CN107428570B

CN107428570B - Water treatment equipment

Info

Publication number: CN107428570B
Application number: CN201680020065.XA
Authority: CN
Inventors: 文炯珉; 李钟焕; 吴教彦; 金载勋; 李权宰; 姜尚贤
Original assignee: Coway Co Ltd
Current assignee: Coway Co Ltd
Priority date: 2015-04-10
Filing date: 2016-04-08
Publication date: 2020-11-24
Anticipated expiration: 2036-04-08
Also published as: JP6522151B2; WO2016163804A1; MY182421A; CN107428570A; JP2018513003A

Abstract

A water treatment apparatus is disclosed. A water treatment apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a supply unit for supplying raw water; a filtering unit for filtering the raw water supplied from the supply unit; and an outlet unit for discharging the raw water filtered in the filtering unit to the outside to be supplied to a user, wherein the filtering unit may include an ion exchange filter filtering the raw water by electrochemical ion exchange when a forward voltage is applied, and recovering and generating sterilized water when a reverse voltage is applied.

Description

Water treatment equipment

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a water treatment apparatus for treating water, such as filtered water, to be supplied to a user, further comprising an ion exchange filter that filters raw water by electrochemical ion exchange in the case where a forward voltage is applied thereto, and is regenerated and sterilized water is generated in the case where a reverse voltage is applied thereto.

Background

Water treatment apparatus is provided as a means for treating water, such as filtered water, for delivery to a user. Such a water treatment apparatus may include a water purifier including a water purification filter to filter raw water and generate purified water, a water ionizer to generate alkaline water or acidic water by electrolysis of raw water, or a carbonator to generate carbonated water by injecting carbonic acid into water.

The water treatment apparatus may be contaminated by bacteria introduced from the outside. Thus, the water treatment apparatus needs to be periodically sterilized to supply sanitary water to a user.

For this purpose, the water treatment apparatus has been sterilized such that a separate sterilizing unit, which sterilizes water in the water treatment apparatus, is disposed therein, or sterilized water generated in the separate sterilizing unit is sent to the water treatment apparatus.

Thus, in the case where a separate sterilizing unit is disposed in the water treatment apparatus to sterilize the water treatment apparatus, the water treatment apparatus increases in size, its structure becomes complicated, the water treatment apparatus cannot be easily manufactured, and its manufacturing cost may increase. Thus, water treatment facilities have not been offered at a relatively low price.

Disclosure of Invention

Technical problem

The present invention is provided by recognizing at least one of the needs and problems caused in the related art as described above.

An aspect of the present invention may provide a water treatment apparatus that generates sterilizing water to sterilize the water treatment apparatus without a separate sterilizing unit disposed therein.

Another aspect of the present invention may provide a water treatment apparatus for treating water using an ion exchange filter that filters raw water through electrochemical ion exchange in a case where a forward voltage is applied thereto, and is regenerated and generates sterilized water in a case where a reverse voltage is applied thereto.

Another aspect of the present invention may provide a water treatment apparatus which is reduced in size and manufacturing costs and is easily manufactured.

Technical scheme

An exemplary water treatment apparatus directed to performing at least one of the above-described tasks may include the following features.

According to an aspect of the present invention, a water treatment apparatus includes: a supply unit that supplies raw water; a filtering unit filtering the raw water supplied from the supply unit; and an outlet unit discharging the raw water filtered in the filtering unit to the outside to be supplied to a user. The filtering unit includes an ion exchange filter that filters raw water by electrochemical ion exchange in a case where a forward voltage is applied thereto, and is regenerated and generates sterilized water in a case where a reverse voltage is applied thereto.

In this case, the ion exchange filter may include a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a bipolar ion exchange membrane disposed between the positive electrode and the negative electrode.

In addition, the supply unit may include a raw water tank in which raw water is stored, and the raw water tank may be sterilized by sterilizing water generated in the ion exchange filter.

The supply unit may include a regeneration tank in which recovered water that has passed through the ion exchange filter during regeneration of the ion exchange filter may be collected.

Further, the filter unit may include a flow path switching valve connected to the raw water tank through a first purified water line. The flow path switching valve may switch the flow path to a second purified water line connected to one side of the flow path switching valve and the ion exchange filter or a third purified water line connected to the other side of the flow path switching valve and the ion exchange filter.

A first bleed line may branch off from the second purified water line and a fourth purified water line connected to the outlet unit may branch off from the third purified water line.

The first drain line may be connected to the second drain line, and the second drain line may be branched into a raw tank line connected to the raw tank and a regeneration tank line connected to the regeneration tank.

The raw tank line may include a rinse valve disposed therein, and the regeneration tank line may include a bleed valve disposed therein.

The water treatment apparatus may further include a hot and cold water unit connected to the filtering unit and the outlet unit and cooling or heating the raw water filtered in the filtering unit.

The hot and cold water units may be sterilized by sterilizing water generated in the ion exchange filter.

In addition, the sterilized water of the sterilized hot and cold water units may be supplied to the raw water tank to be circulated.

Advantageous effects

According to an aspect of the present invention, water may be treated using an ion exchange filter that filters raw water through electrochemical ion exchange in the case where a forward voltage is applied thereto, and is regenerated and generates sterilized water in the case where a reverse voltage is applied thereto.

According to an aspect of the present invention, the water treatment apparatus can be sterilized by using the sterilizing water generated in the ion exchange filter without arranging a separate sterilizing unit therein.

According to an aspect of the present invention, a water treatment apparatus may have reduced size and manufacturing costs and may be easily manufactured.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a view of a water treatment apparatus according to an example.

Fig. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an ion exchange filter included in a water treatment apparatus according to an example.

Fig. 3 to 6 are views showing states of using the water treatment apparatus according to the example.

Fig. 7 is a perspective view illustrating an example of a supply unit included in a water treatment apparatus according to an example.

Fig. 8 is a perspective view illustrating a regeneration tank included in an example of a supply unit of a water treatment apparatus according to an example, separately from a raw water tank.

Fig. 9 is an exploded perspective view of an example raw water tank of a supply unit in a water treatment apparatus according to an example.

Fig. 10 is an exploded perspective view of an exemplary regeneration tank of a supply unit in a water treatment apparatus according to an example.

Fig. 11 and 12 are enlarged sectional views taken along line a-a' of fig. 8, and show a state in which a raw water tank connection part of a water treatment apparatus is not connected to a flow path connection part of an example of a supply unit of the water treatment apparatus, and a state in which a raw water tank connection part of a tank connection part of the water treatment apparatus is connected to a flow path connection part of an example of a supply unit of the water treatment apparatus.

Fig. 13 and 14 are enlarged sectional views taken along line B-B' of fig. 8, and show a state in which the regeneration tank connection part of the water treatment apparatus is not connected to the recovered water flow path connection part of the example of the supply unit of the water treatment apparatus, and a state in which the regeneration tank connection part of the water treatment apparatus is connected to the recovered water flow path connection part of the example of the supply unit of the water treatment apparatus.

Fig. 15 is a perspective view of a water treatment apparatus according to an example including an example of the supply unit shown in fig. 7 to 14.

Fig. 16 is a perspective view showing the inside of the water treatment apparatus according to the example of fig. 15, and showing an example uninstalled state of the supply unit.

Fig. 17 is a perspective view showing the inside of the water treatment apparatus according to the example of fig. 15, and showing a state of example installation of the supply unit.

Fig. 18 is an enlarged perspective view of a tank connection part of the water treatment apparatus according to the example of fig. 15.

Fig. 19 and 20 are enlarged perspective views illustrating a state in which a raw water tank connection portion of the water treatment apparatus according to the example of fig. 15 is connected to a flow path connection portion of the example of the supply unit.

Fig. 21 and 22 are enlarged perspective views illustrating a state in which a regeneration tank connection part of the water treatment apparatus according to the example of fig. 15 is connected to an example recovered water flow path connection part of the supply unit.

Detailed Description

In order that the features of the present invention may be more readily understood, a more detailed description of exemplary water treatment apparatus will be provided hereinafter.

