KR20220131125A - Water purifier capable of self-sterilization - Google Patents

Abstract

Disclosed is a water purifier capable of self-sterilization. In the disclosed water purifier, a heating device for sterilization is installed on an inflow side of tap water, and hot water for sterilization generated by the heating device for sterilization is moved to a filter and an outlet pipe for discharging drinking water. Accordingly, both the filter and the outlet pipe can be sterilized.

Description

Self-sterilizing water purifier {WATER PURIFIER CAPABLE OF SELF-STERILIZATION}

The present invention relates to a water purifier capable of self-sterilization.

A water purifier is a device that filters raw water to remove impurities. The water purifier removes suspended matter or harmful components contained in tap water using a filter, and purifies the water as much as desired according to the user's operation. Recent water purifiers can discharge hot and cold water as well as purified water, and they are small in size and can be installed in various environments.

A pipe for flowing water is provided inside the water purifier, and a filter, a valve, etc. are installed in the pipe. However, when the water purifier is used for a long time, bacteria, microorganisms, etc. may propagate in pipes, filters, valves, and the like. Therefore, the inside of the water purifier must be cleaned regularly.

In this regard, Korean Patent Registration No. 10-1194733 and Korean Utility Model Registration No. 20-0135264 have been disclosed.

The prior art is a water purifier that sterilizes a filter, and sterilizes the filter in the reverse direction using a pump and steam, or sterilizes the filter using hot water.

However, the prior art cannot sterilize all of the water outlet pipes of the water purifier, and thus there is a problem in that bacteria, microorganisms, etc. remain in the non-sterilized pipes.

An object of the present invention is to provide a water purifier that sterilizes both a filter and an outlet pipe.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a water purifier capable of improving user satisfaction.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a water purifier capable of lowering the manufacturing cost.

The objects of the present invention are not limited to the above-mentioned objects, and other objects and advantages of the present invention not mentioned may be understood by the following description, and will be more clearly understood by the examples of the present invention.

The water purifier according to an embodiment of the present invention can sterilize both the filter and the outlet pipe by flowing hot water for sterilization generated by the sterilization heating device to the filter and the outlet pipe for discharging drinking water.

In addition, the water purifier according to an embodiment of the present invention can also sterilize the water outlet nozzles by discharging hot water for sterilization flowing through the water outlet pipe to the water outlet nozzle installed at the outlet side of the water outlet pipe.

In addition, the water purifier according to an embodiment of the present invention may reduce wasted power consumption by not operating the hot water tank during the operation of the heating device for sterilization.

In addition, in the water purifier according to an embodiment of the present invention, a pump for sterilization may not be installed by installing a heating device for sterilization on the inflow side of raw water.

In addition, the water purifier according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a water outlet nozzle and operates in a drinking mode and a sterilization mode. 2 and a third pipe, a heating device for sterilization that is installed in the third pipe and generates hot water for sterilization by heating the raw water flowing into the first pipe, flows into the first pipe and flows out of the second pipe A fourth pipe for introducing raw water or hot water for sterilization flowing out of the third pipe, a filter for filtering the water flowing out from the fourth pipe, and an outlet pipe for guiding the water passing through the filter to the outlet nozzle may include In this case, in the operation of the sterilization mode, the hot water for sterilization may be introduced into the fourth pipe, and the introduced hot water for sterilization may flow to the filter and the outlet pipe and be discharged to the water outlet nozzle.

In addition, the water purifier according to another embodiment of the present invention is a water purifier operating in a drinking mode and a sterilization mode, and includes a first pipe for introducing raw water supplied from the outside, a second pipe branching from the first pipe, and a third pipe. , a heating device for sterilization installed in the third pipe and heating raw water flowing into the first pipe to generate hot water for sterilization, raw water flowing into the first pipe and flowing out from the second pipe, or the third A fourth pipe for introducing hot water for sterilization flowing out of the pipe, a filter for filtering the water flowing out from the fourth pipe, a water outlet pipe for guiding the water passing through the filter, and a water outlet nozzle installed on the outlet side of the water outlet pipe , and a drain pipe connected to the water outlet pipe at a first point of the water outlet pipe. At this time, based on the first point, the water outlet pipe may be divided into a first part where the filter is installed and a second part where the water outlet nozzle is installed, and in the sterilization mode operation, in the first pipe The leaked raw water flows into the heating device for sterilization, the sterilization hot water flowing out from the third pipe flows into the fourth pipe, and the sterilization hot water flowing out from the fourth pipe flows through the filter and the outlet pipe. The first part and the drain pipe may flow to be discharged to the outside.

In addition, the water purifier according to another embodiment of the present invention includes a water outlet nozzle and operates in a drinking mode and a sterilization mode. It includes a heating device for sterilization that generates hot water for sterilization by heating raw water supplied from the outside, a filter that filters water that has passed through the heating device for sterilization, and a water outlet pipe that guides water that has passed through the filter to the water outlet nozzle. can do. At this time, in the operation of the sterilization mode, the heating device for sterilization may perform a heating operation, and the hot water for sterilization flowing into the raw water pipe may flow to the filter and the water outlet pipe to be discharged to the water outlet nozzle.

According to the present invention, the hygiene of the water purifier can be strengthened by sterilizing both the filter and the water outlet pipe and also sterilizing the water outlet nozzle.

In addition, according to the present invention, by not operating the heating device for sterilization and the hot water tank at the same time, wasted power consumption can be reduced and the user's satisfaction with using the water purifier can be improved.

In addition, according to the present invention, it is possible to lower the manufacturing cost by not using a pump.

In addition to the above-described effects, the specific effects of the present invention will be described together while describing specific details for carrying out the invention below.

1 is a view showing a perspective view of a water purifier according to an embodiment of the present invention.
2 is a configuration diagram schematically showing pipes and valves of a water purifier in which a sterilization operation is not performed, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
3 is a configuration diagram schematically showing a pipe and a valve of the water purifier according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
4 is a configuration diagram schematically illustrating a pipe and a valve of a water purifier according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
5 is a configuration diagram schematically showing a pipe and a valve of a water purifier according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
6 is a configuration diagram schematically showing a pipe and a valve of a water purifier according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

The above-described objects, features and advantages will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, and accordingly, those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains will be able to easily implement the technical idea of the present invention. In describing the present invention, if it is determined that a detailed description of a known technology related to the present invention may unnecessarily obscure the gist of the present invention, the detailed description will be omitted.

