Water treatment equipment

Abstract

The water treatment equipment comprises a first ion removal module, wherein the first ion removal module comprises a first cation exchange membrane, a first anion exchange membrane and a first deionization channel between the first cation exchange membrane and the first anion exchange membrane; the second ion removal module comprises a second cation exchange membrane, a second anion exchange membrane and a second deionization channel between the second cation exchange membrane and the second anion exchange membrane; and the fluid separation device is used for separating the fluid discharged from the first deionization channel and guiding the fluid. The fluid separation device includes an outer guide for guiding a portion of the fluid discharged from the first deionization channel to the outside of the second deionization channel, and a central guide for guiding another portion of the fluid from the first deionization channel to the second deionization channel, and the central guide is arranged inside the outer guide.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to water treatment equipment using capacitive deionization (CDI) technology. Background Technology

[0002] Desalination is a widely used technology across various industries that involves removing hardness components, such as calcium and magnesium, from water. It is used for drinking water or boiler water in areas where the water has high hardness, or as a coolant in power plants or factories.

[0003] As an example of desalination technology, CDI is a technique that removes ions by using an electrochemical method to adsorb ions onto an electrode with a high specific surface area.

[0004] A capacitive deionization device includes a single flow path, electrodes with high specific surface area disposed on opposite sides of the flow path to adsorb ions of the fluid flowing within the flow path, and an ion exchange membrane for selectively moving specific ions. The capacitive deionization device is configured to move ions by means of an electric field generated in a direction perpendicular to the direction of fluid flow within the flow path.

[0005] As the distance to the ion exchange membrane decreases, the fluid flowing within the flow path has a slower flow velocity, and ions can be removed relatively quickly as the flow velocity decreases. Conversely, as the distance to the ion exchange membrane increases, the fluid flowing within the flow path has a faster flow velocity, and ions can be removed relatively slowly as the flow velocity increases. Summary of the Invention

[0006] [Technical Issues]

[0007] One aspect of this disclosure provides a water treatment apparatus that can have improved efficiency.

[0008] The technical objectives of this disclosure are not limited to the above description, and other objectives not described above will become apparent to those skilled in the art based on the following description.

[0009] [Technical Solution]

[0010] According to one aspect, a water treatment device is provided, comprising: a first ion removal module including a first cation exchange membrane, a first anion exchange membrane, and a first deionization channel between the first cation exchange membrane and the first anion exchange membrane; a second ion removal module including a second cation exchange membrane, a second anion exchange membrane, and a second deionization channel between the second cation exchange membrane and the second anion exchange membrane; and a fluid separation device configured to separate fluid discharged from the first deionization channel and guide the separated fluid, wherein the fluid separation device includes: an external guide configured to guide a portion of the fluid discharged from the first deionization channel to the outside of the second deionization channel; and a central guide located inside the external guide and configured to guide another portion of the fluid discharged from the first deionization channel to the second deionization channel.

[0011] According to one aspect, a water treatment apparatus is provided, comprising: a first ion removal device including a plurality of first ion removal modules; a second ion removal device including at least one second ion removal module; and a fluid separation device configured to guide a portion of fluid discharged from the first ion removal device to the second ion removal device, while guiding another portion of fluid discharged from the first ion removal device to the outside of the second ion removal device. The number of at least one second ion removal module is less than the number of the plurality of first ion removal modules. Attached Figure Description

[0012] The above and other aspects, features and advantages of certain embodiments of the present disclosure will become more apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0013] Figure 1 A conceptual diagram of a water treatment apparatus according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure is shown;

[0014] Figure 2 A process for removing ions from a fluid flowing through a water treatment apparatus according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure is conceptually illustrated;

[0015] Figure 3 A conceptual diagram of a water treatment apparatus according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure is shown;

[0016] Figure 4 A conceptual diagram of a water treatment apparatus according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure is shown;

[0017] Figure 5 A conceptual diagram of a water treatment apparatus according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure is shown;

[0018] Figure 6A conceptual diagram of a water treatment apparatus according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure is shown;

[0019] Figure 7 A conceptual diagram of a water treatment apparatus according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure is shown;

[0020] Figure 8 A conceptual diagram of a water treatment apparatus according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure is shown;

[0021] Figure 9 A washing machine is shown connected to a water treatment apparatus according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0022] Figure 10 This is a cross-sectional view of a washing machine that utilizes a water treatment apparatus according to one or more embodiments of this disclosure;

[0023] Figure 11 A refrigerator is shown connected to a water treatment apparatus according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0024] Figure 12 A refrigerator is shown connected to a water treatment apparatus according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure when the refrigerator door is open;

[0025] Figure 13 A cross-section of a refrigerator using a water treatment apparatus according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure is shown;

[0026] Figure 14 A dishwasher connected to a water treatment apparatus according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure is shown;

[0027] Figure 15 A cross-section of a dishwasher using a water treatment apparatus according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure is shown; and

[0028] Figure 16 A water purifier is shown that applies a water treatment apparatus according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0029] The various embodiments of this disclosure and the terminology used herein are not intended to limit the technical features of this disclosure to particular embodiments, but should be understood to cover all modifications, equivalents and alternatives falling within the concepts and scope of this disclosure.

[0030] In the description of the accompanying drawings, the same numbers refer to the same elements throughout the description of the drawings.

[0031] Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular forms preceding “one,” “an,” and “the” in the item are intended to also include the plural forms.

[0032] In this disclosure, phrases such as “A or B”, “at least one of A and B”, “at least one of A or B”, “A, B or C”, “at least one of A, B and C” and “at least one of A, B or C” can include any one of the items listed together in the corresponding phrase of the phrase, or any possible combination thereof.

[0033] The term “and / or” includes a combination of one or all of the associated listed items.

[0034] As used herein, terms such as “first” and “second” or “first” and “second” can be used to simply distinguish one part from another without limiting the parts in other respects (e.g., importance or order).

[0035] When one (e.g., the first) element is referred to as “connected” or “linked” to another (e.g., the second) element, whether or not the terms “functionally” or “communically” are used, it means that one element is connected to another element directly, wirelessly, or via a third element.

[0036] It should be understood that, when used in this specification, the terms “comprising,” “including,” and / or “having” specify the presence of the stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0037] It will be understood that if a component is described as being “connected” to, “attached to”, “supported on”, or “in contact with” another component, it means that the component can be directly or indirectly connected to the other component via a third component.

[0038] In the description of the embodiments, it will be understood that when an element is referred to as being "on / under" another element, the element may be directly on / under the other element, or there may be one or more elements present.

[0039] Water treatment equipment according to one or more embodiments can purify contaminated water into clean water. Water treatment equipment is used in wastewater treatment facilities, industrial processes, and water supply systems in homes or offices, playing a vital role in environmental protection and human health. Water purified by water treatment equipment can be discharged back into nature, used for cleaning, used as drinking water, or reused in industrial processes.

[0040] According to one or more embodiments, the water treatment equipment may include not only domestic water treatment equipment, such as water purifiers or water softeners, but also industrial water treatment equipment.

[0041] Water treatment equipment can purify polluted water through one or more methods, such as biological treatment, chemical treatment, and physical treatment.

[0042] The water treatment equipment according to the embodiment can purify polluted water using the CDI method.

[0043] The CDI method refers to a method for removing ions from contaminated water by utilizing the principle of ions being adsorbed onto the electrode surface by the electric current generated between the electrodes and then desorbed from the electrode surface. In the specification, the removal of ions from contaminated water may include the removal of ion-removing substances from the contaminated water.

[0044] Water treatment equipment may include one or more components, such as multiple pipes through which water flows, multiple valves that control the flow of water, and a CDI module that purifies water using a CDI method.

[0045] A CDI module may include a housing, electrodes, and an ion exchange membrane disposed within the housing. Depending on the voltage supplied to the electrodes, ions contained in the water introduced into the housing may be adsorbed onto or desorbed from the electrodes.

[0046] According to one or more embodiments, the water treatment equipment may also include one or more components, such as a pretreatment filter for pretreating raw water and supplying the pretreated water to the CDI module and / or a posttreatment filter for further filtering the water purified by the CDI module.

[0047] Figure 1 A conceptual diagram of a water treatment apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 2 A process for removing ions from a fluid passing through a water treatment apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is conceptually illustrated.

[0048] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 According to one embodiment, the water treatment device 1 may include a first ion removal module 110.

[0049] The first ion removal module 110 may include a first electrode 111 and a second electrode 112. The first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112 may be arranged to face each other. The first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112 may form an electric field.

[0050] The first electrode 111 may include a first current collector 111a and a first porous electrode 111b. The first electrode 111 may be used as a positive electrode (anode) or a negative electrode (cathode).

[0051] In an embodiment, the first current collector 111a may include an electrode plate electrically connected to the first porous electrode 111b. The electrode plate may include a metal plate and / or a non-metal plate.

[0052] The first current collector 111a may include a conductor. For example, the first current collector 111a may include graphite.

[0053] The first porous electrode 111b may include a solid electrode containing void spaces. The first porous electrode 111b may include a material that readily adsorbs ions. For example, the first porous electrode 111b may include a carbon porous electrode.

[0054] The second electrode 112 may include a second current collector 112a and a second porous electrode 112b. The second electrode 112 may be used as a positive electrode (anode) or a negative electrode (cathode).

[0055] In one embodiment, the second current collector 112a may include an electrode plate electrically connected to the second porous electrode 112b. The electrode plate may include a metal plate and / or a non-metal plate.

[0056] The second current collector 112a may include a conductor. The second current collector 112a may include the same configuration as the first current collector 111a. For example, the second current collector 112a may include graphite.

[0057] The second porous electrode 112b may include a solid electrode containing void spaces. The second porous electrode 112b may include a configuration identical to that of the first porous electrode 111b. The second porous electrode 112b may include a material that readily adsorbs ions. For example, the second porous electrode 112b may include a carbon porous electrode.

[0058] The first ion removal module 110 may include a first anion exchange membrane 111c. The first anion exchange membrane 111c may include a membrane that allows only anions of cations and anions to pass through. The first anion exchange membrane 111c is positively charged, allowing only anions to pass through while repelling cations.

[0059] The first ion removal module 110 may include a first anion channel 116 formed by a first current collector 111a and a first anion exchange membrane 111c. The first anion channel 116 may include the space between the first current collector 111a and the first anion exchange membrane 111c. A first porous electrode 111b may be disposed in the first anion channel 116.

[0060] The first ion removal module 110 may include a first cation exchange membrane 112c. The first cation exchange membrane 112c may include a membrane that allows only cations to pass through, while repelling anions. The first cation exchange membrane 112c is negatively charged, allowing only cations to pass through while repelling anions.

[0061] The first ion removal module 110 may include a first cation channel 117 formed by a second current collector 112a and a first cation exchange membrane 112c. The first cation channel 117 may include the space between the second current collector 112a and the first cation exchange membrane 112c. A second porous electrode 112b may be disposed in the first cation channel 117.

[0062] The first anion exchange membrane 111c and the first cation exchange membrane 112c may include synthetic resin membranes.

[0063] The first ion removal module 110 may include a first deion channel 115. The first deion channel 115 may be formed by a first anion exchange membrane 111c and a first cation exchange membrane 112c. The first deion channel 115 may include the space between the first anion exchange membrane 111c and the first cation exchange membrane 112c. A first electrode 111 may be disposed on one side of the first deion channel 115, and a second electrode 112 may be disposed on the opposite side of the first deion channel 115.

[0064] Since the first anion channel 116, the first cation channel 117 and the first deion channel 115 are separated from each other by the first anion exchange membrane 111c and the first cation exchange membrane 112c, these channels can also be referred to as compartments, spaces, chambers or cavities.

[0065] The first anion channel 116, the first cation channel 117, and the first deion channel 115 may be fluidly connected to each other. For example, fluid in the first deion channel 115 may move to the first anion channel 116 and / or the first cation channel 117, and conversely, fluid in the first anion channel 116 and / or the first cation channel 117 may move to the first deion channel 115.

[0066] When a positive voltage is applied to the first current collector 111a, the first electrode 111 becomes the positive electrode (anode), and when a negative voltage is applied to the second current collector 112a, the second electrode 112 becomes the negative electrode (cathode). Therefore, when a positive voltage is applied to the first current collector 111a and a negative voltage is applied to the second current collector 112a, cations in the first deion channel 115 can move to the first cation channel 117, and anions in the first deion channel 115 can move to the first anion channel 116.

[0067] Anions that move to the first anion channel 116 due to a positive voltage applied to the first current collector 111a can be adsorbed onto the first porous electrode 111b, and cations that move to the first cation channel 117 due to a negative voltage applied to the second current collector 112a can be adsorbed onto the second porous electrode 112b.

[0068] Applying a positive voltage to the first current collector 111a and a negative voltage to the second current collector 112a may include allowing the potential of the first current collector 111a to be higher than the potential of the second current collector 112a.

[0069] When a negative voltage is applied to the first current collector 111a, the first electrode 111 becomes the negative electrode (cathode), and when a positive voltage is applied to the second current collector 112a, the second electrode 112 becomes the positive electrode (anode). Therefore, when a negative voltage is applied to the first current collector 111a and a positive voltage is applied to the second current collector 112a, cations in the first cation channel 117 can move to the first deion channel 115, and anions in the first anion channel 116 can move to the first deion channel 115.

[0070] When a negative voltage is applied to the first current collector 111a, the anions adsorbed on the first porous electrode 111b can be desorbed from the first porous electrode 111b, and when a positive voltage is applied to the second current collector 112a, the cations adsorbed on the second porous electrode 112b can be desorbed from the second porous electrode 112b.

[0071] Applying a negative voltage to the first current collector 111a and a positive voltage to the second current collector 112a may include allowing the potential of the first current collector 111a to be lower than the potential of the second current collector 112a.

[0072] In one embodiment, the first ion removal module 110 may include a first module inlet 113 for introducing fluid and a first module outlet 114 for discharging fluid. Fluid flowing into the first ion removal module 110 through the first module inlet 113 may pass through a first deionization channel 115. Fluid passing through the first deionization channel 115 may be discharged to the outside of the first ion removal module 110 through the first module outlet 114.

[0073] In one or more embodiments, the first ion removal module 110 may be a first deionization cell 110, which includes a pair of electrodes 111 and 112 and a first deionization channel 115 to remove ions from the fluid. In one or more embodiments, the first ion removal module 110 may be a first deionization stack 110, which includes a pair of electrodes 111 and 112 and a first deionization channel 115 to remove ions from the fluid.

[0074] According to one embodiment, the water treatment device 1 may include a second ion removal module 120.

[0075] The second ion removal module 120 may include a third electrode 121 and a fourth electrode 122. The third electrode 121 and the fourth electrode 122 may be arranged to face each other. The third electrode 121 and the fourth electrode 122 may form an electric field.

