KR20220094002A - Regeneration water sensor and ion removing apparatus having the same - Google Patents

Abstract

A regeneration water detection sensor according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a housing with an open upper surface and an inner space; an inlet pipe connected to the circumference of the housing and introducing regeneration water into the inner space; an outlet pipe connected to a lower part of the housing and discharging the regeneration water from the inner space; a sensing bar protruding into the inner space through the housing and detecting the regeneration water; a cover covering the open upper surface of the housing; an air vent formed through the cover; a barrier protruding downward from the cover into the inner space and communicating with the air vent; and an opening and closing part at least partially located within the barrier and opening and closing the air vent. An objective of the present invention is to provide the regeneration water detection sensor having high detection reliability of regeneration water and an ion removal device including the same.

Description

REGENERATION WATER SENSOR AND ION REMOVING APPARATUS HAVING THE SAME}

The present invention relates to a regeneration water detection sensor for detecting regeneration water and an ion removal device including the same.

The ion removal device may remove ionic substances in water using an electric deionization filter. The electric deionization method includes methods such as ED (Electrodialysis), EDI (Electro Deionization), CEDI (Continuous Electro Deionization), and CDI (Capacitive Deionization).

The ion removal device may be classified into a Point of Entry (POE) type or a Point of Use (POU) type according to an installation location.

A representative example of the PoE (Point of Entry) type is a soft water system that produces soft water from raw water and supplies it to a customer. Here, the consumer may be a house, and the soft water delivered to the consumer may be transferred to a faucet, a shower head, etc. that require water use again.

In this case, the electric deionization filter removes ionic substances that may be mixed with the soft water and prevents foreign substances from being deposited or adsorbed in the soft water system, thereby maintaining the performance of producing soft water.

On the other hand, as a representative example of the PoU (Point of Use) type, a water heater such as a boiler or a water heater that receives water and heats it to provide heating or hot water may be used.

In this case, the electric deionization filter removes calcium ions contained in tap water and the like to prevent calcium carbonate from which calcium ions are deposited from adhering to the inner wall of a pipe of a water heater or a heat exchanger.

When a voltage is applied to the electrode of the filter, the ionic material in the water may be adsorbed to the electrode. However, since the adsorption capacity of the electrode is limited, it is necessary to periodically remove the ions adsorbed on the electrode to regenerate the electrode. In this case, the opposite voltage may or may not be applied to the electrode of the filter, and the ions adsorbed on the electrode are separated and discharged together with the regeneration water.

Accordingly, there is a need to systematically detect whether the regeneration water is smoothly discharged or whether the regeneration water continues to escape due to a valve failure in a situation in which the discharge of the regeneration water is to be prevented.

KR 10-2020-0107785A (Training system, 2020.09.16.) KR 10-2020-0105456A (scale-free water heater, 2020.09.07)

One object to be solved by the present invention is to provide a regenerated water detection sensor with high reliability for detecting regenerated water and an ion removal device including the same.

Another object to be solved by the present invention is to provide a regeneration water detection sensor in which air is smoothly introduced and the regeneration water does not leak, and an ion removal device including the same.

The regeneration water detection sensor according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a housing having an open upper surface and an inner space; an inlet pipe connected to the periphery of the housing and introducing the regeneration water into the inner space; an outlet pipe connected to the lower part of the housing and for discharging the regeneration water from the inner space; a sensing bar protruding through the housing into the inner space and sensing the regeneration water; a cover covering the open upper surface of the housing; an air vent formed through the cover; a hollow-shaped barrier protruding downward from the cover into the inner space and communicating with the air vent; and an opening/closing part at least a portion of which is located in the barrier and opens and closes the air vent.

The inlet pipe may be connected to one side of the housing, and the barrier may be located adjacent to the other side of the housing.

The inlet tube may face the outer circumference of the barrier.

An inner diameter of the barrier may be greater than an inner diameter of the air vent.

The inner circumference of the housing may include a guide surface that connects the inlet pipe and the outlet pipe, guides the flow of the regeneration water, and is formed obliquely in a direction in which the height decreases toward the inside. The sensing bar may protrude into the inner space through the guide surface.

The guide surface may be formed to become wider toward the inside.

The guide surface may include an upper guide surface located upstream of the sensing bar in the flow direction of the regeneration water. At least a portion of the upper guide surface may be formed to become narrower toward the lower side.

The opening/closing unit may include: a valve body elevating between a first height at which the air vent is closed and a second height lower than the first height and at which the air vent is opened; and a spring that applies an elastic force to the valve body so that the valve body descends to the second height.

The opening/closing unit may further include a sealing provided in the cover or the valve body, which is in close contact between the cover and the valve body when the valve body is at the first height.

The valve body may include a lower body located within the barrier; an upper body located above the air vent, spaced apart from the upper side of the air vent when the valve body is at the first height, and hung around the upper end of the air vent when the valve body is at the second height; and a connection body connecting the lower body and the upper body through the air vent. When the valve body is the second height, air may pass between the inner circumference of the air vent and the outer circumference of the connection body.

An extension extending outwardly from a radius is formed at a lower end of the lower body, and the spring may surround the outer periphery of the lower body and press the extension downward.

The opening/closing unit may include: a main body, at least a portion of which is fixed to be located within the barrier; and a protrusion that protrudes in a direction closer to the main body from the periphery of the lower end of the air vent toward the lower side, and selectively contacts the main body to open and close the air vent.

The body may include a lower body located within the barrier; an upper body fixed to an upper side of the air vent; and a connection body connecting the lower body and the upper body through the air vent and the protrusion. When the protrusion is spaced apart from the main body, air may pass between the inner circumference of the air vent and the outer circumference of the connection body.