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, the same reference numerals are used to indicate the same or similar components.

1 is a view showing a perspective view of a water purifier according to an embodiment of the present invention. 2 is a configuration diagram schematically showing pipes and valves of a water purifier in which a sterilization operation is not performed, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 1 , a water purifier 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a water purifier body 100 , a water outlet module 200 , and a tray 300 .

The water purifier body 100 may form the overall appearance of the water purifier 10 . The water purifier body 100 may be formed by the housing 110 . The housing 110 includes a front cover 111 that forms the exterior of the front surface of the water purifier body 100 , a rear cover 112 that forms the exterior of the rear surface of the water purifier body 100 , and a lower surface of the water purifier body 100 . It includes a base 113 forming a base 113 , a top cover 114 forming an upper surface of the water purifier body 100 , and side panels 115 forming both left and right side surfaces of the water purifier body 100 . That is, the front cover 111 , the rear cover 112 , the base 113 , the top cover 114 and the pair of side panels 115 are assembled with each other to form the housing 110 of the water purifier body 100 . ) can be formed.

A filter 120 ( FIG. 2 ) may be provided inside the water purifier body 100 . The water outlet module 200 may include a water outlet nozzle 210 that is formed on the front surface of the water purifier body 100 and supplies water that has passed through the filter 120 to the outside of the water purifier body 100 .

For example, the water outlet module 200 may be formed to protrude forward of the front cover 111 , and purified water may be discharged to the outside through the water outlet nozzle 210 protruding downward.

The tray 300 may be provided below the water outlet nozzle 210 . A container containing raw water, purified water, and hot water (hereinafter referred to as “water”) discharged from the water outlet nozzle 210 may be disposed on the tray 300 .

Referring to FIG. 2 , the water purifier 10 may be a direct water purifier without a water storage tank.

A filter 120 for filtering raw water introduced from an external water source may be installed inside the water purifier body 100 . Inside the water purifier body 100, a raw water pipe 410 for supplying raw water to the filter 120, and a raw water filtered by the filter 120, that is, a water outlet pipe 420 for guiding purified water toward the outlet nozzle 210, 430, 440, 450, 460, 470) may be installed. The water outlet nozzle 210 may be installed at the outlet side of the water outlet pipes 420 , 430 , 440 , 450 , 460 , and 470 .

A pressure reducing valve 350 may be installed in the raw water pipe 410 to control the pressure of raw water and supply it to the filter 120 . In addition, a plurality of valves 310 and 320 for controlling the flow of water flowing through the water outlet pipes 420 , 430 , 440 , 450 , 460 and 470 are provided in the water outlet pipes 420 , 430 , 440 , 450 , 460 and 470 . , 330 and 340) may be installed to be spaced apart from each other.

The water outlet pipes 420 , 430 , 440 , 450 , 460 , and 470 may include a first water outlet pipe 420 and a second water outlet pipe 430 , 440 , 450 , 460 , and 470 . In addition, the plurality of valves 310 , 320 , 330 , and 340 may include a water supply valve 310 , a water purification valve 320 , a cold water valve 330 , and a hot water valve 340 .

The first water outlet pipe 420 may introduce water that has passed through the filter 120 and then flow out to the second water outlet pipes 430 , 440 , and 450 .

A water supply valve 310 and a flow rate sensor 370 may be installed in the first water outlet pipe 420 . The water supply valve 310 may be installed on the outlet side of the filter 120 , and may control the flow of raw water filtered by the filter 120 , that is, purified water. That is, the water supply valve 310 may control the flow of water passing through the filter 120 . The flow sensor 370 may be installed on the outlet side of the water supply valve 310 and may detect a flow rate of water passing through the water supply valve 310 .

The second water outlet pipes 430 , 440 , 450 , 460 , and 470 may guide water discharged from the first water outlet pipe 420 to the water outlet nozzle 210 . The second outlet pipes 430 , 440 , 450 , 460 , and 470 include a purified water pipe 430 , a cold water pipe 440 , a hot water pipe 450 , and a first common pipe 460 and a second common pipe 470 . may include

Meanwhile, although FIG. 2 illustrates the water purifier 10 in which the water purification pipe 430, the cold water pipe 440, and the hot water pipe 450 are all installed, the present invention is not limited thereto. That is, in the water purifier 10 , two or less pipes among the purified water pipe 430 , the cold water pipe 440 , and the hot water pipe 450 may be installed. In other words, the water purifier 10 may include at least one of a water purification pipe 430 , a cold water pipe 440 , and a hot water pipe 450 . In this case, the common pipes 460 and 470 may be installed according to the number of pipes described above. Hereinafter, for convenience of description, an embodiment in which the water purifier 10 includes all of the purified water pipe 430 , the cold water pipe 440 , and the hot water pipe 450 will be described.

The first water outlet pipe 420 may be branched into a purified water pipe 430 , a cold water pipe 440 , and a hot water pipe 450 . First and second branch pipes 381 and 382 may be installed for branching of the pipe. The first and second branch pipes 381 and 382 may branch the purified water passing through the water supply valve 310 into the purified water pipe 430 , the cold water pipe 440 , and the hot water pipe 450 . For example, the first and second branch pipes 381 and 382 may be T connectors.

A water purification valve 320 may be installed in the branched purified water pipe 430 , a cold water valve 330 may be installed in the branched cold water pipe 440 , and a hot water valve 340 may be installed in the branched hot water pipe 450 . ) can be installed. The purified water valve 320 , the cold water valve 340 , and the hot water valve 340 may control the supply of purified water that has passed through the water supply valve 310 to the water outlet nozzle 210 . A cold water tank 150 may be further installed in the cold water pipe 440 , and a flow control valve 360 and a hot water tank 160 may be further installed in the hot water pipe 450 .

The purified water pipe 430 may guide the purified water generated by the filter 120 to the water outlet nozzle 210 . The water purification valve 320 may control the flow of water flowing through the water purification pipe 430 . The water purification valve 320 may be installed between the flow sensor 370 and the water outlet nozzle 210 .

