Water purifier that dispenses purified water and hot water through one flow path

The present disclosure relates to a water purifier that ejects hot water and purified water, and the water purifier includes a housing forming a storage space, a filter provided inside the housing to purify water supplied from an external water supply source, a water ejection nozzle provided on the outside of the housing and configured to eject the water passing through the filter, a hot water module forming a heating flow path through which the purified water passing through the filter passes and configured to instantaneously heat the purified water passing through the heating flow path into hot water when hot water is ejected, a hot water flow path configured to guide the hot water passing through the hot water module toward the water ejection nozzle; and a controller configured to control the operation of the hot water module, in which, when purified water is ejected, the controller turns off the hot water module, and the purified water discharged from the hot water module is ejected to the water ejection nozzle through the hot water flow path.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. 119 and 35 U.S.C. 365 to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2020-0184981 (filed on Dec. 28, 2020), which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

Field of the Disclosure

The present specification relates to a water purifier in which purified water is ejected through a hot water flow path.

Discussion of the Related Art

In general, a water purifier is a device that filters raw water and supplies the purified water to the user and is a device that allows the user to take out a desired amount of water at a desired temperature according to the user's manipulation.

Such a water purifier may normally take out filtered water through a nozzle when a user manipulates a lever or a button. In detail, the water purifier is configured so that the valve of the nozzle is opened and filtered water can be taken out while the user manipulates the lever or button, and the user can end the manipulation of the lever or button while checking the amount of water filled in the cup or container.

Such a water purifier may be provided as a water purifier itself or may be mounted on a refrigerator or the like.

In Prior Document 1 (Korean Patent Publication No. 2019-0010596), a water purifier is disclosed which includes a case having a storage space, a filter provided inside the case to purify the water supplied from the water supply source, a supply water flow path supplying water supplied from the water supply source to the filter, a water supply valve provided on the water supply flow path to control the flow of water passing through the water supply flow path, a water ejection nozzle provided outside the case to take out the water passing through the filter, a water ejection flow path supplying water which has passed through the filter to the outside of the case, a water ejection valve provided on the water ejection flow path to control the flow of water passing through the water ejection flow path, a manipulation part which receive a washing command from a user, and a controller which controls to intermittently open or close at least one of the water supply valve and the water ejection valve when a washing command is input to the manipulation part.

In addition, in Prior Document 2 (Korean Patent Publication No. 2007-0083008), a direct-type water purifying device employing an RO membrane module is disclosed. The disclosed direct-type water purifying device includes a purified water storage tank in which purified water is temporarily stored, a first connection pipe providing a flow path to supply purified water flowing through a purified water discharge pipe to the purified water storage tank, a second connection pipe providing a flow path so that the purified water stored in the purified water storage tank flows in the RO membrane module, a booster pump installed on the path of the raw water supply pipe to increase the supply pressure of raw water, and a controller which controls, when the faucet is locked, to detect this and then to supply purified water discharged through the purified water discharge pipe to the purified water storage tank and to supply the purified water stored to the RO membrane module in a case where a predetermined amount of purified water is stored in the purified water storage tank.

In the case of the conventional water purifier as described above, when purified water is ejected, if a ‘purified water’ button is selected and then a ‘water ejection’ button is pressed, then the water purification valve is opened, purified water flows through the purified water flow path, and purified water is ejected through the water ejection nozzle.

In addition, in the case of the conventional water purifier as described above, when hot water is ejected, if the ‘water ejection’ button is pressed after the ‘hot water’ button is selected, then the hot water valve is opened, and the hot water heated in the hot water tank flows through the hot water flow path, and thus hot water is ejected through the water ejection nozzle.

In other words, in the case of a conventional water purifier, a hot water flow path and a purified water flow path are separately formed, hot water is supplied to the water ejection nozzle through a hot water flow path and a hot water valve, and purified water is supplied to the water ejection nozzle through a purified water flow path and a purified water valve.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

An object of the present disclosure is to provide a water purifier which implements to eject hot water and purified water through a hot water flow path and a hot water valve, without having a separate purified water flow path and a separate water purification valve, thereby reducing material costs due to the provision of a purified water flow path and a water purification valve.

