阅读说明：本技术 水分配装置的控制方法 (Control method of water dispensing device ) 是由 朴信炫 于 2019-06-06 设计创作，主要内容包括：本发明涉及水分配装置的控制方法,其包括：向麦克风输入使用者说出的语音形式的调用语的步骤；语音识别模块对输入的调用语进行识别,并通过扬声器输出调用语识别提示音的步骤；向麦克风输入使用者说出的语音形式的希望出水量的步骤；语音识别模块对输入的希望出水量进行识别,并通过所述扬声器输出出水量识别提示音的步骤；使用者输入出水指令的步骤；出水阀被开放且以人工智能的方式出水的步骤；以及若流量传感器检测到的出水流量达到输入的希望出水量,则出水阀被关闭且结束出水的步骤。(The invention relates to a control method of a water dispensing device, comprising the following steps: inputting a phrase in a voice form uttered by a user into a microphone; a step of recognizing the input calling language by the voice recognition module and outputting calling language recognition prompt tones through a loudspeaker; inputting a desired water output amount in the form of a voice uttered by a user into a microphone; a step of recognizing the input expected water yield by a voice recognition module and outputting a water yield recognition prompt tone through the loudspeaker; inputting a water outlet instruction by a user; opening the water outlet valve and discharging water in an artificial intelligence mode; and if the outlet water flow detected by the flow sensor reaches the input expected outlet water quantity, closing the outlet water valve and finishing the outlet water.)

1. A method of controlling a water dispensing apparatus, wherein,

the water dispensing apparatus comprises:

a microphone for inputting a voice uttered by a user;

a voice recognition module for recognizing the voice information inputted to the microphone;

a speaker for outputting a warning sound to a user;

a filter for filtering raw water;

a water outlet nozzle for delivering filtered water;

the water outlet valve is used for limiting whether water is discharged or not;

a flow sensor for detecting the flow rate of the effluent;

a water outlet button for receiving water outlet instruction from user; and

a controller for controlling the opening and closing of the water outlet valve,

the control method comprises the following steps:

inputting a phrase in the form of a voice uttered by a user into the microphone;

the voice recognition module recognizes the input calling words and outputs calling word recognition prompt tones through the loudspeaker;

inputting a desired water output amount in the form of a voice uttered by a user into the microphone;

a step of recognizing the input expected water yield by the voice recognition module and outputting a water yield recognition prompt tone through the loudspeaker;

the user inputs a water outlet instruction by operating the water outlet key;

the water outlet valve is opened and water outlet is carried out; and

and if the water outlet flow detected by the flow sensor reaches the input expected water outlet amount, closing the water outlet valve and finishing water outlet.

2. The control method of water dispensing devices, as claimed in claim 1,

the water dispensing apparatus further includes a first detecting unit detecting a container disposed at a lower side of the water discharge nozzle,

if the first detection unit detects a container, the microphone or the speech recognition module is switched from an inactive state to an active state in which speech tonal wording can be recognized.

3. The control method of water dispensing devices, as claimed in claim 1,

the water dispensing device further comprises a second detection unit for detecting a human body approaching to the periphery of the water outlet nozzle,

and if the second detection unit detects a human body, the microphone or the voice recognition module is switched from an inactive state to an active state capable of recognizing voice tone expression.

4. The control method of water dispensing devices, as claimed in claim 1,

if the expected water outlet temperature and the expected water outlet quantity spoken by the user are input into the microphone together after the calling voice recognition prompt tone is output from the loudspeaker, the voice recognition module recognizes the input expected water outlet quantity and the input expected water outlet temperature, and outputs the water outlet quantity and the water outlet temperature recognition prompt tone through the loudspeaker.

5. The control method of water dispensing devices, as claimed in claim 4,

the water dispensing device further includes a hot water generation module for heating the water having passed through the filter to hot water and supplying the hot water to the water outlet nozzle side or a cold water generation module for cooling the water having passed through the filter to cold water and supplying the cold water to the water outlet nozzle side,

and if the user operates the water outlet button, the water outlet valve is opened, and the input water with the desired outlet water temperature and the desired outlet water quantity is delivered.

6. The control method of water dispensing devices, as claimed in claim 5,

the controller stores the water outlet application spoken by the user and the information of the water outlet amount and the water outlet temperature matched with the water outlet application,

if the expected water outlet purpose in the voice form spoken by the user is input into the microphone, the voice recognition module recognizes the input expected water outlet purpose and outputs a water outlet purpose recognition prompt tone through the loudspeaker.

7. The control method of water dispensing devices, as claimed in claim 6,

if the user operates the water outlet button, the water outlet valve is opened and delivers the water outlet amount with the water outlet temperature matched with the input expected water outlet purpose.

8. A method of controlling a water dispensing apparatus, wherein,

the water dispensing apparatus comprises:

a microphone for inputting a voice uttered by a user;

a voice recognition module for recognizing the voice information inputted to the microphone;

a speaker for outputting a warning sound to a user;

a filter for filtering raw water;

a water outlet nozzle for delivering filtered water;

the water outlet valve is used for limiting whether water is discharged or not;

the flow sensor detects the flow of the water discharged through the water outlet valve;

a first detection unit that detects a container disposed below the water discharge nozzle; and

a controller for controlling the opening and closing of the water outlet valve,

the control method comprises the following steps:

inputting a phrase in the form of a voice uttered by a user into the microphone;

the voice recognition module recognizes the input voice calling language and outputs calling language recognition prompt tone through the loudspeaker;

inputting a desired water output amount in the form of a voice uttered by a user into the microphone;

a step of recognizing the input expected water yield by the voice recognition module and outputting a water yield recognition prompt tone through the loudspeaker;

a step in which the first detection means detects whether or not a container is disposed below the water discharge nozzle;

if the first detection unit detects the container, the water outlet valve is opened and water outlet is performed; and

and if the water outlet flow detected by the flow sensor reaches the input expected water outlet amount, closing the water outlet valve and finishing water outlet.

9. The control method of water dispensing devices, as claimed in claim 8,

when a voice water discharge command spoken by a user is input to the microphone in a state where the first detection unit detects the container disposed below the water discharge nozzle, the water discharge valve is opened and water is discharged.