The cold water pipe 440 may guide the purified water generated by the filter 120 to the cold water tank 150 , and guide the cold water generated in the cold water tank 150 to the water outlet nozzle 210 . The cold water valve 330 may control the flow of water flowing in the cold water pipe 440 . The cold water tank 150 may cool the purified water generated by the filter 120 . That is, the cold water tank 150 may generate cold water by cooling the water that has passed through the cold water valve 330 . The cold water valve 330 may be installed between the flow sensor 370 and the cold water tank 150 . The cold water tank 150 may be installed between the cold water valve 330 and the water outlet nozzle 210 .

Meanwhile, although not shown in FIG. 2 , a portion of the cold water pipe 440 may be disposed inside the cold water tank 150 . The purified water flowing through a part of the cold water pipe 440 may be cooled by the cooling water contained in the cold water tank 150 . Accordingly, purified water is cooled as a part of the cold water pipe 440 , and thus cold water may be generated.

The hot water pipe 450 may guide the purified water generated by the filter 120 to the hot water tank 160 , and guide the hot water generated in the hot water tank 160 to the water outlet nozzle 210 . The flow rate control valve 360 may control the flow rate of purified water flowing into the hot water pipe 450 for heating the purified water. That is, the flow rate control valve 360 may control the flow rate of the purified water supplied to the hot water tank 160 so that the purified water can be heated to a temperature set by the user. The hot water tank 160 may heat the purified water generated by the filter 120 . That is, the hot water tank 160 may generate hot water by heating the water passing through the flow control valve 360 . The hot water valve 340 may control the flow of water flowing in the hot water pipe 450 . That is, the hot water valve 340 may control the flow of the hot water generated in the hot water pipe 450 . The flow control valve 360 may be installed between the flow sensor 370 and the hot water tank 160 . The hot water tank 150 may be installed between the flow control valve 360 and the hot water valve 340 . The hot water valve 340 may be installed between the hot water tank 160 and the water outlet nozzle 210 .

Meanwhile, although not shown in FIG. 2 , a portion of the hot water pipe 450 may be disposed inside the hot water tank 160 . The purified water flowing into a part of the hot water pipe 450 may be heated by the hot water tank 160 . Accordingly, hot water may be discharged as a part of the hot water pipe 450 .

The purified water pipe 430 , the cold water pipe 440 , and the hot water pipe 450 may be joined by the first and second connectors 391 and 392 .

A first side (a first inlet) of the first connector 391 may be connected to the purified water pipe 430 . A second side (second inlet) of the first connector 391 may be connected to the cold water pipe 440 . A third side (outlet) of the first connector 391 may be connected to the first common pipe 460 .

A first side (first inlet) of the second connector 392 may be connected to the first common pipe 460 . A second side (second inlet) of the second connector 392 may be connected to the hot water pipe 450 . A third side (outlet) of the second connector 392 may be connected to the second common pipe 470 . The second common pipe 470 may be connected to the water outlet nozzle 210 .

That is, the purified water pipe 430, the cold water pipe 440, and the hot water pipe 433 are connected to the first and second connectors 391 and 392, and the water passing through each pipe 430, 440, 450 is The water may be supplied to the water outlet nozzle 210 through the first and second common pipes 460 and 470 .

Meanwhile, a first drain pipe 510 may be connected to the hot water pipe 450 . The drain pipe 510 may drain the hot water generated in the hot water tank 160 .

As mentioned above, the cold water tank 150 for generating cold water by cooling the purified water passing through the cold water valve 330 may be installed in the cold water pipe 440 . For example, the cold water tank 150 is filled with cooling water that exchanges heat with purified water, and an evaporator for cooling the cooling water may be accommodated in the cold water tank 150 . The purified water passes through the inside of the cold water tank 150 , and cold water may be generated through this.

In addition, a hot water tank 160 for generating hot water by heating the purified water that has passed through the filter 120 may be installed in the hot water pipe 450 . As an example, the hot water tank 160 may heat purified water using an induction heating (IH) method. For this, a working coil may be installed in the hot water tank 160 . By heating the purified water by the induction heating method, the purified water can be heated at a high speed, and the purified water can be heated to a desired temperature by controlling the output of the magnetic field. Accordingly, according to a user's manipulation, hot water of a temperature desired by the user may be generated and discharged from the water purifier 10 .

An example of the water extraction operation of the water purifier 10 will be described with reference to FIG. 2 .

Raw water supplied from an external water source may be supplied to the raw water pipe 410 . A pressure reducing valve 350 is installed in the raw water pipe 410 , and the pressure reducing valve 350 may reduce the supplied raw water to a preset pressure.

The depressurized raw water may flow to the filter 120 . The filter 120 may filter raw water to generate purified water. The generated purified water may flow to the water supply valve 310 .

When the water supply valve 310 is opened, purified water generated by the filter 120 may flow to the water outlet valves 320 , 330 , and 340 through the water supply valve 310 and the first water outlet pipe 420 . At this time, the flow sensor 370 may be installed in the first water outlet pipe 420 .

The purified water passing through the flow sensor 370 may flow into any one of the purified water pipe 430 , the cold water pipe 440 , and the hot water pipe 450 by the first and second branch pipes 381 and 382 .

In the operation of the purified water mode for dispensing purified water, the purified water valve 320 may be opened. At this time, the cold water valve 330 and the hot water valve 340 may be closed, the flow rate control valve 360 may also be closed, and the cold water tank 150 and the hot water tank 160 may not operate. The purified water passing through the flow sensor 370 may flow to the purified water pipe 430 and may flow to the first and second common pipes 460 and 470 through the first and second connectors 391 and 392 . have. The purified water flowing through the first and second common pipes 460 and 470 may be discharged through the water outlet nozzle 210 .

In the operation of the cold water mode for discharging cold water, the cold water valve 330 may be opened. At this time, the water purification valve 320 and the hot water valve 340 may be closed, the flow rate control valve 360 may also be closed, and the hot water tank 160 may not operate. The purified water passing through the flow sensor 370 may flow to the cold water pipe 440 . Thereafter, the purified water flowing into the cold water pipe 440 may be cooled by the cold water tank 150 . The cold water discharged from the cold water tank 150 may flow to the first and second common pipes 460 and 470 through the first and second connectors 391 and 392 . The cold water flowing through the first and second common pipes 460 and 470 may be discharged through the water outlet nozzle 210 .