The lower body may include: an inclined portion connected to the connection body and having a larger diameter toward the lower side; and an extension portion extending downwardly from the inclined portion. The protrusion may protrude toward the inclined portion.

A depression may be formed in the lower body by a predetermined depth upward from the lower body, and an inner diameter of the inlet of the depression may be formed to decrease toward the upper side.

A seating groove in which the upper body is seated and communicated with the air vent may be formed in the cover.

The opening/closing part may include a plurality of protruding pieces that protrude in an inclined direction that are closer to each other from the periphery of the lower end of the air vent and are elastically deformed to selectively contact each other to open and close the air vent.

An ion removal device according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises: an electric deionization filter operating in a first mode in which ions are adsorbed or a second mode in which adsorbed ions are removed; a main flow path through which soft water from which ions have been removed by the filter flows in the first mode; a drain passage through which regeneration water containing ions adsorbed to the filter is discharged in the second mode; and a regeneration water detection sensor provided in the drain passage.

The regeneration water detection sensor may include: a housing having an open upper surface and an inner space; an inlet pipe connected to the periphery of the housing and introducing the regeneration water into the inner space; an outlet pipe connected to the lower part of the housing and for discharging the regeneration water from the inner space; a sensing bar protruding through the housing into the inner space and sensing the regeneration water; a cover covering the open upper surface of the housing; an air vent formed through the cover; a hollow-shaped barrier protruding downward from the cover into the inner space and communicating with the air vent; and an opening/closing part at least a portion of which is located in the barrier and opens and closes the air vent.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, since the sensing bar protrudes into the inner space of the housing, it is possible to sense the regeneration water flowing into the inner space. Accordingly, there is an advantage in that it is possible to systematically detect whether the regeneration water is smoothly discharged or whether the regeneration water continues to escape due to a valve failure in a situation where the discharge of the regeneration water needs to be blocked.

In addition, since an air vent is formed in the cover, air can be introduced into the inner space of the housing without a separate complicated configuration. Accordingly, the flow of the regeneration water may be smoothly achieved.

In addition, it is possible to primarily prevent the regeneration water from leaking into the air vent by the hollow cylinder-shaped barrier.

In addition, the inlet pipe may be connected to one side of the housing and the barrier may be located adjacent to the other side of the housing. Thereby, the flow of the regeneration water is not obstructed by the barrier, and it is possible to minimize the penetration of the regeneration water into the barrier.

Also, the inlet tube may face the outer perimeter of the barrier. Thereby, it is possible to further reduce the possibility that the regeneration water enters into the barrier.

In addition, the guide surface penetrated by the sensing bar may be formed obliquely in a direction in which the height decreases toward the inside. Accordingly, the regenerated water introduced into the inlet pipe does not cause flow separation with respect to the guide surface, so that the sensing reliability of the sensing bar can be improved.

In addition, the guide surface may be formed to become wider toward the inside. That is, as the guide surface approaches the portion penetrated by the sensing bar, the width may become narrower. In addition, at least a portion of the upper guide surface located upstream of the sensing bar among the guide surfaces may be formed to have a narrower width toward the lower side. As a result, since the regenerated water is collected toward the sensing bar, the sensing bar can reliably detect a small amount of regenerated water.

In addition, the opening/closing unit may normally open the air vent to introduce air into the inner space of the housing, and if the regeneration water enters the barrier, it closes the air vent to prevent secondary leakage of the regeneration water into the air vent.

1 is a conceptual diagram of an ion removal device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
2 is a perspective view of a regeneration water detection sensor according to an embodiment of the present invention.
3 is an exploded perspective view of a regeneration water detection sensor according to an embodiment of the present invention.
4 is a cut-away perspective view taken along line A-A' of FIG. 2 .
5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B' of FIG. 2 .
6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line C-C' of FIG.
7A and 7B are cross-sectional views of an opening/closing unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.
8 is a cross-sectional view of an opening/closing unit according to another embodiment of the present invention.
9 is a cross-sectional view of an opening/closing unit according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings so that those of ordinary skill in the art can easily carry out the present invention. However, the present invention may be implemented in several different forms and is not limited or limited by the following examples.

In order to clearly explain the present invention, detailed descriptions of parts irrelevant to the description or related known technologies that may unnecessarily obscure the gist of the present invention have been omitted, and in the present specification, reference signs are added to the components of each drawing. In this case, the same or similar reference numerals are assigned to the same or similar elements throughout the specification.

In addition, the terms or words used in the present specification and claims should not be construed as being limited to conventional or dictionary meanings, and the inventor appropriately defines the concept of the term in order to best describe his invention. Based on the principle that it can be done, it should be interpreted as meaning and concept consistent with the technical idea of the present invention.

1 is a conceptual diagram of an ion removal device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Hereinafter, a case in which the ion removal device is a POE (Point of Entry) type will be described as an example, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and it is of course also possible to be implemented as a POU (Point of Use) type.

The ion removal device according to the present embodiment includes filters 11 and 12, supply passages 21 and 22, discharge passages 23 and 24, main passages 25 and 26, and drains. It may include flow paths 27 and 28 and a regeneration water detection sensor (hereinafter, 'sensor') 100 .

The filters 11 and 12 may remove ionic substances in an electric deionization method. More specifically, there is an electric deionization method among the methods of removing the ionic material. When a DC voltage is applied to the charged particles in the electrolyte, the positively charged particles move to the cathode, and the negatively charged particles move to the anode. This is called electrophoresis. Electrodeionization refers to a method of selectively adsorbing or moving ions (ionic substances) in water through electrodes or ion exchange membranes based on the principle of electric force (electrophoresis) to remove them.