In addition, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a water purifier which eliminates the configuration of the purified water flow path and the purified water valve, thereby increasing the internal space utilization of the water purifier and being capable of miniaturized.

In addition, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a water purifier capable of increasing the water ejection flow rate of purified water while satisfying the temperature condition of hot water by adjusting the opening degree of the flow rate adjusting valve differently when hot water is ejected and purified water is ejected.

In addition, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a water purifier which is capable of maintaining the temperature condition of ejected purified water in a satisfactory state by lowering the temperature of water ejected through cold water so that the temperature of purified water ejected by residual hot water does not increase, in a case where the purified water is ejected after the hot water is ejected.

In order to achieve the objects described above, the present disclosure includes a housing forming a storage space, a filter provided inside the housing to purify water supplied from an external water supply source, a water ejection nozzle provided on the outside of the housing and configured to eject the water passing through the filter, a hot water module forming a heating flow path through which the purified water passing through the filter passes and configured to instantaneously heat the purified water passing through the heating flow path into hot water when hot water is ejected, a hot water flow path configured to guide the hot water passing through the hot water module toward the water ejection nozzle, and a controller configured to control the operation of the hot water module.

In addition, a water purifier is provided in which, when purified water is ejected, the controller turns off the hot water module, and the purified water discharged from the hot water module is ejected to the water ejection nozzle through the hot water flow path.

In addition, a water purifier is provided in which a hot water valve configured to control the flow of water flowing through the hot water flow path is installed in the hot water flow path and when hot water is ejected and purified water is ejected, the controller opens the hot water valve.

In addition, a water purifier is provided in which when hot water is ejected, the controller turns on the hot water module and the hot water discharged from the hot water module is ejected to the water ejection nozzle through the hot water flow path.

In addition, a water purifier is provided in which the filter and the hot water module are connected through a water ejection flow path and the flow rate adjusting valve which adjusts flow rate of water flowing to the hot water module is installed in the water ejection flow path.

In addition, a water purifier is provided in which a temperature sensor configured to sense the temperature of water flowing toward the hot water module through the water ejection flow path is installed in the water ejection flow path.

In addition, a water purifier is provided in which a feed valve configured to control the flow of purified water flowing through the water ejection flow path after passing through the filter is installed in the water ejection flow path.

In addition, a water purifier is provided in which a flow rate sensor configured to sense a flow rate of purified water flowing through the water ejection flow path after passing through the filter is installed in the water ejection flow path.

In addition, a water purifier is provided in which the flow rate adjusting valve adjusts an opening degree by the controller and an opening degree of the flow rate adjusting valve when hot water is ejected and an opening degree of the flow rate adjusting valve when purified water is ejected are adjusted to be different.

In addition, a water purifier is provided in which the opening degree of the flow rate adjusting valve, when hot water is ejected, is adjusted to be smaller than the opening degree of the flow rate adjusting valve when purified water is ejected.

In addition, a water purifier is provided in which, when purified water is ejected, the opening degree of the flow rate adjusting valve is adjusted to the maximum.

In addition, a water purifier is provided which further includes a cold water flow path having one side branched from the water ejection flow path between the filter and the flow rate adjusting valve and the other side connected to the water ejection nozzle side, and a cold water module installed in the cold water flow path to cool the purified water passing through the cold water flow path to cold water.

In addition, a water purifier is provided in which a cold water valve configured to control the flow of water branched from the water ejection flow path and flowing to the cold water module is installed in the cold water flow path.

In addition, a water purifier is provided in which, when purified water is ejected, the cold water valve and the hot water valve are simultaneously opened.

In addition, a water purifier is provided in which the controller includes a timer, and, after hot water is ejected after a reference time has elapsed when purified water is ejected, the controller shuts off the cold water valve and opens the hot water valve.

In addition, a water purifier is provided in which the controller includes a timer, and after hot water is ejected before a reference time has elapsed when purified water is ejected, the cold water valve and the hot water valve are opened at the same time.

In addition, a water purifier is provided in which after hot water is ejected before a reference time has elapsed when purified water is ejected, the cold water valve and the hot water valve are opened at the same time, the cold water valve is closed after being opened for the first time, and the hot water valve is opened for a second time longer than the first time.

