KR20140121234A - Water treatment apparatus having ice manufacturing function and the method thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

The purpose of the present invention is to provide a water treatment apparatus and a water treatment method which are capable of automatically sterilizing a cold water tank, a purified water tank, an ice storage part, and an ice making part, thereby making the water treatment apparatus clean and maintaining the water treatment apparatus easily. According to the present invention to accomplish the purpose, a water treatment apparatus comprises: a storage part storing water filtered by a filter part; an ice making part making ice by jetting water in the water to an ice making tray through nozzles; an ice storage part storing the ice generated by the ice making part; and a sterilization module to supply sterilization water to the storage part and the ice making part.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD [0001] The present invention relates to a water treatment apparatus having an ice making function and a water treatment method,

The present invention relates to a water treatment apparatus having an ice making function and a water treatment method, and more particularly, to a water treatment apparatus and a water treatment method capable of sterilizing an ice maker as well as a water tank.

Conventional water purifiers include a plurality of filters for removing heavy metals and other harmful substances contained in raw water through processes such as sedimentation, filtration, sterilization, and adsorption of raw water such as tap water, water for storing water filtered from the plurality of filters It consists of a tank.

Generally, in a water treatment plant, chlorine-based sanitizing disinfectant is administered to suppress the growth of microorganisms in the water. Since the chlorine-based sanitizing disinfectant is administered to the filter while the sanitizing disinfectant is passed through the water purifier, If the stored water is not used immediately by the consumer, the bacteria will multiply inside the water tank.

Various methods for sterilizing such water tanks have been proposed. Korean Patent Registration No. 10-621937 discloses an electrolytic sterilizing means for sterilizing purified water and producing an oxidizing mixed material by electrolysis between a filter portion and a purified water tank, A technique for sterilizing the inside of the apparatus is disclosed.

Meanwhile, a water purifier having an ice-making function is provided so that ice can be supplied to the water purifier. The water purifier includes an evaporator tube through which coolant flows at a low temperature to generate ice, and water sprayed from the nozzle by receiving cold air from the evaporator tube. And an ice storage unit for storing the ice made in the ice-making unit.

In the case of a water purifier equipped with an ice-making function, it is difficult to sterilize the ice-making frame, the nozzle, and the ice reservoir, so that it is troublesome for the consumer to disassemble and clean components such as the ice-making frame and the nozzle and the ice reservoir. There is a problem that causes failure.

Disclosure of Invention Technical Problem [8] Accordingly, the present invention has been made keeping in mind the above problems occurring in the prior art, and an object of the present invention is to provide a water treatment apparatus and a water treatment method which are cleaned by being automatically sterilized by a cold water tank, a water tank, There is a purpose.

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a water treatment apparatus comprising: a storage unit for storing water filtered in a filter unit; A freezing portion for spraying water in the storage portion to an ice-making frame through a nozzle to perform ice-making; An ice storage part for storing the ice produced in the ice making part; And a sterilizing module for supplying sterilizing water to the storage part and the ice-making part.

Another water treatment apparatus of the present invention comprises: a storage part for storing water filtered in a filter part; A freezing portion for spraying water in the storage portion to an ice-making frame through a nozzle to perform ice-making; An ice storage part for storing the ice produced in the ice making part; And a sterilizing module for supplying sterilizing water to the storage part and the ice storage part.

The storage unit may include a purified water tank for storing the purified water at room temperature and a cold water tank for storing the cold water.

Sterilization water generated by the sterilization module flows into the cold water tank; The sterilized water of the cold water tank may be supplied to the purified water tank by a circulation pump.

A cold water tank connecting line for supplying the sterilized water of the cold water tank to the purified water tank; a nozzle connecting channel connecting the plurality of nozzles; A sterilizing water supply line connecting the nozzle connecting channel and the purified water tank, a purified water tank, and a tank connecting channel connected to the sterilization water of the purified water tank to flow into the cold water tank, May be formed.

The sterilization water of the cold water tank may include a cold water tank connection line connected to the cold water tank, a nozzle connection channel connected between the plurality of nozzles and connected to the cold water tank connection line, The sterilization water supply line may be supplied to the purified water tank sequentially through the sterilization water supply line.

And supplying cold water of the cold water tank to the nozzle to perform ice-making.

The ice storage unit and the cold water tank may be divided into upper and lower spaces divided by a separating plate.

A cold water tank drain line for draining the water of the cold water tank to the outside, and a purified water tank drain line for draining the water of the purified water tank to the outside; A cold water drain valve and a purified water drain valve are provided on the cold water tank drain line and the purified water tank drain line, respectively; And a drain pump for draining the water passing through the cold water tank drain line and the purified water tank drain line to the outside.

A cold water tank connection line connected to the cold water tank, a nozzle connection channel connected between the plurality of nozzles and connected to the cold water tank connection line, and a purified water tank sterilization water supply line ; Sectional area of the purified water tank sterilizing water supply line may be smaller than the cross-sectional area of the nozzle connecting passage.

The water treatment method according to the present invention comprises a storage unit for storing the filtered water in the filter unit, a freezing unit for freezing the water in the storage unit by jetting water from the storage unit through the nozzle and an ice storage unit for storing the ice generated in the freezing unit, And sterilizing module for generating sterilized water, comprising the steps of: a) sterilizing the sterilized water by supplying the sterilized water to the storage part and the freezing part; b) draining said sterile water externally; and c) rinsing the storage portion and the ice-making portion with the rinsing water filtered by the filter portion.

Another water treatment method of the present invention includes a storage unit for storing water filtered in a filter unit, a ice-making unit for spraying water in the storage unit to the ice-making frame through a nozzle, And sterilizing module for generating sterilized water, comprising the steps of: a) sterilizing the sterilized water by supplying the sterilized water to the storage part and the ice storage part; b) draining said sterile water externally; and c) rinsing the storage portion and the ice storage portion with the rinsing water filtered by the filter portion.

Wherein the storage unit comprises a purified water tank for storing purified water and a cold water tank for storing cold water; Sterilized water generated in the sterilization module may be supplied to the cold water tank and the sterilized water of the cold water tank may be supplied to the purified water tank by a circulation pump.