The filters 11 and 12 may have electrodes including an anode and a cathode. In a state in which a voltage is applied to the electrodes of the filters 11 and 12 , when water containing ions passes between the electrodes, anions may be adsorbed to the anode, and cations may be adsorbed to the cathode. Therefore, ions can be removed from the water, and a mode in which the filters 11 and 12 remove ions (ionic substances) in the water through the electrode may be referred to as a removal mode or a first mode.

However, since the adsorption capacity of the electrodes of the filters 11 and 12 is limited, if the adsorption of ions continues, the electrode may reach a state in which it can no longer adsorb ions. In order to prevent this, by applying a voltage opposite to that in the removal mode or not applying a voltage to the electrodes of the filters 11 and 12, ions can be separated from the electrodes and the electrodes can be regenerated. As such, the mode in which the filters 11 and 12 regenerate the electrodes may be called a regeneration mode or a second mode, and the regeneration mode may be performed before and after the removal mode.

A plurality of filters 11 and 12 connected in parallel may be provided. Hereinafter, a case in which the plurality of filters 11 and 12 includes the first filter 11 and the second filter 12 connected to each other in parallel will be described as an example.

Any one of the first filter 11 and the second filter 12 may perform a removal mode to remove at least a portion of ionic substances in raw water to generate and discharge soft water. The other one of the first filter 11 and the second filter 12 may perform a regeneration mode to provide the ionic material adsorbed on the electrode to the raw water to discharge the regenerated water having an increased content of the ionic material.

The first filter 11 and the second filter 12 may alternately perform the removal mode and the regeneration mode according to a predetermined period. Therefore, it is possible to continuously supply soft water to the demand (P), which will be described later, without interruption.

The supply passages 21 and 22 are connected to the inlets of the filters 11 and 12 , and may supply raw water to the filters 11 and 12 . In more detail, the supply passages 21 and 22 may include a first supply passage 21 connected to the first filter 11 and a second supply passage 22 connected to the second filter 12 . . The first supply passage 21 and the second supply passage 22 may be branched from a single passage connected to the water source (S). Accordingly, the raw water of the water source S may be divided into the first filter 11 and the second filter 12 by the first supply passage 21 and the second supply passage 22 and supplied.

The discharge passages 23 and 24 are connected to the outlets of the filters 11 and 12 , and soft water or regenerated water of the filters 11 and 12 may be discharged. In more detail, the discharge passages 23 and 24 may include a first discharge passage 23 connected to the first filter 11 and a second discharge passage 24 connected to the second filter 12 . .

The first discharge flow path 23 may be branched into a first main flow path 25 and a first drain flow path 27 which will be described later, and the second discharge flow path 24 includes a second main flow path 26 and a second flow path 26 to be described later. It may be branched into the 2 drain flow path 28 .

Soft water from which ions have been removed by the filters 11 and 12 in the removal mode may flow through the main flow paths 25 and 26 , and the soft water may be supplied to the consumer P.

In more detail, the main flow paths 25 and 26 include a first main flow path 25 branched from the first discharge flow path 23 and a second main flow path 26 branched from the second discharge flow path 24 . may include The first main flow path 25 and the second main flow path 26 may be laminated and connected to the consumer P.

A first main valve 31 may be provided in the first main flow path 25 , and a second main valve 32 may be provided in the second main flow path 26 . Each of the main valves 31 and 32 may selectively open and close each of the main flow paths 25 and 26 . The first main valve 31 and the second main valve 32 may alternatively be opened. For example, each of the main valves 31 and 32 may be a solenoid valve, but is not limited thereto.

In the drain passages 27 and 28, the regeneration water containing ions adsorbed to the filters 11 and 12 in the regeneration mode may flow, and the regeneration water may be drained.

In more detail, the drain passages 27 and 28 include a first drain passage 27 branched from the first discharge passage 23 and a second drain passage 28 branched from the second discharge passage 24 . may include

A first drain valve 33 may be provided in the first drain passage 27 , and a second drain valve 34 may be provided in the second drain passage 28 . Each of the drain valves 33 and 34 can selectively open and close each drain passage 27 and 28 . The first drain valve 33 and the second drain valve 34 may alternatively be opened. For example, each of the main valves 31 and 32 may be a solenoid valve, but is not limited thereto.

The sensor 100 may detect regeneration water containing ions. In more detail, the sensor 100 is provided in the drain passages 27 and 28 , and can sense the regeneration water flowing into the drain passages 27 and 28 . The sensor 100 may be provided downstream of the drain valves 33 and 34 .

Preferably, a plurality of sensors 100 may be provided, and the plurality of sensors 100 are provided in the first sensor 100a provided in the first drain flow path 27 and the second drain flow path 28 . and a second sensor 100b.

However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and it is of course possible that a single sensor 100 is provided in the drain passage where the first drain passage 27 and the second drain passage 28 are joined.

Hereinafter, the operation of the ion removal device will be described.

When the first filter 11 is in the removal mode and the second filter 12 is in the regeneration mode, the first main valve 31 is opened, the second main valve 32 is closed, and the first drain valve 33 is closed. may be closed, and the second drain valve 34 may be opened.

In this case, the first filter 11 may remove the ionic material from the raw water supplied through the first supply passage 21 to discharge the soft water to the first discharge passage 23, and the soft water is the first main It may be supplied to the consumer P through the flow path 25 . In addition, the second filter 12 includes the ionic material adsorbed on the electrode in the raw water supplied through the second supply passage 22 to discharge the regenerated water to the second discharge passage 24, The regeneration water may be drained through the second drain passage 28 .

That is, the first sensor 100a does not detect the regeneration water, and the second sensor 100b detects the regeneration water in order to be in a normal state. Accordingly, when the number of regeneration is detected by the first sensor 100a or the number of regeneration is not detected by the second sensor 100b, an error alarm may be output to an output interface (eg, a display or a speaker) connected to the ion removal device. . Accordingly, the operator can see the error alarm and quickly perform maintenance work.

