Water treatment device and method for controlling water treatment device

Abstract

There is provided a water treatment apparatus including: a first channel including a first current collector and an anion exchange membrane; the second channel comprises a second current collector and a cation exchange membrane; the third channel comprises an anion exchange membrane and a cation exchange membrane; and at least one processor configured to apply a negative voltage to the second current collector to move cations contained in the water in the third channel to the second channel during a deionization operation, and apply a first positive voltage to the second current collector to move cations in the second channel to the third channel during a regeneration operation, and during the descaling operation, applying a second positive voltage greater than the first positive voltage to the second current collector to electrolyze water in the second channel.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of this disclosure relate to a water treatment apparatus using capacitive deionization technology and a method for controlling the water treatment apparatus. Background Technology

[0002] Deionization is a widely used technology across industries to remove hardness components such as calcium and magnesium from water with high hardness levels for use as drinking water or boiler water, or as cooling water in power plants and factories.

[0003] Capacitive deionization (CDI) is an example of deionization technology that removes ions through electrochemical adsorption on a high specific surface area electrode.

[0004] The CDI module treats water by using an electric field generated perpendicular to the direction of fluid flow to migrate and remove ions from inside the channel.

[0005] When the CDI module performs water treatment for an extended period of time, scale may accumulate on the electrodes, thereby reducing the efficiency of water treatment. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Technical solutions

[0007] One or more embodiments provide a water treatment apparatus that can generate its own acidic water to remove scale from electrodes.

[0008] One or more embodiments provide a water treatment apparatus that can remove scale from electrodes only when descaling is required.

[0009] According to one aspect of this disclosure, it is possible to prevent acidic water generated by the water treatment device itself from leaking into the deionized water channel.

[0010] According to one aspect of the embodiments, a water treatment apparatus is provided, comprising: a first channel including a first current collector and an anion exchange membrane; a second channel including a second current collector and a cation exchange membrane; a third channel including an anion exchange membrane and a cation exchange membrane; and at least one processor configured to, during a deionization operation, apply a negative voltage to the second current collector to move cations contained in water in the third channel to the second channel, during a regeneration operation, apply a first positive voltage to the second current collector to move cations in the second channel to the third channel, and during a descaling operation, apply a second positive voltage greater than the first positive voltage to the second current collector to electrolyze water in the second channel.

[0011] According to another aspect of the embodiments, a method for controlling a water treatment apparatus is provided. The water treatment apparatus includes a first channel, a second channel, and a third channel. The first channel includes a first current collector and an anion exchange membrane, the second channel includes a second current collector and a cation exchange membrane, and the third channel includes an anion exchange membrane and a cation exchange membrane. The method includes: during a deionization operation, applying a negative voltage to the second current collector to move cations contained in water in the third channel to the second channel; during a regeneration operation, applying a first positive voltage to the second current collector to move cations in the second channel to the third channel; and during a descaling operation, applying a second positive voltage greater than the first positive voltage to the second current collector to electrolyze water in the second channel. Attached Figure Description

[0012] Figure 1 This is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example of a water treatment apparatus according to an embodiment;

[0013] Figure 2 This is a control block diagram of a water treatment apparatus according to an embodiment;

[0014] Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of a method for controlling a water treatment apparatus according to an embodiment;

[0015] Figure 4 This is a conceptual diagram illustrating ion movement that occurs during deionization operation of a water treatment apparatus according to an embodiment;

[0016] Figure 5 This is a conceptual diagram illustrating ion movement that occurs during the regeneration operation of a water treatment apparatus according to an embodiment;

[0017] Figure 6 This is a conceptual diagram illustrating the chemical reactions that occur during descaling operation of the water treatment apparatus according to an embodiment;

[0018] Figure 7 This is a diagram used to make a relative comparison between the size of the gap between the first electrode and the anion exchange membrane and the size of the gap between the second electrode and the cation exchange membrane in the water treatment apparatus according to the embodiment;

[0019] Figure 8 An example is shown of installing a spacer between a second electrode and a cation exchange membrane in a water treatment apparatus according to an embodiment;

[0020] Figure 9 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of a method for controlling a water treatment apparatus according to an embodiment;

[0021] Figure 10This is a conceptual diagram illustrating the time periods of deionization, regeneration, and descaling operations performed by the water treatment apparatus according to an embodiment;

[0022] Figure 11 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of a method for controlling a water treatment apparatus according to an embodiment;

[0023] Figure 12 An example of water flow during deionization operation of a water treatment apparatus according to an embodiment is shown;

[0024] Figure 13 An example of water flow during the regeneration operation of a water treatment apparatus according to an embodiment is shown;

[0025] Figure 14 An example of water flow during descaling operation of a water treatment apparatus according to an embodiment is shown;

[0026] Figure 15 This is a conceptual diagram illustrating another example of a water treatment apparatus according to an embodiment;

[0027] Figure 16 This illustrates a method for controlling according to an embodiment. Figure 15 A flowchart illustrating an example of a method for a water treatment apparatus is shown below;

[0028] Figure 17 An example is shown. Figure 15 An example of water flow during the deionization operation of a water treatment device is shown in the figure;

[0029] Figure 18 An example is shown. Figure 15 An example of water flow during the regeneration operation of a water treatment device is shown in the figure;

[0030] Figure 19 An example is shown. Figure 15 An example of water flow during the descaling operation of a water treatment device is shown in the figure;

[0031] Figure 20 A washing machine connected to a water treatment apparatus according to an embodiment is shown;

[0032] Figure 21 This is a cross-sectional view of a washing machine to which the water treatment apparatus according to the embodiment is applied;

[0033] Figure 22 A chiller connected to a water treatment apparatus according to an embodiment is shown;

[0034] Figure 23 The refrigerator door connected to the water treatment apparatus according to the embodiment is shown in an open state;

[0035] Figure 24This is a cross-sectional view of a refrigerator to which the water treatment apparatus according to the embodiment is applied;

[0036] Figure 25 A dishwasher connected to a water treatment apparatus according to an embodiment is shown;

[0037] Figure 26 This is a cross-sectional view of a dishwasher to which the water treatment apparatus according to the embodiment is applied; and

[0038] Figure 27 A water treatment apparatus according to an embodiment is shown being applied to a water purifier. Detailed Implementation

[0039] The various embodiments of this disclosure and the terminology used therein are not intended to limit the technical features described in this disclosure to particular embodiments, and should be interpreted to include various modifications, equivalents or alternatives to the corresponding embodiments.

