KR20120079002A - Water purifier capable of sterilizing with electrolyzer and controlling method thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: An electrolytic sterilizing water purifier and a method for controlling the same are provided to minimize the generation of odor and to secure the taste of water by including a chlorine eliminating filter. CONSTITUTION: An electrolytic sterilizing water purifier(100) includes a filtering part(110), a tank part(120), an electrolytic sterilizing part(180), an extracting part(160), and a chlorine eliminating filter(140). The filtering part filters water. The tank part contains the filtered water. The electrolytic sterilizing part implements electrolysis to generate sterilizing materials and supplies the sterilizing materials to the tank part. The extracting part extracts water from the tank part. The chlorine eliminating filter is arranged on a path between the tank part and the extracting part. The water purifier further includes a temperature changing part which changes the temperature of water by being arranged on a path between the tank part and the extracting part.

Description

Electrolytic Sterilization Water Purifier and its Control Method {WATER PURIFIER CAPABLE OF STERILIZING WITH ELECTROLYZER AND CONTROLLING METHOD THEREOF}

The present invention relates to an electrolytic sterilizing water purifier which performs sterilization using electrolysis, and more particularly, to an electrolytic sterilizing water purifier which does not impair water taste or ice taste while sterilizing through electrolysis. It is about.

The tank type water purifier includes a tank (eg, a purified water tank, a cold water tank, a hot water tank) for storing the water filtered from the filter part.

In such a tank, various microorganisms, bacteria, or the like may be introduced from the air vent hole provided in the filter unit or the tank, and may grow in the tank.

In order to sterilize such microorganisms or bacteria, sterilization means for sterilizing water filtered in the filter unit has been proposed. Such sterilization means is configured to sterilize water using ultraviolet rays, or is configured to minimize the growth of microorganisms or bacteria in water by means of silver activated carbon, or is configured to sterilize water using functional materials, Or it may be configured to sterilize the water through electrolysis.

Among these sterilization methods, the sterilization of water through electrolysis has recently been highlighted. The electrolytic sterilizer is a direct oxidation reaction that directly oxidizes microorganisms or bacteria contained in the inflowed water by electrolysis, and various oxidizing mixtures (MO: Mixed Oxidants) that may be generated by electrolysis, such as chlorine or residual chlorine. Water is sterilized through indirect oxidation, in which water is sterilized by ozone, OH radicals and oxygen radicals. As such, the electrolytic sterilization method has the advantage that it can perform not only direct sterilization but also antibacterial action by oxidizing mixture.

However, if a large amount of oxidizing mixture occurs during the electrolysis of water, the sterilization effect of the water is great, but it may inhibit the taste and smell. If the amount of the oxidizing mixture is small, the effect on the water taste or odor is small but sterilization There is a problem that the effect cannot be sufficiently achieved.

In particular, since the water taste change and odor due to the oxidizing mixture bring a lot of complaints to consumers, a technique is required that does not accompany water taste inhibition and odor generation while taking an electrolytic sterilization method.

Meanwhile, in the conventional case, water contained in a tank is used to generate ice. However, as described above, bacteria or microorganisms are easily propagated in the water contained in the tank, and when ice-making is performed using the water containing the bacteria or microorganisms, bacteria or microorganisms are easily proliferated in the generated ice. Done. Therefore, there is a need for a method for improving hygiene even when ice is generated and stored.

The present invention has been made to solve at least some of the problems of the prior art as described above, it is an object of the present invention to provide an electrolytic sterilization water purifier and control method that can minimize the water taste inhibition and odor while electrolytic sterilization.

In addition, the present invention, as an aspect, even when producing ice, using water sterilized by electrolytic sterilization to minimize the growth of bacteria or microorganisms on the ice, even if the ice is preserved for a long time, ice taste inhibition It is an object of the present invention to provide an electrolytic disinfecting water purifier capable of minimizing the smell and the control method.

In another aspect, an object of the present invention is to provide an electrolytic sterilizing water purifier which does not generate bacterial growth in the chlorine removal filter provided at the front end of the extraction unit and its control method.

As one aspect for achieving the above object, the present invention is a filter unit for filtering the introduced water; A tank unit for receiving purified water filtered by the filter unit; Electrolytic sterilization unit for supplying the sterilization material generated by the electrolysis in the tank; An extraction unit for extracting water contained in the tank unit; And a chlorine removal filter provided in the flow path between the tank part and the extraction part.

Electrolytic sterilization water purifier according to an embodiment of the present invention is provided in the flow path between the tank portion and the extraction portion temperature change unit for changing the temperature of the water; Or an ice making unit configured to generate ice by receiving water contained in the tank unit. In this case, the temperature change unit may be provided in a flow path between the chlorine removal filter and the extraction unit. The ice making unit may be configured to generate ice by receiving water that has passed through the chlorine removal filter.

In another aspect, the present invention includes a filter unit for filtering the introduced water; A tank unit for receiving purified water filtered by the filter unit; Electrolytic sterilization unit for supplying the sterilization material generated by the electrolysis in the tank; An extraction unit for extracting purified water filtered by the filter unit; An ice making unit receiving water received in the tank unit to generate ice; And a chlorine removal filter provided in the flow path between the tank and the ice making unit. Electrolytic sterilization water purifier according to an embodiment of the present invention may further include a temperature change unit provided in the flow path between the filter unit and the extraction unit to change the temperature of the water.

Preferably, the electrolytic sterilization unit may be installed on a circulation passage for circulating to the tank unit after generating the sterilization material by electrolysis of the water supplied from the tank unit.

