WO2022181989A1

WO2022181989A1 - Water purifier, and method for controlling same

Info

Publication number: WO2022181989A1
Application number: PCT/KR2022/000866
Authority: WO
Inventors: 조성호; 김완회
Original assignee: 삼성전자주식회사
Priority date: 2021-02-26
Filing date: 2022-01-18
Publication date: 2022-09-01

Abstract

A water purifier according to one embodiment comprises: a water purifier body; a water discharge unit connected to the water purifier body; and a control unit for controlling the water purifier body and the water discharge unit. The water discharge unit comprises: a water discharge pipe; a user interface receiving a user input; and an indiciating apparatus outputting light on the basis of water discharged from the water discharge pipe. The control unit may: control the indicating apparatus to output light of a color corresponding to a type of water selected by a user, during standby time required until water is discharged; and control to reduce the flickering interval of the indicating apparatus and/or control to change the color of the light output from the indicating apparatus, while the indicating apparatus is flickering as the standby time elapses.

Description

Water purifier and its control method

The present invention relates to a water extraction unit and a water purifier including the same, and more particularly, to a water purifier equipped with an indication device.

A water purifier is a device that provides drinking water to users by removing harmful substances contained in raw water such as tap water or groundwater through various purification methods such as precipitation, filtration, and sterilization. The water purifier is provided so that one or more water filters filter the inflow water to supply clean water to the user.

When classifying water purifiers based on their shape, they can be divided into a direct connection type that is directly connected to the faucet, and a storage type that puts water in a container and allows it to pass through the filter. It can be divided into overeating, ion exchange resin type, distillation type, reverse osmosis type, and the like.

Direct connection filtration is a method of directly connecting a water purifier to a water pipe, and impurities are filtered as water passes through the filter by hydraulic pressure. This purified water may be discharged through a faucet and used as drinking water. The faucet may also be referred to as a water draw unit.

In such a direct-connected filtration type water purifier, the main body in which the filter is built is disposed in the space under the sink, and the faucet may be provided in the sink. This type of water purifier is called an undersink water purifier.

In many cases, the faucet of the undersink water purifier is provided to be rotated for the convenience of the user by enabling the position of the water outlet to be changed. In this case, it may be difficult for the user to intuitively grasp the location of the water outlet due to the change of the location of the water outlet.

In addition, a user who is working on washing, cooking, etc., needs to be able to immediately obtain information about water currently being drawn from the faucet without observing the user interface of the faucet.

Provided are a water purifier capable of indicating the type of water selected for water extraction with an indication device provided on the side of the water outlet, and notifying water extraction by changing at least one of a blinking cycle or a color of output light during a waiting time for water extraction, and a method for controlling the same.

A water purifier according to an embodiment includes a water purifier body; a water outlet unit connected to the water purifier body; and a control unit controlling the water purifier body and the water outlet unit, wherein the water outlet unit includes: a water outlet pipe; a user interface for receiving user input; and an indicating device for outputting light based on the water discharged from the water outlet, wherein the control unit outputs light of a color corresponding to the type of water selected by the user in a waiting time required before water is discharged. control, and as the waiting time elapses, at least one of a control for shortening a blinking period of the indicating device in a blinking state of the indicating device or a control for changing a color of light output from the indicating device can be performed have.

The controller may shorten the blinking period in stages as the waiting time elapses.

The controller may control the indicating device to decrease the number of blinks whenever the blinking cycle is shortened in stages.

The water purifier body includes a heater for heating the purified water, and the controller controls the heater so that the temperature of the purified water is heated to a set temperature of hot water during the waiting time when the type of water selected by the user is hot water. can do.

The control unit may adjust the step-by-step shortening width of the blinking period based on the rate of increase of the temperature of the integer.

The control unit may adjust a step-by-step decrease in the number of blinks based on a rate of increase in the temperature of the integer.

The controller may control the indicating device to change the color of light based on the set temperature of the hot water.

The water purifier body includes a drain pipe connected to a drain port, and the controller is configured to discharge the stagnant water of the water purifier body to the drain port during the waiting time when the type of water selected by the user is cold water. You can control the body.

The controller may control the indicating device to change the color of the light at a preset period as the waiting time elapses.

The control unit may adjust the preset period based on a rate of increase in the temperature of the integer.

The controller may control the indicating device to change the color of the light in a cycle that is shortened as the waiting time elapses.

The controller may control the indicating device to change the color of light by adjusting saturation in a color corresponding to the type of water selected by the user as the waiting time elapses.

The water purifier may further include a communication unit configured to communicate with an external electronic device, and the control unit may be configured to receive a water extraction command from the user interface when receiving a water extraction command from the external electronic device through the communication unit. The pointing device can be controlled to output different colors of light.

The indicating device includes a light source capable of emitting light in a plurality of different colors, and the control unit is configured to correspond to a selected one of purified water, cold water, and hot water among the plurality of colors when any one of purified water, cold water, and hot water is selected. The light source may be controlled to emit light in color.

The pointing device may include a guide case guiding the light emitted from the light source in a direction in which the water outlet pipe extends; and a light guide cover coupled to the guide case and guiding the light of the light source guided by the guide case.

The control method of the water purifier according to an embodiment including a water purifier body and a water outlet unit connected to the water purifier body and including a water outlet pipe and a light indicating device for outputting a light corresponds to the type of water selected by a user in a waiting time required before water is dispensed control the pointing device to output light of a color of and performing at least one of a control for shortening a blinking cycle of the indicating device or a control for changing a color of light output from the indicating device in a state in which the indicating device blinks as the waiting time elapses. .

According to the water purifier according to an embodiment, the type of water selected for water extraction may be displayed with an indication device provided on the side of the water outlet, and at least one of a blinking period or a color of the output light may be changed during the waiting time for water extraction to notify the water extraction.

1 is a view schematically showing a water purifier according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the water extraction unit shown in FIG. 1 .

3 is a side cross-sectional view of the water extraction unit shown in FIG. 2 .

FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of part A of FIG. 3 .

Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the indicating device shown in Fig. 2;

FIG. 6 is a view showing a cross-section taken along line X-X' of FIG. 5 .

FIG. 7 is a view showing a cross-section taken along Y-Y′ of FIG. 5 .

8 is a control block diagram of a water purifier according to an exemplary embodiment.

9 is a diagram illustrating a flow of water in a water purifier according to an exemplary embodiment.

10 is a view for explaining a case in which the color of light output by the water purifier according to an embodiment is changed according to the type of water.

11 is a view for explaining a case in which the water purifier according to an exemplary embodiment controls a blinking period and a blinking number according to the elapse of a standby time.

12 is a diagram illustrating a case in which the water purifier controls a blinking period according to the elapse of a standby time according to an exemplary embodiment.

13 is a diagram illustrating a case in which the number of blinks of the water purifier according to an exemplary embodiment is controlled according to the elapse of a standby time.

14 is a diagram illustrating a case in which the water purifier according to an exemplary embodiment controls a shortening width of a blinking cycle according to a temperature increase rate.

15 is a diagram illustrating a case in which a decrease in the number of blinks is controlled by the water purifier according to an exemplary embodiment according to a temperature increase rate.

16 is a view for explaining a case in which the water purifier controls the color of output light according to the elapse of a waiting time according to an exemplary embodiment.

17 and 18 are diagrams illustrating a case in which the water purifier according to an exemplary embodiment controls a color change cycle according to a temperature increase rate.

19 is a diagram illustrating an example of color change of output light according to an exemplary embodiment.

20 is a diagram illustrating a case in which the water purifier according to an embodiment controls both a blinking period and a color of output light according to the elapse of a standby time.

21 is a diagram for explaining a case in which the color of output light is changed by the water purifier according to an exemplary embodiment based on a set temperature of hot water.

22 is a diagram for describing a case in which the water purifier determines the color of output light according to a means for receiving a water out command according to an exemplary embodiment.

23 is a flowchart illustrating a case in which at least one of a blinking period or a color of output light is changed as a waiting time elapses in a method of controlling a water purifier according to an exemplary embodiment.

24 is a flowchart illustrating a case in which a blinking cycle is shortened as a standby time elapses in a method of controlling a water purifier according to an exemplary embodiment.

25 is a flowchart illustrating a case in which a color of output light is changed as a waiting time elapses in a method of controlling a water purifier according to an exemplary embodiment.

The configuration shown in the embodiments and drawings described in this specification is only a preferred example of the disclosed invention, and there may be various modifications that can replace the embodiments and drawings of the present specification at the time of filing of the present application.

