Patent Description:
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 <NUM> (<CIT>), 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 <CIT> 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 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.

<CIT> presents a liquid dispenser comprising: at least one liquid path through which a liquid flows; at least one extraction valve configured to dispense the liquid; a first hot liquid module provided upstream from the at least one extraction valve and configured to heat the liquid; at least one valve configured to guide the liquid into the first hot liquid module; and a guide pipe configured to guide the liquid which has passed through the first hot liquid module into the at least one path, wherein during a first cleaning operation, the at least one valve is repeatedly opened and closed to supply the liquid to the first hot liquid module.

<CIT> relates to a hot water supply method, a hot water supply device, and a water purifier using the same.

<CIT> relates to a sterilization kit for a water treatment apparatus.

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.

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.

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.

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 provides a water purifier including 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.

When purified water is ejected, the controller is configured to turn 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.

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.

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 one or more embodiments, the water purifier may include a water ejection flow path connecting the filter and the hot water module.

The flow rate adjusting valve may adjust a flow rate of water flowing to the hot water module and/or may be installed in the water ejection flow path.

In one or more embodiments, a water purifier is provided in which a temperature sensor may be provided.

The temperature sensor may be configured to sense the temperature of water flowing toward the hot water module through the water ejection flow path.

The temperature sensor may be installed in the water ejection flow path.

In addition, a water purifier may include a feed valve configured to control the flow of purified water flowing through the water ejection flow path after passing through the filter.

The feed valve may be installed in the water ejection flow path.

In one or more embodiments, the water purifier may include a flow rate sensor.

The flow rate sensor may be configured to sense a flow rate of purified water flowing through the water ejection flow path after passing through the filter.

The flow rate sensor may be installed in the water ejection flow path.

According to the invention the water purifier includes a flow rate adjusting valve.

The flow rate adjusting valve is provided to adjust an opening degree by the controller and an opening degree of the flow rate adjusting valve when hot water is ejected.

According to the invention 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 one or more embodiments, a water purifier is provided in which, when purified water is ejected, the opening degree of the flow rate adjusting valve may be adjusted to the maximum.

In one or more embodiments, the water purifier may further include 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.

A cold water module may be installed in the cold water flow path to cool the purified water passing through the cold water flow path to cold water.

In one or more embodiments, the water purifier may include 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.

The cold water valve may be installed in the cold water flow path.

In one or more embodiments, a water purifier is provided in which, when purified water is ejected, the cold water valve and the hot water valve may be simultaneously opened.

In one or more embodiments, the controller may include a timer.

After hot water is ejected after a reference time has elapsed when purified water is ejected, the controller may shut off the cold water valve and may open the hot water valve.

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 may be opened at the same time.

In one or more embodiments, 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 may be opened at the same time, the cold water valve may be closed after being opened for the first time, and the hot water valve may be opened for a second time longer than the first time.

In one or more embodiments, a water purifier is provided in which the water discharged through the cold water flow path and the hot water flow path may be merged and then discharged through the water ejection nozzle.

Furthermore, a method is provided to operate the water purifier as defined above.

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> is a perspective view illustrating a water purifier according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and <FIG> is an exploded perspective view illustrating the water purifier.

Referring to <FIG>, the water purifier <NUM> according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a housing <NUM> having a storage space inside and forming an outer shape of the water purifier, a water purifier main body <NUM> including a filter <NUM> provided in the inside of the housing <NUM> to filter raw water flowing from the outside therein, a water ejection module <NUM> in which a water ejection nozzle <NUM> at least a portion of which is formed to protrude in front of the water purifier main body <NUM> and which supplies water passing through the filter <NUM> to the outside of the water purifier main body <NUM>, and a tray <NUM> provided below the water ejection nozzle <NUM>.

