KR20230039626A - water purifier and control method thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention provides a water purifier capable of freely changing the position and height of a water discharge nozzle while a water discharge module having the water discharge nozzle is connected to a water purifier body. According to the present invention, the water purifier includes: the water purifier body including a filter and supplying purified water by purifying raw water supplied from the outside; the water discharge module including the water discharge nozzle supplying the purified water supplied from the water purifier body to a user at a lower end, wherein at least a part of the water discharge module is connected to protrude forward the water purifier body and rotates or ascends and descends around the water purifier body; a driving unit providing power necessary for rotation or ascent and descent of the water discharge module; a sensing unit installed in the water purifier body or the water discharge module and recognizing the size and the position of a container placed in the periphery of the water purifier body; and a control unit receiving the input about the position information and size information on the container from the sensing unit and controlling the driving unit to move the water discharge nozzle to the upper part of the container.

Description

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

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

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

The water purifier as described above 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 a water purification principle or method.

In addition, water purifiers pass through filters according to their shapes to store purified water. In general, water purifiers are widely used for household purposes as a mechanism for filtering water to remove impurities.

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

Various household water purifiers capable of dispensing not only purified water but also hot water and cold water have been released. In recent years, water purifiers that are small in size and can be installed in various installation environments have been developed.

Republic of Korea Patent Registration No. 1381803 discloses a water purifier having a water outlet for dispensing water at an upper end of a main body unit, and allowing the water outlet to be separated from the main body unit, rotated by a set angle, and then reconnected. In the water purifier having such a structure, the user can change the position of the water outlet to the set position by separating and recombining the water outlet while maintaining the position of the main body. Therefore, there is an advantage in that the water purifier can be installed without being restricted by the installation space.

However, water purifiers according to the prior art have the following problems.

First, in order to change the location of the water outlet, it is inconvenient to separate the water outlet from the main body unit, change the location, and then reassemble the water outlet. In addition, there is a problem in that the coupling part may be damaged during the repetitive separation and coupling process of the water outlet.

Second, since the water outlet is connected to the water outlet, leakage may occur when the water outlet is damaged during the separation and coupling process of the water outlet. In addition, when the water outlet is repeatedly rotated, damage to the water outlet or a fitting to which the water outlet is connected may occur, resulting in water leakage.

Third, the location of the water outlet is determined by the concave groove of the coupling hole formed in the body unit. Therefore, there is a problem in that the water outlet can be located only at a set position where the groove is formed and cannot be located at an arbitrary point.

Fourth, there is a problem in that a container such as a cup is placed vertically below the position in which the water outlet is set, and water must proceed in that state.

Fifth, when a container such as a cup is disposed around the water purifier, the water outlet does not automatically rotate or descend, so the user has to directly change the location of the water outlet according to the location of the container.

Korean Registered Patent Publication No. 10-1381803

An object of the present invention is to provide a water purifier capable of freely changing the position and height of a water extraction nozzle while a water extraction module having a water extraction nozzle is coupled to a main body of the water purifier.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a water purifier in which a rotation or elevation operation of a water extraction module is automatically performed to change the location of a water extraction nozzle.

In addition, when a container such as a cup is placed near the water purifier by a user, the water purifier senses this and provides a water purifier in which a water extraction nozzle automatically rotates toward an upper end adjacent to the container.

In addition, the present invention provides a water purifier in which a water extraction nozzle descends according to the size of a container and discharges water while the height thereof is automatically adjusted.

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

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

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

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

In addition, an object of the present invention is to provide a water purifier in which an elevation movement of an elevation cover equipped with a water extraction nozzle can be performed in a straight line.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a water purifier in which deformation such as bending of a fixed cover and an elevating cover is prevented and mutual fastening force is secured.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a water purifier in which an elevating cover and a fixed cover can be easily fastened.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a water purifier in which an elevation operation of an elevation cover equipped with a water extraction nozzle can smoothly proceed.

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

A water purifier according to an aspect of the present invention for achieving the above object includes a water purifier main body having a filter therein to purify raw water supplied from the outside and supplying raw water in a purified state, and at least a part of the water purifier main body. A water extraction module coupled to protrude forward, at least a part of which rotates or lifts with respect to the water purifier body, and has a water extraction nozzle at a lower end for supplying the purified water supplied from the water purifier body to the user; A driving unit that provides power required for rotation or elevation, a sensing unit installed on the water purifier body or the water extraction module and recognizing the position and size of a container placed around the water purifier body, and the position of the container from the sensing unit and a control unit that receives information and size information and controls the drive unit to move the water extraction nozzle to the top of the container.

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

A plurality of detection units may be vertically disposed on a front cover covering the front surface of the water purifier body or on a side panel forming a side surface of the water purifier body.

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

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

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

The water extraction module is rotatably mounted inside the water purifier body and rotates with respect to the water purifier body, and is fixed to the outside of the rotator and rotates together with the rotator to change the height of the water extraction nozzle. units may be included.