[0076] The third electrode 121 may include a third current collector 121a and a third porous electrode 121b. The third electrode 121 may be used as a positive electrode (anode) or a negative electrode (cathode).

[0077] In an embodiment, the third current collector 121a may include an electrode plate electrically connected to the third porous electrode 121b. The electrode plate may include a metal plate and / or a non-metal plate.

[0078] The third current collector 121a may include a conductor. For example, the third current collector 121a may include graphite.

[0079] The third porous electrode 121b may include a solid electrode containing void spaces. The third porous electrode 121b may include a material that readily adsorbs ions. For example, the third porous electrode 121b may include a carbon porous electrode.

[0080] The fourth electrode 122 may include a fourth current collector 122a and a fourth porous electrode 122b. The fourth electrode 122 may be used as a positive electrode (anode) or a negative electrode (cathode).

[0081] In one embodiment, the fourth current collector 122a may include an electrode plate electrically connected to the fourth porous electrode 122b. The electrode plate may include a metal plate and / or a non-metal plate.

[0082] The fourth current collector 122a may include a conductor. The fourth current collector 122a may include the same configuration as the third current collector 121a. For example, the fourth current collector 122a may include graphite.

[0083] The fourth porous electrode 122b may include a solid electrode containing void spaces. The fourth porous electrode 122b may include the same configuration as the third porous electrode 121b. The fourth porous electrode 122b may include a material that readily adsorbs ions. For example, the fourth porous electrode 122b may include a carbon porous electrode.

[0084] The second ion removal module 120 may include a second anion exchange membrane 121c. The second anion exchange membrane 121c may include a membrane that allows only anions of cations and anions to pass through. The second anion exchange membrane 121c is positively charged, thus allowing only anions to pass through while repelling cations.

[0085] The second ion removal module 120 may include a second anion channel 126 formed by a third current collector 121a and a second anion exchange membrane 121c. The second anion channel 126 may include the space between the third current collector 121a and the second anion exchange membrane 121c. A third porous electrode 121b may be disposed in the second anion channel 126.

[0086] The second ion removal module 120 may include a second cation exchange membrane 122c. The second cation exchange membrane 122c may include a membrane that allows only cations (cations and anions) to pass through. The second cation exchange membrane 122c is negatively charged, thus allowing only cations to pass through while repelling anions.

[0087] The second ion removal module 120 may include a second cation channel 127 formed by a fourth current collector 122a and a second cation exchange membrane 122c. The second cation channel 127 may include the space between the fourth current collector 122a and the second cation exchange membrane 122c. A fourth porous electrode 122b may be disposed in the second cation channel 127.

[0088] The second anion exchange membrane 121c and the second cation exchange membrane 122c may include synthetic resin membranes.

[0089] The second ion removal module 120 may include a second deion channel 125. The second deion channel 125 may be formed by a second anion exchange membrane 121c and a second cation exchange membrane 122c. The second deion channel 125 may include the space between the second anion exchange membrane 121c and the second cation exchange membrane 122c. A third electrode 121 may be disposed on one side of the second deion channel 125, and a fourth electrode 122 may be disposed on the opposite side of the second deion channel 125.

[0090] Since the second anion channel 126, the second cation channel 127, and the second deion channel 125 are separated from each other by the second anion exchange membrane 121c and the second cation exchange membrane 122c, these channels can also be referred to as compartments, spaces, chambers, or cavities.

[0091] The second anion channel 126, the second cation channel 127, and the second deion channel 125 may be fluidly connected to each other. For example, fluid in the second deion channel 125 may move to the second anion channel 126 and / or the second cation channel 127, and conversely, fluid in the second anion channel 126 and / or the second cation channel 127 may move to the second deion channel 125.

[0092] When a positive voltage is applied to the third current collector 121a, the third electrode 121 becomes the positive electrode (anode), and when a negative voltage is applied to the fourth current collector 122a, the fourth electrode 122 becomes the negative electrode (cathode). Therefore, when a positive voltage is applied to the third current collector 121a and a negative voltage is applied to the fourth current collector 122a, cations in the second deion channel 125 can move to the second cation channel 127, and anions in the second deion channel 125 can move to the second anion channel 126.

[0093] Anions that move to the second anion channel 126 due to a positive voltage applied to the third current collector 121a can be adsorbed onto the third porous electrode 121b, and cations that move to the second cation channel 127 due to a negative voltage applied to the fourth current collector 122a can be adsorbed onto the fourth porous electrode 122b.

[0094] Applying a positive voltage to the third current collector 121a and a negative voltage to the fourth current collector 122a may include allowing the potential of the third current collector 121a to be higher than the potential of the fourth current collector 122a.

[0095] When a negative voltage is applied to the third current collector 121a, the third electrode 121 becomes the negative electrode (cathode), and when a positive voltage is applied to the fourth current collector 122a, the fourth electrode 122 becomes the positive electrode (anode). Therefore, when a negative voltage is applied to the third current collector 121a and a positive voltage is applied to the fourth current collector 122a, cations in the second cation channel 127 can move to the second deion channel 125, and anions in the second anion channel 126 can move to the second deion channel 125.

[0096] When a negative voltage is applied to the third current collector 121a, the anions adsorbed on the third porous electrode 121b can be desorbed from the third porous electrode 121b, and when a positive voltage is applied to the fourth current collector 122a, the cations adsorbed on the fourth porous electrode 122b can be desorbed from the fourth porous electrode 122b.

[0097] Applying a negative voltage to the third current collector 121a and a positive voltage to the fourth current collector 122a may include allowing the potential of the third current collector 121a to be lower than the potential of the fourth current collector 122a.

[0098] In one embodiment, the second ion removal module 120 may include a second module inlet 123 for introducing fluid and a second module outlet 124 for discharging fluid. Fluid flowing into the second ion removal module 120 through the second module inlet 123 may pass through a second deionization channel 125. Fluid passing through the second deionization channel 125 may be discharged to the outside of the second ion removal module 120 through the second module outlet 124.

[0099] In one or more embodiments, the second ion removal module 120 may be a second deionization cell 120, which includes a pair of third electrodes 121 and fourth electrodes 122 and a second deionization channel 125 to remove ions from the fluid. In one or more embodiments, the second ion removal module 120 may be a second deionization stack 120, which includes a pair of third electrodes 121 and fourth electrodes 122 and a second deionization channel 125 to remove ions from the fluid.

[0100] As the distance to the first cation exchange membrane 112c and the first anion exchange membrane 111c increases, the fluid passing through the first deion channel 115 of the first ion removal module 110 has a faster flow rate; conversely, as the distance to the first cation exchange membrane 112c and the first anion exchange membrane 111c decreases, the fluid passing through the first deion channel 115 of the first ion removal module 110 has a slower flow rate. Therefore, in the fluid passing through the first deion channel 115, the fluid passing through the region adjacent to the first cation exchange membrane 112c or the first anion exchange membrane 111c experiences relatively fast ion removal, while the fluid passing through the region far from the first cation exchange membrane 112c or the first anion exchange membrane 111c experiences relatively slow ion removal. Therefore, in the fluid passing through the first deionization channel 115, the ion concentration of the fluid passing through the region near the first cation exchange membrane 112c or the first anion exchange membrane 111c may be lower than the ion concentration of the fluid passing through the region far from the first cation exchange membrane 112c and the first anion exchange membrane 111c.

[0101] Water treatment apparatus 1 according to one embodiment may include a fluid separation device 10. The fluid separation device 10 can guide fluid discharged from a first ion removal module 110. The fluid separation device 10 can separate fluid passing through a first deionization channel 115 based on ion concentration and guide the separated fluid.

[0102] In one or more embodiments, the fluid separation device 10 may be a flow path separation device 10 configured to separate the flow path for guiding fluid discharged from the first ion removal module 110. In one or more embodiments, the fluid separation device 10 may be a branching device 10, in which the fluid discharged from the first ion removal module 110 branches.

[0103] In one or more embodiments, the first module outlet 114 of the first ion removal module 110 may include: an external outlet 114b configured to discharge fluid passing through the external portion of the first deion channel 115 adjacent to the first cation exchange membrane 112c and fluid passing through the external portion of the first deion channel 115 adjacent to the first anion exchange membrane 111c; and a central outlet 114a configured to discharge fluid passing through a central portion of the first deion channel 115, the central portion being further away from the first cation exchange membrane 112c and the first anion exchange membrane 111c than the external portion of the first deion channel 115 through which the fluid discharged from the external outlet 114b passes. The external outlet 114b may be located outside the central outlet 114a. The central outlet 114a may be spaced apart from the first cation exchange membrane 112c and the first anion exchange membrane 111c.

[0104] The fluid separation device 10 may include an external guide 11. An external flow path 11a may be formed inside the external guide 11. The external guide 11 may be connected to a first module outlet 114. The external guide 11 may be connected to a portion of the first module outlet 114. The external guide 11 may be connected to an external outlet 114b.

[0105] External guide 11 may extend from the first module outlet 114. External guide 11 may extend from the first deionization channel 115. As an example, external guide 11 may extend from the first module outlet 114 to the discharge guide 13.

[0106] The external guide 11 can be configured to guide fluid discharged from the first deion channel 115 through the region near the first anion exchange membrane 111c and the region near the first cation exchange membrane 112c. The external guide 11 can also be configured to guide fluid discharged through the external outlet 114b of the first module outlet 114. The external guide 11 can also be configured to guide fluid passing through the edge of the first deion channel 115. Finally, the external guide 11 can be configured to guide fluid with a relatively low ion concentration discharged from the first deion channel 115.

[0107] As an example, the first ion removal module 110 may have a cylindrical shape, and the first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112 may be disposed along the outer periphery of the first ion removal module 110, and the external guide 11 may guide fluid through the radial outer periphery of the first deion channel 115. For example, the external outlet 114b of the first module outlet 114 may include the radial outer portion of the first module outlet 114.

[0108] As an example, the first ion removal module 110 may have a rectangular column shape, the first electrode 111 may be disposed on a first side of the first ion removal module 110, the second electrode 112 may be disposed on a second side of the first ion removal module 110 facing the first side, and the external guide 11 may guide fluid through the region adjacent to the first side and fluid through the region adjacent to the second side. For example, the external outlet 114b of the first module outlet 114 may include two sides of the first module outlet 114 facing each other.

[0109] The external guide 11 can be configured to guide a portion of the fluid discharged from the first deionization channel 115 to the outside of the second ion removal module 120. The external guide 11 can guide a portion of the fluid discharged from the first deionization channel 115, thereby preventing that portion from passing through the second ion removal module 120. The external guide 11 can also guide a portion of the fluid discharged from the first deionization channel 115 so that that portion bypasses the second ion removal module 120.

[0110] The fluid separation device 10 may include a central guide 12. A central flow path 12a may be formed inside the central guide 12. The central guide 12 may be connected to a first module outlet 114. The central guide 12 may be connected to a portion of the first module outlet 114 that is not connected to the external guide 11. The central guide 12 may be connected to a central outlet 114a. The central guide 12 may be separate from the external guide 11, or it may be integrated with the external guide 11 as a single component.

[0111] The central guide 12 can connect the first ion removal module 110 to the second ion removal module 120. The central guide 12 can extend between the first deion channel 115 and the second deion channel 125. The central guide 12 can extend from the first module outlet 114 to the second module inlet 123. The central guide 12 may include a portion of the width of the central flow path 12a that increases in the direction from the first deion channel 115 to the second deion channel 125.

[0112] The central guide 12 can be separated from the outer guide 11. The outer guide 11 and the central guide 12 can be configured such that fluid flowing in the outer flow path 11a and fluid flowing in the central flow path 12a do not mix with each other. In one or more embodiments, the outer guide 11 and the central guide 12 can be configured to be separated from each other to prevent fluid flowing through the outer guide 11 and fluid flowing through the central guide 12 from mixing.

[0113] The central guide 12 can be configured to guide fluid discharged from the first deionization channel 115 that has passed through a region further away from the first anion exchange membrane 111c and the first cation exchange membrane 112c than the region through which the fluid guided by the external guide 11 passes. The central guide 12 can also be configured to guide fluid discharged from the first deionization channel 115 through a central outlet 114a. The central guide 12 can guide fluid with a relatively high ion concentration discharged from the first deionization channel 115.

[0114] As an example, the first ion removal module 110 may have a cylindrical shape, and the first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112 may be arranged along the outer periphery of the first ion removal module 110, and the central guide 12 may guide fluid through the radial central region of the first deion channel 115. For example, the central outlet 114a of the first module outlet 114 may include the radially inner central portion of the first module outlet 114.

[0115] As an example, the first ion removal module 110 may have a rectangular column shape, a first electrode 111 may be disposed on a first side of the first ion removal module 110, a second electrode 112 may be disposed on a second side of the first ion removal module 110 facing the first side, and a central guide 12 may be disposed between the first and second sides, guiding fluid through a central portion spaced apart from the first and second sides. For example, the central outlet 114a of the first module outlet 114 may include the portion between the two sides of the first module outlet 114.

[0116] The central guide 12 can guide a portion of the fluid discharged from the first deionization channel 115 to the second ion removal module 120. The central guide 12 can guide a portion of the fluid discharged from the first deionization channel 115 so that this portion passes through the second ion removal module 120.

[0117] In one or more embodiments, the external guide 11 and / or the central guide 12 may include conduits for guiding fluid. In one or more embodiments, the external guide 11 and / or the central guide 12 may include flexible tubing for guiding fluid. In one or more embodiments, the external guide 11 and / or the central guide 12 may include conduits for guiding fluid. In one or more embodiments, the external guide 11 and / or the central guide 12 may include conduits for guiding fluid. In one or more embodiments, the external guide 11 and / or the central guide 12 may be an extension member extending to guide fluid. In one or more embodiments, the external guide 11 and / or the central guide 12 may be a connecting member connecting any two components to guide fluid. In one or more embodiments, the external guide 11 and / or the central guide 12 may be a line for guiding fluid.

[0118] In one or more embodiments, the external guide 11 and the central guide 12 may be configured to separate fluid discharged from the first deion channel 115 based on the ion concentration of the fluid passing through the first deion channel 115.

[0119] The external guide 11 and the central guide 12 can be configured to be symmetrical with respect to the central axis of the fluid flow direction along the first deionization channel 115.

[0120] In one or more embodiments, the central flow path 12a of the central guide 12 is used to guide the fluid passing through the first deionization channel 115 into the second ion removal module 120, and the width d of the central flow path can be set according to the efficiency of obtaining the fluid with removed ions through the external guide 11.