Throughout this specification, when a part is "connected" to another part, it includes not only a case in which it is directly connected, but also a case in which it is indirectly connected, and the indirect connection refers to being connected through a wireless communication network. include

In addition, the terms used herein are used to describe the embodiments, and are not intended to limit and/or limit the disclosed invention. The singular expression includes the plural expression unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. In the present specification, terms such as “comprise” or “have” are intended to designate that a feature, number, step, operation, component, part, or combination thereof described in the specification exists, but one or more other features It does not preclude the possibility of the presence or addition of numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

In addition, terms including an ordinal number such as "first", "second", etc. used herein may be used to describe various elements, but the elements are not limited by the terms, and the terms are It is used only for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another. For example, without departing from the scope of the present invention, a first component may be referred to as a second component, and similarly, a second component may also be referred to as a first component.

In addition, terms such as "~ part", "~ group", "~ block", "~ member", and "~ module" may mean a unit for processing at least one function or operation. For example, the terms may mean at least one process processed by at least one hardware such as a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) / application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), at least one software stored in a memory, or a processor. have.

The signs attached to each step are used to identify each step, and these signs do not indicate the order between the steps, and each step is performed differently from the stated order unless the context clearly indicates a specific order. can be

Hereinafter, an embodiment according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Referring to FIG. 1 , the water purifier 1 may include a water purifier body 10 and a water outlet unit 100 connected to the water purifier body 10 to discharge water to the outside of the water purifier body 10 . The water purifier body 10 may be disposed under the kitchen workbench 2 , and the water outlet unit 100 may be disposed above the kitchen workbench 2 . The kitchen worktop 2 may include a sink. The sink may include a sink and a kitchen countertop. The water extraction unit 100 may be referred to as a faucet.

The water extraction unit 100 may be installed above the kitchen workbench 2 . The water outlet unit 100 may be installed above the sink. The water extraction unit 100 may be rotatably provided on the upper portion of the kitchen workbench 2 . The water outlet unit 100 may be connected to the water purifier body 10 through the connecting member 40 .

The water purifier body 10 may be disposed inside the kitchen workbench 2 . The water purifier body 10 may include a filter unit 20 including at least one filter 21 , and a heat exchange unit 30 provided to cool or heat water purified by the filter unit 20 . have. Although not shown, the heat exchange unit 30 may include a refrigeration cycle device including a compressor, a condenser, an expansion valve and an evaporator, and a heater.

The water purifier body 10 may receive raw water such as tap water through an external pipe 43 .

The connection member 40 connected to the water purifier body 10 includes a first pipe 41 connected to the water outlet unit 100 and a second pipe 42 connected to a faucet 400 installed on the kitchen workbench 2 . ) may be included. The first pipe 41 may include a plurality of first pipes 41 .

An installation part 3 for installing the water outlet unit 100 may be provided on the kitchen workbench 2 . The installation part 3 may be formed by opening at least a part of the kitchen worktop 2 . The first pipe 41 and the water outlet unit 100 may be connected to each other through the installation part 3 of the kitchen workbench 2 .

The water extraction unit 100 may be rotatably installed in the installation part 3 . The water purifier 1 may include a rotating device 200 for rotatably installing the water outlet unit 100 to the installation unit 3 . The rotating device 200 may be coupled to the kitchen workbench 2 .

The water purifier 1 may include a pipe fixing device 300 provided to fix the first pipe 41 . The pipe fixing device 300 may be disposed inside the kitchen workbench 2 . The pipe fixing device 300 may be disposed between the water purifier body 10 and the water outlet unit 100 . The pipe fixing device 300 may be fixed to at least one of the water purifier body 10 and the kitchen workbench 2 . In the pipe fixing device 300 , a part of the first pipe 41 may be wound, and as a part of the first pipe 41 is unwound or wound around the pipe fixing device 300 , the length of the first pipe 41 . can be extended or shortened.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the water extraction unit 100 illustrated in FIG. 1 , FIG. 3 is a side cross-sectional view of the water extraction unit 100 illustrated in FIG. 2 , and FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of part A of FIG. 3 . .

2 to 4 , the water extraction unit 100 may include a body 110 that forms an exterior and in which various parts may be disposed. The body 110 may be formed in an approximately gyeokgye shape. One side of the body 110 may be rotatably coupled to the kitchen worktop 2 . Specifically, the body 110 may include a neck housing 120 extending approximately upward, and a head housing 130 extending approximately horizontally from an upper end of the neck housing 120 . The lower end may be rotatably coupled to the kitchen workbench 2 by the rotating device 200 .

The neck housing 120 and the head housing 130 may be formed separately and coupled to each other, and the neck housing 120 and the head housing 130 may be integrally formed.

The neck housing 120 may be perpendicular to or inclined with respect to one surface of the kitchen worktop 2 on which the installation part 3 is formed.

The water outlet unit 100 may include a water outlet pipe 140 disposed at the other end of the body 110 opposite to one end of the body 110 coupled to the kitchen workbench 2 . The water outlet pipe 140 may be disposed at the other end of the head housing 130 opposite to one end of the head housing 130 connected to the neck housing 120 . The water outlet pipe 140 may form a water outlet 141 through which water is discharged to the outside of the water outlet unit 100 . The water outlet pipe 140 may extend in the vertical direction, and the water outlet 141 may be disposed below the other end of the body 110 . Since the water outlet pipe 140 may be fixed to the head housing 130 , the position may be changed according to the rotation of the body 110 .

The water outlet unit 100 may include at least one

pipe

171 , 172 , 173 , 174 , 175 disposed inside the body 110 . Water supplied by the water purifier body 10 may flow inside the

pipes

171 , 172 , 173 , 174 , and 175 . The at least one

pipe

171 , 172 , 173 , 174 , and 175 may form the water outlet flow path 180 so that water supplied by the water purifier body 10 flows. The

pipes

171 , 172 , 173 , 174 , and 175 may be connected to the water outlet pipe 140 . The water outlet flow path 180 may communicate with the water outlet 141 .

The at least one pipe ( 171 , 172 , 173 , 174 , 175 ) may include first to third pipes ( 171 , 172 , 173 ) and first to second elbow pipes ( 174 , 175 ). One end of the first pipe 173 may be connected to the first pipe 41 by a connector, and the other end of the first pipe 173 may be connected to the water outlet valve 150 . One end of the second pipe 172 may be connected to the water outlet valve 150 , and the other end of the second pipe 172 may be connected to the third pipe 171 by the first elbow pipe 174 . The third pipe 171 may be connected to the water outlet pipe 140 by the second elbow pipe 175 . Two or more of the first pipe 173 , the second pipe 172 , the third pipe 171 , the first elbow pipe 174 , and the second elbow pipe 175 may be integrally formed. Meanwhile, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the first pipe 173 may be omitted so that the first pipe 41 may be directly connected to the water outlet valve 150 .

The water outlet unit 100 may include a water outlet valve 150 that can turn on or lock the water. That is, the water outlet valve 150 may control whether water is discharged from the water outlet 141 . The water outlet valve 150 may be disposed on the water outlet flow path 180 . The water outlet valve 150 may control water flowing from the first pipe 173 to the second pipe 172 . That is, the water outlet valve 150 may open and close the water outlet flow path 180 . In other words, the water outlet valve 150 may selectively supply water into the

pipes

171 , 172 , 174 , and 175 disposed on the opposite side to the first pipe 41 with respect to the water outlet valve 150 .

The water outlet valve 150 may be disposed inside the body 110 . The water outlet valve 150 may be disposed inside the neck housing 120 .

The water dispensing unit 100 may include a water dispensing mechanism 101 for controlling the water dispensing valve 150 . The water outlet mechanism 101 may control whether water is discharged from the water outlet 141 by controlling the water outlet valve 150 . The water extraction mechanism 101 may be configured as a lever or a button.

The water dispensing unit 100 may include a user interface 160 capable of receiving a touch input and outputting an image. The user interface 160 may form an upper surface of the water dispensing unit 100 . Specifically, the head housing 130 may be opened upward, and the user interface 160 is coupled to the upper end of the open head housing 130 to provide an internal space of the head housing 130 in which various electronic components are disposed. can cover

However, the type and location of the user interface 160 is not limited to the above example, and as long as it is a type and location that can receive a water extraction command, a type of water for water extraction, and/or a set temperature of hot water from a user, it is employed without limitation. can be Hereinafter, an example in which the user interface 160 corresponds to a display capable of displaying various information and receiving a touch input will be described as an example.