The lifting unit is fixed to the outside of the rotator, has a lifting space on the inside in a vertical direction, a fixed cover with an open lower side, and the water outlet nozzle are fixed, and is accommodated in the lifting space of the fixed cover to move up and down while moving up and down An elevating cover for varying the height of the water extraction nozzle and a guide unit for guiding the elevating cover to ascend and descend in a straight line may be included.

The guide unit may include a guide groove formed on the fixed cover along an elevation direction and having gear teeth formed therein, and a first pinion gear rotatably coupled to the elevation cover and inserted into the guide groove.

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

The control unit may move the elevation cover up and down by changing a rotation direction of the first driving member.

The main body of the water purifier has a forward convex shape, has an opening formed thereon in a circumferential direction, and forms a front appearance of the main body of the water purifier; a base forming a bottom surface of the main body of the water purifier; a top plate forming an upper surface of the water purifier body and a filter bracket disposed behind the front cover, the upper end positioned at a height corresponding to the opening, and to which the filter is mounted; wherein the rotator includes the filter bracket It is rotatably mounted on top of and may 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, and a lower cover spaced apart from the lower cover and extending from an upper end of the opening to the top plate, and is rotatable with an upper end of the rotator It may include an upper cover that is tightly coupled.

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

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

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

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

A method for controlling a water purifier according to another aspect of the present invention includes placing a container around a main body of the water purifier by a user, detecting a position of the container and a height of the container by the sensing unit, and the control unit. In the step of controlling the driving unit so that the water extraction nozzle is positioned at the top of the container, and the water extraction module rotates or descends from the initial position by the operation of the driving unit, so that the water extraction nozzle is located on the top of the container. It includes positioning adjacently and proceeding with water extraction from the water extraction nozzle.

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

When 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 extraction nozzle can be freely changed while the water extraction module formed with the water extraction nozzle is coupled to the main body of the water purifier.

In addition, there is an effect in which a rotation or elevation operation of the water extraction module is automatically performed to change the location of the water extraction nozzle.

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

In addition, there is an effect of dispensing water in a state in which the water extraction nozzle is lowered according to the size of the container and the height thereof is automatically adjusted.

In addition, there is an effect of automatically returning the water extraction nozzle to the initial position when water extraction proceeds in a state where the position of the water extraction nozzle is adjusted and water extraction is completed.

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

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

In addition, there is an effect of maintaining the state of being accommodated in the stationary cover without arbitrarily descending due to the weight of the elevation cover in a state where the elevation cover equipped with the water extraction nozzle is completely accommodated in the stationary cover.

In addition, there is an effect that the lifting operation of the lifting cover to which the water extraction nozzle is mounted can be performed 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 mutual fastening force.

In addition, there is an effect that the fastening of the elevating cover and the fixed cover is easy.

In addition, there is an effect that the lifting operation of the lifting cover to which the water extraction nozzle is mounted can proceed smoothly.

In addition, there is an effect of reducing abrasion and noise due to friction between the elevation cover and the fixed cover.

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

In addition, it is hygienic and has an effect of preventing damage and deformation of the water ejection 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 state in which the position of a water outlet nozzle of a water purifier according to an embodiment of the present invention is changed.
3 is an exploded perspective view of a water purifier according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view showing a part of Figure 3 extracted.
5 and 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 elevating cover.
8 is a front view showing the water extraction module in a state in which the elevation cover is raised.
9 is a front view showing the water extraction module in a state in which the elevation cover is lowered.
10 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing a coupling structure between a rotator and a filter bracket.
11 is a bottom perspective view of the rotator.
12 is a rear perspective view showing a coupling structure between a rotator and a filter bracket.
13 is a flowchart illustrating a control method of 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 can find other embodiments included within the scope of the same spirit by adding, changing, deleting, and adding elements. Although it can be easily implemented, it will be said that this is also included within the scope of the spirit of the present invention.

The drawings accompanying the following embodiments are examples of the same inventive idea, but may be differently expressed for each drawing in terms of fine parts in order to be easily understood within the scope of not damaging the inventive idea. And, depending on the drawing, a specific part may not be displayed or may be exaggeratedly expressed 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. 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 long in the front-back direction and narrow in the left-right direction. Accordingly, the water purifier 10 has a slim shape as a whole.

In addition, the water purifier 10 according to the present invention is installed in the water purifier body 100 and the front of the water purifier body 100, and rotates horizontally in both directions or vertically with respect to the water purifier body 100. It may include a water extraction module 400 that changes the position of the water extraction nozzle 430 while performing the lifting operation.

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

The exterior of the water purifier 10 may be formed by the housing 110 . The housing 110 includes a front cover 111 forming the front exterior, a rear cover 112 forming the rear exterior, a base 113 forming the lower surface, a top cover 114 forming the upper surface, and left and right It is composed of side panels 115 forming both sides. The front cover 111, the rear cover 112, the base 113, the top cover 114, and the pair of side panels 115 may be assembled 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 of the base 113 and the top cover ( 114) may be convexly formed forward and backward to have a curvature corresponding to the front and rear ends.

The inside of the housing 110 is provided with a filter 120 for purifying and discharging raw water introduced from the top.