In addition, a water purifier is provided in which the water discharged through the cold water flow path and the hot water flow path are merged and then discharged through the water ejection nozzle.

DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS

Hereinafter, some embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the exemplary drawings. It should be noted that when components in each of the drawings are designated by reference numerals, the same components have the same reference numerals as far as possible even though the components are illustrated in different drawings. Further, in description of embodiments of the present disclosure, when it is determined that detailed descriptions of related known configurations or functions disturb understanding of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.

FIG.1is a perspective view illustrating a water purifier according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, andFIG.2is an exploded perspective view illustrating the water purifier.

Referring toFIGS.1to2, the water purifier10according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a housing110having a storage space inside and forming an outer shape of the water purifier, a water purifier main body100including a filter120provided in the inside of the housing110to filter raw water flowing from the outside therein, a water ejection module200in which a water ejection nozzle210at least a portion of which is formed to protrude in front of the water purifier main body100and which supplies water passing through the filter120to the outside of the water purifier main body100, and a tray300provided below the water ejection nozzle210.

First, the outer shape of the water purifier main body100may be formed by the housing110. The housing110includes a front cover111forming an outer appearance of a front surface, a rear cover112forming an outer appearance of a rear surface, a base113forming a lower surface, a top cover114forming an upper surface, and side panels115forming both sides in the left and right direction. The front cover111, the rear cover112, the base113, the top cover114, and the pair of side panels115are assembled with each other and thus can form a housing110that forms the outer appearance of the water purifier main body100.

At this time, the front and rear ends of the base113and the top cover114may be formed to be round, and the front cover111and the rear cover112may be respectively convexly formed in the front and rear direction to have a curvature corresponding to the front and rear ends of the base113and the top cover114which are formed to be round as described above.

In addition, the water ejection nozzle210is formed on the front surface of the water purifier main body100. In addition, at least a portion of the water ejection nozzle210may be formed to protrude downward of the water ejection module200formed to protrude forward of the front cover111. Accordingly, purified water may be taken out through the water ejection nozzle210.

A filter bracket130in which a filter120, a valve (not illustrated), and the like for water purification are mounted inside the housing110is provided.

The filter bracket130may be composed of a bottom portion131coupled to the base113, a filter accommodating part132in which the filter120is accommodated, and a water ejection module mounting part133on which the water ejection module200is mounted.

In detail, the bottom portion131is formed to correspond to the shape of the front end of the base113and is coupled to the base113. The mounting position of the filter bracket130may be fixed by the coupling of the bottom part131, and the shape of the bottom surface of the filter accommodating part132may be formed.

The filter bracket130may be engaged and constrained by a hook method on the base113and may also be fixed by a screw fastened on the lower surface of the base113.

The filter accommodating part132is formed extending in the vertical direction and forms a space recessed from the front (left in the drawing) to the rear (right in the drawing) so that the filter120can be accommodated. A plurality of filters120may be mounted on the filter accommodating part130. The filter120is for purification of supplied raw water (tap water) and may be configured to combine filters having various functions.

In addition, the filter accommodating part130may further include a filter socket134in which the filter120is mounted, and a pipe for flowing purified water is provided in the filter socket134, and the pipe may be connected to a plurality of valves (not illustrated). Therefore, the raw water passes through the filter120in turn and then can be directed to a valve (not illustrated) for water supply.

A plurality of valves (not illustrated) may be provided on the rear surface (right side of the drawing) of the filter accommodating part132. In addition, the valves (not illustrated) selectively supply purified water passing through the filter120, cold water cooled while passing through the cold water module150, and hot water heated while passing through the hot water module160to the water ejection nozzle210.

The water ejection module mounting part133is formed at the upper end of the filter accommodating part132. The water ejection module mounting part133has a structure in which the water ejection module200can be inserted and fixed by having a mounting groove133aformed at the upper end from the upper portion to the lower portion. In this case, the water ejection module mounting part133may be formed to have a curvature corresponding to the curvature of the front cover111covering the front of the water ejection module mounting part133. An upper portion of the filter bracket130may be shielded by a top cover114.