[0040] Regarding the description of the accompanying drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components.

[0041] Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular form of the noun corresponding to an item may include one item or multiple items.

[0042] As used herein, each of the expressions “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” may include one or all possible combinations of the items listed together with the corresponding expression in the expression.

[0043] The term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0044] It will be understood that the terms “first,” “second,” etc., may be used only to distinguish one component from other components, and are not intended to limit the corresponding component in other ways (e.g., importance or order).

[0045] With or without the terms “functionally” or “communically”, it may be said that one (e.g., the first) component is “coupled” or “connected” to another (e.g., the second) component. When referenced, this means that one component can be connected to another component directly (e.g., via a wire), wirelessly, or via a third component.

[0046] It will be understood that when the terms “comprising” and / or “including” are used in this specification, it indicates the presence of the stated features, drawings, steps, operations, components, elements, or combinations thereof, but does not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, drawings, steps, operations, components, elements, or combinations thereof.

[0047] The expression that a component is “connected,” “coupled,” “supported,” or “in contact” with another component includes cases where components are directly “connected,” “coupled,” “supported,” or “in contact” with each other, as well as cases where components are indirectly “connected,” “coupled,” “supported,” or “in contact” with each other through a third component.

[0048] It will also be understood that when a component is referred to as being "on" or "above" another component, it can be directly on the other component or there can be an intermediate component.

[0049] Water treatment devices according to various embodiments can purify contaminated water to a clean state. These devices are used in wastewater treatment facilities, industrial processes, and water supply systems in homes and offices, playing a vital role in environmental protection and human health. The clean water purified by the water treatment device can be returned to nature or used for cleaning purposes, as drinking water, or reused in industrial processes, etc.

[0050] According to various embodiments, water treatment devices may include not only domestic water treatment devices such as water purifiers or water softeners, but also industrial water treatment devices.

[0051] Water treatment equipment can purify polluted water using various methods, including biological, chemical, and physical treatment methods.

[0052] The water treatment apparatus according to the embodiment can purify polluted water using the capacitive deionization (CDI) method.

[0053] The CDI method refers to a method for removing ions from contaminated water by using the principle of ions being adsorbed onto the electrode surface by an electric current generated between the electrodes and then desorbed from the electrode surface. Throughout this specification, the removal of ions from contaminated water can include the removal of ionic substances from the contaminated water.

[0054] Water treatment equipment may include various components such as multiple pipes through which water flows, multiple valves for controlling the flow of water, and a CDI module for purifying water by means of a CDI method.

[0055] A CDI module may include a housing and electrodes and an ion exchange membrane provided within the housing. By applying a voltage to the electrodes, ions contained in the water flowing into the housing can be adsorbed onto or desorbed from the electrodes.

[0056] According to various embodiments, the water treatment apparatus may also include various components, such as pretreatment filters for pretreating the raw water to be supplied to the CDI module and / or posttreatment filters for retreating the water purified by the CDI module.

[0057] The CDI module can be replaced with a term such as an ion removal module, because that module removes ions.

[0058] Figure 1 This is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example of a water treatment apparatus according to an embodiment.

[0059] refer to Figure 1 The water treatment apparatus 1 according to the embodiment may include a capacitive deionization (CDI) module 100, at least one flow channel 20 formed by a pipe, and at least one valve 30 for regulating the water flow in the at least one flow channel 20.

[0060] CDI module 100 may include electrodes 11ab and 12ab, and ion exchange membranes 11c and 12c.

[0061] The first electrode 11ab and the second electrode 12ab can be arranged opposite to each other, and the first electrode 11ab and the second electrode 12ab arranged opposite to each other can form a capacitor.

[0062] The first electrode 11ab may include a first current collector 11a and a first porous electrode 11b.

[0063] As will be described below, the first electrode 11ab can be a positive electrode (anode) during the deionization operation of the water treatment device 1, and can be a negative electrode (cathode) during the regeneration or descaling operation of the water treatment device 1.

[0064] In an embodiment, the first current collector 11a may include an electrode plate electrically connected to the first porous electrode 11b. The electrode plate may include a metal plate and / or a non-metal plate.

[0065] The material of the first current collector 11a can be a conductor. For example, the material of the first current collector 11a can be graphite, but it is not limited to this.

[0066] The first porous electrode 11b may include a solid electrode comprising empty spaces (or pore spaces). The first porous electrode 11b may be made of a material that readily adsorbs ions. For example, the first porous electrode 11b may be a carbon porous electrode, but the type of the first porous electrode 11b is not limited to this.

[0067] The second electrode 12ab may include a second current collector 12a and a second porous electrode 12b.

[0068] As will be described below, the second electrode 12ab can be a negative electrode (cathode) during the deionization operation of the water treatment device 1, and a positive electrode (anode) during the regeneration or descaling operation of the water treatment device 1.

[0069] In an embodiment, the second current collector 12a may include an electrode plate electrically connected to the second porous electrode 12b. The electrode plate may include a metal plate and / or a non-metal plate.

[0070] The material of the second collector 12a can be a conductor.

[0071] As will be described below, in the descaling operation of water treatment device 1, acidic water can be generated by electrolyzing water at the second electrode 12ab. To electrolyze water at the second electrode 12ab, a relatively large voltage needs to be applied to the second electrode 12ab, which may result in relatively large energy consumption during the descaling operation.

[0072] In an embodiment, the second current collector 12a may be made of a material desired as a catalyst for the electrolysis of water. The second current collector 12a may be formed of a material capable of allowing an aqueous solution of 1000 ppm NaCl to reach a pH of less than or equal to 4 within 7 minutes at a current density of 25 mA / cm².