Hereinafter, examples of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the specific embodiments set forth herein, and it is to be understood that those skilled in the art of the present invention may readily devise many other varied embodiments that are still within the scope of this invention, by adding, modifying and removing components within the same scope, and that these are considered to be encompassed within the scope of this invention. In the figures within the scope of the invention, the same reference numerals will be used to indicate the same components with similar functions.

Hereinafter, a water treatment apparatus according to an example will be described with reference to fig. 1 to 6.

Fig. 1 is a view of a water treatment apparatus according to an example, fig. 2 is a schematic sectional view of an ion exchange filter included in the water treatment apparatus according to the example, and fig. 3 to 6 are views showing a state in which the water treatment apparatus is used according to the example.

The water treatment apparatus 100 according to an example may include a supply unit 200, a filter unit 300, and an outlet unit 400.

The supply unit 200 may supply raw water. For this, as shown in fig. 1, the supply unit 200 may include a raw water tank 210. Raw water may be stored in the raw water tank 210.

Specifically, the user may bring an empty raw water tank 210 to a raw water supply source (not shown) such as a water tap, and may store raw water of the raw water supply source in the raw water tank 210. Further, the user may install the raw water tank 210 in the water treatment apparatus 100 such that the raw water tank 210 in which raw water is stored may be connected to the raw water line LRW included in the water treatment apparatus 100.

However, the supply unit 200 is not particularly limited and may be provided as the above-described raw water supply source. Any known raw water supply source that can supply raw water may be provided as the supply unit 200.

The raw water tank 210 may be connected to the filtering unit 300 through a raw water line LRW. Specifically, the raw water tank 210 may be connected to a pretreatment filter 320 included in the filter unit 300, which will be described later, through a raw water line LRW, and may be connected to the filter unit 300.

Further, as shown in fig. 1, the raw water line LRW may include a booster pump P and a pressure reducing valve VR provided therein. The raw water stored in the raw water tank 210 may be supplied to the pre-treatment filter 320 of the filter unit 300 at a predetermined pressure by the operation of the pressurizing pump P and the pressure reducing valve VR.

The raw water tank 210 may be sterilized by sterilizing water generated in an ion exchange filter 310 to be described later included in the filter unit 300.

The supply unit 200 may include a regeneration tank 220 in addition to the raw water tank 210 described above. As shown in fig. 4, in the regeneration tank 220, during regeneration of the ion exchange filter 310 included in the filtering unit 300, recovered water having passed through the ion exchange filter 310 may be collected.

Further, in case that a predetermined amount of the recovered water is collected in the regeneration tank 220, the user may separate the regeneration tank 220 from the water treatment apparatus 100 to discard the recovered water collected in the regeneration tank 220.

The filter unit 300 may filter the raw water supplied from the supply unit 200. To this end, the filter unit 300 may include an ion exchange filter 310.

When a forward voltage is applied to the ion exchange filter 310, the ion exchange filter 310 may filter raw water by electrochemical ion exchange. Further, in the case where a reverse voltage is applied to the ion exchange filter 310, the ion exchange filter 310 may regenerate, and sterilized water may be generated.

Thus, as shown in fig. 3, in order to generate purified water by filtering raw water, a forward voltage is applied to the ion exchange filter 310 so that foreign substances of an ion type can be collected in the ion exchange filter 310 by electrochemical ion exchange. Further, as shown in fig. 4, in order to regenerate the ion exchange filter 310, i.e., in order to remove therefrom foreign substances of the ion type collected in the ion exchange filter 310, a reverse voltage is applied to the ion exchange filter 310. As shown in fig. 5, in order to sterilize the raw water tank 210, or as shown in fig. 6, in order to sterilize the entire water treatment apparatus 100 including a hot and cold water unit 500 to be described later, a reverse voltage is applied to the ion exchange filter 310.

Thus, the water treatment apparatus 100 can be sterilized by using the sterilizing water generated in the ion exchange filter 310 without providing a separate sterilizing unit therein. Thus, the size and manufacturing cost of the water treatment apparatus can be reduced, and at the same time, the water treatment apparatus can be easily manufactured.

As shown in fig. 2, the ion exchange filter 310 may include a positive electrode 311, a negative electrode 312, and a bipolar ion exchange membrane 313.

As shown in fig. 2, the positive electrode 311 may have a rod shape, for example. Further, the negative electrode 312 may have a cylindrical shape into which the positive electrode 311 having a rod shape is inserted.

However, the form and arrangement of the positive electrode 311 and the negative electrode 312 are not particularly limited, and any form and arrangement may be used.

In the case where the anode of a power source (not shown) is connected to the positive electrode 311 and the cathode of the power source is connected to the negative electrode 312, a forward voltage is applied to the ion exchange filter 310. Further, in the case where the cathode of the power supply is connected to the positive electrode 311 and the anode of the power supply is connected to the negative electrode 312, a reverse voltage is applied to the ion exchange filter 310.

The bipolar ion exchange membrane 313 may be disposed between the positive electrode 311 and the negative electrode 312. Specifically, as shown in fig. 2, the bipolar ion exchange membrane 313 may be disposed between the positive electrode 311 and the negative electrode 312 such that the bipolar ion exchange membrane 313 is wound to have a spiral form. Thus, water introduced to the ion exchange filter 310, for example, raw water filtered in the pretreatment filter 320 may pass through a space between the bipolar ion exchange membranes 313 wound to have a spiral form.

However, the method of disposing the bipolar ion exchange membrane 313 between the positive electrode 311 and the negative electrode 312 is not particularly limited, and any known method is possible.

One surface of the bipolar ion exchange membrane 313 is set to a positive ion exchange side on which positive ions are exchanged, and the other surface thereof is set to a negative ion exchange side on which negative ions are exchanged. Thus, in the case where a forward voltage is applied to the ion exchange filter 310, foreign substances of an ion type included in the water flowing into the space between the bipolar ion exchange membranes 313 are collected in the bipolar ion exchange membranes 313.

In other words, foreign matter of the positive ion type included in the water is moved to the positive ion exchange side of the bipolar ion exchange membrane 313 by the voltage difference. Further, the foreign matter of the positive ion type is collected on the positive ion exchange side of the bipolar ion exchange membrane 313, so that the foreign matter of the positive ion type is replaced by the hydrogen ions (H +) bonded on the positive ion exchange side of the bipolar ion exchange membrane 313 by the electromagnetic force.

Further, foreign matter of the negative ion type included in the water is moved to the negative ion exchange side of the bipolar ion exchange membrane 313 by the voltage difference. The foreign matter of the negative ion type is collected on the negative ion exchange side of the bipolar ion exchange membrane 313, so that the foreign matter of the negative ion type is replaced by hydroxide ions (OH-) that are bonded on the negative ion exchange side of the bipolar ion exchange membrane 313 by electromagnetic force.

Further, the hydrogen ions and hydroxide ions released from the bipolar ion exchange membrane 313 are combined to become water, thereby allowing the water to be filtered in the ion exchange filter 310.

Meanwhile, in the case where a reverse voltage is applied to the ion exchange filter 310, foreign matter of a positive ion type and foreign matter of a negative ion type collected on the positive ion exchange side and the negative ion exchange side of the bipolar ion exchange membrane 313, respectively, can be detached from the bipolar ion exchange membrane 313 by a voltage difference. Thereby, as shown in fig. 4, the foreign matter of the positive ion type and the foreign matter of the negative ion type detached from the bipolar ion exchange membrane 313 may be included in the water flowing between the bipolar ion exchange membranes 313 and may be discharged from the ion exchange filter 310. Further, as shown in fig. 4, the recovered water including the foreign substances of the positive ion type may be collected in the above-described regeneration tank 220.

Thus, in the case where a reverse voltage is applied to the ion exchange filter 310, chloride ions (Cl-) collected on the negative ion exchange side of the bipolar ion exchange membrane 313 can also be detached from the bipolar ion exchange membrane 313. In addition, the chloride ions (Cl-) desorbed from the bipolar ion exchange membrane 313 emit electrons to the positive electrode 311 to be oxidized, so that the chloride ions (Cl-) may be converted into chlorine gas (Cl2) to be dissolved in water. Thus, a reverse voltage may be applied to the ion exchange filter 310, thereby generating sterilized water.

