WATER PURIFIER

A water purifier comprises: an RO filter including a non-filtration part, a filtration part, and a reverse osmosis membrane for filtering the raw water into the purified water; purified water and raw water storages; a flow channel through which the raw water and the purified water flow; valve modules selectively opened or closed to adjust the flow of the raw water and the purified water; a sterilization module for sterilizing the raw water from the non-filtration part; and a controller controlling the opening/closing of the valve modules and the sterilization module based on flow modes. In a flushing mode for cleaning the reverse osmosis membrane using the purified water, the controller opens/closes the valve modules so that the purified water flows into the non-filtration part and flushing discharge water from the non-filtration part flows toward the raw water storage, and drives the sterilization module to sterilize the flushing discharge water.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a water purifier.

BACKGROUND ART

In general, a water purifier is a device that receives raw water from a raw water source such as tap water, filters the raw water into purified water through a filter provided therein, and then provides the purified water to a user. In addition, the purified water can be provided to the user as cold water cooled below a predetermined temperature or hot water heated above a predetermined temperature.

Such a conventional water purifier may include a raw water tank for storing raw water, a reverse osmosis filter (RO filter) for filtering the raw water, and a storage tank for storing purified water filtered by the RO filter. The RO filter may include a non-filtration part in which raw water is introduced, a reverse osmosis membrane capable of filtering the raw water, and a filtration part in which purified water filtered by the reverse osmosis membrane is received. In other words, some of the raw water is filtered by the reverse osmosis membrane to be purified water and received in the filtration part, and the remaining raw water unfiltered may become concentrate water containing impurities to be received in the non-filtration part.

Meanwhile, water purifiers are usually connected to water pipes, but in cases where connection to a water pipe is difficult or the water purifier needs to be portable, an install-free water purifier which includes a water supply tank that stores raw water and does not require connection to a water pipe is used. In other words, the install-free water purifier does not receive raw water directly from a water pipe, but receive raw water from the water supply tank. Further, there is a problem that the longer the raw water remains in the water supply tank, the more contaminated the raw water may become.

In this regard, Korean Patent Application Publication No. 10-2016-0005319 entitled “Water purifier capable of recycling domestic water” (Patent Reference 1) of the present applicant discloses a water purifier including a water supply tank for storing raw water and domestic water, a reverse osmosis filter section for filtering raw water and discharging domestic water, and a purified water tank for storing purified water filtered by the reverse osmosis filter section.

However, the raw water in the water supply tank of Patent Document 1 is filtered into purified water by the reverse osmosis filter section to be supplied to the purified water tank only when the water level in the purified water tank becomes low and it is necessary to replenish the purified water, so the raw water in the water supply tank and the purified water in the purified water tank are not circulated separately. In other words, when the water level in the purified water tank is maintained for a long time, the raw water and the purified water are stored in the water supply tank and the purified water tank for a long time and may become contaminated.

In addition, the domestic water in Patent Document 1 contains impurities, which may further contaminate the raw water in the water supply tank when the domestic water flows into the water supply tank.

Further, Korean Patent Application Publication No. 10-2013-0077383 entitled “Water purifier” of the present applicant (Patent Document 2) discloses a water purifier including a filter part that purifies water through reverse osmosis, a main tank that stores purified water that has passed through the filter part, and a water supply tank that supplies water to be purified and stores domestic water discharged from the filter part.

However, the water in the water supply tank of Patent Document 2 is filtered by a reverse osmosis filter part to be supplied to the main tank as purified water only when the main tank needs to be replenished with purified water, so the water in the water supply tank and the purified water in the purified water tank are not separately circulated. In other words, when there is no need to replenish the purified water in the main tank, the water and the purified water are stored in the water supply tank and the main tank in a stagnant state for a long time and may become contaminated.

Furthermore, the domestic water in Patent Document 2 contains impurities, which may further contaminate the raw water in the water supply tank when the domestic water flows in the water supply tank.

PRIOR ART DOCUMENT

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION

Technical Problems

In view of the above, one embodiment of the present disclosure provides a water purifier capable of allowing raw water stored in a raw water storage unit and purified water stored in a purified water storage unit to be circulated.

Further, one embodiment of the present disclosure provides a water purifier capable of preventing contamination of the raw water in the raw water storage unit when the raw water is circulated in the water purifier.

Furthermore, one embodiment of the present disclosure provides a water purifier capable of cleaning a filter member.

Technical Solution

In accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a water purifier comprising: an RO filter including a non-filtration part into which raw water flows, a filtration part which discharges purified water, and a reverse osmosis membrane that partitions the non-filtration part and the filtration part and filters the raw water into the purified water; a purified water storage unit for storing the purified water; a raw water storage unit for storing the raw water; a flow channel that provides a passage through which the raw water and the purified water flow; a valve unit including one or more valve modules selectively opened and closed to control the flow of the raw water and the purified water in the flow channel; a sterilization module for sterilizing the raw water discharged from the non-filtration part; and a controller for controlling the opening/closing of the valve modules and controlling the sterilization module based on a plurality of flow modes, wherein the plurality of flow modes includes a flushing mode for flushing the reverse osmosis membrane with the purified water from the purified water storage unit, and in the flushing mode, the controller opens/closes the one or more valve modules such that the purified water discharged from the purified water storage unit flows into the non-filtration part and flushing discharge water discharged from the non-filtration part flows toward the raw water storage unit, and drives the sterilization module to sterilize the flushing discharge water.