10. The control method of water dispensing devices, as claimed in claim 8,

if the first detection unit detects a container, the microphone or the speech recognition module is switched from an inactive state to an active state in which speech tonal wording can be recognized.

11. The control method of water dispensing devices, as claimed in claim 8,

the water dispensing device further comprises a second detection unit for detecting a human body approaching to the periphery of the water outlet nozzle,

and if the second detection unit detects a human body, the microphone or the voice recognition module is switched from an inactive state to an active state capable of recognizing voice tone expression.

12. The control method of water dispensing devices, as claimed in claim 8,

if the expected water outlet temperature and the expected water outlet quantity spoken by the user are input into the microphone together after the calling voice recognition prompt tone is output from the loudspeaker, the voice recognition module recognizes the input expected water outlet quantity and the input expected water outlet temperature, and outputs the water outlet quantity and the water outlet temperature recognition prompt tone through the loudspeaker.

13. The control method of water dispensing apparatus as claimed in claim 12,

the water dispensing device further includes a hot water module for heating the water passed through the filter to hot water and supplying the hot water to the water outlet nozzle side or a cold water module for cooling the water passed through the filter to cold water and supplying the cold water to the water outlet nozzle side,

and if the water outlet valve is opened, sending the input water with the desired water outlet temperature and the desired water outlet quantity.

14. The control method of water dispensing apparatus as claimed in claim 13,

the controller stores the water outlet application spoken by the user and the information of the water outlet amount and the water outlet temperature matched with the water outlet application,

if the expected water outlet purpose in the voice form spoken by the user is input into the microphone, the voice recognition module recognizes the input expected water outlet purpose and outputs a water outlet purpose recognition prompt tone through the loudspeaker.

15. The control method of water dispensing apparatus as claimed in claim 14,

if the outlet valve is opened, the outlet water with the outlet water temperature matched with the input expected outlet water application is sent out.

Technical Field

The present description relates to a control method of a water dispensing device, and more particularly, to a control method of an artificial intelligence water dispensing device.

Background

Generally, a water dispensing apparatus of a water purifier, a refrigerator, or the like is an apparatus that filters water received from a water source by a physical or chemical method, removes impurities, and then supplies the filtered water.

The water distribution device as described above may be classified into a natural filter type, a direct connection filter type, an ion exchange resin type, a distillation type, a reverse osmosis type, etc. according to the principle or manner of purifying water.

In addition, a Water Dispensing Device (Water Dispensing Device) is widely used in homes as a mechanism for removing impurities by filtering Water.

In the case of a household water dispensing device, suspended matter, harmful components, and the like contained in tap water are removed by a filter connected to a water supply line, and a required amount of water can be purified and taken out in accordance with a user's operation.

With water dispensing devices as described above, there are a variety of products that are constantly being developed that can not only purify water, but also extract hot and cold water. Further, recently, water dispensing devices that are small in size and can be installed in a variety of installation environments are being developed.

In the conventional water dispenser, a cup or a container to be supplied with water is placed below a water discharge nozzle, and water is supplied manually by pressing a water supply button.

Therefore, the user needs to continuously check the amount of water before taking a required amount of water, and if the user is not aware of the water in the middle of taking the water, the water exceeding the capacity of the cup overflows, and the water flows around the water dispensing device, which may cause a problem that the user may burn his hand when taking out the hot water.

In addition, although a water dispensing device has been conventionally provided in which an automatic water intake button is attached and a predetermined amount of water can be taken in when the button is pressed, in the case of such a conventional water dispensing device, since the size and shape of the cup are not taken into consideration, there is a problem that the water discharge button needs to be pressed a plurality of times because the amount of water taken once is small when a large cup is filled with water.

That is, in the conventional water distribution device as described above, when a user sets a desired flow rate, water is discharged according to the set flow rate. For example, when the user presses the water discharge button in a state where the water discharge flow rate is set to 50ml, 50ml of water is discharged.

However, in the case as described above, since a prescribed flow rate of water is always supplied regardless of the size and height of the cup, there is a trouble that the water-out button needs to be pressed several times when a large cup such as 500ml is filled with water.

In addition, conventionally, when it is necessary to perform water discharge exceeding a set flow rate, it is necessary to perform a key operation for once adjusting the water discharge rate for controlling the water discharge rate and then perform a second key operation for commanding water discharge, which requires two key operations.

In addition, there is a problem that a plurality of key operations are required for discharging a large amount of water or accurately adjusting the amount of water discharged.

Disclosure of Invention

The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a control method of a water dispensing device, which enables a desired amount of water to be dispensed by a single operation of pressing a water dispensing button after a desired amount of water is inputted by voice, thereby simplifying the operation of the device.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a method for controlling a water dispensing device, which can input a desired water discharge amount by voice through voice recognition, and can improve the restriction of water discharge amount setting.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a method for controlling a water dispenser, which can prevent any water discharge accident in a state where a user does not prepare for water collection by discharging water only when the user's last operation is completed in a state where the water discharge amount is determined by voice recognition. Namely, a control method of a water dispensing device capable of ensuring water discharge safety is provided.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a method for controlling a water dispensing device, which enables a water dispensing command to be inputted by voice when a container disposed below a water dispensing nozzle is detected in a state where a required water discharge amount is inputted by voice, thereby enabling water dispensing without requiring any key operation.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a method for controlling a water dispenser that prevents any water discharge accident in a state where a user does not have a preparation for receiving water by performing water discharge only in a state where a container disposed below a water discharge nozzle is detected and a voice water discharge command is received from the user in a state where a water discharge amount is determined by voice recognition. Namely, a control method of a water dispensing device capable of ensuring water discharge safety is provided.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a method for controlling a water dispensing apparatus, in which a microphone or a voice recognition module is switched to an active state only in a state where a user or a cup or the like placed below a water discharge nozzle of the apparatus is detected in proximity to the water discharge nozzle, thereby reducing standby power consumption of the apparatus and improving power consumption.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a method for controlling a water dispensing device, which can take out water of a desired amount by a user without pressing a water discharge button at any time.