First, the outer shape of the water purifier main body <NUM> may be formed by the housing <NUM>. The housing <NUM> includes a front cover <NUM> forming an outer appearance of a front surface, a rear cover <NUM> forming an outer appearance of a rear surface, a base <NUM> forming a lower surface, a top cover <NUM> forming an upper surface, and side panels <NUM> forming both sides in the left and right direction. The front cover <NUM>, the rear cover <NUM>, the base <NUM>, the top cover <NUM>, and the pair of side panels <NUM> are assembled with each other and thus can form a housing <NUM> that forms the outer appearance of the water purifier main body <NUM>.

At this time, the front and rear ends of the base <NUM> and the top cover <NUM> may be formed to be round, and the front cover <NUM> and the rear cover <NUM> may be respectively convexly formed in the front and rear direction to have a curvature corresponding to the front and rear ends of the base <NUM> and the top cover <NUM> which are formed to be round as described above.

In addition, the water ejection nozzle <NUM> is formed on the front surface of the water purifier main body <NUM>. In addition, at least a portion of the water ejection nozzle <NUM> may be formed to protrude downward of the water ejection module <NUM> formed to protrude forward of the front cover <NUM>. Accordingly, purified water may be taken out through the water ejection nozzle <NUM>.

A filter bracket <NUM> in which a filter <NUM>, a valve (not illustrated), and the like for water purification are mounted inside the housing <NUM> is provided.

The filter bracket <NUM> may be composed of a bottom portion <NUM> coupled to the base <NUM>, a filter accommodating part <NUM> in which the filter <NUM> is accommodated, and a water ejection module mounting part <NUM> on which the water ejection module <NUM> is mounted.

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

The filter bracket <NUM> may be engaged and constrained by a hook method on the base <NUM> and may also be fixed by a screw fastened on the lower surface of the base <NUM>.

The filter accommodating part <NUM> is 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 filter <NUM> can be accommodated. A plurality of filters <NUM> may be mounted on the filter accommodating part <NUM>. The filter <NUM> is for purification of supplied raw water (tap water) and may be configured to combine filters having various functions.

In addition, the filter accommodating part <NUM> may further include a filter socket <NUM> in which the filter <NUM> is mounted, and a pipe for flowing purified water is provided in the filter socket <NUM>, and the pipe may be connected to a plurality of valves (not illustrated). Therefore, the raw water passes through the filter <NUM> in 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 part <NUM>. In addition, the valves (not illustrated) selectively supply purified water passing through the filter <NUM>, cold water cooled while passing through the cold water module <NUM>, and hot water heated while passing through the hot water module <NUM> to the water ejection nozzle <NUM>.

The water ejection module mounting part <NUM> is formed at the upper end of the filter accommodating part <NUM>. The water ejection module mounting part <NUM> has a structure in which the water ejection module <NUM> can be inserted and fixed by having a mounting groove 133a formed at the upper end from the upper portion to the lower portion. In this case, the water ejection module mounting part <NUM> may be formed to have a curvature corresponding to the curvature of the front cover <NUM> covering the front of the water ejection module mounting part <NUM>. An upper portion of the filter bracket <NUM> may be shielded by a top cover <NUM>.

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

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

The condenser bracket <NUM> has a condenser mounting part <NUM> to which the condenser <NUM> is fixed, and a tank mounting part <NUM> on which a cooling tank <NUM> of the cold water module <NUM> for making cold water may be mounted. The condenser mounting part <NUM> forms a space having a shape corresponding to the overall shape of the condenser <NUM> to be capable of accommodating the condenser <NUM>. In addition, the condenser mounting part <NUM> is formed such that portions facing the cooling fan <NUM> and the discharge port 112a are opened, respectively, so that effective cooling of the condenser <NUM> is possible.

In addition, the tank mounting part <NUM> is formed above the condenser bracket <NUM>, that is, above the condenser mounting part <NUM>. The lower end portion of the cooling tank <NUM> of the cold water module <NUM> is inserted into the tank mounting part <NUM>, and the tank mounting part <NUM> fixes the cooling tank <NUM>.