[0073] For example, the material of the second current collector 12a may be selected from the group consisting of transition metals, transition metal oxides, transition metal alloys, aluminum, alumina, aluminum alloys, graphene, size-stabilized anodes (DSA), and boron-doped diamond (BDD) electrodes.

[0074] Transition metals can include, for example, platinum (Pt), ruthenium (Ru), iridium (Ir), rhodium (Rh), nickel (Ni), iron (Fe), cobalt (Co), and copper (Cu). Transition metal alloys can include, for example, Ni-containing materials, such as nickel-cobalt (NiCo) and nickel / borides (Ni / B).

[0075] In some embodiments, the transition metal alloy may include an alloy of transition metal oxides.

[0076] DSA can include titanium (Ti) materials coated with metal oxides. DSA can include, for example, ruthenium oxide / titanium (RuO2 / Ti), iridium oxide / titanium (IrO2 / Ti), platinum oxide / titanium (PtO2 / Ti), etc.

[0077] According to an embodiment, the second current collector 12a is made of a catalytic material that is easy to electrolyze water, and therefore the CDI module 100 can more easily generate acidic water on its own.

[0078] The material of the first collector 11a can also be the same as the material of the second collector 12a.

[0079] However, for economic reasons, in the embodiments, the materials of the first current collector 11a and the second current collector 12a can be different from each other. For example, the material of the first current collector 11a can be graphite, and the material of the second current collector 12a can be selected from the group consisting of transition metals, transition metal oxides, transition metal alloys, aluminum, alumina, aluminum alloys, graphene, DSA and BDD electrodes.

[0080] The second porous electrode 12b may include a solid electrode comprising empty spaces. The second porous electrode 12b may be made of a material that readily adsorbs ions. For example, the second porous electrode 12b may be a carbon porous electrode, but the type of the second porous electrode 12b is not limited to this.

[0081] According to various embodiments, the second porous electrode 12b can be made of a material desired as a catalyst for water electrolysis. For example, the material of the second porous electrode 12b can be selected from the group consisting of transition metals, transition metal oxides, transition metal alloys, aluminum, alumina, aluminum alloys, graphene, DSA, and BDD electrodes. For example, the second porous electrode 12b may include a nickel porous electrode.

[0082] The material of the first porous electrode 11b can also be the same as the material of the second porous electrode 12b.

[0083] However, for economic reasons, in the embodiments, the materials of the first porous electrode 11b and the second porous electrode 12b can be different from each other. For example, the material of the first porous electrode 11b can be carbon, and the material of the second porous electrode 12b can be selected from the group consisting of transition metals, transition metal oxides, transition metal alloys, aluminum, alumina, aluminum alloys, graphene, DSA and BDD electrodes.

[0084] CDI module 100 may include a housing 101 having at least one inlet 102 and / or 104 and at least one outlet 103 and / or 105. In an embodiment, at least a portion of the surface of housing 101 may be configured as current collectors 11a and 12a. However, at least a portion of the surface of housing 101 may also be configured as a pad for supporting current collectors 11a and 12a.

[0085] The CDI module 100 may include a first channel 11 formed by a first current collector 11a and an anion exchange membrane 11c, a second channel 12 formed by a second current collector 12a and a cation exchange membrane 12c, and a third channel 13 formed by anion exchange membrane 11c and cation exchange membrane 12c.

[0086] The first channel 11 may include the space between the first current collector 11a and the anion exchange membrane 11c. The second channel 12 may include the space between the second current collector 12a and the cation exchange membrane 12c. The third channel 13 may include the space between the anion exchange membrane 11c and the cation exchange membrane 12c.

[0087] The term "channel" can be used interchangeably with "compartment," "space," "chamber," "cavity," etc., because the first channel 11, the second channel 12, and the third channel 13 can be distinguished from each other by ion exchange membranes 11c and 12c.

[0088] Anion exchange membrane 11c and cation exchange membrane 12c may include membranes through which fluids can pass.

[0089] The first channel 11, the second channel 12, and the third channel 13 may be fluidly connected to each other. For example, fluid in the third channel 13 may be movable to the first channel 11 and / or the second channel 12, and conversely, fluid in the first channel 11 and / or the second channel 12 may be movable to the third channel 13.

[0090] Cation exchange membrane 12c may include a membrane that allows only cations to pass through, while repelling anions. Cation exchange membrane 12c carries a negative charge, allowing only cations to pass through and repelling anions.

[0091] Anion exchange membrane 11c may include a membrane that allows only anions to pass through, while repelling cations. Anion exchange membrane 11c carries a positive charge and allows only anions to pass through, while repelling cations.

[0092] Ion exchange membranes 11c and 12c may include synthetic resin membranes.

[0093] In response to applying a positive voltage to the first current collector 11a, the first electrode 11ab becomes a positive electrode (anode), and in response to applying a negative voltage to the second current collector 12a, the second electrode 12ab becomes a negative electrode (cathode). Therefore, in response to applying a positive voltage to the first current collector 11a and a negative voltage to the second current collector 12a, cations in the third channel 13 can move to the second channel 12, and anions in the third channel 13 can move to the first channel 11.

[0094] Applying a positive voltage to the first current collector 11a may include applying a negative voltage to the second current collector 12a.

[0095] Applying a positive voltage to the first current collector 11a and a negative voltage to the second current collector 12a may include applying a positive voltage between the first current collector 11a and the second current collector 12a.

[0096] Applying a positive voltage between the first current collector 11a and the second current collector 12a may include making the potential of the first current collector 11a higher than the potential of the second current collector 12a.

[0097] In response to applying a negative voltage to the first current collector 11a, the first electrode 11ab becomes a negative electrode (cathode), and in response to applying a positive voltage to the second current collector 12a, the second electrode 12ab becomes a positive electrode (anode). Therefore, in response to applying a negative voltage to the first current collector 11a and a positive voltage to the second current collector 12a, cations in the second channel 12 can move to the third channel 13, and anions in the first channel 11 can move to the third channel 13.

[0098] Applying a negative voltage to the first current collector 11a may include applying a positive voltage to the second current collector 12a.

[0099] Applying a negative voltage to the first current collector 11a and a positive voltage to the second current collector 12a may include applying a negative voltage between the first current collector 11a and the second current collector 12a.