In order to achieve the above object, a water dispensing device of the present invention includes: a microphone for inputting a voice spoken by a user; a voice recognition module recognizing voice information input to the microphone; a speaker for outputting a warning sound to a user; a filter for filtering raw water; a water outlet nozzle for delivering filtered water; the water outlet valve is used for limiting whether water is discharged or not; a flow sensor for detecting the flow rate of the effluent; a water outlet button for receiving water outlet instruction from user; and a controller for controlling the opening and closing of the water outlet valve.

In addition, a control method of a water dispensing device according to another aspect of the present invention includes: inputting a phrase in the form of a voice uttered by a user into the microphone; the voice recognition module recognizes the input calling words and outputs calling word recognition prompt tones through the loudspeaker; inputting a desired water output amount in the form of a voice uttered by a user into the microphone; a step of recognizing the input expected water yield by the voice recognition module and outputting a water yield recognition prompt tone through the loudspeaker; the user inputs a water outlet instruction by operating the water outlet key; the water outlet valve is opened and water outlet is carried out; and if the water outlet flow detected by the flow sensor reaches the input expected water outlet amount, closing the water outlet valve and finishing water outlet.

The water dispensing apparatus further includes a first detecting unit that detects a container disposed at a lower side of the water discharge nozzle, and the microphone or the voice recognition module may be switched from an inactive state (off mode) to an active state (on mode) in which speech tone expression is recognizable, if the first detecting unit detects the container.

The water dispenser further comprises a second detection unit for detecting a human body approaching to the periphery of the water outlet nozzle, and if the second detection unit detects a human body, the microphone or the voice recognition module can be switched from an inactive state to an active state capable of recognizing voice tone expression.

If the expected water outlet temperature and the expected water outlet amount spoken by the user are input into the microphone together after the call speech recognition prompt tone is output from the loudspeaker, the speech recognition module can recognize the input expected water outlet amount and the input expected water outlet temperature and output the water outlet amount and the water outlet temperature recognition prompt tone through the loudspeaker.

The water dispensing device may further include a hot water generation module for heating the water having passed through the filter to hot water and supplying the hot water to the water outlet nozzle side, or a cold water generation module for cooling the water having passed through the filter to cold water and supplying the cold water to the water outlet nozzle side, and the water outlet valve may be opened to supply the water at the input desired outlet water temperature when the user operates the water outlet button.

The controller stores information that the water outlet usage spoken by the user matches the water outlet amount and the water outlet temperature based on the water outlet usage, and if a desired water outlet usage in the form of a voice spoken by the user is input to the microphone, the voice recognition module may recognize the input desired water outlet usage and output a water outlet usage recognition prompt tone through the speaker.

If the user operates the water outlet key, the water outlet valve is opened, and the water with the water outlet temperature matched with the input expected water outlet purpose is delivered out with the matched water outlet amount.

In addition, a water dispensing apparatus of another aspect of the present invention includes: a microphone for inputting a voice uttered by a user; a voice recognition module for recognizing the voice information inputted to the microphone; a speaker for outputting a warning sound to a user; a filter for filtering raw water; a water outlet nozzle for delivering filtered water; the water outlet valve is used for limiting whether water is discharged or not; the flow sensor detects the flow of the water discharged through the water outlet valve; a first detection unit that detects a container disposed below the water discharge nozzle; and a controller for controlling the opening and closing of the water outlet valve.

In addition, a control method of a water dispensing device of another aspect of the present invention includes: inputting a phrase in the form of a voice uttered by a user into the microphone; the voice recognition module recognizes the input voice calling language and outputs calling language recognition prompt tone through the loudspeaker; inputting a desired water output amount in the form of a voice uttered by a user into the microphone; a step of recognizing the input expected water yield by the voice recognition module and outputting a water yield recognition prompt tone through the loudspeaker; a step in which the first detection means detects whether or not a container is disposed below the water discharge nozzle; if the first detection unit detects the container, the water outlet valve is opened and water outlet is performed; and if the water outlet flow detected by the flow sensor reaches the input expected water outlet amount, closing the water outlet valve and finishing water outlet.

When a voice water discharge command spoken by a user is input to the microphone in a state where the first detection unit detects the container disposed below the water discharge nozzle, the water discharge valve is opened and water is discharged.

If the first detection unit detects a container, the microphone or the speech recognition module is switched from an inactive state to an active state in which speech tonal wording can be recognized.

The water dispenser further comprises a second detection unit for detecting a human body approaching to the periphery of the water outlet nozzle, and if the second detection unit detects a human body, the microphone or the voice recognition module is switched from an inactive state to an active state capable of recognizing speech tone expression.

If the expected water outlet temperature and the expected water outlet quantity spoken by the user are input into the microphone together after the calling voice recognition prompt tone is output from the loudspeaker, the voice recognition module recognizes the input expected water outlet quantity and the input expected water outlet temperature, and outputs the water outlet quantity and the water outlet temperature recognition prompt tone through the loudspeaker.

The water dispensing device further includes a hot water module for heating the water having passed through the filter to hot water and supplying the hot water to the water outlet nozzle side, or a cold water module for cooling the water having passed through the filter to cold water and supplying the cold water to the water outlet nozzle side, and when the outlet valve is opened, the water at the desired outlet water temperature is supplied.

The controller stores information that the water outlet purpose spoken by the user is matched with the water outlet amount and the water outlet temperature based on the water outlet purpose, and if the expected water outlet purpose in the voice form spoken by the user is input to the microphone, the voice recognition module recognizes the input expected water outlet purpose and outputs a water outlet purpose recognition prompt tone through the loudspeaker.

If the outlet valve is opened, the water with the outlet temperature matched with the input expected outlet usage is sent out with the matched outlet quantity.

According to the present invention, after the required amount of water is inputted by voice, the required amount of water can be discharged by only one pressing of the water discharge button, thereby simplifying the operation of the device.

In addition, the required water output amount can be inputted by voice through voice recognition, and thus there is an advantage that the restriction of the water output amount setting can be improved.

In addition, in the state that the water yield is determined through voice recognition, water is discharged only when the last operation of the user is completed, so that the accident that water is discharged arbitrarily in the state that the user does not prepare to collect water can be prevented. Namely, the device also has the advantage of ensuring the water outlet safety.

In addition, when a container disposed below the water discharge nozzle is detected in a state where a required water discharge amount is inputted by voice, a water discharge command can be inputted by voice, and thus there is an advantage that water discharge can be performed without a key operation.