[0121] Table 1

[0122] Width of the central flow path / Width of the first deionization channel 1 / 6 1 / 3 1 / 2 2 / 3 5 / 6 Separation ratio of external guide 0.75 0.52 0.31 0.15 0.04 Improved removal rate (%) 1.5 3.6 5.9 8.6 11.5 Acquisition efficiency 1.13 1.87 1.83 1.23 0.46

[0123] Referring to Table 1, when the width d of the central flow path 12a is 1 / 6 of the width D of the first deion channel 115, the proportion of fluid separated by the external guide 11 in the fluid discharged from the first deion channel 115 is about 0.75. Compared with the case where the fluid separation device 10 is not used, the ion removal rate of the fluid separated by the external guide 11 is increased by about 1.5%, and the acquisition efficiency (defined as the product of the proportion of fluid separated by the external guide 11 and the increased ion removal rate) is about 1.13.

[0124] When the width d of the central flow path 12a is 1 / 3 of the width D of the first deionization channel 115, the proportion of fluid separated by the external guide 11 from the fluid discharged from the first deionization channel 115 is about 0.52, and the ion removal rate of the fluid separated by the external guide 11 is increased by about 3.6% compared to the case where the fluid separation device 10 is not applied. Therefore, the acquisition efficiency is about 1.87.

[0125] When the width d of the central flow path 12a is half the width D of the first deionization channel 115, the proportion of fluid separated by the external guide 11 from the fluid discharged from the first deionization channel 115 is approximately 0.31, and the ion removal rate of the fluid separated by the external guide 11 is increased by approximately 5.9% compared to the case where the fluid separation device 10 is not applied. Therefore, the acquisition efficiency is approximately 1.83.

[0126] When the width d of the central flow path 12a is 2 / 3 of the width D of the first deion channel 115, the amount of fluid separated by the external guide 11 from the fluid discharged from the first deion channel 115 is approximately 0.15, and the ion removal rate of the fluid separated by the external guide 11 is increased by approximately 8.6% compared to the case where the fluid separation device 10 is not applied. Therefore, the acquisition efficiency is approximately 1.29.

[0127] When the width d of the central flow path 12a is 5 / 6 of the width D of the first deionization channel 115, the amount of fluid separated by the external guide 11 from the fluid discharged from the first deionization channel 115 is approximately 0.04, and the ion removal rate of the fluid separated by the external guide 11 is increased by approximately 11.5% compared to the case where the fluid separation device 10 is not applied. Therefore, the acquisition efficiency is approximately 0.46.

[0128] For example, considering the above-mentioned acquisition efficiency, the water treatment device 1 can be configured such that the width d of the central flow path 12a is greater than or equal to 1 / 3 or less than or equal to 1 / 2 of the width D of the first deion channel 115.

[0129] The water treatment device 1 may include a discharge guide 13. The discharge guide 13 can guide fluid discharged from the second ion removal module 120. The discharge guide 13 can guide the fluid discharged from the second ion removal module 120 to the outside of the water treatment device 1. An external guide 11 can be connected to the discharge guide 13.

[0130] According to the embodiments of the present disclosure, the water treatment device 1 can be configured such that, in the fluid flowing through the first ion removal module 110, only the fluid with a relatively high ion concentration is guided through the second ion removal module 120 for additional ion removal, while the fluid with a relatively low ion concentration is allowed to be used without passing through the second ion removal module 120, thereby improving the treatment efficiency.

[0131] Figure 3 A conceptual diagram of a water treatment apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0132] Reference Figure 3 The following will describe a water treatment apparatus 2 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The same reference numerals are assigned to the references above. Figure 1 The water treatment equipment 1 described herein has the same configuration, and its detailed description may be omitted.

[0133] Reference Figure 3 According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the water treatment device 2 may include a first ion removal device 101.

[0134] The first ion removal device 101 may include a plurality of first ion removal modules 110. The plurality of first ion removal modules 110 may include, and Figure 1 The configuration of the first ion removal module 110 shown is the same.

[0135] The plurality of first ion removal modules 110 may be arranged in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which fluid passes through the plurality of first ion removal modules 110. The plurality of first ion removal modules 110 may be stacked in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the first deionization channel 115 formed inside each of the plurality of first ion removal modules 110 extends.

[0136] Water treatment apparatus 2 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a second ion removal device 102.

[0137] The second ion removal device 102 may include at least one second ion removal module 120. The at least one second ion removal module 120 may include components related to... Figure 1 The second ion removal module 120 shown has the same configuration.

[0138] For example, the second ion removal device 102 may include a plurality of second ion removal modules 120. The plurality of second ion removal modules 120 may be arranged in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which fluid passes through the plurality of second ion removal modules 120. The plurality of second ion removal modules 120 may be stacked in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the second deionization channel 125 formed inside each of the plurality of second ion removal modules 120 extends.

[0139] Water treatment apparatus 2 according to embodiments of the present disclosure may include a fluid separation device 10. The fluid separation device 10 can separate and guide fluids discharged from a plurality of first ion removal modules 110 of a first ion removal apparatus 101.

[0140] In one or more embodiments, the fluid separation device 10 may include a central guide 12 configured to guide fluid with a relatively high ion concentration from fluids discharged from a plurality of first ion removal modules 110 to at least one second ion removal module 120. For example, the central guide 12 may be configured to collect fluid with a relatively high ion concentration from fluids discharged from the plurality of first ion removal modules 110 and then guide the collected fluid in a distributed manner to at least one second ion removal module 120. A central flow path 12a may be formed inside the central guide 12.

[0141] Since the water treatment device 2 of this embodiment is configured to allow the central guide 12 of the fluid separation device 10 to collect fluid with a relatively high ion concentration from the fluid discharged from the plurality of first ion removal modules 110, and then guide the collected fluid in a distributed manner to at least one second ion removal module 120, the number of at least one second ion removal module 120 provided in the second ion removal device 102 can be set to be less than the number of the plurality of first ion removal modules 110 provided in the first ion removal device 101. According to the water treatment device 2 of this disclosure, since the number of at least one second ion removal module 120 provided in the second ion removal device 102 is less than the number of the plurality of first ion removal modules 110 provided in the first ion removal device 101, efficiency can be improved.

[0142] In one or more embodiments, the fluid separation device 10 may include an external guide 11 for guiding fluid with a relatively low ion concentration discharged from the plurality of first ion removal modules 110. For example, the external guide 11 may extend from the plurality of first ion removal modules 110 to a discharge guide 13. An external flow path 11a may be formed inside the external guide 11.

[0143] Since the water treatment device 2 according to the embodiments of the present disclosure is implemented such that only fluid with a relatively high ion concentration is guided through the fluid passing through the plurality of first ion removal modules 110 for additional ion removal through at least one second ion removal module 120, while allowing fluid with a relatively low ion concentration to be used without passing through at least one second ion removal module 120, efficiency can be improved.

[0144] A water treatment device 2 according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a discharge guide 13 for guiding fluid discharged from at least one second ion removal module 120.

[0145] Water treatment apparatus 2 according to embodiments of the present disclosure may include an inlet 2a for introducing fluid and an outlet 2b for discharging fluid. Fluid flowing into water treatment apparatus 2 through inlet 2a may be directed to each of a plurality of first ion removal modules 110 of first ion removal apparatus 101. Fluid passing through first ion removal apparatus 101 and then guided by external guide 11, and fluid passing through first ion removal apparatus 101, guided by central guide 12, and then through second ion removal apparatus 102, may be directed through discharge guide 13 and flow to outlet 2b. Fluid in discharge guide 13 may be discharged to the outside of water treatment apparatus 2 through outlet 2b.

[0146] Figure 4 A conceptual diagram of a water treatment apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0147] Reference Figure 4 The following will describe a water treatment apparatus 3 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The same reference numerals are assigned to the references above. Figure 1 The water treatment equipment 1 described herein has the same configuration, and its detailed description may be omitted.

[0148] Reference Figure 4 According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the water treatment device 3 may include a first ion removal device 101. The first ion removal device 101 may include... Figure 3 The first ion removal device 101 shown has the same configuration. For example, the first ion removal device 101 may include a plurality of first ion removal modules 110.

[0149] Water treatment apparatus 3 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a second ion removal device 102. The second ion removal device 102 may be provided to remove ions from a portion of the fluid that has passed through the first ion removal device 101. The second ion removal device 102 may be provided to remove ions from a fluid having a relatively high ion concentration that has passed through the first ion removal device 101. The second ion removal device 102 may include... Figure 3 The second ion removal device 102 shown has the same configuration. For example, the second ion removal device 102 may include a plurality of second ion removal modules 120.

[0150] Water treatment apparatus 3 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a third ion removal device 103. The third ion removal device 103 may be provided to remove ions from a portion of the fluid that has passed through the second ion removal device 102. The third ion removal device 103 may be provided to remove ions from a fluid having a relatively high ion concentration that has passed through the second ion removal device 102. The third ion removal device 103 may include at least one third ion removal module 130. The at least one third ion removal module 130 may include a configuration identical to that of the first ion removal module 110 and / or the second ion removal module 120.

[0151] For example, the third ion removal device 103 may include a plurality of third ion removal modules 130. The plurality of third ion removal modules 130 may be arranged in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which fluid passes through the plurality of third ion removal modules 130. The plurality of third ion removal modules 130 may be stacked in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the third deionization channel 135 formed inside each of the plurality of third ion removal modules 130 extends.

[0152] Water treatment apparatus 3 according to embodiments of the present disclosure may include a fluid separation device 30. The fluid separation device 30 may separate and guide fluids discharged from a plurality of first ion removal modules 110 of a first ion removal apparatus 101, and may separate and guide fluids discharged from a plurality of second ion removal modules 120.

[0153] In one or more embodiments, the fluid separation device 30 may include a first central guide 32 configured to guide fluid with a relatively high ion concentration from the fluids discharged from the plurality of first ion removal modules 110 to the plurality of second ion removal modules 120. For example, the first central guide 32 may be configured to collect fluid with a relatively high ion concentration from the fluids discharged from the plurality of first ion removal modules 110 and then guide the collected fluid to the plurality of second ion removal modules 120 in a distributed manner. A first central flow path 32a may be formed inside the first central guide 32.

[0154] In one or more embodiments, the fluid separation device 30 may include a first external guide 31 for guiding fluid with a relatively low ion concentration discharged from the plurality of first ion removal modules 110. For example, the first external guide 31 may extend from the plurality of first ion removal modules 110 to a discharge guide 35. A first external flow path 31a may be formed inside the first external guide 31.

[0155] In one or more embodiments, the fluid separation device 30 may include a second central guide 34 configured to guide fluid with a relatively high ion concentration from the fluids discharged from the plurality of second ion removal modules 120 to at least one third ion removal module 130. For example, the second central guide 34 may be configured to collect fluid with a relatively high ion concentration from the fluids discharged from the plurality of second ion removal modules 120 and guide the collected fluid in a distributed manner to at least one third ion removal module 130. A second central flow path 34a may be formed inside the second central guide 34.

[0156] In one or more embodiments, the fluid separation device 30 may include a second external guide 33 for guiding fluid with a relatively low ion concentration in fluids discharged from the plurality of second ion removal modules 120. For example, the second external guide 33 may extend from the plurality of second ion removal modules 120 to a discharge guide 35. For example, the second external guide 33 may extend to the discharge guide 35 together with a first external guide 31. A second external flow path 33a may be formed inside the second external guide 33.

[0157] Since the water treatment device 3 of this embodiment is configured to allow the first central guide 32 of the fluid separation device 30 to collect fluid with a relatively high ion concentration from the fluid discharged from the plurality of first ion removal modules 110, and then guide the collected fluid in a distributed manner to the plurality of second ion removal modules 120, the number of the plurality of second ion removal modules 120 provided in the second ion removal device 102 can be set to be less than the number of the plurality of first ion removal modules 110 provided in the first ion removal device 101. Furthermore, since the water treatment device 3 of this embodiment is configured to allow the second central guide 34 of the fluid separation device 30 to collect fluid with a relatively high ion concentration from the fluid discharged from the plurality of second ion removal modules 120, and then guide the collected fluid in a distributed manner to at least one third ion removal module 130, the number of at least one third ion removal module 130 provided in the third ion removal device 103 can be set to be less than the number of the plurality of second ion removal modules 120 provided in the second ion removal device 102.

[0158] According to the water treatment device 3 of this disclosure, the number of the plurality of second ion removal modules 120 provided in the second ion removal device 102 is less than the number of the plurality of first ion removal modules 110 provided in the first ion removal device 101, thereby improving efficiency. Furthermore, according to the water treatment device 3 of this disclosure, the number of at least one third ion removal module 130 provided in the third ion removal device 103 is less than the number of the plurality of second ion removal modules 120 provided in the second ion removal device 102, further improving efficiency.

[0159] The water treatment device 3 according to an embodiment of this disclosure is configured such that, in the fluid passing through the plurality of first ion removal modules 110, only the fluid with a relatively high ion concentration is directed to the plurality of second ion removal modules 120 for further ion removal, while the fluid with a relatively low ion concentration is allowed to be used without passing through at least one second ion removal module 120, thereby improving efficiency. Furthermore, the water treatment device 3 is also configured such that, in the fluid passing through the plurality of second ion removal modules 120, only the fluid with a relatively high ion concentration is directed to at least one third ion removal module 130 for ion removal, while the fluid with a relatively low ion concentration is allowed to be used without passing through at least one third ion removal module 130, thus improving efficiency.

[0160] A water treatment device 3 according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a discharge guide 35 for guiding fluid discharged from at least one third ion removal module 120.

[0161] The water treatment apparatus 3 according to an embodiment of this disclosure may include an inlet 3a for introducing fluid and an outlet 3b for discharging fluid. Fluid flowing into the water treatment apparatus 3 through the inlet 3a may be guided to each of a plurality of first ion removal modules 110 of the first ion removal apparatus 101. Fluid flowing through the first ion removal apparatus 101 and guided by a first external guide 31 may be guided to the outlet 3b via a discharge guide 35. Fluid flowing through the first ion removal apparatus 101 and guided by a first central guide 32, and subsequently through the second ion removal apparatus 102, may be guided by a second external guide 33 via the discharge guide 35 to the outlet 3b. Fluid flowing through the first ion removal apparatus 101 and guided by the first central guide 32, and subsequently through the second ion removal apparatus 102, may be guided by a second central guide 34 and flow into the third ion removal apparatus 103 via the discharge guide 35 to the outlet 3b. Fluid in the discharge guide 35 can be discharged to the outside of the water treatment equipment 3 through the equipment outlet 3b.

[0162] Figure 5 A conceptual diagram of a water treatment apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0163] Reference Figure 5 The following will describe a water treatment apparatus 4 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The same reference numerals are assigned to the references above. Figure 1 The water treatment equipment 1 described herein has the same configuration, and its detailed description may be omitted.

[0164] Reference Figure 5 The water treatment apparatus 4 according to embodiments of the present disclosure may include a first ion removal device 101. The first ion removal device 101 may include components related to... Figure 3 The first ion removal device 101 shown has the same configuration. For example, the first ion removal device 101 may include a plurality of first ion removal modules 110.