[0100] Applying a negative voltage between the first current collector 11a and the second current collector 12a may include setting the potential of the first current collector 11a to be lower than the potential of the second current collector 12a.

[0101] The first channel 11 may be provided with a first porous electrode 11b, and the second channel 12 may be provided with a second porous electrode 12b.

[0102] By applying a positive voltage between the first current collector 11a and the second current collector 12a, anions moving to the first channel 11 can be adsorbed onto the first porous electrode 11b, and cations moving to the second channel 12 can be adsorbed onto the second porous electrode 12b.

[0103] By applying a negative voltage between the first current collector 11a and the second current collector 12a, anions adsorbed on the first porous electrode 11b can be desorbed from the first porous electrode 11b, and cations adsorbed on the second porous electrode 12b can be desorbed from the second porous electrode 12b.

[0104] In an embodiment, housing 101 may include a first inlet 102 that allows water to be introduced into the third channel 13 and a first outlet 103 that allows water to be discharged from the third channel 13.

[0105] In an embodiment, housing 101 may include a second inlet 104 that allows water to be introduced into the second channel 12 and a second outlet 105 that allows water to be discharged from the second channel 12.

[0106] External water (water from outside the CDI module 100) can be introduced into the third channel 13 through the first inlet 102. The water in the third channel 13 can be discharged to the outside of the CDI module 100 through the first outlet 103.

[0107] External water (water from outside the CDI module 100) can be introduced into the second channel 12 through the second inlet 104. The water in the second channel 12 can be discharged to the outside of the CDI module 100 through the second outlet 105.

[0108] The water treatment device 1 can treat water supplied from a water source 15 that stores raw water or water supplied from an external source. The raw water may include water to be treated by the water treatment device 1.

[0109] The water treatment device 1 may include a pump 16 for pumping external water (e.g., water supplied from a water source).

[0110] The water treatment device 1 may include at least one flow channel 20 and at least one valve 30. The at least one flow channel 20 may branch through the at least one valve 30.

[0111] Water pumped by pump 16 can flow into the flow channel 20 of water treatment device 1.

[0112] In one embodiment, external water can be pumped by pump 16 and flow into the first flow channel 21. The first flow channel 21 can be configured to receive external water.

[0113] The first valve 30a may allow water flowing in the first channel 21 to flow into the second channel 22 or the third channel 23. The second channel 22 may include a channel configured to allow water to flow from the first channel 21 to the second channel 12. The third channel 23 may include a channel configured to allow water to flow from the first channel 21 into the third channel 13.

[0114] The third flow channel 23 can be connected to the first inlet 102. The second flow channel 22 can be connected to the second inlet 104.

[0115] The second valve 30b can open or close the third flow channel 23. The second valve 30b can block or allow water flow in the third flow channel 23.

[0116] In an embodiment, the second valve 30b may be omitted if the first valve 30a can block the flow of water from the first flow channel 21.

[0117] Water flowing into the third channel 13 through the third channel 23 can be discharged into the fourth channel 24. The fourth channel 24 can be connected to the first outlet 103.

[0118] The fourth valve 30d can allow water flowing in the fourth flow channel 24 to flow into the first discharge channel 26 or the second discharge channel 27. For example, the fourth valve 30d can allow water discharged from the third channel 13 to flow into the first discharge channel 26 or the second discharge channel 27. In an embodiment, the fourth valve 30d can close the fourth flow channel 24 to prevent water flowing in the fourth flow channel 24 from flowing into the first discharge channel 26 and the second discharge channel 27.

[0119] The first discharge channel 26 may include a channel through which purified water (or deionized water) is discharged. The second discharge channel 27 may include a channel through which polluted water (or wastewater) is discharged.

[0120] Water flowing into the second channel 12 through the second channel 22 can be discharged into the fifth channel 25. The fifth channel 25 can be connected to the second outlet 105. The fifth channel 25 can be connected to the first inlet 102. For example, the fifth channel 25 may include a channel configured to allow water discharged from the second channel 12 to flow into the third channel 13. Therefore, the fifth channel 25 may be referred to as a circulation channel.

[0121] The third valve 30c can open and close the fifth flow channel 25.

[0122] According to one embodiment, the water treatment device 1 includes a fifth flow channel 25 that allows water discharged from the second channel 12 to flow into the third channel 13, thereby cleaning the third channel 13 with the acidic water generated in the second channel 12, which will be described later.

[0123] According to various embodiments, the number of inlets 102 and 104, the number of outlets 103 and 105, the type of flow channel 20, and / or the type of at least one valve 30 are not limited to these. Figure 1 The example shown. For example, the water treatment device 1 may also include two outlets connected to a third channel 13 and two valves for opening and closing the flow channels connected to the two outlets.

[0124] In another example, the water treatment device 1 may include two inlets connected to the third channel 13, and these two inlets may be connected to the third flow channel 23 and the fifth flow channel 25, respectively.

[0125] In an embodiment, the water treatment device 1 may include at least one CDI module 100.

[0126] According to various embodiments, the water treatment apparatus 1 may include a plurality of CDI modules 100. Each of the plurality of CDI modules 100 may include a capacitor formed by a pair of electrodes 11ab and 12ab, and the plurality of capacitors may be connected in series or in parallel with each other.

[0127] Figure 2This is a control block diagram of a water treatment apparatus according to an embodiment.

[0128] refer to Figure 2 The water treatment device 1 according to the embodiment may include a user interface 40, a sensor 50, a communication circuit 60, a pump 16, at least one valve 30, a CDI module 100 and / or a controller 70.

[0129] User interface 40 may include at least one input interface 41 and at least one output interface 42.

[0130] At least one input interface 41 can convert sensory information received from the user into electrical signals.

[0131] At least one input interface 41 may include a power input interface for connecting the water treatment device 1 to a power source, an operation input interface for starting the operation of the water treatment device 1, an operation mode selection input interface, and a setting input interface. At least one input interface 41 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 rotary knob, and / or a microphone.