Further, the water purifier may further comprise: a filter module including a pre-treatment filter for pre-treating the raw water supplied to the RO filter, wherein the plurality of flow modes may further include a raw water sterilization mode for sterilizing the raw water stored in the raw water storage unit, and in the raw water sterilization mode, the controller may open/close the one or more valve modules such that the raw water flows into the non-filtration part through the pre-treatment filter and the raw water discharged from the non-filtration part flows into the raw water storage unit, and drives the sterilization module.

Further, the controller may open/close the one or more valve modules such that the purified water discharged from the filtration part flows into the purified water storage unit in the raw water sterilization mode.

Further, the plurality of flow modes may further include a purified water circulation mode in which the purified water stored in the purified water storage unit circulates through the flow channel, and in the purified water circulation mode, the controller may open/close the one or more valve modules such that the purified water stored in the purified water storage unit and the raw water stored in the raw water storage unit flow into the non-filtration part, and the purified water discharged from the filtration part flows into the purified water storage unit.

Further, in the purified water circulation mode, the raw water may be discharged from the non-filtration part and may flow into the raw water storage unit, and the controller may drive the sterilization module in the purified water circulation mode.

Further, the water purifier may further comprise: a filter module including a post-treatment filter for post-treating the purified water discharged from the filtration part, wherein the purified water may flow into the purified water storage unit through the post-treatment filter in the purified water circulation mode.

Further, the flow channel may include: an RO filter inlet passage which communicates with the raw water storage unit and provides a passage for either the raw water or the purified water to flow into the RO filter; a purified water supply passage which is joined to the RO filter inlet passage and provides a passage for the purified water discharged from the purified water storage unit to flow into the RO filter inlet passage; a circulation passage which provides a passage for the raw water discharged from the non-filtration part to flow into the raw water storage unit and communicates with the raw water storage unit; and a purified water storage passage which provides a passage for the purified water discharged from the filtration part to flow into the purified water storage unit, and the sterilization module may be disposed in the circulation passage.

Further, the purified water storage unit and the raw water storage unit may be formed separately from each other.

Further, the purified water storage unit and the raw water storage unit may be integrally formed.

In accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a water purifier comprising: a filter member including an inlet through which raw water is introduced, a first filtration part for filtering the raw water introduced through the inlet to provide first filtrated water, a second filtration part for re-filtering the first filtrated water to provide second filtrated water, a first outlet for outputting the first filtered water, and a second outlet for outputting the second filtered water; a raw water storage unit that stores the raw water; a flow channel providing a passage through which the raw water, the first filtered water, and the second filtered water flow; a valve unit including one or more valve modules that are selectively opened/closed to control the flow of the raw water, the first filtered water, and the second filtered water in the flow channel; a sterilization module for sterilizing the first filtered water output from the first outlet and the second filtered water output from the second outlet; and a controller for controlling the opening/closing of the valve module based on a plurality of flow modes and controlling the sterilization module, wherein the plurality of flow modes include a raw water sterilization mode for sterilizing the raw water of the raw water storage unit, the controller opens/closes the one or more valve modules in the raw water sterilization mode such that the raw water discharged from the raw water storage unit flows into the first filtration part through the inlet, and the first filtrated water output from the first outlet flows into the raw water storage unit via the sterilization module, and the sterilization module sterilizes the first filtered water in the raw water sterilization mode.

The plurality of flow modes include a filter cleaning mode for cleaning the filter member, the controller may open/close the one or more valve modules in the filter cleaning mode such that the raw water discharged from the raw water storage unit flows into the inlet, and the second filtered water output from the second outlet flows toward the raw water storage unit, and the sterilization module may sterilize the second filtered water in the filter cleaning mode.

The water purifier may further comprise: a pump unit for pressurizing the raw water into the inlet, and the pump unit may pressurize the raw water with a predetermined first pressing force so that the raw water flows through the inlet into the first filtration part in the raw water sterilization mode, and pressurize the raw water with a predetermined second pressing force so that the raw water passes through the first filtration part through the inlet and flows into the second filtration part in the filter cleaning mode, the second pressing force being greater than the first pressing force.

The flow channel may include: a filter inlet passage connected to the raw water storage unit and the inlet to provide a passage for the raw water to flow between the raw water storage unit and the inlet; and a circulation passage connected to the first outlet and the raw water storage unit to provide a passage for the first filtered water output from the first outlet to flow into the raw water storage unit, and the sterilization module may be provided in the circulation passage.

The flow channel may further include: a flow passage joined to the circulation passage to provide a passage for the second filtered water output from the second outlet to flow, a portion where the flow passage and the circulation passage are joined may be located between the first outlet and the sterilization module on the circulation passage, and the second filtered water flowing in the flow passage may flow to the raw water storage unit through the circulation passage.

The first filtration part may include a nanotrap filter or an electrostatic filter, and the second filtration part may include a carbon filter.

Effect of Invention

According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, raw water can be circulated in the raw water sterilization mode, so that the raw water can be managed efficiently, and purified water can be circulated in the purified water circulation mode, so that purified water can be managed efficiently.