Conversely, when the first filter 11 is in the regeneration mode and the second filter 12 is in the removal mode, the first main valve 31 is closed, the second main valve 32 is open, and the first drain valve ( 33 may be opened, and the second drain valve 34 may be closed.

In this case, the first filter 11 may include the ionic material adsorbed on the electrode in the raw water supplied through the first supply passage 21 to discharge the regenerated water to the first discharge passage 23 , , the regeneration water may be drained through the first drain passage 27 . In addition, the second filter 12 may remove ionic substances from the raw water supplied through the second supply passage 22 to discharge the soft water to the second discharge passage 24 , and the soft water is the second main passage. It can be supplied to the demand (P) through (26).

That is, the first sensor 100a detects the regeneration water and the second sensor 100b does not detect the regeneration water, in order to be in a normal state. Therefore, when the number of regeneration is not detected by the first sensor 100a or the number of regeneration is detected by the second sensor 100b, an error alarm may be output to an output interface (eg, a display or a speaker) connected to the ion removal device. . Accordingly, the operator can see the error alarm and quickly perform maintenance work.

Hereinafter, the configuration of the sensor 100 will be described in more detail.

2 is a perspective view of a regeneration water detection sensor according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a regeneration water detection sensor according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 4 is a cutaway taken along line A-A' in FIG. It is a perspective view, FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B' of FIG. 2, and FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line C-C' of FIG.

The sensor 100 according to the present embodiment includes a housing 110 having an open upper surface, a cover 120 covering an open upper surface of the housing 110 , and an inlet pipe 130 connected to the housing 110 . ) and an outlet pipe 140 , and a sensing bar 160 protruding into the housing 110 .

The housing 110 may have an open upper surface and an internal space S1 . The housing 110 may have a substantially hollow shape. That is, the housing 110 may have an inner circumference defining the inner space S1 .

A mounter 150 for mounting the sensor 100 to a counterpart (not shown) may be connected to the housing 110 . The mounter 150 may be integrally formed with the housing 110 , but is not limited thereto.

The mounter 150 may have a substantially vertical plate shape and may be connected to one side of the housing 110 . The inlet pipe 130 may pass through the mounter 150 and be connected to the housing 110 .

The mounter 150 may be provided with at least one fastening part 151 fastened to a counterpart (not shown). For example, the fastening part 151 may be a fastening boss formed to protrude from the mounter 150 in a direction opposite to the housing 110 .

The cover 120 may cover the open upper surface of the housing 110 . The cover 120 may be detachably fastened to the housing 110 . An air vent 121 and a barrier 122 to be described later may be formed in the cover 120 .

The inlet pipe 130 and the outlet pipe 140 may be integrally formed with the housing 110 , but are not limited thereto. The inlet pipe 130 and the outlet pipe 140 may communicate with the drain passages 27 and 28 (refer to FIG. 1 ) described above.

The inlet pipe 130 may be connected to the periphery of the housing 110 . In more detail, the inlet pipe 130 may be connected to the upper periphery of the housing 110 and may extend in a horizontal direction. The inlet pipe 130 may communicate with the inner space S1 of the housing 110 to introduce regeneration water into the inner space S1 .

The outlet pipe 140 may be connected to a lower portion of the housing 110 . In more detail, the outlet pipe 140 may be connected to the lower end of the housing 110 and may extend in a vertical direction. The outlet pipe 140 may communicate with the inner space S1 of the housing 110 to discharge the regenerated water from the inner space S1 .

The sensing bar 160 may protrude into the inner space S1 through the housing 110 . That is, a part of the sensing bar 160 may be located in the inner space S1 to sense the regeneration water passing through the inner space S1 .

The sensing bar 160 may extend in a horizontal direction. The sensing bar 160 may be positioned between the inlet pipe 130 and the outlet pipe 140 in the flow direction of the regeneration water. Accordingly, the sensing bar 160 may be located below the inlet pipe 130 , and may be located above the outlet pipe 140 .

The sensing bar 160 may be connected to the substrate 161 . In more detail, one end of the sensing bar 160 is connected to the substrate 161 and located outside the inner space S1 of the housing 110 , and the other end is located within the inner space S1 of the housing 110 . can do.

The substrate 161 may apply a minute current to the sensing bar 160 . Accordingly, when the regenerated water touches the sensing bar 160 , the wavelength of the minute current changes, and the substrate 161 detects this to sense the flow of the regenerated water.

The substrate 161 may be accommodated in a substrate receiving part 152 formed in the mounter 150 . The substrate accommodating part 152 may be recessed from the mounter 150 toward the housing 110 , and the substrate 161 may be accommodated in the substrate accommodating part 152 in a vertical state.

Meanwhile, the inner circumference of the housing 110 may include a guide surface 111 that connects the inlet pipe 130 and the outlet pipe 140 and guides the flow of the regeneration water.

In more detail, the inlet pipe 130 may be connected to one side of the housing 110 , and the guide surface 111 may be a part of the one side of the inner circumference of the housing 110 . In addition, the sensing bar 160 may pass through the guide surface 111 from one side of the housing 110 to protrude into the inner space S1. Accordingly, the regeneration water flowing along the guide surface 111 may be sensed by the sensing bar 160 .

As shown in FIG. 4 , the guide surface 111 may be formed obliquely in a direction in which the height decreases toward the inside. Accordingly, the regenerated water introduced into the inlet pipe 130 flows along the guide surface 111 , and it is possible to prevent the flow separation of the guide surface 111 from occurring. Accordingly, the sensing reliability of the sensing bar 160 may be improved.