As shown in fig. 1, the filtering unit 300 may further include a pre-treatment filter 320 and a post-treatment filter 330 in addition to the ion exchange filter 310 described above. The pre-treatment filter 320 is disposed in a front portion of the ion exchange filter 310, and may filter relatively large foreign substances included in raw water before the raw water is filtered by the ion exchange filter 310. In addition, the post-treatment filter 330 is disposed in a rear portion of the ion exchange filter 310, and may filter raw water filtered by the ion exchange filter 310. Specifically, odor particles and the like may be filtered in the post-treatment filter 330.

However, the type, number, or position of the filter included in the filtering unit 300, which is attached to the ion exchange filter 310, is not particularly limited. Any type, number, or location of filters that can filter raw water may be used with the ion exchange filter 310.

The filter unit 300 may include a flow path switching valve VC. The flow path switching valve VC may be connected to the raw water tank 210 through a first purified water line LF 1. As shown in fig. 1, the first purified water line LF1 may be connected to the pre-treatment filter 320, and the pre-treatment filter 320 may be connected to the raw water line LRW, so that the flow path switching valve VC may be connected to the raw water tank 210 through the first purified water line LF 1. However, the first purified water line LF1 may be connected to the raw water line LRW to connect to the raw water tank 210, or may be directly connected to the raw water tank 210.

As shown in fig. 1, the raw water supply valve VRW may be disposed in the first purified water line LF 1. As shown in fig. 3 to 6, in a case where the raw water supply valve VRW is opened, the raw water stored in the raw water tank 210 may be introduced into the ion exchange filter 310 through the pretreatment filter 320.

The second purified water line LF2 and the third purified water line LF3 may be connected to the flow path switching valve VC. In addition, the flow path switching valve VC may switch the flow path into the second purified water line LF2 or the third purified water line LF 3.

A second purified water line LF2 may be connected to one side of the flow path switching valve VC and the ion exchange filter 310, in particular, to an upper portion of the ion exchange filter 310. In addition, a third purified water line LF3 may be connected to the other sides of the flow path switching valve VC and the ion exchange filter 310, and in particular, to a lower portion of the ion exchange filter 310.

Thus, as shown in fig. 3 and 6, in the case where the flow path is switched to the second purified water line LF2 by the flow path switching valve VC, the raw water filtered by the pretreatment filter 320 is introduced into the ion exchange filter 310 through the second purified water line LF2 and one side of the ion exchange filter 310, and then discharged from the ion exchange filter 310 through the other side of the ion exchange filter 310 and the third purified water line LF 3.

Further, as shown in fig. 4 and 5, in the case where the flow path is switched to the third purified water line LF3 by the flow path switching valve VC, the raw water filtered by the pre-treatment filter 320 is introduced into the ion exchange filter 310 through the third purified water line LF3 and the other side of the ion exchange filter 310, and then discharged from the ion exchange filter 310 through one side of the ion exchange filter 310 and the second purified water line LF 2.

A high flow sensor SF1 is provided in the third purified water line LF3 to enable measurement of the flow rate of water flowing therein.

As shown in fig. 1, a first bleed line LD1 may branch from a second purified water line LF 2. First relief line LD1 may be connected to second relief line LD 2.

The second bleed line LD2 may branch into a raw water tank line LRT connected to the raw water tank 210 and a regeneration tank line LRG connected to the regeneration tank 220. Furthermore, a flushing valve VF can be arranged in the raw tank line LRT and a drain valve VD can be arranged in the regeneration tank line LRG.

A fourth purified water line LF4 may branch off from the third purified water line LF 3. A fourth purified water line LF4 may be connected to the outlet unit 400. The fourth purified water line LF4 may be connected to the outlet unit 400, in particular to the purified water discharge line LPD connected to a later described discharge shut-off valve 420 comprised in the outlet unit 400, through the above-mentioned post-treatment filter 330 and the second purified water line LF5 connected to the post-treatment filter 330. However, the fourth purified water line LF4 may be connected to the fifth purified water line LF5 to connect to the purified water discharge line LPD, or may be directly connected to the purified water discharge line LPD.

In the above combination, in the state shown in fig. 3, the raw water supply valve VRW is opened, the flow path switching valve VC switches the flow path to the second purified water line LF2, the forward voltage is applied to the ion exchange filter 310, the flushing valve VF and the drain valve VD are closed, the drain shut-off valve 420 is opened, and the drain switching valve 410, which will be described later, connected to the drain shut-off valve 420 switches the flow path outward.

Thus, the raw water stored in the raw water tank 210 flows into the raw water line LRW by pressing the pump P to be introduced into the pretreatment filter 320 and filtered. The raw water filtered in the pretreatment filter 320 flows into the first purified water line LF1, the flow path switching valve VC, and the second purified water line LF2 to be introduced into the ion exchange filter 310 and filtered. Further, the raw water filtered in the ion exchange filter 310 flows into the third purified water line LF3 and the fourth purified water line LF4 to be introduced into the post-treatment filter 330 and filtered. The raw water filtered in the post-treatment filter 330, i.e., the purified water, flows into the fifth purified water line LF5, and the purified water discharge line LPD is discharged outside through the discharge shut-off valve 420 and the discharge switching valve 410 and is supplied to the user.

In the state shown in fig. 4, the raw water supply valve VRW is opened, the flow path switching valve VC switches the flow path to the third purified water line LF3, a reverse voltage is applied to the ion exchange filter 310, the flushing valve VF is closed, the drain valve VD is opened, and the drain shut-off valve 420 is closed.

Thus, the raw water stored in the raw water tank 210 flows into the raw water line LRW by pressing the pump P to be introduced into the pretreatment filter 320 and filtered. The raw water filtered in the pretreatment filter 320 flows into the first purified water line LF1, the flow path switching valve VC, and the third purified water line LF3 to be introduced into the ion exchange filter 310 and regenerate the ion exchange filter 310. The recovered water of the regenerated ion exchange filter 310 flows into the second purified water line LF2, the first drain line LD1, the second drain line LD2, and the regeneration tank line LRG to be collected in the regeneration tank 220.

The above-described regeneration of the ion exchange filter 310 may be performed in a state where most of the raw water stored in the raw water tank 210 is filtered and only a predetermined amount of raw water remains. Thus, after regeneration of the ion exchange filter 310, the raw water tank 210 may be emptied.

In the state shown in fig. 5, the raw water supply valve VRW is opened, the flow path switching valve VC switches the flow path to the third purified water line LF3, the reverse voltage is applied to the ion exchange filter 310, the flushing valve VF is opened, the drain valve VD is closed, and the drain shut-off valve 420 is closed.

Thus, the raw water stored in the raw water tank 210 flows into the raw water line LRW by pressing the pump P to be introduced into the pretreatment filter 320 and filtered. The raw water filtered in the pretreatment filter 320 flows into the first purified water line LF1, the flow path switching valve VC, and the third purified water line LF3 to be introduced into the ion exchange filter 310, generating sterilized water in the ion exchange filter 310. The sterilizing water generated in the ion exchange filter 310 flows into the second purified water line LF2, the first drain line LD1, the second drain line LD2, and the raw water tank line LRT to be introduced into the raw water tank 210 and sterilize the raw water tank 210.

The sterilizing water introduced into the raw water tank 210 is continuously circulated in the pretreatment filter 320 and the ion exchange filter 310 while sterilizing the raw water tank 210.

As shown in fig. 3, the sterilization of the raw water tank 210 may be performed in a state where the raw water tank 210 is filled with raw water before purified water is generated by filtering the raw water. However, the raw water tank 210 may also be sterilized while producing purified water.

Meanwhile, a drain shut-off valve VDC may be provided in the first drain line LD1 to open and close the first drain line LD 1.

The outlet unit 400 may supply raw water filtered in the filter unit 300, i.e., purified water, to a user such that the purified water is discharged to the outside. To this end, the outlet unit 400 may include a drain switching valve 410 and a drain shut-off valve 420. The discharge switching valve 410 may be connected to the discharge shut-off valve 420. In addition, the discharge shut-off valve 420 may be connected to a fifth purified water line LF5 through a purified water discharge line LPD.