The cooling tank <NUM> is 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 tank <NUM>, an evaporator for cooling the cooling water is accommodated, and a cooling flow path <NUM> is formed so that the purified water passing through the filter <NUM> can pass through the inside of the cooling tank <NUM>. Accordingly, the purified water may be cooled while circulating in the cooling tank <NUM> along the cooling flow path <NUM>.

One side of the filter bracket <NUM> is further provided with a support plate <NUM> extending toward the cooling tank <NUM>. The support plate <NUM> is provided above the compressor <NUM> and extends from the filter bracket <NUM> to the condenser bracket <NUM> to provide a space in which the hot water module <NUM> and the controller <NUM> are mounted.

The hot water module <NUM> may mean a heating assembly for making hot water, and the controller <NUM> may mean a control assembly for controlling the overall operation of the water purifier <NUM>. The hot water module <NUM> and the controller <NUM> may be coupled to each other to form a single module and may be mounted on the support plate <NUM> in a coupled state.

The hot water module <NUM> is for heating purified water and may heat purified water in various known methods, including an induction heating (IH) method. The hot water module <NUM> can 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 controller <NUM> is to control the operation of the water purifier <NUM> and is configured to be capable of controlling the compressor <NUM>, the cooling fan <NUM>, and various valves and sensors, the hot water module <NUM>, or the like. The controller <NUM> may 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 purifier <NUM> takes out only cold water and purified water, the hot water module <NUM> and 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 filter <NUM> of the water purifier <NUM> passes through several flow paths and valves until taken out to the water ejection nozzle <NUM>.

<FIG> is a perspective view illustrating the water ejection module, which is a component of the present disclosure, <FIG> is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a water purifier according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and <FIG> is a water pipe diagram of a water purifier according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, 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 manipulator <NUM> which receives a water ejection command from a user and a controller <NUM> that controls various valves to open or close when a water ejection command is input to the manipulator <NUM>.

In this embodiment, the manipulator <NUM> may be provided on the upper surface or the front surface of the water ejection module <NUM> or the water purifier main body <NUM>, and a water ejection button <NUM> may be provided in the front surface of the water ejection module <NUM> or the water purifier main body <NUM>.

As an example, the manipulator <NUM> is provided with a touch panel and may include a capacity button <NUM> for selecting a water ejection capacity, a hot water button <NUM> for selecting hot water, and further selecting the temperature of the hot water to be ejected, a water purifying button <NUM> for selecting purified water, a cold water button <NUM> for selecting cold water, a continuous button <NUM> for selecting continuous water ejection, and a washing button <NUM> for inputting a sterilization command and/or a washing command.

In addition, the manipulator <NUM> may 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 manipulator <NUM> in a state where readability is secured.

In addition, the controller <NUM> may include an inverter <NUM>. The inverter <NUM> may adjust the amount of heating by controlling the amount of current applied to the heating source of the hot water module <NUM>. In other words, the output of the hot water module <NUM> may be adjusted by the inverter <NUM>.

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 controller <NUM> may further include a noise filter <NUM>. The noise filter <NUM> serves to remove noise from a signal including noise generated by a magnetic field generated by a current applied to the hot water module <NUM>.

The noise filter <NUM> may control noise in a control signal output from the controller <NUM> and applied to various valves, or the like.

In addition, the controller <NUM> may include a timer <NUM> for 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 filter <NUM> passes through the hot water flow path and the hot water module <NUM> and is discharged to the water ejection nozzle <NUM>.

At this time, if power is supplied to the hot water module <NUM> and purified water is heated in the hot water module <NUM>, then hot water is ejected to the water ejection nozzle <NUM>.

In addition, when the power to the hot water module <NUM> is blocked, the purified water that has passed through the hot water module <NUM> is not heated and is ejected to the water ejection nozzle <NUM> as 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 module <NUM> which forms a heating flow path <NUM> through which the purified water passing through the filter <NUM> passes and instantaneously heats the purified water passing through the heating flow path <NUM> into hot water when hot water is ejected.

