Shared water purification system

Abstract

A shared water purification system according to an embodiment may comprise: a first pipe through which water flowing in from the outside flows; a first three-way valve disposed in the first pipe; a bypass pipe, one end of which is connected to the first three-way valve and the other end of which is connected to the first pipe; a heater disposed in the bypass pipe; a filter disposed in the first pipe at a position exceeding a water outlet portion of the bypass pipe when viewed in a water flow direction; and a supply pipe which is connected to the first pipe and supplies the water passing through the filter to the household electrical appliance, and when the shared water purification system is operated in a sterilization mode, the water flowing into the first pipe can pass through the bypass pipe, is heated in the heater, and flows through the supply pipe.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a shared water purification system, and more particularly, to a shared water purification system having a structure capable of effectively sterilizing pipes. Background Art

[0002] The content described in this section only simply provides background information of the present invention and does not constitute prior art.

[0003] A water purifier is a device that filters raw water and removes impurities. The water purifier removes floating substances or harmful components contained in tap water by using a filter, and discharges a required amount of purified water according to the operation of the user. Recent water purifiers can not only discharge purified water but also hot water and cold water, and are small in size and can be installed in various environments.

[0004] Pipes for water flow are provided inside the water purifier, and filters, valves, etc. are provided in the pipes. However, when the water purifier is used for a long time, bacteria, microorganisms, etc. will multiply in the pipes, filters, valves, etc. Therefore, it is necessary to regularly clean the inside of the water purifier.

[0005] Regarding this, Korean Patent No. 10-2411725 is disclosed.

[0006] In the prior art, as a water purifier for sterilizing a filter, a pump and steam are used to sterilize the filter in the reverse direction, or hot water is used to sterilize the filter.

[0007] However, in the prior art, it is impossible to sterilize all the outlet pipes of the water purifier. Therefore, there is a problem that bacteria, microorganisms, etc. remain in the pipes that are not sterilized.

[0008] A water purifier, for example, can be arranged in a sink in a kitchen and can be connected to household appliances that need to supply water that can be drunk by users and a faucet that discharges cooking water for cooking.

[0009] Such a water purifier can supply purified water to household appliances that need drinking water and a faucet that discharges cooking water. Hereinafter, it is called a shared water purification system.

[0010] In the shared water purification system, such household appliances are complicatedly provided with pipes for connecting the faucet to a city water pipe. Therefore, it is necessary to effectively sterilize such pipes. In addition, it is necessary to effectively sterilize the filter provided in the shared water purification system.

[0011] In addition, in the shared water purification system, it is necessary to design a structure capable of shortening the sterilization time by simultaneously sterilizing the pipes connected to a plurality of household appliances and faucets.

[0012] In addition, in a shared water purification system, a structure is required that can improve the sterilization effect by separately and sequentially sterilizing the pipes connected to a plurality of household appliances and faucets. Summary of the Invention

[0013] Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0014] An object of the present invention is to provide a shared water purification system having a structure capable of effectively sterilizing pipes and filters using hot water.

[0015] In addition, an object of the present invention is to provide a shared water purification system having a structure capable of simultaneously sterilizing the pipes connected to a plurality of household appliances and faucets.

[0016] In addition, an object of the present invention is to provide a shared water purification system having a structure capable of separately and sequentially sterilizing a plurality of household appliances and faucets.

[0017] The object of the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned objects. Other objects and advantages of the present invention not mentioned can be understood through the following description and can be further clearly understood through the embodiments of the present invention. In addition, it is easy to understand that the objects and advantages of the present invention can be achieved by the solutions proposed in the claims and their combinations.

[0018] Technical Solutions for Solving the Problems

[0019] An embodiment of the shared water purification system may include: a first three-way valve disposed in a first pipe; a second three-way valve disposed in a supply pipe; a heater disposed in a bypass pipe; a cooking water pipe that supplies water passing through a filter as cooking water. In the case of operating in a sterilization mode, the water flowing into the first pipe can pass through the bypass pipe and be heated in the heater, and can sterilize the supply pipe and the cooking water pipe.

[0020] Therefore, it is possible to easily sterilize the complex pipes provided in the shared water purification system by using simple devices such as heaters and three-way valves.

[0021] The water flowing into the first pipe can pass through the bypass pipe and be heated in the heater, and can simultaneously flow through the supply pipe and the cooking water pipe and sterilize these pipes at the same time.

[0022] Therefore, it is possible to shorten the time for sterilizing a plurality of pipes provided in the shared water purification system.

[0023] The water flowing into the first pipe can pass through the bypass pipe and be heated in the heater, and can flow through the supply pipe and the cooking water pipe at different times and sequentially sterilize the respective pipes.

[0024] Therefore, all the pipes provided in the shared water purification system can be sufficiently and thoroughly sterilized.

[0025] A shared water purification system according to an embodiment may include: a first pipe through which water flowing in from the outside flows; a first three-way valve disposed in the first pipe; a bypass pipe having one end connected to the first three-way valve and the other end connected to the first pipe; a heater disposed in the bypass pipe; a filter disposed at a position in the first pipe that is beyond the water outlet portion of the bypass pipe when viewed in the water flow direction; and a supply pipe connected to the first pipe and supplying the water that has passed through the filter to a household appliance. When the shared water purification system operates in a sterilization mode, the water flowing into the first pipe may pass through the bypass pipe and be heated in the heater, and may flow through the supply pipe.