In the operation of the hot water mode for dispensing hot water, the hot water valve 340 may be opened, and the flow rate control valve 360 may also be opened. At this time, the water purification valve 320 and the cold water valve 330 may be closed, and the cold water tank 150 may not operate. The purified water passing through the flow sensor 370 may flow to the hot water pipe 450 . In this case, the flow rate of purified water may be adjusted by the flow control valve 360 . Thereafter, the purified water flowing into the hot water pipe 450 may be heated by the hot water tank 160 . The hot water discharged from the hot water tank 160 may flow to the second common pipe 470 through the second connector 392 . The hot water flowing through the second common pipe 470 may be discharged to the water outlet nozzle 210 .

Table 1 below is a table summarizing the opening and closing states of the valves 310 , 320 , 330 , 340 , 350 and 360 in each of the above-described water purification mode, cold water mode, and hot water mode.

valve integer mode cold water mode hot water mode Pressure Relief Valve (350) ON ON ON water valve (310) ON ON ON Water purification valve (320) ON OFF OFF Cold Water Valve(330) OFF ON OFF Flow Control Valve(360) OFF OFF ON Hot Water Valve(340) OFF OFF ON

The operation of the valves 310 , 320 , 330 , 340 , 350 , 360 , the cold water tank 150 , and the hot water tank 160 may be controlled by a microcomputer (not shown) provided in the water purifier 10 . The microcomputer corresponds to the control unit and may refer to a processor-based device. Here, the processor may include one or more of a central processing unit, an application processor, and a communication processor.

Meanwhile, in the process of supplying purified water, cold water, and hot water by filtering water, bacteria may propagate inside the pipes 410 , 420 , 430 , 440 , 450 , 460 , and 470 of the water purifier 10 . In addition, since the raw water flows into the filter 120 , bacteria may also grow inside the filter 120 . Accordingly, the pipes 410 , 420 , 430 , 440 , 450 , 460 , 470 and the filter 120 of the water purifier 10 must be sterilized.

Hereinafter, the water purifier 10 that automatically sterilizes the pipes 410 , 420 , 430 , 440 , 450 , 460 , 470 and the filter 120 of the water purifier 10 without user intervention will be described in more detail.

3 is a configuration diagram schematically showing a pipe and a valve of the water purifier 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 3 , the water purifier 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention is a self-sterilizing water purifier, and may include the components of the water purifier 10 shown in FIG. 2 , and additionally a plurality of additional pipes. (411, 412, 413), the third branch pipe 383, the third connector 393, the raw water valve 610, the sterilization valve 620, the flow control valve for sterilization 630, the heating device for sterilization (170) ) may be further included. In this case, the operation of the raw water valve 610 , the sterilization valve 620 , the sterilization flow control valve 630 , and the sterilization heating device 170 may be controlled by a microcomputer.

Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the components additionally included in FIG. 3 .

The water purifier 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention may operate in a sterilization mode or a drinking mode. The sterilization mode may be an operation mode for sterilizing the pipes 410 , 420 , 430 , 440 , 450 , 460 , 470 and the filter 120 in the water purifier 10 . The drinking mode may be an operation mode in which drinking water, such as drinkable purified water, cold water, and hot water, is provided to the user. As mentioned above, the drinking mode may include at least one of a purified water mode, a cold water mode, and a hot water mode.

Selection of the sterilization mode or the drinking mode may be performed by the user. Alternatively, the water purifier 10 operates in the drinking mode, but the sterilization mode operation may be performed at a preset cycle (for example, a 3-day cycle).

Referring to FIG. 3 , the first pipe 410 may correspond to the raw water pipe 410 described above, and may introduce raw water supplied from the outside. A pressure reducing valve 350 may be installed in the raw water pipe 410 .

The first pipe 410 may be branched into a second pipe 411 and a third pipe 412 . For this purpose, a third branch pipe 383 may be installed. That is, the third branch pipe 383 may branch the first pipe 410 into the second pipe 411 and the third pipe 412 .

A first side (inlet) of the third branch pipe 383 may be connected to the first pipe 410 . The second side (first outlet) of the third branch pipe 383 may be connected to the second pipe 411 . A third side (second outlet) of the third branch pipe 383 may be connected to the third pipe 412 .

The second pipe 411 may be a pipe installed for the drinking mode. A raw water valve 610 may be installed in the second pipe 411 .

The raw water valve 610 may control the flow of raw water flowing into the second pipe 411 . The raw water valve 610 may be installed between the pressure reducing valve 350 and the filter 120 .

The third pipe 4121 may be a pipe installed for the sterilization mode. A sterilization valve 620 , a flow rate control valve 630 for sterilization, and a heating device 170 for sterilization may be installed in the third pipe 412 .

The sterilization valve 620 may control the flow of raw water flowing into the third pipe 412 .

The sterilization flow control valve 620 may control the flow rate of raw water flowing into the third pipe 412 for heating the raw water. That is, the flow rate control valve for sterilization 620 may control the flow rate of raw water supplied to the heating device 170 for sterilization.

The heating device 170 for sterilization may heat raw water. That is, the heating device for sterilization 170 may generate hot water for sterilization by heating raw water flowing into the first pipe 410 and passing through the flow rate control valve 620 for sterilization. For example, the heating device 170 for sterilization may heat purified water by induction heating. To this end, a working coil may be installed in the heating device 170 for sterilization.

The sterilization valve 620 may be installed between the pressure reducing valve 350 and the sterilization flow control valve 630 . The sterilization flow control valve 630 may be installed between the sterilization valve 620 and the sterilization heating device 170 . The heating device for sterilization 170 may be installed between the sterilization flow control valve 630 and the filter 120 .

Meanwhile, according to another example of the present invention, the sterilization valve 620 may be installed in the heating device 170 and the filter 120 for sterilization. That is, the sterilization flow control valve 630 , the sterilization heating device 170 , and the sterilization valve 620 may be sequentially installed in the third pipe 412 .