The user interface 160 may be disposed on the water outlet pipe 140 . The user interface 160 may be disposed on the other end of the head housing 130 opposite to one end of the head housing 130 connected to the neck housing 120 . The user interface 160 may extend from the other end of the head housing 130 toward one end of the head housing 130 by a predetermined length.

The user interface 160 may be electrically connected to the water purifier body 10 by an electric wire or may be wirelessly connected to the water purifier body 10 . The user interface 160 provides a touch input for commanding a water dispense, a touch input for selecting a type of water desired by the user, a touch input for selecting the amount of water discharged from the water outlet 141, and/or a hot water setting temperature for selecting a set temperature. A touch input may be accepted, and an input signal corresponding to the received touch input may be transmitted to the water purifier body 10 . Upon receiving the input signal from the user interface 160, the water purifier body 10 supplies the selected type of water to the water dispenser 100 according to the input signal, or supplies the water dispenser unit ( The amount of water supplied to 100 ) may be adjusted, and hot water heated to a set temperature of hot water may be supplied to the water outlet unit 100 .

For example, the selection of the amount of water discharged may be selecting one of 120 ml, 500 ml, 1000 ml, or continuous water. The continuous water extraction may refer to a state in which water is continuously discharged until the user operates the water extraction mechanism 101 to lock the water.

Meanwhile, the water discharged from the water outlet 141 may be classified into purified water, cold water, and hot water depending on whether it is cooled or heated. Purified water may refer to water supplied to the water outlet unit 100 without separate cooling or heating after raw water is filtered by the filter 21 . Cold water may refer to water supplied to the outflow water unit 100 in a state in which raw water is filtered by the filter 21 and then cooled by the heat exchange unit 30 . Hot water may refer to water supplied to the water outlet unit 100 in a state in which raw water is filtered by the filter 21 and then heated by the heat exchange unit 30 . That is, purified water, cold water, and hot water may correspond to water having different temperatures. Among cold water, purified water, and hot water, the temperature of cold water is the lowest and the temperature of hot water is the highest, and the temperature of purified water is higher than that of cold water and lower than that of hot water. Therefore, selecting the type of water may correspond to selecting any one of purified water, cold water, and hot water classified based on temperature.

However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, water discharged from the water extraction unit 100 may be classified based on a chemical composition such as a concentration of a specific ion, or a state of a substance, etc. It may correspond to selecting any one of the types of water.

The user interface 160 may output an image button so that the user may input for selection of purified water, cold water, or hot water, an input for selection of an outlet amount, or an input for selection of a set temperature of hot water. The user may operate the water purifier body 10 by touching an area of the user interface 160 where the image button appears.

The water extraction unit 100 may include a rotating device 200 for rotatably fixing the body 110 to the installation unit 3 . The rotating device 200 includes a cylindrical rotating bracket 202 having one end rotatably coupled to the lower end of the neck housing 120 and having a through hole 201 through which the first pipe 41 passes; It may include a fixing member 203 to which the bracket 202 is inserted and fixed. Specifically, a thread may be formed on the outer surface of the rotation bracket 202 , and in a state where the rotation bracket 202 penetrates the installation part 3 , the fixing member 203 penetrates the installation part 3 like a nut. It may be screwed to a part of one rotation bracket 202 .

The water extraction unit 100 may include an indication device 500 for providing information on water discharged from the water extraction pipe 140 using light.

The indicating device 500 may include a first indicator 510 indicating a water extraction location and a second indicator 520 indicating what the user has selected. The first indicator 510 and the second indicator 520 may be disposed adjacent to the water outlet pipe 140 .

The first indicator 510 may indicate a position (or a “water outlet position”) at which water is discharged from the water outlet pipe 140 that is moved to a specific position according to the rotation of the body 110 . The user's selection indicated by the second indicator 520 may be a water type. The second indicator 520 may indicate which one of purified water, cold water, and hot water is selected by the user.

According to an embodiment, the second indicator 520 may flash with light of a color corresponding to the type of water selected by the user for the waiting time required before water is dispensed. Make it possible to know the elapsed waiting time and the time of water discharge.

In addition, according to an embodiment, the second indicator 520 may output light of a color (eg, red) corresponding to the type of water selected by the user during the waiting time required before water is dispensed, and as the waiting time elapses, the second indicator 520 may output light. By changing the color of the output light (eg, light red, dark red), the user can know when the waiting time has elapsed and when the water is drawn out.

Furthermore, according to an embodiment, the second indicator 520 may shorten the blinking period and change the color of the output light as the waiting time required before water is drawn elapses. The operation of the second indicator 520 will be described in detail later.

The indicating device 500 may surround and cover the outer circumferential surface of the water outlet pipe 140 . In other words, the water outlet pipe 140 may be inserted approximately at the center of the indicating device 500 . At this time, one end of the second elbow pipe 175 coupled to the water outlet pipe 140 may also be inserted into the indicating device 500 .

The indicating device 500 may be repositioned together with the water outlet pipe 140 according to the rotation of the body 110 . The first indicator 510 may be formed on the lower surface of the indicating device 500 , and the second indicator 520 may be formed in an annular shape on the outer peripheral surface of the indicating device 500 .

The first indicator 510 may form an image under the water outlet pipe 140 by irradiating light down the water outlet pipe 140 . Specifically, the first indicator 510 may form an image on the surface of one area of the kitchen workbench 2 positioned below the water outlet 141 . The user can intuitively grasp the water outlet position by looking at the image made by the first indicator 510, and can receive water by placing the container at the position where the image is formed.

The second indicator 520 may emit light to the outer peripheral surface of the indicating device 500 . The second indicator 520 may emit light in a color corresponding to the user's selection, and the user may see the emission color of the second indicator 520 and check information about the water dispensed based on the user's selection. For example, when cold water is being dispensed, the second indicator 520 emits light in a first color (eg, blue), and when hot water is being dispensed, the second indicator 520 emits a second color (eg, red). , and when purified water is being dispensed, the third indicator 520 may emit light in a third color (eg, white). The first to third colors are different colors.

In addition, as described above, according to an embodiment, the second indicator 520 may output light of a color corresponding to the type of water selected by the user in the waiting time required before water extraction, and as the waiting time elapses, the second indicator 520 may output light. , in the blinking state, at least one of an operation of shortening the blinking period or an operation of changing the color of the output light is performed so that the user can know the elapse of the waiting time and the timing of water extraction. The operation of the second indicator 520 of the indicating device 500 during the waiting time will be described in detail later.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the pointing device 500 shown in FIG. 2 , FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line X-X' of FIG. 5, and FIG. 7 is a cross-section taken along line Y-Y' of FIG. 5 . It is the drawing shown.

5 to 7 , the pointing device 500 includes a light source module 600 including a plurality of

light sources

610 and 620 , and a guide assembly 700 for guiding the light emitted from the light source module 600 . can do.

The light source module 600 may be disposed on the guide assembly 700 . The light source module 600 may be coupled to the guide assembly 700 . The light source module 600 may be disposed inside the head housing 130 . The light source module 600 may be disposed such that a plurality of

light sources

610 and 620 are adjacent to the water outlet pipe 140 . The light source module 600 may form a seating groove 630 in which the second elbow pipe 175 is seated.

The plurality of light sources of the light source module 600 may include a first light source 610 and a pair of second light sources 620 . The first light source 610 and the second light source 620 may be spaced apart from each other. The first light source 610 and the second light source 620 may be disposed to face the guide assembly 700 .

The first light source 610 and the second light source 620 may emit light downward. The second light source 620 may emit light in a plurality of colors. For example, the second light source 620 may selectively emit light in any one of a first color, a second color, and a third color, and may emit light in one color and then switch to another color. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the second light source 620 may emit light in two colors or in four or more colors.

The first light source 610 may include a first LED 611 . The second light source 620 may include a second LED 621 capable of emitting light in a plurality of colors. The second LED 621 may correspond to an RGB LED. However, according to an embodiment, the second light source 620 may include a red LED, a green LED, and a blue LED. Hereinafter, for convenience of description, it will be described that the second light source 620 includes the second LED 621 corresponding to the RGB LED as an example.

The light source module 600 may include a housing 601 in which the printed circuit board 623 on which the first and

second LEDs

611 and 621 are mounted is accommodated. The light source module 600 may include an upper housing 602 forming an upper surface of the light source module 600 and a lower housing 603 forming a lower surface of the light source module 600 . An upper housing 602 may be coupled to an upper end of the lower housing 603 . However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the upper housing 602 and the lower housing 603 may be integrally formed.