In addition, in a state where the water discharge amount is determined by voice recognition, water discharge is performed only when a container disposed below the water discharge nozzle is detected and a voice water discharge command from a user is input, whereby it is possible to prevent an accident that water is discharged arbitrarily in a state where the user is not ready to receive water. Namely, the device also has the advantage of ensuring the water outlet safety.

In addition, the invention controls the microphone or the voice recognition module to be switched to the activated state only in the state that a user approaching the periphery of the water outlet nozzle of the device or a container such as a cup arranged at the lower side of the water outlet nozzle is detected. Therefore, the standby power consumption of the device can be reduced, and the power consumption can be improved.

Further, there is an advantage that the water can be supplied in an amount desired by the user without pressing the water supply button any more.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a water dispensing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 2 is a view schematically showing the arrangement of flow paths through which water flows in the water distribution device according to the embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 3 is a view showing arrangement of water pipes in the water distribution device according to the embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing a part of components of a water dispensing device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a control method of a water dispensing device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 6 to 8 are flowcharts illustrating a control method of a water dispensing device according to various embodiments of the present invention.

Detailed Description

Some embodiments of the invention are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying exemplary drawings. When reference numerals are given to components in each drawing, the same components are given the same reference numerals even when they appear in different drawings. In the description of the embodiments of the present invention, when it is determined that the description of the related known structure or function will interfere with the understanding of the embodiments of the present invention, the detailed description thereof will be omitted.

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a water dispensing device according to an embodiment of the present invention, fig. 2 is a view schematically showing the arrangement of a flow path through which water flows in a water dispensing device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and fig. 3 is a view showing the arrangement of water pipes in the water dispensing device according to the present invention.

< Water dispensing apparatus >

Referring to fig. 1 to 3, a water dispensing apparatus 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention may be formed of a refrigerator.

In the following description, the water dispensing device of the present invention is described as the refrigerator 10, but the scope of the present invention is not limited thereto, and the water dispensing device of the present invention may be a water purifier or the like.

The refrigerator 10 may include a cabinet 11 forming a storage space and doors 14 and 15 opening and closing the storage space of the cabinet 10.

The storage space may include a refrigerating compartment 12 and a freezing compartment (not shown). The doors 14, 15 may include a refrigerating chamber door 14 opening and closing the refrigerating chamber 12 and a freezing chamber door 15 opening and closing the freezing chamber.

The refrigerating chamber door 14 and the freezing chamber door 15 may open and close the refrigerating chamber 12 and the freezing chamber by being rotated, and for this, the refrigerating chamber door 14 and the freezing chamber door 15 may be rotatably connected to the cabinet 10 by a hinge device 23. The refrigerating chamber door 14 may be a french (french) door configured to be independently rotatable in a pair on both left and right sides.

At a refrigerating chamber door at either side of a pair of the refrigerating chamber doors 14, a dispenser 20 and an ice maker 251 may be provided.

The dispenser 20 is provided at a front surface of the refrigerating chamber door 14, and enables a user to take one or more of water and ice by being externally operated. Also, an ice making chamber, in which the ice maker 251 is accommodated, may be opened and closed by an additional door, is provided above the dispenser 20. Also, although not shown, in a state where the refrigerating compartment door 14 is closed, the ice-making compartment may communicate with the freezing compartment through a cold air duct, thereby being capable of receiving cold air required for making ice from a freezing compartment evaporator (not shown).

The refrigerator 10 can purify, cool, and heat water received from the external water supply source 2, and then be taken out from the dispenser 20.

The refrigerator 10 may be connected to the water supply source 2 through a water supply flow path 31.

The refrigerator 10 may further include a water inlet valve 311 and a main body water inlet flow sensor 313 provided in the water supply flow path 31. The supply of raw water from the water supply source 2 can be adjusted by opening and closing the water inlet valve 311.

The body inflow water flow sensor 313 may measure the flow rate of water supplied from the water supply source 2. Of course, the inlet flow sensor 313 may be integrally formed with the inlet valve 311, as desired. The water inlet valve 311 may be disposed on the rear surface of the housing 10 or a machine room in which a compressor and the like are disposed.

Alternatively, the body inflow flow sensor 313 may detect the flow of the taken out cold water or purified water.

The refrigerator 10 may further include a water purifying device 40 for purifying water supplied from the water supply source 2. The water purification apparatus 40 may include a plurality of filters for purifying the supplied water.

For example, the plurality of filters may be arranged in a stacked manner in the refrigerator compartment 12. By stacking the plurality of filters one on top of the other, the space in the refrigerating compartment 12 can be effectively used. Even if water leaks from the water purifier 40, only a narrow area inside the refrigerating chamber 12 is contaminated, and an effective and safe space can be formed.

As an example, in an embodiment of the present invention, the number of the plurality of filters may be three. As an example, the plurality of filters may include a pre-carbon filter and a post-carbon filter, and a membrane filter disposed between the pre-carbon filter and the post-carbon filter.

Of course, the number and type of the filters are not limited, but it is preferable to use the number that can be accommodated in the inside of the water purifying device 40, and to use functional filters of different types from each other for effectively purifying water.

The refrigerator 10 may further include: a first branch 315 provided on an outlet side of the water purifying device 40; a main body cold water flow path 341 connected to the first branch portion 315; and a main body purified water flow path 331 connected to the first branch portion 315.

Therefore, the water discharged from the water purifier 40 may be branched into the main body cold water flow path 341 and the main body purified water flow path 331 by the first branch portion 315.

The body water tank 60 may be provided in the body cold water flow path 341. For example, the body tank 60 may have a cylindrical shape and be located in the refrigerating chamber 12.

The refrigerator 10 may further include: a main body valve 317 connected to the main body cold water flow path 341 and the main body purified water flow path 331; and a common channel 350 connected to an outlet side of the body valve 317.

As an example, the body valve 317 may include two inlets and one outlet. The two inlets may be connected to the body clean water flow path 331 and the body cold water flow path 341, respectively, and the one outlet may be connected to the common flow path 350.

The common flow path 350 is extended along the outside of the cabinet 10 after being drawn out from the inner case forming the refrigerating chamber 12, and enters the inside of the refrigerating chamber door 14 through the hinge device 23 of the refrigerating chamber door 14.