Thus, as shown in fig. 3, in the case where the drain switching valve 410 switches the flow path to the outside and the drain switching valve 420 is opened, the raw water filtered by the pre-treatment filter 320, the ion exchange filter 310 and the post-treatment filter 330, i.e., the purified water, flows into the fifth purified water line LF5 to be discharged to the outside through the drain switching valve 420 and the drain switching valve 410 and supplied to the user.

Meanwhile, the water treatment apparatus 100 according to an example may further include a hot and cold water unit 500. The hot and cold water unit 500 may be connected to the filter unit 300 and the outlet unit 400. In addition, the hot and cold water unit 500 may cool or heat raw water filtered in the filter unit 300, i.e., purified water.

To this end, the hot and cold water unit 500 may include a cold water tank 510 and an instantaneous water heater 520. The cold water tank 510 may include a cooling unit 511, and the cooling unit 511 has an evaporator in which a coolant flows, or a thermoelectric module is provided in the cooling unit 511, thereby cooling the introduced water. In addition, the instantaneous water heater 520 may include a heater 521 provided therein so as to rapidly heat the introduced water.

The cold and hot water lines LCH may be connected to a fifth purified water line LF 5. In addition, the cold and hot water lines LCH may be branched into a cold water line LC connected to the cold water tank 510 and a hot water line LH connected to the flash water heater 520. Thus, the hot and cold water unit 500 may be connected to the filter unit 300.

In addition, the cold water tank 510 may be connected to the drain shut-off valve 420 through a cold water drain line LCD, and the instantaneous water heater 520 may be connected to the drain switching valve 410 through a hot water drain line LHD.

Thus, as shown in fig. 3, raw water filtered through the pre-treatment filter 320, the ion exchange filter 310, and the post-treatment filter 330, i.e., purified water, may flow into the cold and hot water lines LCH, the cold water line LC, and the hot water line LH to be introduced into the cold water tank 510 and the instantaneous water heater 520, respectively.

Further, in a case where the drain shut-off valve 420 is opened and the drain switching valve 410 switches the flow path outward, the purified water cooled by the cold water tank 510, i.e., the cold water, and the purified water heated by the quick heater 520, i.e., the hot water, may be discharged outward through the drain shut-off valve 420 and the drain switching valve 410 to be supplied to the user.

The cold water tank 510 may be connected to a tank drain line LDT that includes a tank drain valve VDT disposed therein. Thus, in the case where the tank drain valve VDT is opened, the cold water stored in the cold water tank 510 may be discharged to the outside.

Further, the cold water tank 510 and the drain switch valve 410 may be connected to a tank vent line LVT that includes a tank vent valve VVT disposed therein. When purified water is introduced into the cold water tank 510, in a case where the tank vent valve VVT is opened and the drain switching valve 410 switches the flow path outward, air in the cold water tank 510 flows into the tank vent valve VVT to be discharged outward.

The hot water line LH may include a low flow rate sensor SF2, a temperature sensor ST, and a flow rate control valve VFC disposed therein. Thus, the flow rate and temperature of the purified water introduced into the flash water heater 520 may be measured while the flow rate of the purified water introduced into the flash water heater 520 may be adjusted.

Further, the hot water discharge line LHD may include a temperature sensor ST disposed therein. Thus, the temperature of the hot water flowing in the hot water discharge line LHD can be measured.

The hot and cold water unit 500 may be sterilized by the sterilizing water generated in the ion exchange filter 310. In addition, the sterilizing water of the sterilizing hot and cold water unit 500 may be supplied to the raw water tank 210 to be circulated.

To this end, the third relief line LD3 connected to the second relief line LD2 may be connected to the drain switching valve 410.

Further, the raw water supply valve VRW is opened, the flow path is switched to the second purified water line LF2 by the flow path switching valve VC, and a reverse voltage is applied to the ion exchange filter 310. The flushing valve VF is opened, the drain valve VD is closed, the drain cut-off valve 420 is opened, and the drain switching valve 410 switches the flow path to the third drain line LD 3.

As shown in fig. 6, the raw water stored in the raw water tank 210 flows into the raw water line LRW by the pressurizing pump P to be introduced into the pretreatment filter 320 and filtered. The raw water filtered in the pretreatment filter 320 flows into the first purified water line LF1, the flow path switching valve VC, and the second purified water line LF2 to be introduced into the ion exchange filter 310, generating sterilized water in the ion exchange filter 310. The sterilized water generated in the ion exchange filter 310 flows into the third purified water line LF3 and the fourth purified water line LF4 to sterilize the post-treatment filter 330.

The sterilized water of the sterilized post-treatment filter 330 flows into the fifth purified water line LF5, and the purified water discharge line LPD passes through the discharge shut-off valve 420 and the discharge switching valve 410. In addition, the sterilized water of the sterilized post-treatment filter 330 flows into the cold and hot water lines LCH, the cold water line LC, and the hot water line LH to sterilize the cold water tank 510 and the instantaneous water heater 520. The sterilized water of the sterilized cold water tank 510 and the instantaneous water heater 520 flows into the cold water drain line LCD to pass through the drain shut-off valve 420 and the drain switching valve 410, or flows into the hot water drain line LHD and passes through the drain switching valve 410.

The sterilizing water having passed through the drain switching valve 410 flows into the third drain line LD3, the second drain line LD2, and the raw water tank line LRT to be supplied to the raw water tank 210. In addition, the sterilizing water that has been supplied to the raw water tank 210 may sterilize the pre-treatment filter 320, the ion exchange filter 310, the post-treatment filter 330, the cold water tank 510, and the rapid water heater 520, and simultaneously circulate therein. The entire water treatment apparatus 100 may be sterilized by the sterilizing water generated by the ion exchange filter 310.

Meanwhile, a check valve CV may be provided in the third relief line LD3, thereby preventing the water flowing into the third relief line LD3 from flowing back.

Hereinafter, examples of the supply unit of the water treatment apparatus according to the examples will be described with reference to fig. 7 to 14.

Fig. 7 is a perspective view illustrating an example of a supply unit included in a water treatment apparatus according to an example. Fig. 8 is a perspective view illustrating a regeneration tank included in an example of a supply unit of a water treatment apparatus according to an example, separately from a raw water tank.

Fig. 9 is an exploded perspective view of an example raw water tank of a supply unit in a water treatment apparatus according to an example. Fig. 10 is an exploded perspective view of a regeneration tank of an example of a supply unit in a water treatment apparatus.

As shown in fig. 7, an example of the supply unit 200 of the water treatment apparatus 100 according to the example may have a tank shape.

The supply unit 200 may include a raw water tank 210 and a flow path connection part 230.

As shown in fig. 15, raw water to be supplied to the water treatment apparatus 100 according to the example may be stored in a raw water tank 210. Further, the raw water tank 210 may be movable.

After the raw water tank 210 is moved to a raw water supply source (not shown) such as a water tap, raw water from the raw water supply source may be supplied to the raw water tank 210 to be stored therein. In addition, after the raw water tank 210 in which raw water is stored is moved to the water treatment apparatus 100, the raw water tank 210 may be installed in the water treatment apparatus 100 to treat the raw water.

As shown in fig. 8 and 9, the raw water tank 210 may include a raw water tank body 211 and a raw water tank cover 212.

A storage space may be formed in the raw water tank body 211. The raw water may be stored in the storage space of the raw water tank body 211. Further, a wheel 2111 may be provided in a lower portion of the raw water tank body 211. Thus, the raw water tank 210 can be easily moved. Thus, the example of the supply unit 200 of the water treatment apparatus 100 according to the example may be easily moved to the raw water supply source or the water treatment apparatus 100 according to the example.

The raw water tank body 211 may include a water level detection member 213, and the water level detection member 213 is provided in the raw water tank body 211 such that the water level detection member 213 can be lifted. The water level detection member 213 may have a ring shape. For example, as shown in fig. 9, the water level detection member 213 may have a circular ring shape. Further, the water level detection member 213 may be lifted along a lift guide 2112 passing through a central portion of the water level detection member 213, and the water level detection member 213 is inserted into the lift guide 2112 provided in the raw water tank body 211.