5 , the guide surface 111 may include an upper guide surface 112 positioned upstream of the sensing bar 160 in the flow direction of the regeneration water. The guide surface 111 may further include a lower guide surface 113 located downstream of the sensing bar 160 in the flow direction of the regeneration water.

At least a portion of the upper guide surface 112 may be formed to be narrower in width W toward the lower side. Accordingly, the regenerated water flowing along the upper guide surface 112 may be collected toward the sensing bar 160 , and the sensing bar 160 may reliably detect a small amount of regenerated water.

Also, as shown in FIG. 6 , in more detail, the guide surface 111 may be formed to have a wider width W toward the inside. That is, the width W of the guide surface 111 may be widened from one side of the housing 110 to the other side, and as the guide surface 111 approaches the portion penetrated by the sensing bar 160, the guide surface The width W of (111) may be narrowed. Accordingly, the regeneration water flowing along the guide surface 111 may be collected toward the sensing bar 160 , and the reliability of the sensing bar 160 may be further improved.

On the other hand, the sensor 100 includes an air vent 121 formed on the cover 120 , a barrier 122 that prevents the reclaimed water from entering the air vent 121 , and an opening/closing part for opening and closing the air vent 121 ( 170) may be further included.

The air vent 121 may be formed through the cover 120 . Outside air may be introduced into the inner space S1 of the housing 110 through the air vent 121 , thereby smoothly flowing the regeneration water through the inlet pipe 130 and the outlet pipe 140 .

The barrier 122 may protrude downward from the cover 120 to the inner space S1 of the housing 110 . The barrier 122 may extend in a vertical direction. The barrier 122 may primarily prevent the regeneration water flowing into the inner space S1 of the housing 110 from leaking into the air vent 121 through the inlet pipe 130 .

The barrier 122 may be integrally formed with the cover 120 . The barrier 122 may have a hollow shape that communicates with the air vent 121 and has an open bottom. The inner diameter of the barrier 122 may be larger than the inner diameter of the air vent 121 .

As described above, the inlet pipe 130 may be connected to one side of the housing 110 . In this case, the barrier 122 may be located adjacent to the other side of the housing 110 . In more detail, the barrier 122 may be located adjacent to the opposite side of the guide surface 111 among the inner circumference of the housing 110 .

Accordingly, the distance between the inlet pipe 130 and the barrier 122 is sufficiently secured, preventing the barrier 122 from interfering with the flow of the regeneration water and minimizing the inflow of the regeneration water into the barrier 122 .

In addition, the inlet pipe 130 may face the outer circumference of the barrier 122 . That is, the barrier 122 may protrude vertically to a lower side than the inlet pipe 130 . Accordingly, it is possible to minimize the inflow of the regeneration water introduced through the inlet pipe 130 into the barrier 122 .

The opening and closing unit 170 may open and close the air vent 121 . At least a portion of the opening/closing unit 170 may be located within the barrier 122 .

The opening/closing unit 170 may secondarily prevent the regeneration water flowing into the inner space S1 of the housing 110 from leaking into the air vent 121 through the inlet pipe 130 . In more detail, the opening/closing unit 170 opens the air vent 121 to introduce outside air into the inner space S1 of the housing 110, or closes the air vent 121 so that the regenerated water in the inner space S1 is air It is possible to prevent water leakage through the vent 121 .

Hereinafter, the configuration of the opening and closing unit 170 will be described in more detail.

7A and 7B are cross-sectional views of an opening/closing unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

In more detail, FIG. 7A shows a state in which the opening/closing unit 170 closes the air vent 121 according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 7B shows a state in which the opening/closing unit 170 opens the air vent 121 do.

The opening/closing unit 170 according to the present embodiment may include a valve body 180 and a spring 190 . The opening/closing part 170 may further include a sealing 200 .

The valve body 180 is lower than the first height H1 and the first height H1 at which the air vent 121 is closed, and the second height H2 at which the air vent 121 is opened. can The first height H1 and the second height H2 may mean the height of the lower end of the valve body 180 with respect to the lower end of the barrier 122 .

In more detail, the valve body 180 includes the lower body 181 located in the barrier 122 , the upper body 182 located above the air vent 121 , and the lower body passing through the air vent 121 . It may include a connection body 183 connecting the 181 and the upper body 182 .

The lower body 181 , the upper body 182 , and the connection body 183 may be integrally formed, but are not limited thereto.

When the valve body 180 is the first height H1, the lower body 181 may be spaced apart from the lower side of the air vent 121 and the sealing 200, and a first air passage P1 and a second air passage P1 to be described later. The air passages P2 may communicate with each other. Accordingly, the air vent 121 may be opened.

On the other hand, if the valve body 180 is the second height H2, the lower body 181 may be caught around the lower end of the air vent 121 or may be in close contact with the sealing 200, and the first air passage P1. and the second air passage P2 may not communicate with each other. Accordingly, the air vent 121 may be closed.

The lower body 181 may have a hollow cylindrical shape with an open bottom. That is, the lower body 181 may have a depression 185 that is depressed by a predetermined depth upward from the lower end. Accordingly, the regenerated water that has penetrated into the barrier 122 may flow into the depression 185 and press the lower body 181 upward, thereby raising the valve body 180 and closing the air vent 121. have.

The inner circumference of the barrier 122 and the outer circumference of the lower body 181 may be spaced apart from each other. That is, the outer diameter of the lower body 181 may be smaller than the inner diameter of the barrier 122 . Accordingly, a second air passage P2 through which air passes may be formed between the inner circumference of the barrier 122 and the outer circumference of the lower body 181 . The second air passage P2 may selectively communicate with a first air passage P1 to be described later.