More preferably, the circulation flow passage may include a flow passage branched from the flow passage between the chlorine removal filter and the extraction portion and re-introduced into the tank portion. The circulation passage may include a purified water inflow passage connecting the rear end of the filter portion and the inlet of the tank portion, and the electrolytic sterilization portion may be installed in the purified water inflow passage.

Also preferably, a pump may be provided on the circulation passage.

Preferably, the temperature change unit may include at least one of a cooling unit for cooling water and a heating unit for heating water.

In this case, the cooling unit may be configured as an instantaneous cooling device that is cooled while the incoming water passes, and the heating unit may be configured as an instantaneous heating device that is heated while passing the introduced water. In addition, the cooling unit or the heating unit may be filtered by the filter unit may be introduced into the purified water without passing through the tank unit.

Also preferably, the chlorine removal filter may comprise a carbon filter.

Preferably, the filter unit includes a first filter including a sediment filter, a second filter including a precarbon filter, a third reverse osmosis membrane filter, a hollow fiber membrane filter, a deionization filter, a nano filter, and a nanofiber filter. It may include a filter, the carbon filter may not be provided on the flow path between the rear end of the third filter and the inlet of the tank.

On the other hand, the electrolytic sterilizer according to an aspect of the present invention, the control unit for controlling the driving of the electrolytic sterilization unit to sterilize the tank portion; may further include.

Preferably, a pump is provided on the circulation passage, and the control unit drives the pump without driving the electrolytic sterilization unit to wash the chlorine removal filter with water stored in the tank unit, and the electrolysis The sterilization unit and the pump may be configured to sequentially perform a second step of supplying sterilization material to the tank unit.

Also preferably, the controller may control the driving of the pump such that the flow rate circulated in the first step is greater than the flow rate circulated in the second step.

In still another aspect, the present invention provides a tank unit for receiving purified water filtered by a filter unit, an extraction unit for extracting water contained in the tank unit, and a chlorine removal filter provided in a flow path between the tank unit and the extraction unit. And, an electrolytic sterilization unit installed on a circulation passage to circulate the tank unit after electrolysis of the water supplied from the tank unit to generate a sterilizing material, and a water purifier including a pump installed on the circulation passage. A method, comprising: a first step of washing the chlorine removal filter with water stored in the tank by driving the pump without driving the electrolytic sterilization unit; And a second step of driving the pump while supplying the sterilizing material to the tank while driving the electrolytic sterilization unit.

In still another aspect, the present invention is provided with a tank unit for receiving purified water filtered by a filter unit, an ice making unit for supplying water contained in the tank unit to generate ice, and a flow path between the tank unit and the ice making unit. A chlorine removal filter, an electrolytic sterilization unit installed on a circulation passage to circulate to the tank unit after electrolysis of water supplied from the tank unit to generate a sterilization material, and a pump installed on the circulation passage. A control method of a water purifier comprising: a first step of washing the chlorine removal filter with water stored in the tank by driving the pump without driving the electrolytic sterilization unit; And a second step of driving the pump while supplying the sterilizing material to the tank while driving the electrolytic sterilization unit.

At this time, the flow rate circulated in the first step is preferably greater than the flow rate circulated in the second step. In addition, the execution time of the first step is preferably shorter than the execution time of the second step.

According to an embodiment of the present invention having such a configuration, by providing a chlorine removal filter to remove chlorine components (including residual chlorine) contained in the sterilizing material between the tank portion and the extraction portion causing odor and water taste change, the tank Not only the sterilization of the negative but also the water taste of the purified water extracted from the extraction unit can be obtained to block the deterioration or bad smell. In particular, according to an embodiment of the present invention, by installing a temperature change unit for generating cold water or hot water between the chlorine removal filter and the extraction unit, it is possible to supply the user with various types of water, such as room temperature water, cold water, hot water.

In addition, according to an embodiment of the present invention, by providing a chlorine removal filter to remove the chlorine component (including residual chlorine) contained in the sterilizing material between the tank and the ice making unit causing a change in smell and water taste, sterilization of the tank portion In addition, it is possible to obtain the effect of blocking the taste of the ice generated from the ice making unit deterioration or smell. Moreover, since ice is generated by using the sterilized water in the tank part, it is possible to minimize the inclusion of bacteria or microorganisms in the generated ice, which may make it difficult for the bacteria or microorganisms to proliferate on the ice. The effect is that hygienically clean ice can be supplied to the user.

In addition, according to one embodiment of the present invention, by using a carbon filter in the chlorine removal filter, not only the sterilization material generated in the electrolytic sterilization unit can be removed before extraction, but also the effect of improving the water taste can be obtained. In particular, when the water filtered in the filter part is accommodated in the tank part and extracted by the extraction part, the post carbon filter is not installed at the end of the filter part and replaced with a chlorine removal filter, thereby increasing the number of filters installed in the whole water purifier. Without this, it is possible to remove chlorine contained in the water contained in the tank portion.

In addition, by rinsing the chlorine removal filter to prevent the growth of bacteria or microorganisms, there is an effect that hygienically and safely supply purified water (including room temperature water, cold water, hot water) or ice extracted even though the chlorine removal filter passes.

1 is a block diagram of an electrolytic sterilizing water purifier according to an embodiment of the present invention.
2 is a block diagram of an electrolytic sterilizing water purifier according to another embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the water purification mode of the electrolytic sterilizing water purifier according to another embodiment of the present invention.
4 is a block diagram showing a sterilization mode of the electrolytic sterilization water purifier shown in FIG.
5 to 9 is a configuration diagram of the electrolytic sterilizing water purifier according to various embodiments of the present invention.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. Furthermore, the singular forms "a", "an," and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

In this specification, the terms "comprise", "comprise", "have" and the like have the features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or a combination thereof described in the specification. It is to be understood that the present disclosure is not intended to exclude, in advance, the possibility of the presence or addition of one or more other features or numbers, steps, operations, components, components, or combinations thereof.

Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The present invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. In order to clearly describe the present invention, parts irrelevant to the description are omitted, and like reference numerals designate like elements throughout the specification.

First, with reference to Figures 1 and 2 looks at the configuration of the electrolytic sterilizing water purifier according to an embodiment of the present invention.

1 and 2 have the same configuration except that there is a change in the position of the pump 130, the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 will be described together.

As shown in Figure 1 and 2, the electrolytic sterilization water purifier 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention is a filter unit 110 for filtering the introduced water and the purified water filtered in the filter unit 110 Tank unit 120 to accommodate, the electrolytic sterilization unit 180 for supplying the sterilization material generated by electrolysis to the tank unit 120, and the extraction unit for extracting the water contained in the tank unit 120 ( 160, and a chlorine removal filter 140 provided in the flow path between the tank unit 120 and the extraction unit 160, wherein the water supplied from the tank unit 120 is sterilized by electrolysis. A pump 130 installed on a circulation passage circulating to the tank unit 120 after generating a substance, and a controller (not shown) for controlling the driving of the electrolytic sterilization unit 180 and the pump 130 are added. It can be included as.

The filter unit 110 may be, for example, a first filter 111 having a sediment filter, a second filter 112 having a free carbon filter, and a reverse osmosis membrane filter, a hollow fiber membrane filter, a deion filter, and a nanoparticle. It may be configured to include a third filter 113 selected from a filter, a nanofiber filter.

The sediment filter has a function of adsorbing and removing a relatively large particulate suspended matter, sand, and the like contained in raw water.

In addition, the pre-carbon filter is supplied with the water passed through the sediment filter through the adsorption method of activated carbon to remove harmful chemicals and residual chlorine components such as volatile organic compounds, carcinogens, synthetic detergents, pesticides contained in the water It will function to remove it.

In addition, the reverse osmosis membrane filter receives the filtered water from the pre-carbon filter to remove fine organic / inorganic substances such as heavy metals and other metal ions and bacteria contained in the water through the membrane having fine pores. Here, the reverse osmosis membrane filter is connected to the drainage passage 195 for discharging the living water generated during the filtration of the raw water, that is, the concentrated water.

In addition, the hollow fiber membrane filter is a porous filter having pores of several tens to hundreds of nanometers (nm) in size, and removes contaminants in water through the myriad of micropores distributed on the membrane surface.

In addition, the deionization filter lowers the total dissolved solids (TDS) contained in the water introduced by the power application. That is, the deionization filter may be configured to remove (separate from the water) dissolved solids (ionics) contained in the water by the power applied to the anode and the cathode. At this time, total dissolved solids (TDS: Total Dissolved Solids) refers to the amount of solids, including minerals such as calcium, sodium, magnesium, iron, dissolved in water, expressed in units of mg / ℓ or ppm. As an example, the deionization filter may be configured to remove dissolved solids (ionics) contained in water by using either electrodialysis (ED) or electrodeionization (EDI). In addition, the ion exchange resin may be configured to be attached or applied to the membrane to be configured to apply electricity to the membrane.

In addition, nanofilters can process solvents ranging from several hundreds to thousands of molecular weights, which are the intermediate ranges of reverse osmosis membrane filters and ultrafiltration filters. It is possible.

In addition, the nanofiber filter is made of nano fiber as an addressing material, and has a charge on the surface, and is capable of filtering minerals, organic substances, metals, bacteria, DNA, and viruses. Even particles of size can be processed. In particular, the nanofiber filter has excellent performance in removing bacteria and viruses since the pores of the membrane itself are not only small but also have charges. Furthermore, in addition to the superior water purification capability described above, the nanofiber filter has the advantage that the processing flow rate is larger than that of the reverse osmosis membrane filter, so that a large amount can be processed in a short time and there is no water that is discarded as concentrated water.

The type and number of filters provided in the filter unit 110 can be changed according to the required performance or specification of the water purifier 100. For example, an antibacterial filter or various functional filters may be added, and some of the filters are combined. It is also possible to comprise as a filter. For example, as illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 9, the first filter 111 having the sediment filter and the second filter 112 having the free carbon filter are composed of the composite filter 111 ′. It is also possible.

However, the electrolytic sterilization water purifier 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention may be provided with a post carbon filter in the filter unit 110, but as described later, the chlorine removal filter 140 is formed at the rear of the tank unit 120. In order to prevent redundant use of the filter, it is preferable that a carbon filter is not provided on the flow path between the rear end of the third filter 113 such as the reverse osmosis membrane filter and the inlet of the tank unit 120.

As such, the purified water filtered by the filter unit 110 is stored in the tank unit 120 via the purified water inflow passage 191. For example, the tank unit 120 may include at least one of a purified water tank, a cold water tank, and a hot water tank. Then, the water extracted from the filter unit 110 is provided to the user's drinking through the extraction unit 160, the drain pipe for draining the water contained in the tank unit 120 for cleaning the tank unit 120, etc. 196 may be configured to be connected to drainage passage 195.

In addition, the electrolytic sterilization unit 180 generates electrolytic sterilization material as in the conventional electrolytic sterilizer. Specifically, the electrolytic sterilization unit 180 is a direct oxidation reaction for directly oxidizing microorganisms or bacteria contained in the introduced water by electrolysis, and various oxidizing mixtures (MO: Mixed Oxidant) that may occur by electrolysis. (Hereinafter referred to as 'sterilization material'), for example, water is sterilized through an indirect oxidation reaction in which water is sterilized by chlorine or residual chlorine, ozone, OH radicals, oxygen radicals, and the like.