The refrigerator 10 may further include: a second branch portion 319 connected to the common flow path 350 entering the inside of the refrigerating chamber door 14; a gate purified water passage 333 connected to the second branch part 319; and a door cold water flow path 343 connected to the second branch part 319.

The refrigerator 10 may further include: a door water tank 80 provided in the door cold water flow path 343; and a cold water valve 325 positioned at an outlet side of the door water tank 80 in the door cold water flow path 343.

The water tank 80 serves to cool down the water cooled and supplied from the body tank 60 again. While the water cooled in the body tank 60 flows along the common flow path 350, the temperature may rise while passing through the outside of the case 10. Thus. The gate water tank 80 cools the water having the increased temperature again so that the cold water can be taken out at a target temperature when the cold water is taken out.

In particular, the water taken up does not meet the desired temperature for the following reasons: when water is first received without taking out cold water for a long time, the temperature of water remaining in the common flow path 350 outside the refrigerating compartment 12 for a long time is raised, and the temperature of the taken water may not be satisfied. However, by performing additional cooling in the door tank 80 and mixing with the cooled water, it is possible to satisfy an appropriate cold water temperature when cold water is taken out.

The refrigerator 10 may further include: a purified water valve 321 provided in the gate purified water passage 333; and an ice making flow path 335 connected to the fresh water valve 321.

The purified water flowing along the gate purified water flow path 333 may be taken out of the dispenser 20 through the purified water valve 321 or supplied to the ice maker 251 along the ice making flow path 335.

The refrigerator 10 may further include: a door connector 323 connected to the door clean water flow path 333 and the door cold water flow path 343; and a take-out flow path 352 connected to the door connector 323. Cold water and purified water may be taken out to the outside of the dispenser 20 along the take out flow path 352.

The door connector 323 may include two inlets, which may be connected to the door-purified water flow path 333 and the door-cooled water flow path 343, respectively, and one outlet, which may be connected to the withdrawing flow path 352.

The purified water valve 321 may be a three-way valve controlled by the flow direction of the purified water. Therefore, the cold water valve 325 may be opened in a state where the clean water valve 321 is closed to take out cold water. On the contrary, in order to take out the purified water, the purified water valve 321 may be opened in a state where the cold water valve 325 is closed, and the purified water valve 321 may switch a flow path so that the purified water flows to the take-out flow path 352.

According to the present invention, the refrigerator 10 may include: a hot water flow path 770 for allowing the purified water filtered by the filter device 40 to bypass the water tank 60 and be introduced to the dispenser 20; a hot water inflow valve 730 provided in the hot water flow path 770; a hot water tank 780 provided in the hot water flow path 770; a heater 710 for heating the water stored in the hot water tank 780; a hot water temperature sensor 750 provided in the hot water flow path 770; a hot water flow rate adjusting valve 740 provided in the hot water flow path 770; and a hot water outlet valve 327 for restricting the outlet of hot water.

Accordingly, the hot water of the hot water tank 780 heated by the heater 710 may be supplied to the dispenser 20.

For reference, the heater 710 may have a range capable of heating water stored in the hot water tank 780, and there are various embodiments.

For example, the hot water tank 780 is made of a metal material, particularly, a stainless steel material, and the heater 710 may heat the hot water tank 780 by an induction heating method.

As another example, the heater 710 may be provided as a planar heat generating body.

In addition, in the present embodiment, the hot water tank 780 may be disposed outside the storage space. That is, the hot water tank 780 may be disposed outside the refrigerator (outside the refrigerator), and the water stored in the hot water tank 780 may have a temperature close to that of the inside of the refrigerator without being cooled by the cool air in the storage space.

In the above-described case, the water stored in the hot water tank 780 is not cooled. Therefore, when hot water is generated, heating can be directly performed without additionally discharging water stored in the hot water tank 780. Therefore, not only can water be saved, but also heat energy required to generate hot water can be reduced, so that heat efficiency can be improved.

In addition, as described above, when the hot water tank 780 is disposed outside the refrigerator (outside the refrigerator), the heater 710 is also disposed outside the refrigerator, and the heat generated from the heater 710 does not affect the temperature inside the refrigerator, so that the efficiency of the refrigerator can be improved as compared to a case where the heater 710 is disposed inside the refrigerator.

Next, a procedure of generating hot water and discharging water will be described for a refrigerator in which the hot water tank 780 is disposed outside the refrigerator as described above.

First, when a hot water discharge command is input to the door, the hot water valve 730 is opened, and the water inlet valve 311 is also opened. By opening the water inlet valve 311 as described above, water from the water supply source flows into the water supply flow path 31 and is supplied to the filter device 40.

The purified water filtered by the filter device 40 passes through the first branch 315 and the third branch 790 in this order and is then delivered to the hot water flow path 770. The purified water transferred to the hot water flow path 770 is stored in the hot water tank 780 after passing through the hot water valve 730.

At this time, when the heater 710 is operated, the purified water stored in the hot water tank 780 is heated to hot water, and the heated hot water can be taken out from the dispenser 20 through the hot water outlet valve 327, the door connector 323, and the take-out flow path 352.

The conventional water dispensing device as described above is provided with a water discharge button.

Therefore, when the user presses the water discharge button, a predetermined amount of water is discharged in advance.

However, since the conventional water dispensing device as described above does not take into consideration the size and shape of the cup, there is a problem that the water dispensing button needs to be pressed several times because the amount of water taken once is small when the cup needs to be filled with water.

For example, when the basic discharge flow rate is set to 50ml, only 50ml of water is discharged when the user presses the discharge button. However, in the case as described above, since a predetermined flow rate of water is always supplied regardless of the size and height of the cup, there is a problem that the water outlet button needs to be pressed a plurality of times (about 10 times) when a large cup of, for example, 500ml receives water.

In addition, in the conventional case, when the water discharge exceeding the set flow rate is performed, the water discharge adjustment button for adjusting the water discharge amount needs to be operated once for controlling the water discharge amount, and the water discharge command button for commanding the water discharge needs to be operated again, so that there is a problem that the button operation needs to be performed twice.

In addition, there is a problem that a plurality of key operations are required for discharging a large amount of water or accurately adjusting the water discharge amount.

