KR20130009327A - Water purifier - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: A water purifier is provided to minimize the number of components therein as one draining pump is used for circulation and is also capable of sterilizing both a water tank, a cold water tank, and a hot water tank. CONSTITUTION: A water purifier includes a water purifying unit(1), a water tank(12), a hot water tank(20), a cold water tank(30), an electrolysis sterilizer(40), and a circulation sterilization flow path(50). The water purifying unit purifies water. The water tank stores the purified water from the water purifying unit. The hot water tank heats the water. The cold water tank cools the water. The electrolysis sterilizer generates a sterilization component by electrolyzing the water. The circulation sterilization flow path enables the water from the cold water tank to circulate through the electrolysis sterilizer, the water tank, and the cold water tank, and the water from the hot water tank to circulate through the electrolysis sterilizer, the water tank, and the hot water tank.

Description

Water Purifier

The present invention relates to a water purifier, and more particularly, to a water purifier capable of circulating sterilizing a hot water tank with an electrolytic sterilizer.

In general, a water purifier is a device that removes impurities and filters them by physical and chemical methods.

Water purifiers can be classified into natural filtration, direct filtration, ion exchange resin, distillation, reverse osmosis, etc.

Water purifiers are classified according to the type of storage water purifier that passes through the filter and stores the purified purified water in a water tank, and discharges it by heating or cooling. There is.

Recently, a sterilizer is installed in a water purifier to sterilize a reservoir with a sterilizer.

KR 10-0621937 (September 14, 2006)

Since the water purifier according to the prior art is contained in the water purification tank after the water passing through the filter unit passes through the electrolytic cell sterilizer, there is a problem in that the capacity and cost of the electrolytic cell sterilizer are increased to generate a large amount of sterilizing material.

Water purification unit for purifying water according to the present invention for solving the above problems; A water tank containing water purified in the water purification unit; A hot water bath for heating water; A cold water tank in which water is cooled; An electrolytic sterilizer which electrolyzes water to generate sterilization components; The cold water tank includes a circulating sterilization flow path connected to circulate the electrolytic sterilizer, the reservoir and the cold water tank, and the water of the hot water tank circulates through the electrolytic sterilizer, the reservoir and the hot water tank.

One example of the circulating sterilization flow passage includes a drain flow passage connected to the cold water tank; An electrolytic sterilizer acquisition channel connecting the drainage channel and the electrolytic sterilizer; A hot water tank connection passage connecting the hot water tank to the drain passage; It may include an electrolytic sterilizer discharge passage connected to the electrolytic sterilizer.

The electrolytic sterilizer discharge passage may be connected to a reservoir acquisition passage between the water purification unit and the reservoir.

The electrolytic sterilizer discharge passage may be connected to the reservoir.

The drainage passage may include a combined circulation drain pump installed between the first connection portion to which the hot water tank connection flow passage is connected and the second connection portion to which the electrolytic sterilizer inlet flow passage is connected.

The combined circulation drainage pump may be driven when the reservoir and cold tank sterilization mode or the reservoir and hot water tank sterilization mode.

The combined circulation drainage pump may be driven when in the drainage mode.

It may include a circulation and drain control valve provided between the outlet of the drain flow channel and the second connecting portion of the drain flow channel.

The circulation and drain control valves may be closed when the water tank and cold water tank sterilization mode or the water tank and hot water tank sterilization mode.

The circulation and drain control valves may be opened when in drain mode.

A first sterilization control valve installed at the hot water tank connection flow path; It may include a second sterilization control valve installed between the cold water tank and the first connection portion of the drain passage.

The first sterilization control valve and the second sterilization control valve may be opened while the first sterilization control valve is opened and the second sterilization control valve may be sealed in the sterilization mode of the reservoir and the hot water tank.

The first sterilization control valve and the second sterilization control valve, the first sterilization control valve and the second sterilization control valve may be opened in the reservoir and cold water sterilization mode.

The water purification unit may include a plurality of filters that are purified while passing water sequentially, the water supply connected to the water for the generation of sterilization components bypass the at least one filter of the plurality of filters and flow into the reservoir The apparatus may further include.

Another example of the circulating sterilization flow path may include: a drain flow path connected to the cold water tank; An electrolytic sterilizer acquisition channel connecting the drainage channel and the electrolytic sterilizer; An electrolytic sterilizer discharge passage connected to the electrolytic sterilizer; It may include a hot water tank connection flow path connecting the electrolytic sterilizer acquisition flow path and the hot water tank.

A combined circulation drain pump installed in the drain passage; It may include a hot water circulation pump installed in the hot water tank connection flow path.

Circulation and drain control valves provided between the combined circulation drain pump and the outlet of the drain flow path; It may further include a sterilization control valve installed in the hot water tank connection flow path.

The electrolytic sterilizer flow passage may be connected between the circulation combined drain pump and the circulation and drain control valve of the drain flow passage.

The present invention has the advantage of efficiently sterilizing both the reservoir tank, the cold water tank and the hot water tank while minimizing the capacity and cost of the electrolytic sterilizer, and can sterilize the reservoir tank by the double sterilization effect of the high temperature sterilization effect and the electrolytic sterilization effect, Has the advantage of high sterilization ability.

In addition, there is an advantage that the water tank and cold water tank sterilization mode and the time control of the water tank and hot water tank sterilization mode to sterilize the cold water tank and hot water tank more efficiently.

In addition, by performing any one of the reservoir and cold tank sterilization mode and the sterilization mode of the reservoir and hot water tank first, and then another sterilization mode, the reservoir can be sterilized in multiple stages, there is an advantage to increase the sterilization power of the reservoir. .

In addition, since both the reservoir and the cold water tank and the hot water tank can be sterilized by a single combined circulation pump, there is an advantage in that the number of parts is minimized.

In addition, it is possible to drain the water of the cold water tank and the water of the reservoir with one circulation combined drain pump, there is no need for a separate drain pump has the advantage of low cost.