In addition, the present disclosure includes a hot water flow path <NUM> for guiding the hot water passing through the hot water module <NUM> to the water ejection nozzle <NUM> side. The hot water module <NUM> may be installed on the hot water flow path <NUM> to heat the purified water passing through the hot water flow path <NUM> into hot water. Both end portions of the heating flow path <NUM> are connected to the hot water flow path <NUM>. 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 controller <NUM> controls the operation of the hot water module <NUM>.

At this time, when purified water is ejected, the controller <NUM> turns off the heating source of the hot water module <NUM>, and the purified water discharged from the hot water module <NUM> passes through the hot water flow path <NUM> to be ejected to the water ejection nozzle <NUM>. In other words, when the heating source of the hot water module <NUM> is turned off, when the purified water passes through the heating flow path <NUM> of the hot water module <NUM>, 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 nozzle <NUM> through the hot water flow path <NUM>.

In addition, when hot water is ejected, the controller <NUM> turns on the heating source of the hot water module <NUM>, and the hot water discharged from the hot water module <NUM> passes through the hot water flow path <NUM> to be supplied to the water ejection nozzle <NUM>. In other words, when the heating source of the hot water module <NUM> is turned on, the purified water is heated when passing through the heating flow path <NUM> of the hot water module <NUM> and discharged in the state of hot water. Then, the hot water may be supplied to the water ejection nozzle <NUM> through the hot water flow path <NUM>.

In addition, in the hot water flow path <NUM>, a hot water valve <NUM> for controlling the flow of purified water or hot water flowing through the hot water flow path <NUM> is mounted, and when hot water is ejected and purified water is ejected, the controller <NUM> opens the hot water valve <NUM>.

In addition, the filter <NUM> and the hot water module <NUM> are connected through a water ejection flow path <NUM>, and the water ejection flow path <NUM> has a flow rate adjusting valve <NUM> adjusting the flow rate of water flowing to the hot water module <NUM> is installed in the water ejection flow path <NUM>.

The controller <NUM> is connected to the flow rate adjusting valve <NUM> to control the flow rate adjusting valve <NUM>. In detail, the controller <NUM> may open or block the flow rate adjusting valve <NUM>. In addition, the controller <NUM> may adjust the opening amount of the flow rate adjusting valve <NUM>.

In addition, a temperature sensor <NUM> for detecting the temperature of water flowing toward the hot water module <NUM> through the water ejection flow path <NUM> may be installed in the water ejection flow path <NUM>.

The temperature sensor <NUM> may be installed integrally with the flow rate adjusting valve <NUM>.

In addition, the controller <NUM> is connected to the temperature sensor <NUM> and can receive the temperature of the purified water detected by the temperature sensor <NUM>. In addition, by utilizing the received temperature information, it is possible to control the output applied to the hot water module <NUM>.

In addition, a feed valve <NUM> for controlling the flow of purified water flowing through the water ejection flow path <NUM> after passing through the filter <NUM> may be installed in the water ejection flow path <NUM>.

In addition, the controller <NUM> may be connected to the feed valve <NUM> to control the feed valve <NUM>.

The flow rate sensor <NUM> for detecting the flow rate of the purified water flowing through the water ejection flow path <NUM> after passing through the filter <NUM> may be installed in the water ejection flow path <NUM>.

In addition, the controller <NUM> may be connected to the flow rate sensor <NUM> to receive the flow rate information detected by the flow rate sensor <NUM>. In addition, by utilizing the received flow rate information, it is possible to control the output applied to the hot water module <NUM>.

As described above, the opening degree of the flow rate adjusting valve <NUM> may be adjusted by the controller <NUM>.