The lower housing 603 has a through hole 612 corresponding to the first LED 611 and provided to allow the first LED 611 to pass therethrough, and a second LED 621 corresponding to the second LED 621 . It may include a cover portion 622 that covers the. The lower housing 603 may be formed of a substantially transparent material or a translucent material. As the first LED 611 is inserted into the through hole 612 , the first light source 610 may be formed, and as the second LED 621 is covered by the cover part 622 , the second light source 620 . ) can be formed.

The guide assembly 700 may be disposed under the light source module 600 and may form the exterior of the water outlet unit 100 .

The guide assembly 700 forms a hollow part 760 that is penetrated by the water outlet pipe 140 and guides the light of the first light source 610 and the light of the second light source 620 in one direction so as not to mix with each other. A case 740 may be included. Specifically, the guide case 740 may guide the light of the first light source 610 and the light of the second light source 620 in the vertical direction so as not to mix with each other.

The guide case 740 may surround and cover the outer circumferential surface of the water outlet pipe 140 . The guide case 740 may be formed of a material such as a metal (eg, aluminum) or a synthetic resin.

The guide case 740 includes a first guide hole 741 for guiding the light of the first light source 610 downward, and a second guide hole 742 for guiding the light from the second light source 620 downward. can do. The first guide hole 741 and the second guide hole 742 may pass through upper and lower surfaces of the guide case 740 . Light from the first light source 610 may be introduced into the upper end of the first guide hole 741 . Light from the second light source 620 may be introduced into the upper end of the second guide hole 742 . Light from the first light source 610 may be emitted to a lower end of the first guide hole 741 . Light from the second light source 620 may be emitted to a lower end of the second guide hole 742 . The first guide hole 741 and the second guide hole 742 may be separated from each other. The first guide hole 741 may be disposed at a position corresponding to the first light source 610 . The second guide hole 742 may be disposed at a position corresponding to the second light source 620 . The second guide hole 742 may include a pair of second guide holes 742 disposed at positions corresponding to each of the pair of second light sources 620 .

The guide case 740 is formed on the upper end of the first guide hole 741 so that the first light source 610 is seated and may include a leakage reducing curved surface 741a that reduces light leakage of the first light source 610 . have. The leakage reduction curved surface 741a may be formed in a shape corresponding to one surface of the first LED 611 having a curved shape. The leakage reducing curved surface 741a may be in contact with the surface of the first LED 611 having a curved shape, and the leakage reducing curved surface 741a in contact with the surface of the first LED 611 may be in contact with the first guide hole 741 . By reflecting the light emitted to a space other than this to the first LED 611 again, most of the light emitted from the first LED 611 may be incident to the first guide hole 741 . However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the leakage reducing curved surface 741a may be omitted and may be flat like other portions of the upper surface of the guide case 740 .

The guide assembly 700 may include a light guide cover 750 into which the light guided by the guide case 740 is incident. The optical guide cover 750 may cover the first guide hole 741 and the second guide hole 742 . The light guide cover 750 may be formed of a substantially transparent material. The light guide cover 750 may be formed of plastic, acrylic, glass, or the like to be substantially transparent.

The light guide cover 750 may be coupled to the guide case 740 . Specifically, the light guide cover 750 includes a coupling hook 754 extending upward from the bottom wall part 753, and as the coupling hook 754 is fastened to the guide case 740, the light guide cover 750. may be coupled to the guide case 740 .

The light guide cover 750 includes a bottom wall portion 753 forming a lower surface of the guide assembly 700 corresponding to a lower surface of the pointing device 500 , and a side wall portion 752 protruding upward from the outer periphery of the bottom wall portion 753 . ) and a light emitting rib 751 extending from the outer peripheral surface of the side wall part 752 in a radial direction of the side wall part 752 and/or a radial direction of the water outlet pipe 140 . The light guide cover 750 transmits the light of the second light source 620 guided by the guide case 740 in the radial direction of the side wall part 752 and/or the radius of the water outlet pipe 140 through the light emitting rib 751 . direction can be emitted.

The bottom wall part 753 may be formed in a substantially annular shape with an open center so as to form an opening at a position corresponding to the hollow part 760 . The side wall part 752 extending upwardly from the outer periphery of the bottom wall part 753 may be formed in a cylindrical shape. The light emitting rib 751 extending in a radial direction from the outer circumferential surface of the side wall part 752 may be formed in a substantially annular shape. Accordingly, the water outlet pipe 140 may pass through the light guide cover 750 , and the light guide cover 750 may surround and cover the outer circumferential surface of the water outlet pipe 140 . The lower end of the guide case 740 may be inserted into the central opening of the bottom wall portion 753 to be coupled thereto.

The bottom wall part 753 may cover or shield the lower end of the first guide hole 741 . The light of the first light source 610 guided by the first guide hole 741 may be incident on the bottom wall part 753, and the light guide cover 750 is the first light source ( The light of 610 may be emitted below the water outlet pipe 140 . In this case, a region of the bottom wall part 753 from which the light of the first light source 610 is emitted may correspond to the first indicator 510 .

On the other hand, the light guide cover 750 is formed on the bottom wall portion 753 so as to be disposed at a position corresponding to the first guide hole 741 and the light of the first light source 610 guided by the first guide hole 741 . It may include a lens 755 capable of condensing the light. Lens 755 may include a convex lens. The light guide cover 750 may emit the light of the first light source 610 focused while passing through the lens 755 down the water outlet pipe 140 . However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the lens 755 may be omitted.

The light guide cover 750 may emit the light of the second light source 620 to the outer peripheral surface of the indicating device 500 . Hereinafter, a process in which the light of the second light source 620 is guided to the outer peripheral surface of the indicating device 500 will be described.

The guide assembly 700 may include a diffusion space 780 formed between the light guide cover 750 and the guide case 740 . The conversion space 780 may correspond to a spaced apart space between the light guide cover 750 and the guide case 740 . The diffusion space 780 may form a closed loop surrounding the water outlet pipe 140 . A bottom surface of the diffusion space 780 may be formed by a bottom wall portion 753 , and at least a portion of an outer peripheral surface of the diffusion space 780 may be formed by a side wall portion 752 . The inner peripheral surface of the diffusion space 780 may be formed by the guide case 740 .

The diffusion space 780 may be partitioned from the first guide hole 741 so that the light of the first light source 610 guided by the first guide hole 741 does not leak into the diffusion space 780 . The diffusion space 780 may communicate with the second guide hole 742 . A lower end of the second guide hole 742 may be connected to the diffusion space 780 .

The light of the second light source 620 guided by the second guide hole 742 may be incident into the diffusion space 780 . The second light source 620 guided by the second guide hole 742 may be diffused and/or diffusely reflected in the diffusion space 780 to be incident on the inner circumferential surface of the sidewall part 752 .

The light emitting rib 751 connected to the sidewall 752 may be exposed on the outer peripheral surface of the pointing device 500 . That is, the light emitting rib 751 may be exposed on the outer peripheral surface of the guide assembly 700 . Specifically, the guide assembly 700 may include first and

second decoration plates

710 and 720 forming the exterior of the pointing device 500 , and the light emitting ribs 751 are vertically aligned with the first decoration plate 710 in the vertical direction. and the second decoration plate 720 to form the exterior of the pointing device 500 and to be exposed on the outer peripheral surface of the pointing device 500 .

The light of the second light source 620 incident on the inner circumferential surface of the sidewall part 752 may be guided to the light emitting rib 751 , and may be emitted from the light emitting rib 751 to the outside of the indicating device 500 . In this case, a region of the light emitting rib 751 exposed to the outside of the indicating device 500 may correspond to the second indicator 520 .

The first and

second decoration plates

710 and 720 may extend in an outer circumferential direction of the guide assembly 700 . The first and

second decoration plates

710 and 720 may be formed in an annular shape to form an outer circumferential surface of the pointing device 500 . A guide case 740 may be inserted into the first deco plate 710 , and the first deco plate 710 may be coupled to an outer circumferential surface of the guide case 740 . The light guide cover 750 may be inserted into the second deco plate 720 , and the second deco plate 720 may be coupled to the outer peripheral surface of the sidewall portion 752 of the light guide cover 750 .

The guide assembly 700 may include a light blocking member 770 disposed on the upper surface of the bottom wall part 753 and provided to prevent the light of the second light source 620 from being emitted through the bottom wall part 753 . . The light blocking member 770 may be provided in a shape corresponding to the bottom wall portion 753 . The light blocking member 770 may be formed in a substantially annular shape. The light blocking member 770 may include a cutout formed at a position corresponding to the lower end of the first guide hole 741 to prevent the lower end of the first guide hole 741 from being covered by the light blocking member 770 . .