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

In addition, the front cover 111 may be composed of an upper cover 111a and a lower cover 111b. In addition, the upper cover 111a and the lower cover 111b are spaced apart from each other in the vertical direction to form an opening 101 therebetween, and the opening 101 is rotatably mounted on the water purifier body 100 It can be shielded by the rotator 200.

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

As described above, when the flat portion 111c is formed on the lower cover 111b, compared to the case where the entire lower cover 111b is formed convex forward, the user can insert a container such as a cup more deeply when taking out water There is an advantage, and there is also an advantage of being able to stably support containers such as cups.

In addition, when the water extraction module 400 is rotated, there is an advantage in that the center of the water extraction module 400 can be aligned with respect to the plane portion 111c.

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

The water extraction module 400 is configured to rotate together with the rotator 200 . Therefore, the user can rotate the water extraction 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 control unit 300 has a structure that can be rotated together with the water extraction module 400.

As another example, the control unit 300 may not be provided in the main body 100 of the water purifier, but may be provided in the water extraction module 400.

In this case, it is preferable that the water extraction button 310 of the control unit 300 is provided on the upper surface of the water extraction module 400 . If the water extraction button 310 is provided on the front of the water extraction module 400, when the user presses the water extraction button 310, a horizontal force is applied to the water extraction module 400, and the water extraction module 400 There is a possibility that this may rotate arbitrarily. 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 force in the vertical direction is applied to the water extraction module 400, so that the water extraction module 400 There is no fear that this will rotate arbitrarily. Therefore, when the water extraction module 400 has the water extraction button 310, the water extraction button 310 must be provided on the upper surface of the water extraction module 400.

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

In addition, the water extraction module 400 includes a lifting unit fixed to the outside of the rotator 200 and varying the height of the water extraction nozzle. With the configuration of the lifting unit as described above, the height of the water extraction nozzle 430 can be varied.

Rotation and elevation 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 in 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 configured.

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 can be fixed by the combination of the bottom part 131 and the shape of the bottom surface of the filter accommodating part 132 can be formed.

The filter bracket 130 may be hooked to the base 113 in a hook manner, and may also be fixed by a screw fastened to a lower surface of the base 113 .

The filter accommodating portion 132 extends vertically and forms a recessed space from the front (left side of the drawing) to the rear side (right side of the drawing) so that the filter 120 can be accommodated. A plurality of filters 120 may be mounted in the filter accommodating part 130 . The filter 120 is for purifying supplied raw water (tap water) and may be configured to combine filters having various functions.

In addition, a filter socket 134 to which the filter 120 is mounted may be further provided in the filter accommodating part 130, and a pipe for flowing purified water is provided in the filter socket 134. The pipe may be connected to a plurality of valves (not shown). Therefore, after passing through the filter 120 sequentially, the raw water is directed to a valve (not shown) for supplying water.

A plurality of valves (not shown) may be provided on the rear surface (right side of the drawing) of the filter accommodating part 132, and the valves (not shown) are connected to the cooling tank 150 as well as the filter 120. Purified water, cold water, and hot water are selectively supplied to the induction heating assembly 170 and the water extraction module 400 .

A rotator mounting portion 133 to which the rotator 200 is rotatably mounted is formed at an upper end of the filter accommodating portion 132 .

At this time, the rotator mounting portion 133 may be formed to have a curvature corresponding to the curvature of the front cover 111 covering the front of the rotator mounting portion 133 . An upper portion of the filter bracket 130 may be shielded by a top cover 114 . The upper end of the rotator mounting part 133 extends rearward to provide a space where the rotator 200 is mounted thereon.

In addition, the control unit 300 may be provided above the rotator 200, and the control unit 300 may be connected to the rotator 200 and rotated 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 so that the compressor 141 and the condenser 142 can be cooled. The compressor 141 may be an inverter-type compressor capable of adjusting the cooling capacity by varying the frequency. Therefore, cooling of purified water can be efficiently performed, and through this, power consumption can be reduced.

Also, the condenser 142 is located at the rear of the base 113 and may be located at a position corresponding to the outlet 112a formed on the rear cover 112 . The condenser 142 can be formed by bending a flat tube type refrigerant pipe multiple times to efficiently use space and improve heat exchange efficiency, and is configured to be accommodated in the condenser bracket 144 .

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

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 portion 146 and the tank mounting portion 146 fixes the cooling tank 150 .

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

A support plate 135 extending toward the cooling tank 150 is further provided at 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 operation 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 in an induction heating (IH) method. The induction heating assembly 170 can immediately and rapidly heat water when dispensing hot water, and can heat purified water to a desired temperature by controlling the output of a magnetic field and provide it to the user. Therefore, it is possible to take out hot water at a desired temperature according to the user's manipulation.

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, and the induction heating assembly 170. is configured so that The control assembly 180 may be modularized and 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 dispenses only cold water and purified water, a PC ratio for controlling the induction heating assembly 170 may be omitted, and at least one PC ratio may be omitted in this manner.