Here, the 'opening degree' may mean an open degree of the flow rate adjusting valve <NUM>. For example, in a case where the flow rate adjusting valve <NUM> is closed, the opening degree of the flow rate adjusting valve <NUM> can be viewed as <NUM>, and in a case where the flow rate adjusting valve <NUM> is fully opened, the opening degree of the flow rate adjusting valve <NUM> can be viewed as <NUM>.

The controller <NUM> may adjust the opening degree of the flow rate adjusting valve <NUM> when hot water is ejected to be different from the opening degree of the flow rate adjusting valve <NUM> when purified water is ejected.

For example, the controller <NUM> may adjust the opening degree of the flow rate adjusting valve <NUM> when hot water is ejected to be smaller than the opening degree of the flow rate adjusting valve <NUM> when 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 module <NUM> is controlled to decrease.

In other words, when hot water is ejected, the controller <NUM> lowers the opening degree of the flow rate adjusting valve <NUM>, so that the flow rate of purified water flowing in the hot water module <NUM> is 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 module <NUM> is controlled to increase.

In other words, when purified water is ejected, the controller <NUM> increases the opening degree of the flow rate adjusting valve <NUM>, so that the flow rate of purified water flowing in the hot water module <NUM> may increase.

As described above, if the opening degree of the flow rate adjusting valve <NUM> increases 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 module <NUM> is in a state of being heated, and the hot water flow path <NUM> is 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 path <NUM> or the hot water module <NUM> is ejected through the water ejection nozzle <NUM> before 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 nozzle <NUM>.

For example, the drain flow path is branched in the hot water flow path <NUM> connecting the hot water module <NUM> and the water ejection nozzle <NUM>, and a drain valve may be installed in the drain flow path.

In addition, the controller <NUM> may control the drain valve.

Accordingly, when purified water is ejected immediately after hot water is ejected, the controller <NUM> opens the drain valve, and before the purified water is ejected, the hot water in the hot water flow path <NUM> or the hot water module <NUM> may be drained to the drain flow path without ejecting to the water ejection nozzle <NUM>.

In this embodiment, the controller <NUM> includes a timer <NUM>, and after hot water is ejected, after a preset reference time has elapsed, when purified water is ejected, the controller <NUM> may block the drain valve and opens the hot water valve <NUM>.

Here, the 'reference time' may be set variously. For example, the 'reference time' may be set to <NUM> minutes.

In addition, after the hot water is ejected, before the preset reference time has elapsed, when purified water is ejected, the controller <NUM> may open the cold water valve and the drain valve and block the hot water valve <NUM>. Then, the hot water in the hot water flow path <NUM> or the hot water module <NUM> is drained through the drain flow path.

In addition, when a preset drain time has elapsed, the controller <NUM> may block the drain valve and open the hot water valve <NUM> to supply purified water to the water ejection nozzle <NUM>.

As another example, the controller <NUM> may control the temperature of the hot water ejected to the water ejection nozzle <NUM> to be low through the cold water.

The water purifier according to one aspect of the present disclosure further includes a cold water flow path <NUM> having one side which is branched from the water ejection flow path <NUM> connecting between the filter <NUM> and the flow rate adjusting valve <NUM> and the other side which is connected to the side of the water ejection nozzle <NUM>, and a cold water module <NUM> installed in the cold water flow path <NUM> to cool the purified water passing through the cold water flow path <NUM> into cold water.

For example, the cold water flow path <NUM> may be branched from the water ejection flow path <NUM> between the flow rate sensor <NUM> and the flow rate adjusting valve <NUM>.

In addition, a cold water valve <NUM> may be installed in the cold water flow path <NUM> to control the flow of water branched from the water ejection flow path <NUM> and flowing to the cold water module <NUM>.

In addition, the controller <NUM> may be connected to the cold water valve <NUM> to control the cold water valve <NUM>.

For example, when purified water is ejected, the controller <NUM> may control the cold water valve <NUM> to be blocked and the hot water valve <NUM> to be opened.

As another example, when purified water is ejected, the controller <NUM> may control the cold water valve <NUM> and the hot water valve <NUM> to be opened at the same time.