1 is a view showing the configuration of the first embodiment of the water purifier according to the present invention;
2 is a control block diagram of a water purifier according to a first embodiment of the present invention;
3 is a view showing the water flow when the first embodiment of the water purifier according to the present invention withdraws cold water,
4 is a view showing the water flow when the first embodiment of the water purifier according to the present invention withdraw hot water,
5 is a view showing the water flow when the first embodiment of the water purifier according to the present invention drains the water of the cold water tank,
6 is a view showing the water flow when the first embodiment of the water purifier according to the present invention drains the water of the hot water tank,
7 is a view showing a water flow when the first embodiment of the water purifier according to the present invention sterilizes the reservoir and the cold water tank;
8 is a view illustrating the water flow when the first embodiment of the water purifier according to the present invention sterilizes the reservoir and the hot water tank.
9 is a view showing the water flow in the water tank and cold water sterilization of the second embodiment of the water purifier according to the present invention,
10 is a view showing the water flow during sterilization of the water tank and the hot water tank of the second embodiment of the water purifier according to the present invention;
9 is a view showing the water flow in the water tank and cold water sterilization of the second embodiment of the water purifier according to the present invention,
10 is a view showing the water flow during sterilization of the water tank and the hot water tank of the second embodiment of the water purifier according to the present invention;
11 is a view showing the water flow in the water tank and cold water sterilization of the third embodiment of the water purifier according to the present invention,
12 is a view showing the water flow during sterilization of the water tank and the hot water tank of the third embodiment of the water purifier according to the present invention.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a first embodiment of a water purifier according to the present invention.

The water purifier according to the present embodiment includes, as shown in Figs. 1 to 7, a water purifying unit 1 for purifying water; A reservoir 12 in which water purified from the purified water unit 1 is contained; A hot water tank 20 for heating water; A cold water tank 30 in which water is cooled; An electrolytic sterilizer 40 which electrolyzes water to generate sterilization components; The water of the cold water tank 30 is circulated through the electrolytic sterilizer 40, the water storage tank 12, and the cold water tank 30, and the water of the hot water tank 20 is the electrolytic sterilizer 40, the water storage tank 12, and the hot water tank. It includes a circulating sterilization flow path 50 is connected to circulate 20.

The water purification unit 1 may include a plurality of filters 2, 3, 4 that are purified while water sequentially passes through.

The plurality of filters (2) (3) (4) are described as at least two filters in which water can be connected stepwise with water, and three filters below. The plurality of filters (2) (3) (4) includes a first filter (2) through which water passes, a second filter (3) through which water purified by the first filter (2), and a second filter ( It may include a third filter 4 through which the water purified in 3) passes.

The plurality of filters 2, 3, and 4 may include a first filter 2 as a sediment filter, and the second filter 3 as a reverse osmosis membrame filter. Or it may be composed of a hollow fiber membrane filter (Ultra Filtration membrame filter), the third filter 4 may be composed of a carbon filter.

Here, the sediment filter is a filter that performs mechanical filtration, and may filter out large foreign matter contained in water. The sediment filter is a filter made of high density polypropylene of 5 μm or less, and the sediment filter helps the reverse osmosis membrane filter or the hollow fiber membrane filter and the carbon filter to filter out small particles and fine components.

The water supply unit 5 may be connected to the water supply unit 5 for guiding water to the water purification unit 1.

The raw water supply flow passage 5 guides the water supplied from the outside, such as tap water, to be purified by the water purification unit 1, and may be connected to one of the plurality of filters 2, 3, and 4. 2).

A first filter outlet flow passage 6 for guiding water passing through the first filter 2 may be connected to the first filter 2.

A water supply valve 7 for controlling water passing through the first filter 2 may be connected to the first filter outlet flow passage 6.

A second filter inflow passage 8 may be connected to the water supply valve 7 to guide the water passing through the water supply valve 7 to the second filter 3.

The second filter 3 may be connected to a third filter inflow passage 9 which guides the water passing through the second filter 3 to the third filter 4.

The water storage unit 1 may be connected to the water storage tank inlet 10 for guiding water passing through the water purification unit 1 to the water storage tank 12.

The reservoir inflow channel 10 may be disposed between the purified water unit 1 and the reservoir 12 to guide the water purified in the purified water unit 1 to be contained in the reservoir 12. One end of the reservoir inflow channel 10 may be connected to the third filter 4, and the other end thereof may be connected to the reservoir 12.

The reservoir 12 is a tank in which water purified from the purified water unit 1 is contained.

The reservoir 12 is connected to the hot water tank 20 by a reservoir-hot water tank connection flow path formed separately from the circulation sterilization flow path 50 so that the water of the reservoir 12 is connected to the hot water tank 20 through the reservoir-hot water tank connection flow path. It is possible to supply with

The reservoir 12 is connected to the cold water tank 30 by a water tank-cold water tank connection flow path formed separately from the circulation sterilization flow path 50 so that the water in the water reservoir 12 is connected to the cold water tank 30 through the water tank-cold water tank connection flow path. It is possible to supply with

The reservoir 12 is connected to the hot water tank 20 and the cold water tank 30 by the circulating sterilization flow path 50 to pass the water of the reservoir 12 through the circulating sterilization flow path 50 to the hot water tank 20 and the cold water tank. It is possible to supply to 30.

Hereinafter, the reservoir 12 is described as being connected to the hot water tank 20 and the cold water tank 30 by the circulation sterilization flow path 50, and the circulation sterilization flow path 50 will be described in detail later.

The hot water tank 20 is directly connected to the water storage tank 12 at the lower side of the water storage tank 12 to hold water dropped from the water storage tank 12, and connected to the water storage tank 12 and the hot water tank inlet flow passage 21. It is possible to receive the water of the reservoir 12 through the hot water tank inlet flow passage 21.

The hot water tank 20 may be provided with a heater 22 for heating the water supplied from the reservoir 12. The hot water tank 20 may be connected to the hot water discharge passage 24 for withdrawing the water contained in the hot water tank 20 to the outside. The hot water discharge passage 24 may be provided with a hot water discharge valve 26 to control the water discharged from the hot water tank 20 to the hot water discharge passage 24.

The cold water tank 30 is directly connected to the water storage tank 12 at the lower side of the water storage tank 12 to hold water dropped from the water storage tank 12, and connected to the water storage tank 12 and the cold water tank inflow passage 31. It is possible to receive the water of the reservoir 12 through the cold water tank inlet passage 31.