In this case, the ice storage unit is integrally formed on the upper part of the cold water tank; Before the a) step is performed, the water in the cold water tank is drained to the outside, and the water filtered in the filter unit is sensed in the ice storage unit It may be filling up to the position of the germicidal level sensor.

And a circulation channel connecting the purified water tank and the cold water tank; The sterilized water generated in the sterilization module may be circulated through the purified water tank, the cold water tank, and the circulation channel by a circulation pump.

And the ice-making unit includes a nozzle for spraying water supplied from the cold water tank; Wherein the ice storage unit is integrally formed on the upper portion of the cold water tank; In the step a), when the sterilizing water is filled up to the position of the sterilizing water level sensor for sensing the full water level of the ice storage part, the nozzle may be locked.

The storage unit may include a purified water tank for storing purified water and a cold water tank for storing cold water; Wherein the ice-making portion includes a nozzle for spraying water supplied from the cold water tank; Wherein the ice storage unit is integrally formed on the upper portion of the cold water tank; Draining the water in the cold water tank to the outside and filling the filtered water to the position of the cold water tank level sensor which senses the full water level of the cold water tank before the step a) is performed; The a) step may include a first sterilization circulation process in which the sterilized water in the cold water tank is sprayed through the plurality of nozzles to sterilize the ice making unit and the sterilized water in the ice making unit is introduced into the cold water tank.

According to the present invention, sterilizing water can be sterilized by injecting sterilizing water through a nozzle for making ice, and the sterilizing water can be filled in the ice storage part through the cold water tank, so that the water treatment apparatus can be kept clean.

In addition, since the sterilization is performed while circulating the sterilization water in the circulation channel connecting the purified water tank, the cold water tank, the ice storage unit and the ice making unit, the sterilization efficiency can be improved and sterilization can be performed to the water intake line connected to the water intake valve. The area of the zone can be minimized.

1 is a perspective view showing an ice making module according to the present invention,
FIG. 2 is a front sectional view of the ice-making module shown in FIG. 1,
3 is a side sectional view of the ice-making module shown in Fig. 1,
4 is a view showing a water treatment apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention,
5 is a view showing a drainage process in the water treatment apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention,
6 is a view showing a process of inflow of purified water in the water treatment apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention,
7 is a view showing sterilization circulation process in the water treatment apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention,
8 is a view showing a sterilized water drainage process in the water treatment apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention,
9 is a view showing the sterilization circulation process of the cold water tank and the ice-making part in the water treatment apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention,
10 is a view showing a sterilization circulation process of the purified water tank and the ice storage unit in the water treatment apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention,
11 is a view showing a process of draining in a water treatment apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

≪ Embodiment 1 >

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an ice making module according to the present invention, FIG. 2 is a front sectional view of the ice making module shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 3 is a side sectional view of the ice making module shown in FIG. Fig.

The water treatment apparatus of the present invention includes a filter unit 200 composed of a plurality of filters 210, 220, 230 and 240 for filtering the raw water supplied from the raw water supply unit 110, water generated from the filter unit 200 is stored, And a sterilizing module 500 for generating a sterilizing water for sterilizing the storage portion and the ice-making portion provided in the ice-making module 1.

The filter unit 200 includes a pretreatment sedimentation filter 210, a pre-carbon filter 220, a post-carbon filter 230, and a hollow fiber membrane filter 240. In this case, the reverse osmosis membrane filter may be provided in place of the hollow fiber membrane filter 240, and the number and kind of the filters and the order of the front and rear filters may be changed.

A plurality of pipes (711, 712, and 713) are connected between the filters 210, 220, 230, and 240 to form a purified water movement line in which purified water moves, and a pre- On the piping 711, a raw water valve 310 for controlling the inflow of raw water is provided.

The icemaker module 1 includes a purified water tank 610 connected to the filter unit 200 by a purified water supply line 714 to store the filtered water in the filter unit 200 at a normal temperature, A cold water tank 650 connected to the cold water tank 650 for storing the cold water and a cold water tank 650 for storing cold water, a freezing unit 620 for receiving ice from the cold water tank 650, A separation plate 640 provided below the ice storage unit 630 to spatially separate the ice storage unit 630 and the cold water tank 650, .

The purified water tank 610 is provided with a purified water tank level sensor 530 for detecting the level of purified water so that the filtered water is supplied into the purified water tank 610 through the filter unit 200, The water supply to the inside of the water tank 610 is stopped.

The purified water tank 610 is connected to the cold water tank 650 by a tank connecting flow path 731 and the water of the purified water tank 610 is supplied to the cold water tank 650 through the tank connecting flow path 731 do. The tank connecting passage 731 may be formed in the form of a tube to connect between the tanks 610 and 650. An overflow hole (not shown) may be formed in the tank 610, So that water overflows through the cold water tank 650 to the cold water tank 650.

A purified water intake line 741 connected to a water intake port (not shown) to allow the user of the purified water tank 610 to exit the water purification tank 610 and a purified water supply line 741 installed on the purified water intake line 741, A water intake valve 360 is provided.

The ice-making unit 620 includes an ice-making frame 621 in which ice having a predetermined shape is formed, an evaporation pipe 621 coupled to the ice-making frame 210 so as to perform heat exchange between the ice- A plurality of nozzles 623 for spraying the water of the cold water tank 650 to the ice-making frame 621 for ice-making, and a plurality of nozzles 623 connected to each other to form one channel A nozzle connecting passage 624 and an ice guide 625 for guiding the ice generated in the ice making frame 621 and dropped to the ice storing part 630. [

The ice making mold 621 includes a body portion 621a made of a metal material which is in contact with the evaporation pipe 622 and a plurality of ice making chambers 621a formed to be concave in the body portion 621a, (621b).

The evaporator 622 constitutes a part of a refrigeration cycle (not shown). During low-temperature refrigerant flow, a low-temperature refrigerant flows to cause water sprayed from the nozzle 623 to generate ice in the ice-making groove 621b, The high-temperature refrigerant flows so that the ice surface generated in the ice-making groove 621b melts and is allowed to be removed. In this case, it is also possible to provide a heater in the ice-making mold 120 to perform de-icing.