[0165] The water treatment apparatus 4 according to embodiments of the present disclosure may include a second ion removal device 102. The second ion removal device 102 may be provided to remove ions from a portion of the fluid that has passed through the first ion removal device 101. The second ion removal device 102 may be provided to remove ions from a fluid having a relatively high ion concentration that has passed through the first ion removal device 101. The second ion removal device 102 may include... Figure 3 The second ion removal device 102 shown has the same configuration. For example, the second ion removal device 102 may include a plurality of second ion removal modules 120.

[0166] The water treatment apparatus 4 according to embodiments of the present disclosure may include a third ion removal device 103. The third ion removal device 103 may be provided to remove ions from a portion of the fluid that has passed through the second ion removal device 103. The third ion removal device 103 may be provided to remove ions from a fluid having a relatively high ion concentration that has passed through the second ion removal device 103. The third ion removal device 103 may include components related to… Figure 4 The third ion removal device 103 shown has the same configuration. For example, the third ion removal device 103 may include a plurality of third ion removal modules 130.

[0167] The water treatment apparatus 4 according to embodiments of the present disclosure may include a fourth ion removal device 104. The fourth ion removal device 104 may be provided to remove ions from a portion of the fluid that has passed through the first ion removal device 101. The fourth ion removal device 104 may be provided to remove ions from a fluid having a relatively low ion concentration that has passed through the first ion removal device 101. The fourth ion removal device 104 may include at least one fourth ion removal module 140. The at least one fourth ion removal module 140 may include the same configuration as the first ion removal module 110, the second ion removal module 130, and / or the third ion removal module 130.

[0168] For example, the fourth ion removal device 104 may include a plurality of fourth ion removal modules 140. The plurality of fourth ion removal modules 140 may be arranged in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which fluid passes through the plurality of fourth ion removal modules 140. The plurality of fourth ion removal modules 140 may be stacked in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the fourth deionization channel 145 formed inside each of the plurality of fourth ion removal modules 140 extends.

[0169] The water treatment apparatus 4 according to embodiments of the present disclosure may include a fifth ion removal device 105. The fifth ion removal device 105 may be provided to remove ions from a portion of the fluid that has passed through the fourth ion removal device 104. The fifth ion removal device 105 may be provided to remove ions from fluids with relatively low ion concentrations that have passed through the fourth ion removal device 104. The fifth ion removal device 105 may include at least one fifth ion removal module 140. At least one fifth ion removal module 140 may include the same configuration as the first ion removal module 110, the second ion removal module 130, the third ion removal module 130, and / or the fourth ion removal module 140.

[0170] For example, the fifth ion removal device 105 may include a plurality of fifth ion removal modules 150. The plurality of fifth ion removal modules 150 may be arranged in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which fluid flows through the plurality of fifth ion removal modules 150. The plurality of fifth ion removal modules 140 may be stacked in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which a fifth deionization channel 155 extends, the fifth deionization channel 155 being formed inside each of the plurality of fifth ion removal modules 150.

[0171] Water treatment apparatus 4 according to embodiments of the present disclosure may include a fluid separation device 40. The fluid separation device 40 may separate and guide fluids discharged from a plurality of first ion removal modules 110 of the first ion removal apparatus 101, and may separate and guide fluids discharged from a plurality of second ion removal modules 120, and may separate and guide fluids discharged from a plurality of fourth ion removal modules 140.

[0172] In one or more embodiments, the fluid separation device 40 may include a first central guide 42 configured to guide fluid with a relatively high ion concentration from the fluids discharged from the plurality of first ion removal modules 110 to the plurality of second ion removal modules 120. For example, the first central guide 42 may be configured to collect fluid with a relatively high ion concentration from the fluids discharged from the plurality of first ion removal modules 110 and then guide the collected fluid to the plurality of second ion removal modules 120 in a distributed manner. A first central flow path 42a may be formed inside the first central guide 42.

[0173] In one or more embodiments, the fluid separation device 40 may include a first external guide 41 configured to guide fluid with a relatively low ion concentration from the fluid discharged from the plurality of first ion removal modules 110. For example, the first external guide 41 may be configured to collect fluid with a relatively low ion concentration from the fluid discharged from the plurality of first ion removal modules 110, and then guide the collected fluid in a distributed manner to a plurality of fourth ion removal modules 140. A first external flow path 41a may be formed inside the first external guide 41.

[0174] In one or more embodiments, the fluid separation device 40 may include a second central guide 44 configured to guide fluid with a relatively high ion concentration from the fluids discharged from the plurality of second ion removal modules 120 to at least one third ion removal module 130. For example, the second central guide 44 may be configured to collect fluid with a relatively high ion concentration from the fluids discharged from the plurality of second ion removal modules 120 and then guide the collected fluid in a distributed manner to at least one third ion removal module 130. A second central flow path 44a may be formed inside the second central guide 44.

[0175] In one or more embodiments, the fluid separation device 40 may include a second external guide 43 configured to guide fluid with a relatively low ion concentration from the fluids discharged from the plurality of second ion removal modules 120. For example, the second external guide 43 may extend from the plurality of second ion removal modules 120 to a discharge guide 47. For example, the second external guide 43 may extend to the discharge guide 47 together with a third external guide 45. A second external flow path 43a may be formed inside the second external guide 43.

[0176] In one or more embodiments, the fluid separation device 40 may include a third central guide 46 configured to guide fluid with a relatively high ion concentration from the fluids discharged from the plurality of fourth ion removal modules 140 to at least one fifth ion removal module 150. For example, the third central guide 46 may be configured to collect fluid with a relatively high ion concentration from the fluids discharged from the plurality of fourth ion removal modules 140 and then guide the collected fluid in a distributed manner to at least one fifth ion removal module 150. A third central flow path 46a may be formed inside the third central guide 46.

[0177] In one or more embodiments, the fluid separation device 40 may include a third external guide 45 configured to guide fluid with a relatively low ion concentration discharged from the plurality of fourth ion removal modules 140. For example, the third external guide 45 may extend from the plurality of fourth ion removal modules 140 to a discharge guide 47. For example, the third external guide 45 may extend to the discharge guide 47 together with a second external guide 43. A third external flow path 45a may be formed inside the third external guide 45.

[0178] Since the water treatment device 4 according to the present disclosure is configured to collect fluid with relatively high ion concentration from the fluid discharged from the plurality of first ion removal modules 110 and guide the collected fluid to the plurality of second ion removal modules 120 in a distributed manner, and to collect fluid with relatively low ion concentration and guide the collected fluid to the plurality of fourth ion removal modules 140 in a distributed manner, a voltage lower than the voltage applied to the plurality of second ion removal modules 120 can be supplied to the plurality of fourth ion removal modules 140.

[0179] Since the water treatment device 4 according to the embodiments of the present disclosure is configured to collect fluid with relatively high ion concentration from fluid discharged from a plurality of second ion removal modules 120 that allow fluid with relatively high ion concentration and guide the collected fluid in a distributed manner to a plurality of third ion removal modules 130, and is configured to collect fluid with relatively high ion concentration from fluid discharged from a plurality of fourth ion removal modules 140 that allow fluid with relatively low ion concentration and guide the collected fluid in a distributed manner to a plurality of fifth ion removal modules 150, a voltage lower than the voltage applied to the plurality of third ion removal modules 130 can be supplied to the plurality of fifth ion removal modules 150.

[0180] With such a configuration, the water treatment device 4 according to the embodiments of this disclosure can have reduced power consumption.

[0181] Water treatment apparatus 4 according to embodiments of the present disclosure may include a sensor 90 configured to measure the ion concentration of fluid passing through fluid separation device 40. The sensor 90 may be configured to measure the ion concentration of fluid passing through at least one of a first external guide 41, a first central guide 42, a second central guide 44, or a third central guide 46.

[0182] For example, the water treatment device 4 can be configured to adjust the voltage applied to a plurality of fourth ion removal modules 140 based on the ion concentration value of the fluid passing through the first external guide 41 as measured by sensor 90. For example, the water treatment device 4 can be configured to adjust the voltage applied to a plurality of second ion removal modules 120 based on the ion concentration value of the fluid passing through the first central guide 42 as measured by sensor 90. For example, the water treatment device 4 can be configured to adjust the voltage applied to at least one third ion removal module 130 based on the ion concentration value of the fluid passing through the second central guide 44 as measured by sensor 90. For example, the water treatment device 4 can be configured to adjust the voltage applied to at least one fifth ion removal module 150 based on the ion concentration value of the fluid passing through the third central guide 46 as measured by sensor 90.

[0183] The water treatment device 4 according to the embodiments of this disclosure can allow the use of fluids with relatively low ion concentrations that have passed through multiple second ion removal modules 120 and fluids with relatively low ion concentrations that have passed through multiple fourth ion removal modules 140, without the need for additional ion removal modules, thereby improving efficiency.

[0184] Water treatment device 4 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a discharge guide 47 for guiding fluid discharged from at least one third ion removal module 130 and at least one fifth ion removal module 150.

[0185] Water treatment apparatus 4 according to embodiments of the present disclosure may include an inlet 4a for introducing fluid and an outlet 4b for discharging fluid. Fluid flowing into water treatment apparatus 4 through inlet 4a may be directed to each of a plurality of first ion removal modules 110 of first ion removal apparatus 101. Fluid passing through second ion removal apparatus 102 and then directed by second external guide 43, and fluid passing through fourth ion removal apparatus 104 and then directed by third external guide 45, may be directed through discharge guide 47 and flow to outlet 4b. Fluid passing through third ion removal apparatus 103 and fluid passing through fifth ion removal apparatus 105 may be directed through discharge guide 47 and flow to outlet 4b. Fluid in discharge guide 47 may be discharged to the outside of water treatment apparatus 4 through outlet 4b.

[0186] Figure 6A conceptual diagram of a water treatment apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0187] Reference Figure 6 The following will describe a water treatment apparatus 5 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The same reference numerals are assigned to the references above. Figure 1 The water treatment equipment 1 described herein has the same configuration, and its detailed description may be omitted.

[0188] Reference Figure 6 The water treatment apparatus 5 according to embodiments of the present disclosure may include a first ion removal device 101. The first ion removal device 101 may include components related to... Figure 3 The first ion removal device 101 shown has the same configuration. For example, the first ion removal device 101 may include a plurality of first ion removal modules 110.

[0189] Water treatment apparatus 5 according to embodiments of the present disclosure may include a second ion removal device 502. The second ion removal device 502 may be provided to remove ions from a portion of the fluid that has passed through the first ion removal device 101. The second ion removal device 502 may be provided to remove ions from a fluid having a relatively high ion concentration that has passed through the first ion removal device 101. The second ion removal device 502 may include a plurality of second ion removal modules 520. A second deionization channel 525 may be formed inside each of the plurality of second ion removal modules 520. Most configurations of the plurality of second ion removal modules 520 may be consistent with... Figure 4 The multiple second ion removal modules 120 shown are configured identically.

[0190] Each of the plurality of second ion removal modules 520 in the second ion removal device 502 according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a second deion channel 525, the size of which is larger than the size of the first deion channel 115 in each of the plurality of first ion removal modules 110 in the first ion removal device 101. For example, the size of the second deion channel 525 in each of the plurality of second ion removal modules 520 in the second ion removal device 502 according to an embodiment of the present invention may be set to twice the size of the first deion channel 115 in each of the plurality of first ion removal modules 110 in the first ion removal device 101.

[0191] According to one or more embodiments, each of the plurality of second ion removal modules 520 of the second ion removal device 502 may include a second deion channel 525, the width of which is greater than the width of the first deion channel 115 of each of the plurality of first ion removal modules 110 of the first ion removal device 101.

[0192] According to one or more embodiments, each of the plurality of second ion removal modules 520 of the second ion removal device 502 may include a second deion channel 525, the diameter of which is larger than the diameter of the first deion channel 115 of each of the plurality of first ion removal modules 110 of the first ion removal device 101.

[0193] Because the second deionization channel 525 of each of the plurality of second ion removal modules 520 in the second ion removal device 502 according to the embodiment has a larger size, therefore... Figure 4 Compared to the second ion removal device 102 shown, the number of second ion removal modules can be reduced.

[0194] Water treatment apparatus 5 according to embodiments of the present disclosure may include a third ion removal device 503. The third ion removal device 503 may be provided to remove ions from a portion of the fluid that has passed through the second ion removal device 502. The third ion removal device 503 may be provided to remove ions from a fluid having a relatively high ion concentration that has passed through the second ion removal device 502. The third ion removal device 503 may include a plurality of third ion removal modules 530. At least one third ion removal module 530 may include a configuration identical to that of the second ion removal module 520.

[0195] For the water treatment apparatus 5 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the second ion removal apparatus 502 is configured to allow fluid in which ions have been partially removed by the first ion removal apparatus 101 to enter, and the second deion channel 525 of each of the plurality of second ion removal modules 520 of the second ion removal apparatus 502 is provided with a larger size, thereby reducing the number of the plurality of second ion removal modules 520.

[0196] For the water treatment apparatus 5 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the third ion removal apparatus 503 is configured to allow fluid in which ions have been partially removed by the second ion removal apparatus 502 to enter, and the third deion channel 535 of each of the plurality of third ion removal modules 530 of the third ion removal apparatus 503 has a larger size, thereby reducing the number of the plurality of third ion removal modules 530.

[0197] Water treatment apparatus 5 according to embodiments of the present disclosure may include a fluid separation device 50. The fluid separation device 50 may separate and guide fluids discharged from a plurality of first ion removal modules 110 of a first ion removal apparatus 101, and separate and guide fluids discharged from a plurality of second ion removal modules 520.

[0198] In one or more embodiments, the fluid separation device 50 may include a first central guide 52 configured to guide fluid with a relatively high ion concentration from the fluids discharged from the plurality of first ion removal modules 110 to the plurality of second ion removal modules 520. For example, the first central guide 52 may be configured to collect fluid with a relatively high ion concentration from the fluids discharged from the plurality of first ion removal modules 110 and then guide the collected fluid to the plurality of second ion removal modules 520 in a distributed manner. A first central flow path 52a may be formed inside the first central guide 52.

[0199] In one or more embodiments, the fluid separation device 50 may include a first external guide 51 configured to guide fluid with a relatively low ion concentration from the fluids discharged from the plurality of first ion removal modules 110. For example, the first external guide 51 may extend from the plurality of first ion removal modules 110 to a discharge guide 55. A first external flow path 51a may be formed inside the first external guide 51.

[0200] In one or more embodiments, the fluid separation device 50 may include a second central guide 54 configured to guide fluid with a relatively high ion concentration from the fluids discharged from the plurality of second ion removal modules 520 to at least one third ion removal module 530. For example, the second central guide 54 may be configured to collect fluid with a relatively high ion concentration from the fluids discharged from the plurality of second ion removal modules 520 and then guide the collected fluid in a distributed manner to at least one third ion removal module 530. A second central flow path 54a may be formed inside the second central guide 54.