A compressor141and a condenser142are provided on the upper surface of the base113. In addition, a cooling fan143is provided between the compressor141and the condenser142to enable cooling of the compressor141and the condenser142. The compressor141may be an inverter type compressor capable of adjusting the cooling capacity by varying the frequency. Therefore, cooling of the purified water can be efficiently performed, thereby reducing power consumption.

In addition, the condenser142is located at the rear of the base113and may be located at a position corresponding to the discharge port112aformed in the rear cover112. The condenser142may be formed by bending a flat tube type refrigerant pipe a plurality of times in order to efficiently use space and improve heat exchange efficiency at the same time and is configured to be accommodated in the condenser bracket144.

The condenser bracket144has a condenser mounting part145to which the condenser142is fixed, and a tank mounting part146on which a cooling tank151of the cold water module150for making cold water may be mounted. The condenser mounting part145forms a space having a shape corresponding to the overall shape of the condenser142to be capable of accommodating the condenser142. In addition, the condenser mounting part145is formed such that portions facing the cooling fan143and the discharge port112aare opened, respectively, so that effective cooling of the condenser142is possible.

In addition, the tank mounting part146is formed above the condenser bracket144, that is, above the condenser mounting part145. The lower end portion of the cooling tank151of the cold water module150is inserted into the tank mounting part146, and the tank mounting part146fixes the cooling tank151.

The cooling tank151is to make cold water by cooling the purified water, and the cooling water for heat exchange with the purified water flowing therein is filled. In addition, in the cooling tank151, an evaporator for cooling the cooling water is accommodated, and a cooling flow path152is formed so that the purified water passing through the filter120can pass through the inside of the cooling tank151. Accordingly, the purified water may be cooled while circulating in the cooling tank151along the cooling flow path152.

One side of the filter bracket130is further provided with a support plate135extending toward the cooling tank150. The support plate135is provided above the compressor141and extends from the filter bracket130to the condenser bracket144to provide a space in which the hot water module160and the controller170are mounted.

The hot water module160may mean a heating assembly for making hot water, and the controller1700may mean a control assembly for controlling the overall operation of the water purifier10. The hot water module160and the controller170may be coupled to each other to form a single module and may be mounted on the support plate135in a coupled state.

The hot water module160is for heating purified water and may heat purified water in various known methods, including an induction heating (IH) method. The hot water module160can heat water immediately and at a high speed when hot water is taken out, and hot water of a desired temperature can be taken out according to a user's manipulation.

The controller170is to control the operation of the water purifier10and is configured to be capable of controlling the compressor141, the cooling fan143, and various valves and sensors, the hot water module160, or the like. The controller170may be modularly configured by a combination of PCBs divided into a plurality of parts for each function. In addition, in a structure in which the water purifier10takes out only cold water and purified water, the hot water module160and a PCB for controlling the same may be omitted, and at least one PCB may be omitted in this way.

Meanwhile, the purified water ejected from the filter120of the water purifier10passes through several flow paths and valves until taken out to the water ejection nozzle210.

FIG.3is a perspective view illustrating the water ejection module, which is a component of the present disclosure,FIG.4is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a water purifier according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, andFIG.5is a water pipe diagram of a water purifier according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring toFIGS.3to5, the water purifier of the present disclosure has a function of ejecting purified water and hot water. In addition, the water purifier may include a manipulator410which receives a water ejection command from a user and a controller170that controls various valves to open or close when a water ejection command is input to the manipulator410.

In this embodiment, the manipulator410may be provided on the upper surface or the front surface of the water ejection module200or the water purifier main body100, and a water ejection button420may be provided in the front surface of the water ejection module200or the water purifier main body100.

As an example, the manipulator410is provided with a touch panel and may include a capacity button411for selecting a water ejection capacity, a hot water button412for selecting hot water, and further selecting the temperature of the hot water to be ejected, a water purifying button413for selecting purified water, a cold water button414for selecting cold water, a continuous button415for selecting continuous water ejection, and a washing button416for inputting a sterilization command and/or a washing command.

In addition, the manipulator410may be formed to be inclined downward from the rear to the front. Accordingly, a user located in front of the water purifier may manipulate the manipulator410in a state where readability is secured.