The water level detection member 213 may be formed using a material floating on water. Thus, the water level detection member 213 may be lifted in the lift guide 2112 according to the water level stored in the raw water tank body 211. Specifically, the water level detection member 213 may be formed using foamed polystyrene. However, the material forming the water level detection member 213 is not particularly limited. Any material that floats on water due to its specific gravity being less than that of water may be used.

As shown in fig. 9, the water level detection member 213 may include a magnet 2131 disposed therein. Further, a magnetic force detection sensor (not shown) that detects a magnetic force may be provided in the water treatment apparatus 100 of the example in which the supply unit 200 is installed. Thus, in a case where the raw water tank 210 is installed in the water treatment apparatus 100, the magnetic force of the magnet 2131 of the water level detection member 213 is detected by the magnetic force detection sensor, and the magnetic force detection sensor provided in the water treatment apparatus 100 can detect the level of raw water stored in the raw water tank 210.

The installation guide protrusions 2113 may be formed on the raw water tank body 211, specifically, on opposite side surfaces of the raw water tank body 211, respectively. When the raw water tank 210 is installed in the water treatment apparatus 100, the installation guide protrusion 2113 may be inserted into the installation guide groove 123 formed in the water treatment apparatus 100 to thereby be held and fixed to the water treatment apparatus 100 by the water treatment apparatus 100. Thus, in a case where the raw water tank 210 is installed in the water treatment apparatus 100, the raw water tank 210 may not be easily detached from the water treatment apparatus 100.

The raw water tank body 211 may include a handle portion 214 provided therein. The handle portion 214 may include a motion handle 2142. Thus, the user can grasp the movement handle 2142 to easily move the raw water tank 210.

The handle part 214 may include a handle support member 2141 provided in the raw water tank body 211. Further, the moving handle 2142 may be provided in the handle support member 2141 to be movable. Thus, a user can adjust the height of the movement handle 2142 according to the movement of the raw water tank 210 and can easily move the raw water tank 210.

In the case where the regeneration tank 220 is provided on the raw water tank 210 to be described later, a regeneration tank fixing portion 215 may be provided in the handle portion 214, and the regeneration tank fixing portion 215 fixes the regeneration tank 220 so as not to be easily detached from the raw water tank 210.

The regeneration tank fixing part 215 may include a fixing part housing 2151, a fixed rotation member 2152, and a button member 2153.

As shown in fig. 9, the fixed part housing 2151 may be, for example, a rectangular parallelepiped having an open side. However, the form of the fixed part housing 2151 is not particularly limited and may be any form.

The fixed portion housing 2151 may be disposed in the handle support member 2141. Specifically, the fixed part housing 2151 may be disposed in the handle support member 2141 such that the open side thereof faces the handle support member 2141. Further, a penetration hole 2151a may be formed on the opposite side of the opening side of the fixed part case 2151.

The fixed rotation member 2152 may be provided in the fixed part case 2151 to be rotatable. One side of the fixed rotation member 2152 may pass through the penetration hole 2151a of the fixed part case 2151 to protrude. In the above state, in the case where the regeneration tank 220 is provided on the raw water tank 210, one side of the fixed rotation member 2152 is inserted into a fixing groove 2211 to be described later formed in the regeneration tank 220. Thus, when the regeneration tank 220 is disposed on the raw water tank 210, the regeneration tank 220 may be fixed so as not to be easily detached from the raw water tank 210.

The button member 2153 may be disposed between the fixed portion housing 2151 and the handle support member 2141 to be movable. Further, the button member 2153 is insertable into a button member insertion hole 2141a formed in the handle support member 2141 to be movable.

Thus, when the user presses the button member 2153, the button member 2153 may push the other side of the fixed rotation member 2152 to allow the fixed rotation member 2152 to rotate such that the one side of the fixed rotation member 2152 may not pass through the perforation 2151 a. In the above state, the regeneration tank 220 can be easily detached from the raw water tank 210.

The raw water tank body 211 may include an insertion protrusion 2114 formed therein. A hook member 2123 provided in a raw water tank cover 212 to be described later may be coupled to the insertion protrusion 2114.

The raw water tank cover 212 may cover an open upper portion of the raw water tank body 211. The raw water tank cover 212 may include a hook member 2123 disposed therein. Further, the hook member 2123 may include an insertion hole 2123a formed therein. The raw water tank cover 212 may be connected to the raw water tank body 211 such that the insertion protrusion 2114 of the raw water tank body 211 is inserted into the insertion hole 2123a of the hook member 2123.

A sealing member 216 may be provided between the raw water tank body 211 and the raw water tank cover 212. The inside of the raw water tank 210 including the raw water tank body 211 and the raw water tank cover 212 may be sealed by a sealing member 216.

The raw water tank cover 212 may include a first supply part 2121 in which a raw water flow path connection part 231 to be described later included in the flow path connection part 230 is formed. As shown in fig. 11, an upper portion of the first supply part 2121 may be open, and a raw water flow hole 2121a may be formed in a lower portion thereof.

Further, the raw water tank cover 212 may include a second supply part 2122 in which a sterilized water flow path connection part 232 to be described later included in the flow path connection part 230 is formed. As shown in fig. 11, an upper portion of the second supply part 2122 may be open, and a sterilizing water flow hole 2121a may be formed in a lower portion of the second supply part 2122.

The raw water tank cover 212 may include a first raw water supply unit 2124 formed therein. The first raw water supply unit 2124 may be covered by a stopper 2125. Thus, in a state where the stopper 2125 is removed from the first raw water supply unit 2124 and the first raw water supply unit 2124 is opened, raw water may be supplied to the raw water tank 210 through the first raw water supply unit 2124.

The raw water tank cover 212 may include a second raw water supply unit 2126 formed therein. In addition, the second raw water supply unit 2126 may include a supply sealing member 2127 provided therein, and a hose penetration hole 2127a is formed in the supply sealing member 2127. A clamping member 2128 may be provided on the supply seal member 2127. A hose (not shown) may be connected to the clamp member 2128. Further, a hose connected to the clamp member 2128 may pass through the hose penetration 2127a of the supply sealing member 2127 to be disposed in the raw water tank 210.

In the above state, the hose may be connected to a raw water supply source such as a water tap using the clamp member 2128, thereby allowing raw water of the raw water supply source to be easily supplied to the raw water tank 210 through the hose.

The flow path connection part 230 may be provided in the raw water tank 210. As shown in fig. 12, in a case where the raw water tank 210 in which raw water is stored is moved to be installed in the water treatment apparatus 100, the flow path connection part 230 may be connected to the raw water tank connection part 141, the raw water tank connection part 141 being included in the tank connection part 140, and the tank connection part 140 being included in the water treatment apparatus 100.

Specifically, as shown in fig. 18, the raw water tank connection part 141 may be provided in a connection part support member 143 included in the tank connection part 140 to be rotatable, and may be elastically supported by an elastic member (not shown). Further, the raw water tank connection part 141 may have a "l" shape as viewed in a lateral direction. The raw water tank connection part 141 may be connected to the filter unit 300 included in the water treatment apparatus 100.

Thus, as shown in fig. 19, in a state where the raw water tank 210 is not installed in the water treatment apparatus 100, the raw water tank connection part 141 may be rotated by the elastic force of the elastic member 225a to be disposed in the standby position.

Further, as shown in fig. 20, in a case where the raw water tank 210 is installed in the water treatment apparatus 100, the raw water tank connection part 141 may be rotated by the movement of the raw water tank 210 to be disposed in a connection position, thereby being connected to the flow path connection part 230.

Thus, even though the raw water tank 210 is not additionally connected to the water treatment apparatus 100, particularly, to the filter unit 300 included in the water treatment apparatus 100, after the raw water tank 210 in which raw water is stored is installed in the water treatment apparatus 100, once the raw water tank 210 is installed in the water treatment apparatus 100, the raw water tank 210 may be connected to the water treatment apparatus 100.

The flow path connection portion 230 may be provided in the raw water tank cover 212 described above. However, the position at which the flow path connecting portion 230 is provided is not particularly limited. The flow path connection part 230 may be provided in any position in the raw water tank 210, for example, in the raw water tank body 211.

The flow path connection part 230 may include a raw water flow path connection part 231. As shown in fig. 12, the raw water flow path connection part 231 may be connected to a raw water connection part 141a provided in the raw water tank connection part 141, and connected to the water treatment apparatus 100, and particularly, the filter unit 300 of the water treatment apparatus 100, through the above-described raw water line LRW.