[0201] In one or more embodiments, the fluid separation device 50 may include a second external guide 53 configured to guide fluid with a relatively low ion concentration from the fluids discharged from the plurality of second ion removal modules 520. For example, the second external guide 53 may extend from the plurality of second ion removal modules 520 to a discharge guide 55. For example, the second external guide 53 may extend to the discharge guide 55 together with a first external guide 51. A second external flow path 53a may be formed inside the second external guide 53.

[0202] The water treatment device 5 according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a discharge guide 55 for guiding fluid discharged from at least one third ion removal module 530.

[0203] The water treatment apparatus 5 according to embodiments of the present disclosure may include an inlet 5a for introducing fluid and an outlet 5b for discharging fluid. Fluid flowing into the water treatment apparatus 5 through the inlet 5a may be directed to each of a plurality of first ion removal modules 110 of a first ion removal apparatus 101. Fluid flowing through the first ion removal apparatus 101 and then guided by a first external guide 51 may be directed through a discharge guide 55 and flow to the outlet 5b. Of the fluid flowing through the first ion removal apparatus 101, guided by a first central guide 52, and then through a second ion removal apparatus 502, fluid guided by a second external guide 53 may be directed through the discharge guide 55 and flow to the outlet 5b. Of the fluid flowing through the first ion removal apparatus 101, guided by the first central guide 52, and then through the second ion removal apparatus 102, fluid guided by a second central guide 54 and then flowing into and through a third ion removal apparatus 503 may be directed through the discharge guide 55 and flow to the outlet 5b. Fluid in the discharge guide 55 may be discharged to the outside of the water treatment apparatus 5 through the outlet 5b.

[0204] Figure 7 A conceptual diagram of a water treatment apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0205] Reference Figure 7 The following will describe a water treatment apparatus 6 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The same reference numerals are assigned to the references above. Figure 1 The water treatment equipment 1 described herein has the same configuration, and its detailed description may be omitted.

[0206] The water treatment device 6 according to embodiments of the present disclosure may include having a... Figure 1 The first ion removal module 110 and the second ion removal module 120 of the water treatment device 1 shown have the same configuration.

[0207] The water treatment device 6 according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a third ion removal module 160. For example, the third ion removal module 160 can be operated by applying a voltage lower than that applied to the second ion removal module 120, thereby reducing the power consumption of the water treatment device 6.

[0208] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the water treatment device 6 can guide fluid with an ion concentration lower than that of the fluid guided to the second ion removal module 120 to the third ion removal module 160. The third ion removal module 160 can be configured to remove ions from the fluid with an ion concentration lower than that of the fluid passing through the second ion removal module 120. Since the third ion removal module 160 is configured to remove ions from the fluid with an ion concentration lower than that of the fluid passing through the second ion removal module 120, the third ion removal module 160 can be operated by applying a voltage lower than that applied to the second ion removal module 120, thereby reducing the power consumption of the water treatment device 6.

[0209] The third ion removal module 160 may include a fifth electrode 161 and a sixth electrode 162. The fifth electrode 161 and the sixth electrode 162 may be arranged to face each other. The fifth electrode 161 and the sixth electrode 162 may form an electric field.

[0210] The fifth electrode 161 may include a fifth current collector 161a and a fifth porous electrode 161b. The fifth electrode 161 may be used as a positive electrode (anode) or a negative electrode (cathode).

[0211] In one embodiment, the fifth current collector 161a may include an electrode plate electrically connected to the fifth porous electrode 161b. The electrode plate may include a metal plate and / or a non-metal plate.

[0212] The fifth current collector 161a may include a conductor. For example, the fifth current collector 161a may include graphite.

[0213] The fifth porous electrode 161b may include a solid electrode containing void spaces. The fifth porous electrode 161b may include a material that readily adsorbs ions. For example, the fifth porous electrode 161b may include a carbon porous electrode.

[0214] The sixth electrode 162 may include a sixth current collector 162a and a sixth porous electrode 162b. The sixth electrode 162 may be used as a positive electrode (anode) or a negative electrode (cathode).

[0215] In one embodiment, the sixth current collector 162a may include an electrode plate electrically connected to the sixth porous electrode 162b. The electrode plate may include a metal plate and / or a non-metal plate.

[0216] The sixth electrical device 162a may include a conductor. The sixth electrical device 162a may include the same configuration as the fifth electrical device 161a. For example, the sixth electrical device 162a may include graphite.

[0217] The sixth porous electrode 162b may include a solid electrode containing void spaces. The sixth porous electrode 162b may include the same configuration as the fifth porous electrode 161b. The sixth porous electrode 162b may include a material that readily adsorbs ions. For example, the sixth porous electrode 162b may include a carbon porous electrode.

[0218] The third ion removal module 160 may include a third anion exchange membrane 161c. The third anion exchange membrane 161c may include a membrane that allows only anions of cations and anions to pass through. The third anion exchange membrane 161c is positively charged, thus allowing only anions to pass through while repelling cations.

[0219] The third ion removal module 160 may include a third anion channel 166 formed by a fifth current collector 161a and a third anion exchange membrane 161c. The third anion channel 166 may include the space between the fifth current collector 161a and the third anion exchange membrane 161c. A fifth porous electrode 161b may be disposed in the third anion channel 166.

[0220] The third ion removal module 160 may include a third cation exchange membrane 162c. The third cation exchange membrane 162c may include a membrane that allows only cations of the cation and anion groups to pass through. The third cation exchange membrane 162c is negatively charged, thus allowing only cations to pass through while repelling anions.

[0221] The third ion removal module 160 may include a third cation channel 167 formed by a sixth current collector 162a and a third cation exchange membrane 162c. The third cation channel 167 may include the space between the sixth current collector 162a and the third cation exchange membrane 162c. A sixth porous electrode 162b may be disposed in the third cation channel 167.

[0222] The third anion exchange membrane 161c and the third cation exchange membrane 162c may include synthetic resin membranes.

[0223] The third ion removal module 160 may include a third deion channel 165. The third deion channel 165 may be formed by a third anion exchange membrane 161c and a third cation exchange membrane 162c. The third deion channel 165 may include the space between the third anion exchange membrane 161c and the third cation exchange membrane 162c. A fifth electrode 161 may be disposed on one side of the third deion channel 165, and a sixth electrode 162 may be disposed on the opposite side of the third deion channel 165.

[0224] Since the third anion channel 166, the third cation channel 167 and the third deion channel 165 are separated from each other by the third anion exchange membrane 161c and the third cation exchange membrane 162c, these channels can also be referred to as compartments, spaces, chambers or cavities.

[0225] The third anion channel 166, the third cation channel 167, and the third deion channel 165 may be fluidly connected to each other. For example, fluid in the third deion channel 165 may move to the third anion channel 166 and / or the third cation channel 167, and conversely, fluid in the third anion channel 166 and / or the third cation channel 167 may move to the third deion channel 165.

[0226] When a positive voltage is applied to the fifth current collector 161a, the fifth electrode 161 becomes the positive electrode (anode), and when a negative voltage is applied to the sixth current collector 162a, the sixth electrode 162 becomes the negative electrode (cathode). Therefore, when a positive voltage is applied to the fifth current collector 161a and a negative voltage is applied to the sixth current collector 162a, cations in the third deion channel 165 can move to the third cation channel 167, and anions in the third deion channel 165 can move to the third anion channel 166.

[0227] Anions that move to the third anion channel 166 due to a positive voltage applied to the fifth current collector 161a can be adsorbed onto the fifth porous electrode 161b, and cations that move to the third cation channel 167 due to a negative voltage applied to the sixth current collector 162a can be adsorbed onto the sixth porous electrode 162b.

[0228] Applying a positive voltage to the fifth current collector 161a and a negative voltage to the sixth current collector 162a may include allowing the potential of the fifth current collector 161a to be higher than the potential of the sixth current collector 162a.

[0229] When a negative voltage is applied to the fifth current collector 161a, the fifth electrode 161 becomes the negative electrode (cathode), and when a positive voltage is applied to the sixth current collector 162a, the sixth electrode 162 becomes the positive electrode (anode). Therefore, when a negative voltage is applied to the fifth current collector 161a and a positive voltage is applied to the sixth current collector 162a, cations in the third cation channel 167 can move to the third deion channel 165, and anions in the third anion channel 166 can move to the third deion channel 165.

[0230] When a negative voltage is applied to the fifth current collector 161a, the anions adsorbed on the fifth porous electrode 161b can be desorbed from the fifth porous electrode 161b, and when a positive voltage is applied to the sixth current collector 162a, the cations adsorbed on the sixth porous electrode 162b can be desorbed from the sixth porous electrode 162b.

[0231] Applying a negative voltage to the fifth current collector 161a and a positive voltage to the sixth current collector 162a may include allowing the potential of the fifth current collector 161a to be lower than the potential of the sixth current collector 162a.

[0232] In one embodiment, the third ion removal module 160 may include a third module inlet 163 for introducing fluid and a third module outlet 164 for discharging fluid. Fluid flowing into the third ion removal module 160 through the third module inlet 163 may pass through a third deionization channel 165. Fluid passing through the third deionization channel 165 may be discharged to the outside of the third ion removal module 160 through the third module outlet 164.

[0233] In one or more embodiments, the third ion removal module 160 may be a third ion removal cell 160, which includes a pair of electrodes 161 and 162 and a third deion channel 165 to remove ions from the fluid. In one or more embodiments, the third ion removal module 160 may be a third ion removal stack 160, which includes a pair of electrodes 161 and 162 and a third deion channel 165 to remove ions from the fluid.

[0234] The water treatment device 6 according to an embodiment may include a fluid separation device 60. The fluid separation device 60 can guide the fluid discharged from the first ion removal module 110. The fluid separation device 60 can separate the fluid passing through the first deionization channel 115 based on ion concentration and guide the separated fluid.

[0235] In one or more embodiments, the fluid separation device 60 may be a flow path separation device 60 configured to separate the flow path for guiding fluid discharged from the first ion removal module 110. In one or more embodiments, the fluid separation device 10 may be a branching device 60 in which the fluid discharged from the first ion removal module 110 branches.

[0236] In one or more embodiments, the first module outlet 114 of the first ion removal module 110 may include: an external outlet 114b configured to discharge fluid through the external portion of the first deion channel 115 adjacent to the first cation exchange membrane 112c and fluid through the external portion of the first deion channel 115 adjacent to the first anion exchange membrane 111c; and a central outlet 114a configured to discharge fluid through a central portion of the first deion channel 115, the central portion being further away from the first cation exchange membrane 112c and the first anion exchange membrane 111c than the external portion of the first deion channel 115 through which the fluid discharged from the external outlet 114b passes. The first module outlet 114 may also include an additional outlet 114c between the external outlet 114b and the central outlet 114a.

[0237] External outlet 114b may be located outside of auxiliary outlet 114c. Auxiliary outlet 114c may be located outside of central outlet 114a. Auxiliary outlet 114c may be spaced apart from the first cation exchange membrane 112c and the first anion exchange membrane 111c. Central outlet 114a may be located further apart from the first cation exchange membrane 112c and the first anion exchange membrane 111c than auxiliary outlet 114c.

[0238] The fluid separation device 60 may include an external guide 61. An external flow path 61a may be formed inside the external guide 61. The external guide 61 may be connected to a first module outlet 114. The external guide 61 may be connected to a portion of the first module outlet 114. The external guide 61 may be connected to an external outlet 114b.

[0239] External guide 61 may extend from the first module outlet 114. External guide 61 may extend from the first deionization channel 115. As an example, external guide 61 may extend from the first module outlet 114 to the discharge guide 13.

[0240] External guide 61 can be configured to guide fluid exiting from the first deion channel 115 through the region adjacent to the first anion exchange membrane 111c and through the region adjacent to the first cation exchange membrane 112c. External guide 61 can be configured to guide fluid exiting through the external outlet 114b of the first module outlet 114. External guide 11 can be configured to guide fluid through the edge of the first deion channel 115. External guide 61 can be configured to guide fluid with a relatively low ion concentration in the fluid passing through the first deion channel 115.

[0241] The external guide 61 can be configured to guide a portion of the fluid discharged from the first deionization channel 115 to the outside of the second ion removal module 120 and the third ion removal module 130. The external guide 61 can also guide a portion of the fluid discharged from the first deionization channel 115, thereby preventing that portion from passing through the second ion removal module 120 and the third ion removal module 130. Alternatively, the external guide 61 can guide a portion of the fluid discharged from the first deionization channel 115 so that that portion bypasses the second ion removal module 120 and the third ion removal module 130.

[0242] The fluid separation device 60 may include a central guide 62. A central flow path 62a may be formed inside the central guide 62. The central guide 62 may be connected to a first module outlet 114. The central guide 62 may be connected to a portion of the first module outlet 114 that is not connected to the external guide 61. The central guide 62 may be connected to a central outlet 114a. The central guide 62 may be separate from the external guide 61, or it may be integrated with the external guide 61 as a single component.

[0243] The central guide 62 connects the first ion removal module 110 to the second ion removal module 120. The central guide 62 extends between the first deion channel 115 and the second deion channel 125. The central guide 62 extends from the first module outlet 114 to the second module inlet 123. The central guide 62 may include a portion of the width of the central flow path 62a that increases in the direction from the first deion channel 115 to the second deion channel 125.

[0244] The central guide 62 can be separated from the outer guide 61. The outer guide 61 and the central guide 62 can be configured such that fluid flowing in the outer flow path 61a and fluid flowing in the central flow path 62a do not mix with each other. In one or more embodiments, the outer guide 61 and the central guide 62 can be configured to be separated from each other to prevent fluid flowing through the outer guide 61 and fluid flowing through the central guide 62 from mixing.

[0245] The central guide 62 can be configured to guide fluid discharged from the first deionization channel 115 that has passed through a region further away from the first anion exchange membrane 111c and the first cation exchange membrane 112c than the region traversed by the fluid guided by the external guide 11. The central guide 62 can also be configured to guide fluid discharged from the first deionization channel 115 that exits through the central outlet 114a. The central guide 62 can guide fluid with a relatively high ion concentration discharged from the first deionization channel 115.

[0246] The central guide 62 can guide a portion of the fluid discharged from the first deionization channel 115 to the second ion removal module 120. The central guide 62 can guide a portion of the fluid discharged from the first deionization channel 115 so that this portion passes through the second ion removal module 120.

[0247] The fluid separation device 60 may include an additional guide 63. An additional flow path 63a may be formed inside the additional guide 63. The additional guide 63 may be connected to a first module outlet 114. The additional guide 63 may be connected to a portion of the first module outlet 114 that is not connected to the external guide 61 and the central guide 62. The additional guide 63 may be connected to an additional outlet 114c. The additional guide 63 may be disposed separately from the external guide 61 and / or the central guide 62, or it may be disposed as a single component with the external guide 61 and / or the central guide 62.