An extension portion 184 extending outward of a radius may be formed at a lower end of the lower body 181 . The inner circumference of the barrier 122 and the outer circumference of the extension 184 may be spaced apart from each other. That is, the outer diameter of the extension 184 may be smaller than the inner diameter of the barrier 122 . Accordingly, a gap communicating with the second air flow path P2 may be formed between the inner circumference of the barrier 122 and the outer circumference of the extension part 184 . In addition, by the extension 184, the inlet of the depression 185 may be formed to have a smaller inner diameter toward the upper side.

Accordingly, the regenerated water that has penetrated into the barrier 122 is easily introduced into the recessed portion 185, and the inflow of the regenerated water into the gap between the inner circumference of the barrier 122 and the outer circumference of the extended portion 184 is minimized. can

The upper body 182 may be located above the air vent 121 . In more detail, a seating groove 123 that is depressed downwardly and the upper body 182 is seated may be formed in the cover 120 . The seating groove 123 may communicate with the air vent 121 . That is, the air vent 121 may penetrate from the bottom surface of the seating groove 123 to the bottom surface of the cover 120 .

The upper body 182 may have a size or shape that does not pass through the air vent 121 . That is, the inner diameter of the seating groove 123 may be larger than the inner diameter of the air vent 121 .

When the valve body 180 is the first height H1 , the upper body 182 may be spaced apart from the upper side of the air vent 121 . On the other hand, when the valve body 180 is the second height H2 , the upper body 182 may be caught around the upper end of the air vent 121 . Accordingly, the upper body 182 may act as a stopper that prevents the valve body 180 from descending below the second height.

A flow path 182a communicating with a first air flow path P1 to be described later may be formed in the upper body 182 . The flow path 182a may be a groove formed around the upper body 182 or a hole penetrating the upper body 182 . Accordingly, in a state where the valve body 180 is the second height H2 and the upper body 182 is hung around the upper end of the air vent 121 , the outside air passes through the flow passage 182a to the first air passage P1 . can be introduced into

The connection body 183 may connect the lower body 181 and the upper body 182 through the air vent 121 .

The inner circumference of the air vent 121 and the outer circumference of the connection body 183 may be spaced apart from each other. That is, the outer diameter of the connection body 183 may be smaller than the inner diameter of the air vent (121). Accordingly, a first air flow path P1 through which air passes may be formed between the inner circumference of the air vent 121 and the outer circumference of the connection body 183 .

Meanwhile, the spring 190 may apply an elastic force to the valve body 180 so that the valve body 180 descends to the second height H2 .

In more detail, the spring 190 may be disposed to surround the outer circumference of the lower body 181 . That is, the spring 190 may be positioned between the outer circumference of the lower body 181 and the inner circumference of the barrier 122 in the radial direction.

In addition, the spring 190 may be positioned between the bottom surface of the cover 120 and the extension 184 in the vertical direction. In more detail, the spring 190 may be installed in a compression biased state between the bottom surface of the cover 120 and the extension 184 .

The spring 190 may continuously press the extension 184 downward, and the valve body 180 may normally be maintained at the second height H2 to maintain the air vent 121 in an open state. . Therefore, the outside air flows through the flow path 182a formed in the upper body 182, the first air flow path P1, and the second air flow path P2 sequentially into the inner space S1 of the housing 110. can be

On the other hand, when the regenerated water penetrates into the barrier 122 , at least a portion of the regenerated water flows into the depression 185 of the lower body 181 to apply water pressure upward to the valve body 180 . When the water pressure is greater than the elastic force of the spring 190 , the valve body 180 may rise to the first height H1 to close the air vent 121 . Accordingly, even if a part of the regenerated water enters the second air passage P2 , leakage into the air vent 121 does not occur.

On the other hand, the sealing 200 may be in close contact between the valve body 180 and the cover 120 when the valve body 180 is the first height (H1). In more detail, the sealing 200 may be in close contact between the upper surface of the valve body 180 and the lower surface of the cover 120 . Accordingly, when the valve body 180 is the first height H1 , the sealing 200 may reliably close the air vent 121 .

The sealing 200 may be provided on the cover 120 or the valve body 180 . In more detail, the sealing 200 may be provided on the lower surface of the cover 120 or the upper surface of the lower body 181 .

The sealing 200 preferably has an elastic material such as rubber, silicone, or urethane. For example, the seal 200 may be an O-ring, but is not limited thereto.

8 is a cross-sectional view of an opening/closing unit according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Hereinafter, content overlapping with the previously described content will be omitted, and differences will be mainly described.

The opening/closing unit 170 according to the present embodiment may include a body 210 and a protrusion 220 .

At least a portion of the body 210 may be fixed to be positioned within the barrier 122 .

In more detail, the main body 210 includes a lower body 211 located in the barrier 122, an upper body 215 located above the air vent 121, and a lower body (121) passing through the air vent 121. It may include a connection body 216 connecting the 211 and the upper body 215 .

The lower body 211 , the upper body 215 , and the connection body 216 may be integrally formed, but are not limited thereto.

The lower body 211 may include an inclined portion 212 connected to the connection body 216 and having a diameter increasing downwardly, and an extension portion 213 extending downwardly from the inclined portion 212 .

The inclined portion 212 may be spaced apart from the lower side of the air vent 121 .

The extension part 213 may have a hollow cylindrical shape with an open bottom. That is, the extended portion 213 may have a depressed portion 217 that is depressed by a predetermined depth upward from the lower end. The recessed part 217 may be recessed to the inside of the inclined part 212 .

Accordingly, the regenerated water that has penetrated into the barrier 122 may flow into the recessed portion 217 and press the lower body 211 upward, whereby the inclined portion 212 is in close contact with the plurality of protruding pieces 220 to be described later. The air vent 121 may be closed.