In addition, in the conventional case, in order to take out hot water or cold water, it is necessary to operate a hot water button or a cold water button for selecting a water temperature once and to operate a water outlet button for commanding water outlet again, and thus it is necessary to perform the troublesome key operation twice.

That is, although the water dispensing device of the conventional refrigerator, water purifier, etc. can input a required amount of discharged water, the type of discharged water is limited due to a limitation of requiring a key input. In addition, there is a problem that the button needs to be pressed several times to input a required amount of discharged water.

The invention provides a control method of a water distribution device, which can be used for simply and more precisely inputting the required water yield by a voice recognition function without the limitation of key input.

< method for controlling Water dispensing apparatus >

Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing a part of components of a water dispensing device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and fig. 5 is a flowchart showing a control method of the water dispensing device according to the embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to fig. 4 to 5, the water dispensing device according to the present invention may include: a microphone 110 for receiving a voice uttered by a user; a voice recognition module 120 recognizing voice information input to the microphone 110; a speaker 160 for outputting a warning sound to a user; a filter for filtering raw water; a water outlet nozzle for taking out the filtered water; water outlet valves 321, 325, 327 for limiting water outlet or not; a flow sensor 150 for detecting the flow rate of the effluent; a water outlet button 170 for receiving a water outlet instruction from a user; and a controller 140 for controlling the opening and closing of the outlet valve.

The control method of the water dispensing device of the present invention having the above-described structure can adjust the water discharge amount by voice.

Specifically, the control method of the water dispensing device according to the embodiment of the present invention is as follows.

First, the microphone and voice recognition module waits for recognition of a call phrase (or start-up language) (S111).

In the standby state as described above, the user utters (speech act) the utterance by voice (S121).

Thereafter, a call in the form of a voice spoken by the user is input to the microphone and voice recognition module (S112).

Here, the call (or the start-up) input to the device may be set to "Hi, LG", "Hi, Dios", "hello, water purifier", "hello, refrigerator", or the like.

Thereafter, the voice recognition module recognizes the inputted utterance and outputs an utterance recognition tone through the speaker (S113).

The 'call speech recognition alert tone' output from the device may be set to a buzzer sound such as "jingle", a machine sound, or may be set to a voice such as "please say a desired instruction", "hello", or the like.

In addition, after outputting the call speech recognition tone as described above, the microphone and speech recognition module waits for an instruction speech recognizing the form of speech uttered from the user (S114).

Here, the instruction word may be 'water output amount' or 'water output temperature' or the like desired by the user.

In the waiting state (S114) as described above, the user utters a desired amount of water output by voice (S122).

Thereafter, the 'desired water output' in the form of voice spoken by the user is input to the microphone and voice recognition module (S115).

For example, the user may speak a desired amount of water to be discharged in terms of '50 ml', '100 ml', '300 ml', etc.

Thereafter, the voice recognition module recognizes the 'desired water yield' input in the step S115, and outputs a water yield recognition tone through the speaker (S116).

The 'water yield recognition tone' output from the device may be set to a buzzer sound such as "jingle", a machine sound, or may be set to a voice such as "please press the water button", "water out 50ml", "water out to be performed", or the like.

Thereafter, the apparatus waits for the user to input the water-out button (S117).

In the standby state (S117) as described above, the user presses the water discharge button (S123) to discharge water.

When the water discharge button operation is performed as described above, the water discharge valve is opened and water discharge is performed (S118).

And when the outlet water flow detected by the flow sensor reaches the input expected outlet water quantity, the outlet valve is closed and the outlet water is finished.

According to the present invention, after the required amount of water is inputted by voice, the required amount of water can be discharged by pressing the water discharge button only once, and thus the operation of the device is simplified.

In addition, since a desired water discharge amount can be input by voice recognition, the restriction of the water discharge amount setting can be improved.

For example, conventionally, the water output was set only in approximately 50ml units, such as 50ml and 100 ml.

However, in the present invention, '75 ml' of water can be taken out by inputting '75 ml' with voice. That is, the amount of discharged water can be set in smaller units than in the conventional art.

For reference, the unit of the effluent may be different according to a flow rate detection unit (resolution) of the flow rate sensor.

As an example, assuming that the flow rate detection unit (resolution) of the flow rate sensor is 3ml, if the user commands 50ml of water to be discharged, the water discharge amount may be determined to be a multiple of three and close to 48ml or 51ml of 50 ml. Alternatively, the closest ` 51ml ` may be used for the effluent.

That is, the present invention has an advantage that a water amount closest to a water output amount desired by a user can be supplied to the user within a flow rate detection unit (resolution) range of the flow rate sensor.

In addition, in the state that the water yield is determined by voice recognition, water can be discharged only when the user performs the last operation, so that an accident that water is discharged arbitrarily in the state that the user does not prepare for water reception can be prevented. Namely, the water outlet safety can be ensured.

According to the present invention, stable water discharge can be performed without pressing the water discharge button by the user.

Fig. 6 to 8 are flowcharts illustrating a control method of a water dispensing device according to various embodiments of the present invention.

Referring again to fig. 5, the water dispensing apparatus may further include a first sensing unit 180, and the first sensing unit 180 senses a cup, a water bottle, a pot, a bowl, or the like, which is disposed at a lower side of the water discharge nozzle.

Accordingly, the present invention can control the water dispensing device to discharge water in an amount desired by the user without pressing the water discharge button even once using the first detecting unit 180. The water outlet button can be omitted in the embodiment.

Next, a control method of another water dispensing device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to fig. 6.

First, the microphone and speech recognition module waits to recognize a call phrase (or start phrase). (S111)

In the waiting state as described above, the user utters a phrase in voice (S121).

Thereafter, a call in the form of a voice spoken by the user is input to the microphone and voice recognition module (S112).

Here, the phrase (or the start-up phrase) input to the device may be set to "Hi, LG", "Hi, Dios", "hello, water purifier", "hello, refrigerator", or the like.

Thereafter, the voice recognition module recognizes the inputted utterance and outputs an utterance recognition tone through the speaker (S113).

The 'call speech recognition tone' output from the device may be set to a buzzer sound such as "jingle", a machine sound, or may be set to a voice such as "please output a desired instruction", "hello", or the like.