In addition, since the raw water can be sterilized by the sterilization module, it is possible to prevent contamination of the raw water in the raw water storage unit.

Further, the flushing discharge water or the raw water can be sterilized by the sterilization module in the flushing mode, the raw water sterilization mode, and the purified water circulation mode, thereby preventing the raw water in the raw water storage unit from being contaminated.

Furthermore, the filter member can be cleaned in the filter cleaning mode, thereby keeping the filter member used clean.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Hereinafter, specific embodiments for implementing the technical ideas of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

In addition, in describing the present disclosure, when it is determined that a detailed description of the relevant known configuration or function may obscure the main idea of the present disclosure, the detailed description thereof will be omitted.

Further, when a component is mentioned to be “connected,” “supplied,” or “flowing” to another component, it should be understood that it may be directly connected to, supported by, supplied to, or flowing to another component, but there may be other components therebetween.

The terms used in the present specification are used merely to describe the specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. Singular expressions include the plural unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

Further, in the present specification, it should be noted that expressions such as upper, lower, side, and the like are described with reference to the drawings and may be expressed differently when the orientation of the subject matter is changed. Similarly, in the accompanying drawings, some components are exaggerated, omitted, or shown schematically, and the dimensions of each component do not necessarily reflect actual dimensions.

Furthermore, the terms containing ordinal numbers, such as first, second, etc., may be used to describe various components, but the components are not limited by such terms. These terms are used only to distinguish one component from another.

The meaning of “include” used in the present specification is intended to specify certain features, areas, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, and is not intended to exclude the existence or the addition of other specific features, areas, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups.

Hereinafter, a water purifier1according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings.

Referring toFIG.1, the water purifier1according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure can provide clean water to a user by filtering water. For example, the water purifier1may filter water that is pre-stored therein. The water purifier1may control the flow of water in the water purifier1based on a plurality of flow modes. Further, the water purifier1may be an install-free water purifier that does not require a connection to a water pipe. The water purifier1may include an RO filter100, a purified water storage unit200, a raw water storage unit300, a flow channel400, a valve unit500, a sterilization module600, a pump unit700, a filter module800, and a controller900.

The RO filter100is a reverse osmosis filter, and may filter some of raw water flowing therein to be provided as purified water. Raw water is defined herein as water that is not filtered by the RO filter100, regardless of whether it is filtered by a pre-treatment filter810to be described later of the filter module800, and purified water is defined as water that is filtered by the RO filter100, regardless of whether it is filtered by a post-treatment filter820to be described later of the filter module800. In addition, flushing water may be defined as purified water stored in the purified water storage unit200for flushing of the RO filter100. Further, flushing discharge water is defined as water that has been introduced into the RO filter100to flush the RO filter100.

The RO filter100may include a reverse osmosis membrane110, a non-filtration part120, a filtration part130, a filter inlet140, a purified water outlet150, and a raw water outlet160.

The reverse osmosis membrane110may partition the non-filtration part120and the filtration part130and filter the raw water into purified water. In other words, some of the raw water flowing into the RO filter100may be filtered by the reverse osmosis membrane110and discharged as purified water through the purified water outlet150, while the remaining raw water that has not passed through the reverse osmosis membrane110may be discharged through the raw water outlet160.

The non-filtration part120is a space which is connected to the filter inlet140and in which at least one of raw water (in a raw water sterilization mode and a water circulation mode) and purified water (in a flushing mode and a water circulation mode) introduced through the filter inlet140is received. In addition, the non-filtration part120may communicate with the raw water outlet160. Impurities contained in the raw water may not pass through the reverse osmosis membrane110and may accumulate in the non-filtration part120. The raw water containing impurities that have accumulated in the non-filtration part120may be discharged to the outside of the RO filter100through the raw water outlet160. While a significant amount of the impurities introduced into the RO filter100are discharged to the outside of the RO filter100through the discharge of the raw water, some impurities may be adsorbed by the reverse osmosis membrane110and may not be discharged when the raw water is discharged. The impurities adsorbed on the reverse osmosis membrane110may be flushed out through the purified water flowing into the non-filtration part120and separated from the reverse osmosis membrane110. In other words, the non-filtration part120and the reverse osmosis membrane110may be cleaned by purified water flowing into the non-filtration part120.

The filtration part130is a space in which the purified water filtered by the reverse osmosis membrane110is received. In addition, the filtration part130may communicate with the purified water outlet150, and the purified water in the filtration part130may be discharged to the outside of the RO filter100through the purified water outlet150.

The filter inlet140is an aperture for allowing the non-filtration part120to communicate with the RO filter inlet passage410of the flow channel400. Purified water or raw water flowing in the RO filter inlet passage410may be introduced into the non-filtration part120through the filter inlet140.

The purified water outlet150is an aperture for discharging purified water filtered through the reverse osmosis membrane110to the outside of the RO filter100. The purified water from the filtration part130may be discharged through the purified water outlet150into a purified water storage passage440to be described later of the flow channel400.