As such, the sterilization material generated in the electrolytic sterilization unit 180 is supplied to the tank unit 120 to sterilize the water contained in the tank unit 120.

On the other hand, since the water contained in the tank unit 120 includes a chlorine component (including residual chlorine), the electrolytic sterilization water purifier 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention is provided between the tank unit 120 and the extraction unit 160. The chlorine removal filter 140 is provided in the purified water discharge passage 192.

Therefore, the electrolytic sterilization water purifier 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention removes the chlorine component (including residual chlorine) contained in the purified water through the chlorine removal filter 140, thereby eliminating the change in water taste or odor generation. It is possible to supply to the user.

The chlorine removal filter 140 may be configured to include a carbon filter. That is, the carbon filter functions to remove unpleasant tastes, odors, pigments, etc. through carbon adsorption, and performs a function similar to that of the post carbon filter used in the conventional general water purifier 100.

On the other hand, the electrolytic sterilization water purifier 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention may adopt a circulation method to supply the sterilizing material from the electrolytic sterilization unit 180 to the tank unit 120.

That is, the electrolytic sterilization unit 180 may be installed on the circulation passage so as to electrolyze the water supplied from the tank unit 120 to generate a sterilization material and then resupply to the tank unit 120.

1 and 2, the circulation passage is provided between the chlorine removal filter 140 and the extraction unit 160 via a purified water discharge passage 192 between the tank unit 120 and the chlorine removal filter 140. Although branched from the flow path switching valve 151 may be made of a flow path that is supplied back to the tank unit 120 through the bypass flow path 194, as in the case of Figures 3 and 4 described later, bypass flow path 194 ) May be configured to be connected through the purified water inflow passage 191 and the flow path switching valve 155 between the filter unit 110 and the tank unit 120.

On the circulation passage 192 and 194, a pump 130 for pressurizing water for circulation of purified water may be provided. The pump 130 may be provided between the tank unit 120 and the extraction unit 160 (or the chlorine removal filter 140) as shown in FIG. 1, and the bypass as shown in FIG. 2. It is also possible to be installed on the flow path 194, and the installation position is not restricted as long as it functions to allow the purified water from the tank portion 120 to be re-introduced into the tank portion 120. However, as shown in FIG. 1, if the pump 130 is provided in front of the extraction unit 160, the pump 130 may be driven by the pump 130 even if there is no water head difference between the tank 120 and the extraction unit 160. Since the extraction of the purified water through the extraction unit 160 is possible, there is an advantage that the installation height of the extraction unit 160 is free.

On the other hand, the electrolytic sterilizing water purifier 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention may further include a controller (not shown) for controlling the driving of the electrolytic sterilization unit 180 to sterilize the tank unit 120. .

That is, the controller controls the sterilization by driving the electrolytic sterilizer 180 when a predetermined time has elapsed or when the contamination in the tank 120 is detected by a sensor (not shown) provided in the tank 120. The material is supplied to the tank unit 120, and the pump 130 is driven to implement circulation sterilization.

On the other hand, the chlorine removal filter 140 located at the rear end of the tank unit 120 is not limited if the chlorine component (including residual chlorine) can be removed. However, when the chlorine removal filter 140 is made of a carbon filter, it becomes a good environment for microorganisms to propagate inside the filter, and contaminated drinking water may be supplied to the user.

In view of this point, the electrolytic sterilization water purifier 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention may implement an operation of washing the chlorine removal filter 140 through a control unit.

That is, the control unit is a first step of washing the chlorine removal filter 140 with water stored in the tank unit 120 by driving the pump 130 in a state that does not drive the electrolytic sterilization unit 180, The electrolytic sterilization unit 180 and the pump 130 may be configured to sequentially perform a second step of supplying a sterilizing material to the tank unit 120.

In this case, in order to increase the washing efficiency of the chlorine removal filter 140 in the first step, the control unit drives the pump 130 so that the flow rate circulated in the first step is greater than the flow rate circulated in the second step. It is desirable to control.

That is, by flowing water to the chlorine removal filter 140 at a high flow rate (high flow rate) in the first step, the bacteria or microorganisms attached to the chlorine removal filter 140 can be washed out, and the chlorine removal filter 140 Bacteria or microorganisms that have been separated from are accommodated in the tank unit 120.

Thereafter, while circulating and supplying water at a slow flow rate (low flow rate) in the second step, bacteria and microorganisms existing in the tank unit 120 are generated by supplying the sterilizing substance from the electrolytic sterilization unit 180 to the tank unit 120. Etc., and the chlorine removal filter 140 is removed to sterilize bacteria or microorganisms introduced into the tank 120. In addition, while the sterile material contained in the water circulated through the chlorine removal filter 140, the bacteria or microorganisms remaining without being separated from the chlorine removal filter 140 may be sterilized.

To this end, the first step may be configured to perform washing of the chlorine removal filter 140 for 1 to 3 minutes at a flow rate of 0.3 to 0.7 LPM (liter / minute), for example, 0.1 to 0.15 in the second step. It can be configured to perform a sterilization function by generating a sterilizing material for about 20-40 minutes at the flow rate of LPM. In particular, the flow rate or duration of the second stage can be adjusted according to the capacity of the tank, the concentration of the generated sterilizing material, the concentration of the sterilizing material required for the tank unit 120 (about 0.05 to 0.1 ppm) and the like.