[0026] The shared water purification system may include a cooking water pipe connected to the first pipe and supplying the water that has passed through the filter as cooking water. When the shared water purification system operates in a sterilization mode, the water flowing into the first pipe may pass through the bypass pipe and be heated in the heater, and may flow through the cooking water pipe.

[0027] The shared water purification system may include a cooking water valve disposed in the cooking water pipe and opening and closing the cooking water pipe.

[0028] The shared water purification system may include: a second three-way valve disposed in the supply pipe; a second pipe having one end joined to the second three-way valve; and a drain pipe connected to the second pipe and discharging the water flowing through the second pipe to the outside.

[0029] When the shared water purification system operates in a sterilization mode, the water flowing into the supply pipe may sequentially flow through the second pipe and the drain pipe and be discharged to the outside.

[0030] When the shared water purification system operates in a sterilization mode, the water flowing into the first pipe may pass through the bypass pipe and be heated in the heater, and may simultaneously flow through the supply pipe and the cooking water pipe.

[0031] When the water simultaneously flows through the supply pipe and the cooking water pipe, the second three-way valve may connect the supply pipe and the second pipe, and may open the cooking water valve.

[0032] When the shared water purification system operates in a sterilization mode, the water flowing into the first pipe may pass through the bypass pipe and be heated in the heater, and may flow through the supply pipe and the cooking water pipe at different times and sequentially sterilize the respective pipes.

[0033] When water flows through the supply pipe and the cooking water pipe separately and sterilizes the supply pipe, the second three-way valve can connect the supply pipe and the second pipe, and can close the cooking water valve.

[0034] When water flows through the supply pipe and the cooking water pipe separately and sterilizes the cooking water pipe, the cooking water valve can be opened and the second three-way valve can be closed.

[0035] A plurality of supply pipes can be provided to be respectively connected to a plurality of household electrical appliances, and a plurality of second three-way valves and second pipes can be provided to respectively correspond to the plurality of supply pipes.

[0036] When the shared water purification system operates in the sterilization mode, the water flowing into the first pipe can be heated in the heater via the bypass pipe, and can flow through a plurality of supply pipes and cooking water pipes simultaneously.

[0037] When the shared water purification system operates in the sterilization mode, the water flowing into the first pipe can be heated in the heater via the bypass pipe, and can flow through a plurality of supply pipes and cooking water pipes separately and sterilize each pipe in turn.

[0038] The shared water purification system can include: a cleaning water pipe for water to flow from the first pipe and through the filter; a cleaning water valve disposed in the cleaning water pipe to control the flow of the cleaning water; and an electrolyzed water module disposed in the cleaning water pipe to generate electrolyzed water using the water flowing through the cleaning water pipe.

[0039] The shared water purification system of another embodiment can include: a first pipe for water flowing in from the outside; a first three-way valve disposed in the first pipe; a bypass pipe having one end connected to the first three-way valve and the other end connected to the first pipe; a heater disposed in the bypass pipe; a filter disposed in the first pipe at a position beyond the water outlet of the bypass pipe when viewed along the water flow direction; a supply pipe connected to the first pipe and supplying the water passing through the filter to the household electrical appliance; a cooking water pipe connected to the first pipe and supplying the water passing through the filter as cooking water; a cooking water valve disposed in the cooking water pipe and opening and closing the cooking water pipe; a second three-way valve disposed in the supply pipe; a second pipe having one end joined to the second three-way valve; and a drain pipe joined to the second pipe and discharging the water flowing through the second pipe to the outside.

[0040] When the shared water purification system operates in the sterilization mode, the water flowing into the supply pipe can flow through the second pipe and the drain pipe in sequence and be discharged to the outside.

[0041] When the shared water purification system operates in the sterilization mode, the water flowing into the first pipe can be heated in the heater via the bypass pipe, and can flow through the supply pipe and the cooking water pipe simultaneously and sterilize the supply pipe and the cooking water pipe at the same time.

[0042] When the shared water purification system operates in the sterilization mode, the water flowing into the first pipe can be heated in the heater via the bypass pipe, and can flow through the supply pipe and the cooking water pipe at different times and sterilize each pipe in turn.

[0043] Advantages of the Invention

[0044] In the shared water purification system of the present invention, it is possible to easily sterilize the complex pipes provided in the shared water purification system by using simple devices such as heaters and three-way valves. Therefore, the structure of the shared water purification system can be simplified and the manufacturing cost can be saved, and while the overall size of the shared water purification system can be reduced, the inside of the shared water purification system can be effectively sterilized.

[0045] In addition, in the shared water purification system of the present invention, hot water can be used to sterilize a plurality of supply pipes and cooking water pipes at the same time. Therefore, the time required to sterilize the plurality of pipes provided in the shared water purification system can be shortened.

[0046] In addition, in the shared water purification system of the present invention, hot water can be used to sterilize a plurality of supply pipes and cooking water pipes separately and in turn at different times. Therefore, all the pipes provided in the shared water purification system can be sufficiently and thoroughly sterilized.