The cold water tank 30 may be connected to a cooling device 32 for cooling the water supplied from the water storage tank 12. The cooling device 32 may include a compressor for compressing a refrigerant, a condenser for condensing the refrigerant compressed in the compressor, and the like. The expansion mechanism may include an expansion mechanism in which the refrigerant condensed in the condenser is expanded, and an evaporator in which the refrigerant expanded in the expansion mechanism is evaporated. The chiller may be disposed inside the cold water tank 30 or on the outer wall of the cold water tank 30, and the refrigerant may cool the water in the cold water tank 30 while being evaporated when passing through the evaporator.

The cold water tank 30 may be connected to a cold water outlet passage 34 for extracting the water contained in the cold water tank 30 to the outside. The cold water discharge channel 34 may be provided with a cold water discharge valve 36 for controlling the water discharged from the cold water tank 30 to the cold water discharge channel 34.

The cold water tank 30 may be disposed below the water storage tank 12 to contain water falling from the water storage tank 12, and may be connected to the water storage tank 12 and the cold water tank inflow channel to obtain a cold water tank from the water storage tank 12. Water flowing into the flow path may be introduced into the cold water tank 30 to be contained.

The electrolytic sterilizer 40 is capable of sterilizing the reservoir 12, the hot water tank 20, and the cold water tank 30. The electrolytic sterilizer 40 may electrolyze water to change chlorine ions in the water to hypochlorite ions, which are sterilization components. .

The electrolytic sterilizer 40 includes a housing and an anode and a cathode spaced apart from the inside of the housing, wherein the housing has a water inlet for guiding the water to flow between the anode and the cathode, and the water passed between the anode and the cathode is discharged. The water exit portion may be formed.

The circulating sterilization flow path 50 includes a storage tank and a cold water tank sterilization flow path connecting the cold water tank 30, the electrolytic sterilizer 40, and the storage tank 12, and the hot water tank 20, the electrolytic sterilizer 40, and the storage tank 12. It may include a reservoir and a hot water sterilization passage.

The circulation sterilization passage 50 may include drainage passages 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56 connected to the cold water tank 30. Drainage passages 51, 52, 53, 54, 55 and 56 are flow paths for draining the water in the cold water tank 30 to the outside, and one end is connected to the cold water tank 30 and the other end is It may be an outlet through which water exits the water purifier.

The circulation sterilization flow path 50 can be compactly and cost-saved by using a part of the drainage flow paths 51, 52, 53, 54, 55 and 56 for water circulation, and one circulation described later The combined drainage pump 70 may enable both circulation of water and drainage of water.

The drainage passages 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, and 56 are combined circulation drainage channels 51, 52, 53, and 54 used for the circulation of water and the drainage of water. It may include a drain-only flow path (55, 56) connected to the flow path (51, 52, 53, 54) is used only for the drainage of water.

The combined circulation drain channel 51, 52, 53, 54 may be used only for the circulation of the water in the cold water tank 30 and the drainage of the water in the cold water tank 30 by some 51, 52, and the rest ( 53) 54 may be used for both the circulation of water in the cold water tank 30, the circulation of water in the hot water tank 20, the water drain in the cold water tank 30, and the water drain in the hot water tank 20.

The circulation sterilization passage 50 may include an electrolytic sterilizer acquisition passage 60 connecting the drainage passages 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56 and the electrolytic sterilizer.

The electrolytic sterilizer flow passage 60 is a flow path that can guide the electrolytic sterilizer 40 to the water passing through the drainage passages 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, one end of which is a drainage passage. (51) 52, 53, 54, 55, 56 may be connected to one side and the other end may be connected to the inlet portion of the electrolytic sterilizer (40).

The electrolytic sterilizer inlet 60 is connected to the combined circulation drain channel 51, 52, 53, 54 to deliver water passing through the combined circulation drain channel 51, 52, 53, 54. Guide to sterilizer 40.

The circulation sterilization flow path 50 may include a hot water tank connection flow path 62 and 64 connecting the hot water tank 20 to the drainage flow paths 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, and 56. have.

One end of the hot water tank connection passages 62 and 64 may be connected to the hot water tank 20, and the other end thereof may be connected to one side of the drain passages 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, and 56. .

The hot water tank connection flow passages 62 and 64 are connected to the combined circulation water drain passages 51, 52, 53, and 54, and the water discharged from the hot water tank 20 is combined with the circulation combined discharge water passage 51 and 52. 53) and 54).

The circulating sterilization flow path 50 may include an electrolytic sterilizer discharge flow path 66 connected to the electrolytic sterilizer 40.

The electrolytic sterilizer water flow passage 66 guides the water discharged from the electrolytic sterilizer 40, and is connected to the reservoir water flow passage 10 to receive the water discharged from the electrolytic sterilizer 40 through the reservoir water supply passage 10. It is possible to guide to (12), it is possible to be connected to the reservoir 12 separately from the reservoir inlet flow passage 10 to guide the water discharged from the electrolytic sterilizer 40 directly to the reservoir 12.

One end of the electrolytic sterilizer discharge passage 66 may be connected to the outlet of the electrolytic sterilizer 40, and the other end thereof may be connected to the reservoir inlet passage 10 or the reservoir 12. Hereinafter, for the convenience of description, the electrolytic sterilizer discharge passage 66 will be described as connecting the outlet portion of the electrolytic sterilizer 40 and the reservoir receiving passage 10.

The water purifier has a first connection portion 53 'to which the hot water tank connection passages 62 and 64 are connected among the drainage passages 51, 52, 53, 54, 55 and 56 and the electrolytic sterilizer inlet passage 60 ) May include a combined circulation pump (70) installed between the second connection portion 54 '.

 The combined circulation drain pump 70 may be driven in the reservoir and cold water sterilization modes. Combined circulation drain pump 70 may be driven when the reservoir and hot water tank sterilization mode. The combined circulation drainage pump 70 may be driven when in the drainage mode.

 The water purifier is a circulation and drain control valve 72 installed between the outlet 56 'and the second connection portion 54' of the drain passages 51, 52, 53, 54, 55 and 56. ) May be included.