In addition, the cycle of circulating sterilization may also be determined in consideration of the concentration change of the sterilizing material. For example, when the concentration of the sterilizing material of the tank unit 120 after the second step is 0.1 ppm, circulation sterilization may be performed approximately every 24 hours.

Next, the electrolytic sterilization water purifier 100 according to another embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4.

In the electrolytic sterilization water purifier 100 shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the electrolytic sterilization unit 180 is installed in the purified water inflow passage 191, and the bypass passage 194 is the purified water inflow passage through the flow path switching valve 155. Except that connected to 191 is the same as the configuration of the electrolytic sterilization water purifier 100 shown in FIG. Therefore, in order to avoid unnecessary duplication, the same reference numerals are assigned to the same or similar components, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted, and only the configurations with differences will be described.

3 and 4, the electrolytic sterilization water purifier 100 is electrolytic sterilization unit 180 is installed in the purified water inlet flow path 191, so that the purified water flowing into the tank unit 120 from the filter unit 110 by In addition, it has a configuration capable of producing a bactericide. Therefore, the method of generating a sterilizing material can be more diversified than the electrolytic sterilizing water purifier 100 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

That is, the electrolytic sterilization water purifier 100 shown in FIG. 3 passes through the electrolytic sterilization unit 180 even in the water purification mode having the flow path shown by the solid arrows, so that the tank unit 120 is not in the sterilization mode. It is possible to supply disinfectant. As a result, compared to the electrolytic sterilization water purifier 100 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the execution period of the sterilization mode may be longer, or the execution time of the second step may be shortened.

And, in the sterilization mode having a flow path shown by the arrow of the dashed line in Figure 4, the circulation flow passage consists of the purified water discharge passage 192, the bypass passage 194 and the purified water inflow passage 191, the flow path switching valve ( Except that it is further subjected to 155), since it has substantially the same function as the electrolytic sterilization water purifier 100 shown in Figs. 1 and 2 will be omitted a detailed description of the sterilization mode.

Next, with reference to Figures 5 to 7, looks at with respect to the electrolytic sterilization water purifier 100 according to another embodiment of the present invention.

5 and 6, the electrolytic sterilization water purifier 100 is provided in the flow path between the tank unit 120 and the extraction unit 160 to change the temperature of the water 170 and the tank unit Same as the configuration of the electrolytic sterilization water purifier 100 shown in FIG. 1, except that the apparatus further includes an ice making unit 175 that receives the water contained in the 120 and generates ice. Electrolytic sterilization water purifier 100 is provided in the flow path between the tank unit 120 and the extraction unit 160 to supply a temperature change unit 170 for changing the temperature of the water, and the water contained in the tank unit 120 It is the same as the configuration of the electrolytic sterilization water purifier 100 shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 except for further including an ice making unit 175 that generates ice. Therefore, in order to avoid unnecessary duplication, the same reference numerals are assigned to the same or similar components, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted, and only the configurations with differences will be described.

5 to 7, a temperature change unit 170 is provided in a flow path between the tank unit 120 and the extraction unit 160 to change the temperature of water and then to the user through the extraction unit 160. I can supply it. In this case, the temperature change unit 170 may include at least one of a cooling unit 171 for cooling water and a heating unit 172 for heating water.

Specifically, the water discharged through the extraction passage 193 by the flow path switching of the tank unit 120, the chlorine removal filter 140, the flow path switching valve 151 is directly extracted through the normal temperature water flow path (193a) 160 ) Discharged to the extraction unit 160 after passing through the cooling unit 171 through the cold water passage (193b), or after passing through the heating unit 172 through the hot water passage (193c) to the extraction unit 160 May be discharged.

At this time, the temperature change unit 170 is provided in the flow path between the chlorine removal filter 140 and the extraction unit 160 so that the temperature of the water temperature changed through the cooling unit 171 or the heating unit 172 is the chlorine removal filter ( It is preferable not to change through the 140, but is not necessarily limited thereto.

On the other hand, as shown in Figures 5 to 7, when the chlorine component (sterilization material) is removed through the chlorine removal filter 140, a new tank is installed at the rear end of the chlorine removal filter 140 to accommodate the water If you have a structure, this can lead to new contamination. Therefore, the cooling unit 171 is configured as an instantaneous cooling device that is cooled while the incoming water passes, the heating unit 172 is preferably configured as an instantaneous heating device that is heated while passing the introduced water.

In addition, as shown in Figures 5 to 7, the ice making unit 175 is supplied with water contained in the tank to generate ice, the generated ice is stored in the ice storage 176. The ice making unit 175 is known in various forms such as immersion, spraying, etc., the ice making method or structure of the ice making unit 175 is not limited.

Meanwhile, as illustrated in FIGS. 5 to 7, the water discharged through the extraction passage 193 through the tank unit 120, the chlorine removal filter 140, and the flow path switching valve 151 may be an ice making water passage 193d. It may be introduced into the ice making unit 175 through, the water passing through the chlorine removal filter 140 is supplied to the ice making unit 175 so that the chlorine component is not included in the ice generated by the ice making unit 175. Do.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 6 to improve the ice making efficiency of the ice making unit 175, water cooled in the cooling unit 171 may be configured to flow into the ice making unit 175.

As such, although a plurality of flow path switching valves 152, 153, and 154 may be used for flow path switching between the plurality of flow paths, the number or installation positions of the flow path switching valves may be variously changed.

On the other hand, as described above, when the temperature change unit 170 is provided separately, it is possible that the tank unit 120 is not provided with a cold water tank or a hot water tank.

Next, referring to Figures 8 and 9, looks at with respect to the electrolytic sterilization water purifier 100 according to another embodiment of the present invention.