The fourth pipe 413 may introduce raw water flowing out from the second pipe 411 or hot water for sterilization flowing out from the third pipe 412 . For this purpose, a third connector 393 may be installed. That is, the third connector 393 may connect the second pipe 411 and the third pipe 412 to the fourth pipe 413 .

A first side (a first inlet) of the third connector 393 may be connected to the second pipe 411 . A second side (second inlet) of the third connector 393 may be connected to the third pipe 412 . A third side (outlet) of the third connector 393 may be connected to the fourth pipe 413 . The outlet of the fourth pipe 413 may be connected to the inlet side of the filter 120 . The filter 120 may filter water (ie, raw water or hot water for sterilization) flowing out from the fourth pipe 413 .

The operation of the water purifier 10 according to each mode (drinking mode and sterilization mode) is as follows.

In the drinking mode of operation, the raw water valve 610 may be opened, and the sterilization valve 620 may be closed. Accordingly, the raw water discharged from the first pipe 410 may be reduced in pressure in the pressure reducing valve 350 and may be introduced into the fourth pipe 413 through the second pipe 411 . The raw water flowing out through the fourth pipe 413 may be filtered by the filter 120 and then guided to the water outlet pipes 420 , 430 , 440 , 450 , 460 , and 470 to be discharged through the water outlet nozzle 210 .

In this case, the water purifier 10 may operate in one of a water purification mode, a cold water mode, and a hot water mode. Since the operation of each of the water purification mode, the cold water mode, and the hot water mode has been described above, a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

In the sterilization mode of operation, the sterilization valve 620 may be opened and the raw water valve 610 may be closed. In addition, in the sterilization mode operation, the heating operation of the hot water tank 160 may not be performed, and the cooling operation of the cold water tank 160 may not be performed either.

The raw water discharged from the first pipe 410 may be introduced into the third pipe 412 after the pressure is reduced in the pressure reducing valve 350 . The flow rate of the raw water introduced into the third pipe 412 may be controlled by the sterilization flow control valve 630 . Raw water whose flow rate is adjusted may be heated by the heating device 170 for sterilization. Hot water for sterilization generated by the heating operation of the heating device for sterilization 170 may be introduced into the fourth pipe 413 . Accordingly, the fourth pipe 413 may be sterilized.

The hot water for sterilization flowing out through the fourth pipe 413 may be filtered by the filter 120 and then guided to the water outlet pipes 420 , 430 , 440 , 450 , 460 , and 470 to be discharged through the water outlet nozzle 210 . Accordingly, the hot water for sterilization may sterilize the inside of the filter 120 and sterilize the outlet pipes 420 , 430 , 440 , 450 , 460 , and 470 . A process in which hot water for sterilization flows into the outlet pipes 420, 430, 440, 450, 460, and 470 will be described in more detail as follows.

The hot water for sterilization that has passed through the filter 120 may flow into the first water outlet pipe 420 by opening the water supply valve 310 . Accordingly, the first water outlet pipe 420 and the inside of the water supply valve 310 installed in the first water outlet pipe 420 may be sterilized. In addition, the hot water for sterilization leaked through the first water outlet pipe 420 may flow into at least one pipe 450 among the purified water pipe 430 , the cold water pipe 440 , and the hot water pipe 450 .

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the hot water for sterilization that has passed through the filter 120 may flow into any one of the purified water pipe 430 , the cold water pipe 440 , and the hot water pipe 450 .

Specifically, the water purification valve 320 may be opened, and the cold water valve 330 and the hot water valve 340 may be closed. In this case, the hot water for sterilization may flow to the purified water pipe 430 . Accordingly, the purified water pipe 430 and the inside of the purified water valve 320 installed in the purified water pipe 430 may be sterilized. The hot water for sterilization leaked through the purified water pipe 430 may flow through the first and second common pipes 460 and 470 and be discharged through the water outlet nozzle 210 . Accordingly, the first and second common pipes 460 and 470 and the water outlet nozzle 210 may be sterilized.

Thereafter, the cold water valve 330 may be opened, and the water purification valve 320 and the hot water valve 340 may be closed. In this case, the hot water for sterilization may flow to the cold water pipe 440 . Accordingly, the cold water pipe 440 , the cold water valve 330 installed in the cold water pipe 440 , and the inside of the cold water tank 150 may be sterilized, respectively. The hot water for sterilization leaked through the cold water pipe 440 may flow to the first and second common pipes 460 and 470 and be discharged to the water outlet nozzle 210 . Accordingly, the first and second common pipes 460 and 470 and the water outlet nozzle 210 may be sterilized.

Thereafter, the hot water valve 340 may be opened, and the purified water valve 320 and the cold water valve 330 may be closed. In this case, the hot water for sterilization may flow to the hot water pipe 450 . Accordingly, the inside of the hot water pipe 450 , the hot water tank 160 , the flow rate control valve 360 , and the hot water valve 340 installed in the hot water pipe 450 may be sterilized, respectively. The hot water for sterilization leaked through the hot water pipe 450 may flow to the second common pipe 470 and be discharged to the water outlet nozzle 210 . Accordingly, the second common pipe 470 and the water outlet nozzle 210 may be sterilized.

In other words, the hot water for sterilization that has passed through the filter 120 may sequentially flow through the purified water pipe 430 , the cold water pipe 440 , and the hot water pipe 450 , and each pipe 420 , 430 , 440 and each pipe The components of the water purifier 10 installed at 430 , 430 , and 440 may be sterilized. In addition, the first and second common pipes 460 and 470 and the water outlet nozzle 210 may be further sterilized. That is, it is possible to sterilize all of the components of the water purifier 10 related to the outflow of drinking water.

Table 2 below is a table summarizing the opening and closing states of the valves 310, 320, 330, 340, 350, 360, 610, 620, and 630 in the sterilization mode. On the other hand, as mentioned above, when performing the operation in the sterilization mode, the hot water tank 160 may not perform the heating operation.

valve Water purification pipe sterilization Cold water pipe sterilization Hot water pipe sterilization Pressure Relief Valve (350) ON ON ON Raw Water Valve(610) OFF OFF OFF Sterilization Valve (620) ON ON ON water valve (310) ON ON ON Water purification valve (320) ON OFF OFF Cold Water Valve(330) OFF ON OFF Flow Control Valve(360) OFF OFF ON Hot Water Valve(340) OFF OFF ON

According to another embodiment of the present invention, the hot water for sterilization that has passed through the filter 120 may flow to all of the purified water pipe 430 , the cold water pipe 440 , and the hot water pipe 450 .