The light blocking member 770 reflects or absorbs light toward the bottom wall part 753 from among the light of the second light source 620 that has entered the diffusion space 780 into the diffusion space 780, so that the second light source 620 is formed. It is possible to prevent penetration of the bottom wall portion 753 .

In this way, the indicating device 500 implements a plurality of

indicators

510 and 520 as one device to achieve miniaturization of a product and reduce manufacturing costs, and a plurality of

light sources

610 and 620 used for the

indicators

510 and 520. The information of the

indicators

510 and 520 can be more clearly transmitted to the user by preventing the light of the

indicators

510 and 520 from being mixed with each other or leaking into unnecessary areas.

However, according to an embodiment, the indicating device 500 may omit the first indicator 510 and the first light source 610 , and in this case, only the second indicator 520 and the second light source 620 . In addition, the light of the second light source 620 may be guided to the outer peripheral surface of the pointing device 500 .

Furthermore, according to the embodiment, the indicating device 500 includes a light source provided in the radial direction of the water outlet pipe 140 without the guide case 740 and the light guide cover 750 , and the light from the light source is emitted. It may be irradiated in the radial direction of the tube 140 .

Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, as described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 7 , the pointing device 500 includes a guide case 740 and a light guide cover 750 , and the light output from the second light source 620 is guided. Output to the outside through the second indicator 520 through the case 740 and the light guide cover 750 will be described as an example.

In the above, the structural features of the water purifier 1 have been described in detail. Hereinafter, the technical feature of notifying the user of the water extraction time by operating the indicating device 500 during the standby time of the water purifier 1 will be described in more detail.

8 is a control block diagram of the water purifier 1 according to an embodiment, and FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a flow of water in the water purifier 1 according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 8 , the water purifier 1 according to an embodiment includes a temperature sensor 50 for measuring the temperature of hot water, a communication unit 850 for communicating with an external electronic device, and a user receiving a user input. The interface 160, the control unit 800 for controlling the water purifier body 10 and the water outlet unit 100, the heat exchange unit 30 for generating cold water by cooling the purified water and heating the purified water to generate hot water; , a drain valve 60 provided in the drain pipe connected to the drain port to open and close the drain pipe, a water outlet valve 150 provided in the water outlet flow path 180 to open and close the water outlet flow path 180, and the water outlet pipe 140 and a pointing device 500 for outputting light based on water.

The temperature sensor 50 according to an embodiment may measure the temperature of the hot water heated by the heater 32 of the heat exchange unit 30 . To this end, the temperature sensor 50 may be provided as a known type of temperature sensor, and may be provided on the downstream side of the heater 32 based on the flow direction of water.

The communication unit 850 according to an embodiment may communicate with an external electronic device (eg, a smartphone, etc.), and may receive a water exit command from the external electronic device. That is, the external electronic device may transmit a water extraction command to the water purifier 1 when receiving a user input for the water extraction command, and the water purifier 1 may transmit a water extraction command transmitted from the external electronic device through the communication unit 850 . can receive To this end, the communication unit 850 may be provided with a known type of wireless communication module.

The user interface 160 according to an embodiment may receive a user input for a water extraction command, a user input for a type of water to be discharged, a user input for a set temperature of hot water, and the like.

As described above, the user interface 160 may be provided in the form of a touch screen on the upper surface of the water dispensing unit 100, but is not limited thereto. no limits.

The controller 800 according to an embodiment may control the indicating device 500 to output light of a color corresponding to the type of water selected by the user.

That is, the control unit 800 may control the indicating device 500 to output light of a color corresponding to the type of water selected as the water extraction target through the user interface 160 , and the indicating device 500 may include the control unit ( According to the control of 800 , power may be supplied to the second light source 620 to output light of a color corresponding to the type of water to the second indicator 520 .

The control unit 800 according to an exemplary embodiment, when receiving purified water as a target for water outflow, makes raw water filtered by the filter unit 20 to become purified water, and controls the water outlet valve 150 so that purified water is transferred to the water outlet pipe 140 . to be discharged through

That is, when purified water is selected as the water-out target, raw water obtained by the filter unit 20 may be converted into purified water and discharged through the water-out pipe 140 of the water-out unit 100 .

In addition, the control unit 800 according to an embodiment, when cold water is selected as the water extraction target, the raw water is filtered by the filter unit 20 to become purified water, and the purified water passes through the refrigeration cycle device 31 , the water purifier body The valve of (10) is controlled and the refrigeration cycle device 31 is controlled to cool the purified water so that the purified water is cooled and converted into cold water. That is, when cold water is selected as the water outflow target, raw water obtained by the filter unit 20 is converted into purified water, cooled by the refrigeration cycle device 31 , and converted into cold water, so that the water outlet pipe 140 of the water outlet unit 100 is converted into cold water. ) can be exported.

The controller 800 may control the water purifier body 10 to discharge the stagnant water of the water purifier body 10 to the drain port during the waiting time when the type of water selected by the user to be discharged is cold water.

The controller 800 may control the drain valve 60 to open the drain pipe in order to discharge the stagnant water that has been stagnated in the pipe for a preset waiting time according to a previous water drain command. That is, the control unit 800 may provide cleaner water to the user by discharging some of the stagnant water that was stagnated in the pipe before the cold water is discharged. In other words, when cold water is selected as the water extraction target, a waiting time before water extraction may occur, and stagnant water may be drained to the outside of the water purifier body 10 through a drain pipe during the waiting time.

In addition, the control unit 800 according to an exemplary embodiment, when hot water is selected as the water extraction target, the raw water is filtered by the filter unit 20 to become purified water, and the water purifier body 10 so that the purified water passes through the heater 32 . ) and control the heater 32 to heat the purified water so that the purified water is heated and converted into hot water. That is, when hot water is selected as the water outflow target, the raw water obtained by the filter unit 20 is converted into purified water and then heated by the heater 32 to be converted into hot water and sent to the water outlet pipe 140 of the water outlet unit 100 . can be ejected.

At this time, the controller 800 may control the heater 32 to heat the purified water into hot water, while closing the water outlet valve 150 so that the hot water is not discharged until the hot water reaches a set temperature. That is, when hot water is selected as the water extraction target, a waiting time before water extraction may occur, and the purified water may be heated until the hot water temperature reaches the set temperature during the waiting time. In other words, when the type of water selected by the user is hot water, the controller 800 may control the heater 32 so that the temperature of the purified water is heated to the set temperature during the waiting time.

As such, when cold water is selected as the water extraction target, a waiting time for discharging the stagnant water may be required, and when hot water is selected as the water extraction target, a waiting time for heating the purified water may be required.

In this case, the control unit 800 transmits information about the elapse of the waiting time to the user so that the user can know the time of water extraction, and outputs light of a color corresponding to the type of water selected by the user in the waiting time required before water extraction. At least one of controlling the pointing device 500 and shortening the blinking cycle of the pointing device 500 while the pointing device 500 is blinking or controlling the color of the light output from the pointing device 500 can be done

Specifically, according to an embodiment, the controller 800 transmits information about the elapse of the waiting time to the user so that the user can know when to start water, and controls the indicating device 500 to blink during the waiting time while waiting As time elapses, the blinking cycle of the indicating device 500 may be shortened. The indicating device 500 may blink the second light source 620 under the control of the controller 800 so that the second indicator 520 blinks with light of a color corresponding to the type of water for a waiting time.

That is, the flashing cycle of the indicating device 500 becomes shorter as the water-out time approaches, and the user can determine the water-out time through the shortening of the flashing period of the indicating device 500 . The blinking of the second indicator 520 of the indicating device 500 during the waiting time will be described in detail later.

In addition, according to an embodiment, the controller 800 outputs light of a color corresponding to the type of water selected by the user during the waiting time so that the user can know when to start water by delivering information on the elapse of the waiting time to the user. While controlling the pointing device 500 to do so, the color of the light output from the pointing device 500 may be changed as the waiting time elapses. The indicating device 500 supplies a voltage to the second light source 620 while waiting for the second indicator 520 to output light of a color corresponding to the type of water in the standby time under the control of the controller 800 . The driving voltage supplied to the second light source 620 may be changed to change the color of the light output over time.

That is, as the water-out time approaches, the color of the light of the indicating device 500 may change to a color corresponding to the water-out time, and the user may determine the water-out time through the color of the output light of the indicating device 500 . Changing the color of the output light by the second indicator 520 of the indicating device 500 during the waiting time will be described in detail later.