Thus, as shown in fig. 12, the raw water of the raw water tank 210 may be supplied to the water treatment apparatus 100, particularly, to the filter unit 300 of the water treatment apparatus 100, through the flow path connection part 230, the raw water connection part 141a, and the raw water tank connection part 141.

The raw water flow path connection part 231 may include a check valve 2311 and a raw water sealing member 2312.

A check valve 2311 may be provided in the first supply portion 2121 of the raw water tank cover 212 described above. The raw water of the raw water tank 210 may flow into the water treatment apparatus 100 through the check valve 2311, but the raw water may not flow into the raw water tank 210 from the water treatment apparatus 100.

The check valve 2311 may include a valve housing 2311a, a check shut-off member 2311b, a check resilient member 2311c, and a support member 2311 d.

One side and the other side of the valve housing 2311a may be open. Further, the check shut-off member 2311b may open and close the other side of the opening of the valve housing 2311a, particularly, the lower portion of the opening. The check resilient member 2311c may resiliently support the check shut-off member 2311 b. Further, a support member 2311d may be provided on one side of the opening of the valve housing 2311a, specifically, on the upper portion of the opening, and may support the check resilient member 2311 c. A raw water perforation 2311e may be formed in the support member 2311d such that raw water may pass therethrough.

As shown in fig. 11, a raw water sealing member 2312 may be provided in a portion of the first supply part 2121 on the check valve 2311. Further, as shown in fig. 12, a raw water sealing member 2312 may be connected to the raw water connection part 141a such that the raw water connection part 141a is sealed. The raw water sealing member 2312 may include raw water perforations 2312a formed therein. Thus, the raw water having passed through the check valve 2311 may flow into the raw water connection part 141a through the raw water perforation 2312a of the raw water sealing member 2312.

The flow path connection part 230 may further include a sterilizing water flow path connection part 232. As shown in fig. 12, the sterilizing water flow path connection part 232 may be connected to a sterilizing water connection part 141b provided in the raw water tank connection part 141. The sterilizing water connecting part 141b may be connected to the water treatment apparatus 100, and more particularly, to the filter unit 300 of the water treatment apparatus 100, through the above-described raw water tank line LRT, etc.

Thus, the sterilizing water generated in the water treatment apparatus 100, particularly, in the filter unit 300 of the water treatment apparatus 100 may be supplied to the raw water tank 210 through the raw water tank connection part 141, the sterilizing water connection part 141b, and the sterilizing water flow path connection part 232. In addition, the raw water tank 210 may be sterilized by sterilizing water.

The sterilizing water flow path connection part 232 may include a check valve 2321 and a sterilizing water sealing member 2322.

A check valve 2321 may be provided in the second supply 2122 of the raw water tank cover 212 described above. The sterilizing water generated in the water treatment apparatus 100 may flow into the raw water tank 210 through the check valve 2321, but the raw water or the sterilizing water may not flow from the raw water tank 210 to the water treatment apparatus 100.

The check valve 2321 may include a valve housing 2321a, a check shut-off member 2321b, a check resilient member 2321c and a support member 2321 d. The valve housing 2321a may be open on one side and the other. Further, the check shut-off member 2321b may open and close one side of the opening of the valve housing 2321a, specifically, an upper portion of the opening. Check resilient member 2321c may resiliently support check shut-off member 2321 b. Further, a support member 2321d may be disposed on the other side of the opening of the valve housing 2321a, particularly, on the lower portion of the opening, and may support the check resilient member 2321 c. A sterilizing water penetration hole 2321e may be formed in the support member 2321d such that sterilizing water can pass therethrough.

As shown in fig. 11, a sterilizing water sealing member 2322 may be provided in a portion of the second supply part 2122 on the check valve 2321. Further, as shown in fig. 12, the sterilizing water sealing member 2322 may be connected to the sterilizing water connecting part 141b such that the sterilizing water connecting part 141b is sealed. The sterilizing water sealing member 2322 may include a sterilizing water perforation 2322a formed therein. Thus, the sterilizing water generated in the water treatment apparatus 100 may pass through the sterilizing water connection part 141b, the sterilizing water penetration hole 2322a of the sterilizing water sealing member 2322 and the check valve 2321 to be supplied to the raw water tank 210.

The example of the supply unit 200 of the water treatment apparatus 100 according to the example may further include a regeneration tank 220 and a recovered water flow path connection part 240.

As shown in fig. 7, the regeneration tank 220 may be provided on the raw water tank 210 to move together with the raw water tank 210. The recovered water generated in the water treatment apparatus 100, particularly, in the filter unit 300 of the water treatment apparatus 100 may be stored in the regeneration tank 220.

Thus, in the case where all of the raw water stored in the raw water tank 210 is exhausted, the user may detach the regeneration tank 220 from the water treatment apparatus 100 together with the raw water tank 210, and may move the raw water tank 210 and the regeneration tank 220 to the raw water supply source, for example.

In addition, raw water may be supplied from a raw water supply source to be stored in the raw water tank 210, and recovered water stored in the regeneration tank 220 may be discarded. In addition, the user can move the raw water tank 210 filled with raw water and the empty regeneration tank 220 together to the water treatment apparatus 100 to be installed in the water treatment apparatus 100.

As shown in fig. 7, 8, and 10, the regeneration tank 220 may include a regeneration tank body 221 and a regeneration tank cover 222.

The regeneration tank body 221 may include a storage space formed therein. The recovered water may be stored in the storage space of the regeneration tank body 221. The regeneration tank body 221 may include a fixing groove 2211 formed therein. As described above, when the regeneration tank 220 is disposed on the raw water tank 210, one side of the fixed rotation member 2152 of the regeneration tank fixing part 215 is inserted into the fixing groove 2211 so that the regeneration tank 220 can be fixed to the raw water tank 210.

A water level detecting member 223 may be further provided in the regeneration tank body 221, and the water level detecting member 223 can be lifted. The water level detection member 223 may have a ring shape. For example, as shown in fig. 10, the water level detection member 223 may have a circular shape. Further, the water level detecting member 223 may be lifted along the lifting guide 2212 such that a central portion of the water level detecting member 223 is inserted into the lifting guide 2212 provided in the regeneration tank body 221.

The water level detection member 223 may be formed using a material floating on water. Thus, the water level detecting member 223 may be lifted in the lifting guide 2212 according to the water level of the recovered water stored in the regeneration tank body 221. Specifically, the water level detection member 223 may be formed using foamed polystyrene. However, the material forming the water level detection member 223 is not particularly limited. Any material that floats on water due to its specific gravity being less than that of water may be used.

As shown in fig. 10, the water level detection member 223 may include a magnet 2231 disposed therein. Further, a magnetic force detecting sensor (not shown) that detects a magnetic force may be provided in the water treatment apparatus 100. Thus, in the case where the regeneration tank 220 is installed in the water treatment apparatus 100 together with the raw water tank 210, the magnetic force of the magnet 2231 of the water level detection member 223 is detected by the magnetic force detection sensor, and the magnetic force detection sensor provided in the water treatment apparatus 100 can detect the water level of the recovered water stored in the regeneration tank 220.

The regeneration tank body 221 may include an insertion protrusion 2213 formed therein. A hook member 2223 provided in a regeneration tank cover 222 to be described later may be coupled to the insertion protrusion 2213.

The regeneration tank cover 222 may cover an open upper portion of the regeneration tank body 221. The regeneration tank cap 222 may include a bleed portion 2221 formed therein. The recovered water stored in the regeneration tank 220 may be discharged to the outside through the drain portion 2221.

The regeneration tank cover 222 may include a hook member 2222 disposed therein. Further, the hook member 2222 may include an insertion hole 2222a formed therein. The regeneration tank cover 222 may be connected to the regeneration tank body 221 such that the insertion protrusion 2213 of the regeneration tank body 221 is inserted into the insertion hole 2222a of the hook member 2222.

A sealing member 224 may be provided between the regeneration tank body 221 and the regeneration tank cover 222. The inside of the regeneration tank 220 including the regeneration tank body 221 and the regeneration tank cover 222 may be sealed by a sealing member 224.