Specifically, the water purification valve 320 , the cold water valve 330 , and the hot water valve 340 may all be opened. In this case, the hot water for sterilization may simultaneously flow into the purified water pipe 430 , the cold water pipe 440 , and the hot water pipe 450 . Accordingly, the purified water pipe 430 , the cold water pipe 440 , and the hot water pipe 450 may be simultaneously sterilized. The hot water for sterilization flowing out through the purified water pipe 430 , the cold water pipe 440 , and the hot water pipe 450 may flow into the first and second common pipes 460 and 470 and be discharged through the water outlet nozzle 210 . Accordingly, the first and second common pipes 460 and 470 and the water outlet nozzle 210 may be sterilized.

In other words, the hot water for sterilization that has passed through the filter 120 may flow through the purified water pipe 430 , the cold water pipe 440 , and the hot water pipe 450 at the same time, and each pipe 420 , 430 , 440 , the first and The second common pipes 460 and 470 and the water outlet nozzle 210 may be sterilized.

Table 3 below is a table summarizing the opening and closing states of the valves 310, 320, 330, 340, 350, 360, 610, 620, and 630 in the sterilization mode according to another embodiment of the present invention. On the other hand, as mentioned above, when performing the operation in the sterilization mode, the hot water tank 160 may not perform the heating operation.

valve Water purification pipe sterilization Cold water pipe sterilization Hot water pipe sterilization Pressure Relief Valve (350) ON ON ON Raw Water Valve(610) OFF OFF OFF Sterilization Valve (620) ON ON ON water valve (310) ON ON ON Water purification valve (320) ON ON ON Cold Water Valve(330) ON ON ON Flow Control Valve(360) ON ON ON Hot Water Valve(340) ON ON ON

In summary, the water purifier 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention is a direct water purifier without a water storage tank, and can perform self-sterilization. In particular, the water purifier 10 installed in the filter 120, the water outlet pipe 420, 430, 440, 450, 460, 470, and the outlet pipe 420, 430, 440, 450, 460, 470 using hot water for sterilization. It is possible to sterilize all of the components and the water outlet nozzle 210 . That is, the entire internal pipe of the water purifier 10 can be sterilized, and in particular, the filter 120 and the water outlet nozzle 210 can also be sterilized.

In addition, it is possible to supply hot water for sterilization through a naturally flowing path. That is, by installing the heating device 170 for sterilization on the inflow side of raw water, a pump for circulating hot water for sterilization is not used. Therefore, there is an advantage of lowering the manufacturing cost.

In addition, the flow control valve 630 for sterilization and the heating device 170 for sterilization are installed in a separate pipe (ie, the third pipe 412 ) instead of being installed in the second pipe 411 for drinking mode. Accordingly, it is possible to increase the flow rate of the hot water for sterilization flowing to the water outlet pipe (420, 430, 440, 450, 460, 470). Consequently, the time during which sterilization is performed can be shortened.

In addition, in the operation of the sterilization mode, only the heating device for sterilization 170 performs a heating operation, and the hot water tank 160 does not perform a heating operation. Accordingly, it is possible to reduce the consumption of wasted power.

4 is a configuration diagram schematically showing pipes and valves of the water purifier 10 according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 4 , the water purifier 10 according to the second embodiment of the present invention is also a self-sterilizing water purifier, and may include the components of the water purifier 10 shown in FIG. 3 , and additionally a third common pipe 480 , a second drain pipe 520 , a third drain pipe 530 , a water outlet valve 640 , a drain valve 650 , a fourth branch pipe 384 , and a fourth connector 394 . can In this case, the operation of the water outlet valve 640 and the drain valve 650 may be controlled by a microcomputer. In addition, the water purifier 10 according to the second embodiment of the present invention may also operate in a sterilization mode or a drinking mode.

Hereinafter, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the components additionally included in FIG. 4 .

The second common pipe 470 may branch into the third common pipe 480 and the first drain pipe 520 . To this end, a fourth branch pipe 384 may be installed. That is, the fourth branch pipe 384 may branch the second common pipe 470 into the third common pipe 480 and the second drain pipe 520 .

The first side (inlet) of the fourth branch pipe 384 may be connected to the second common pipe 470 . The second side (first outlet) of the fourth branch pipe 384 may be connected to the third common pipe 480 . The third side (second outlet) of the fourth branch pipe 384 may be connected to the second drain pipe 520 .

Points of the water outlet pipes 420 , 430 , 440 , 450 , 460 , 470 and 480 where the fourth branch pipe 384 are installed may be defined as the first point. That is, the first point of the outlet pipes 420 , 430 , 440 , 450 , 460 , 470 , 480 is a point between the second common pipe 470 and the third common pipe 480 or the purified water pipe 430 , cold water The outlet side of any one of the pipe 440 and the hot water pipe 450 may be a point of the outlet pipe 420 , 430 , 440 , 450 , 460 , 470 , and 480 . Accordingly, the second drain pipe 520 at the first point of the outlet pipes 420, 430, 440, 450, 460, 470, 480 is connected to the outlet pipes 420, 430, 440, 450, 460, 470, and 480. can be connected

Based on the first point of the outlet pipe (420, 430, 440, 450, 460, 470, 480), the outlet pipe (420, 430, 440, 450, 460, 470, 480) is the water outlet where the filter 120 is installed. A first portion of the pipes 420 , 430 , 440 , 450 , 460 , 470 and 480 and a second portion of the water outlet pipe 420 , 430 , 440 , 450 , 460 , 470 , 480 in which the water outlet nozzle 210 is installed can be divided into That is, the second portion of the water outlet pipes 420 , 430 , 440 , 450 , 460 , 470 and 480 may be the third common pipe 480 .

The first drain pipe 510 and the second drain pipe 520 may be connected to the third drain pipe 530 . For this purpose, a fourth connector 394 may be installed. A first side (a first inlet) of the fourth connector 394 may be connected to the first drain pipe 510 . A second side (second inlet) of the fourth connector 394 may be connected to the second drain pipe 520 . A third side (outlet) of the fourth connector 394 may be connected to the third drain pipe 530 .