The raw water outlet160is an aperture for discharging raw water received in the non-filtration part120to a circulation channel430to be described later of the flow channel400. In addition, the raw water outlet160may discharge flushing discharge water such that flushing discharge water flushing the reverse osmosis membrane110and the non-filtration part120flows into the circulation channel430. In other words, raw water or flushing water may be discharged through the raw water outlet160into the circulation channel430.

The purified water storage unit200may store purified water. The purified water may be discharged out of the water purifier1and provided to the user. Further, the purified water stored in the purified water storage unit200may be provided to the non-filtration part120of the RO filter100as flushing water through the RO filter inlet passage410of the flow channel400.

The raw water storage unit300may store raw water. The raw water may be provided to the RO filter100through the RO filter inlet passage410of the flow channel400. Further, the raw water storage unit300and the purified water storage unit200may be formed separately from each other. In other words, the raw water storage unit300and the purified water storage unit200may be spaced apart from each other. Furthermore, the raw water storage unit300is not connected to a water pipe.

The flow channel400may provide a passageway for raw water and purified water to flow. The raw water and the purified water may flow between the purified water storage unit200, the raw water storage unit300, and the RO filter100through the flow channel400. Further, the flow channel400may include an RO filter inlet passage410, a purified water supply passage420, a circulation passage430, a purified water storage passage440, and a purified water discharge passage450.

The RO filter inlet passage410may provide a passage for introducing water into the non-filtration part120of the RO filter100. The water flowing in the RO filter inlet passage410may be determined to be either raw water or purified water depending on the flow mode (flushing mode, raw water sterilization mode, purified water circulation mode, purified water discharge mode). The RO filter inlet passage410may communicate with the raw water storage unit300and the filter inlet140of the RO filter100. For example, the RO filter inlet passage410may be disposed between the raw water storage unit300and the non-filtration part120of the RO filter100. Further, the RO filter inlet passage410may be divided into a flow path connected to the raw water storage unit300and the filter module800and a flow path connected to the filter module800and the RO filter100.

The purified water supply passage420may provide a passage through which purified water discharged from the purified water storage unit200flows. The purified water supply passage420may communicate with the purified water storage unit200and may be connected to the RO filter inlet passage410. In other words, purified water flowing in the purified water supply passage420may flow into the RO filter inlet passage410. For example, the purified water supply passage420may be disposed between the purified water storage unit200and the RO filter inlet passage410. In the present embodiment, the purified water supply passage420is described as being connected to the RO filter inlet passage410, but it may also be directly connected to the filter module800or directly connected to the filter inlet140.

The circulation passage430may provide a passage through which raw water or flushing discharge water discharged from the non-filtration part120of the RO filter100flows. In addition, the circulation passage430may communicate with the raw water storage unit300and the raw water outlet160of the RO filter100. Raw water or flushing discharge water flowing in the circulation passage430may flow to the raw water storage unit300.

The purified water storage passage440may provide a passage through which purified water discharged from the RO filter100flows. The purified water storage passage440may communicate with the purified water storage unit200and the purified water outlet150of the RO filter100. In other words, purified water flowing in the purified water storage passage440may flow to the purified water storage unit200.

The purified water discharge passage450may provide a passage for discharging purified water from the purified water storage unit200to the outside of the water purifier1. The purified water discharge passage450may communicate with the purified water storage unit200. In other words, purified water discharged from the purified water storage unit200may be discharged to the outside of the purifier1through the purified water discharge passage450.

The valve unit500may include one or more valve modules that are selectively opened and closed to control the flow of raw water and purified water in the flow channel400. For example, when the flow channel400includes the RO filter inlet passage410, the purified water supply passage420, the circulation passage430, the purified water storage passage440, and the purified water discharge passage450as described above, the valve unit500may open and close each flow path included in the flow channel400to control the flow of water. The one or more valve modules may be a three-way valve provided at points where the flows are branched or jointed for flow of the raw water and the purified water, as shown inFIG.1, but the idea of the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and a general opening/closing valve may be provided in each passage. The one or more valve modules may include a first valve module510.

The first valve module510may open/close the purified water supply passage420so that raw water flows into the RO filter100or purified water flows into the RO filter inlet passage410. In other words, the first valve module510may close the purified water supply channel420to prevent water from flowing from the RO filter inlet passage410into the purified water supply passage420and to prevent purified water from flowing into the RO filter inlet passage410. In addition, the first valve module510may open the purified water supply passage420to allow purified water flowing in the purified water supply passage420to flow into the RO filter100. For example, the first valve module510may be a three-way valve disposed at the point where the RO filter inlet passage410and the purified water supply passage420are joined.

The sterilization module600may sterilize raw water or flushing discharge water discharged from the non-filtration part120and flowing in the circulation passage430. In other words, the sterilization module600may be disposed in the circulation passage430. The sterilization module600may provide sterilizing substances to raw water or flushing discharge water or sterilize the raw water or flushing discharge water through electrolysis.

The pump unit700may pressurize the raw water to pass through the reverse osmosis membrane110, and pressurize the purified water to the RO filter100or to the outside. The pump unit700may include a first pump710and a second pump720.

The first pump710may pressurize one or more of raw water and purified water flowing in the RO filter inlet passage410to the RO filter100. In addition, the first pump710may be connected to the RO filter inlet passage410to pressurize raw water and purified water. The first pump710may be provided between the first valve module510and the pre-treatment filter810or between the pre-treatment filter810and the RO filter100in the RO filter inlet passage410.