[0248] An additional guide 63 can connect the first ion removal module 110 to the third ion removal module 160. The additional guide 63 can extend between the first deion channel 115 and the third deion channel 165. The additional guide 63 can extend from the first module outlet 114 to the third module inlet 163. The additional guide 63 may include a portion of the width of the additional flow path 63a that increases in the direction from the first deion channel 115 to the third deion channel 165.

[0249] The additional guide 63 may be separable from the external guide 61 and / or the central guide 62. The external guide 61, the central guide 62, and the additional guide 63 may be configured such that fluid flowing in the external flow path 61a, fluid flowing in the central flow path 62a, and fluid flowing in the external flow path 63a do not mix with each other. In one or more embodiments, the external guide 61, the central guide 62, and the additional guide 63 may be configured to be separate from each other to prevent fluid flowing through the external guide 61, fluid flowing through the central guide 62, and fluid flowing through the additional guide 63 from mixing with each other.

[0250] The additional guide 63 may be configured to guide fluid in the fluid discharged from the first deionization channel 115 through a region that is spaced apart from the first anion exchange membrane 111c and the first cation exchange membrane 112c, and whose distance from the first anion exchange membrane 111c and the first cation exchange membrane 112c is farther than the distance between the regions through which the fluid guided by the outer guide 61 passes, but closer than the distance between the regions through which the fluid guided by the central guide 62 passes. The additional guide 63 may be provided to guide fluid discharged from the first deionization channel 115 through an additional outlet 114c. The additional guide 63 may guide fluid with a relatively moderate ion concentration that has already passed through the first deionization channel 115.

[0251] The central guide 62 can guide a portion of the fluid discharged from the first deionization channel 115 to the second ion removal module 120. The auxiliary guide 63 can guide a portion of the fluid discharged from the first deionization channel 115 into and through the third ion removal module 160.

[0252] In one or more embodiments, the external guide 61, the central guide 62, and the additional guide 63 may be configured to separate fluid discharged from the first deion channel 115 based on the ion concentration of the fluid passing through the first deion channel 115.

[0253] The external guide 61, the central guide 62, and the additional guide 63 can be configured to be symmetrical about the central axis along the direction of fluid flow in the first deionization channel 115.

[0254] The water treatment device 6 may include a discharge guide 64. The discharge guide 64 can guide fluid discharged from the second ion removal module 120 and the third ion removal module 130. The discharge guide 64 can guide the fluid discharged from the second ion removal module 120 and the third ion removal module 130 to the outside of the water treatment device 6. An external guide 61 can be connected to the discharge guide 64.

[0255] The water treatment device 6 according to an embodiment of the present invention can be configured such that, in the fluid passing through the first ion removal module 110, the fluid with a relatively high ion concentration is guided to pass through the second ion removal module 120 to remove additional ions from the fluid, and the fluid with a relatively medium ion concentration is guided to pass through the third ion removal module 120 to remove additional ions from the fluid, and the fluid with a relatively low ion concentration is allowed to be used without passing through the second ion removal module 120 and the third ion removal module 130, thereby improving efficiency.

[0256] Figure 8 A conceptual diagram of a water treatment apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0257] Reference Figure 8 The following will describe a water treatment apparatus 7 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The same reference numerals are assigned to the references above. Figure 1 The water treatment equipment 1 described herein has the same configuration, and its detailed description may be omitted.

[0258] Reference Figure 8 According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the water treatment device 7 may include a first ion removal device 101.

[0259] The first ion removal device 101 may include a plurality of first ion removal modules 110. The plurality of first ion removal modules 110 may include, and Figure 1 The configuration of the first ion removal module 110 shown is the same.

[0260] The plurality of first ion removal modules 110 may be arranged in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which fluid passes through the plurality of first ion removal modules 110. The plurality of first ion removal modules 110 may be stacked in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the first deionization channel 115 formed inside each of the plurality of first ion removal modules 110 extends.

[0261] Water treatment apparatus 7 according to embodiments of the present disclosure may include a second ion removal device 102.

[0262] The second ion removal device 102 may include at least one second ion removal module 120. The at least one second ion removal module 120 may include components related to... Figure 1 The second ion removal module 120 shown has the same configuration.

[0263] For example, the second ion removal device 102 may include a plurality of second ion removal modules 120. The plurality of second ion removal modules 120 may be arranged in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which fluid passes through the plurality of second ion removal modules 120. The plurality of second ion removal modules 120 may be stacked in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the second deionization channel 125 formed inside each of the plurality of second ion removal modules 120 extends.

[0264] Water treatment apparatus 7 according to embodiments of the present disclosure may include a fluid separation device 10. The fluid separation device 10 can separate and guide fluids discharged from a plurality of first ion removal modules 110 of a first ion removal apparatus 101.

[0265] In one or more embodiments, the fluid separation device 10 may include a central guide 12 configured to guide fluid with a relatively high ion concentration from fluids discharged from a plurality of first ion removal modules 110 to at least one second ion removal module 120. For example, the central guide 12 may be configured to collect fluid with a relatively high ion concentration from fluids discharged from the plurality of first ion removal modules 110 and then guide the collected fluid in a distributed manner to at least one second ion removal module 120. A central flow path 12a may be formed inside the central guide 12.

[0266] In one or more embodiments, the fluid separation device 10 may include an external guide 11 for guiding fluid with a relatively low ion concentration discharged from the plurality of first ion removal modules 110. For example, the external guide 11 may extend from the plurality of first ion removal modules 110 to a discharge guide 13. An external flow path 11a may be formed inside the external guide 11.

[0267] The water treatment device 7 according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a discharge guide 13 for guiding fluid discharged from at least one second ion removal module 120.

[0268] Water treatment apparatus 7 according to embodiments of the present disclosure may include an inlet 7a for introducing fluid and an outlet 7b for discharging fluid. Fluid flowing into water treatment apparatus 7 through inlet 7a may be directed to each of a plurality of first ion removal modules 110 of first ion removal apparatus 101. Fluid passing through first ion removal apparatus 101 and then guided by external guide 11, as well as fluid passing through first ion removal apparatus 101, guided by central guide 12, and then through second ion removal apparatus 102, may be directed through discharge guide 13 and flow to outlet 7b. Fluid in discharge guide 13 may be discharged to the outside of water treatment apparatus 7 through outlet 7b.

[0269] Water treatment apparatus 7 according to embodiments of the present disclosure may include a sensor 90 for measuring the ion concentration of fluid passing through fluid separation device 10. Sensor 90 may be configured to measure the ion concentration of fluid passing through at least one of external guide 11 or central guide 12.

[0270] Water treatment apparatus 7 according to embodiments of the present disclosure may include a switching valve 80 disposed on an external guide 11. The switching valve 80 may be provided to allow a portion of the fluid guided by the external guide 11 and flowing to the discharge guide 13 to flow back to the first ion removal device 101.

[0271] Water treatment apparatus 7 according to embodiments of the present disclosure may include a return guide 81. The return guide 81 may extend from a portion of an external guide 11 to an apparatus inlet 7a. A switching valve 80 may be located within an external flow path 11a branching into a portion of the return guide 81.

[0272] For example, the water treatment device 7 can be configured to adjust the switching valve 80 based on the ion concentration value of the fluid passing through the external guide 11 measured by the sensor 90. When the ion concentration value of the fluid passing through the external guide 11 measured by the sensor 90 is greater than a preset value, the water treatment device 7 can adjust the switching valve 80 so that the fluid passing through the external flow path 11a flows to the first ion removal device 101 through the return guide 81. When the ion concentration value of the fluid passing through the external guide 11 measured by the sensor 90 is less than the preset value, the water treatment device 7 can adjust the switching valve 80 so that the fluid passing through the external flow path 11a flows to the discharge guide 13.

[0273] For example, the water treatment device 7 can be configured to adjust the voltage applied to the plurality of second ion removal modules 120 based on the ion concentration value of the fluid passing through the central guide 12 measured by the sensor 90.

[0274] Figure 9 A washing machine connected to a water treatment apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 10 A cross-section of a washing machine using a water treatment apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0275] Reference Figure 9 and Figure 10 The washing machine 1010, which is connected to and / or applies a water treatment device according to embodiments of this disclosure, will be described.

[0276] The washing machine 1010 may include a washing machine housing 1011, which is configured to house one or more components therein. The washing machine housing 1011 may form the appearance of the washing machine 1010. The washing machine housing 1011 may have a box shape with one side open.

[0277] The washing machine housing 1011 may include a housing opening 1012, which is formed to allow access to the interior of the drum 1030. The housing opening 1012 can open in a generally forward direction.

[0278] The washing machine 1010 may include a door 1013 configured to open and close a housing opening 1012 formed in the washing machine housing 1011. The door 1013 may be rotatably mounted on the washing machine housing 1011 via a hinge 1014. At least a portion of the door 1013 may be transparent or translucent, making the interior of the washing machine housing 1011 visible.

[0279] The washing machine 1010 may include a tub 1020 disposed within the washing machine housing 1011 for storing water. The tub 1020 may be located within the washing machine housing 1011. The tub 1020 may have a tub opening 1022, configured to correspond to a housing opening 1012. The tub opening 1022 may open in a generally forward direction. The tub 1020 may be supported within the washing machine housing 1011. The tub 1020 may have an approximately cylindrical shape with one side open.

[0280] The tub 1020 can be elastically supported within the washing machine housing 1011 by a damper 1080. The damper 1080 connects the washing machine housing 1011 to the tub 1020. When vibrations generated during the rotation of the drum 1030 are transmitted to the tub 1020 and / or the washing machine housing 1011, the damper 1080 can absorb the vibrational energy between the tub 1020 and the washing machine housing 1011, thereby attenuating the vibrations transmitted to the tub 1020 and / or the washing machine housing 1011.

[0281] The washing machine 1010 may include a drum 1030 configured to accommodate clothing. The drum 1030 may be configured to rotate within a tub 1020. The drum 1030 may perform washing, rinsing, and / or spin-drying operations while rotating within the tub 1020. The drum 1030 may include a through-hole 1034 connecting the interior space of the drum 1030 to the interior space of the tub 1020. The drum 1030 may have an approximately cylindrical shape with an open side. At least one lifter 1035 may be mounted on the inner circumferential surface of the drum 1030, causing clothing to rise and fall during the rotation of the drum 1030.

[0282] The drum 1030 may have a drum opening 1032, which is configured to correspond to the housing opening 1012 and the tub opening 1022. Clothes can be placed into or removed from the drum 1030 through the housing opening 1012, the tub opening 1022, and the drum opening 1032.

[0283] The washing machine 1010 may include a washing machine drive unit 1040 configured to rotate a drum 1030. The washing machine drive unit 1040 may include a drive motor 1041 and a rotating shaft 1042 configured to transmit the driving force generated by the drive motor 1041 to the drum 1030. The rotating shaft 1042 may be connected to the drum 1030 by passing through a tub 1020.

[0284] The washing machine 1010 can be divided into direct drive type and indirect drive type. In the direct drive type, the rotating shaft 1042 is directly connected to the drive motor 1041 to rotate the drum 1030. In the indirect drive type, the pulley 1043 is connected between the drive motor 1041 and the rotating shaft 1042 to rotate the drum 1030.

[0285] The washing machine 1010 according to the embodiment can be configured as an indirect-drive type washing machine, but is not limited thereto, and can also be configured as a direct-drive type washing machine.

[0286] The rotating shaft 1042 may have one end connected to the roller 1030 and the other end connected to the pulley 1043 to receive driving force from the drive motor 1041. A motor pulley 1041a may be located at the center of rotation of the drive motor 1041. A drive belt 1044 may be located between the motor pulley 1041a and the pulley 1043, and the rotating shaft 1042 may be driven by the drive belt 1044.

[0287] A bearing housing 1045 configured to rotatably support the rotating shaft 1042 can be mounted on the rear side of the barrel 1020. The bearing housing 1045 can be formed of aluminum alloy and can be inserted into the rear side of the barrel 1020 during injection molding.

[0288] The washing machine drive unit 1040 can be configured to perform washing, rinsing and / or spin-drying or drying operations by causing the drum 1030 to rotate in the forward and reverse directions.

[0289] The washing machine 1010 may include a water supply device 1050. The water supply device 1050 supplies water to the tub 1020. The water supply device 1050 may be positioned above the tub 1020. The water supply device 1050 may include a water supply pipe 1051 and a water supply valve 1056 located at the water supply pipe 1051. The water supply pipe 1051 may be connected to an external water source. The water supply pipe 1051 may extend from the external water source to a detergent supply device 1060 and / or the tub 1020. Water may be supplied to the tub 1020 via the detergent supply device 1060. Water may also be supplied to the tub 1020 without passing through the detergent supply device 1060.

[0290] The water supply valve 1056 can open or close the water supply pipe 1051 in response to an electrical signal from the controller. The water supply valve 1056 can allow or prevent water from being supplied from an external water source to the tank 1020. The water supply valve 1056 may include, for example, a solenoid valve that opens and closes in response to an electrical signal.

[0291] The washing machine 1010 may include a detergent supply device 1060 configured to supply detergent to a tub 1020. The detergent supply device 1060 may be configured to supply detergent to the tub 1020 during a water supply process. Water supplied via a water supply pipe 1051 may pass through the detergent supply device 1060 to mix with the detergent. Water containing detergent may be supplied to the tub 1020. The detergent may include not only laundry detergent but also fabric softener, deodorant, disinfectant, or fragrance for use in a dryer. The detergent supply device 1060 may be connected to the tub 1020 via a connecting pipe 1061.

[0292] The washing machine 1010 may include a drain device 1070. The drain device 1070 may be configured to discharge water contained in the tub 1020 to the outside. The drain device 1070 may include: a drain pump 1073 configured to discharge water from the tub 1020 to the outside of the washing machine housing 1011; a connecting hose 1071 connecting the tub 1020 to the drain pump 1073 such that water contained in the tub 1020 is introduced into the drain pump 1073; and a drain hose 1074 guiding water pumped by the drain pump 1073 to the outside of the washing machine housing 1011. The drain device 1070 may include a drain valve 1072 disposed at the connecting hose 1071 to open and close the connecting hose 1071.

[0293] The washing machine 1010 may provide a user interface device 1015 for interaction between the user and the washing machine 1010.

[0294] The washing machine 1010 may include at least one user interface device 1015. The user interface device 1015 may include at least one input interface 1016 and at least one output interface 1017.

[0295] At least one input interface 1016 can convert sensory information received from the user into electrical signals.

[0296] At least one input interface 1016 may include a power button, an operation button, a process selection dial (or process selection button), and a wash / rinse / spin setting button. At least one input interface 1016 may include, for example, a tactile switch, a push switch, a slide switch, a toggle switch, a micro switch, a touch switch, a touchpad, a touch screen, a scroll wheel, and / or a microphone.

[0297] At least one output interface 1017 can transmit one or more data related to the operation of the washing machine 1010 to the user by generating sensing information.