[0047] In addition to the above effects, the specific effects of the present invention will be described together while explaining the specific matters for implementing the invention below. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0048] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram showing a shared water purification system according to an embodiment.

[0049] Figure 2 It is a diagram for explaining the flow of hot water when sterilizing a plurality of pipes connected to a plurality of household appliances and faucets in a shared water purification system.

[0050] Figure 3 It is a diagram for explaining the flow of hot water when sterilizing a pipe connected to a dishwasher in a shared water purification system.

[0051] Figure 4 It is a diagram for explaining the flow of hot water when sterilizing a pipe connected to a water purifier in a shared water purification system.

[0052] Figure 5 This is a diagram for explaining the flow of hot water when sterilizing the pipes connected to the refrigerator in a shared water purification system.

[0053] Figure 6 This is a diagram for explaining the flow of hot water when sterilizing the pipes connected to the faucet in a shared water purification system. Detailed implementation mode

[0054] Referring to the accompanying drawings, the foregoing objects, features, and advantages will be described in detail, whereby those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains can easily implement the technical idea of the present invention. In the process of describing the present invention, when it is determined that a detailed description of the known technology related to the present invention will obscure the gist of the present invention, its detailed description will be omitted. Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The same reference numerals in the drawings denote the same or similar components.

[0055] Although the terms first, second, etc. are used in the present invention to describe multiple components, these components are not limited to these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one component from another, and unless otherwise stated, the first component may also be the second component.

[0056] Throughout the specification, unless otherwise stated, each component may be singular or plural.

[0057] Unless otherwise clearly specified in the context, the singular expressions used in this specification include the plural expressions. In this application, terms such as "comprise" or "include" should not be construed as necessarily including all the various components or steps described in the specification, but should be construed as possibly not including some of the components or steps, or further including other components or steps.

[0058] Throughout the specification, when referring to "A and / or B", unless otherwise stated, it means A, B, or A and B, and when referring to "C to D", unless otherwise stated, it means C or more and D or less.

[0059] The shared water purification system of the embodiment can be set in an in-built mode installed, for example, in the sink of the kitchen in a home. The shared water purification system of the embodiment can include a usage mode and a sterilization mode and operate.

[0060] In the usage mode, the shared water purification system can produce drinking water for users to drink, cooking water used when cooking food, and cleaning water for cleaning. In the sterilization mode, the shared water purification system can sterilize each pipe and the filter 140 that make up the shared water purification system.

[0061] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram showing a shared water purification system according to an embodiment. The shared water purification system can use piping to connect a plurality of household appliances that receive water for users to drink and faucets 40 that discharge cooking water and cleaning water.

[0062] For example, the household appliances can be a dishwasher 10, a water purifier 20, a refrigerator 30, etc. Of course, if there are other household appliances that require the supply of filtered drinking water, they can also be connected to the shared water purification system.

[0063] In the dishwasher 10, the water used for cleaning can be water that users can drink. For hygiene and the health of users, drinking water is used as the cleaning water.

[0064] The water purifier 20 can discharge drinking water. A device for heating or cooling water can be provided inside the water purifier 20. However, in the shared water purification system, since the filtered water is supplied to the water purifier 20, an additional filtering device for filtering water may not be provided inside the water purifier 20.

[0065] The refrigerator 30 can be provided with a dispenser that discharges drinking water. The faucet 40 can discharge filtered cooking water and cleaning water.

[0066] Hereinafter, as household appliances that discharge drinking water that users can drink, the dishwasher 10, the water purifier 20, and the refrigerator 30 will be taken as examples to illustrate the shared water purification system. As other household appliances that discharge drinking water, it can include a coffee machine, a humidifier that uses drinking water, etc.

[0067] The shared water purification system can include a first piping 110, a first three-way valve 210, a bypass piping 120, a heater 130, a filter 140, and a supply piping 150.

[0068] The first piping 110 can allow water flowing in from the outside to flow. One side of the first piping 110 can be connected to a water supply pipe, and the other side can be connected to a cooking water piping 160. A pressure reducing valve 111 and a flow sensor 112 can be arranged in the first piping 110.

[0069] The pressure reducing valve 111 can reduce the pressure of the raw water flowing in from the water supply pipe, making the water pressure of the water flowing through the shared water purification system suitable for the water purifier 20. In addition, the pressure reducing valve 111 can stabilize the flow of the water flowing through the first piping 110. The flow sensor 112 can measure the flow rate of the water flowing through the first piping 110.

[0070] The first three-way valve 210 can be arranged in the first piping 110 and control the flow direction of the water flowing through the first piping 110. The three-way valve described in the specification can be combined with three pipings, and any two of the three pipings can be connected to each other, or all three pipings can be closed.

[0071] The first three-way valve 210 can be disposed at the inlet-side branch portion of the first pipe 110 and the bypass pipe 120. Two of the three inlets (or may be outlets) of the first three-way valve 210 can be connected to the first pipe 110, and the remaining one can be connected to the bypass pipe 120. Depending on the selection, the first three-way valve 210 can connect between the first pipes 110, or connect the first pipe 110 and the bypass pipe 120.