In addition, the controller170may include an inverter172. The inverter172may adjust the amount of heating by controlling the amount of current applied to the heating source of the hot water module160. In other words, the output of the hot water module160may be adjusted by the inverter172.

In a case where the amount of heating is adjusted in this way, the water may be heated to a temperature desired by the user.

In addition, the controller170may further include a noise filter173. The noise filter173serves to remove noise from a signal including noise generated by a magnetic field generated by a current applied to the hot water module160.

The noise filter173may control noise in a control signal output from the controller170and applied to various valves, or the like.

In addition, the controller170may include a timer171for measuring the elapsed time after the hot water is ejected.

The water purifier according to the present disclosure ejects hot water and purified water, and the hot water and purified water are ejected through one flow path and one valve.

In detail, purified water passing through the filter120passes through the hot water flow path and the hot water module160and is discharged to the water ejection nozzle210.

At this time, if power is supplied to the hot water module160and purified water is heated in the hot water module160, then hot water is ejected to the water ejection nozzle210.

In addition, when the power to the hot water module160is blocked, the purified water that has passed through the hot water module160is not heated and is ejected to the water ejection nozzle210as a state of purified water.

In other words, in the case of the present disclosure, purified water is discharged through the hot water flow path without providing a separate purified water flow path.

As described above, the present disclosure includes a hot water module160which forms a heating flow path161through which the purified water passing through the filter120passes and instantaneously heats the purified water passing through the heating flow path161into hot water when hot water is ejected.

In addition, the present disclosure includes a hot water flow path520for guiding the hot water passing through the hot water module160to the water ejection nozzle210side. The hot water module160may be installed on the hot water flow path520to heat the purified water passing through the hot water flow path520into hot water. Both end portions of the heating flow path161are connected to the hot water flow path520. The inlet-side heating flow path on one side may be connected to the filter-side hot water flow path, and the outlet-side heating flow path on the other side may be connected with the water ejection nozzle-side hot water flow path.

In addition, the controller170controls the operation of the hot water module160.

At this time, when purified water is ejected, the controller170turns off the heating source of the hot water module160, and the purified water discharged from the hot water module160passes through the hot water flow path520to be ejected to the water ejection nozzle210. In other words, when the heating source of the hot water module160is turned off, when the purified water passes through the heating flow path161of the hot water module160, the purified water is not heated but is discharged as a state of purified water. In addition, purified water may be supplied to the water ejection nozzle210through the hot water flow path520.

In addition, when hot water is ejected, the controller170turns on the heating source of the hot water module160, and the hot water discharged from the hot water module160passes through the hot water flow path520to be supplied to the water ejection nozzle210. In other words, when the heating source of the hot water module160is turned on, the purified water is heated when passing through the heating flow path161of the hot water module160and discharged in the state of hot water. Then, the hot water may be supplied to the water ejection nozzle210through the hot water flow path520.

In addition, in the hot water flow path520, a hot water valve620for controlling the flow of purified water or hot water flowing through the hot water flow path520is mounted, and when hot water is ejected and purified water is ejected, the controller170opens the hot water valve620.

In addition, the filter120and the hot water module160are connected through a water ejection flow path530, and the water ejection flow path530has a flow rate adjusting valve630adjusting the flow rate of water flowing to the hot water module160is installed in the water ejection flow path530.

The controller170is connected to the flow rate adjusting valve630to control the flow rate adjusting valve630. In detail, the controller170may open or block the flow rate adjusting valve630. In addition, the controller170may adjust the opening amount of the flow rate adjusting valve630.

In addition, a temperature sensor640for detecting the temperature of water flowing toward the hot water module160through the water ejection flow path530may be installed in the water ejection flow path530.

The temperature sensor640may be installed integrally with the flow rate adjusting valve630.

In addition, the controller170is connected to the temperature sensor640and can receive the temperature of the purified water detected by the temperature sensor640. In addition, by utilizing the received temperature information, it is possible to control the output applied to the hot water module160.

In addition, a feed valve650for controlling the flow of purified water flowing through the water ejection flow path530after passing through the filter120may be installed in the water ejection flow path530.

In addition, the controller170may be connected to the feed valve650to control the feed valve650.