Also, according to an embodiment, the controller 800 may control the indicating device 500 to shorten the blinking period and change the color of the output light as the waiting time elapses. The second indicator 520 of the indicating device 500 shortens the blinking period and changes the color of the output light during the waiting time will be described in detail later.

The control unit 800 may include a program for performing the above-described operation or an operation to be described later, at least one memory in which various data necessary for executing the program are stored, and at least one processor executing the stored program.

FIG. 10 is a view for explaining a case in which the color of light output by the water purifier 1 according to an embodiment is changed according to the type of water.

Referring to FIG. 10 , the water purifier 1 according to an exemplary embodiment may control the indicating device 500 to output light of a color corresponding to the type of water selected by the user.

For example, when cold water is being dispensed, the second indicator 520 emits light in a first color (eg, blue), and when hot water is being dispensed, the second indicator 520 emits a second color (eg, red). , and when purified water is being dispensed, the third indicator 520 may emit light in a third color (eg, white). The first to third colors are different colors. However, the color of light corresponding to each type of water shown in FIG. 10 is only an example, and may be changed to various colors according to embodiments.

In other words, when any one of purified water, cold water, and hot water is selected, the controller 800 may control the second light source 620 to emit light in a color corresponding to the selected one among the plurality of colors. .

Through this, the user may determine, based on the color of the light irradiated through the indicating device 500 , whether the type of water for which the user has selected the water to be dispensed.

11 is a view for explaining a case in which the water purifier 1 according to an embodiment controls the blinking period and the number of blinks according to the elapse of the standby time, and FIG. 12 is the waiting time of the water purifier 1 according to the embodiment It is a view showing a case of controlling the blinking cycle according to the elapse of

11 to 13 , the water purifier 1 according to an exemplary embodiment may control the indicating device 500 to blink during a waiting time required before water is dispensed. In this case, the indicating device 500 may control the second light source 620 so that the second indicator 520 flickers the light corresponding to the type of water.

That is, as described above, the water purifier 1 takes a waiting time for draining the stagnant water as a waiting time when cold water is selected as a water outflow target, and takes a heating time for purified water as a waiting time when hot water is selected as a water outflow target. can do.

In this case, the water purifier 1 may shorten the blinking cycle of the indicating device 500 as the standby time elapses. That is, the water purifier 1 may shorten the blinking cycle in stages as the standby time elapses. For example, as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 , the second blinking cycle may be shorter than the first blinking cycle, and the third blinking cycle may be shorter than the second blinking cycle. In addition, the mth blinking cycle just before water out may correspond to the shortest blinking cycle among the blinking cycles in the standby time.

That is, the flashing cycle of the indicating device 500 becomes shorter as the water-out time approaches, and the user can determine the water-out time through the shortening of the flashing period of the indicating device 500 .

Also, according to an embodiment, the water purifier 1 may control the indicating device 500 to decrease the number of blinks whenever the blinking cycle is shortened in stages. For example, as shown in FIGS. 11 and 13 , the indicating device 500 may blink a times in a first blinking cycle, and then blink b times lower than a times in a second blinking cycle, and then The third blinking cycle may blink c times lower than b times. In addition, the indicating device 500 may blink n times, which is the lowest number of blinking cycles in the standby time, with the mth blinking cycle just before water-out.

Through this, the user can confirm that the time of water extraction is imminent through the decrease in the number of blinks as the blinking period of the indicating device 500 is shortened, and can check the progress of the waiting time required before water extraction.

12 and 13 show that the blinking cycle is shortened or the number of blinks is reduced in 5 steps, but this is only an example, and the step of shortening the blinking cycle and reducing the number of blinks is not limited to 5 steps , may be set in various ways, depending on the embodiment.

14 is a diagram illustrating a case in which the water purifier 1 according to an embodiment controls the shortening width of the blinking cycle according to the temperature increase rate, and FIG. It is a figure which shows the case where the reduction|decrease width of the number of blinks is controlled.

Referring to FIG. 14 , the water purifier 1 according to an exemplary embodiment may adjust the step-by-step shortening of the blinking cycle based on the rate of temperature increase of the purified water when hot water is selected as the water outlet.

Specifically, when the temperature increase rate of the purified water is equal to or greater than a preset upper limit value, the controller 800 may determine that the temperature increase rate of the purified water is fast, and may adjust the stepwise shortening width of the blinking period in a direction to increase.

That is, the water purifier 1 considers that the waiting time is shortened as the time for the purified water to reach the hot water set temperature is shortened due to the rapid temperature increase of the purified water. , so that the indicating device 500 blinks with a short blinking cycle at the time of water extraction in response to the shortened waiting time.

In addition, when the temperature increase rate of the purified water is less than or equal to a preset lower limit value, the controller 800 may determine that the temperature increase rate of the purified water is slow, and may adjust the stepwise shortening width of the blinking period in a direction to decrease.

That is, the water purifier 1 considers that the waiting time becomes longer as the time for the purified water to reach the set temperature of hot water becomes longer due to the slow rate of increase in the temperature of the purified water. , so that the indicating device 500 flashes with a short flashing cycle at the time of water extraction in response to the longer waiting time.

Referring to FIG. 15 , the water purifier 1 according to an exemplary embodiment may adjust a step-by-step decrease in the number of blinks based on the rate of temperature increase of the purified water when hot water is selected as the water outlet.

Specifically, when the temperature increase rate of the purified water is equal to or greater than a preset upper limit value, the controller 800 may determine that the temperature increase rate of the purified water is fast, and may adjust the step-by-step decrease in the number of blinks in a direction to increase.

That is, the water purifier 1 considers that the waiting time is shortened as the time for the purified water to reach the hot water set temperature is shortened due to the rapid temperature increase of the purified water. In response to the shortened waiting time, the indicating device 500 blinks with a small number of blinks at the time of water extraction.

In addition, when the temperature increase rate of the purified water is less than or equal to a preset limit value, the controller 800 may determine that the temperature increase rate of the purified water is slow, and may adjust the step-by-step decrease width of the number of blinks.

That is, the water purifier 1 considers that the waiting time becomes longer as the time for the purified water to reach the set temperature of hot water becomes longer due to the slow rate of increase in the temperature of the purified water. In response to the longer waiting time, the indicating device 500 blinks with a small number of blinks at the time of water extraction.

As such, the water purifier 1 adaptively adjusts the blinking period and the number of blinks based on the temperature increase rate of the purified water, which may vary depending on various factors such as the ambient temperature, the hot water set temperature, the heater state, and the ambient temperature. can be more accurately informed to the user.

16 is a view for explaining a case in which the water purifier 1 according to an embodiment controls the color of output light according to the elapse of the waiting time, and FIGS. 17 and 18 are the temperature of the water purifier 1 according to the embodiment It is a diagram illustrating a case in which a color change cycle is controlled according to a rising speed, and FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating an example of a color change of output light according to an exemplary embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 16 , the water purifier 1 according to an embodiment may control the indicating device 500 to output light corresponding to the type of water during a waiting time required before water is dispensed. In this case, the indicating device 500 may control the second light source 620 so that the second indicator 520 outputs light corresponding to the type of water.

In this case, the water purifier 1 may control to change the color of the light output from the indicating device 500 as the waiting time elapses. That is, the water purifier 1 may change the color of the light output from the second indicator 520 as the waiting time elapses. For example, as shown in FIG. 16 , the water purifier 1 may control the indicating device 500 to output light of a first color when a water extraction command is input, and as the waiting time elapses, the The indicating device 500 may be controlled to sequentially change the color of the output light to the second color, the third color, the m-th color, and the m-th color.

That is, as the water-out time approaches, the color of the output light of the indicating device 500 changes to a color corresponding to the water-out time, and the user changes the color of the output light of the indicating device 500 to a color corresponding to the water-out time. Departure time can be determined.

In this case, as the waiting time elapses, the water purifier 1 may control the indicating device 500 to change the color at a preset color change cycle.

For example, according to an embodiment, as shown in FIG. 17 , the water purifier 1 may control the indicating device 500 to change the color at a constant color change cycle as the waiting time elapses.

In this case, the water purifier 1 may adjust the color change cycle based on the temperature increase rate of the purified water when hot water is selected as the water extraction target according to an embodiment.

That is, the water purifier 1 adjusts the color change cycle in a direction to decrease, taking into account that the waiting time is shortened as the time for the purified water to reach the set temperature of hot water is shortened due to the rapid temperature increase of the purified water. In response to the waiting time, the indicating device 500 outputs light in a color corresponding to the water-out time.