The water outlet valve 640 may be installed in the third common pipe 480 . The water outlet valve 640 may control the flow of water flowing into the third common pipe 480 . An outlet of the water outlet valve 640 may be connected to an inlet of the water outlet nozzle 210 . The water outlet valve 640 may be a valve installed to provide drinkable purified water, cold water, and hot water to a user.

The drain valve 650 may be installed in the second drain pipe 520 . The drain valve 650 may control the flow of water flowing into the second drain pipe 520 . The drain valve 650 may be a valve installed to drain hot water for sterilization.

In operation in the drinking mode, the water outlet valve 640 may be opened and the drain valve 650 may be closed. Accordingly, water flowing out through any one of the purified water pipe 430 , the cold water pipe 440 , and the hot water pipe 450 may flow into the third common pipe 480 and be discharged through the water outlet nozzle 210 . In other words, when the raw water flowing out from the second pipe 411 flows into the fourth pipe 413, the raw water flowing out from the fourth pipe 413 is the filter 120 and the outlet pipes 420, 430, 440, 450 , 460 , 470 , and 480 may flow and the water may be discharged to the water outlet nozzle 210 .

In the sterilization mode of operation, the drain valve 660 may be opened and the water outlet valve 640 may be closed. Therefore, the hot water for sterilization leaked into any one of the purified water pipe 430 , the cold water pipe 440 , and the hot water pipe 450 may be drained after flowing into the second and third drain pipes 520 and 530 . have. In other words, when the hot water for sterilization flows into the fourth pipe 413 , the hot water for sterilization flowing out from the fourth pipe 413 is filtered through the filter 120 and the outlet pipes 420 , 430 , 440 , 450 , 460 , 470 . , 480) flows through the first part (that is, the outlet pipes 420, 430, 440, 450, 460, 470 except for the third common pipe 480) and the second drain pipe 520 to be discharged to the outside. can

In other words, when the water purifier 10 according to the second embodiment of the present invention operates in the sterilization mode, the second and third drain valves 520 and 530 are not discharged through the water outlet nozzle 210 for sterilization. can be drained through. Therefore, since the user does not have to throw away the hot water for sterilization directly, the user's convenience can be increased.

5 is a configuration diagram schematically showing pipes and valves of the water purifier 10 according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 5 , the water purifier 10 according to the third embodiment of the present invention is also a water purifier capable of self-sterilization, and may include the components of the water purifier 10 shown in FIG. 2 , and additionally control the flow rate for sterilization. The valve 630 may further include a heating device 170 for sterilization. In this case, the operation of the sterilization flow control valve 630 and the sterilization heating device 170 may be controlled by a microcomputer. In addition, the water purifier 10 according to the third embodiment of the present invention may also operate in a sterilization mode or a drinking mode.

Hereinafter, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the components additionally included in FIG. 5 .

A pressure reducing valve 350 , a flow rate control valve for sterilization 630 , and a heating device 170 for sterilization may be installed in the raw water pipe 410 . The sterilization flow control valve 630 may be installed between the pressure reducing valve 350 and the sterilization heating device 170 . The heating device for sterilization 170 may be installed between the sterilization flow control valve 630 and the filter 120 .

The raw water pipe 410 may introduce raw water supplied from the outside. The flow rate of the introduced raw water may be controlled by the flow control valve 630 for sterilization. Raw water whose flow rate is adjusted may be selectively heated by the heating device 170 for sterilization.

In the operation of the drinking mode, the heating device for sterilization 170 may not perform a heating operation. Accordingly, the introduced raw water may be introduced into the filter 120 through the pressure reducing valve 350 and the sterilization flow control valve 630 .

In the sterilization mode operation, the heating device 170 for sterilization may perform a heating operation. The introduced raw water may be heated in the heating device for sterilization 170 through the pressure reducing valve 350 and the flow rate control valve 630 for sterilization, and the heated hot water for sterilization may be introduced into the filter 120 .

Since the flow of water discharged from the filter 120 has been described in FIG. 3 above, a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

In other words, in the water purifier 10 according to the third embodiment of the present invention, the flow control valve 630 for sterilization and the heating device 170 for sterilization are not separate pipes but a raw water pipe 410 , that is, a first pipe 410 . ) can be installed directly. Accordingly, the internal piping of the water purifier 10 becomes simpler. In addition, since the raw water valve 610 and the sterilization valve 620 are not installed, there is an advantage of lowering the manufacturing cost.

6 is a configuration diagram schematically showing pipes and valves of the water purifier 10 according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 6 , the water purifier 10 according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention is also a self-sterilizing water purifier, and may include the components of the water purifier 10 shown in FIG. 5 , and additionally a third common pipe 480 , a second drain pipe 520 , a third drain pipe 530 , a water outlet valve 640 , a drain valve 650 , a fourth branch pipe 384 , and a fourth connector 394 . can Here, the components of the water purifier 10 added to FIG. 6 are the components previously described with reference to FIG. 4 .

That is, when compared with the water purifier 10 shown in FIG. 5 , the water purifier 10 according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention does not dispense hot water for sterilization to the water outlet nozzle 210, but water for sterilization when the water purifier 10 is operated in the sterilization mode. It may be drained through the second and third drain valves 520 and 530 . Therefore, since the user does not have to throw away the hot water for sterilization directly, the user's convenience can be increased.

As described above, the present invention has been described with specific matters such as specific components and limited embodiments and drawings, but these are only provided to help the overall understanding of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, Various modifications and variations are possible from these descriptions by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains. Therefore, the spirit of the present invention should not be limited to the described embodiments, and not only the claims to be described later, but also all those with equivalent or equivalent modifications to the claims will be said to belong to the scope of the spirit of the present invention. .