The inner circumference of the barrier 122 and the outer circumference of the lower body 211 may be spaced apart from each other. That is, the outer diameter of the lower body 211 may be smaller than the inner diameter of the barrier 122 . Accordingly, a second air flow path P2 through which air passes may be formed between the inner circumference of the barrier 122 and the outer circumference of the lower body 211 . The second air flow path P2 may selectively communicate with the first air flow path P1 .

At the lower end of the lower body 211 , more specifically, the extension 213 , an extension 214 extending radially outward may be formed. The inner circumference of the barrier 122 and the outer circumference of the extension 214 may be spaced apart from each other. That is, the outer diameter of the extension 214 may be smaller than the inner diameter of the barrier 122 . Accordingly, a gap communicating with the second air flow path P2 may be formed between the inner circumference of the barrier 122 and the outer circumference of the extension part 214 . In addition, by the expansion 214, the inlet of the depression 217 may be formed to have a smaller inner diameter toward the upper side.

Accordingly, the regenerated water that has penetrated into the barrier 122 is easily introduced into the recessed portion 217 , and the inflow of the regenerated water into the gap between the inner circumference of the barrier 122 and the outer circumference of the extended portion 214 is minimized. can

The upper body 215 may be located above the air vent 121 . In more detail, the upper body 215 may be seated in the seating groove 123 formed in the cover 120 .

The upper body 215 may have a size or shape that does not pass through the air vent 121 . Accordingly, the upper body 215 may be caught around the upper end of the air vent 121 , and may act as a support for supporting the main body 210 .

A flow path 215a communicating with the first air flow path P1 may be formed in the upper body 215 . The flow path 215a may be a groove formed around the upper body 215 or a hole penetrating the upper body 215 . Accordingly, outside air may be introduced into the first air passage P1 through the passage 215a.

The connection body 216 may connect the lower body 211 and the upper body 215 through the air vent 121 and the protrusion 220 to be described later. The connection body 216 may protrude downward than the air vent 121 .

The inner circumference of the air vent 121 and the outer circumference of the connection body 216 may be spaced apart from each other. That is, the outer diameter of the connection body 216 may be smaller than the inner diameter of the air vent (121). Accordingly, a first air flow path P1 through which air passes may be formed between the inner circumference of the air vent 121 and the outer circumference of the connection body 216 .

Meanwhile, the protrusion 220 may selectively contact the body 210 to open and close the air vent 121 . The protrusion 220 may be integrally formed with the cover 120 .

The protrusion 220 may protrude in an oblique direction toward the main body 210 from the periphery of the lower end of the air vent 121 to the lower side. That is, the protrusion 220 may have a tapered shape in which the diameter decreases toward the bottom.

In more detail, the protrusion 220 may protrude toward the inclined portion 212 of the lower body 211 . Accordingly, the protrusion 220 may face the connection body 216 in the radial direction and face the inclined portion 212 downward.

The inner circumference of the protrusion 220 and the outer circumference of the connection body 216 may be spaced apart from each other.

In addition, the main body 210 may maintain a state in which the upper body 215 is hung around the upper end of the air vent 121 by normal gravity. In this state, the protrusion 220 and the inclined portion 212 may be spaced apart from each other to form a predetermined gap. Accordingly, the first air passage P1 and the second air passage P2 may communicate with each other by the gap.

Accordingly, the air vent 121 may be opened. Outside air can be introduced into the inner space S1 of the housing 110 by sequentially passing through the flow path 215a formed in the upper body 215 , the first air flow path P1 , and the second air flow path P2 . have.

On the other hand, when the regenerated water penetrates into the barrier 122 , at least a portion of the regenerated water flows into the depression 217 of the lower body 211 to apply water pressure upward to the main body 210 . Accordingly, the main body 210 may rise so that the inclined portion 212 and the protrusion 220 may come into contact with each other, and the first air passage P1 and the second air passage P2 may be blocked from communicating with each other.

Accordingly, the air vent 121 may be closed. Accordingly, even if a part of the regenerated water enters the second air passage P2 , leakage into the air vent 121 does not occur.

A seal (not shown) having an elastic material is provided on either one of the protrusion 220 and the inclined portion 212 , and it is of course also possible for the seal to be in close contact with the protrusion 220 and the inclined portion 212 . .

9 is a cross-sectional view of an opening/closing unit according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Hereinafter, content overlapping with the previously described content will be omitted, and differences will be mainly described.

The opening/closing unit 170 according to the present embodiment may include a plurality of protrusion pieces 171 elastically deformed to selectively contact each other.

The plurality of protruding pieces 171 may protrude in an oblique direction toward each other toward the lower side from the periphery of the lower end of the air vent 121 . The plurality of protrusion pieces 171 may be disposed along the circumferential direction, and may be elastically deformed to spread apart or contact each other.

The plurality of protrusion pieces 171 are positioned inside the barrier 122 and may have a substantially conical shape when in contact with each other.

When the internal pressure of the housing 110 is lowered and a pressure difference occurs between the outside and the inside of the housing 110 , the plurality of protruding pieces 171 may be spread apart by the pressure difference to form a gap. Therefore, the outside air may be introduced into the inner space S1 of the housing 110 by sequentially passing through the air vent 121 and the gap. That is, the air vent 121 may be opened.

On the other hand, when the regenerated water penetrates into the barrier 122 , the regenerated water may apply hydraulic pressure to the plurality of protruding pieces 171 so that the plurality of protruding pieces 171 are in close contact with each other. Accordingly, the air vent 121 may be closed and the regeneration water may not leak into the air vent 121 .

The above description is merely illustrative of the technical spirit of the present invention, and various modifications and variations will be possible without departing from the essential characteristics of the present invention by those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains.

