside the guide groove,
A water purifier in which a first pinion gear fitted into the guide groove is rotatably coupled to the lifting cover.
3. The method of claim 2,
The guide unit,
a groove formed in the fixed cover along the elevating direction of the elevating cover;
The water purifier including a protrusion formed on the elevating cover to fit into the groove.
3. The method of claim 2,
The guide unit,
a groove formed in the elevating cover along the elevating direction of the elevating cover;
The water purifier including a protrusion formed on the fixing cover to fit into the groove.
The method of claim 1,
A bridge extending rearwardly connected to the water purifier body is formed at a rear end of the fixed cover.
8. The method of claim 7,
The passage is formed in the inside of the bridge and at the rear end of the fixed cover and the elevating cover,
A water purifier in which the inner space of the water purifier body and the inner space of the lifting cover communicate with each other through the passage.
The method of claim 1,
A water purifier in which a user holds the elevating cover and manually adjusts the height of the water outlet nozzle by lifting the elevating cover in a vertical direction.
The method of claim 1,
The pipe extends from the inside of the water purifier main body, passes through the bridge, the fixed cover, and the elevating cover, and is connected to the water outlet nozzle.
The method of claim 1,
The pipe includes a first pipe for supplying purified or cold water generated by the water purifier body, and a second pipe for supplying hot water generated from the water purifier body.
The method of claim 1,
The pipe is made of a flexible material, and is bent or unfolded to flexibly respond to the lifting operation of the lifting cover.
The method of claim 1,
The front cover forming the front surface of the water purifier body is at least partially formed in a flat surface.
The method of claim 1,
The fixed cover and the lifting cover have at least a portion of the water purifier having an arc-shaped cross section.
The method of claim 1,
The fixed cover and the lifting cover have at least a part of the water purifier having a straight cross section.

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