In addition, after outputting the call speech recognition tone as described above, the microphone and speech recognition module waits for recognition of the 'first instruction speech' in the form of speech uttered from the user (S114).

Here, the first instruction word may be 'water output amount' or 'water output temperature' desired by the user, or the like.

In the waiting state as described above, the user outputs a desired water discharge amount by voice (S122).

Thereafter, the 'desired water output' in the form of the voice spoken by the user is input to the microphone and voice recognition module (S115 a).

For example, the user may speak a desired amount of water to be discharged in terms of '50 ml', '100 ml', '300 ml', etc.

Thereafter, the voice recognition module recognizes the inputted 'desired water output', and outputs a water output recognition tone through the speaker (S116 a).

The 'water yield recognition tone' output from the device may be set to a buzzer sound such as "jingle", a machine sound, or may be set to a specific voice such as "please press the water-out button", "about to go out 50ml of water", "about to go out water", or the like.

Then, in a state where the discharge amount recognition warning sound is outputted as described above, the first detection unit 180 detects whether or not a container is disposed below the discharge nozzle (S311).

For example, if the first detection unit detects a container disposed below the water discharge nozzle, water discharge may be performed directly.

As another example, even if the first detection means detects a container disposed below the water discharge nozzle, water discharge is not performed directly, and water discharge is only performed when a user's voice command is additionally performed.

For this, after the step S311, the microphone and voice recognition module waits for a second instruction word recognizing the voice form spoken from the user (S312).

In the waiting state as described above, the user utters the 'second instruction word' commanding the water discharge with voice (S315).

Here, the second instruction input to the device may be set to "perform water discharge", "discharge water", or the like.

Thereafter, the 'water-out command' in the form of voice uttered by the user is input to the microphone and voice recognition module (S313).

As described above, if the voice water output command spoken by the user is input to the microphone, the water output valve is opened and water is output (S314).

Then, when the outlet water flow detected by the flow sensor reaches the input expected outlet water quantity, the outlet valve is closed and the outlet water is finished.

According to the present invention as described above, when a container disposed below the water discharge nozzle is detected in a state where a desired water discharge amount is inputted by voice, a water discharge command can be inputted by voice, and thus there is an advantage that water discharge can be stably performed without performing a key operation.

In addition, in a state where the water discharge amount is determined by voice recognition, water discharge is performed only in a case where a container disposed under the water discharge nozzle is detected and a voice water discharge command is input from a user, whereby it is possible to prevent an accident of water discharge arbitrarily in a state where the user does not prepare for water collection. Namely, the water outlet safety can be ensured.

On the other hand, according to the present invention, in order to reduce standby power consumption, the microphone and the voice recognition module may be kept in an off state in the standby mode.

Referring to fig. 6, when the first detection unit 180 detects a container, the microphone or the voice recognition module may be converted from an inactive state to an active state in which a speech tone wording can be recognized (S220).

In the standby state, the microphone or the voice recognition module is in an inactive state in which the power is turned off, and the first detection unit 180 is powered to detect whether a container such as a cup or a water bottle is placed at the lower portion of the water outlet nozzle (S221).

In the inactive state as described above, the microphone or the voice recognition module cannot recognize the call uttered by the user.

Thereafter, when the first detecting unit 180 detects a container, it is checked whether the container is disposed under the water outlet nozzle (S222).

If it is determined that a container is disposed below the water outlet nozzle, the microphone or the voice recognition module is switched to an activated state in which a speech and voice phrase can be recognized. That is, the microphone or the voice recognition module is switched to a state of waiting for recognition of the utterance spoken by the user (S111).

For this purpose, the first detection unit 180 may be provided with a sensor for detecting a container close to the water discharge nozzle and a sensor for detecting a position of the container disposed below the water discharge nozzle, respectively.

Referring again to fig. 4, the water dispensing apparatus may further include a second detection unit 190 that detects a human body near the periphery of the water discharge nozzle.

Also, referring to fig. 6, when the second detection unit 190 detects a human body, the microphone or the voice recognition module may be switched from an inactive state to an active state in which speech tone expression can be recognized (S210).

Specifically, in the standby state, the microphone or the voice recognition module is in an inactive state in which the power is turned off, and the second detection unit 190 is powered, whereby the second detection unit 190 detects whether or not a person approaches (S211).

In the inactive state as described above, the microphone or the voice recognition module cannot recognize the call uttered by the user.

Thereafter, when the user approaches the device, the second detection unit 190 detects and confirms the human body (S212).

Thereafter, the microphone or the voice recognition module is switched to an active state in which a speech pitch expression is recognized, and a state in which recognition of a speech expression uttered by the user is waited is entered (S111).

Without the first detection unit 180 and the second detection unit 190, the microphone and the voice recognition module need to be kept in an open state all the time in order to recognize the voice uttered by the user, and thus only the power consumption can be increased.

For reference, unlike other voice recognition products, water dispensing devices such as refrigerators and water purifiers are used for the purpose of taking out water or ice cubes, and thus, in practice, a user needs to carry a container to a position close to the device in order to take out water or ice cubes. Moreover, a container such as a cup can be disposed only below the water discharge nozzle of the device.

The present invention utilizes this situation, and only in a state where a user (human body) approaching the periphery of the water discharge nozzle of the device is detected, or a container such as a cup disposed on the lower side of the water discharge nozzle is detected, power is supplied to the microphone or the voice recognition module and is controlled so as to be switched to the voice recognition activation state. Therefore, the standby power consumption of the device can be reduced, and the power consumption can be improved.

That is, power consumption is a very important part of household electrical appliances such as refrigerators and water purifiers, and when the voice recognition function is applied to the household electrical appliances, standby power consumption is generated for waiting for voice recognition, and thus power consumption is increased.

However, the present invention can reduce power consumption of a product and save electricity charges by using the product characteristics that require a voice recognition function only when water or ice is taken.

On the other hand, according to the invention, the temperature of the outlet water can also be regulated by voice.

Referring to fig. 7, after the call-up word recognition tone is output through the speaker in the step S113, when the user speaks a desired output water amount in the step S122, the user speaks a desired output water temperature together.