The nozzle 623 is provided to spray water toward the ice making groove 621b so that the water supplied from the cold water tank 650 is sprayed from the nozzle 623 through the nozzle connecting flow path 624, 621b so as to perform ice making.

The nozzle connection channel 624 is a channel for interconnecting the plurality of nozzles 623, and both ends are connected to the cold water tank connection line 721 and the cold water intake line 722, respectively.

The ice guide 625 is a flat plate and is inclined to guide the ice, which has been scraped off from the ice-making groove 621b and dropped, into the ice storage part 630. Water sprayed from the nozzle 623 The through holes 625a are formed so as to correspond to the number of the nozzles 623 so as to pass therethrough.

The ice storage part 630 is provided with a body part 630a surrounding the inner space in which the ice is stored and the body part 630a is integrally formed with the body part 650a constituting the cold water tank 650 And ice and cold water are stored in the upper and lower spaces divided by the separating plate 640, respectively.

The ice storage part 630 is provided with an ice discharge gate 631 for opening and closing the open side of the body part 630a to discharge ice to the user and ice stored in the ice storage part 630 The blades 632 and 633 are periodically rotated around the rotation axis 634 to prevent them from adhering to each other. The blades 632 and 633 are composed of a first blade 632 and a second blade 633 which are vertically spaced apart to effectively discharge ice through the ice discharge gate 631.

A cold water tank level sensor 520 for sensing the level of the inside of the cold water tank 650 and a circulation pump for supplying water inside the cold water tank 650 to the nozzle 623 And a cold water tank connection line 721 connecting the circulation pump 410 and the nozzle connection passage 624 to each other. The circulation pump 410 and the cold water tank connection line 721 are provided in the cold water tank 650 to simplify the structure and the sterilization module connection line 751 in which the sterilization module 500 is installed, The sterilizing water generated in the sterilizing module 500 flows into the lower portion of the circulation pump 410 and circulation of the sterilizing water by the circulation pump 410 is smooth.

The cold water tank 650 is not provided with a separate cooling means such as a cooling coil, and water cooled by the ice making unit 620 is introduced into the cold water tank 650. That is, the water conveyed by the circulation pump 410 is injected through the nozzle 623 and is contacted with the surface of the ice-making groove 621b of the ice-making frame 621 to cool the ice- The cold water tank 650 and the tank connecting passage 731 until the temperature of the cold water in the cold water tank 650 becomes lower than a predetermined temperature.

A cold water intake valve 330 for regulating the supply of cold water to the intake port is provided on the cold water intake line 722 connected to the intake port (not shown) to allow the cold water of the cold water tank 650 to be delivered to the user. The cold water in the cold water tank 650 is transferred by the circulation pump 410 to the cold water tank connection line 721, the nozzle connection path 624, the cold water intake line 722 and the cold water intake valve 330 (Not shown) through the intake port (not shown).

The sterilization module 500, for example, electrolyzes water to react with chlorine ions contained in the raw water, hydrogen, oxygen, etc. to generate germicidal substances such as HOCl and ClO ^- ions. The sterilizing module 500 includes a positive electrode And a power supply unit (not shown) supplies power to the positive electrode and the negative electrode, and the electrode may be coated with platinum or iridium.

The sterilization module 500 is provided on a sterilization module connection line 751 connected to the lower part of the cold water tank 650 so that the sterilization water generated by electrolyzing the water inside the cold water tank 650 is supplied to the cold water tank 650 As shown in FIG.

A purified water tank sterilization water supply line 723 for supplying sterilized water generated by the sterilization module 500 and flowing into the cold water tank 650 to the purified water tank 610 is provided. The purified water tank sterilization water supply line 723 is branched on the cold water intake line 722 and connected to the purified water tank 610 and is provided with a purified water tank sterilization water supply valve 320 for controlling the supply of sterilized water.

The cold water tank connection line 721, the nozzle connection channel 624, the cold water intake line 722, the purified water tank sterilization water supply line 723, the purified water tank 610 And the tank connecting flow path 731 and sterilization is performed by sterilizing water while circulating the circulating flow path so that not only the purified water tank 610 and the cold water tank 650 but also all the piping inside Is sterilized.

In addition, since the purified water sterilization water supply line 723 is branched on the cold water intake line 722, which is the front end of the cold water intake valve 330, the sterilization water can be sterilized up to just before the cold water intake valve 330, zone can be minimized.

A sterilizing water level sensor 510 is provided at the upper end of the ice storage part 630 In the sterilization mode, sterilization circulation is performed after the sterilization water is filled in the cold water tank 650 and the ice storage unit 630 until the sterilization water level sensor 510 senses the full water level.

The sterilization level sensor 510 is provided at a position higher than the nozzle 623 and when the sterilization level sensor 510 senses that the level is high, the nozzle 623 is immersed in the sterilization water.

A cold water tank drain line 761 branching on the sterilizing module connection line 751 and a purified water drain line 761 branching on the purified water intake line 741 to drain the water stored in the cold water tank 650 and the purified water tank 610 to the outside And a purified water tank drain line 762 intersecting with the cold water tank drain line 761. A cold water drain valve 340 and an purified water drain valve 350 for controlling drainage are provided on the cold water tank drainage line 761 and the purified water tank drainage line 762. A drain pump 420 Respectively.

As described above, the purified water tank drainage line 762 is branched on the purified water intake line 741, which is the front end of the purified water intake valve 360, so that it can be sterilized up to just before the purified water intake valve 360 during sterilization circulation and drainage of the sterile water It is possible to minimize the area of the dead zone which is not sterilized.

The drainage of water through the cold water tank drainage line 761 and the purified water tank drainage line 762 may be natural drainage using a head difference. If the drainage pump 420 is installed as in the present embodiment, The drainage time can be shortened.

The drain pump 420 varies in voltage / current according to a change in the amount of water passing through the drain pump 420, that is, a change in the load. The load fluctuation detector (not shown in the figure) So as to judge whether or not the drainage of purified water or sterilized water has been completed.