The flow rate sensor660for detecting the flow rate of the purified water flowing through the water ejection flow path530after passing through the filter120may be installed in the water ejection flow path530.

In addition, the controller170may be connected to the flow rate sensor660to receive the flow rate information detected by the flow rate sensor660. In addition, by utilizing the received flow rate information, it is possible to control the output applied to the hot water module160.

As described above, the opening degree of the flow rate adjusting valve630may be adjusted by the controller170.

Here, the ‘opening degree’ may mean an open degree of the flow rate adjusting valve630. For example, in a case where the flow rate adjusting valve630is closed, the opening degree of the flow rate adjusting valve630can be viewed as 0, and in a case where the flow rate adjusting valve630is fully opened, the opening degree of the flow rate adjusting valve630can be viewed as 100.

The controller170may adjust the opening degree of the flow rate adjusting valve630when hot water is ejected to be different from the opening degree of the flow rate adjusting valve630when purified water is ejected.

For example, the controller170may adjust the opening degree of the flow rate adjusting valve630when hot water is ejected to be smaller than the opening degree of the flow rate adjusting valve630when purified water is ejected.

When hot water is ejected, since hot water of a desired temperature has to be generated through instantaneous heating, the flow rate of purified water flowing in the hot water module160is controlled to decrease.

In other words, when hot water is ejected, the controller170lowers the opening degree of the flow rate adjusting valve630, so that the flow rate of purified water flowing in the hot water module160is reduced.

On the other hand, since there is no need to heat purified water when purified water is ejected, the flow rate of purified water flowing in the hot water module160is controlled to increase.

In other words, when purified water is ejected, the controller170increases the opening degree of the flow rate adjusting valve630, so that the flow rate of purified water flowing in the hot water module160may increase.

As described above, if the opening degree of the flow rate adjusting valve630increases when purified water is ejected, compared to hot water ejection, there is an advantage in securing the ejection water flow rate when purified water is ejected.

Meanwhile, after the hot water is ejected, the hot water module160is in a state of being heated, and the hot water flow path520is in a state of being filled with hot water.

In this situation, when the user ejects purified water, the hot water in the hot water flow path520or the hot water module160is ejected through the water ejection nozzle210before the purified water is ejected.

Therefore, when the hot water is ejected and then the ejection of the purified water proceeds, before the purified water is ejected, it is necessary to drain the hot water which is ejected, or to lower the temperature of the water ejected through the water ejection nozzle210.

For example, the drain flow path is branched in the hot water flow path520connecting the hot water module160and the water ejection nozzle210, and a drain valve may be installed in the drain flow path.

In addition, the controller170may control the drain valve.

Accordingly, when purified water is ejected immediately after hot water is ejected, the controller170opens the drain valve, and before the purified water is ejected, the hot water in the hot water flow path520or the hot water module160may be drained to the drain flow path without ejecting to the water ejection nozzle210.

In this embodiment, the controller170includes a timer171, and after hot water is ejected, after a preset reference time has elapsed, when purified water is ejected, the controller170may block the drain valve and opens the hot water valve620.

Here, the ‘reference time’ may be set variously. For example, the ‘reference time’ may be set to 30 minutes.

In addition, after the hot water is ejected, before the preset reference time has elapsed, when purified water is ejected, the controller170may open the cold water valve and the drain valve and block the hot water valve620. Then, the hot water in the hot water flow path520or the hot water module160is drained through the drain flow path.

In addition, when a preset drain time has elapsed, the controller170may block the drain valve and open the hot water valve620to supply purified water to the water ejection nozzle210.

As another example, the controller170may control the temperature of the hot water ejected to the water ejection nozzle210to be low through the cold water.

For this, cold water is required.

The water purifier according to one aspect of the present disclosure further includes a cold water flow path540having one side which is branched from the water ejection flow path530connecting between the filter120and the flow rate adjusting valve630and the other side which is connected to the side of the water ejection nozzle210, and a cold water module150installed in the cold water flow path540to cool the purified water passing through the cold water flow path540into cold water.

For example, the cold water flow path540may be branched from the water ejection flow path530between the flow rate sensor660and the flow rate adjusting valve630.