 Circulation and drain control valve 72 may be closed when the reservoir and cold water tank sterilization mode. Circulation and drain control valve 72 may be closed when the reservoir and hot water tank sterilization mode. The circulation and drain control valve 72 may be open when in drain mode.

 The water purifier includes a first sterilization control valve 74 installed in the hot water tank connection flow paths 62 and 64; It may include a second sterilization control valve 76 installed between the cold water tank 30 and the first connection portion 53 'of the drain passages 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56. .

  In the sterilization control valve 74 and the second sterilization control valve 76, the first sterilization control valve 74 may be opened and the second sterilization control valve 76 may be sealed in the sterilization mode of the reservoir and the hot water tank. .

 In the first and second sterilization control valve 74 and the second sterilization control valve 76, the first sterilization control valve 74 may be sealed and the second sterilization control valve 76 may be opened in the reservoir and cold water sterilization modes. .

  The circulating sterilization flow path 50 is a cold water tank inflow channel 77 for guiding the water of the water tank 12 to the cold water tank 30, and a hot water tank inflow channel for guiding the water in the water tank 12 to the hot water tank 20. (78).

The water purifier has a cold water tank 30, a second sterilization control valve 76, a combined circulation drainage channel 51, 52, 53 and 54, a combined circulation drainage pump 70 and an electrolytic sterilizer (60), the electrolytic sterilizer 40, the electrolytic sterilizer discharge passage 66, a part of the reservoir inlet passage 10, the reservoir 12, and the cold water tank inlet passage 77 is a cold water circulation sterilization passage Can be configured.

The water purifier includes a second sterilization control valve 76, a drain flow path 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, a combined circulation pump 70, and a circulation and drain control valve 72. A cold water drain flow path can be comprised.

The water purifier is the second sterilization of the hot water tank 20, the first sterilization control valve 74 and the hot water tank connection flow paths 62 and 64, and the combined circulation drainage channels 51, 52, 53 and 54. The rest 53, 54 except for the part 51, 52 connected to the control valve 76, the combined circulation drain pump 70, the electrolytic sterilizer inlet 60, the electrolytic sterilizer 40 and In addition, the electrolytic sterilizer water flow passage 66, a part of the water storage tank inflow passage 10, the water storage tank 12, and the hot water tank inflow passage 78 may constitute a hot water circulation sterilization flow passage.

The water purifier includes a first sterilization control valve 74, a hot water tank connection flow path 62, 64, and a second sterilization control valve 76 among the combined circulation drainage channels 51, 52, 53, and 54. The remaining 53 and 54 except for the part 51 and 52 to be connected, the combined circulation drainage pump 70, the drain-only flow path 55 and 56, and the circulation and drainage regulating valve 72 are The drain flow path can be configured.

Figure 2 is a control block diagram of a first embodiment of the water purifier according to the present invention, Figure 3 is a view showing the water flow when the first embodiment of the water purifier according to the present invention withdraw cold water, Figure 4 is according to the present invention FIG. 5 is a view showing a water flow when the first embodiment of the water purifier withdraws hot water, FIG. 5 is a view showing a water flow when the first embodiment of the water purifier according to the present invention drains the water of the cold water tank, and FIG. The first embodiment of the water purifier according to the present invention is a diagram showing the water flow when draining the water of the hot water tank, Figure 7 is a water flow when the first embodiment of the water purifier according to the present invention sterilizes the reservoir tank and the cold water tank is shown 8 is a view illustrating a water flow when the first embodiment of the water purifier according to the present invention sterilizes the reservoir and the hot water tank.

As shown in FIG. 2, the water purifier may further include an input unit 80 through which a user inputs a command, and a controller 82 controlling the water purifier according to the input of the input unit 80 or the satisfaction of sterilization conditions.

The control unit 82 includes a water supply valve 7, a heater 22, a hot water discharge valve 26, a cooling device 32, a cold water discharge valve 36, an electrolytic sterilizer 40, a combined circulation pump and a drainage pump 70. The circulation and drain control valve 72, the first sterilization control valve 74, and the second sterilization control valve 76 may be controlled.

In the cold water discharge mode, the controller 82 may open the water supply valve 7, may drive the cooling device 32, and may open the cold water discharge valve 36. The controller 82 may stop the electrolytic sterilizer 40 and the combined circulation drain pump 70 in the cold water discharge mode, and adjust the circulation and drain control valve 72, the first sterilization control valve 74, and the second sterilization control. The valve 76 can be sealed. The controller 82 may turn off the heater 22 in the cold water discharge mode and seal the hot water discharge valve 26.

When the user inputs the cold water output by inputting the input unit 80, as shown in FIG. 3, the water inside the cold water tank 30 is discharged to the outside through the cold water discharge channel 34, and the water storage tank 12 is provided. Of the water is moved to the cold water tank 30 as the water is discharged from the cold water tank (30), the water in the raw water supply flow passage (5) is the first filter (2), the water supply valve (7) and the second filter (3) After passing through the third filter (4) and the purified water, the water is passed through the water tank inlet 10 and filled with the water tank 12.

The controller 82 may open the water supply valve 7 in the hot water discharge mode, turn on the heater 22, and open the hot water discharge valve 26. The control unit 82 may stop the electrolytic sterilizer 40 and the combined circulation drain pump 70 in the hot water discharge mode, and adjust the circulation and drain control valve 72, the first sterilization control valve 74, and the second sterilization control. The valve 76 can be sealed. The controller 82 may drive or stop the cooling device 32 in the hot water discharge mode, and may seal the cold water discharge valve 36.

When the user inputs the hot water outlet by inputting the input unit 80, as shown in FIG. 4, the water inside the hot water tank 20 is discharged to the outside through the hot water outlet passage 24, and the reservoir 12 is provided. Of the water is moved to the hot water tank 20 as the water is discharged from the hot water tank 20, the water of the raw water supply flow passage (5) is the first filter (2), the water supply valve (7) and the second filter (3) After passing through the third filter (4) and the purified water, the water is passed through the water tank inlet 10 and filled with the water tank 12.