The sterilization module 500 can sterilize not only the cold water tank 650 and the purified water tank 610 but also the ice storage part 630 and the ice making part 620 The water treatment apparatus can be cleanly managed.

The water tank sterilization water supply line 723 and the cold water intake line 722 are arranged in a crossing manner in the water tank sterilization water supply line 723. However, (Not shown) at a point where the cold water intake valve 330 and the purified water tank sterilization water supply line 723 are provided to supply the water supplied from the nozzle connection passage 624 to the cold water intake valve 330 and the purified water tank sterilization water supply line 723 .

The sterilization mode according to the first embodiment of the present invention is performed in the order of drainage → water inflow → sterilization circulation → sterilization water drain → rinse water inflow → rinse water circulation → rinse water drainage → water inflow order, The water treatment method in the water treatment apparatus according to the first embodiment will be described.

FIG. 5 is a view showing a drainage process in the water treatment apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 6 is a view showing a process of entering the water purification process in the water treatment apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 8 is a view showing a process of sterilizing water in a water treatment apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 8 is a view showing a sterilization water draining process in a water treatment apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

In this embodiment, the cold water stored in the cold water tank 650 has a low temperature, so that even if the sterilization module 500 is electrolyzed, the sterilizing material is generated in a small amount. Therefore, it is preferable to drain the water stored in the cold water tank 650 prior to the sterilization circulation.

5, the raw water valve 310, the purified water tank sterilization water supply valve 320, the cold water intake valve 330, the purified water intake valve 360, the sterilization module 500, When the circulation pump 410 is in the off state and the drainage pump 420 is operated in the cold water drain valve 340 and the water drain valve 350 in the On state, The water in the cold water tank 650 is drained to the outside via the sterilization module connection line 751 and the cold water tank drain line 761. The water is drained to the outside through the water intake line 741 and the purified water tank drain line 762. [

Off means that the valves 310, 320, 330, 340, 350 and 360 are in a closed state or the sterilization module 500, the circulation pump 410 and the drain pump 420 are not operated, and the valves 310, 320, 330, 340, The state in which the sterilizing module 500, the circulation pump 410, and the drain pump 420 are operated.

6, the purified water tank sterilization water supply valve 320, the cold water intake valve 330, the cold water drain valve 340, the purified water drain valve 350 and the water purification valve 350 are connected to each other. The water intake valve 360, the sterilization module 500, the circulation pump 410 and the drain pump 420 are turned on when the raw water valve 310 is turned on, The raw water is filtered by the filter unit 200 and then flows into the purified water tank 610 through the purified water supply line 714. The purified water introduced into the purified water tank 610 flows through the tank connection path 731 into the cold water tank 650).

When the water enters the cold water tank 650 and is filled up to the ice storage unit 630 and the sterilization water level sensor 510 senses that the water level is high, the raw water valve 310 is turned off. 510), the nozzle 623 is locked.

7, the raw water valve 310, the cold water intake valve 330, the cold water discharge valve 340, the purified water discharge valve 350, and the purified water intake valve (not shown) 360 and the drain pump 420 are generated by the sterilization module 500 when the sterilization water supply valve 320 and the sterilization module 500 and the circulation pump 410 are turned on in the off state, Sterilized water flows into the cold water tank 650 and the sterilized water flowing into the cold water tank 650 is circulated by the circulation pump 410 through the cold water tank connection line 721, the nozzle connection flow path 624, Line 722 and the purified water tank sterilizing water supply line 723, and then filled in the purified water tank 610. [

The sterilizing module 500 is operated when the sterilizing water level sensor 510 senses the full water level by inflow of the purified water. However, before the sterilizing water level sensor 510 senses the full water level, the sterilizing module 500 is operated Sterilized water may be generated.

When sterilized water is filled in the purified water tank 610 and reaches a certain water level, the sterilized water is circulated through the tank connecting channel 731 to the cold water tank 650 again. The circulation pump 410 and the sterilization module 500 may be continuously operated during the circulation process. The circulation pump 410 and the sterilization module 500 may be operated continuously for a predetermined period of time, Sterilization may be performed in the purified water tank 610, the ice storage unit 630, the cold water tank 650, and the respective pipes.

In this case, since the nozzle 623 is immersed in water, the sterilizing water circulated is not sprayed through the nozzle 623 even if the sterilizing water passes through the nozzle connecting passage 624.

Since the sterilizing water is circulated through the circulation channel, sterilization can be performed not only for the purified water tank 610, the ice storage unit 630 and the cold water tank 650 but also the inside of the pipe connecting the water tank 610 and the cold water tank 650, The sterilizing water is filled up to the position of the sterilizing level sensor 510 so that the nozzle 623 is immersed by the sterilizing water so that the nozzle 623 can be sterilized and the purified water drain line 741 and the purified water tank drain line 762) is also filled with sterilized water and sterilized.

8, the raw water valve 310, the cold water intake valve 330, the purified water intake valve 360, and the sterilization module 500 are turned off (Off) The cold water drain valve 340 and the purified water drain valve 350 operate the drain pump 420 in the On state to cool the purified water tank 610 and the cold water tank 650 and the ice storage unit 630 The sterilized water is drained to the outside.

When the circulation pump 410 is operated, the sterilizing water of the cold water tank 650 is supplied to the cold water tank connection line 721 and the nozzle connection channel 720. [ The ice making chamber 621 and the ice guide 625 as well as the inside of the ice making part 620 are sterilized.

In this case, since the body portion 621a of the ice-making mold 621 is made of metal, corrosion may occur when the sterilizing water is injected into the ice-making mold 621 for a long time, 410 are operated to spray sterilized water through the nozzle 623.

The sterilizing water injected into the ice-making groove 621b of the ice-making mold 621 falls and sterilizes the upper surface of the plate formed with the ice guide 625 and the nozzle 623, 731, and then flows into the cold water tank 650 again to circulate.

If the cross-sectional area of the purified water sterilization water supply line 723 is made smaller than the cross-sectional area of the nozzle connecting flow path 624, even if the purified water sterilization water supply valve 320 is turned on, Injection.