8 and 9, the electrolytic sterilization water purifier 100 shown in FIG. 8 is discharged through the extraction unit 160 without passing through the tank unit 120 through the filter unit 110, and filtered by the filter unit 110. After being purified, the purified water introduced into the tank 120 is used in ice making of the ice making unit 175, which is basically different from the electrolytic sterilizing water purifier 100 shown in FIGS.

Therefore, in order to avoid unnecessary duplication, the same reference numerals are assigned to the same or similar components, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted, and only the configurations with differences will be described.

First, as shown in FIG. 8 and FIG. 9, the purified water filtered while passing through the filter unit 110 may be discharged through the extraction unit 160 by switching the flow path through the flow path switching valve 156.

In this case, a temperature change unit 170 may be provided between the filter unit 110 and the extraction unit 160. As described above, the temperature change unit 170 may include at least one of a cooling unit 171 for cooling water and a heating unit 172 for heating water. In addition, when the water filtered through the filter unit 110 is heated or cooled through a hot water tank or a cold water tank, the water contained in the tank may be contaminated and bacteria or microorganisms may grow, thereby allowing the cooling unit ( 171 is configured as an instantaneous cooling device that is cooled while the incoming water is passed, the heating unit 172 is preferably configured as an instantaneous heating device that is heated while passing the introduced water.

Specifically, the water filtered by the filter unit 110 is discharged through the extraction flow path 193 by the flow path switching of the flow path switching valve 156 is discharged directly to the extraction unit 160 through the room temperature water flow path (193a). Or, after passing through the cooling unit 171 through the cold water passage (193b) is discharged to the extraction unit 160, or after passing through the heating unit 172 through the hot water passage (193c) may be discharged to the extraction unit 160. have. In addition, although a plurality of flow path switching valves 157 and 158 may be used for flow path switching between the plurality of flow paths, the number or installation positions of the flow path switching valves may be variously changed.

8 and 9, when the purified water filtered by the filter unit 110 has a flow path that is extracted through the extraction unit 160 without passing through the tank unit 120, the filter unit 110. It is also possible to include a fourth filter 114 having a post carbon filter. The post carbon filter absorbs and removes unpleasant tastes, odors, pigments, etc. of the water filtered by the third filter 113, and the water filtered through the post carbon filter is provided to the user through the extraction unit 160.

When the instantaneous cooling device or the instantaneous heating device is used as the cooling unit 171 or the heating unit 173, the flow rate of the raw water may be secured in the process of filtering the introduced raw water through the third filter 113. The third filter 113 may be any filter other than the reverse osmosis membrane filter, for example, a hollow fiber membrane filter, a deionized filter, a nano filter, a nanofiber filter, or the like.

Meanwhile, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the purified water filtered by the filter unit 110 may be stored in the tank unit 120 through the purified water inflow passage 191 by the flow path switching of the flow path switching valve 156. Can be.

At this time, the electrolytic sterilization unit 180 is connected to the tank unit 120 to supply the sterilizing material to the water contained in the tank unit 120, and to electrolyze the water supplied from the tank unit 120 to disinfect the sterilizing material. After the production may be installed on the circulation passage to re-supply to the tank 120.

The circulating flow path is provided between the chlorine removal filter 140 and the extraction unit 160 via the purified water discharge passage 192 between the tank unit 120 and the chlorine removal filter 140 as shown in FIG. After branching from the flow path switching valve 151 may be made of a flow path that is supplied back to the tank unit 120 through the bypass flow path 194, as shown in Figure 9 bypass flow path 194, It is also possible to be configured to be connected through the purified water inlet flow path 191 and the flow path switching valve 155 between the 110 and the tank unit (120).

On this circulation passage (192 and 194), a pump 130 for pressurizing water for circulation of purified water may be provided. If the circulation of purified water is possible, the installation position of the pump 130 is not limited.

The water contained in the tank 120 may be supplied to the ice making unit 175 through the ice making channel 193d by the channel switching of the flow path switching valve 151 and used to generate ice, and the ice making unit 175 Ice generated in) is stored in the ice storage 176. In this case, the chlorine removal filter 140 may be provided in the flow path between the tank unit 120 and the ice making unit 175 to remove the chlorine component (including residual chlorine) remaining in the water accommodated in the tank unit 120. have.

In addition, in order to improve the ice making efficiency of the ice making unit 175, the tank unit 120 may include a cooling device (125 of FIG. 9) to generate cold water.

On the other hand, the electrolytic sterilization water purifier 100 according to an embodiment of the invention shown in Figures 8 and 9 is a control unit (not shown) for controlling the driving of the electrolytic sterilization unit 180 to sterilize the tank 120 It may further include, the specific operation method for driving the electrolytic sterilization unit 180 and / or the chlorine removal filter 140 through the control unit is the same as, similar to that described through FIGS. 1 and 2 Detailed description will be omitted.

Finally, a control method of the electrolytic sterilizing water purifier 100 according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 9.

In the control method of the electrolytic sterilizing water purifier 100 according to the present invention, the sterilizing material generated in the electrolytic sterilizing unit 180 is supplied to the tank unit 120 to sterilize the water contained in the tank unit 120, and the tank unit The electrolytic sterilization water purifier 100 configured to remove chlorine (residual chlorine) through the chlorine removal filter 140 prior to supplying the water contained in the 120 to the extraction unit 160 and / or the ice making unit 175. Can be applied.