The controller 82 may open or close the water supply valve 7 in the cold water drainage mode, stop the cooling device 32, and close the cold water discharge valve 36. The control unit 82 may stop the electrolytic sterilizer 40 in the cold water drainage mode, drive the combined use drain pump 70, open the circulation and drain control valve 72, and open the first sterilization control valve. 74 can be sealed, and the 2nd sterilization control valve 76 can be opened. The controller 68 may turn off the heater 22 and seal the hot water discharge valve 26 in the cold water drainage mode.

Here, the cold water drainage mode may be implemented when a user or the like inputs the input unit 80 to input the cold water drainage or when the operation of the water purifier reaches a preset cold water drainage condition to drain the cold water. In the cold water drainage mode, as shown in FIG. 5, the water in the cold water tank 30 circulates with the second sterilization control valve 76 and the combined circulation drain pump 70 by driving the combined circulation drain pump 70. And after passing sequentially through the drain control valve 72 is drained to the outside.

The controller 82 may open or close the water supply valve 7 in the hot water drainage mode, drive or stop the cooling device 32, and close the cold water discharge valve 36. The control unit 82 may stop the electrolytic sterilizer 40 in the hot water drainage mode, may drive the combined circulation drain pump 70, open the circulation and drain control valve 72, and the first sterilization control valve. 74 can be opened and the 2nd sterilization control valve 76 can be sealed. The controller 68 may turn off the heater 22 and seal the hot water discharge valve 26 in the hot water drainage mode.

Here, the hot water drainage mode may be performed when a user or the like inputs the input unit 80 to input the hot water drainage or when the operation of the water purifier reaches a preset hot water drainage condition to drain the hot water. In the hot water drain mode, as shown in FIG. 6, the water in the hot water tank 20 is circulated with the first sterilization control valve 74 and the combined circulation drain pump 70 by driving the combined circulation drain pump 70. And after passing sequentially through the drain control valve 72 is drained to the outside.

The water purifier may have a sterilization mode including a reservoir and a cold tank sterilization mode, and a reservoir and a hot water tank sterilization mode, and the sterilization mode may be performed after the reservoir and cold water tank sterilization mode is performed first, It is possible to perform the reservoir and hot water tank sterilization mode first, followed by the reservoir and cold water sterilization mode.

 If the water purifier is satisfied with the preset sterilization conditions, the sterilization mode is automatically performed, so that one of the reservoir and cold tank sterilization modes and the reservoir and hot water tank sterilization modes is performed first, and then another mode can be performed later. Do. Here, the sterilization conditions may be a variety of conditions, such as the operation time of the water purifier reaches the operation setting time, or the time when the cold water or hot water is not discharged to reach the non-water extraction set time.

When the water purifier inputs a sterilization command through the input unit 80, the water purifier may be one of the reservoir and cold tank sterilization modes and the reservoir and hot water tank sterilization modes first, and then another mode may be performed later. .

On the other hand, the water purifier can be carried out independently of the water tank and cold water tank sterilization mode and the water tank and hot water tank sterilization mode.

The water purifier may automatically perform the water tank and cold water tank sterilization mode when the predetermined water tank and cold water tank sterilization conditions are satisfied. Here, the sterilization conditions of the water tank and the cold water tank may be various conditions such as an operation time of the water purifier reaching an operation setting time, or a time in which cold water is not discharged reaches a cold water non-outflow setting time.

When the water purifier inputs a reservoir and a cold water tank sterilization command through the input unit 80, the water purifier may perform a reservoir and a cold water tank sterilization mode.

In addition, if the water purifier sterilization conditions of the predetermined reservoir and hot water tank is satisfied, it is possible to automatically perform the reservoir and hot water tank sterilization mode. Here, the sterilization conditions of the water tank and the hot water tank may be various conditions such as the operation time of the water purifier reaching the operation setting time, or the time when the hot water is not discharged reaches the hot water non-outflow setting time.

When the water purifier inputs a reservoir and a hot water tank sterilization command through the input unit 80, the water purifier may perform a water tank and a hot water tank sterilization mode.

The control unit 82 may close the water supply valve 7, stop the cooling device 32, and close the cold water discharge valve 36 in the reservoir and cold water tank sterilization modes. The controller 68 may drive the electrolytic sterilizer 40 and the combined circulation drain pump 70 in the reservoir and cold water tank sterilization modes, seal the circulation and drain control valve 72, and control the first sterilization. It is possible to seal the valve 74 and to open the second sterilization control valve 76. The control unit 68 may turn on or off the heater 22 in the reservoir and cold water sterilization modes, and seal the hot water discharge valve 26.

In the reservoir and cold water sterilization modes, the water in the cold water tank 30 sequentially passes through the second sterilization control valve 76 and the combined circulation drain pump 70, as shown in FIG. Flows into). Water introduced into the electrolytic sterilizer 40 is electrolyzed in the electrolytic sterilizer 40 to generate sterilizing components such as hypochlorous acid, and then water containing sterilizing components such as hypochlorous acid is introduced into the reservoir 12 to store the water tank ( 12), and then flow to the cold water tank 30 to sterilize the cold water tank (30). That is, the water in the cold water tank 30 and the water of the water reservoir 12 circulate the electrolytic sterilizer 40, the water storage tank 12, and the cold water tank 30, while sterilizing the water storage tank 12 and the cold water tank 30 together. Let's do it.

Here, the water purifier may be operated in a reverse direction in the reservoir and cold water tank sterilization mode, the water in the reservoir 12 can be introduced into the electrolytic sterilizer 40 to be electrolyzed, sterilization components such as hypochlorous acid After passing through the circulation combined drain pump 70 and the second sterilization control valve 76 in order to flow to the cold water tank 30 to sterilize the cold water tank 30 first, and then to the reservoir 12 Flow to sterilize the reservoir 12.

That is, while the water in the cold water tank 30 circulates in the order of the electrolytic sterilizer 40, the water storage tank 12, and the cold water tank 30, it is possible to sterilize the water storage tank 12 and the cold water tank 30 together, While circulating in the order of the reservoir 12, the electrolytic sterilizer 40 and the cold water tank 30, it is possible to sterilize the reservoir 12 and the cold water tank 30 together.