[0132] The water treatment apparatus 1 according to the embodiment may have at least three operating modes. For example, the water treatment apparatus 1 according to the embodiment may have a deionization operating mode, a regeneration operating mode, and a descaling operating mode.

[0133] In deionization operation, water treatment device 1 can perform a deionization process on the water supplied to CDI module 100.

[0134] During regeneration, the water treatment device 1 can perform a regeneration process for desorbing ions adsorbed on electrodes 11ab and 12ab of the CDI module 100.

[0135] In the descaling operation, the water treatment device 1 can perform a descaling process to remove the scale generated on the electrodes 11ab and 12ab of the CDI module 100.

[0136] The operation mode selection input interface may include an interface for selecting the operation mode to be operated first when starting the operation of the water treatment device 1 via the operation input interface.

[0137] By using the operation mode selection input interface, the operator of the water treatment device 1 can select the operation mode of the water treatment device 1 to be started first.

[0138] The setting input interface may include an interface for setting the setting values ​​of various components of the water treatment device 1 (e.g., pump 16, electrodes 11ab and 12ab).

[0139] For example, the input interface may include interfaces for various settings, such as changing the operating RPM of pump 16 to regulate the flow rate of water supplied to CDI module 100, or adjusting the intensity of the voltage applied to electrodes 11ab and 12ab.

[0140] At least one output interface 42 can generate sensory information and convey various information about the operation of the water treatment device 1 to the user.

[0141] For example, at least one output interface 42 can convey to the user the operating time of the water treatment device 1, information related to the settings of the water treatment device 1, and information obtained from the sensor 50. Information from the water treatment device 1 can be output on a screen, as an indicator, as voice, etc. At least one output interface 42 may include, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel, a light-emitting diode (LED) panel, a speaker, etc.

[0142] Sensor 50 may include at least one sensor for obtaining information related to the operating status of water treatment device 1.

[0143] In an embodiment, sensor 50 may include various sensors for measuring the degree of fouling in the second channel 12.

[0144] For example, sensor 50 may include a water quality sensor for detecting the quality of water discharged through the first outlet 103.

[0145] For example, water quality sensors may include turbidity sensors, total dissolved solids (TDS) sensors, pH sensors, conductivity sensors, hardness sensors, flow rate sensors, etc.

[0146] The water quality sensor can be placed in the fourth flow channel 24, the first discharge flow channel 26 and / or the second discharge flow channel 27 to detect the water quality of the water discharged through the first outlet 103, but the water quality sensor can be located anywhere to detect the water quality of the water discharged from the CDI module 100.

[0147] The information obtained by sensor 50 can be transmitted to controller 70. Controller 70 can then initiate descaling operations based on the descaling conditions detected by sensor 50.

[0148] The descaling conditions can be preset to conditions in which a relatively large amount of scale is estimated to have been deposited (accumulated or precipitated) in the first channel 11, the second channel 12 and / or the third channel 13.

[0149] For example, controller 70 may initiate a descaling operation based on a TDS value measured by a TDS sensor that is greater than a predetermined value. In another example, controller 70 may initiate a descaling operation based on a turbidity value detected by a turbidity sensor that is greater than a predetermined value.

[0150] The information obtained by sensor 50 can be output via output interface 42.

[0151] The water treatment device 1 may include a communication circuit 60 for communicating with external devices (e.g., servers, user equipment, and / or home appliances) via wired and / or wireless means.

[0152] The communication circuit 60 may include at least one of a short-range wireless communication module or a long-range wireless communication module.

[0153] The communication circuit 60 can send data to or receive data from external devices. For example, the communication circuit 60 can establish communication with servers, user equipment, and / or home appliances, and can send and receive various types of data.

[0154] To this end, the communication circuit 60 can support the establishment of direct (e.g., wired) or wireless communication channels between external devices and perform communication through the established communication channels. According to embodiments, the communication circuit 60 may include a wireless communication module (e.g., a cellular communication module, a short-range wireless communication module, or a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) communication module) or a wired communication module (e.g., a local area network (LAN) communication module or a power line communication module). The respective communication modules among these can communicate with external devices via a first network (e.g., a short-range communication network such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi Direct, or the Infrared Data Association (IrDA)) or a second network (e.g., a long-range communication network such as a traditional cellular network, a 5G network, a next-generation communication network, the Internet, or a computer network (e.g., a LAN or a WAN)). These different types of communication modules can be integrated into a single component (e.g., a single chip) or implemented as separate components (e.g., multiple chips).

[0155] Short-range wireless communication modules may include, but are not limited to, Bluetooth communication modules, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) communication modules, Near Field Communication (NFC) communication modules, WLAN (Wi-Fi) communication modules, Zigbee communication modules, IrDA communication modules, Wi-Fi Direct (WFD) communication modules, Ultra Wideband (UWB) communication modules, Ant+ communication modules, and microwave (uWave) communication modules.

[0156] The remote wireless communication module may include communication modules that perform various remote wireless communications, and may include mobile communication circuitry. The mobile communication circuitry can transmit and receive radio signals with at least one of a base station, an external terminal, or a server via a mobile communication network.

[0157] In this embodiment, the communication circuit 60 can communicate with external devices such as servers, user equipment, and home appliances via a nearby access point (AP). The AP can connect the LAN to which the water treatment device 1, home appliances, and / or user equipment are connected to to the WAN to which the server is connected. The water treatment device 1, home appliances, and / or user equipment can be connected to the server via the WAN.

[0158] The communication circuit 60 can receive information about the water quality of the water discharged through the first outlet 103 from an external device.

[0159] For example, if the sensor for detecting the water quality of the water discharged through the first outlet 103 is installed outside the water treatment device 1, the communication circuit 60 can receive information about the water quality of the water discharged through the first outlet 103 from the sensor installed outside the water treatment device 1.

[0160] Information obtained from communication circuit 60 can be sent to controller 70. Controller 70 can initiate descaling operation based on descaling conditions detected from information obtained from external sensors via communication circuit 60.

[0161] The communication circuit 60 can send the water quality information obtained from the sensor 50 to external devices (e.g., servers, user equipment, home appliances).