The second pump720may pressurize the purified water flowing in the purified water discharge passage450to flow out of the water purifier1. The second pump720may be provided in the purified water discharge passage450.

The filter module800may additionally filter raw water or purified water flowing inside the water purifier1. In other words, the filter module800may pre-treat raw water or purified water flowing into the RO filter100, or post-treat the purified water discharged from the RO filter100. The filter module800may include a pre-treatment filter810and a post-treatment filter820.

The pre-treatment filter810may filter raw water or purified water flowing in the RO filter inlet passage410before it flows into the RO filter100. For example, the pre-treatment filter810may be a carbon filter containing granular activated carbon for filtering raw water or purified water. The pre-treatment filter810may be connected to the RO filter inlet passage410. For example, the pre-treatment filter810may be connected to the RO filter inlet passage410to be located between the first valve module510and the RO filter100.

The post-treatment filter820may filter purified water flowing in the purified water storage passage440before it flows into the purified water storage unit200. For example, the post-treatment filter820may be a carbon filter containing granular activated carbon for filtering raw water or purified water. The post-treatment filter820may be connected to the purified water storage passage440. In addition, the post-treatment filter820and the pre-treatment filter810may be formed as one integrated filter.

The controller900may control the opening/closing of one or more valve modules based on a plurality of flow modes. The controller900may be implemented by a computing device including a microprocessor, a memory, etc., and since the implementation method is obvious to those skilled in the art, further detailed description thereof will be omitted. The plurality of flow modes may include a flushing mode, a raw water sterilization mode, a purified water circulation mode, and a purified water discharge mode.

The flushing mode will be described with reference toFIG.2. The flushing mode is a mode in which the reverse osmosis membrane110can be cleaned with purified water from the purified water storage unit200. In the flushing mode, the controller900may control the passage opening/closing of one or more valve modules such that the purified water discharged from the purified water storage unit200flows into the not-filtration part120of the RO filter100, and the flushing discharge water discharged from the not-filtration part120flows to the raw water storage unit300. In other words, in the flushing mode, the controller900may control the first valve module510to open the RO filter inlet passage410and the purified water supply passage420. In addition, in the flushing mode, purified water may flow into the non-filtration part120via the pre-treatment filter810.

Further, in the flushing mode, the controller900may drive the sterilization module600to sterilize the flushing discharge water discharged from the non-filtration part120. In other words, in the flushing mode, sterilized flushing discharge water may flow into the raw water storage unit300.

In addition, in the flushing mode, the first pump710may pressurize purified water flowing in the RO filter inlet passage410to the RO filter100.

The raw water sterilization mode will be described with reference toFIG.3. The raw water sterilization mode is a mode for sterilizing the raw water stored in the raw water storage unit300. In the raw water sterilization mode, the controller900may open/close one or more valve modules such that raw water flows into the non-filtration part120and raw water discharged from the non-filtration part120flows into the raw water storage unit300. In other words, in the raw water sterilization mode, the controller900may control the first valve module510to close the purified water supply passage420. In addition, in the raw water sterilization mode, raw water may flow into the non-filtration part120via the pre-treatment filter810.

Further, in the raw water sterilization mode, the controller900may drive the sterilization module600to sterilize the raw water discharged from the non-filtration part120. In other words, in the raw water sterilization mode, the raw water stored in the raw water storage unit300may be sterilized by the sterilization module600and stored in the raw water storage unit300again.

In addition, in the raw water sterilization mode, the first pump710may pressurize the raw water flowing in the RO filter inlet passage410to the RO filter100.

The purified water circulation mode will be described with reference toFIG.4. The purified water circulation mode is a mode in which purified water stored in the purified water storage unit200is circulated through the flow channel400. In the purified water circulation mode, the controller900may open/close one or more valve modules such that the purified water stored in the purified water storage unit200and the raw water stored in the raw water storage unit300flow into the non-filtration part120, the purified water discharged from the filtration part130flows into the purified water storage unit200, and the raw water discharged from the non-filtration part120is stored in the raw water storage unit300. In other words, in the purified water circulation mode, the controller900may control the first valve module510to open the RO filter inlet passage410and the purified water supply passage420. In addition, in the purified water circulation mode, the raw water discharged from the raw water storage unit300and the purified water discharged from the purified water storage unit200may flow into the non-filtration part120via the pre-treatment filter810, and the purified water discharged from the filtration part130may flow into the purified water storage unit200via the post-treatment filter820.

Further, in the purified water circulation mode, the controller900may drive the sterilization module600to sterilize the raw water discharged from the non-filtration part120. In other words, in the purified water circulation mode, sterilized raw water may flow into the purified water storage unit200.

In addition, in the purified water circulation mode, the first pump710may pressurize the purified water and the raw water flowing in the RO filter inlet passage410to the RO filter100.

Hereinafter, the purified water discharge mode will be described. The purified water discharge mode is a mode in which purified water stored in the purified water storage unit200is discharged to the outside of the water purifier1. In the purified water discharge mode, the controller900may control one or more valve modules such that the purified water in the purified water storage unit200is discharged to the outside through the purified water discharge passage450.