[0072] One end of the bypass pipe 120 can be connected to the first three-way valve 210 and the other end can be connected to the first pipe 110. That is, the inlet-side end of the bypass pipe 120 can be connected to the first three-way valve 210, and the outlet-side end can be connected to the first pipe 110.

[0073] The heater 130 can be disposed in the bypass pipe 120 and operates when the shared water purification system operates in the sterilization mode, heating the water flowing into the bypass pipe 120 and generating hot water for sterilization.

[0074] The shared water purification system can include a flow control valve 350 provided in the bypass pipe 120. The flow control valve 350 can be disposed at a position before the inlet of the heater 130 when viewed in the water flow direction and adjust the flow rate of the water flowing into the heater 130.

[0075] The filter 140 can be disposed in the first pipe 110 at a position beyond the water outlet portion of the bypass pipe 120 when viewed in the water flow direction. Therefore, the hot water generated by the heater 130 can pass through the filter 140 and sterilize the inside of the filter 140.

[0076] A plurality of filters 140 can be provided, and can include a first part 141 and a second part 142. The first part 141 can be disposed at a position in front of the second part 142 when viewed in the water flow direction. The water filtered by the first part 141 can be water that users can drink, but water not for daily drinking can be used for washing dishes.

[0077] The first part 141, for example, can be provided as a carbon block filter and provided in plurality. The water for the dishwasher 10 can flow through the first part 141 and into the dishwasher 10 without flowing into the second part 142.

[0078] The water passing through the first part 141 can pass through the second part 142 again and be filtered to become water for users to drink. The second part 142 can be provided as a UF (ultrafiltration, hollow fiber membrane) filter that allows the minerals required by the human body to pass through and filters substances harmful to the human body.

[0079] The supply pipe 150 can be connected to the first pipe 110 and supply water passing through the filter 140 to the household appliances. One end of the supply pipe 150 can be connected to the first pipe 110 and the other end can be connected to respective household appliances.

[0080] A plurality of supply pipes 150 can be provided to be respectively connected to a plurality of household appliances. A plurality of supply pipes 150 can be provided to be separately and in parallel connected to the connected household appliances, and can include a first sub-pipe 151, a second sub-pipe 152, and a third sub-pipe 153.

[0081] The first sub-pipe 151 can connect the first pipe 110 and the dishwasher 10. The water flowing into the dishwasher 10 can directly flow into the dishwasher 10 via the first part 141. Therefore, the first sub-pipe 151 can branch from the first pipe 110 at a position between the first part 141 and the second part 142.

[0082] The second sub-pipe 152 can connect the first pipe 110 and the water purifier 20, and the third sub-pipe 153 can connect the first pipe 110 and the refrigerator 30. Since drinking water flows through the second sub-pipe 152 and the third sub-pipe 153, they can branch from the first pipe 110 at a position beyond the second part 142 when viewed in the water flow direction. The second sub-pipe 152 and the third sub-pipe 153 can have a common pipe at the branching part from the first pipe 110 and can branch from the common pipe.

[0083] The shared water purification system can include a cooking water pipe 160 that is connected to the first pipe 110 and supplies water passing through the filter 140 as cooking water. The cooking water pipe 160 can be connected to the first pipe 110 at a position passing through the second part 142. One end of the cooking water pipe 160 can be connected to the first pipe 110 and the other end can be connected to the faucet 40.

[0084] The cooking water for cooking food can flow through the cooking water pipe 160. The cooking water is the purified water passing through the filter 140. In the usage mode, the water passes through the filter 140 and is filtered, and becomes cooking water. The cooking water can flow through the cooking water pipe 160 and be discharged through the faucet 40.

[0085] The shared water purification system can include a cooking water valve 170 that is disposed on the cooking water pipe 160 and opens and closes the cooking water pipe 160. When the user uses the cooking water, the cooking water valve 170 is opened, and the cooking water passing through the filter 140 can flow through the cooking water pipe 160 and be discharged through the faucet 40.

[0086] The shared water purification system may include a second three-way valve 220, a second pipe 180, and a drain pipe 190. The second three-way valve 220 and the second pipe 180 may be provided in plural numbers to respectively correspond to a plurality of supply pipes 150.

[0087] The second three-way valve 220 may be disposed in the supply pipe 150 and control the flow direction of the water flowing through the supply pipe 150. Two of the three inlets (or may be outlets) of the second three-way valve 220 may be connected to the second pipe 180, and the remaining one may be connected to the drain pipe 190. Depending on the selection, the second three-way valve 220 may connect between the second pipes 180, or connect the second pipe 180 and the drain pipe 190.

[0088] The second three-way valve 220 may be provided in the same number as the respective supply pipes 150 connected to the respective household appliances, and may be arranged in parallel with each other. The second three-way valve 220 may include a first sub-valve 221, a second sub-valve 222, and a third sub-valve 223.

[0089] The first sub-valve 221 may be disposed in the first sub-pipe 151 connected to the dishwasher 10 and is connected to the second-one pipe 181. The second sub-valve 222 may be disposed in the second sub-pipe 152 connected to the water purifier 20 and is connected to the second-two pipe 182. The third sub-valve 223 may be disposed in the third sub-pipe 153 connected to the refrigerator 30 and is connected to the second-three pipe 183.