The controller 82 may close the water supply valve 7 in the reservoir and hot water sterilization modes, drive or stop the cooling device 32, and close the cold water discharge valve 36. The control unit 68 may drive the electrolytic sterilizer 40 and the combined circulation drain pump 70 in the reservoir and hot water tank sterilization modes, seal the circulation and drain control valve 72, and control the first sterilization. In addition to opening the valve 74, the second sterilization control valve 76 may be sealed. The controller 68 may turn on the heater 22 and seal the hot water discharge valve 26 in the reservoir and cold water sterilization modes.

In the reservoir and hot water tank sterilization mode, the water in the hot water tank 22 passes through the first sterilization control valve 74 and the combined circulation drain pump 70 in sequence, as shown in FIG. Flows into). Water introduced into the electrolytic sterilizer 40 is electrolyzed in the electrolytic sterilizer 40 to generate sterilizing components such as hypochlorous acid, and then water containing sterilizing components such as hypochlorous acid is introduced into the reservoir 12. The water introduced into the reservoir 12 is in a state where the temperature is partially lowered while flowing from the hot water tank 20 to the reservoir 12, but is higher than the water contained in the reservoir 12, and such a high temperature and hypochlorous acid, etc. The water containing the sterilizing component is capable of high temperature sterilization and electrolytic sterilization of the reservoir 12. Water sterilized and electrolytically sterilized the reservoir 12 is then flowed into the hot water tank 22 to sterilize the hot water tank 22 (especially, electrolytic sterilization).

Here, the water purifier in the water tank and hot water tank sterilization mode, the circulation pump 70 is driven in the reverse direction, the water in the hot water tank 20 flows into the water tank 12 to sterilize the water tank 12 at a high temperature, and then the electrolytic sterilizer 40 may be introduced into and electrolyzed. The water is electrolyzed in the electrolytic sterilizer 40 and contains sterilizing components such as hypochlorous acid, and then sequentially passes through the combined circulation drain pump 70 and the first sterilization control valve 74 to the hot water tank 20. Flow to sterilize (ie, electrolytic sterilization) the hot water tank 20, and then flow into the reservoir 12 to sterilize and sterilize the reservoir 12 at high temperature.

That is, the water in the hot water tank 20 circulates in the order of the electrolytic sterilizer 40, the water storage tank 12, and the hot water tank 30, and sterilizes and sterilizes the water storage tank 12 at a high temperature, and delivers the hot water tank 20. It is possible to sterilize, and it is possible to sterilize and sterilize the water tank 12 at high temperature while electrolytically sterilizing the water tank 12 while circulating in the order of the water tank 12, the electrolytic sterilizer 40, and the hot water tank 20. Do.

9 is a view showing the water flow in the water tank and cold water sterilization of the second embodiment of the water purifier according to the present invention, Figure 10 is a view showing the water flow in the water tank and hot water tank sterilization of the second embodiment of the water purifier according to the present invention It is done.

As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the water for the generation of the sterilizing component may be provided with at least one filter (3) (4) of the plurality of filters (2) (3) (4) of the water purification unit (1). After the bypass may include a water supply mechanism 80 is connected to flow into the reservoir 12, and other configurations and actions other than the water supply mechanism 80 is similar or the same as the first embodiment of the present invention Detailed description will be omitted.

The water purifier may excessively lower the concentration of chlorine ions contained in the water by at least one of the plurality of filters (2) (3) (4) in order to increase the water purification capacity, in which case the reservoir 12 and the cold water tank 30 ) And water circulating in the electrolytic sterilizer 40 or the water circulating in the reservoir 12 and the hot water tank 20 and the electrolytic sterilizer 40, the hypochlorite as a sterilization component does not reach the target concentration due to insufficient concentration of chlorine ions. Even if the sterilizing component hypochlorite is reached at the target concentration, it may take a long time to reach the target concentration.

The water supply device 80 allows the water tank 12 to additionally supply water necessary for generating sterilization components before the sterilization of the reservoir 12 and the cold water tank 30 or during the sterilization of the reservoir 12 and the cold water tank 30. When the water is additionally supplied to the electrolytic sterilizer 40, chlorine ions contained in the additionally introduced water are electrolyzed by the electrolytic sterilizer 40 to sterilize the reservoir 12 and the cold water tank 30. Proper concentrations of hypochlorous acid are produced.

The water supply device 80 allows additional water to be supplied to the reservoir 12 before the sterilization of the reservoir 12 and the hot water tank 20 or during the sterilization of the reservoir 12 and the hot water tank 20. When the water is additionally introduced into the electrolytic sterilizer 40, chlorine ions contained in the additionally introduced water are electrolyzed by the electrolytic sterilizer 40 to sterilize the reservoir 12 and the hot water tank 20. Proper concentrations of hypochlorous acid are produced.

The water supply device 80 preferably supplies water to the reservoir 12 that does not pass through a filter that excessively lowers the concentration of chlorine ions contained in the water.

The water supply mechanism 80 may be connected to the plurality of filters (2) (3) (4) by the water introduced into the raw water supply flow passage (5) bypassed, and introduced into the raw water supply flow passage (5) It is possible for water to pass through some 2 of the plurality of filters 2, 3, 4 and bypass the rest 3, 4.

One end of the water supply mechanism 80 may be connected to the raw water supply flow passage 5, and one end of the water inflow may be connected to a portion 2 of the plurality of filters 2, 3, and 4. It is possible to be connected, and one end into which water is introduced can be connected between some (2) of the plurality of filters (2) (3) (4) and the remainder (3) (4).

The water supply mechanism 80 is connected to the reservoir inlet 10 through which the other end of the water is discharged to supply water to the reservoir inlet 10, and the other end through which the water is discharged is connected to the reservoir 12. It is possible to supply water to the reservoir 12, and the other end of the water is connected to the inlet portion of the electrolytic sterilizer 40 or the electrolytic sterilizer inlet passage 60 to supply water to the electrolytic sterilizer 40. Do.