In addition, in the purified water discharge mode, the second pump720may pressurize the purified water flowing in the purified water discharge passage450to flow out of the water purifier1.

Hereinafter, the operation and effects of the water purifier1according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.

The water purifier1according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure can flow raw water and purified water based on a plurality of flow modes, as described below.

In the flushing mode, the reverse osmosis membrane110is cleaned with purified water, thereby preventing impurities from being adsorbed on the reverse osmosis membrane110of the RO filter100. In addition, flushing discharge water containing impurities may be sterilized by the sterilization module600and flow into the raw water storage unit300, thereby preventing raw water from being contaminated.

In addition, in the raw water sterilization mode, raw water may be circulated through the raw water storage unit300, the pre-treatment filter810, the RO filter100, and the raw water storage unit300sequentially, and sterilized by the sterilization module600, so that the raw water in the raw water storage unit300can be prevented from being contaminated. In other words, even when the raw water storage unit300is provided to an install-free water purifier that does not require connection to a water pipe and raw water is not supplied through a water pipe, the raw water in the raw water storage unit300can be circulated and sterilized.

In addition, in the purified water circulation mode, purified water may be circulated through the purified water storage unit200, the pre-treatment filter810, the RO filter100, the post-treatment filter820, and the purified water storage unit200sequentially, so that purified water in the purified water storage unit200can be prevented from being contaminated. Further, in the purified water circulation mode, at least some of the raw water can be filtered into purified water by the RO filter100to flow into the purified water storage unit200, so that purified water can be supplied to the purified water storage unit200.

Hereinafter, with reference toFIGS.5to7, a water purifier1according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.

In describing the second embodiment, there are difference compared to the above-described embodiments in that the purified water storage unit200and the raw water storage unit300may be integrally formed, the purified water discharge passage450may be connected to the purified water storage passage440, and the valve unit500may further include a second valve module520and a third valve module530, and these differences will be mainly explained, and the same description and reference numerals refer to the above-described embodiments.

Referring toFIG.5, the purified water storage unit200and the raw water storage unit300may be partitioned by a partition wall formed in one tank unit, but the present disclosure is not necessarily limited thereto. The RO filter inlet passage410, the purified water supply passage420, and the purified water storage passage440may be connected to the one tank unit.

The second valve module520may open/close the purified water discharge passage450such that purified water discharged from the purified water storage unit200is discharged to the outside of the water purifier1or purified water to be discharged from the RO filter100flows into the purified water storage unit200. In other words, the second valve module520may open the purified water discharge channel450to allow purified water discharged from the purified water storage unit200to flow into the purified water discharge channel450. In additional, the second valve module520may close the purified water discharge channel450to prevent purified water discharged from the RO filter100from flowing into the purified water discharge channel450. For example, the second valve module520may be a three-way valve provided at the point where the purified water storage passage440and the purified water discharge passage450are joined.

The third valve module530may open/close the purified water supply passage420and the purified water storage passage440. In other words, the third valve module530may open the purified water storage passage440and close the purified water supply passage420to allow purified water discharged from the purified water storage unit200to flow into the purified water supply passage420or to allow purified water discharged from the RO filter100to flow into the purified water storage unit200. In addition, the third valve module530may open the purified water supply passage420and close the purified water storage passage440to allow purified water to be discharged from the purified water storage unit200to flow into the purified water supply passage420. For example, the third valve module530may be a three-way valve simultaneously connected to the purified water storage unit200, the purified water supply passage420, and the purified water storage passage440.

Further, referring toFIG.6, in the raw water sterilization mode, the controller900may open/close one or more valve modules such that purified water discharged from the RO filter100flows into the purified water storage unit200. In other words, in the raw water sterilization mode, the controller900may control the second valve module520and the third valve module530to close the purified water supply passage420and the purified water discharge passage450and open the purified water storage passage440.

In addition, referring toFIG.7, in the flushing mode, the controller900may open/close one or more valve modules such that purified water discharged from the purified water storage unit200flows into the RO filter100. In other words, in the flushing mode, the controller900may control the second valve module520and the third valve module530to close the purified water storage passage440and open the purified water supply passage420.

Further, in the purified water discharge mode, the controller900may open and close one or more valve modules such that the purified water discharged from the purified water storage unit200is discharged to the outside of the water purifier1. In other words, in the purified water discharge mode, the controller900may control the second valve module520and the third valve module530to open the purified water storage passage440and the purified water discharge passage450and close the purified water supply passage420.

Hereinafter, the operation and effects of the water purifier1according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.

In the water purifier1according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure, purified water discharged from the RO filter100can flow to the purified water storage unit200in the raw water sterilization mode, so the purified water to be used in the flushing mode can be supplied to the purified water storage unit200. In addition, since raw water and purified water can be circulated through the raw water sterilization mode and flushing mode, it is possible to prevent the purified water in the purified water storage unit200and the raw water in the raw water storage unit300from being contaminated.

Hereinafter, with reference toFIGS.8to11, a water purifier1according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.

Referring toFIG.8, the water purifier1according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure can provide clean water to the user by filtering water. For example, the water purifier1can filter water previously stored therein. In addition, the water purifier1may be an install-free water purifier that does not require connection to a water pipe. The water purifier1may include a filter member1100, a raw water storage unit1200, a flow channel1300, a valve unit1400, a sterilization module1500, a pump unit1600, and a controller1700.