The regeneration tank cover 222 may include a first rotary support member 2223 and a second rotary support member 2224 disposed therein. A flow path connection member 241 to be described later included in the recovered water flow path connection part 240 may be provided in the first rotary support member 2223 to be rotatable. Further, the carrying handle 225 may be provided in the second rotary support member 2224 so as to be rotatable. Thus, the user can grasp the carrying handle 225 to easily carry the regeneration tank 220.

The recovered water flow path connection part 240 may include a regeneration tank 220 disposed therein. In the case where the regeneration tank 220 is moved together with the raw water tank 210 to be installed in the water treatment apparatus 100, the recovered water flow path connection part 240 may be connected to the regeneration tank connection part 142, the regeneration tank connection part 142 being included in the tank connection part 140, the tank connection part 140 being included in the water treatment apparatus 100.

Specifically, as shown in fig. 21, the regeneration tank connection part 142 may be provided in a connection part support member 143 included in the tank connection part 140 to be rotatable, and may be elastically supported by an elastic member (not shown). Further, the regeneration tank connection portion 142 may have a "l" shape as viewed in the lateral direction. The regeneration tank connection part 142 may be connected to the filter unit 300 included in the water treatment apparatus 100 through the above-described regeneration tank line LRG, etc.

Thus, as shown in fig. 21, in a state where the regeneration tank 220 is not installed in the water treatment apparatus 100 together with the raw water tank 210, the regeneration tank connection part 142 may be rotated by the elastic force of the elastic member to be disposed in the standby position.

Further, as shown in fig. 22, in the case where the regeneration tank 220 is installed in the water treatment apparatus 100 together with the raw water tank 210, the regeneration tank connection part 142 may be rotated by the movement of the regeneration tank 220 to be disposed in a connection position, thereby being connected to the recovered water flow path connection part 240.

Thus, even though the separate regeneration tank 220 is not connected to the water treatment apparatus 100, particularly, to the filter unit 300 included in the water treatment apparatus 100, after the empty regeneration tank 220 is installed in the water treatment apparatus 100 together with the raw water tank 210, once the regeneration tank 220 is installed in the water treatment apparatus 100 together with the raw water tank 210, the regeneration tank 220 may be connected to the water treatment apparatus 100.

The recovered water flow path connection part 240 may be provided in the regeneration tank cover 222 described above. However, the position where the recovered water flow path connection part 240 is provided is not particularly limited. The recovered water flow path connection part 240 may be provided in any position in the regeneration tank 220, for example, in the regeneration tank body 221.

The recovered water flow path connection part 240 may include a flow path connection member 241, a rod member 242, a shut-off elastic member 243, and a recovered water shut-off member 244.

The flow path connection portion 241 may be provided in the regeneration tank cover 222 to be rotatable. As described above, the flow path connecting member 241 may be provided in the first rotary support member 2223 to be rotatable, the first rotary support member 2223 being provided in the regeneration tank cover 222.

Further, the flow path connecting member 241 may cover the drain portion 2221 of the regeneration tank cover 222. A bleed seal member 2412 may be provided in the flow path connecting member 241 to enable sealing between the flow path connecting member 241 and the bleed portion 2221. Thus, in order to discard the recovered water stored in the regeneration tank 220, the flow path connection member 241 may be rotated to open the drain portion 2221.

The flow path connection member 241 may include a insertion part 2411, the insertion part 2411 having an open upper portion formed therein. As shown in fig. 14, the regeneration tank connection part 142 may be inserted into the insertion part 2411 of the flow path connection member 241 to be connected thereto.

As shown in fig. 13, an inflow hole 2411a may be formed in a lower portion of the insertion part 2411 of the flow path connecting member 241.

The rod member 242 may be disposed in the insertion portion 2411 of the flow path connection member 241 to be movable.

Further, a shut-off elastic member 243 may be provided in the insertion portion 2411 of the flow path connecting member 241 to elastically support the rod member 242.

A recovered water shut-off member 244 may be connected to the lever member 242. In addition, the recovered water shut-off member 244 may open and close the above-described inflow hole 2411a formed in the insertion part 2411 of the flow path connection member 241.

Thus, in the case where the regeneration tank connection part 142 of the tank connection part 140 is inserted into the insertion part 2411 of the flow path connection member 241, the lever member 242 descends, so that the recovered water shut-off member 244 may open the inflow hole 2411a of the insertion part 2411. Thus, the recovered water generated in the water treatment apparatus 100 may be introduced into the regeneration tank 220 through the regeneration tank connection part 142 and the inflow hole 2411a of the insertion part 2411 to be stored.

In addition, in case that the regeneration tank connection part 142 of the tank connection part 140 is disengaged from the insertion part 2411 of the flow path connection member 241, the lever member 242 is lifted such that the recovered water shut-off member 244 can close the inflow hole 2411a of the insertion part 2411.

Hereinafter, the composition of the water treatment apparatus 100 according to an example including the example of the supply unit 200 described above with reference to fig. 15 to 22 will be described.

The water treatment apparatus 100 according to an example may include a main body 120, and the above-described supply unit 200, filter unit 300, and tank connection part 140. The description of the composition of the remainder of the water treatment apparatus 100 is replaced with the description provided above and is omitted for ease of illustration.

As shown in fig. 16 and 17, the body 120 may include a filter unit 300 and a tank connection part 140 provided therein. In addition, the main body 120 may include a compressor CP included in a refrigeration cycle, a condenser CD, a cold water tank 510, and the like.

The main body 120 may include a space formed therein, and the supply unit 200 may be installed in the space. For example, as shown in fig. 15, the body 120 may have a rectangular parallelepiped form. However, the form of the body 120 is not particularly limited. Any form thereof that forms an installation space allowing the filter unit 300, the tank connecting portion 140, and the like to be disposed therein is possible.

The cover 121 may be hingedly coupled to the body 120. Thus, after the example of the supply unit 200 is installed in the main body 120, the cover 121 may be closed. Further, after the cover 121 is opened and the example of the supply unit 200 mounted in the body 120 is pulled out from the body 120, the cover 121 may be closed.

As shown in fig. 16, the guide portions 122 may be respectively provided on opposite inner side surfaces of the body 120. The distance between the guide portions 122 may be gradually shortened in the direction of the inside of the body 120. Thus, the supply unit 200 can be easily installed in the installation space of the main body 120.

As shown in fig. 16, the guide portion 122 of the main body 120 may include a mounting guide groove 123 formed therein. The installation guide protrusion 2113 formed in the raw water tank 210 of the example of the supply unit 200 described above may be inserted into the installation guide groove 123 to be held and fixed to the installation guide groove 123 by the installation guide groove 123. Thus, in the case where the supply unit 200 is installed in the water treatment apparatus 100, the supply unit 200 may not be easily detached from the water treatment apparatus 100.

The inclined surface 124 may be formed in the bottom portion of the body 120. Thus, the supply unit 200 can be easily inserted into the installation space of the main body 120.

As shown in fig. 16 and 17, the supply unit 200 may be provided to be detachable from the main body 120. As described above, the cover 121 of the main body 120 may be opened, and the supply unit 200 may be detached from the main body 120.

Since the supply unit 200 is described above, a description thereof will be omitted hereinafter.

Further, since the filter unit 300 is described above, a description thereof will be omitted hereinafter.

The tank connection part 140 may be connected to the filter unit 300. Further, in a case where the supply unit 200 is mounted on the main body 120, the tank connection part 140 may be connected to the supply unit 200.

Thus, even though the supply unit 200 is not additionally connected to the filter unit 300, the supply unit 200 may be connected to the filter unit 300 once the supply unit 200 is installed in the main body 120 after the supply unit 200 is installed in the main body 120.

To this end, the tank connection part 140 may include a connection part support member 143 and a raw water tank connection part 141.

The connecting portion supporting member 143 may be provided in the main body 120. Specifically, the connection part support member 143 may be provided to be fixed to a support plate SP provided in the main body 120.