Claims (17)

In the water purifier comprising a water outlet nozzle and operating in drinking mode and sterilization mode,
a first pipe for introducing raw water supplied from the outside;
a second pipe and a third pipe branching from the first pipe;
a heating device for sterilization installed in the third pipe and generating hot water for sterilization by heating the raw water flowing into the first pipe;
a fourth pipe flowing into the first pipe and introducing raw water flowing out of the second pipe or hot water for sterilization flowing out of the third pipe;
a filter for filtering the water flowing out from the fourth pipe; and
Containing; a water outlet pipe for guiding the water passing through the filter to the water outlet nozzle
In the operation in the sterilization mode, the hot water for sterilization flows into the fourth pipe, and the introduced hot water for sterilization flows into the filter and the outlet pipe and is discharged to the water outlet nozzle.
According to claim 1,
In the operation of the drinking mode, the raw water flows into the fourth pipe, and the introduced raw water flows into the filter and the outlet pipe to be discharged through the water outlet nozzle.
According to claim 1,
a raw water valve installed in the second pipe and controlling the flow of raw water flowing into the second pipe; and
The water purifier further comprising: a sterilization valve installed on the third pipe and controlling the flow of raw water flowing into the third pipe.
4. The method of claim 3,
When the raw water valve is opened and the sterilization valve is closed, the raw water flowing out from the first pipe flows into the fourth pipe through the second pipe and flows through the filter and the outlet pipe,
When the sterilization valve is opened and the raw water valve is closed, the raw water flowing out from the first pipe flows into the heating device for sterilization, and the hot water for sterilization flowing out of the third pipe flows into the fourth pipe, A water purifier flowing through the filter and the water outlet pipe
4. The method of claim 3,
The water purifier further comprising a; a flow rate control valve for sterilization installed in the third pipe and controlling the flow rate of the hot water for sterilization.
4. The method of claim 3,
a branch pipe for branching the first pipe into the second pipe and the third pipe; and
and a connector connecting the second pipe and the third pipe to the fourth pipe.
According to claim 1,
The water outlet pipe includes a first water outlet pipe for introducing water that has passed through the filter and a second water outlet pipe for guiding the water flowing out of the first water outlet pipe to the water outlet nozzle,
The second outlet pipe includes at least one of a purified water pipe, a cold water pipe, and a hot water pipe,
The purified water pipe guides purified water to the water outlet nozzle, the cold water pipe guides cold water to the water outlet nozzle, and the hot water pipe guides hot water to the water outlet nozzle.
8. The method of claim 7,
In the operation of the sterilization mode, the heating device for sterilization performs a heating operation, the hot water for sterilization flowing out from the third pipe is introduced into the filter through the fourth pipe, and the hot water for sterilization discharged from the filter is introduced into at least one of the purified water pipe, the cold water pipe, and the hot water pipe,
In the operation of the drinking mode, the heating device for sterilization does not perform a heating operation, water purifier.
9. The method of claim 8,
a water purification valve installed in the water purification pipe and controlling water flowing into the water purification pipe;
a cold water valve installed in the cold water pipe and controlling water flowing into the cold water pipe;
a cold water tank installed in the cold water pipe and cooling water flowing out from the cold water valve to generate the cold water;
a hot water tank installed in the hot water pipe and heating water flowing into the hot water pipe to generate the hot water; and
The water purifier further comprising: a hot water valve installed in the hot water pipe and controlling the flow of water leaked from the hot water tank.
10. The method of claim 9,
In the operation in the sterilization mode, only one of the water purification valve, the cold water valve, and the hot water valve is opened, or all of the water purification valve, the cold water valve and the hot water valve are opened.
10. The method of claim 9,
In the operation of the sterilization mode, the hot water tank does not perform a heating operation, water purifier.
In the water purifier operating in drinking mode and sterilization mode,
a first pipe for introducing raw water supplied from the outside;
a second pipe and a third pipe branching from the first pipe;
a heating device for sterilization installed in the third pipe and generating hot water for sterilization by heating the raw water flowing into the first pipe;
a fourth pipe flowing into the first pipe and introducing raw water flowing out of the second pipe or hot water for sterilization flowing out of the third pipe;
a filter for filtering the water flowing out from the fourth pipe;
an outlet pipe for guiding the water passing through the filter;
a water outlet nozzle installed at the outlet side of the water outlet pipe; and
Including; a drain pipe connected to the water outlet pipe at a first point of the water outlet pipe;
Based on the first point, the water outlet pipe is divided into a first part where the filter is installed and a second part where the water outlet nozzle is installed,
In the operation of the sterilization mode, raw water flowing out from the first pipe flows into the heating device for sterilization, and hot water for sterilization flowing out of the third pipe flows into the fourth pipe, and flows out from the fourth pipe The sterilized hot water flows through the filter, the first part of the water outlet pipe, and the drain pipe to be discharged to the outside.
13. The method of claim 12,
In the operation of the drinking mode, the raw water flows into the fourth pipe, and the introduced raw water flows into the filter and the outlet pipe to be discharged through the water outlet nozzle.
13. The method of claim 12,
a water outlet valve installed in a second part of the water outlet pipe; and
A drain valve installed in the drain pipe; further comprising,
In the sterilization mode of operation, the water outlet valve is open and the drain valve is closed,
In the operation of the drinking mode, the drain valve is opened and the water outlet valve is closed.
13. The method of claim 12,
The water outlet pipe includes a first water outlet pipe for introducing water that has passed through the filter and a second water outlet pipe for guiding the water flowing out of the first water outlet pipe to the water outlet nozzle,
The second outlet pipe includes at least one of a purified water pipe, a cold water pipe, and a hot water pipe,
The first point of the water outlet pipe is a point of the water outlet pipe at which an outlet side of any one of the purified water pipe, the cold water pipe, and the hot water pipe is located.
In the water purifier comprising a water outlet nozzle and operating in drinking mode and sterilization mode,
a raw water pipe for introducing raw water supplied from the outside;
a heating device for sterilization installed in the raw water pipe and generating hot water for sterilization by heating the raw water supplied from the outside;
a filter for filtering the water that has passed through the heating device for sterilization; and
Containing; a water outlet pipe for guiding the water passing through the filter to the water outlet nozzle;
In the operation in the sterilization mode, the heating device for sterilization performs a heating operation, and the hot water for sterilization flowing out through the raw water pipe flows into the filter and the water outlet pipe and is discharged to the water outlet nozzle.
17. The method of claim 16,
In the operation in the drinking mode, the heating device for sterilization does not perform a heating operation, and the raw water flowing out through the raw water pipe flows into the filter and the water outlet pipe and is discharged to the water outlet nozzle.

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