The filter member1100can filter incoming raw water. This filter member1100may include an inlet1110, a first filtration part1120, a second filtering part1130, a first outlet1140, and a second outlet1150.

The inlet1110is an aperture for allowing the first filtration part1120to communicate with a filter inlet passage1310to be described later of the flow channel1300. Raw water flowing in the filter inlet passage1310may flow into the first filtration part1120through the inlet1110.

The first filtration part1120may filter raw water introduced through the inlet1110to provide first filtered water. In addition, the first filtration part1120may communicate with the first outlet1140. By the first filtration part1120, the first filtered water may flow into the second filtration part1130or be discharged through the first outlet1140. For example, the first filtration part1120may include a nanotrap filter or an electrostatic filter. The electrostatic filter may be made of an electrostatic material to adsorb foreign substances contained in the inflowing water. For example, the material may be a nanotrap material.

The second filtration part1130may re-filter the first filtered water to provide second filtered water. In addition, the second filtration part1130may communicate with the second discharge port. By the second filtration part1130, the second filtered water may be discharged through the second outlet1150. For example, the second filtration part1130may include a carbon filter. The carbon filter may be a carbon block made by solidifying carbon powder into a cylindrical or polygonal shape.

The first filtration part1120and the second filtration part1130may be formed as one component, but are not limited thereto. In other words, the first filtration part1120and the second filtration part1130may be formed as separate components, and the filter member1100is not limited to a single filter.

The first outlet1140is an aperture for allowing the first filtration part1120to communicate with a circulation passage1430to be described later of the flow channel1300. The first filtered water may flow into the circulation passage1430through the first outlet1140.

The second outlet1150is an aperture for allowing the second filtration part1130to communicate with an output passage1340to be described later of the flow channel1300. The second filtered water may flow into the output passage1340through the second outlet1150.

The raw water storage unit1200may provide a space for storing raw water. The raw water may be provided to the filter member1100through the filter inlet passage1310of the flow channel1300. In additionally, the raw water storage unit1200may not be connected to a water pipe.

The flow channel1300may provide a passage through which raw water, first filtered water, and second filtered water flow. The raw water, first filtered water, and second filtered water may flow between the filter member1100, the raw water storage unit1200, and the sterilization module1500through the flow channel1300. In addition, the flow channel1300may include a filter inlet passage1310, a circulation passage1320, a flow passage1330, a output passage1340, and a discharge passage1350.

The filter inlet passage1310may provide a passage for raw water to flow between the raw water storage unit1200and the inlet1110of the filter member1100. The filter inlet passage1310may communicate with the raw water storage unit1200and the inlet1110of the filter member1100. For example, the filter inlet passage1310may be disposed between the raw water storage unit1200and the filter member1100. Raw water may flow from the raw water storage unit1200toward the inlet1110of the filter member1100through the filter inlet passage1310.

The circulation passage1320may provide a passage through which at least one of the first filtered water and the second filtered water may flow. The circulation passage1430may communicate with the first outlet1140and the raw water storage portion1200. In addition, the circulation passage1430may be joined with the flow passage1330. At least one of the first filtered water and the second filtered water may flow into the raw water storage unit1200through the circulation passage1430.

The flow passage1330may provide a passage through which the second filtered water may flow. The flow passage1330may be connected to the output passage1340and the circulation passage1430. For example, the flow passage1330may be disposed between the output passage1340and the circulation passage1430. The second filtered water may flow into the circulation passage1430through the flow passage1330.

The output passage1340may provide a passage through which the second filtered water output from the second outlet1150may flow. The output passage1340may communicate with the second outlet1150and may be joined with the flow passage1330. The second filtered water output from the second outlet1150may flow into the flow passage1330through the output passage1340. In addition, the portion where the output passage1340and the flow passage1330are joined may be located between the first outlet1140and the sterilization module1500on the circulation passage1430.

The discharge passage1350may provide a passage for discharging the second filtered water to the outside. The discharge passage1350may be connected to the output passage1340so that the second filtered water discharged from the output passage1340may flow in the discharge passage1350. The second filtered water may be discharged to the outside through the discharge passage1350.

The valve unit1400may include one or more valve modules that are selectively opened/closed to control the flow of raw water, first filtered water, and second filtered water in the flow channel1300. For example, the valve module may be provided on the first outlet1140to selectively open/close the first outlet1140. In other words, when the valve module is opened, the first filtered water can be discharged from the first outlet1140, and when the valve module is closed, the second filtered water can be discharged from the second outlet1150.

The sterilization module1500can sterilize the first filtered water output from the first outlet1140and the second filtered water output from the second outlet1150. In addition, the sterilization module1500may be disposed in the circulation passage1430. In other words, the sterilization module1500can sterilize the first filtered water and the second filtered water flowing in the circulation passage1430. The sterilization module1500can sterilize the first filtered water and the second filtered water by providing sterilizing substances to the first filtered water and the second filtered water or through electrolysis.