[0090] One end of the second pipe 180 may be joined to the second three-way valve 220 and the other end may be connected to the drain pipe 190. When the shared water purification system operates in the sterilization mode, the second pipe 180 may function to deliver the sterilizing hot water to the drain pipe 190.

[0091] The second pipe 180 may be provided in the same number as the respective supply pipes 150 connected to the respective household appliances, and may be arranged in parallel with each other. The second pipe 180 may include the second-one pipe 181, the second-two pipe 182, and the second-three pipe 183.

[0092] The second-one pipe 181 may be connected to the first sub-valve 221 that controls the flow of water flowing into the dishwasher 10. The second-two pipe 182 may be connected to the second sub-valve 222 that controls the flow of water flowing into the water purifier 20. The second-three pipe 183 may be connected to the third sub-valve 223 that controls the flow of water flowing into the refrigerator 30.

[0093] The drain pipe 190 can be connected to the second pipe 180 and discharge the water flowing through the second pipe 180 to the outside. When the shared water purification system operates in the sterilization mode, the hot water for sterilization flowing through the second pipe 180 can pass through the drain pipe 190 and be discharged to the outside. A drain valve 200 for controlling the flow of the discharged water can be arranged in the drain pipe 190.

[0094] The shared water purification system can include a cleaning water pipe 310, a cleaning water valve 320, and an electrolyzed water module 330. The cleaning water pipe 310 can branch from the first pipe 110 and allow the water passing through the filter 140 to flow.

[0095] The cleaning water pipe 310 is a pipe for the flow of cleaning water. The outlet of the cleaning water pipe 310 can be connected to the faucet 40, and the cleaning water can be discharged using the faucet 40. As cleaning water containing a sterilizing substance, in the shared water purification system of the embodiment, electrolyzed water containing a sterilizing substance generated during the electrolysis of water can be used as cleaning water.

[0096] The cleaning water valve 320 can be arranged in the cleaning water pipe 310 to control the flow of the cleaning water. The cleaning water valve 320 can be set as a three-way valve, and one of the three inlets can be connected to the drain pipe 190. The shared water purification system can include a fourth sub-pipe 340 connecting the drain pipe 190 and the cleaning water valve 320.

[0097] The electrolyzed water module 330 can be arranged in the cleaning water pipe 310 and use the water flowing through the cleaning water pipe 310 to generate electrolyzed water. The electrolyzed water module 330 can electrolyze the water passing through the filter 140 and generate electrolyzed water containing a sterilizing substance.

[0098] In the shared water purification system of the embodiment, the cleaning water pipe 310 can be sterilized without using hot water. This is because, since the cleaning water pipe 310 allows electrolyzed water containing a sterilizing substance to flow, it can be sufficiently sterilized by the electrolyzed water, and thus there is no need to use hot water separately for sterilization.

[0099] Hereinafter, the process of sterilizing the pipes of the shared water purification system will be specifically described with reference to the drawings. Figure 2 It is a diagram for explaining the flow of hot water when sterilizing a plurality of pipes connected to a plurality of household appliances and the faucet 40 in the shared water purification system.

[0100] Figure 2 In the following drawings, the thicker dashed line (hidden line) indicates the part where the unheated water flows, and the thicker solid line indicates the part where the hot water heated and used for sterilizing the pipes flows. Additionally, in Figure 2In the following drawings, the flow of water when the shared water purification system operates in the sterilization mode is shown.

[0101] When the shared water purification system operates in the sterilization mode, the water flowing into the first pipe 110 can be heated in the heater 130 via the bypass pipe 120 and then flow through the supply pipe 150.

[0102] At this time, the first three-way valve 210 can operate in such a way that the first pipe 110 and the bypass pipe 120 are connected to each other, and the water flowing into the bypass pipe 120 can be heated in the heater 130 and then flow back into the first pipe 110.

[0103] When the shared water purification system operates in the sterilization mode, the water flowing into the supply pipe 150 can sequentially flow through the second pipe 180 and the drain pipe 190 and be discharged to the outside. At this time, the second three-way valve 220 can operate in such a way that the supply pipe 150 and the second pipe 180 are connected to each other. In addition, when the drain valve 200 is opened, the hot water for sterilization can flow through the drain pipe 190 and be discharged to the outside.

[0104] When the shared water purification system operates in the sterilization mode, the water flowing into the first pipe 110 can be heated in the heater 130 via the bypass pipe 120 and can sterilize the cooking water pipe 160 while flowing through the cooking water pipe 160.

[0105] That is, the hot water heated by the heater 130 and flowing back into the first pipe 110 can flow through the cooking water pipe 160 to sterilize the cooking water pipe 160 and can be discharged to the outside using the faucet 40.

[0106] Figure 2 The embodiment shown in shows a method in which hot water simultaneously flows through the cooking water pipe 160 and a plurality of supply pipes 150 to sterilize these pipes.

[0107] At this time, when the shared water purification system operates in the sterilization mode, the water flowing into the first pipe 110 can be heated in the heater 130 via the bypass pipe 120 and can simultaneously flow through the supply pipe 150 and the cooking water pipe 160.