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

The water extraction module 400 is rotatably mounted on the water purifier main body 100 and is fixed to a rotator 200 that rotates on both sides with respect to the water purifier main body 100 and an outer side of the rotator 200, An elevation unit for varying the height of the water extraction nozzle 430 is included.

Here, the lift unit and the rotator 200 may be integrally formed, or may be detachably coupled.

Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view showing a part of Figure 3 extracted.

5 and 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 portion 131 coupled to the base 113, a filter accommodating portion 132 accommodating the filter 134, and the rotator 200. It may be composed of a rotator mounting portion 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 can be fixed by the combination of the bottom part 131 and the shape of the bottom surface of the filter accommodating part 132 can be formed.

The filter bracket 130 may be hooked to the base 113 in a hook manner, and may be fixed by a screw fastened to a lower surface of the base 113 . The bottom part 131 is configured not to interfere with the rotating ring 910 rotatably fixed to the base 113 for rotation of the tray 900 so that the tray 900 rotates smoothly.

And, the filter 120 is mounted in the filter accommodating part 132 .

A rotator mounting portion 133 is formed at an upper end of the filter accommodating portion 132 . The rotator mounting portion 133 has a semicircular shape protruding forward to have a predetermined curvature, and has a structure on which the rotator 200 can be seated. At this time, the rotator mounting portion 133 may be formed to have a curvature corresponding to the outer surface of the rotator 200 . Accordingly, the rotator 200 is configured to rotate while seated on the rotator mounting portion 133 .

In addition, a protrusion protruding upward is formed in parallel with the circumference of the extension portion 136 extending rearward from the upper end of the rotator mounting portion 133, and an internal gear 133b may be formed on the inner surface of the protrusion. there is. The internal gear 133b has a curvature corresponding to that of the rotator mounting portion 133, and is gear-coupled with a pinion gear 271 rotatably mounted at the lower end of the rotator 200 to be described later, so that 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 toward the front of the rotator 200 . The water extraction module 400 may be formed integrally with the rotator 200 and may 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 appearance 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 part of the front exterior of the water purifier between the rotator 200 and the top cover 114 and is formed in a round shape.

A top cover 114 may be provided on top of the upper cover 111a. The top cover 114 forms an upper surface of the water purifier 10 . And, the control unit 300 is mounted on the top cover 114 . The control unit 300 is formed in a circular shape and is coupled to the rotator 200 so as to rotate together when the rotator 200 rotates. Also, a water extraction button 310 is provided on the control unit 300 .

In this embodiment, a part of the control unit 300 covers the upper surface of the water extraction module 400 and the remaining part is coupled to the top cover 114, and may be formed in an elliptical shape. In addition, the upper surface of the control unit 300 is formed to have an inclined surface that becomes lower toward the closer to the water extraction module 400 .

Accordingly, the manipulability of the manipulation unit 300 can be improved, while the user's manipulation convenience and readability can be improved.

Meanwhile, referring to FIGS. 5 and 6 , the water purifier according to the present invention includes driving units 610 and 620 that provide power required for rotation or elevation of the water extraction module 400, the water purifier main body 100 or the water purifier body 100. Sensors 710 and 720 installed in the water extraction module 400 to recognize the position and size of containers placed around the water purifier main body 100 and receive position information and size information of containers from the detectors 710 and 720 , A control unit for controlling the driving units 610 and 620 to move the water extraction nozzle 430 to the upper part of the container may be included.

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 mean the sensing units 710 and 720 .

In addition, the sensing units 710 and 720 are applied to 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 longitudinal direction (elevating cover). lifting direction) may be arranged in plurality.

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

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

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

The sensing units 710 and 720 sense the position and height of a container such as a cup placed near 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, or whether it is placed to the left or to the right of the center.

To this end, the sensing units 710 and 720 are spaced apart from each other along the circumference of the front cover 111 at the lower part or the center of the front cover 111, and detect the transverse position of the container placed around the front cover 111.

Referring to FIGS. 5 and 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 detection units 710 and 720 may be installed on the left side of the center of the front cover 111 to detect a container placed on the left side of the center of the front cover 111 . In addition, the sensing units 710 and 720 may be installed on the right side of the center of the front cover 111 to detect a container placed on the right side of the center 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 may be provided in plural to detect the height of containers placed around the front cover 111, and spaced apart in the vertical direction. there is.

In the case of the present invention, the sensor includes a first sensor and a second sensor disposed below the first sensor, the second sensor detects a container placed around the body of the water purifier, and the first sensor detects the water purifier. When the container placed around the main body of the water purifier is not detected, the control unit may control the driving unit so that the water discharge nozzle descends to a position between the first sensor and the second sensor.

Here, the sensors may mean proximity sensors 710d, 710e, and 710f.

Also, the first sensor may mean the topmost proximity sensor 710d, and the second sensor may mean the proximity sensors 710e and 710f located below the topmost proximity sensor 710d.

Also, the driving part may mean the first driving member 610 .

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 lower end of the water extraction module 400 to transmit acquired focus information or image information. As a basis, the height of the container placed around the front cover 111 may be sensed.