When the drainage of the sterilized water is completed, a rinse water inflow process is performed to wash the sterilized water remaining in the inside. In this case, the on / off states of the respective valves, the pump and the sterilization module are shown in FIG. 6 The purified water 610, the cold water tank 650, and the ice storage unit 630 are filled with the filtered water (hereinafter, referred to as 'rinse water') through the filter unit 200. When the rinsing water reaches the disinfecting water level sensor 510, the nozzle 623 is also submerged in the rinsing water, and the raw water valve 310 is turned off by the detection signal of the disinfection water level sensor 510, Is completed.

In this case, the rinsing water is also introduced into the purified water drain line 741 and the purified water drain line 762 connected to the purified water tank 610, so that the rinsing is performed for a predetermined period of time.

When the rinse water inflow process is completed, the rinse water circulation process proceeds. In this case, the on / off state of each valve, the pump, and the sterilization module is the same as that of the sterilization module except that the sterilization module 500 is off The 7, the rinsing water is circulated through the purified water tank 610, the cold water tank 650, the ice storage unit 630, and the respective pipes by the operation of the circulation pump 410, .

In this embodiment, the rinsing water is filled up to the sterilizing water level sensor 510 and then the circulating pump 410 is operated to circulate sterilizing water. However, in order to shorten the rinsing time, the circulation pump 410 is operated .

When the circulating pump 410 is operated during the inflow of the rinse water, the rinsing water is introduced into the purified water tank 610 through the purified water supply line 714, and the purified water is supplied through the purified water tank sterilization water supply line 723 650 can flow into the purified water tank 610 so that the amount of the rinse water discharged from the purified water tank 610 to the tank connecting flow path 731 can flow into the purified water tank 610. Therefore, It is preferable to operate the circulation pump 410 after the water level sensor 510 is filled up.

When the rinse water circulation process is completed, the rinse water discharge process proceeds. In this case, the on / off state of each valve, the pump, and the sterilization module is the same as the sterilization water drainage process shown in FIG. 8, The rinsing water of the cold water tank 610 and the cold water tank 650 and the ice storage unit 630 is drained to the outside. When the nozzle 623 is exposed to the rinsing water surface by the drainage of the rinsing water, the circulation pump 410 is operated to spray the rinsing water through the nozzle 623, whereby the ice making chamber 621 and the ice guide 625, The inside of the ice portion 620 is rinsed. The rinsing process may be repeated a plurality of times.

When the rinse water drainage process is completed, the water inflow process is performed. In this case, the on / off states of the respective valves, the pump and the sterilizing module are the same as the inflow process shown in FIG. The purified water is introduced into the purified water tank 610 and the cold water tank 650. In this case, unlike the process of inflow of purified water after draining, when the full water level is sensed by the cold water tank level sensor 520 and the purified water tank level sensor 530, the raw water valve 310 is turned off to terminate the inflow process.

In this embodiment, water is drained from the purified water tank 610 and the cold water tank 650 in the sterilization mode, and sterilized water is generated using the purified water newly introduced through the filter unit 200. However, The cold water in the cold water tank 650 may be drained without draining the water in the cold water tank 610. 5, only the cold water in the cold water tank 650 is drained to the outside, and then the valves 320, 330, 340, 350 and 360 are turned off as shown in FIG. 6 The purified water filtered in the filter unit 200 flows into the purified water tank 610. [ Water in the purified water tank 610 flows into the cold water tank 650 through the tank connecting flow path 731 by the newly introduced purified water because the purified water is already filled in the purified water tank 610, ), The raw water valve 310 is turned off. The subsequent process is sterilized by the same procedure as described above.

Alternatively, purified water may be directly introduced into the purified water tank 610 and the cold water tank 650 without draining them. 5, when the water is in the purified water tank 610 and the cold water tank 650, the valves 320, 330, 340, 350 and 360 are turned off as shown in FIG. 6, 310 are turned on, the purified water filtered in the filter unit 200 flows into the purified water tank 610. In this case, since water is already filled in the purified water tank 610 and the cold water tank 650, the water in the purified water tank 610 flows into the cold water tank 650 through the tank connecting flow path 731 by the newly introduced purified water And is mixed with the cold water in the cold water tank 650, thereby raising the water temperature inside the cold water tank 650. If the purified water is introduced into the cold water tank 650 until the water level is sensed by the sterilization level sensor 510, the sterilization module 500 can generate sterilized water even if the cold water is not drained.

If only the cold water in the cold water tank 650 is drained or the water in the purified water tank 610 and the cold water tank 650 is not drained, the amount of time required for draining and the amount of drained water can be reduced.

≪ Embodiment 2 >

FIG. 9 is a view showing a sterilization circulation process of the cold water tank and the ice-making unit in the water treatment apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 10 is a view showing the sterilization circulation of the purified water tank and the ice storage unit in the water treatment apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention And the nozzles 623 are not locked when the water is filled up to the sterilizing water level sensor 510. In the sterilization circulation and the rinsing, the sterilizing water level sensor 510 is sterilized The water supply valve 320 is turned off and the sterilizing water and the rinsing water are sprayed to the ice making part 620 through the nozzle 623 to sterilize and rinse the purified water sterilization water supply valve 320, And the sterilization and rinsing of the purified water tank 610 and the ice storage unit 630 are performed.

5 and 6, the water in the purified water tank 610 and the cold water tank 650 is drained to the outside by the above process, The purified water filtered in the unit 200 flows into the purified water tank 610 and the cold water tank 650. When the purified water flows into the cold water tank 650 and senses that the water level sensor 520 is in the full water level, (310) is turned off.

9, the water valve 310, the water tank sterilization water supply valve 320, the cold water intake valve 330, the cold water drain valve 340, and the water purification valve 340 are connected to each other. The drain valve 350, the purified water intake valve 360 and the drain pump 420 are generated by the sterilization module 500 when the sterilization module 500 and the circulation pump 410 are turned on in the off state, The sterilized water flowing into the cold water tank 650 flows into the inside of the cold water tank 650 through the cold water tank connecting line 721 and the nozzle connecting flow path 624 by the circulating pump 410, (623) to sterilize the ice-making groove (621b) of the ice-making frame (621).