[0108] At this time, the supply pipe 150 can be provided in plural, and the water heated in the heater 130 can simultaneously flow through the plural supply pipes 150 to sterilize all of the plural supply pipes 150 at the same time.

[0109] The hot water heated in the heater 130 can flow through a plurality of supply pipes 150 connected to the first pipe 110 at the same time and sterilize the supply pipes 150. That is, the hot water can flow through the first sub-pipe 151, the second sub-pipe 152, and the third sub-pipe 153 branched from the first pipe 110 at the same time and sterilize these pipes.

[0110] When water flows through the supply pipe 150 and the cooking water pipe 160 at the same time, the second three-way valve 220 can connect the supply pipe 150 and the second pipe 180, and can open the cooking water valve 170.

[0111] Specifically, the first sub-valve 221 can connect the first sub-pipe 151 and the second-one pipe 181, the second sub-valve 222 can connect the second sub-pipe 152 and the second-two pipe 182, and the third sub-valve 223 can connect the second sub-pipe 152 and the second-three pipe 183. At this time, the cooking water valve 170 can be opened.

[0112] In addition, during the sterilization process, since the sterilization hot water can flow through the filter 140 including the first part 141 and the second part 142 disposed in the first pipe 110, the inside of the filter 140 can also be sterilized by the hot water.

[0113] When performing the sterilization mode, the cleaning water valve 320 can be closed to prevent the hot water from being discharged to the outside through the cleaning water pipe 310.

[0114] When the sterilization hot water can flow through a plurality of supply pipes 150 and the cooking water pipe 160 at the same time and sterilize these pipes at the same time, it has the advantage of being able to shorten the sterilization time.

[0115] However, when sterilizing the pipes at the same time, the sterilization hot water flowing through each pipe may not be evenly distributed to the pipes. In this case, the sterilization hot water does not flow through some pipes or the flow rate is small, resulting in insufficient sterilization.

[0116] Therefore, the sterilization time may increase, but the pipes can also be sterilized separately and sequentially at different times to fully sterilize each pipe. Hereinafter, the process of sterilizing each pipe separately and sequentially at different times will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0117] The user can select to sterilize the pipes at the same time or sterilize the pipes separately and sequentially at different times, and the control unit provided in the shared water purification system can implement the mode of sterilizing the pipes at the same time or at different times according to this user selection.

[0118] When the shared water purification system operates in the sterilization mode, the water flowing into the first pipe 110 can be heated in the heater 130 via the bypass pipe 120, and can flow through the supply pipe 150 and the cooking water pipe 160 at different times to sterilize the respective pipes in sequence.

[0119] That is, the hot water can sterilize any one of the plurality of supply pipes 150 or only the cooking water pipe 160, and then sterilize the other pipes in sequence, thereby completing the sterilization operation of all the pipes. At this time, there is no particular priority order for the plurality of pipes, but the sterilization order for each pipe can be preset.

[0120] When the shared water purification system operates in the sterilization mode, the water flowing into the first pipe 110 can be heated in the heater 130 via the bypass pipe 120, and can flow through the supply pipe 150 and the cooking water pipe 160 at different times to sterilize the respective pipes in sequence.

[0121] The plurality of supply pipes 150 can also be sterilized one by one by the hot water, so as to sterilize all the plurality of supply pipes 150.

[0122] All the pipes can be sterilized in such a way that the hot water flows through a specific pipe and is sterilized, and then flows through the subsequent pipes and is sterilized after the sterilization is completed.

[0123] When the water flows through the supply pipe 150 and the cooking water pipe 160 at different times and sterilizes the supply pipe 150, the second three-way valve 220 can connect the supply pipe 150 and the second pipe 180, and can close the cooking water valve 170.

[0124] Since the cooking water valve 170 is closed, the sterilizing hot water does not flow to the cooking water pipe 160, and the hot water only flows to the supply pipe 150, so that only the supply pipe 150 can be sterilized.

[0125] Even if the cooking water valve 170 is closed, the hot water will fill a part of the cooking water pipe 160, but the filled hot water does not flow and will cool, so the sterilization effect on the cooking water pipe 160 is not great. In the embodiment, the hot water can be made to continuously flow in the cooking water pipe 160 to sterilize the cooking water pipe 160.

[0126] On the contrary, when the water flows through the supply pipe 150 and the cooking water pipe 160 at different times and sterilizes the cooking water pipe 160, the cooking water valve 170 can be opened and the second three-way valve 220 can be closed.

[0127] Since the second three-way valve 220 is closed, the hot water for sterilization does not flow to the supply pipe 150 and the second pipe 180, and the hot water only flows to the cooking water pipe 160. Therefore, only the supply pipe 150 can be sterilized.

[0128] Similarly, even if the second three-way valve 220 is closed, the supply pipe 150 can be partially filled with hot water, but the filled hot water does not flow and will cool down, so the sterilization effect on the supply pipe 150 is not significant. In the embodiment, the hot water continuously flows in the supply pipe 150 to sterilize the supply pipe 150.

[0129] In addition, when the sterilization mode is performed, the cleaning water valve 320 can be closed, and it is possible to prevent the hot water from being discharged to the outside through the cleaning water pipe 310.