Accordingly, the embodiments disclosed in the present invention are not intended to limit the technical spirit of the present invention, but to explain, and the scope of the technical spirit of the present invention is not limited by these embodiments.

The protection scope of the present invention should be construed by the following claims, and all technical ideas within the scope equivalent thereto should be construed as being included in the scope of the present invention.

100: regeneration water detection sensor 110: housing
111: guide surface 120: cover
121: air vent 122: barrier
130: inlet pipe 140: outlet pipe
150: mounter 160: sensing bar
170: opening and closing part 171; protrusion
180: valve body 190: spring
200: sealing 210: body
220: protrusion

Claims (18)

As a regeneration water detection sensor for detecting regeneration water,
a housing having an open upper surface and an inner space;
an inlet pipe connected to the periphery of the housing and introducing the regeneration water into the inner space;
an outlet pipe connected to the lower part of the housing and for discharging the regeneration water from the inner space;
a sensing bar protruding through the housing into the inner space and sensing the regeneration water;
a cover covering the open upper surface of the housing;
an air vent formed through the cover;
a hollow-shaped barrier protruding downward from the cover into the inner space and communicating with the air vent; and
Regeneration water detection sensor including an opening and closing part at least a part of which is located in the barrier and opens and closes the air vent. The method of claim 1,
The inlet pipe is connected to one side of the housing,
The barrier is a regeneration water detection sensor located adjacent to the other side of the housing. The method of claim 1,
The inlet pipe is a regeneration water detection sensor facing the outer periphery of the barrier. The method of claim 1,
The inner diameter of the barrier is larger than the inner diameter of the air vent detection sensor. The method of claim 1,
The inner circumference of the housing is
It connects the inlet pipe and the outlet pipe, guides the flow of the regeneration water, and includes a guide surface formed obliquely in a direction in which the height is lowered toward the inside,
The sensing bar is a regeneration water detection sensor that protrudes into the inner space through the guide surface. 6. The method of claim 5,
The guide surface is formed to be wider toward the inner side of the regeneration water detection sensor. 6. The method of claim 5,
The guide surface includes an upper guide surface located upstream of the sensing bar in the flow direction of the regeneration water,
At least a portion of the upper guide surface, the regeneration water detection sensor is formed to become narrower toward the lower side. The method of claim 1,
The opening and closing part,
a valve body elevating between a first height at which the air vent is closed and a second height lower than the first height and at which the air vent is opened; and
and a spring that applies an elastic force to the valve body so that the valve body descends to the second height. 9. The method of claim 8,
The opening and closing part,
When the valve body is at the first height, the regeneration water detection sensor is closely attached between the cover and the valve body, and further includes a sealing provided on the cover or the valve body. 9. The method of claim 8,
The valve body is
a lower body located within the barrier;
an upper body located above the air vent, spaced apart from the upper side of the air vent if the valve body is at the first height, and hung around the upper end of the air vent if the valve body is at the second height; and
and a connection body connecting the lower body and the upper body through the air vent,
When the valve body is the second height, the regeneration water detection sensor through which air passes between the inner circumference of the air vent and the outer circumference of the connection body. 11. The method of claim 10,
An extended portion extending outward of the radius is formed at the lower end of the lower body,
The spring surrounds the outer periphery of the lower body and the regeneration water detection sensor for pressing the extension downwardly. The method of claim 1,
The opening and closing part,
a body fixed so that at least a portion thereof is positioned within the barrier; and
and a protrusion that protrudes from the periphery of the lower end of the air vent toward the lower side in a direction closer to the main body, and selectively contacts the main body to open and close the air vent. 13. The method of claim 12,
The body is
a lower body located within the barrier;
an upper body fixed to an upper side of the air vent; and
and a connection body connecting the lower body and the upper body through the air vent and the protrusion,
When the protrusion is spaced apart from the main body, the regeneration water detection sensor through which air passes between the inner circumference of the air vent and the outer circumference of the connection body. 14. The method of claim 13,
The lower body,
an inclined portion connected to the connection body and having a diameter increasing toward the lower side; and
Including an extension extending downward from the inclined portion,
The protrusion is a regeneration water detection sensor that protrudes toward the inclined portion. 14. The method according to claim 10 or 13,
A depression is formed in the lower body by a predetermined depth upward from the lower end,
The inlet of the recessed portion is formed to have an inner diameter that becomes smaller toward the upper side of the regeneration water detection sensor. 14. The method according to claim 10 or 13,
A regeneration water detection sensor in which the upper body is seated and a seating groove communicating with the air vent is formed in the cover. The method of claim 1,
The opening and closing part,
and a plurality of protruding pieces protruding from the periphery of the lower end of the air vent in an inclined direction that are closer to each other and elastically deformed to selectively contact each other to open and close the air vent. an electric deionization filter operating in a first mode in which ions are adsorbed or a second mode in which adsorbed ions are removed;
a main flow path through which soft water from which ions have been removed by the filter flows in the first mode;
a drain passage through which regeneration water containing ions adsorbed to the filter is discharged in the second mode; and
and a regeneration water detection sensor provided in the drain passage,
The regeneration water detection sensor,
a housing having an open upper surface and an inner space;
an inlet pipe connected to the periphery of the housing and introducing the regeneration water into the inner space;
an outlet pipe connected to the lower part of the housing and for discharging the regeneration water from the inner space;
a sensing bar protruding through the housing into the inner space and sensing the regeneration water;
a cover covering the open upper surface of the housing;
an air vent formed through the cover;
a hollow-shaped barrier protruding downward from the cover into the inner space and communicating with the air vent; and
An ion removal device including an opening/closing part at least a portion of which is located in the barrier and opens and closes the air vent.

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