7 is a perspective view showing a part of the elevating cover. 8 is a front view showing the water extraction module in a state in which the elevation cover is raised. 9 is a front view showing the water extraction module in a state in which the elevation cover is lowered.

7 to 9, the water extraction 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 The fixing cover 410 protrudes forward of the 100 and has an upper end connected to the lower end of the control unit 300, and is accommodated inside the fixing cover 410 and supported in contact with the fixing cover 410. It may include an elevating cover 420 that moves up and down, and a water extraction nozzle 430 mounted on a lower end of the elevating cover 420 and moving up and down together with the elevating cover 420 .

The water extraction nozzle 430 is coupled to the lower end of the elevation cover 420, and when the elevation cover 420 moves up and down along the fixed cover 410, the vertical position (height) of the water extraction nozzle 430 results. can be varied.

As will be described later, since the fixing cover 410 is fixed to the rotator 200, the elevating cover 420 and the water outlet nozzle 430 coupled to the fixing cover 410 to be able to move up and down are variable in their positions even in the horizontal direction. It can be.

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

According to this, a gap is formed between the rotator 200 and the control unit 300, and when the lift cover 420 is maximally raised, the upper end of the lift cover 420 moves between the rotator 200 and the control unit 300. It can be located in the gap between them.

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

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

In addition, when the upper end of the fixing cover 410 is connected to the lower end of the control unit 300 as described above, as a result, the water extraction module 400 is primarily connected to the main body 100 of the water purifier by the control unit 300. is supported, and a lower end or a central portion thereof may be secondarily supported by the rotator 200 to the water purifier main body 100.

Therefore, the water extraction module 400 can be more firmly connected to the water purifier main body 100, and a phenomenon in which the water extraction module 400 is shaken when the water extraction module 400 rotates or moves up and down can be prevented.

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

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

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

Therefore, 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, the front end of the rotator 200 to which the bridge 500 is connected, the rear surface of the fixed cover 410 and the lift cover 420 (right side with reference to FIG. 4) There may be formed passages communicating with each other so that various pipes pass therethrough. When the passage is formed as described above, the inner space of the water purifier main body 100 and the inner space of the elevation cover 420 may communicate with each other.

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

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

At this time, the water purification pipe and the hot water pipe are made of a flexible material such as rubber or silicon, and can respond to the lifting operation of the lifting cover 420 while being bent or stretched.

In the above case, when the lifting cover 420 and the water outlet nozzle 430 move up and down, the pipe bends or unfolds in the inner space of the lift cover 420 to respond to the lift cover 420, Furthermore, cold water, purified water, and hot water can be supplied to the water outlet nozzle 430 regardless of the heights of the elevating cover 420 and the water outlet nozzle 430 .

On the other hand, the fixed cover 410 has an elevation space inside in the vertical direction, and the elevation cover 420 is accommodated in the elevation space provided inside the fixed cover 410 and moves up and down while the water outlet nozzle ( 430) can be varied.

That is, the elevating cover 420 moves up and down while being retracted to the open lower side of the fixed cover 410 while being accommodated inside the fixed cover 410 .

For example, when the lift cover 420 is maximally raised, the lift cover 420 can be completely accommodated inside the fixed cover 410 .

When the elevation cover 420 is lowered while the elevation cover 420 is elevated as described above, it is exposed to the outside of the fixed cover 410 .

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

In this way, the elevation cover 420 moves up and down, and the height of the water extraction nozzle 430 fixed to the elevation cover 420 can be varied.

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

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

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

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

Since the lift cover 420 moves up and down while being accommodated in the fixed cover 410, the lifting operation of the lift cover 420 can be guided in a straight line by the fixed cover 410. However, while the elevation cover 420 is exposed to the outside of the fixed cover 410 and the elevation cover 420 is shaken even slightly to both sides, the elevation operation of the elevation cover 420 proceeds unstable, and this phenomenon When repeated, deformation and damage of the fixed cover 410 or the elevating cover 420 result.

For example, the fixed cover 410 and the elevation cover 420 each form protrusions or grooves along the elevation direction of the elevation cover 420 at positions corresponding to each other, thereby increasing the fastening force between them, while increasing the elevation of the elevation cover 420. ) may guide the linear movement of

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

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

7 to 9, the guide parts 440 and 450 are concavely formed from the upper side to the lower side along the lifting direction of the fixing cover 410, and the gear teeth 431 are formed on at least one side of the inner surface of the guide. It is rotatably coupled to the groove 440 and the front upper end of the elevating cover 420 facing the guide groove 440, and is inserted into the guide groove 440 to rotate and move up and down while engaging with the gear teeth 441. It may include a first pinion gear 450 to.

Contrary to this, the guide parts 440 and 450 are rotatably coupled to a guide groove formed on the lifting cover 420 along the lifting direction and having gear teeth formed therein, and to the fixing 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 is inserted into the guide groove 440 formed in the straight line, and can move in a straight line along the guide groove 440 . Accordingly, the lifting operation of the lifting cover 420 can be performed in a straight line.

Also, the first pinion gear 450 may be rotatably mounted on the elevation cover 420 .