As an example, the control method of the electrolytic sterilizing water purifier 100 according to the present invention, as shown in Figure 1 to 7, the tank unit 120 for receiving the purified water filtered in the filter unit 110, and Extraction unit 160 for extracting the water contained in the tank unit 120, chlorine removal filter 140 provided in the flow path between the tank unit 120 and the extraction unit 160, and the tank unit 120 Electrolyzed sterilization unit 180 is installed on the circulation passage to circulate to the tank unit 120 after the electrolysis of the water supplied from the electrolysis to generate a sterilization material, the pump 130 is installed on the circulation passage It can be applied to the electrolytic sterilizing water purifier 100 comprising a. In addition, the electrolytic sterilizing water purifier 100 applicable to the method for controlling the electrolytic sterilizing water purifier 100 according to the present invention, as shown in FIGS. 5 to 7, the tank unit 120 and the extraction unit 160. It may further include a temperature change unit 170 for changing the temperature of the water provided in the flow path between, and / or an ice making unit 175 for receiving the water received in the tank unit 120 to generate ice. More specifically, the temperature change unit 170 may be provided in the flow path between the chlorine removal filter 140 and the extraction unit 160, the ice making unit 175 is the chlorine removal filter 140 It may be installed in the flow path of the rear end of the chlorine removal filter 140 so as to receive coarse water to generate ice.

As another example, the control method of the electrolytic sterilizing water purifier 100 according to the present invention, as shown in Figure 8 and 9, the tank unit 120 for receiving the purified water filtered in the filter unit 110, and Ice making unit 175 for receiving the water received in the tank unit 120 to generate ice, Chlorine removal filter 140 provided in the flow path between the tank unit 120 and the ice making unit 175, and Electrolytic sterilization unit 180 is installed on the circulation passage to circulate to the tank unit 120 after electrolysis of the water supplied from the tank unit 120 to generate a sterilization material, which is installed on the circulation passage It can be applied to the electrolytic sterilization water purifier 100 including the pump 130. In addition, in the electrolytic sterilizing water purifier 100 applicable to the method for controlling the electrolytic sterilizing water purifier 100 according to the present invention, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the water filtered by the filter unit 110 may be a tank unit ( It may be withdrawn through the extraction unit 160 without passing through 120, the water contained in the tank unit 120 may have a structure that is supplied to the ice making unit 170 for ice generation through the chlorine removal filter 140. have.

However, the control method of the electrolytic sterilizing water purifier 100 according to the present invention, as well as the electrolytic sterilizing water purifier 100 shown in Figs. 1 to 9, washing of the chlorine removal filter 140 installed in the rear of the tank unit 120. If possible, the structure is not particularly limited, and may be applied for cleaning the chlorine removal filter 140 of the electrolytic sterilization water purifier 100 of various forms.

Specifically, the control method of the electrolytic sterilizing water purifier 100 according to an aspect of the present invention, by driving the pump 130 in a state that does not drive the electrolytic sterilization unit 180 to remove chlorine with water stored in the tank unit 120 It comprises a first step of washing the filter 140, and a second step of supplying the sterilizing material to the tank unit 120 by driving the electrolytic sterilization unit 180 and the pump 130.

Specifically, in the first step, the water stored in the tank unit 120 is introduced into the chlorine removal filter 140 through the pump 130, and the water for cleaning the chlorine removal filter 140 is a flow path switching valve 151. And into the tank unit 120 via the inoperative electrolytic sterilization unit 180 on the bypass passage 194. In addition, the second step may be performed while driving the electrolytic sterilization unit 180 for a long time through the same flow path as the first step but at a slower flow rate than the first step.

At this time, the first step is to flush the bacteria or microorganisms attached to the chlorine removal filter 140 by flowing water to the chlorine removal filter 140 at a high flow rate (high flow rate), the slow flow rate in the second step While circulating and supplying water at a low flow rate, the sterilization material is generated in the electrolytic sterilization unit 180 and supplied to the tank unit 120 to remove bacteria or microorganisms, etc., which are present in the tank unit 120, and the chlorine removal filter 140. Bacteria or microorganisms removed from) are sterilized.

To this end, the first step may be configured to perform cleaning of the chlorine removal filter 140 for a short time of 1 to 3 minutes at a high flow rate (large flow rate) of 0.3 to 0.7 LPM (liter / minute), for example. In the second step, the sterilizing material may be generated by generating a sterilizing material for a relatively long time of about 20 to 40 minutes at a slow flow rate (less flow rate) of 0.1 to 0.15 LPM. That is, the execution time of the second step is relatively long and is removed from the chlorine removal filter 140, such as bacteria or microorganisms introduced into the tank unit 140, or the chlorine removal filter 140 without being washed in the first step. It can be configured to stably remove the bacteria or microorganisms remaining in the. However, the specific values of the flow rate (flow rate) and the operating time may be variously changed.

While the invention has been shown and described with respect to particular embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the claims below. I want to make it clear.

100 ... Electrolytic sterilization water purifier 110 ... Filter part
111 ... first filter 112 ... second filter
113 ... Third filter 120 ... Tank section
130 ... pump 140 ... chlorine removal filter
151 ~ 158 ... Flow switching valve 160 ... Extraction part
170.Temperature change part 171 ... Cooling part
172 ... heating section 175 ... ice making section
176 ... Ice storage 180 ... Electrolytic sterilizer
191 ... purified water inlet 192 ... purified water inlet
193 ... Extraction path 193a ... Room temperature flow path
193b ... Cold Water Euro 193c ... Hot Water Euro
193d ... De-icing Euro 194 ... Bypass Euro

Claims (23)