In addition, when the temperature increase rate of the purified water is less than or equal to a preset lower limit value, the controller 800 may determine that the temperature increase rate of the purified water is slow, and may adjust the color change period in an increasing direction.

That is, the water purifier 1 considers that the waiting time becomes longer as the time for the purified water to reach the set temperature of hot water becomes longer due to the slow rate of increase in the temperature of the purified water. In response to time, the indicating device 500 outputs light in a color corresponding to the water-out time.

In addition, according to an embodiment, as shown in FIG. 18 , the water purifier 1 may control the indicating device 500 to change the color of light with a color change cycle that is shortened as the waiting time elapses.

That is, the water purifier 1 may adjust the color change period in a direction to decrease whenever the color of the light output from the indicating device 500 is changed. In other words, the water purifier 1 may shorten the color change cycle step by step as the waiting time elapses.

18 shows that the color change cycle is shortened to 5 steps, but this is only an example, and the shortening step of the color change cycle is not limited to 5 steps, and may be set in various ways according to embodiments. .

The water purifier 1 according to an embodiment may adjust a step-by-step shortening width of a color change cycle based on the rate of temperature increase of the purified water when hot water is selected as the water extraction target.

Specifically, when the temperature increase rate of the purified water is equal to or greater than a preset upper limit value, the controller 800 may determine that the temperature increase rate of the purified water is fast, and may adjust the step-by-step shortening width of the color change cycle in an increasing direction.

That is, the water purifier 1 is adjusted in a direction to increase the step-by-step shortening of the color change cycle, considering that the waiting time is shortened as the time for the purified water to reach the hot water set temperature is shortened due to the rapid temperature increase of the purified water. Accordingly, in response to the shortened waiting time, the indicating device 500 outputs light in a color corresponding to the water-out time.

In addition, when the temperature increase rate of the purified water is less than or equal to a preset lower limit value, the controller 800 may determine that the temperature increase rate of the purified water is slow, and may adjust the stepwise shortening width of the color change cycle in a direction to decrease.

That is, the water purifier 1 is adjusted in a direction to decrease the step-by-step shortening of the color change cycle, considering that the waiting time becomes longer as the time for the purified water to reach the set temperature of hot water becomes longer due to the slow rate of increase in the temperature of the purified water. By doing so, the indicating device 500 outputs light in a color corresponding to the water-out time in response to the prolonged waiting time.

As shown in FIG. 19 , the water purifier 1 according to an embodiment controls the instructing device 500 to change the color of light by adjusting the saturation in the color corresponding to the type of water selected by the user as the waiting time elapses. can be controlled

For example, when the water dispenser selected by the user is hot water, the water purifier 1 controls the indicating device 500 to output red light, while adjusting the saturation from red as the waiting time elapses to adjust the color of light. It is possible to control the indicating device 500 to change the .

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 19 , the water purifier 1 may control the indicating device 500 to sequentially change the color of light from light red to dark red as the waiting time elapses.

However, the change in output light in FIG. 19 is only an example, and the water purifier 1 may sequentially change the color of light from a dark color to a light color as the waiting time elapses, depending on the embodiment. It is also possible to change the color itself sequentially as the waiting time elapses. In addition, depending on the embodiment, when changing the color by adjusting the lightness and the darkness of the color, the water purifier 1 may also change the color by adjusting at least one of saturation and brightness.

20 is a diagram illustrating a case in which the water purifier 1 according to an embodiment controls both the blinking period and the color of the output light according to the elapse of the standby time.

Referring to FIG. 20 , the water purifier 1 according to an embodiment controls the indicating device 500 to output light of a color corresponding to the type of water selected by the user in the waiting time required before water is dispensed, and the waiting time is reduced. As time elapses, both control of shortening the blinking cycle of the pointing device 500 and control of changing the color of light output from the pointing device 500 may be performed while the pointing device 500 is flickering.

That is, the water purifier 1 may control the indicating device 500 to blink during the waiting time required before water is dispensed, and as the waiting time elapses, the blinking cycle of the indicating device 500 is shortened while the indicating device 500 is turned on. ) can be controlled to change the color of the light output. In this case, according to an embodiment, the water purifier 1 may control the indicating device 500 to decrease the number of blinks whenever the blinking cycle is shortened in stages.

Through this, the blinking period of the indicating device 500 becomes shorter as the water-out time approaches, and at the same time, the color of the light of the indicating device 500 can be changed to a color corresponding to the water-out timing, and the user can blink the indicating device 500 . The cycle is shortened and the water-out time can be determined by changing the color of the output light.

The control for reducing the blinking period and the number of blinking steps may be the same as described in FIGS. 11 to 15 , and the control for changing the color of the light output from the pointing device 500 is described with reference to FIGS. 16 to 19 . can be the same as

Although FIG. 20 shows that the color of the output light is changed according to the blinking period, this is only an example, and the change of the blinking period and the change of the color of the output light may be controlled at different times according to an embodiment.

21 is a diagram for explaining a case in which the water purifier 1 changes the color of output light based on a set temperature of hot water according to an exemplary embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 21 , the water purifier 1 according to an exemplary embodiment may control the indicating device 500 to change the color of light based on a set temperature of hot water.

As described above, the water purifier 1 may control the indicating device 500 to output red light when the user selects hot water as the water dispense object.

In this case, as shown in FIG. 21 , the water purifier 1 may control the indicating device 500 to output a dark red color as the hot water set temperature is higher. In other words, the water purifier 1 may control the indicating device 500 to change the output light from light red to dark red as the set temperature of hot water increases.

Through this, the user can more easily identify the hot water set temperature set by the user.

However, the change of the output light in FIG. 21 is only an example, and the water purifier 1, according to an embodiment, can also change the color of the light from a dark color to a light color as the hot water set temperature increases, and hot water setting It is also possible to change the color itself as the temperature increases. In addition, depending on the embodiment, when changing the color by adjusting the lightness and the darkness of the color, the water purifier 1 may also change the color by adjusting at least one of saturation and brightness.

22 is a diagram for explaining a case in which the water purifier 1 determines the color of output light according to a means for receiving a water out command according to an exemplary embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 22 , the water purifier 1 according to an embodiment, as described above, when receiving a water extraction command through the user interface 160 , based on the type of water extraction target, any one of white, red, or blue color. The pointing device 500 may be controlled to output light of one color.

In addition, according to an embodiment, when receiving a water extraction command from an external electronic device through the communication unit 850 , the water purifier 1 may have a different color (eg, green) than when receiving a water extraction command through the user interface 160 . ) may control the pointing device 500 to output the light.

That is, when the external electronic device transmits a water extraction command based on a user input, the water purifier 1 communicates with the user interface 160 through the user interface 160 to contrast with receiving the water extraction command through the user interface 160 . The indicating device 500 may be controlled to output light of a different color (eg, green) from when a water out command is received.

Through this, the user may identify that the water purifier 1 performs the water extraction based on the water extraction command by the external electronic device.

It has been described that the water purifier 1 according to an embodiment outputs light of one color (eg, green) when receiving a water extraction command from an external electronic device through the communication unit 850 , but the present invention is not limited thereto. it is not That is, even when the water purifier 1 receives a water extraction command from an external electronic device through the communication unit 850, the instructing device 500 outputs light of different colors (green, purple, yellow) according to the temperature of the water to be discharged. can control

Also, the water purifier 1 may receive water extraction setting information from an external electronic device (server or user terminal) through the communication unit 850 . The water extraction setting information may include information on whether the water to be discharged is refrigerated or heated and the amount of water discharged. When the water purifier 1 receives the water extraction setting information through the communication unit 850 and then receives a water extraction start input through the user interface 160 of the water purifier 1, the temperature (purified water) corresponding to the water extraction setting information , cold water, hot water) and water corresponding to the amount of water discharged can be dispensed.

After the water purifier 1 receives the water extraction setting information, during a waiting period before receiving a water extraction input through the user interface 160, in response to whether the water supplied in the water extraction setting information is refrigerated or heated , the indicating device 500 may be controlled to output light of different colors. For example, as the information included in the water extraction setting information is cold water, purified water, and hot water, different colors of light may be output, and the light of the corresponding color is the light output while cold water, purified water, and hot water are discharged. may be different from Accordingly, the user can check whether the water discharged from the water purifier 1 is refrigerated or heated.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of a method for controlling the water purifier 1 according to an aspect will be described. As a control method of the water purifier 1 , the water purifier 1 according to the above-described embodiment may be used. Accordingly, the contents described above with reference to FIGS. 1 to 22 may be equally applied to the control method of the water purifier 1 .