The first pinion gear 450 is engaged with the gear teeth 441 of the guide groove 440 in the same way as a rack and pinion, and while the first pinion gear 450 rotates, the guide groove ( 440) can be raised and lowered 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 can move up and down in a straight line more accurately along the guide groove 440 while rotating. As a result, the elevation of the elevation cover 420 can proceed 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 lifting direction of the lifting 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.

As described above, when the gear teeth 441 of the guide groove 440 and the gear teeth 451 of the first pinion gear 450 are formed in a curved shape, the gear teeth 441 of the guide groove 440 and the first pinion The gear teeth 451 of the gear 450 can engage smoothly. In addition, in the process of lifting the elevating cover 220, the guide groove 440 is moved 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. It is possible to prevent the gear teeth 441 of ) and the gear teeth 451 of the first pinion gear 450 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 have sharp edges, damage may occur due to concentration of force on the sharp edges. There are concerns.

For example, the concavo-convex parts of the gear teeth 441 of the guide groove 440 and the gear teeth 451 of the first pinion gear 450 may protrude or be concave in a semicircular shape.

Again, referring to FIGS. 7 to 9 , the first rotational 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 means the aforementioned driving unit.

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

At this time, the control unit may change the rotation direction of the first driving member 610 to move the elevation cover 420 up and down.

In addition, the control unit may change the rotational 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 include a motor capable of rotating in both directions.

Therefore, 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 lift cover 420 to which the first pinion gear 450 is fixed and the water outlet nozzle 430 may move up and down.

At this time, the control unit may be connected to the sensing units 710 and 720 and adjust the rotation amount and rotational speed of the first driving member 610 according to the height of the container sensed 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 a coupling structure between a rotator and a 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 position of the water extraction nozzle 430 in the horizontal direction.

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

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 of which the lower end of the upper disk 220 is seated, and a second seating protrusion on which the upper end of the lower disk 230 is seated on the inner lower portion. A plurality of protrusions may be formed.

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

Meanwhile, through holes 221 and 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 and 231 may be disposed coaxially with the center of rotation of the rotator 200 .

The through holes 221 and 231 are formed to notify the operator of installation positions of the purified water pipe and the hot water pipe through which the discharged water flows.

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

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

At this time, a second pinion gear 271 is rotatably mounted at 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 133a. When viewed from above, the protrusion 133a may be formed in a semicircular shape or an arcuate shape.

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

In addition, the second rotational 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 control unit 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 capable of rotating in both directions.

Therefore, when a signal is output from the control unit to the second driving member 620, the second driving member 620 rotates, and the internal gear 133b of the second pinion gear 271 rotates according to the direction of rotation. . 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 The water extraction module 400 connected to ) may also rotate.

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

A specific 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 control method of 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, a method for adjusting the position and height of the water extraction nozzle through the control of the driving unit will be described.

For example, referring to FIGS. 5 and 13 , a method of controlling a water purifier when the sensor 710 is provided as a proximity sensor will be described.

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

Here, the 'container' may have various embodiments such as a cup, a water bottle, a pot, etc., in the range of having an open upper part and an accommodation space in which water is stored.

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

As described above, when the container is located around the front cover 111, the position and height of the container are detected by the sensing unit 710.

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

At this time, a plurality of detectors 710 are disposed along the circumference of the front cover 111 .

Referring to FIG. 5 , the position of the container is sensed by the sensing unit 710 located at the bottom. In this case, the position of the container can be sensed regardless of the height of the container.

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

In step S111, if the proximity sensor 710a on the left side detects a container, the control unit sends a signal to the second driving member 620, and the second driving member 620 and the second driving member 620 The connected second pinion gear 271 is rotated. (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 positioned above the container.

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

In step S112, if the proximity sensor 710b of the center detects a container, the control unit sends a signal to the second driving member 620, and the second driving member 620 and the second driving member 620 The connected second pinion gear 271 is rotated (S122).

Accordingly, the water extraction module 400 may be rotated toward the center, and the water extraction nozzle 430 may be positioned on the top 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 remain located in the center.

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

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

Accordingly, the water extraction module 400 may be rotated to the right, and the water extraction nozzle 430 may be positioned on the top of the container.

According to the above method, the rotator 200 and the water extraction module 400 rotate according to the position of the vessel, and the water extraction nozzle 430 may be located above the vessel.

Meanwhile, as described above, when the water extraction nozzle 430 is located above the vessel, the height of the water extraction nozzle 430 is adjusted according to the height of the vessel.

Hereinafter, description will be made under the assumption that the container is located on the right side of the front cover 111.

First, the container is detected by the proximity sensors 710d, 710e, and 710f spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction on the top of the front cover 111 (S131).

In the case of the present invention, the sensor includes a first sensor and a second sensor disposed below the first sensor, the second sensor detects a container placed around the body of the water purifier, and the first sensor detects the water purifier. When the container placed around the main body of the water purifier is not detected, the control unit may control the driving unit so that the water discharge nozzle descends to a position between the first sensor and the second sensor.

Here, the sensors may mean proximity sensors 710d, 710e, and 710f.