[0130] Figure 3 It is a diagram for explaining the flow of hot water in the case of sterilizing the pipes connected to the dishwasher 10 in the shared water purification system. In Figure 3 the embodiment shown, hot water can be used to sterilize the first sub-pipe 151 connected to the dishwasher 10.

[0131] The hot water generated by the heater 130 can flow through the bypass pipe 120, the first pipe 110 and through the first sub-pipe 151. At this time, the first sub-valve 221 can connect the first sub-pipe 151 and the second-one pipe 181. The second sub-valve 222, the third sub-valve 223, and the cooking water valve 170 can be closed.

[0132] Therefore, the hot water can sterilize the first sub-pipe 151 while flowing through the first sub-pipe 151, and is discharged to the outside through the second-one pipe 181 and the drain pipe 190.

[0133] Figure 4 It is a diagram for explaining the flow of hot water in the case of sterilizing the pipes connected to the water purifier 20 in the shared water purification system. In Figure 4 the embodiment shown, hot water can be used to sterilize the second sub-pipe 152 connected to the water purifier 20.

[0134] The hot water generated by the heater 130 can flow through the bypass pipe 120, the first pipe 110 and through the second sub-pipe 152. At this time, the second sub-valve 222 can connect the second sub-pipe 152 and the second-two pipe 182. The first sub-valve 221, the third sub-valve 223, and the cooking water valve 170 can be closed.

[0135] Therefore, the hot water can sterilize the second sub-pipe 152 while flowing through the second sub-pipe 152, and can be discharged to the outside through the second-two pipe 182 and the drain pipe 190.

[0136] Figure 5 This is a diagram for explaining the flow of hot water when sterilizing the pipes connected to the refrigerator 30 in a shared water purification system. In Figure 5 the illustrated embodiment, hot water can be used to sterilize the third sub-pipe 153 connected to the refrigerator 30.

[0137] The hot water generated in the heater 130 can flow through the bypass pipe 120, the first pipe 110, and then through the third sub-pipe 153. At this time, the third sub-valve 223 can connect the third sub-pipe 153 and the second-third pipe 183. The first sub-valve 221, the second sub-valve 222, and the cooking water valve 170 can be closed.

[0138] Therefore, the hot water can sterilize the third sub-pipe 153 while flowing through the third sub-pipe 153, and can be discharged to the outside via the second-third pipe 183 and the drain pipe 190.

[0139] Figure 6 This is a diagram for explaining the flow of hot water when sterilizing the pipes connected to the faucet 40 in a shared water purification system. In Figure 6 the illustrated embodiment, hot water can be used to sterilize the cooking water pipe 160 connected to the faucet 40.

[0140] The hot water generated in the heater 130 can flow through the bypass pipe 120, the first pipe 110, and then through the cooking water pipe 160. At this time, the cooking water valve 170 can be opened. The first sub-valve 221, the second sub-valve 222, and the third sub-valve 223 can be closed.

[0141] Therefore, the hot water can sterilize the cooking water pipe 160 while flowing through the cooking water pipe 160, and can be discharged to the outside via the faucet 40 connected to the cooking water pipe 160.

[0142] In the embodiment, it is possible to easily sterilize the complex pipes provided in the shared water purification system by using simple devices such as the heater 130 and the three-way valve. Therefore, the structure of the shared water purification system can be simplified and the manufacturing cost can be saved, and while the overall size of the shared water purification system can be reduced, the inside of the shared water purification system can be effectively sterilized.

[0143] In the embodiment, hot water can be used to sterilize a plurality of supply pipes 150 and the cooking water pipe 160 simultaneously. Therefore, the time for sterilizing a plurality of pipes provided in the shared water purification system can be shortened.

[0144] In an embodiment, hot water can be used to separately and sequentially sterilize a plurality of supply pipes 150 and the cooking water pipe at different times. Therefore, all the pipes provided in the shared water purification system can be sufficiently and thoroughly sterilized.

[0145] The shared water purification system of the embodiment can operate in a usage mode and a sterilization mode. Above, the process of the shared water purification system operating in the sterilization mode has been described.

[0146] Refer to Figures 2 to 6 , for the pipe sterilization operation of the water purifier 20 in the foregoing embodiment, for example, it can be performed in such a manner that the control unit provided in the shared water purification system controls the operations of the heater 130, various valves, etc. according to the received instruction for the sterilization operation of the user.

[0147] Alternatively, the control unit can perform the pipe sterilization operation of the shared water purification system at a preset time. At this time, the time for performing the pipe sterilization operation can be selected during late-night hours when the user's frequency of using the water purifier 20 is very low.

[0148] As described above, although the description has been made with reference to the drawings of the exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments and drawings disclosed in this specification, and it is obvious to those of ordinary skill in the art that various modifications can be achieved within the scope of the technical idea of the present invention. And when the embodiments of the present invention were described before, even if the functions and effects of the configuration of the present invention were not explicitly described, the predictable effects of the configuration should be naturally recognized.