23 is a flowchart illustrating a case in which at least one of a blinking period or a color of output light is changed as a waiting time elapses in a control method of the water purifier 1 according to an exemplary embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 23 , the water purifier 1 according to an exemplary embodiment, when a type of water for water extraction is selected (example of 2310), an indication device 500 to output light of a color corresponding to the selected type of water. It can be controlled (2320).

In the water purifier 1 according to an embodiment, as the standby time elapses, during control of shortening the blinking period in the blinking state of the indicating device 500 or control of changing the color of the light output from the indicating device 500 , At least one may be performed ( 2330 ).

That is, as the water-out time approaches, the color of the light of the indicating device 500 may change to a color corresponding to the water-out time, and the user may determine the water-out time through the color of the output light of the indicating device 500 .

Also, according to an embodiment, the controller 800 may control the indicating device 500 to shorten the blinking period and change the color of the output light as the waiting time elapses.

That is, the water purifier 1 may control the indicating device 500 to blink during the waiting time required before water is dispensed, and as the waiting time elapses, the blinking cycle of the indicating device 500 is shortened while the indicating device 500 is turned on. ) can be controlled to change the color of the light output.

As the water-out time approaches, the blinking period of the indicating device 500 may be shortened and the color of the light of the indicating device 500 may be changed to a color corresponding to the water-out timing, and the user may notice that the blinking cycle of the indicating device 500 is short. It is possible to determine the water-out time by changing the color of the output light.

When the standby time expires (YES in S2340), the water purifier 1 according to an embodiment may control the water outlet valve 150 to dispense purified, hot or cold water (S2350).

As such, the water purifier 1 of the present invention notifies the user of the water extraction time by at least one of a shorter blinking cycle and number of blinks or a change in the color of the output light, so that the user can check the progress during the waiting time, and can be predicted accurately.

24 is a flowchart illustrating a case in which a blinking cycle is shortened as a standby time elapses in a control method of the water purifier 1 according to an exemplary embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 24 , the water purifier 1 according to an embodiment, when the type of water for water extraction is selected (Yes of 2410), the indicating device 500 to blink with light of a color corresponding to the selected type of water. can be controlled (2420).

The water purifier 1 according to an embodiment may shorten the blinking period of the indicating device 500 as the standby time elapses (2430), and may be adjusted in a direction to decrease the number of blinks in response to the shortening of the blinking period. There is (2440).

Steps

2430 and 2440 may be performed in stages until the waiting time expires (No in 1650).

In this case, the water purifier 1 may shorten the blinking cycle of the indicating device 500 as the standby time elapses. That is, the water purifier 1 may shorten the blinking cycle in stages as the standby time elapses.

Also, according to an embodiment, the water purifier 1 may control the indicating device 500 to decrease the number of blinks whenever the blinking cycle is shortened in stages.

The water purifier 1 according to an embodiment may control the water outlet valve 150 so that purified, hot, or cold water is dispensed when the standby time expires (YES in S2450) (S2460).

As such, the water purifier 1 of the present invention notifies the user of the water extraction time with a shorter blinking cycle and number of blinks, so that the user can check the progress during the waiting time and accurately predict the water extraction time.

25 is a flowchart illustrating a case in which a color of output light is changed as a waiting time elapses in a method of controlling the water purifier 1 according to an exemplary embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 25 , the water purifier 1 according to an embodiment, when the type of water for water extraction is selected (Yes of 2510), the indicating device 500 to output light of a color corresponding to the selected type of water can be controlled (2520).

The water purifier 1 according to an embodiment may control to change the color of the light output from the indicating device 500 when the color change cycle has elapsed (YES in 2530) and the standby time does not expire (NO in 2540). There is (2550).

That is, according to an embodiment, the controller 800 outputs light of a color corresponding to the type of water selected by the user during the waiting time so that the user can know when to start water by delivering information on the elapse of the waiting time to the user. While controlling the pointing device 500 to do so, the color of the light output from the pointing device 500 may be changed as the waiting time elapses. The indicating device 500 supplies a voltage to the second light source 620 while waiting for the second indicator 520 to output light of a color corresponding to the type of water in the standby time under the control of the controller 800 . The driving voltage supplied to the second light source 620 may be changed to change the color of the light output over time.

The water purifier 1 according to an exemplary embodiment may control the water outlet valve 150 so that purified, hot, or cold water is dispensed when the standby time expires (Yes in 2540) (2560).

As such, the water purifier 1 of the present invention notifies the user of the water extraction time by changing the color of the output light, so that the user can check the progress during the waiting time and accurately predict the water extraction time.

Meanwhile, the disclosed embodiments may be implemented in the form of a recording medium storing instructions executable by a computer. Instructions may be stored in the form of program code, and when executed by a processor, may generate program modules to perform operations of the disclosed embodiments. The recording medium may be implemented as a computer-readable recording medium.

The computer-readable recording medium includes any type of recording medium in which instructions readable by the computer are stored. For example, there may be read only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic tape, magnetic disk, flash memory, optical data storage, and the like.

The disclosed embodiments have been described with reference to the accompanying drawings as described above. Those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains will understand that the present invention may be practiced in other forms than the disclosed embodiments without changing the technical spirit or essential features of the present invention. The disclosed embodiments are illustrative and should not be construed as limiting.

Claims

water purifier body;

a water outlet unit connected to the water purifier body; and

a control unit for controlling the water purifier body and the water outlet unit;

The water outlet unit is

outlet pipe;

a user interface for receiving user input; and

Including; indicating device for outputting light based on the water discharged from the water outlet pipe;

The control unit is

The indicating device is controlled to output light of a color corresponding to the type of water selected by the user in the waiting time required before water extraction, and as the waiting time elapses, the blinking cycle of the indicating device in a state in which the indicating device blinks A water purifier that performs at least one of a control for shortening a suffix or a control for changing a color of light output from the indicating device.
According to claim 1,

The control unit is

A water purifier that shortens the blinking cycle in stages as the waiting time elapses.
3. The method of claim 2,

The control unit is

The water purifier controls the indicating device to decrease the number of blinks whenever the blinking cycle is shortened in stages.
4. The method of claim 3,

The water purifier body,

Including a heater for heating the purified water;

The control unit is

When the type of water selected by the user is hot water, the water purifier controls the heater so that the temperature of the purified water is heated to a set temperature of hot water during the waiting time.
5. The method of claim 4,

The control unit is

A water purifier that adjusts a step-by-step shortening width of the blinking cycle based on a rate of increase in the temperature of the purified water.
6. The method of claim 5,

The control unit is

A water purifier that adjusts a step-by-step decrease in the number of blinks based on the rate of increase in the temperature of the purified water.
5. The method of claim 4,

The control unit is

a water purifier controlling the indicating device to change a color of light based on the set temperature of the hot water.
According to claim 1,

The water purifier body,

a drain pipe connected to the drain hole; including;

The control unit is

The water purifier controls the water purifier main body to discharge the stagnant water of the water purifier main body to the drain port during the waiting time when the type of water selected by the user to be discharged is cold water.
According to claim 1,

The control unit is

and controlling the indicating device to change the color of the light at a preset period as the waiting time elapses.
10. The method of claim 9,

The control unit is

A water purifier that adjusts the preset cycle based on a rate of increase in the temperature of the purified water.
According to claim 1,

The control unit is

and controlling the indicating device to change the color of light in a cycle that is shortened as the waiting time elapses.
According to claim 1,

The control unit is

and controlling the indicating device to change the color of light by adjusting saturation in a color corresponding to the type of water selected by the user as the waiting time elapses.
According to claim 1,

Further comprising; a communication unit for performing communication with an external electronic device;

The control unit is

When receiving a water extraction command from the external electronic device through the communication unit, the water purifier controls the indicating device to output a light of a different color than when receiving a water extraction command from the user interface.
According to claim 1,

The pointing device is

Including; a light source capable of emitting light in a plurality of different colors;

The control unit is

When any one of purified water, cold water, and hot water is selected, the water purifier controls the light source to emit light in a color corresponding to the selected one of the purified water, cold water, and hot water among the plurality of colors.
A control method of a water purifier comprising: a water purifier body; and a water outlet unit connected to the water purifier body and including a water outlet pipe and an indicator device for outputting light,

controlling the indicating device to output light of a color corresponding to the type of water selected by the user in the waiting time required before water is dispensed;

as the waiting time elapses, performing at least one of a control for shortening a blinking period of the indicating device or a control for changing a color of light output from the indicating device while the indicating device is blinking; How to control the water purifier.