In this embodiment, the controller <NUM> includes a timer <NUM>, and after hot water is ejected, after a preset reference time has elapsed, when purified water is ejected, the controller <NUM> may block the cold water valve <NUM> and open the hot water valve <NUM>.

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

In addition, after the hot water is ejected, before the reference time has elapsed, when purified water is ejected, the controller <NUM> may open the cold water valve <NUM> and the hot water valve <NUM> at the same time, wherein the cold water valve <NUM> is controlled to be blocked after being opened for the first time, and the hot water valve <NUM> is 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 <NUM> seconds.

In addition, after the water discharged through the cold water flow path <NUM> and the hot water flow path <NUM> is merged, the water may be discharged through the water ejection nozzle <NUM>.

As an example, the cold water flow path <NUM> and the hot water flow path <NUM> are 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 nozzle <NUM>.

As another example, the cold water flow path <NUM> and the hot water flow path <NUM> are respectively connected to the water ejection nozzle <NUM>, and the cold water and the hot water are merged in a chamber provided inside the water ejection nozzle <NUM> and then ejected.

<FIG> are flowcharts illustrating a purified water ejection process in the water purifier according to the present disclosure.

Hereinafter, with reference to <FIG>, 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 valve <NUM>. In addition, the water supply valve <NUM> and the feed valve <NUM> maintain an open state.

At this time, the hot water valve <NUM> is blocked.

Since the water supply valve <NUM> is in an open state, raw water flows in through the water supply flow path <NUM> connected to the water supply source, and after passing through the pressure reducing valve <NUM>, the pressure of the raw water is adjusted downward.

Thereafter, while passing through the filter <NUM>, the raw water is filtered with purified water and flows in the water ejection flow path <NUM>.

After passing through the feed valve <NUM> and the flow rate sensor <NUM>, the purified water flowing in the water ejection flow path <NUM> flows in the cold water flow path <NUM> and is cooled while passing through the cold water valve <NUM> and the cooling flow path <NUM> of the cold water module <NUM> and flows in the direction of the water ejection nozzle <NUM> as a state of cold water.

In addition, the user may receive cold water of a desired capacity through the water ejection nozzle <NUM>.

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 valve <NUM>. In addition, the water supply valve <NUM> and the feed valve <NUM> maintain an open state.

At this time, the cold water valve <NUM> is blocked. In addition, power is supplied to the heating source of the hot water module <NUM>.

Since the water supply valve <NUM> is in an open state, raw water flows in through the water supply flow path <NUM> connected to the water supply source, and after passing through the pressure reducing valve <NUM>, the pressure of the raw water is adjusted to be lowered.

After passing through the feed valve <NUM> and the flow rate sensor <NUM>, the purified water flowing in the water ejection flow path <NUM> flows in the hot water flow path <NUM>. Thereafter, the purified water flowing in the hot water flow path <NUM> is heated while passing through the flow rate adjusting valve <NUM> and the heating flow path <NUM> of the hot water module <NUM> and flows toward the water ejection nozzle <NUM> in the state of hot water.

In addition, the user may receive hot water of a desired temperature and capacity through the water ejection nozzle <NUM>.

Next, the purified water ejection process according to <FIG> will 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 valve <NUM>. In addition, the water supply valve <NUM> and the feed valve <NUM> maintain an open state.

At this time, the cold water valve <NUM> is blocked. In addition, power is not supplied to the heating source of the hot water module <NUM> and is blocked.

After passing through the feed valve <NUM> and the flow rate sensor <NUM>, the purified water flowing in the water ejection flow path <NUM> flows in the hot water flow path <NUM>. Thereafter, the purified water flowing in the hot water flow path <NUM> passes through the flow rate adjusting valve <NUM> and the heating flow path <NUM> of the hot water module <NUM> and flows toward the water ejection nozzle <NUM> as a state of purified water.