[0298] For example, at least one output interface 1017 can send information to the user related to the washing process, the operating time of the washing machine 1010, and information related to the washing / rinsing / spin-drying settings. Information related to the operation of the washing machine 1010 can be output via a screen, indicator, voice, etc. At least one output interface 1017 may include, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel, a light-emitting diode (LED) panel, a speaker, etc.

[0299] Water treatment devices 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 according to one or more embodiments can be configured to remove ions from the water supplied to washing machine 1010. Figure 9 and Figure 10 It shows that Figure 1 The water treatment device 1 shown is an example used for washing machine 1010, but... Figure 3 , Figure 4 , Figure 5 , Figure 6 , Figure 7 and Figure 8 The water treatment devices 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 shown can also be used in washing machine 1010.

[0300] For example, refer to Figure 9 The water treatment device 1 can be located outside the washing machine 1010. The water treatment device 1 can be located outside the washing machine 1010 and configured to remove ions from the water supplied to the washing machine 1010. The water treatment device 1 can be installed at the flow path connecting the external water source and the washing machine 1010.

[0301] For example, refer to Figure 10 The water treatment device 1 can be located inside the washing machine 1010. The water treatment device 1 can be connected to the water supply pipe 1051. The water treatment device 1 can be configured to remove ions from the water passing through the water supply pipe 1051. The location of the water treatment device 1 is not limited to the water supply pipe 1051, and the water treatment device 1 can be set at one or more locations, as long as they allow water to be supplied to the washing machine 1010.

[0302] Water treatment device 1 according to one or more embodiments may be located outside and / or inside washing machine 1010.

[0303] Figure 11 A refrigerator is shown connected to a water treatment apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 12 A refrigerator is shown connected to a water treatment device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure when the refrigerator door is open. Figure 13A cross-section of a refrigerator using a water treatment apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0304] Reference Figures 11 to 13 Describes the connection and / or application of a refrigerator 2000 to a water treatment device 1 according to an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0305] The refrigerator 2000 according to an embodiment may include a main body 2010.

[0306] The main body 2010 may include an inner shell, an outer shell located outside the inner shell, and a heat insulation material disposed between the inner shell and the outer shell.

[0307] The inner shell may include at least one of a shell, plate, panel, or gasket that forms storage chambers 2020 and 2030. The inner shell may be formed as a single unit or as an assembly of multiple plates. The outer shell may form the appearance of the main body and may be attached to the outside of the inner shell such that the insulation is located between the inner shell and the outer shell.

[0308] The insulation can isolate the interior of storage chambers 2020 and 2030 from their exterior to maintain the internal temperature of storage chambers 2020 and 2030 at a preset, appropriate temperature, unaffected by the external environment. According to an embodiment, the insulation may include a foam insulation. The foam insulation is formed by injecting polyurethane foam, comprising polyurethane and a blowing agent, into the space between the inner and outer shells and allowing it to foam.

[0309] According to embodiments, in addition to foamed insulation, the insulation may also include a vacuum insulation, or may be formed solely of a vacuum insulation instead of a foamed insulation. A vacuum insulation may include a core material and a cladding material, the cladding material containing the core material and sealing the interior with vacuum or near-vacuum pressure. However, the insulation is not limited to the aforementioned foamed or vacuum insulation, and may include one or more materials capable of providing insulation.

[0310] Storage compartments 2020 and 2030 may include spaces defined by an inner shell. Storage compartments 2020 and 2030 may also include inner shells defining spaces corresponding to those in storage compartments 2020 and 2030. Storage compartments 2020 and 2030 may store one or more items such as food, medicine, and cosmetics, and may be configured to have an open side for loading and unloading items.

[0311] Refrigerator 2000 may include one or more of storage compartments 2020 and 2030. When two or more of storage compartments 2020 and 2030 are formed in refrigerator 2000, the respective storage compartments of storage compartments 2020 and 2030 may have different uses and may be maintained at different temperatures. For this purpose, storage compartments 2020 and 2030 may be separated by a partition wall 2011 including a heat insulation element.

[0312] Storage compartments 2020 and 2030 can be configured within appropriate temperature ranges according to their intended use, and may include refrigerated compartments, freezers, or temperature conversion compartments classified according to their purpose and / or temperature range. Refrigerated compartments can be maintained at temperatures suitable for keeping items refrigerated, and freezers can be maintained at temperatures suitable for keeping items frozen. Refrigeration can refer to keeping items refrigerated without freezing, and for example, a refrigerated compartment can be maintained in a temperature range of 0 to 7 degrees Celsius. Freezing can refer to freezing or keeping items frozen, and for example, a freezer compartment can be maintained in a temperature range of -20 to -1 degrees Celsius. Temperature conversion compartments can be used as either refrigerated or frozen compartments, depending on or without the user's choice.

[0313] In addition to refrigerator compartment, freezer compartment, and temperature conversion compartment, storage compartment 2020 and storage compartment 2030 may also be referred to by one or more names, such as vegetable compartment, fresh food compartment, refrigerator compartment, and ice-making compartment. The terms such as refrigerator compartment, freezer compartment, and temperature conversion compartment used below should be understood as storage compartment 2020 and storage compartment 2030 with the corresponding purpose and the corresponding temperature range.

[0314] Storage room 2020 and storage room 2030 may include shelves 2023 for placing food thereon and at least one storage box 2027 for storing food in a sealed state.

[0315] According to an embodiment, the refrigerator 2000 may include one or more doors, such as doors 2021, 2022, and 2031, configured to open and close one opening side of storage compartments 2020 and 2030. Doors 2021, 2022, and 2031 may be configured to open and close one or more storage compartments 2020 and 2030 respectively, or one of doors 2021, 2022, and 2031 may be configured to open and close multiple storage compartments 2020 and 2030. Doors 2021, 2022, and 2031 may be rotatably or slidably mounted on the front of the body 2010.

[0316] Doors 2021, 2022, and 2031 may be configured to seal storage compartments 2020 and 2030 when they are closed. Doors 2021, 2022, and 2031 may include insulation similar to that of body 2010 to insulate storage compartments 2020 and 2030 when they are closed.

[0317] According to an embodiment, doors 2021, 2022, and 2031 may include an outer door panel forming the front portion of doors 2021, 2022, and 2031, an inner door panel forming the rear portion of doors 2021, 2022, and 2031 and facing storage room 2020 and storage room 2030, an upper cover, a lower cover, and a door insulation member disposed therein.

[0318] A washer 2028 may be provided on the edge of the inner door panel to make tight contact with the front surface of the body 2010, thereby sealing the storage compartments 2020 and 2030 when the doors 2021, 2022, and 2031 are closed. The inner door panel may include a rearwardly projecting protrusion 2025 for mounting a door basket 2024 for storing items.

[0319] According to an embodiment, when a storage compartment (such as storage compartment 2020) is opened and closed by two doors (such as door 2021 and door 2022), the refrigerator 2000 may include a rotating rod 2026 to control the cold air in the storage compartment 2020 by sealing the gap between the two doors (door 2021 and door 2022).

[0320] According to an embodiment, doors 2021, 2022, and 2031 may include a door body and a front panel detachably connected to the front side of the door body and forming the front portion of the door. The door body may include an outer door panel forming the front portion of the door body, an inner door panel forming the rear portion of the door body and facing the storage compartment, an upper cover, a lower cover, and a door insulation member disposed therein.

[0321] Based on the arrangement of doors 2021, 2022, and 2031, as well as storage compartments 2020 and 2030, refrigerators 2000 can be classified as French door type, side-by-side type, bottom-mounted freezer compartment (BMF), top-mounted freezer compartment (TMF), or single-door refrigerators.

[0322] According to an embodiment, the refrigerator 2000 may include a cold air supply device configured to supply cold air to the storage compartment 2020 and the storage compartment 2030.

[0323] The cold air supply device may include machines, equipment, electronic devices and / or combinations thereof capable of generating and directing cold air to cool storage chambers 2020 and 2030.

[0324] According to an embodiment, the cold air supply device can generate cold air via a cooling cycle that includes the compression, condensation, expansion, and evaporation processes of a refrigerant. For this purpose, the cold air supply device may include a cooling cycle device comprising a compressor, condenser, expander, and evaporator capable of driving the cooling cycle. According to an embodiment, the cold air supply device may include a semiconductor, such as a thermoelectric element. The thermoelectric element can cool storage compartments 2020 and 2030 through heating and cooling operations via the Peltier effect.

[0325] According to an embodiment, the refrigerator 2000 may include a machinery compartment in which at least some components belonging to the cold air supply device are installed.

[0326] The machine room can be separated from and insulated from storage rooms 2020 and 2030 to prevent heat generated by components installed in the machine room from being transferred to storage rooms 2020 and 2030. In order to dissipate heat from components installed in the machine room, the interior of the machine room can be configured to communicate with the exterior of the main body 2010.

[0327] According to an embodiment, the refrigerator 2000 may include a dispenser 2090 disposed at at least one door (such as door 2021) to provide water and / or ice. The dispenser 2090 may be disposed at door 2021 to allow a user to access the dispenser 2090 without opening door 2021.

[0328] Dispenser 2090 may include a water intake space 2091 and an operating lever, with a container installed in the water intake space 2091 to retrieve water or ice, and the operating lever configured to operate dispenser 2090 to discharge water or ice.

[0329] According to an embodiment, the refrigerator 2000 may include an ice maker 2080 configured to produce ice. The ice maker 2080 may include an ice tray for storing water, an ice separating device configured to separate ice from the ice tray, and an ice bucket 2083 for storing ice made in the ice tray.

[0330] Ice maker 2080 can be located in ice-making chamber 2081, which is located at the upper corner of storage chamber 2020. Ice-making chamber 2081 can be configured to be separated from storage chamber 2020 by ice-making chamber wall 2082. Ice-making chamber 2081 can be equipped with spiral conveyor 2084, configured to convey ice stored in ice bucket 2083 to chute 2094.

[0331] According to an embodiment, the refrigerator 2000 may include a water tank 2070 for storing water. The water tank 2070 may be connected to an external water source. The water tank 2070 may store water purified by a water purification filter 2050. A valve 2063 may be provided at the water supply line connecting the external water source to the water tank 2070.

[0332] According to an embodiment, the refrigerator 2000 may include a water supply flow path 2061 for ice making to supply water to the ice maker 2080, and a water supply flow path 2062 for the dispenser to supply water to the dispenser 2090.

[0333] According to an embodiment, the refrigerator 2000 may include a controller configured to control the refrigerator 2000.

[0334] The controller can process user input to the user interface 2092 and control the operation of the user interface 2092. The user interface 2092 can be provided using both input and output interfaces. The controller can receive user input from the user interface 2092. Additionally, in response to user input, the controller can send display control signals and image data to the user interface 2092 for displaying images on the user interface 2092.

[0335] Input interfaces can include keys, touchscreens, microphones, etc. Input interfaces can receive user input and send it to the processor.

[0336] Output interfaces may include displays, speakers, etc. Output interfaces can output one or more notifications, messages, information, etc., generated by the processor.

[0337] Water treatment devices 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 according to one or more embodiments can be used to remove ions from water supplied to refrigerator 2000. Figure 11 , Figure 12 and Figure 13 It shows Figure 1 The water treatment device 1 shown is an example used for a refrigerator 2000, but... Figure 3 , Figure 4 , Figure 5 , Figure 6 , Figure 7 and Figure 8 The water treatment equipment 2, water treatment equipment 3, water treatment equipment 4, water treatment equipment 5, water treatment equipment 6 and water treatment equipment 7 shown can also be used in refrigerator 2000.

[0338] Water treatment device 1 according to one or more embodiments may be located outside and / or inside refrigerator 2000.

[0339] For example, refer to Figure 11 and Figure 12 The water treatment device 1 can be located outside the refrigerator 2000. The water treatment device 1 can be installed outside the refrigerator 2000 and configured to remove ions from the water supplied to the refrigerator 2000. The water treatment device 1 can be installed at the flow path connecting an external water source to the refrigerator 2000.

[0340] For example, refer to Figure 13 The water treatment device 1 can be located inside the refrigerator 2000. The water treatment device 1 can be connected to a water supply line. The water treatment device 1 can be configured to remove ions from the water passing through the water supply line. The location of the water treatment device 1 is not limited to the water supply line, and the water treatment device 1 can be located in one or more locations, as long as it allows water to be supplied to the refrigerator 2000.

[0341] Figure 14 A dishwasher connected to a water treatment apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 15 It is a cross-section of a dishwasher using a water treatment apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0342] Reference Figure 14 and Figure 15 Describes the connection and / or application of a dishwasher 3100 of a water treatment apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0343] The dishwasher 3100 may include a main body 3110, a door 3120, a storage container 3130, a sliding member 3140, a washing assembly 3150, and a user interface 3160.

[0344] The main body 3110 can form the appearance of the dishwasher 3100. The main body 3110 may have an opening 3111 on one side, and a washing tub 3112 that is opened and closed by a door 3120 and a mechanical chamber 3113 that is spatially separated from the washing tub 3112 may be located in the main body 3110.

[0345] Door 3120 can be configured to pivot relative to body 3110 and open and close opening 3111 of body 3110. Door 3120 can be hinged to the lower part of body 3110. A handle or a groove for a handle can be formed on the outside of door 3120, allowing a user to manually open door 3120.

[0346] The storage container 3130 includes a first basket 3131, a second basket 3132, and a cutlery basket 3133. The first basket 3131, the second basket 3132, and the cutlery basket 3133 are spaced apart from each other in the washing tub 3112. The first basket 3131, the second basket 3132, and the cutlery basket 3133 can slide back and forth and have holes of one or more sizes for storing cutlery, etc.

[0347] The first basket 3131 contains one or more pieces of tableware to be washed, such as plates, flat plates and cookware; the second basket 3132 contains cups, etc.; and the cutlery basket 3133 contains forks, knives, spoons, chopsticks, knives, spoons, etc.

[0348] The sliding member 3140 may be provided in the washing tub 3112 to guide and allow sliding movement of each of the first basket 3131, the second basket 3132, and the dish basket 3133.

[0349] The washing assembly 3150 can be installed in the machine chamber 3113 and the washing tub 3112, and includes a water supply section 3151, a water collection tank 3152, a heating section 3153, a circulator section 3154, a nozzle section 3155 and a drain section 3156 configured to perform washing cycles, rinsing cycles, drying cycles and so on.

[0350] The water supply section 3151 includes a water supply pipe 3151a located between an external water source and a water collection tank 3152, which guides water from the outside into the water collection tank 3152, and a water supply valve 3151b that blocks water from being introduced from the outside.

[0351] The water collection tank 3152 stores water introduced through the water supply pipe 3151a. The water dissolves detergent to become washing water, and the washing water circulates in the washing tub 3112, the water collector 3152, the circulator section 3154, and the nozzle section 3155.