[0162] The controller 70 can control various components of the water treatment device 1 (e.g., user interface 40, sensor 50, communication circuit 60, pump 16, CDI module 100, and / or at least one valve 30). For example, the controller 70 can control the voltage applied to the first electrode 11ab and the second electrode 12ab.

[0163] The controller 70 may include hardware such as a central processing unit (CPU), a microcomputer, or memory, and software such as a control program. For example, the controller 70 may include at least one memory 72 and at least one processor 71. The at least one memory 72 stores data in the form of algorithms, programs, etc., for controlling the operation of components of the water treatment device 1, and the at least one processor 71 uses the data stored in the at least one memory 72 to perform the operations described above and below. The memory 72 and the processor 71 may be implemented as separate chips. The processor 71 may include one or two or more processor chips, or may include one or two or more processing cores. The memory 72 may include one or two or more memory chips, or may include one or two or more memory blocks. The memory 72 and the processor 71 may also be implemented as a single chip.

[0164] The controller 70 can be electrically connected to the user interface 40, sensor 50, communication circuit 60, pump 16, CDI module 100 and / or at least one valve 30.

[0165] Pump 16 can deliver external water to the first flow channel 21 according to the control signal from the controller.

[0166] At least one valve 30 can change the flow rate of water flowing in at least one flow channel 20 according to a control signal from the controller 70. At least one valve 30 may include a first valve 30a, a second valve 30b, a third valve 30c and / or a fourth valve 30d.

[0167] Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of a method for controlling a water treatment apparatus according to an embodiment.

[0168] The sequence, operation time, operation cycle, and / or number of each operation 410, 420, and 430 are not limited to... Figure 3 As shown in the image.

[0169] For example, the operation time of deionization operation 410 can be longer than the operation time of regeneration operation 420.

[0170] In this embodiment, the water treatment device 1 can perform a deionization operation 410 for a first predetermined time and a regeneration operation 420 for a second predetermined time. In this case, the first predetermined time can be set to be longer than the second predetermined time. Furthermore, the first and second predetermined times can be set by the user.

[0171] In this embodiment, the water treatment apparatus 1 can perform the descaling operation 430 based on the fact that a predetermined number of deionization operations 410 and regeneration operations 420 have already been performed. For example, the predetermined number of times can be set by the user.

[0172] When the predetermined number of operations is set to multiple, the operation cycle of deionization operation 410 and regeneration operation 420 can be shorter than the operation cycle of descaling operation 430. For example, water treatment device 1 can perform each of deionization operation 410 and regeneration operation 420 n times (n is a natural number greater than or equal to 2), and then perform descaling operation 430 once.

[0173] In this embodiment, the water treatment device 1 can also perform a descaling operation 430 based on the sensor 50 meeting predetermined conditions.

[0174] In another embodiment, the water treatment apparatus 1 may perform a descaling operation 430 after performing a deionization operation 410 or after performing a regeneration operation 420.

[0175] refer to Figure 3The water treatment apparatus 1 according to the embodiment can perform deionization operation, regeneration operation and / or descaling operation.

[0176] Deionization operation can refer to the operation of removing ions contained in the water flowing into the CDI module 100 and discharging the deionized water to the outside of the CDI module 100.

[0177] The water treatment device 1 can apply a negative voltage to the second current collector 12a during the deionization operation (410).

[0178] Applying a negative voltage to the second current collector 12a may include applying a positive voltage to the first current collector 11a.

[0179] Applying a negative voltage to the second current collector 12a may include applying a negative voltage between the second current collector 12a and the first current collector 11a.

[0180] Applying a negative voltage between the second current collector 12a and the first current collector 11a may include ensuring that the difference between the voltage applied to the second current collector 12a and the voltage applied to the first current collector 11a is negative.

[0181] Applying a negative voltage to the second current collector 12a may include applying a positive voltage between the first current collector 11a and the second current collector 12a.

[0182] Applying a positive voltage between the first current collector 11a and the second current collector 12a may include ensuring that the difference between the voltage applied to the first current collector 11a and the voltage applied to the second current collector 12a is a positive voltage.

[0183] In the deionization operation, the controller 70 can apply a negative voltage to the second current collector 12a to cause cations contained in the water in the third channel 13 to move to the second channel 12.

[0184] In the deionization operation, the magnitude of the negative voltage applied to the second current collector 12a can be less than or equal to about 0.6V. Applying a negative voltage to the second current collector 12a that is less than or equal to 0.6V can also include applying a negative voltage to the second current collector 12a that is greater than or equal to -0.6V.

[0185] In the deionization operation, the magnitude of the positive voltage applied to the first current collector 11a can be approximately less than or equal to 0.6V. Applying a positive voltage to the first current collector 11a that is less than or equal to 0.6V can include applying a positive voltage to the first current collector 11a that is equal to or less than +0.6V.

[0186] In the deionization operation, cations in the third channel 13 can move through the cation exchange membrane 12c to the second channel 12 and can be adsorbed onto the second porous electrode 12b.

[0187] When a predetermined or larger negative voltage is applied to the second current collector 12a, a predetermined or larger positive voltage can be applied to the first current collector 11a. When a predetermined or larger positive voltage is applied to the first current collector 11a, water electrolysis occurs at the first electrode 11ab, which serves as the anode, and hydrogen ions and electrons are generated, which may hinder ion adsorption.

[0188] In the deionization operation, the magnitude of the positive voltage applied to the first current collector 11a can be preset within the range where the water in the first channel 11 is not electrolyzed.

[0189] For example, the magnitude of the positive voltage applied to the first current collector 11a during the deionization operation is preferably less than or equal to 0.6V.

[0190] The regeneration operation can refer to the operation of desorbing cations adsorbed on the second electrode 12ab, which is used as the cathode in the deionization operation, moving the desorbed cations to the third channel 13, and discharging wastewater containing a relatively large number of cations to the outside of the CDI module 100.

[0191] During the regeneration operation, the water treatment device 1 can apply a first positive voltage (420) to the second current collector 12a.

[0192] Applying a first positive voltage to the second current collector 12a may include applying a first negative voltage to the first current collector 11a.