In addition, the user may receive purified water of a desired capacity through the water ejection nozzle <NUM>.

At this time, the flow rate adjusting valve <NUM> may be completely open.

At this time, after the previous hot water is ejected, before the preset reference time has elapsed, when the purified water is ejected, the controller <NUM> also opens the cold water valve <NUM>. In other words, the hot water valve <NUM> and the cold water valve <NUM> are 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 controller <NUM> blocks the cold water valve <NUM> and opens only the hot water valve <NUM>.

In addition, power is not supplied to the heating source of the hot water module <NUM> and is blocked.

Thereafter, while passing through the filter <NUM>, the raw water is filtered to be purified water and flows in the water ejection flow path <NUM>.

After passing through the feed valve <NUM> and the flow rate sensor <NUM>, the purified water flowing in the water ejection flow path <NUM> flows in the hot water flow path <NUM> and the cold water flow path <NUM>, respectively. Thereafter, the purified water flowing in the hot water flow path <NUM> passes through the flow rate adjusting valve <NUM> and the heating flow path <NUM> of the hot water module <NUM>, and flows toward the water ejection nozzle <NUM> as a state of purified water. Then, the purified water flowing in the cold water flow path <NUM> is cooled while passing through the cold water valve <NUM> and the cooling flow path <NUM> of the cold water module <NUM> and flows toward the water ejection nozzle <NUM> as a state of cold water.

At this time, the hot water remaining in the hot water flow path <NUM> and the hot water module <NUM> is discharged through the water ejection nozzle <NUM> after merging with the cold water discharged through the cold water flow path <NUM>, and the user may receive purified water, not hot water, through the water ejection nozzle <NUM>.

In addition, when the preset time has elapsed, the controller <NUM> closes the cold water valve <NUM>, the ejection of the cold water is blocked, and only the purified water that has passed through the hot water flow path <NUM> and the hot water valve <NUM> is ejected through the water ejection nozzle <NUM>.

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.

Claim 1:
A water purifier (<NUM>) configured to eject hot water and purified water comprising:
a housing (<NUM>) forming a storage space;
a filter (<NUM>) provided inside the housing (<NUM>) to purify water supplied from an external water supply source;
a water ejection nozzle (<NUM>) provided on the outside of the housing (<NUM>) and configured to eject the water passing through the filter (<NUM>);
a hot water module (<NUM>) forming a heating flow path through which the purified water from the filter (<NUM>) passes and configured to instantaneously heat the purified water passing through the heating flow path into hot water when hot water is ejected;
a flow rate adjusting valve (<NUM>) configured to adjust the flow rate of water flowing to the hot water module (<NUM>);
a hot water flow path (<NUM>) configured to guide the hot water passing through the hot water module (<NUM>) toward the water ejection nozzle (<NUM>); and
a controller (<NUM>) configured to control the operation of the hot water module (<NUM>) and the flow rate adjusting valve (<NUM>),
wherein, when purified water is ejected, the controller (<NUM>) is configured to turn off the hot water module (<NUM>), and the purified water discharged from the hot water module is ejected to the water ejection nozzle (<NUM>) through the hot water flow path (<NUM>),
wherein the opening degree of the flow rate adjusting valve (<NUM>) is adjusted by the controller (<NUM>), and
wherein, when hot water is ejected, the opening degree of the flow rate adjusting valve (<NUM>) is adjusted to be smaller than the opening degree of the flow rate adjusting valve (<NUM>) when purified water is ejected; and
wherein a hot water valve (<NUM>) configured to control the flow of water flowing through the hot water flow path (<NUM>) is installed in the hot water flow path, and
wherein, when hot water is ejected and purified water is ejected, the controller opens the hot water valve (<NUM>), and
wherein, when hot water is ejected, the controller (<NUM>) turns on the hot water module (<NUM>), and the hot water discharged from the hot water module (<NUM>) is ejected to the water ejection nozzle (<NUM>) through the hot water flow path (<NUM>).