The pump unit1600can pressurize raw water to flow into the filter member1100. In addition, the pump unit1600may pressurize the first filtered water toward the first outlet1140or the second filtration part1130, or pressurize the second filtered water toward the second outlet1150. The pump unit1600may be provided in the filter inlet passage1310.

The controller1700may control the opening/closing of one or more valve modules based on a plurality of flow modes, and control the sterilization module1500. The plurality of flow modes may include a raw water sterilization mode, a filter cleaning mode, and a purified water discharge mode.

Referring further toFIG.9, the raw water sterilization mode is a mode for sterilizing raw water in the raw water storage unit1200. In the raw water sterilization mode, the controller1700may control the opening/closing of one or more valve modules such that the raw water discharged from the raw water storage unit1200flows into the first filtration part1120through the inlet1110and the first filtered water output from the first outlet1140flows to the raw water storage unit1200via the sterilization module1500. For example, in the raw water sterilization mode, the controller1700may control the valve module to open the first outlet1140. In addition, the controller1700may drive the sterilization module1500to sterilize the first filtered water in the raw water sterilization mode. Further, in the raw water sterilization mode, the pump unit1600is controlled by the controller1700to pressurize the raw water with a predetermined first pressing force so that the raw water flows into the first filtration part1120through the inlet1110. In the raw water sterilization mode, raw water may be filtered in the first filtration part1120, sterilized by the sterilization module1500, and stored again in the raw water storage unit1200.

Referring further toFIG.10, the filter cleaning mode is a mode for cleaning the filter member1100. In the filter cleaning mode, the controller1700may open/close one or more valve modules such that the raw water discharged from the raw water storage unit1200flows into the inlet1110, and the second filtered water output from the second outlet1150flows toward the raw water storage unit1200. For example, in the filter cleaning mode, the controller1700may control the valve module to close the first outlet1140. In the filter cleaning mode, the second filtered water may be defined as water that has been used to clean the filter member1100. In addition, the controller1700may drive the sterilization module1500to sterilize the second filtered water in the filter cleaning mode. Further, in the filter cleaning mode, the pump unit1600is controlled by the controller1700to pressurize the raw water with a second pressing force greater than the first pressing force so that raw water passes through the first filtration part1120through the inlet1110and flows into the second filtration part1130. In the filter cleaning mode, the raw water may clean the filter member1100, be sterilized by the sterilization module1500, and be stored again in the raw water storage unit1200.

In addition, the filter cleaning mode may be performed after the raw water sterilization mode. In other words, raw water filtered by the filter member1100and sterilized by the sterilization module1500may flush the filter member1100.

Referring further toFIG.11, the purified water discharge mode is a mode for discharging purified water. In the purified water discharge mode, the controller1700may open/close one or more valve modules to discharge the second filtered water output from the second outlet1150to the outside. For example, in the purified water discharge mode, the controller1700may control the valve module to close the first outlet1140. In the purified water discharge mode, the second filtered water may be defined as purified water. In addition, in the purified water discharge mode, the pump unit1600is controlled by the controller1700to pressurize the raw water with the second pressing force greater than the first pressing force so that raw water passes through the first filtration part1120through the inlet1110and flows into the second filtration part1130. In the purified water discharge mode, the second filtered water may be discharged to the outside through the output passage1340and the discharge passage1350.

In addition, the purified water discharge mode may be performed after the filter cleaning mode. In other words, purified water filtered in the cleaned filter member1100may be discharged to the outside.

The above-described controller1700may be implemented by a computing device including a microprocessor, a measuring device such as a sensor, a memory, and since the implementation method is obvious to those skilled in the art, more detailed description thereof will be omitted.

Hereinafter, the operation and effects of the water purifier1according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.

In the water purifier1according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure, in the raw water sterilization mode, raw water is circulated between the raw water storage unit1200and the filter member1100, and the raw water is sterilized by the sterilization module1500, so that contamination of the raw water in the storage unit1200can be prevented. In other words, even when the raw water storage unit1200is provided to an install-free water purifier that does not require connection to a water pipe and is thus not supplied with raw water through a water pipe, the raw water in the raw water storage unit1200can be circulated and sterilized.

In the filter cleaning mode, raw water can circulate through the raw water storage unit1200and the filter member1100and clean the filter member1100, thereby preventing impurities from accumulating in the filter member1100. In addition, the second filtered water containing impurities can be sterilized by the sterilization module1500and then introduced into the raw water storage unit1200, thereby preventing the raw water in the raw water storage unit1200from being contaminated.

In addition, since the filter cleaning mode is performed after the raw water sterilization mode, the raw water filtered by the filter member1100and sterilized by the sterilizing module1500can clean the filter member1100, so that impurities of the filter member1100can be cleaned more efficiently.

Further, since the purified water discharge mode can be performed after the filter cleaning mode, purified water filtered through the cleaned filter member1100can be provided to the user.

The examples of the present disclosure have been described above as specific embodiments, but these are only examples, and the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and should be construed as having the widest scope according to the technical idea disclosed in the present specification. A person skilled in the art may combine/substitute the disclosed embodiments to implement a pattern of a shape that is not disclosed, but it also does not depart from the scope of the present disclosure. In addition, those skilled in the art can easily change or modify the disclosed embodiments based on the present specification, and it is clear that such changes or modifications also belong to the scope of the present disclosure.