[0193] Applying a first positive voltage to the second current collector 12a may include applying a positive voltage between the second current collector 12a and the first current collector 11a.

[0194] Applying a positive voltage between the second current collector 12a and the first current collector 11a may include ensuring that the difference between the voltage applied to the second current collector 12a and the voltage applied to the first current collector 11a is a positive voltage.

[0195] Applying a positive voltage to the second current collector 12a may include applying a negative voltage between the first current collector 11a and the second current collector 12a.

[0196] Applying a negative voltage between the first current collector 11a and the second current collector 12a may include ensuring that the difference between the voltage applied to the first current collector 11a and the voltage applied to the second current collector 12a is negative.

[0197] During regeneration, the controller 70 can apply a first positive voltage to the second current collector 12a to move cations in the second channel 12 to the third channel 13.

[0198] In the regeneration operation, the magnitude of the first positive voltage applied to the second current collector 12a can be preset within a range where the water in the second channel 12 is not electrolyzed. The amplitude of the first positive voltage applied to the second current collector 12a in the regeneration operation can be equal to or similar to the amplitude of the negative voltage applied to the second current collector 12a in the deionization operation. The amplitude of the negative voltage applied to the first current collector 11a in the regeneration operation can be equal to or similar to the amplitude of the negative voltage applied to the second current collector 12a in the deionization operation.

[0199] For example, the magnitude of the first positive voltage applied to the second current collector 12a during regeneration operation can be approximately less than or equal to 0.6V. For example, the first positive voltage can be equal to or less than +0.6V.

[0200] During regeneration, cations adsorbed on the second porous electrode 12b can move to the third channel 13 via the cation exchange membrane 12c. However, cations in the third channel 13 are prevented from moving to the first channel 11 by the anion exchange membrane 11c.

[0201] When a positive voltage greater than or equal to a predetermined value (e.g., 0.6V) is applied to the second current collector 12a, water electrolysis occurs at the second electrode 12ab, which serves as the anode, and acidic water is generated. Therefore, when the deionization operation is performed again after the regeneration operation has been terminated, the acidic water can be discharged from the CDI module 100.

[0202] Therefore, the magnitude of the first positive voltage applied to the second current collector 12a during regeneration operation is preferably less than or equal to 0.6V.

[0203] The water treatment device 1 can repeatedly perform deionization operation 410 and regeneration operation 420 at predetermined cycles.

[0204] The water treatment device 1 can perform descaling operations based on the fulfillment of predetermined conditions.

[0205] Descaling operations can refer to the removal of scale adhering to (accumulating) on ​​the cation exchange membrane 12c and the second porous electrode 12b, which is different from the regeneration operation that desorbs cations adsorbed on the second porous electrode 12b. Scale can include impurities such as metal oxides, precipitates, etc. (e.g., CaCO3, Mg(OH)2).

[0206] By repeatedly performing deionization operation 410 and regeneration operation 420 at predetermined cycles, scale can adhere to the side of the second electrode 12ab, which serves as the cathode in deionization operation 410. For example, scale sometimes adheres to both sides of the cation exchange membrane 12c and the second porous electrode 12b.

[0207] Scale adhering to both sides of the cation exchange membrane 12c and the second porous electrode 12b can reduce the efficiency of deionization operations.

[0208] Scale can be removed by using acidic water.

[0209] In existing technologies, introducing acidic solutions such as citric acid into the CDI module to remove scale requires manually adding acidic water during each descaling cycle, which is inconvenient.

[0210] According to an embodiment, the CDI module 100 of the water treatment device 1 according to the embodiment can automatically remove scale by generating acidic water in each descaling cycle without the need for separate external equipment.

[0211] During the descaling operation, the water treatment device 1 can apply a second positive voltage (430) to the second current collector 12a.

[0212] The amplitude of the second positive voltage applied to the second current collector 12a during the descaling operation can be greater than the amplitude of the first positive voltage applied to the second current collector 12a during the regeneration operation.

[0213] Applying a second positive voltage to the second current collector 12a may include applying a second negative voltage to the first current collector 11a. The magnitude of the second negative voltage applied to the first current collector 11a during descaling operations may be greater than the magnitude of the first negative voltage applied to the first current collector 11a during regeneration operations.

[0214] Applying a second positive voltage to the second current collector 12a may include applying a positive voltage between the second current collector 12a and the first current collector 11a.

[0215] Applying a positive voltage between the second current collector 12a and the first current collector 11a may include ensuring that the difference between the voltage applied to the second current collector 12a and the voltage applied to the first current collector 11a is a positive voltage.

[0216] Applying a positive voltage to the second current collector 12a may include applying a negative voltage between the first current collector 11a and the second current collector 12a.

[0217] Applying a negative voltage between the first current collector 11a and the second current collector 12a may include ensuring that the difference between the voltage applied to the first current collector 11a and the voltage applied to the second current collector 12a is negative.

[0218] The magnitude of the second positive voltage applied to the second current collector 12a during the descaling operation can be preset within a range that allows for the electrolysis of water in the second channel 12.

[0219] The magnitude of the first positive voltage applied to the second current collector 12a during the regeneration operation can be less than or equal to 0.6V, while the magnitude of the second positive voltage applied to the second current collector 12a during the descaling operation can be greater than 0.6V.

[0220] For example, the controller 70 can apply a first positive voltage to the second current collector 12a during regeneration operation, and can apply a second positive voltage with an amplitude greater than the first positive voltage to the second current collector 12a during descaling operation.

[0221] The controller 70 can apply a second positive voltage, greater than the first positive voltage, to the second current collector 12a during the descaling operation, thereby electrolyzing the water in the second channel 12.

[0222] During the descaling operation, the controller 70 can apply a second negative voltage with an amplitude greater than the first negative voltage between the first current collector 11a and the second current collector 12a, thereby electrolyzing the water in the second channel 12.

[0223] During the descaling operation, the acidic water generated in the second channel 12 can remove the scale adhering to the second porous electrode 12b and the cation exchange membrane 12c.

[0224] As will be described later, according to various embodiments, the acidic water generated in the second channel 12 can be introduced into the third channel 13 through the circulation channel 25, thereby effectively removing the scale adhering to both sides of the cation exchange membrane 12c.