The raw water tank connection part 141 may be provided in the connection part support member 143 to be rotatable, and may be elastically supported by an elastic member (not shown). Further, the raw water tank connection part 141 may be connected to the above-described flow path connection part 230 included in the supply unit 200. For this, the raw water tank connection part 141 may be provided in a portion of the connection part support member 143 corresponding to the height of the flow path connection part 230 of the supply unit 200. Further, the raw water tank connection part 141 may have a "l" shape as viewed in a lateral direction.

As shown in fig. 19, in a state where the supply unit 200 is not mounted in the main body 120, the raw water tank connection part 141 may be rotated by an elastic force of an elastic member to be disposed in the standby position.

Further, as shown in fig. 19 and 20, the supply unit 200 is installed in the main body 120, and the raw water tank 210 may allow the raw water tank connection part 141 to be rotated to be disposed in the connection position. Thus, the raw water tank connection part 141 may be connected to the flow path connection part 230 provided in the raw water tank cover 212 of the raw water tank 210.

Specifically, the raw water connection part 141a of the raw water tank connection part 141 may be connected to the raw water flow path connection part 231, and the sterilized water connection part 141b of the raw water tank connection part 141 may be connected to the sterilized water flow path connection part 232. Further, in a case where the supply unit 200 is pulled out from the main body 120, the raw water tank connection part 141 may be rotated by an elastic force of the elastic member to be disposed in the standby position.

Flow paths (not shown) in which the raw water and the sterilized water flow may be formed in the raw water connection part 141a and the sterilized water connection part 141b of the raw water tank connection part 141, respectively. Further, the flow path of the raw water connection part 141a may be connected to the filter unit 300, and particularly, to the pre-treatment filter 320 of the filter unit 300, through the above-described raw water line LRW, etc. Further, the flow path of the sterilizing water connecting part 141b may be connected to the filter unit 300, specifically, the ion exchange filter 310 of the filter unit 300, through the above-described raw water tank line LRT or the like. Thus, the raw water of the raw water tank 210 may be supplied to the filter unit 300, and the sterilized water generated in the ion exchange filter 310 may be supplied to the raw water tank 210.

The tank connection part 140 may further include a regeneration tank connection part 142. The regeneration tank connection part 142 may also be provided in the connection part support member 143 to be rotatable, and may be elastically supported by an elastic member (not shown). Further, the regeneration tank connection part 142 may be connected to the above-described recovered water flow path connection part 240 included in the supply unit 200. For this, the regeneration tank connection part 142 may be provided in a portion of the connection part support member 143 corresponding to the height of the recovered water flow path connection part 240 of the supply unit 200. Further, the regeneration tank connection portion 142 may have a "l" shape as viewed in the lateral direction.

As shown in fig. 21, in a state where the supply unit 200 is not mounted in the main body 120, the regeneration tank connection part 142 may be rotated by an elastic force of the elastic member to be disposed in the standby position.

Further, as shown in fig. 21 and 22, the supply unit 200 may be installed in the main body 120, and the regeneration tank 220 may allow the regeneration tank connection part 142 to be rotated to be disposed in the connection position. Thus, the regeneration tank connection part 142 may be connected to the recovered water flow path connection part 240 provided in the regeneration tank cover 222 of the regeneration tank 220.

Further, in the case where the supply unit 200 is pulled out from the main body 120, the regeneration tank connection part 142 may be rotated by the elastic force of the elastic member to be disposed in the standby position.

A flow path (not shown) in which the recovered water flows may be formed in the regeneration tank connection part 142. Further, the regeneration tank connection part 142 may be connected to the filtration unit 300, specifically, to the ion exchange filter 310 of the filtration unit 300, via the above-described regeneration tank line LRG or the like. Thus, the recovered water generated in the filtering unit 300, particularly, in the ion exchange filter 310 of the filtering unit 300, may be supplied to the regeneration tank 220.

In the case where the water treatment apparatus according to the example is used as described above, water treatment may be performed using an ion exchange filter that filters raw water through electrochemical ion exchange when a forward voltage is applied thereto, and is regenerated and generates sterilized water when a reverse voltage is applied thereto. Even in the case where there is no separate sterilizing unit, sterilizing water can be generated in the ion exchange filter to sterilize the water treatment apparatus. Further, the size and manufacturing cost of the water treatment apparatus can be reduced, and the water treatment apparatus can be easily manufactured.

The composition of the above example is not limited to be applied to the above water treatment apparatus. All or a part of the examples may be selectively combined so that the above examples may be variously modified.

While exemplary embodiments have been illustrated and described above, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that changes and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the following claims.

Claims

1. A water treatment apparatus comprising:

a supply unit that supplies raw water;

a filtering unit connected to the supply unit through a first purified water line and a second purified water line, and including an ion exchange filter that filters raw water through electrochemical ion exchange when a forward voltage is applied thereto, and generates sterilized water in which chlorine gas is dissolved when a reverse voltage is applied thereto; and

an outlet unit connected to the filtering unit through a third purified water line and discharging purified water to the outside to be supplied to a user,

wherein the outlet unit includes a drain switching valve and a third drain line,

wherein the discharge conversion valve is configured to convert a flow path of the outlet unit into discharging the purified water to the outside or discharging the sterilized water to the third drain line,

wherein, in order to discharge the purified water to the outside, the filtering unit generates the purified water by applying the forward voltage, and the discharge switching valve switches a flow path of the outlet unit to the outside so as to discharge the purified water supplied from the third purified water line, and

wherein, in order to sterilize the water treatment apparatus, the filter unit generates the sterilized water by applying the reverse voltage, and the drain switching valve switches a flow path of the outlet unit to the third discharge line so as to drain the sterilized water supplied from the third purified water line.

2. The water treatment apparatus of claim 1, wherein the filtering unit further comprises a flow path switching valve connected to the first purified water line, the second purified water line, and the third purified water line,

wherein the flow path switching valve is configured to switch the flow path of the raw water supplied from the first purified water line into the second purified water line or the third purified water line,

wherein the second purified water line is connected to one side of the ion exchange filter and the third purified water line is connected to the other side of the ion exchange filter,

wherein a first discharge line for discharging the sterilized water is branched off from the second purified water line, and a discharge shut-off valve is provided in the first discharge line,

wherein, in order to regenerate the ion exchange filter, the flow path switching valve supplies raw water from the first purified water line to the ion exchange filter through the third purified water line, the filtering unit generates the sterilized water by applying the reverse voltage, and the discharge shut-off valve opens the first discharge line to discharge the sterilized water supplied from the second purified water line, and

wherein the discharge shut-off valve closes the first discharge line in case the purified water is supplied to the outside or the water treatment apparatus is sterilized.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the supply unit includes a raw water tank in which raw water is stored,

wherein the first drain line is connected to a second drain line, and the second drain line is branched into a raw tank line and a regeneration tank line,

wherein the raw sump tank line is connected to the raw sump tank, a flush valve is disposed in the raw sump tank line, and a bleed valve is disposed in the regeneration tank line,

wherein, in order to sterilize the raw water tank, the drain valve closes the regeneration tank line, and the rinse valve opens the raw water tank line to supply the sterilized water to the raw water tank, and

wherein, in case of regeneration of the ion exchange filter, the rinse valve closes the raw tank line, and the drain valve opens the regeneration tank line to discharge the sterilized water supplied from the second drain line.

4. The water treatment apparatus of claim 1, wherein the filtration unit further comprises a post-treatment filter interposed between the third purified water line and the outlet unit, and

wherein, in a case where the water treatment apparatus is sterilized, the post-treatment filter is sterilized by the sterilized water supplied from the third purified water line.

5. The water treatment apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a cold water line connected to the third purified water line, a cold water tank connected to the cold water line to generate cold water through a cooling unit, and a cold water discharge line for supplying the cold water to the discharge switching valve,

wherein, in case the water treatment apparatus is sterilized, the cold water line, the cold water tank, and the cold water discharge line are sterilized by the sterilized water supplied from the third purified water line.

6. The water treatment apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a hot water line connected to the third purified water line, a flash water heater connected to the hot water line to generate hot water, and a hot water discharge line for supplying the hot water to the discharge switching valve,

wherein, in case the water treatment apparatus is sterilized, the hot water line, the rapid water heater, and the hot water discharge line are sterilized by the sterilized water supplied from the third purified water line.