Claims

1. A shared water purification system, wherein, Comprising: A first pipe for the flow of water flowing in from the outside; A first three-way valve disposed in the first pipe; A bypass pipe having one end connected to the first three-way valve and the other end connected to the first pipe; A heater disposed in the bypass pipe; A filter disposed in the first pipe at a position beyond the water outlet part of the bypass pipe when viewed in the water flow direction; And A supply pipe connected to the first pipe and supplying the water passing through the filter to a household appliance; When the shared water purification system operates in a sterilization mode, the water flowing into the first pipe passes through the bypass pipe and is heated in the heater, and then flows through the supply pipe.

2. The shared water purification system according to claim 1, wherein It includes a cooking water pipe connected to the first pipe and supplying the water passing through the filter as cooking water, When the shared water purification system operates in a sterilization mode, the water flowing into the first pipe passes through the bypass pipe and is heated in the heater, and then flows through the cooking water pipe.

3. The shared water purification system according to claim 2, wherein It includes a cooking water valve disposed in the cooking water pipe and opening and closing the cooking water pipe.

4. The shared water purification system according to claim 3, wherein, Comprising: A second three-way valve disposed in the supply pipe; A second pipe having one end joined to the second three-way valve; And A drain pipe connected to the second pipe and discharging the water flowing through the second pipe to the outside.

5. The shared water purification system according to claim 4, wherein When the shared water purification system operates in a sterilization mode, the water flowing into the supply pipe sequentially flows through the second pipe and the drain pipe and is discharged to the outside.

6. The shared water purification system according to claim 4, wherein When the shared water purification system operates in a sterilization mode, the water flowing into the first pipe passes through the bypass pipe and is heated in the heater, and simultaneously flows through the supply pipe and the cooking water pipe.

7. The shared water purification system according to claim 6, wherein When the water simultaneously flows through the supply pipe and the cooking water pipe, the second three-way valve connects the supply pipe and the second pipe, and opens the cooking water valve.

8. The shared water purification system according to claim 4, wherein When the shared water purification system operates in a sterilization mode, the water flowing into the first pipe passes through the bypass pipe and is heated in the heater, and flows through the supply pipe and the cooking water pipe at different times and sterilizes the respective pipes in sequence.

9. The shared water purification system according to claim 8, wherein When the water flows through the supply pipe and the cooking water pipe at different times and sterilizes the supply pipe, the second three-way valve connects the supply pipe and the second pipe, and closes the cooking water valve.

10. The shared water purification system according to claim 9, wherein When water flows through the supply pipe and the cooking water pipe at different times and sterilizes the cooking water pipe, the cooking water valve is opened and the second three-way valve is closed.

11. The shared water purification system according to claim 4, wherein a plurality of the supply pipes are provided to be respectively connected to a plurality of the household electrical appliances, a plurality of the second three-way valves and the second pipes are provided to respectively correspond to the plurality of the supply pipes.

12. The shared water purification system according to claim 11, wherein when the shared water purification system operates in a sterilization mode, the water flowing into the first pipe passes through the bypass pipe and is heated in the heater, and simultaneously flows through the plurality of the supply pipes and the cooking water pipe.

13. The shared water purification system according to claim 11, wherein when the shared water purification system operates in a sterilization mode, the water flowing into the first pipe passes through the bypass pipe and is heated in the heater, and flows through the plurality of the supply pipes and the cooking water pipe at different times and sterilizes each pipe in sequence.

14. The shared water purification system according to claim 1, wherein, Comprising: a cleaning water pipe branched from the first pipe and for the water passing through the filter to flow; a cleaning water valve disposed in the cleaning water pipe and controlling the flow of the cleaning water; and an electrolyzed water module disposed in the cleaning water pipe and using the water flowing through the cleaning water pipe to generate electrolyzed water.

15. A shared water purification system, wherein, Comprising: a first pipe for the water flowing in from the outside to flow; a first three-way valve disposed in the first pipe; a bypass pipe having one end connected to the first three-way valve and the other end connected to the first pipe; a heater disposed in the bypass pipe; a filter disposed at a position of the first pipe beyond the water outlet part of the bypass pipe when viewed along the water flow direction; a supply pipe connected to the first pipe and supplying the water passing through the filter to the household electrical appliance; a cooking water pipe connected to the first pipe and supplying the water passing through the filter as cooking water; a cooking water valve disposed in the cooking water pipe and opening and closing the cooking water pipe; a second three-way valve disposed in the supply pipe; a second pipe having one end joined to the second three-way valve; and a drain pipe joined to the second pipe and discharging the water flowing through the second pipe to the outside.

16. The shared water purification system according to claim 15, wherein when the shared water purification system operates in a sterilization mode, the water flowing into the supply pipe sequentially flows through the second pipe and the drain pipe and is discharged to the outside.

17. The shared water purification system according to claim 15, wherein when the shared water purification system operates in a sterilization mode, the water flowing into the first pipe passes through the bypass pipe and is heated in the heater, and simultaneously flows through the supply pipe and the cooking water pipe and simultaneously sterilizes the supply pipe and the cooking water pipe.

18. The shared water purification system according to claim 15, wherein When the shared water purification system operates in the sterilization mode, the water flowing into the first pipe is heated in the heater via the bypass pipe, and flows through the supply pipe and the cooking water pipe at different times to sterilize each pipe in turn.

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