The sterilized water injected into the ice-making groove 621b drops the upper surface of the plate on which the ice guide 625 and the nozzle 623 are formed and then passes through the ice-making portion connecting passage 732 and the tank connecting passage 731, The first sterilization circulation process for the ice-making unit 620 and the cold water tank 650 is performed.

When the ice-making unit 620 and the cold water tank 650 are sterilized by the above process, the sterilization process of the purified water tank 610 and the ice storage unit 630 proceeds. As shown in FIG. 10, The purified water discharge valve 350 and the purified water discharge valve 350 and the purified water intake valve 360 and the drainage pump 420 are connected in the off state to the raw water valve 310, The purified water filtered by the filter unit 200 flows into the purified water tank 610 while the sterilized water in the cold water tank 650 is circulated through the circulation pump 410, The cold water tank connection line 721, the nozzle connection channel 624, the purified water tank sterilization water supply line 723, the purified water tank 610 and the tank connection flow path 731 are sequentially introduced into the cold water tank 650 The second sterilization cycle is performed.

In this case, the purified water in the filter unit 200 flows into the purified water tank 610 and is mixed with sterilized water in the purified water tank 610. When the sterilized water in the purified water tank 610 reaches a predetermined water level or more, And is filled up to the position of the disinfecting water level sensor 510. Through this process, sterilization of the purified water tank 610 and the ice storage unit 630 is performed.

In addition, even if the sterilization water is filled up to the sterilization level sensor 510, since the nozzle 623 is not locked, the sterilization water is sprayed through the nozzle 623 during the second sterilization circulation process to sterilize the freezing portion 620 have.

9 and 10, the sterilizing module 500 may be configured to be continuously turned on during the sterilization cycle of FIGS. 9 and 10, but it may be configured to control the sterilization water concentration by being turned off as shown in FIG. 10 .

8, the cold water drain valve 340 and the purified water drain valve 350 operate the drain pump 420 in the On state, The sterilized water of the purified water tank 610, the cold water tank 650, and the ice storage unit 630 is drained to the outside. In this case, since there is no process of sterilizing the ice making part 620 during the drainage, the drainage time is shortened as compared with the first embodiment.

When the drainage of sterilized water is completed, a rinse water inflow process is performed to clean the sterilized water remaining. In this case, the on / off state of each valve, pump, The water filtered through the filter unit 200 is filled in the purified water tank 610 and the cold water tank 650. When the rinsing water reaches the cold water tank water level sensor 520 The first rinse water circulation process proceeds.

The on / off state of each valve, the pump, and the sterilization module in the first rinse water circulation process is different from the first sterilization circulation process shown in FIG. 9 in that the sterilization module 500 is turned off And the rest are the same. In this case, the rinsing water is sprayed into the ice-making groove 621b of the ice-making frame 621 through the nozzle 623 and then falls to rinse the upper surface of the plate on which the ice guide 625 and the nozzle 623 are formed. 732 and the tank connecting passage 731 to the cold water tank 650 so that the rinsing of the freezing portion 620 and the cold water tank 650 is performed.

When the ice making unit 620 and the cold water tank 650 are rinsed by the above process, the raw water valve 310 is turned on to supply the rinsing water to the sterilization water level sensor 510 of the ice storage unit 630 The second rinse water circulation process for rinsing the purified water tank 610 and the ice storage unit 630 proceeds. In this case, the On / Off states of the respective valves, the pump, and the sterilization module are the same as the second sterilization cycle shown in FIG.

When the second rinse water circulation process is completed, the rinse water discharge process proceeds. In this case, the on / off state of each valve, the pump, and the sterilization module is the same as the drainage process shown in FIG. The rinsing process may be repeated a plurality of times.

When the rinse water draining process is completed, the process of entering the purified water proceeds. In this case, the on / off state of each valve, the pump, and the sterilizing module is the same as the process of entering the purified water shown in FIG. In this case, when the full water level is sensed by the cold water level sensor 520 and the purified water level sensor 530 in the same manner as the water inflow process after draining, the water inflow process is terminated by turning off the raw water valve 310.

≪ Third Embodiment >

FIG. 11 is a view showing a process of draining water in the water treatment apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention. All the constitutions are the same as those of the water treatment apparatus of the first embodiment, and the hot water intake line 763, the hot water intake valve 370, There is a difference in that a hot water tank 550 is provided.

The hot water intake line 763 is connected to the hot water intake valve 370 branched from the purified water tank water drain line 762 and is connected to a water intake port ).

The hot water tank 550 may be configured to preheat and store an amount of water equal to or greater than a predetermined amount, or may be configured as an instantaneous water heater system in which electricity is applied and heated when a user requests hot water.

When hot water is present in the hot water tank 550, when the hot water in the hot water tank 550 is drained as it is in the initial drain of the sterilization mode, there is a problem in the heat resistance of the drain lines 761 and 762 and the drain pump 420 9, when the cold water drain valve 340 and the purified water drain valve 350 are simultaneously turned on or the cold water drain valve 340 is first turned on, the purified water drain valve 350 is turned on, It is preferable that the cold water in the cold water tank 650 and the hot water in the hot water tank 550 are mixed and drained in a state where the temperature is low.

When the drainage is completed, the purified water flows into the purified water tank 610 in the same manner as in the first embodiment in the order of inflow of purified water, sterilization circulation, drainage of sterilized water, inflow of rinsing water, circulation of rinsing water, drainage of rinsing water, Sterilized water is filled in the hot water tank 550 and the hot water intake line 763 through the purified water drain line 742 and the purified water drain line 762 to sterilize the hot water tank 550 And the hot water intake line 763 are filled with the rinsing water, the water is drained through the purified water drain valve 350 to perform rinsing.

The hot water intake line 763, the hot water intake valve 370 and the hot water tank 550 of the third embodiment are applied to the second embodiment in which the nozzle 623 is not locked when water is filled up to the disinfecting water level sensor 510 .