For example, the user can speak the desired outlet water temperature together with the desired outlet water volume in the form of "50 mL of clean water", "100 mL of cold water", and "200 mL at 90 ℃.

Thereafter, as described above, the desired leaving water temperature is input to the voice recognition module through the microphone together with the desired leaving water amount spoken by the user, and the voice recognition module recognizes the desired leaving water temperature together with the desired leaving water amount (S115 b).

As described above, when the voice recognition module recognizes the desired outlet water amount and the desired outlet water temperature spoken by the user, the controller outputs a water amount and outlet water temperature recognition tone through the speaker (S116 b).

In step S123, when the user operates the water discharge button, the water discharge valve is opened, and the water at the temperature desired by the user can be discharged in a desired amount.

Further, when the first detection sensor detects the container at the lower portion of the water discharge nozzle in step S311 (see fig. 6) and the user speaks a voice water discharge command in step S315 (see fig. 6), the water discharge valve is opened, and the water at the temperature desired by the user can be discharged in a desired amount.

And then, when the outlet water flow detected by the flow sensor reaches the input expected outlet water quantity, the outlet valve is closed and the outlet water is finished.

The water dispensing device of the present invention may further include a hot water generation module that heats the water having passed through the filter into hot water and supplies the hot water to the water outlet nozzle side, and/or a cold water generation module that cools the water having passed through the filter into cold water and supplies the cold water to the water outlet nozzle side.

For example, when the user instructs the discharge of "purified water 300 ml" by voice, the water passing through the filter may be discharged after flowing to the discharge nozzle side without passing through the hot water generation module or the cold water generation module.

As another example, when the user instructs the discharge of "hot water 200 ml" by voice, the water passing through the filter can be heated to hot water by the hot water generation module, and then flows to the water discharge nozzle side and is discharged.

At this time, the hot water generation module may generate hot water by an instantaneous hot water system (IH system) using induction heating.

As another example, when the user instructs the discharge of "cold water 500 ml" by voice, the water passing through the filter may pass through the cold water generation module and then flow to the discharge nozzle side to be discharged.

Furthermore, according to the present invention, ice cubes can be taken out by voice.

To this end, the water dispensing device of the present invention may be further provided with an icemaker that receives purified water and freezes it into a block shape and then stores it in the ice bucket, and a valve that restricts the removal or not of ice cubes.

After the caller identification tone is output through the speaker in step S113, the user may speak the ice cube removal request together with the desired amount of discharged water or may speak only the ice cube removal request in step S122.

For example, the user can speak "ice cubes," "10 ice cubes," "ice cubes only," "ice cubes and clear water 100ml," etc. to take out the ice cubes and/or to expect the amount of water to be discharged.

Thereafter, when the user operates the ice cubes taking out button in step S123, the valve is opened to take out the ice cubes and/or water.

Further, when the user utters the voice water discharge command in step S315 (see fig. 6) in a state where the first detection sensor detects the container at the lower portion of the water discharge nozzle in step S311 (see fig. 6), the valve is opened, and the ice cubes and/or water can be taken out.

On the other hand, in the present invention, the user can take out water corresponding to the water use by inputting the water use by voice.

Referring again to FIG. 4, a table 141 of the water use spoken by the user and the matching of the water output and the water output temperature based on the water use may be stored in the controller.

As another example, a table in which the water discharge usage spoken by the user and the water discharge amount and the water discharge temperature based on the water discharge usage are matched may be stored in the server 130 that communicates with the controller in a wi-fi manner or the like.

After the call speech recognition tone is output through the speaker in S113, the user may speak a desired water discharge purpose in place of the desired speech water discharge amount in S122.

For example, the user can say that the user desires to discharge water for "one person in a bowl", "one cup of coffee", "one cup of cold water", and the like.

As described above, if the user says that the user desires to use water, the voice recognition module recognizes the inputted desired use of water (S115 c).

The controller then compares the desired discharge usage identified by the voice recognition module to a table stored in the controller or server 130, identifies a discharge and discharge temperature value that matches the desired discharge usage spoken by the user, and reads the value.

Thereafter, an effluent use identification tone is output through the speaker (S116 c).

Thereafter, in step S123 (see fig. 7), when the user operates the water discharge button, the valve is opened, and water at a temperature corresponding to the desired water discharge purpose can be taken out by a predetermined amount.

Further, when the user utters the voice water discharge command in step S315 while the first detection sensor detects the container at the lower portion of the water discharge nozzle in step S311, the valve is opened, and water at a temperature corresponding to the desired water discharge purpose can be taken out by a predetermined amount.

For example, when the user speaks the desired serving purpose of "one person of bowl noodles" and the voice recognition module recognizes the voice, the controller compares the table stored in the controller or server 130 to read the outlet temperature and outlet amount corresponding to the one person of bowl noodles.

As an example, the temperature of the water stored in the table for one serving of bowl noodles may be 95 ℃ and the water yield may be 250 ml.

Thereafter, in step S123 (see fig. 7), when the user operates the outlet button, the outlet valves 321, 325, and 327 are opened, and 250ml of water (hot water) at 95 ℃ can be taken out.

In addition, when the user utters the voice water discharge command in step S315 in a state where the first detection sensor detects the container at the lower portion of the water discharge nozzle in step S311, the water discharge valves 321, 325, and 327 are opened, and 250ml of water (hot water) at 95 ℃ can be taken out.

When the flow rate of the discharged water detected by the flow sensor reaches the input desired water discharge amount, the water discharge valve is closed, and water discharge is finished.

In the case of a water dispensing apparatus having a normal voice recognition water dispensing function, water may be undesirably dispensed due to a recognition voice error. In this case, only the periphery of the product and the ground are disturbed or a safety accident such as flowing out of hot water without preparing a cup or a water bottle occurs.

On the contrary, after the required temperature and water amount are determined through voice recognition, water is discharged only when the user finishes preparing to take water, so that the present invention can prevent safety accidents caused by water being discharged by mistake.

For example, after the preparation for water discharge is completed, water discharge can be performed only when the user directly presses the water discharge button.

As another example, after the cup or the water bottle is positioned below the water discharge nozzle, water discharge can be performed only if the user directly utters a water discharge command with a voice. Therefore, it is possible to prevent water from coming out due to a voice recognition error, and to prevent a safety accident.