Filter unit for filtering the introduced water;
A tank unit for receiving purified water filtered by the filter unit;
Electrolytic sterilization unit for supplying the sterilization material generated by the electrolysis in the tank;
An extraction unit for extracting water contained in the tank unit; And
A chlorine removal filter provided in the flow path between the tank part and the extraction part;
Electrolytic sterilizing water purifier comprising a. The method of claim 1,
A temperature change unit provided in a flow path between the tank unit and the extraction unit to change a temperature of water;
Electrolytic sterilizing water purifier, characterized in that it further comprises. The method of claim 2,
The temperature change unit is electrolytic sterilizing water purifier, characterized in that provided in the flow path between the chlorine removal filter and the extraction unit. The method of claim 1,
An ice making unit receiving water received in the tank unit to generate ice;
Electrolytic sterilizing water purifier, characterized in that it further comprises. The method of claim 4, wherein
The ice making unit is electrolytic sterilizing water purifier, characterized in that to generate ice by receiving the water passed through the chlorine removal filter. Filter unit for filtering the introduced water;
A tank unit for receiving purified water filtered by the filter unit;
Electrolytic sterilization unit for supplying the sterilization material generated by the electrolysis in the tank;
An extraction unit for extracting purified water filtered by the filter unit;
An ice making unit receiving water received in the tank unit to generate ice; And
A chlorine removal filter provided in the flow path between the tank unit and the ice making unit;
Electrolytic sterilizing water purifier comprising a. The method of claim 6,
A temperature change unit provided in a flow path between the filter unit and the extraction unit to change a temperature of water;
Electrolytic sterilizing water purifier, characterized in that it further comprises. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
The electrolytic sterilizing water purifier, characterized in that the electrolytic sterilization water purifier is installed on the circulation passage for circulating to the tank after generating a sterilization material by electrolysis. The method of claim 8,
The circulation passage, the electrolytic sterilization water purifier, characterized in that it comprises a flow passage branched in the flow path between the chlorine removal filter and the extraction portion and re-introduced into the tank. 10. The method of claim 9,
The circulation passage includes a purified water inflow passage connecting the rear end of the filter portion and the inlet of the tank portion,
The electrolytic sterilization water purifier, characterized in that installed in the purified water inflow passage. The method of claim 8,
Electrolytic sterilizing water purifier, characterized in that the pump is provided on the circulation passage. The method according to any one of claims 2, 3, and 7,
The temperature change unit electrolytic sterilizing water purifier, characterized in that it comprises at least one of a cooling unit for cooling the water and a heating unit for heating the water. The method of claim 12,
The cooling unit is an electrolytic sterilization water purifier, characterized in that the instantaneous cooling device which is cooled while passing the incoming water, the heating unit is configured as an instantaneous heating device that is heated while passing the introduced water. The method of claim 13,
Electrolytic sterilizing water purifier, characterized in that the cooling unit or the heating unit is filtered in the filter unit and purified water is not passed through the tank unit. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
The chlorine removal filter is electrolytic sterilizing water purifier, characterized in that it comprises a carbon filter. 16. The method of claim 15,
The filter unit includes a first filter including a sediment filter, a second filter including a precarbon filter, and a third filter selected from a reverse osmosis membrane filter, a hollow fiber membrane filter, a deion filter, a nano filter, and a nanofiber filter. ,
Electrolytic sterilizing water purifier, characterized in that the carbon filter is not provided on the flow path between the rear end of the third filter and the inlet of the tank. The method of claim 8,
A control unit for controlling the driving of the electrolytic sterilization unit to sterilize the tank unit;
Electrolytic sterilizing water purifier, characterized in that it further comprises. The method of claim 17,
A pump is provided on the circulation passage,
The control unit, the first step of washing the chlorine removal filter with water stored in the tank unit by driving the pump in a state that does not drive the electrolytic sterilization unit, by driving the electrolytic sterilization unit and the pump to the tank unit Electrolytic sterilizing water purifier, characterized in that to perform the second step of supplying the sterilizing material sequentially. The method of claim 18,
The control unit electrolytic sterilizing water purifier, characterized in that for controlling the drive of the pump so that the flow rate circulated in the first step is greater than the flow rate circulated in the second step.
A tank unit for receiving purified water filtered by a filter unit, an extraction unit for extracting water contained in the tank unit, a chlorine removal filter provided in a flow path between the tank unit and the extraction unit, and the tank unit In the control method of the water purifier comprising an electrolytic sterilization unit is installed on the circulation passage to circulate to the tank unit after the electrolysis of water to generate a sterilizing material,
A first step of washing the chlorine removal filter with water stored in the tank by driving the pump without driving the electrolytic sterilization unit; And
A second step of driving the pump while supplying the sterilizing material to the tank part while driving the electrolytic sterilization part;
Control method of the electrolytic sterilizing water purifier comprising a. A tank unit for receiving purified water filtered by a filter unit, an ice making unit for supplying water contained in the tank unit to generate ice, a chlorine removal filter provided in a flow path between the tank unit and the ice making unit, and the tank In the control method of the water purifier comprising an electrolytic sterilization unit is installed on the circulation passage to circulate to the tank unit after electrolysis of the water supplied from the unit to generate a sterilization material,
A first step of washing the chlorine removal filter with water stored in the tank by driving the pump without driving the electrolytic sterilization unit; And
A second step of driving the pump while supplying the sterilizing material to the tank part while driving the electrolytic sterilization part;
Control method of the electrolytic sterilizing water purifier comprising a. The method of claim 20 or 21,
The flow rate circulated in the first step is a control method of the electrolytic sterilizing water purifier, characterized in that greater than the flow rate circulated in the second step. The method of claim 22,
The execution time of the first step is a control method of the electrolytic sterilizing water purifier, characterized in that shorter than the execution time of the second step.

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