As described above, according to the present invention, the sterilizing water can be sprayed through the nozzle 623 for ice making to sterilize the freezing part 620, and sterilization cleaning can be performed also in the cold water tank 650 and the ice storage part 630 The sterilization efficiency can be improved because the sterilization is performed while the sterilization water is circulated through the circulation flow channel connecting the purified water tank, the cold water tank, the ice storage unit, and the ice making unit to the water intake line connected to the water intake valve Since the sterilization is performed, the area of the dead zone which can not be sterilized can be minimized.

As described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined in the appended claims. And such modifications are within the scope of the present invention.

110: raw water supply part 200: filter part
310: raw water valve 320: water tank sterilized water supply valve
330: cold water intake valve 340: cold water drain valve
350: purified water drain valve 360: purified water intake valve
410: Pump 420: Drain pump
500: sterilization module 510: sterilization level sensor
520: cold water tank level sensor 530: purified water tank level sensor
550: Instant water heater 610: Water tank
620: ice tray 621: ice tray
622: Evaporation tube 623: Nozzle
624: Nozzle connection channel 625: Ice guide
630: Ice storage section 640: Separation plate
650: cold water tank 714: purified water supply line
721: cold water tank connection line 722: cold water intake line
723: sterilization water supply line for purified water tank 731: tank connection oil line
732: Connection of the freezing zone.
751: Disinfection module connection line 761: Cold water tank drain line
762: Water tank drain line 763: Hot water intake line

Claims (33)