The water supply device 80 is supplied with water to the reservoir 12 after a relatively large foreign matter in the water flowing into the raw water supply flow passage 5 is filtered out of a plurality of filters 2, 3, and 4. It is more preferable.

 In the water supply device 80, water passing through a portion 2 of the plurality of filters 2, 3, and 4 bypasses the remaining 3, 4 of the plurality of filters 2, 3, 4. It may include a bypass flow path (82, 84) connected to the water supply to the reservoir (12).

The bypass passages 82 and 84 are sedimentants when the first filter 2 is a sediment filter, the second filter 3 is a reverse osmosis membrane filter, and the third filter 4 is made of a carbon filter. Water passing through the filter may bypass the reverse osmosis membrane filter and the carbon filter.

The water supply device 80 may further include a bypass valve 86 installed in the bypass flow paths 82 and 84. The bypass valve 86 may be opened in the reservoir and cold bath sterilization modes, and may be opened in the reservoir and hot water tank sterilization modes.

Hereinafter, the bypass passages 82 and 84 will be described as having one end connected to the first filter 2 or the first filter outlet passage 6, and the other end connected to the reservoir tank inlet passage 10.

 The bypass flow paths 82 and 84 may include a bypass valve inlet flow path 82 connected to one of the first filter 2 and the first filter outlet flow path 6 and the bypass valve 86. The valve 86 may include a bypass valve outlet passage 84 connected to the reservoir inlet passage 10.

The bypass valve outlet passage 84 is connected before the point where the electrolytic sterilizer outlet passage 66 and the reservoir inlet passage 10 are connected in the water flow direction of the reservoir inlet passage 10.

In the water purifier according to the present embodiment, in the sterilization mode of the water tank and the cold water tank, a part of the water in the water tank 12 and the cold water tank 30 is circulated with the second sterilization control valve 76 and the combined circulation drain pump 70. After draining through the drain control valve 72, it is possible for the bypass valve 86 to supply water to the reservoir 12. And while the bypass valve 86 is supplying water to the water storage tank 12, the circulation combined use | drainage pump 70 is driven and water supply and water circulation can be performed simultaneously, and the bypass valve 86 is carried out. After the water supply to the water storage tank 12 is completed, the combined cycle water drain pump 70 is driven, so that the water supply and the water circulation can be performed sequentially.

In the water purifier according to the present embodiment, in the sterilization mode of the reservoir and the hot water tank, a part of the water in the reservoir 12 and the hot water tank 20 is circulated with the first sterilization control valve 74 and the combined circulation drain pump 70. After draining through the drain control valve 72, it is possible for the bypass valve 86 to supply water to the reservoir 12. And while the bypass valve 86 is supplying water to the water storage tank 12, the circulation combined use | drainage pump 70 is driven and water supply and water circulation can be performed simultaneously, and the bypass valve 86 is carried out. After the water supply to the water storage tank 12 is completed, the combined cycle water drain pump 70 is driven, so that the water supply and the water circulation can be performed sequentially.

11 is a view showing the water flow during the sterilization of the water tank and cold water tank of the third embodiment of the water purifier according to the present invention, Figure 12 is a view showing the water flow during sterilization of the water tank and hot water tank of the third embodiment of the water purifier according to the present invention. It is done.

11 and 12, the water purifying passages 57, 58, 59, wherein the circulation sterilization passage 50 'is connected to the cold water tank 30; An electrolytic sterilizer acquisition channel 60 connecting the drainage channels 57, 58, 59 and the electrolytic sterilizer 40; Electrolytic sterilizer discharge passage 66 connected to the electrolytic sterilizer 40, and hot water tank connection passages 62 and 64 'connecting the electrolytic sterilizer inlet passage 60 and the hot water tank 20, and other configurations And since the operation is the same as or similar to the first embodiment or the second embodiment of the present invention, the same reference numerals are used and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

  The water purifier may include a combined circulation drain pump 70 'installed in the drainage passages 57, 58 and 59, and a hot water circulation pump 70 "installed in the hot water tank connection passages 62 and 64'. .

The combined circulation drain pump 70 ′ is driven when the water storage tank 10 and the cold water tank 30 are sterilized or drained, and is not driven when the water storage tank 10 and the hot water tank 20 are sterilized or drained.

The hot water circulation pump 70 ″ is not driven at the time of sterilization or drainage of the water storage tank 10 and the cold water tank 30, but is preferably driven at the time of sterilization or drainage of the water storage tank 10 and the hot water tank 20.

  The water purifier includes a circulation and drain control valve 72 installed between the combined circulation drain pump 70 and the outlet 59 'of the drain flow passages 57, 58 and 59; It may further include a sterilization control valve 74 installed in the hot water tank connection flow paths 62 and 64 '.

The circulation and drain control valve 72 may be closed upon sterilization of the reservoir 10 and the cold water tank 30, and may be opened when the reservoir 10 and the cold water tank 30 are drained.

The sterilization control valve 74 may be opened at the time of sterilization of the reservoir 10 and the hot water tank 30.

 The electrolytic sterilizer inlet 60 may be connected between the combined circulation drain pump 70 ′ and the circulation and drain control valve 72 of the drain passages 57, 58, 59.

When the water purifier sterilization conditions are set, the water tank and cold water tank sterilization mode is automatically performed, or when the user enters the water tank and cold water tank sterilization command through the input unit, the water tank and cold water tank sterilization mode is executed. It is possible.

In the reservoir and cold water sterilization modes, the control unit may close the water supply valve 7, stop the cooling device 32, and close the cold water discharge valve 36. The control unit may drive the electrolytic sterilizer 40 and the combined circulation drain pump 70 ′ in the reservoir and cold water tank sterilization modes, may seal the circulation and drain control valve 72, and the sterilization control valve 74. Can be sealed. The controller may turn on or off the heater 22 in the reservoir and cold water sterilization modes, and may seal the hot water discharge valve 26.