Also, the first sensor may mean the topmost proximity sensor 710d, and the second sensor may mean the proximity sensors 710e and 710f located below the topmost proximity sensor 710d.

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

Accordingly, the elevation cover 420 and the water extraction nozzle 430 may be positioned at the maximum height.

At this time, when the elevation cover 420 and the water extraction nozzle 430 are located at the maximum height in the standby mode, the control unit does not output a separate signal to the first driving member 610, and the elevation cover 420 And the water extraction nozzle 430 can maintain its initial position. (S141)

On the other hand, in step S131, if the container is not detected by all the proximity sensors 710d, 710e, and 710f, the remaining proximity sensors 710e and 710f except for the proximity sensor 710d at the top detect the container. (S132)

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

Accordingly, the elevation cover 420 and the water outlet nozzle 430 may be positioned near the upper end 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 proximity sensor 710d at the top, the proximity sensor 710f at the bottom detects the container. (S133)

If, in the step S133, when the container is detected by the proximity sensor 710f at the bottom, the control unit sends a signal to the first driving member 610, and 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 elevation cover 420 and the water outlet nozzle 430 may be positioned near the upper end of the container positioned near the proximity sensor 710f while descending by a set height.

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

Therefore, the control unit sends a signal to the first drive member 610 to turn the first drive member 610 and the first pinion gear 450 connected to the first drive member 610 at the third rotation greater than the second rotation amount. Rotate as much as the entire amount. (S144)

Accordingly, the elevation cover 420 and the water outlet nozzle 430 may descend to the maximum by a set height and be located near the upper end of the vessel lower than the proximity sensor 710f.

As described above, the container is located around the front cover 111, the water extraction module 400 rotates according to the position and height of the container, and the lifting cover 420 and the water extraction nozzle 430 descend, and the water extraction nozzle When 430 is located at the top of the container, the user presses the water extraction button (S151).

Thereafter, the control unit determines whether purified water or hot water or cold water has been discharged (S152).

When water extraction is completed, the control unit 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, referring to FIGS. 6 and 14 , a method of adjusting the height and height of the water extraction nozzle through control of the drive unit when the sensor 720 is provided as a camera will be described.

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

Here, the 'container' may have various embodiments such as a cup, a water bottle, a pot, etc., in the range of having an open upper part and an accommodation space in which water is stored.

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

As described above, when the container is located around the front cover 111, the position and height of the container are detected by the sensing unit 720.

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

At this time, a plurality of detectors 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 vessel. (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 extraction module 400 is rotated to the location of the cameras 720a, 720b, and 720c where the container is detected (S221).

In detail, in step S211, when the left camera 720a detects a container, the control unit sends a signal to the second driving member 620, and the second driving member 620 and the second driving member 620 are connected to the second driving member 620. Rotate the 2-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 top of the container.

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

Accordingly, the water extraction module 400 may be rotated toward the center, and the water extraction nozzle 430 may be positioned on the top 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 initially high position. there is.

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

Accordingly, the water extraction module 400 may be rotated to the right, and the water extraction nozzle 430 may be positioned on the top of the container.

According to the above method, the rotator 200 and the water extraction module 400 rotate according to the position of the vessel, and the water extraction nozzle 430 may be located above the vessel.

Meanwhile, a camera 720d for determining whether the water extraction nozzle 430 is located in the center of the container is installed at the lower end of the water extraction nozzle 430 or the elevation cover 420 adjacent to the water extraction nozzle 430 . With the position of the water extraction nozzle 430 automatically adjusted by the above process, the control unit 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 extraction nozzle 430 is not located in the center of the container, the rotator 200 and the water extraction module 400 are rotated until the water extraction nozzle 430 is located in the center of the container, so that the water extraction nozzle Readjust the position of (430). (S232)

Meanwhile, in step S231, if it is determined that the water extraction nozzle 430 is located in the center of the vessel, the control unit controls the first driving member 610 to adjust the height of the water extraction nozzle 430 according to the height of the vessel.

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

When the height of the vessel is determined as described above, the controller 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 elevating 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 located around the front cover 111, the water extraction module 400 rotates according to the position and height of the container, and the lifting cover 420 and the water extraction nozzle 430 descend, and the water extraction nozzle When 430 is located at the top of the container, the user presses the water extraction button (S251).

Thereafter, the control unit determines whether or not water extraction has been completed (S252).

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

In the above-described embodiment, the sensor unit 710 or 720 first detects the position of the container, and the control unit controls the drive unit 620 to rotate the water extraction module 400 toward the container. , It has been described that the sensor 710 and 720 secondarily sense the height of the container, and the control unit controls the drive unit 610 to lower the water extraction module 400 toward the container, but the scope of the present invention has been described. It should be noted that is not limited thereto.

As a modified example, the sensor 710 or 720 first detects the height of the container, and the control unit controls the drive unit 610 to lower the water extraction module 400 adjacent to the upper end of the container. , The sensor unit 710 or 720 may secondarily sense the position of the container, and the control unit may control the drive unit 620 to rotate the water extraction module 400 toward the container.