A storage unit for storing the filtered water in the filter unit;
A freezing portion for spraying water in the storage portion to an ice-making frame through a nozzle to perform ice-making;
An ice storage part for storing the ice produced in the ice making part;
A sterilizing module for supplying sterilizing water to the storing part and the ice-making part;
. A storage unit for storing the filtered water in the filter unit;
A freezing portion for spraying water in the storage portion to an ice-making frame through a nozzle to perform ice-making;
An ice storage part for storing the ice produced in the ice making part;
A sterilizing module for supplying sterilizing water to the storage part and the ice storage part;
. 3. The method according to claim 1 or 2,
Wherein the storage unit comprises a purified water tank for storing purified water at room temperature and a cold water tank for storing cold water. The method of claim 3,
Sterilization water generated by the sterilization module flows into the cold water tank;
And sterilizing water of the cold water tank is supplied to the purified water tank by a circulation pump. 5. The method of claim 4,
And a cold water tank connection line connected to the circulation pump and the circulation pump for supplying sterilized water to the purified water tank is provided in the cold water tank. 5. The method of claim 4,
A cold water tank connecting line for supplying the sterilized water of the cold water tank to the purified water tank; a nozzle connecting channel connecting the plurality of nozzles; A sterilizing water supply line connecting the nozzle connecting channel and the purified water tank, a purified water tank, and a tank connecting channel connected to the sterilization water of the purified water tank to flow into the cold water tank, Is formed on the surface of the water tank. 5. The method of claim 4,
The sterilization water of the cold water tank may include a cold water tank connection line connected to the cold water tank, a nozzle connection channel connected between the plurality of nozzles and connected to the cold water tank connection line, And a sterilization water supply line through which the purified water is supplied to the purified water tank. 8. The method of claim 7,
A cold water intake valve for leaving cold water in the cold water tank to the user and a cold water intake line for connecting the cold water intake valve and the nozzle connection channel;
The purified water tank sterilization water supply line is branched at the cold water intake line;
Wherein the purified water tank sterilization water supply line is provided with a purified water tank sterilization water supply valve for controlling whether sterilized water is supplied to the purified water tank. 8. The method of claim 7,
A cold water intake valve for leaving cold water in the cold water tank to the user and a cold water intake line for connecting the cold water intake valve and the nozzle connection channel;
The purified water tank sterilization water supply line is branched at the cold water intake line;
A channel switching valve for supplying the water supplied from the nozzle connecting channel in the direction of any one of the cold water intake valve and the purified water sterilization water supply line is provided at a point where the purified water sterilization water supply line and the cold water intake line cross each other Wherein the water treatment apparatus comprises: The method of claim 3,
Wherein the cold water in the cold water tank is supplied to the nozzle to perform ice-making. The method of claim 3,
Wherein the ice storage unit and the cold water tank are divided into upper and lower spaces divided by a separating plate. 12. The method of claim 11,
And a sterilizing water level sensor for sensing the full water level of the sterilization water filled in the ice storage part and the cold water tank is provided above the ice storage part. 13. The method of claim 12,
Wherein the sterilizing water level sensor is installed at a position higher than the nozzle. The method of claim 3,
A cold water tank drain line for draining the water of the cold water tank to the outside, and a purified water tank drain line for draining the water of the purified water tank to the outside;
A cold water drain valve and a purified water drain valve are provided on the cold water tank drain line and the purified water tank drain line, respectively;
And a drain pump for draining water passing through the cold water tank drain line and the purified water tank drain line to the outside. 15. The method of claim 14,
Wherein a purified water intake line and an purified water intake line for supplying the water of the purified water tank to the user are provided and the purified water tank water drain line is branched on the purified water intake line. 15. The method of claim 14,
A hot water intake line for supplying hot water of the hot water tank to the user and a hot water intake valve provided on the hot water intake line for controlling whether hot water is supplied or not;
Wherein the hot water intake line is branched on the purified water tank drain line. The method of claim 3,
Wherein the sterilization module is provided on a sterilization module connection line connecting the lower two points of the cold water tank and the cold water tank drain line for draining the water of the cold water tank to the outside is branched on the sterilization module connection line Water treatment apparatus. 11. The method of claim 10,
A cold water tank connection line connected to the cold water tank, a nozzle connection channel connected between the plurality of nozzles and connected to the cold water tank connection line, and a purified water tank sterilization water supply line ;
Wherein the cross-sectional area of the purified water sterilization water supply line is smaller than the cross-sectional area of the nozzle connection channel. An ice storage part for storing the ice produced in the ice making part and a sterilizing water generating part for generating sterilizing water; a water storage part for storing the filtered water in the filter part; a freezing part for spraying water in the storage part to the ice- Module,
a) sterilizing the sterilizing water by supplying sterilizing water to the storage unit and the freezing unit;
b) draining said sterile water externally;
c) rinsing the storage portion and the ice-making portion with the rinsing water filtered by the filter portion. An ice storage part for storing the ice produced in the ice making part and a sterilizing water generating part for generating sterilizing water; a water storage part for storing the filtered water in the filter part; a freezing part for spraying water in the storage part to the ice- Module,
a) supplying and sterilizing the sterilized water to the storage unit and the ice storage unit;
b) draining said sterile water externally;
c) rinsing said storage and said ice reservoir with rinsing water filtered by said filter. 21. The method according to claim 19 or 20,
Wherein the storage unit comprises a purified water tank for storing purified water and a cold water tank for storing cold water;
Sterilization water generated in the sterilization module is supplied to the cold water tank, and sterilized water of the cold water tank is supplied to the purified water tank by a circulation pump. 21. The method of claim 20,
Wherein the storage unit comprises a purified water tank for storing purified water and a cold water tank for storing cold water;
Wherein the ice storage unit is integrally formed on the upper portion of the cold water tank;
Wherein the water in the cold water tank is discharged to the outside and the water filtered in the filter unit is filled to a position of the sterilizing water level sensor which senses the full water level of the ice storage unit before the step a) is performed. 21. The method according to claim 19 or 20,
Wherein the storage unit comprises a purified water tank for storing purified water and a cold water tank for storing cold water;
A circulation channel connecting the purified water tank and the cold water tank;
Wherein sterilization water generated in the sterilization module is circulated through the purified water tank, the cold water tank, and the circulation channel by a circulation pump. 21. The method of claim 20,
Wherein the storage unit comprises a purified water tank for storing purified water and a cold water tank for storing cold water; Wherein the ice-making portion includes a nozzle for spraying water supplied from the cold water tank;
Wherein the ice storage unit is integrally formed on the upper portion of the cold water tank;
Wherein the nozzle is locked when the sterilizing water is filled up to a position of the sterilizing water level sensor for sensing the full water level of the ice storage part in the step a). 25. The method of claim 24,
A cold water tank connecting line for connecting the cold water tank and the nozzle connecting channel to each other; a water tank connecting line for connecting the water in the cold water tank to the cold water tank connecting line and the nozzle connecting channel; A circulation pump is provided;
Wherein the circulating pump is operated during the drainage process to sterilize the ice-making unit by spraying sterilized water of the cold water tank through the nozzle. 21. The method of claim 20,
Wherein the step c) comprises filling the rinsing water filtered by the filter unit up to the sterilizing water level sensor so that the nozzle is locked;
Wherein the circulation pump is operated during a process of discharging the rinsing water of the ice storage unit and the cold water tank to the outside so that the rinsing water of the ice storage tank is sprayed through the nozzle to rinse the ice making unit. 21. The method according to claim 19 or 20,
Wherein the storage unit comprises a purified water tank for storing purified water, a cold water tank for storing cold water, and a hot water tank for storing hot water;
A cold water tank drain line for draining the water of the cold water tank to the outside, and a purified water tank drain line for draining the water of the purified water tank to the outside;
The hot water tank is provided on the hot water intake line branched on the purified water tank water drain line;
Wherein the cold water tank is mixed with water in the purified water tank and the hot water tank before the step (a) is performed, and the water is drained to the outside. 21. The method of claim 20,
Wherein the storage unit comprises a purified water tank for storing purified water and a cold water tank for storing cold water;
Wherein the ice storage unit is integrally formed on the upper portion of the cold water tank;
Wherein the rinsing water is filled up to the sterilizing water level sensor provided in the ice storage part, and then the circulation pump is operated to circulate the rinsing water. 21. The method according to claim 19 or 20,
Wherein the storage unit comprises a purified water tank for storing purified water and a cold water tank for storing cold water;
Wherein the ice-making portion includes a nozzle for spraying water supplied from the cold water tank;
Wherein the ice storage unit is integrally formed on the upper portion of the cold water tank;
Draining the water in the cold water tank to the outside and filling the filtered water to the position of the cold water tank level sensor which senses the full water level of the cold water tank before the step a) is performed;
Wherein the step a) includes a first sterilization circulation step of sterilizing the sterilized water of the cold water tank through the nozzle to sterilize the ice-making unit, and sterilizing water of the ice-making unit is introduced into the cold water tank 30. The method of claim 29,
A purified water tank sterilization water supply line for connecting the nozzle connection channel and the purified water tank for connecting the nozzle connected to the plurality of nozzles, and a purified water tank sterilization water supply valve for controlling whether the sterilized water is supplied to the purified water tank Being;
Wherein in the step a), the ice-making part is sterilized while the purified water tank sterilization water supply valve is off. 31. The method of claim 30,
In the step a), after the sterilization of the ice making part is performed after the first sterilization circulation step, the water filtered in the filter part flows into the purified water tank, and when the purified water sterilization water supply valve is in an On state The sterilized water of the cold water tank is circulated by the circulation pump to the purified water tank via the nozzle connecting channel and the purified water sterilization water supply line and then flows into the cold water tank again and sterilized to detect the full water level of the ice storage unit And a second sterilization cycle in which the sterilization water is filled up to a position of the water level sensor. 21. The method according to claim 19 or 20,
Wherein the storage unit comprises a purified water tank for storing purified water and a cold water tank for storing cold water;
Wherein the sterilization module is turned off in the sterilization mode to adjust the sterilization water concentration. 30. The method of claim 29,
A purified water tank sterilization water supply line for connecting the nozzle connection channel to the purified water tank and a purified water tank sterilization water supply valve for controlling whether the sterilized water is supplied to the purified water tank, ;
Wherein the step (c) includes a first rinse water circulation process in which the rinsing water of the cold water tank is sprayed through the plurality of nozzles to rinse the ice making chamber, and the rinsing water of the cold water tank is circulated through the nozzle connecting channel A second rinse water circulation process in which the rinse water is filled up to the position of the sterilization water level sensor for circulating the purified water to the purified water tank via the purified water tank sterilization water supply line and then flowing into the cold water tank, .

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