[0352] The heating element 3153 is located around the water collector 3152 and heats the washing water contained in the water collector 3152.

[0353] In addition, the water collection tank 3152 may also be equipped with a temperature detector to detect the water temperature.

[0354] The circulator section 3154 is disposed between the water collector 3152 and the nozzle section 3155, and pumps the washing water contained in the water collector 3152 and supplies the washing water to the nozzle section 3155 via the circulation pipe 3154b.

[0355] The circulator section 3154 includes a circulation pump 3154a, a plurality of circulation pipes 3154b, and a valve 3154c. The circulation pump 3154a is configured to pump washing water contained in the water collector 3152. The plurality of circulation pipes 3154b guide the pumped washing water to the nozzle section 3155. The valve 3154c is provided at each circulation pipe 3154b to control the circulation of the pumped washing water.

[0356] The nozzle section 3155 sprays the washing water supplied by the circulator section 3154 onto one or more pieces of tableware contained in the first basket 3131, the second basket 3132 and the cutlery basket 3133.

[0357] The nozzle section 3155 includes a first nozzle 3155a located below the first basket 3131, a second nozzle 3155b located between the first basket 3131 and the second basket 3132, and a third nozzle 3155c located above the cutlery basket 3133. The first nozzle 3155a, the second nozzle 3155b, and the third nozzle 3155c can be rotated by a rotor.

[0358] The drainage section 3156 discharges the washing water contained in the water collector 3152 to the outside.

[0359] The drainage section 3156 includes a drainage pump 3156a and a drainage pipe 3156b. The drainage pump 3156a is configured to pump washing water contained in the water collector 3152, and the drainage pipe 3156b guides the pumped washing water to the outside. Additionally, the drainage section 3156 may also include a drain valve to control the discharge of washing water contained in the water collector 3152 to the outside.

[0360] The user interface 3160 can be set on the main body 3110 and can operate and display the dishwasher's operating information.

[0361] User interface 3160 receives operational information such as one or more washing processes (e.g., standard process and manual process) and additional rinsing through user instructions, displays information about the ongoing operation, and displays error information in case of an error.

[0362] The washing process includes a washing cycle that washes the dishes by spraying washing water onto them, a rinsing cycle that rinses the dishes by spraying ring-shaped water onto them, and a drying cycle that dries the rinsed dishes.

[0363] Water treatment devices 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 according to one or more embodiments can be configured to remove ions from water supplied to dishwasher 3100. Figure 14 and Figure 15 It shows Figure 1 The water treatment device 1 shown is an example used in a dishwashing machine 3100, but... Figure 3 , Figure 4 , Figure 5 , Figure 6 , Figure 7 and Figure 8 The water treatment equipment 2, water treatment equipment 3, water treatment equipment 4, water treatment equipment 5, water treatment equipment 6 and water treatment equipment 7 shown can also be used in the dishwashing machine 3100.

[0364] Water treatment device 1 according to one or more embodiments may be located outside and / or inside dishwasher 3100.

[0365] For example, refer to Figure 14 The water treatment device 1 can be located outside the dishwasher 3100. The water treatment device 1 can be located outside the dishwasher 3100 and is configured to remove ions from the water supplied to the dishwasher 3100. The water treatment device 1 can be positioned at the flow path where an external water source is connected to the dishwasher 3100.

[0366] For example, refer to Figure 15 The water treatment device 1 can be located inside the dishwasher 3100. The water treatment device 1 can be connected to the water supply pipe 3151a. The water treatment device 1 can be configured to remove ions from the water passing through the water supply pipe 3151a. The location of the water treatment device 1 is not limited to the water supply pipe 3151a, and the water treatment device 1 can be located in one or more locations, as long as it can receive water supplied to the dishwasher 3100.

[0367] Figure 16 A water purifier is shown that applies a water treatment apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0368] Reference Figure 16 A water purifier 4000 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is described. Figure 16 The water purifier 4000 shown may include Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 , Figure 5 , Figure 6 , Figure 7 and Figure 8 One of the water treatment devices 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 shown. For example, water purifier 4000 may include... Figure 1 Water treatment equipment 1 is shown.

[0369] Reference Figure 16 The water purifier 4000 may include a filter body 4010 and a distributor 4050, the distributor 4050 being connected to the filter body 4010 and configured to discharge liquid from the filter body 4010. The filter body 4010 may be located under a kitchen countertop 4002, and the distributor 4050 may be located above the kitchen countertop 4002. The kitchen countertop 4002 may include a sink. The sink may include a basin and a kitchen countertop.

[0370] Distributor 4050 can be rotatably mounted on the upper side of kitchen countertop 4002. For example, distributor 4050 can be rotatably mounted on the upper side of sink. Distributor 4050 can be connected to filter body 4010 via connecting pipe 4040.

[0371] The filter body 4010 may be located inside the kitchen workbench 4002. The filter body 4010 may include a filter unit 4020 and a heat exchanger unit 4030. The filter unit 4020 includes at least one filter 4021, and the heat exchanger unit 4030 is configured to cool or heat the liquid purified by the filter unit 4020. The heat exchanger unit 4030 may include a cooler and a heater.

[0372] The filter body 4010 can receive raw water, such as tap water, via an external pipe 4043.

[0373] The connecting pipe 4040 of the filter body 4010 may include a first pipe 4041 connecting the filter body 4010 to the distributor 4050 and a second pipe 4042 connecting the filter body 4010 to the faucet 4080 installed at the kitchen counter 4002.

[0374] The kitchen workbench 4002 may be provided with a mounting member 4003 for mounting a distributor 4050. The mounting member 4003 may be formed as an opening in at least a portion of the kitchen workbench 4002. The distributor 4050 may be connected to the first conduit 4041 via the mounting member 4003 of the kitchen workbench 4002.

[0375] Dispenser 4050 may be rotatably mounted on mounting member 4003. Water purifier 4000 may include rotating member 4060 to rotatably mount dispenser 4050 on mounting member 4003. Rotating member 4060 may be coupled to kitchen countertop 4002.

[0376] The water purifier 4000 may include a pipe fixing member 4070 configured to secure pipes such as pipes 4041 and 4042. The pipe fixing member 4070 may be located inside a kitchen countertop 4002. The pipe fixing member 4070 may be disposed between a filter body 4010 and a distributor 4050. The pipe fixing member 4070 may be fixed to at least one of the filter body 4010 or the kitchen countertop 4002. A portion of pipes 4041 and 4042 may be wound around the pipe fixing member 4070. The length of pipes 4041 and 4042 may increase or decrease as portions of pipes 4041 and 4042 are wound around or unwound from the pipe fixing member 4070.

[0377] The water purifier 4000 according to an embodiment may include a water treatment device 1. The water treatment device 1 may be connected to an external pipe 4043. The water treatment device 1 may be configured to remove ions from the water passing through the external pipe 4043. The location of the water treatment device 1 is not limited to the external pipe 4043, and the water treatment device 1 may be located in various locations as long as it can receive water supplied to the water purifier 4001.

[0378] Water treatment device 1 according to an embodiment includes: a first ion removal module 110, which includes a first cation exchange membrane 112c, a first anion exchange membrane 111c, and a first deionization channel 115 between the first cation exchange membrane and the first anion exchange membrane; a second ion removal module 220, which includes a second cation exchange membrane 122c, a second anion exchange membrane 121c, and a second deionization channel 125 between the second cation exchange membrane and the second anion exchange membrane; and a fluid separation device 10, configured to separate fluid discharged from the first deionization channel and guide the separated fluid. The fluid separation device 10 includes: an external guide 11, configured to guide a portion of the fluid discharged from the first deionization channel to the outside of the second deionization channel; and a central guide 12, located inside the external guide and configured to guide another portion of the fluid discharged from the first deionization channel to the second deionization channel.

[0379] The external guide and the central guide can be further configured to separate the fluid discharged from the first deion channel 115 based on the ion concentration of the fluid passing through the first deion channel 115.

[0380] The external guide can be configured to guide fluid through a region adjacent to the first cation exchange membrane and through a region adjacent to the first anion exchange membrane. The central guide can also be configured to guide fluid through a region that is further away from the first cation exchange membrane and the first anion exchange membrane than the region through which the fluid guided by the external guide passes.

[0381] The external guide and the central guide can be separated from each other and are configured to prevent fluid passing through the external guide from mixing with fluid passing through the central guide.

[0382] The water treatment equipment may further include a discharge guide that guides the fluid discharged from the second ion removal module. An external guide may be connected to the discharge guide.

[0383] The water treatment equipment may also include a third ion removal module, which includes a third cation exchange membrane, a third anion exchange membrane, and a third deionization channel between the third cation exchange membrane and the third anion exchange membrane. The fluid separation device may include an additional guide 63 configured to guide a portion of the fluid from the first deionization channel to the third ion removal module.

[0384] Additional guide 63 can be located between the external guide and the central guide.

[0385] The additional guide can also be configured to guide another fluid with an ion concentration higher than that of the fluid guided by the external guide but lower than that of the fluid guided by the central guide.

[0386] The second ion removal module and the third ion removal module can be configured such that the voltage applied to the third ion removal module is lower than the voltage applied to the second ion removal module.

[0387] The second deion channel has a width greater than that of the first deion channel.

[0388] The width of the flow path inside the central guide can be greater than or equal to one-third of the width of the first deion channel and less than or equal to half the width of the first deion channel.

[0389] Water treatment device 2 according to an embodiment includes: a first ion removal device including a plurality of first ion removal modules; a second ion removal device including at least one second ion removal module; and a fluid separation device configured to guide a portion of the fluid discharged from the first ion removal device to the second ion removal device, while guiding another portion of the fluid discharged from the first ion removal device to the outside of the second ion removal device. The number of at least one second ion removal module is less than the number of the plurality of first ion removal modules.

[0390] Each of the plurality of first ion removal modules may include a first deionization channel through which fluid passes. At least one second ion removal module may include a second deionization channel through which fluid passes. The width of the second deionization channel may be greater than the width of the first deionization channel.

[0391] The fluid separation device may include a central guide that guides a portion of the fluid discharged from the first ion removal device to the second ion removal device, and an external guide that guides another portion of the fluid discharged from the first ion removal device to the outside of the second ion removal device.

[0392] The water treatment equipment may further include a third ion removal device, which includes at least one third ion removal module. The number of at least one third ion removal module may be less than the number of at least one second ion removal module.

[0393] The water treatment equipment may also include a fourth ion removal device, which includes at least one fourth ion removal module. An external guide may be provided to direct another portion of the fluid discharged from the first ion removal device to the fourth ion removal device.

[0394] The water treatment equipment may further include a fifth ion removal device, which includes at least one fifth ion removal module. The number of at least one fifth ion removal module may be less than the number of at least one fourth ion removal module.

[0395] The second and fourth ion removal devices can be configured such that the voltage applied to at least one fourth ion removal module is lower than the voltage applied to at least one second ion removal module.

[0396] The water treatment equipment may also include a sensor configured to measure the ion concentration of fluid passing through at least one of an external guide or a central guide.

[0397] The water treatment equipment may include an equipment inlet for introducing fluid into a first ion removal device, a return guide extending from a portion of an external guide to the equipment inlet, and a switching valve located in a portion of the external guide branching into the return guide, the switching valve being operable to allow fluid passing through the external guide to be directed to the return guide based on the ion concentration of the fluid passing through the external guide as measured by a sensor.

[0398] According to one aspect of this disclosure, the water treatment equipment is configured to allow a fluid separation device to guide a fluid with a low ion concentration in a first ion removal device through a second ion removal device, thereby preventing the fluid from passing through a second ion removal device, which can improve the efficiency of the water treatment equipment.

[0399] According to one aspect of this disclosure, the water treatment equipment is implemented to allow only fluids with high ion concentrations in the fluids passing through the first ion removal device to pass through the second ion removal device, thereby reducing the number of second ion removal modules in the second ion removal device.

[0400] The effects of this disclosure are not limited to those described above, and those skilled in the art will clearly understand from the following description other effects not described.

[0401] The specific embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings have been described above. However, this disclosure is not limited to the above embodiments, and those skilled in the art to which this disclosure pertains can make various modifications without departing from the spirit of the technical concept of this disclosure as defined in the following claims.

Claims

1. A water treatment apparatus comprising: a first ion removal module including a first cation exchange membrane, a first anion exchange membrane, and a first deionization passage between the first cation exchange membrane and the first anion exchange membrane; a second ion removal module including a second cation exchange membrane, a second anion exchange membrane, and a second deionization passage between the second cation exchange membrane and the second anion exchange membrane; and a fluid separation device configured to separate a fluid discharged from the first deionization passage and guide the separated fluid, wherein the fluid separation device includes: an outer guide configured to guide a portion of the fluid discharged from the first deionization passage to an outside of the second deionization passage; and a central guide inside the outer guide configured to guide another portion of the fluid discharged from the first deionization passage to the second deionization passage. The outer guide and the central guide are further configured to separate the fluid discharged from the first deionization passage based on an ion concentration of the fluid passing through the first deionization passage. The outer guide is configured to guide the fluid passing through a region adjacent to the first cation exchange membrane and the fluid passing through a region adjacent to the first anion exchange membrane, and 2. The water treatment apparatus of claim 1, wherein, wherein the central guide is further configured to guide the fluid passing through a region farther from the first cation exchange membrane and the first anion exchange membrane than the regions through which the fluid guided by the outer guide passes.

3. The water treatment device of claim 1, wherein, The outer guide and the central guide are separated from each other and configured to prevent the fluid passing through the outer guide from mixing with the fluid passing through the central guide. 5.The water treatment apparatus of claim 1, further comprising an outlet guide configured to guide a fluid discharged from the second ion removal module, 4. The water treatment device of claim 1, wherein, the outer guide being connected to the outlet guide. 6.The water treatment apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: wherein a third ion removal module including a third cation exchange membrane, a third anion exchange membrane, and a third deionization passage between the third cation exchange membrane and the third anion exchange membrane, wherein the fluid separation device includes: an additional guide configured to guide a portion of the fluid from the first deionization passage to the third ion removal module. The additional guide is located between the outer guide and the central guide. The additional guide is further configured to guide another fluid having an ion concentration higher than that of the fluid guided by the outer guide and lower than that of the fluid guided by the central guide.

7. The water treatment device of claim 6, wherein, The second ion removal module and the third ion removal module are configured such that a voltage applied to the third ion removal module is lower than a voltage applied to the second ion removal module.

8. The water treatment device of claim 6, wherein, A width of the second deionization passage is greater than a width of the first deionization passage.

9. The water treatment device of claim 6, wherein, A width of a flow path inside the central guide is greater than or equal to one third of a width of a flow path of the first deionization passage and less than or equal to one half of the width of the flow path of the first deionization passage.

10. The water treatment device of claim 1, wherein, ​ 11. The water treatment device of claim 1, wherein, ​

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