In addition, it has been stated that when water extraction from the water extraction nozzle 430 is completed, the control unit controls the drive units 610 and 620 to return the water extraction module 400 to an initial position, but the scope of the present invention is not limited thereto. let it out

As a modified example, when water extraction is completed from the water extraction nozzle 430, the water extraction nozzle 430 may not return, but may maintain a rotated and lowered state at the position where water extraction proceeded.

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 can be changed in various ways.

In addition, the sensing unit 710 may be installed at the lower end of the lifting cover 420, and the control unit rotates the first driving member 610 and the lifting cover 420 descends, and the top of the container When the distance between the water extraction nozzle 430 and the water extraction nozzle 430 reaches a preset safety distance, the control unit may adjust the height of the water extraction nozzle 430 by stopping the operation of the first driving member 610 .

In addition, in the above description, it has been specified that the position of the water extraction 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 where the sensing unit, the control unit, and the driving unit are turned off (off state), the user directly holds the water extraction module 400 and rotates it in both directions, or grabs the lift cover 420 and lifts it up and down to manually Of course, the position of the water extraction nozzle 430 may be adjusted. However, in this case, the rotating shafts of the first pinion gear and the second pinion gear may include an oil damper or the like providing rotational resistance.

According to the present invention as described above, there is an advantage in that the position and height of the water extraction nozzle can be freely changed while the water extraction module formed with the water extraction nozzle is coupled to the main body of the water purifier. There is also the advantage that the lifting operation is performed automatically. In addition, when a container such as a cup is placed near the water purifier by the user, the water purifier detects this and automatically rotates the water extraction nozzle 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 is discharged while the height thereof is automatically adjusted. In addition, there is an advantage in that water extraction proceeds in a state where the position of the water extraction nozzle is adjusted, and when water extraction is completed, the water extraction nozzle automatically returns to the initial position.

Claims (15)

A water purifier main body having a filter inside to purify raw water supplied from the outside and supplying purified water thereto;
a fixed cover coupled to the main body of the water purifier, provided with an elevating space on the inside in a vertical direction, and having an open lower side; an elevating cover accommodated in the elevating space of the fixed cover for an elevating operation; and installed at a lower end of the elevating cover. a water extraction module including a water extraction nozzle for discharging purified water supplied from the main body of the water purifier to the outside;
a drive unit installed inside the lift cover and providing power required for the lift operation of the lift cover;
a sensor installed in the water extraction module or the body of the water purifier and recognizing a height of a container placed around the body of the water purifier; and
A water purifier having a control unit receiving height information of a container from the sensor and controlling the driving unit to move the water extraction nozzle to an upper portion of the container.
According to claim 1,
The sensing unit is a water purifier, characterized in that provided as a sensor or a camera.
According to claim 1,
the sensor,
The water purifier, characterized in that installed on a front cover covering the front of the water purifier main body or a side panel forming a side surface of the water purifier main body.
According to claim 1,
The sensing unit is provided with a plurality,
A water purifier arranged in a longitudinal or transverse direction.
According to claim 4,
The water purifier wherein a plurality of detection units are disposed in a circumferential direction of the front cover or a plurality of detection units are disposed in a longitudinal direction of the front cover.
According to claim 4,
The sensing unit includes a first sensor and a second sensor disposed below the first sensor,
When the second sensor detects a container placed around the water purifier body and the first sensor does not detect a container placed around the water purifier body,
The control unit controls the driving unit so that the water extraction nozzle descends to a position between the first sensor and the second sensor.
According to claim 1,
The water purifier, characterized in that the sensor is installed at the lower end of the water extraction module or the water extraction nozzle.
According to claim 1.
At least a part of the water extraction module protrudes forward from the main body of the water purifier.
According to claim 1,
The output module,
and a guide unit for guiding the elevation cover to ascend and descend in a straight line.
According to claim 9
The guide part:
a guide groove formed on the fixing cover along an elevation direction and having gear teeth formed therein;
and a first pinion gear rotatably coupled to the elevation cover and inserted into the guide groove.
According to claim 10,
The driving part includes a first driving member connected to the first rotation shaft of the first pinion gear to provide rotational power.
According to claim 11,
The water purifier according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit moves the elevation cover up and down by changing a rotational direction of the first driving member.
In the control method of a water purifier according to any one of claims 1 or 12,
placing a container around the water purifier body by a user;
Sensing the height of the container by the sensing unit;
Controlling, by the control unit, the driving unit;
lowering the water extraction module from an initial position by the operation of the driving unit so that the water extraction nozzle is positioned adjacent to an upper portion of the container; and
A control method of a water purifier comprising the step of proceeding with water extraction from the water extraction nozzle.
According to claim 13,
The control method of the water purifier, characterized in that, when water extraction from the water extraction nozzle is completed, the control unit controls the driving unit to return the water extraction nozzle to an initial position.
According to claim 13,
A control method of a water purifier wherein, by the operation of the drive unit, when a user inputs a water extraction command in a state where the water extraction nozzle is positioned adjacent to the upper portion of the container, water is discharged from the water extraction nozzle.

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