In addition, a cold water valve670may be installed in the cold water flow path540to control the flow of water branched from the water ejection flow path530and flowing to the cold water module150.

In addition, the controller170may be connected to the cold water valve670to control the cold water valve670.

For example, when purified water is ejected, the controller170may control the cold water valve670to be blocked and the hot water valve620to be opened.

As another example, when purified water is ejected, the controller170may control the cold water valve670and the hot water valve620to be opened at the same time.

In this embodiment, the controller170includes a timer171, and after hot water is ejected, after a preset reference time has elapsed, when purified water is ejected, the controller170may block the cold water valve670and open the hot water valve620.

Here, the ‘reference time’ may be set variously. For example, the ‘reference time’ may be set to 30 minutes.

In addition, after hot water is ejected, before a preset reference time has elapsed, when purified water is ejected, the controller170may open the cold water valve and the hot water valve at the same time.

Here, the ‘reference time’ may be set variously. For example, the ‘reference time’ may be set to 30 minutes.

In addition, after the hot water is ejected, before the reference time has elapsed, when purified water is ejected, the controller170may open the cold water valve670and the hot water valve620at the same time, wherein the cold water valve670is controlled to be blocked after being opened for the first time, and the hot water valve620is controlled to be opened for a second time longer than the first time.

Here, the ‘first time’ and the ‘second time’ may be set variously. For example, the ‘first time’ may be set to 3 seconds.

In addition, after the water discharged through the cold water flow path540and the hot water flow path520is merged, the water may be discharged through the water ejection nozzle210.

As an example, the cold water flow path540and the hot water flow path520are merged at the end portion adjacent to the water ejection nozzle, so that the cold water and hot water flow through one common flow path, and then be ejected to the water ejection nozzle210.

As another example, the cold water flow path540and the hot water flow path520are respectively connected to the water ejection nozzle210, and the cold water and the hot water are merged in a chamber provided inside the water ejection nozzle210and then ejected.

FIGS.6to7are flowcharts illustrating a purified water ejection process in the water purifier according to the present disclosure.

Hereinafter, with reference toFIGS.5to7, the cold water, hot water, and purified water ejection process in the water purifier according to the present disclosure will be described.

First, the cold water ejection process will be described.

When the user selects cold water and presses the water ejection button, the controller recognizes this and opens the cold water valve670. In addition, the water supply valve610and the feed valve650maintain an open state.

At this time, the hot water valve620is blocked.

Since the water supply valve610is in an open state, raw water flows in through the water supply flow path510connected to the water supply source, and after passing through the pressure reducing valve680, the pressure of the raw water is adjusted downward.

Thereafter, while passing through the filter120, the raw water is filtered with purified water and flows in the water ejection flow path530.

After passing through the feed valve650and the flow rate sensor660, the purified water flowing in the water ejection flow path530flows in the cold water flow path540and is cooled while passing through the cold water valve670and the cooling flow path152of the cold water module150and flows in the direction of the water ejection nozzle210as a state of cold water.

In addition, the user may receive cold water of a desired capacity through the water ejection nozzle210.

Next, the hot water ejection process will be described.

When the user presses the hot water button and presses the water ejection button, the controller recognizes this and opens the hot water valve620. In addition, the water supply valve610and the feed valve650maintain an open state.

At this time, the cold water valve670is blocked. In addition, power is supplied to the heating source of the hot water module160.

Since the water supply valve610is in an open state, raw water flows in through the water supply flow path510connected to the water supply source, and after passing through the pressure reducing valve680, the pressure of the raw water is adjusted to be lowered.

Thereafter, while passing through the filter120, the raw water is filtered with purified water and flows in the water ejection flow path530.

After passing through the feed valve650and the flow rate sensor660, the purified water flowing in the water ejection flow path530flows in the hot water flow path520. Thereafter, the purified water flowing in the hot water flow path520is heated while passing through the flow rate adjusting valve630and the heating flow path161of the hot water module160and flows toward the water ejection nozzle210in the state of hot water.

In addition, the user may receive hot water of a desired temperature and capacity through the water ejection nozzle210.

Next, the purified water ejection process according toFIG.6will be described.