In the reservoir and cold water sterilization modes, the water in the cold water tank 30 is introduced into the electrolytic sterilizer 40 after passing through the combined circulation drain pump 70, as shown in FIG. 11. Water introduced into the electrolytic sterilizer 40 is electrolyzed in the electrolytic sterilizer 40 to generate sterilizing components such as hypochlorous acid, and then water containing sterilizing components such as hypochlorous acid is introduced into the reservoir 12 to store the water tank ( 12), and then flow to the cold water tank 30 to sterilize the cold water tank (30). That is, the water in the cold water tank 30 and the water of the water storage tank 12 sterilize the water storage tank 12 and the cold water tank 30 together while circulating the electrolytic sterilizer 40, the water storage tank 12, and the cold water tank 30. Let's do it.

When the water purifier sterilization condition is set, the water tank and hot water tank sterilization mode is automatically performed, or when the user inputs the water tank and hot water tank sterilization command through the input unit, the water tank and hot water tank sterilization mode is executed. It is possible.

In the reservoir and hot water sterilization mode, the control unit may close the water supply valve 7, stop the cooling device 32, and close the cold water discharge valve 36. The control unit may drive the electrolytic sterilizer 40 and the hot water circulation pump 70 ″ in the reservoir and hot water tank sterilization modes, may seal the circulation and drain control valve 72, and control the sterilization control valve 74. The control unit may turn on the heater 22 and seal the hot water discharge valve 26 in the reservoir and hot water sterilization modes.

In the reservoir and hot water sterilization mode, the water in the hot water tank 20 is introduced into the electrolytic sterilizer 40 after passing through the sterilization control valve 74 and the hot water circulation pump 70 ", as shown in FIG. Water introduced into the electrolytic sterilizer 40 is electrolyzed in the electrolytic sterilizer 40 to generate sterilizing components such as hypochlorous acid, and then water containing sterilizing components such as hypochlorous acid is introduced into the reservoir 12 to store the water tank. Sterilizing the 12, and then flows to the hot water tank 20 to sterilize the hot water tank 20. That is, the water in the hot water tank 20 and the water of the reservoir 12 are electrolytic sterilizer 40 and the water tank ( 12) while circulating the hot water tank 20, the water tank 12 and the hot water tank 20 are sterilized together.

1: water purification unit 2: first filter
3: second filter 4: third filter
10: reservoir tank Euro 12: reservoir
20: hot water tank 22: heater
26: hot water outlet valve 30: cold water tank
32: chiller 36: cold water outlet valve
40: electrolytic sterilizer 50: circulating sterilization oil
51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56: drainage flow path 60: electrolytic sterilizer flow path
62,64: hot water tank connection channel 66: electrolytic sterilizer outlet channel
70: combined circulation drainage pump 72: circulation and drain control valve
74: first sterilization control valve 76: second sterilization control valve
80: water supply mechanism 82,84: bypass flow path
86: bypass valve

Claims (18)

A water purification unit for purifying water;
A water tank containing water purified in the water purification unit;
A hot water bath for heating water;
A cold water tank in which water is cooled;
An electrolytic sterilizer which electrolyzes water to generate sterilization components;
And a circulation sterilization passage through which the water of the cold water tank is circulated through the electrolytic sterilizer, the reservoir and the cold water tank, and the water of the hot water tank is circulated between the electrolytic sterilizer, the reservoir and the hot water tank. The method of claim 1,
As the circulating sterilization oil
A drain passage connected to the cold water tank;
An electrolytic sterilizer acquisition channel connecting the drainage channel and the electrolytic sterilizer;
A hot water tank connection passage connecting the hot water tank to the drain passage;
Water purifier including an electrolytic sterilizer discharge passage connected to the electrolytic sterilizer. The method of claim 2,
The electrolytic sterilizer water flow passage is connected to the water tank inlet flow path between the water purification unit and the water reservoir. The method of claim 2,
The electrolytic sterilizer discharge passage is a water purifier connected to the reservoir. The method of claim 2,
The water purifier including a combined circulation drain pump installed between the first connection portion to which the hot water tank connection flow passage is connected and the second connection portion to which the electrolytic sterilizer inlet flow passage is connected. The method of claim 5, wherein
The circulation combined drain pump is a water purifier driven when the reservoir and cold water tank sterilization mode or the reservoir and hot water tank sterilization mode. The method according to claim 6,
The water purifier combined circulation pump is driven when the drainage mode. The method of claim 5, wherein
And a circulation and drain control valve disposed between an outlet of the drain channel and the second connection part of the drain channel. The method of claim 8,
The circulation and drain control valve is a water purifier that is closed when the water tank and cold water tank sterilization mode or the water tank and hot water tank sterilization mode. The method of claim 9,
The circulation and drain control valve is a water purifier open when in the drain mode. The method of claim 5, wherein
A first sterilization control valve installed at the hot water tank connection flow path;
And a second sterilization control valve installed between the cold water tank and the first connection part of the drain passage. The method of claim 11,
The first sterilization control valve and the second sterilization control valve
The water purifier in which the first sterilization control valve is opened and the second sterilization control valve is sealed in the hot water tank sterilization mode. 13. The method according to claim 11 or 12,
The first sterilization control valve and the second sterilization control valve
The water purifier in which the first sterilization control valve is closed and the second sterilization control valve is opened in the reservoir and cold water sterilization modes. The method of claim 1,
The water purification unit includes a plurality of filters that are purified while passing water sequentially,
The water purifier further comprises a water supply device connected to the water for the generation of the sterilization component is introduced into the reservoir after bypassing at least one of the plurality of filters. The method of claim 1,
As the circulating sterilization oil
A drain passage connected to the cold water tank;
An electrolytic sterilizer acquisition channel connecting the drainage channel and the electrolytic sterilizer;
An electrolytic sterilizer discharge passage connected to the electrolytic sterilizer,
Water purifier including a hot water tank connection flow path connecting the electrolytic sterilizer acquisition flow path and the hot water tank. The method of claim 15,
A combined circulation drain pump installed in the drain passage;
Water purifier including a hot water circulation pump installed in the hot water tank connection flow path. 17. The method of claim 16,
Circulation and drain control valves provided between the combined circulation drain pump and the outlet of the drain flow path;
Water purifier further comprises a sterilization control valve installed in the hot water tank connection flow path. The method of claim 17,
The electrolytic sterilizer inlet is a water purifier connected between the combined circulation pump and the circulation and drain control valve of the drain passage.

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