When the user presses the water purification button and presses the water ejection button, the controller recognizes this and opens the hot water valve620. In addition, the water supply valve610and the feed valve650maintain an open state.

At this time, the cold water valve670is blocked. In addition, power is not supplied to the heating source of the hot water module160and is blocked.

Since the water supply valve610is in an open state, raw water flows in through the water supply flow path510connected to the water supply source, and after passing through the pressure reducing valve680, the pressure of the raw water is adjusted to be lowered.

Thereafter, while passing through the filter120, the raw water is filtered with purified water and flows in the water ejection flow path530.

After passing through the feed valve650and the flow rate sensor660, the purified water flowing in the water ejection flow path530flows in the hot water flow path520. Thereafter, the purified water flowing in the hot water flow path520passes through the flow rate adjusting valve630and the heating flow path161of the hot water module160and flows toward the water ejection nozzle210as a state of purified water.

In addition, the user may receive purified water of a desired capacity through the water ejection nozzle210.

At this time, the flow rate adjusting valve630may be completely open.

Next, the purified water ejection process according toFIG.7will be described.

When the user presses the water purification button and presses the water ejection button, the controller recognizes this and opens the hot water valve620. In addition, the water supply valve610and the feed valve650maintain an open state.

At this time, after the previous hot water is ejected, before the preset reference time has elapsed, when the purified water is ejected, the controller170also opens the cold water valve670. In other words, the hot water valve620and the cold water valve670are opened at the same time.

On the other hand, after the previous hot water is ejected, after a preset reference time has elapsed, when the purified water is ejected, the controller170blocks the cold water valve670and opens only the hot water valve620.

In addition, power is not supplied to the heating source of the hot water module160and is blocked.

Since the water supply valve610is in an open state, raw water flows in through the water supply flow path510connected to the water supply source, and after passing through the pressure reducing valve680, the pressure of the raw water is adjusted to be lowered.

Thereafter, while passing through the filter120, the raw water is filtered to be purified water and flows in the water ejection flow path530.

After passing through the feed valve650and the flow rate sensor660, the purified water flowing in the water ejection flow path530flows in the hot water flow path520and the cold water flow path540, respectively. Thereafter, the purified water flowing in the hot water flow path520passes through the flow rate adjusting valve630and the heating flow path161of the hot water module160, and flows toward the water ejection nozzle210as a state of purified water. Then, the purified water flowing in the cold water flow path540is cooled while passing through the cold water valve670and the cooling flow path152of the cold water module150and flows toward the water ejection nozzle210as a state of cold water.

At this time, the hot water remaining in the hot water flow path520and the hot water module160is discharged through the water ejection nozzle210after merging with the cold water discharged through the cold water flow path540, and the user may receive purified water, not hot water, through the water ejection nozzle210.

In addition, when the preset time has elapsed, the controller170closes the cold water valve670, the ejection of the cold water is blocked, and only the purified water that has passed through the hot water flow path520and the hot water valve630is ejected through the water ejection nozzle210.

According to this, through the hot water flow path, when the hot water flow path is used as a water purification flow path, by residual hot water, the problem that hot water or lukewarm water is initially discharged when purified water is ejected can be solved.

According to the present disclosure as described above, there is an advantage that it is possible to reduce the material cost due to the provision of the purified water flow path and the purified water valve by implementing to eject hot water and purified water through the hot water flow path without having a separate purified water flow path and water purification valve.

In addition, since the configuration of the purified water flow path and the purified water valve can be deleted, the space utilization inside the water purifier can increase, and there is an advantage that the water purifier can be miniaturized.

In addition, it is possible to delete the configuration of the purified water flow path and the purified water valve, there is also an advantage that can reduce maintenance costs, such as pipe replacement costs that are carried out periodically.

In addition, there is an advantage that can increase the water ejection flow rate of purified water while satisfying the temperature condition of hot water by adjusting the opening degree of the flow rate adjusting valve differently when hot water is ejected and purified water is ejected.

In addition, in a case where purified water is ejected after hot water is ejected, the temperature of water ejected through cold water is lowered so that the temperature of purified water ejected by residual hot water does not increase, and thus there is also an advantage that the temperature condition of ejected purified water is maintained in a satisfactory state.