[0225] The water treatment device 1 can terminate the descaling operation based on the fulfillment of predetermined conditions.

[0226] According to an embodiment, the CDI module 100 can generate acidic water on its own, thereby removing scale from the CDI module 100 without user intervention or additional equipment.

[0227] Figure 4 This is a conceptual diagram illustrating ion movement that occurs during deionization operation of a water treatment apparatus according to an embodiment.

[0228] refer to Figure 4 The controller 70 can apply a negative voltage to the second current collector 12a during the deionization operation.

[0229] By applying a negative voltage to the second current collector 12a, cations in the water contained in the third channel 13 can move to the second channel 12.

[0230] Cations in water can include, for example, sodium ions (Na+), magnesium ions (Mg2+), and calcium ions (Ca2+).

[0231] The cations contained in the water in the third channel 13 can be adsorbed onto the second porous electrode 12b by moving to the second channel 12.

[0232] Therefore, during the deionization operation of the water treatment device 1, cations in the water in the third channel 13 can be removed.

[0233] Applying a negative voltage to the second current collector 12a may include applying a positive voltage to the first current collector 11a.

[0234] By applying a positive voltage to the first current collector 11a, anions in the water contained in the third channel 13 can move to the first channel 11.

[0235] Because the magnitude of the positive voltage applied to the first current collector 11a during the desalination operation is preset within the range where the water in the first channel 11 is not electrolyzed, water electrolysis does not occur at the first electrode 11ab, which serves as the anode.

[0236] No water electrolysis can mean that the reaction rate of water electrolysis is significantly slow, resulting in very little water electrolysis.

[0237] For example, preventing water electrolysis at the first electrode 11ab may include ensuring that the acidity of the water in the first channel 11 does not drop below pH 5 even if a positive voltage is applied to the first current collector 11a for a predetermined period of time (e.g., at least 10 minutes).

[0238] Figure 5 This is a conceptual diagram illustrating ion movement that occurs during the regeneration operation of a water treatment apparatus according to an embodiment.

[0239] refer to Figure 5 The controller 70 can apply a first positive voltage to the second current collector 12a during regeneration operation.

[0240] By applying a first positive voltage to the second current collector 12a, cations in the second channel 12 can move to the third channel 13. The cations in the second channel 12 may include cations adsorbed on the second porous electrode 12b during the deionization operation.

[0241] The cations adsorbed on the second porous electrode 12b may include, for example, sodium ions (Na+), magnesium ions (Mg2+), calcium ions (Ca2+), etc.

[0242] The cations adsorbed on the second porous electrode 12b can be desorbed from the second porous electrode 12b and move to the third channel 13.

[0243] The anion exchange membrane 11c prevents cations in the third channel 13 from moving to the first channel 11.

[0244] Therefore, during the regeneration operation of the water treatment device 1, the cations adsorbed on the second porous electrode 12b can be desorbed, and thus the ion adsorption efficiency of the second porous electrode 12b can be regenerated.

[0245] Because the magnitude of the first positive voltage applied to the second current collector 12a during the regeneration operation is preset within the range where the water in the second channel 12 is not electrolyzed, water electrolysis does not occur at the second electrode 12ab, which serves as the anode.

[0246] No water electrolysis can mean that the reaction rate of water electrolysis is significantly slow, resulting in very little water electrolysis.

[0247] For example, preventing water electrolysis at the second electrode 12ab may include ensuring that the acidity of the water in the second channel 12 does not drop below pH 5 even if a first positive voltage is applied to the second current collector 12a for a predetermined period of time (e.g., at least 10 minutes).

[0248] Applying a first positive voltage to the second current collector 12a may include applying a negative voltage to the second current collector 11a.

[0249] By applying a negative voltage to the first current collector 11a, anions in the first channel 11 can move to the third channel 13. The anions in the first channel 11 may include anions adsorbed on the first porous electrode 11b during the deionization operation.

[0250] The cation exchange membrane 12c prevents anions in the third channel 13 from moving to the second channel 12.

[0251] Therefore, during the regeneration operation of the water treatment device 1, the anions adsorbed on the first porous electrode 11b can be desorbed, and thus the ion adsorption efficiency of the first porous electrode 11b can be regenerated.

[0252] The water treatment device 1 can alternately perform deionization and regeneration operations. By alternately performing deionization and regeneration operations, scale (e.g., calcium carbonate (CaCO3), magnesium hydroxide (Mg(OH)2)) may precipitate (deposit or accumulate) due to the movement of cations and anions. Scale may mainly form on the second electrode 12ab, which has a high cation concentration, or on both sides of the cation exchange membrane 12c. The two sides of the cation exchange membrane 12c may include a side adjacent to the second channel 12 and a side adjacent to the third channel 13.

[0253] If excessive scale precipitates on both sides of the second electrode 12ab or the cation exchange membrane 12c, not only will the water flow space within the second channel 12 be narrowed, but it will also hinder the smooth adsorption of ions on the second porous electrode 12b. Therefore, the efficiency of the deionization operation may be significantly reduced.

[0254] Therefore, it is necessary to remove the scale deposited in the CDI module 100.

[0255] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the water treatment device can perform a descaling operation to remove scale deposited in the CDI module 100 without the use of external equipment or user intervention.

[0256] Figure 6 This is a conceptual diagram illustrating the chemical reactions that occur during the descaling operation of a water treatment apparatus according to an embodiment.

[0257] refer to Figure 6 The controller 70 can apply a second positive voltage to the second current collector 12a during the descaling operation.

[0258] The magnitude of the second positive voltage applied to the second current collector 12a can be preset to a range that allows water to be electrolyzed at the second electrode 12ab, which serves as the anode.

[0259] By applying a second positive voltage to the second current collector 12a, cations in the second channel 12 can move to the third channel 13. The cations in the second channel 12 may include cations adsorbed on the second porous electrode 12b during the deionization operation.

[0260] The cations adsorbed on the second porous electrode 12b may include, for example, sodium ions (Na+), magnesium ions (Mg2+), calcium ions (Ca2+), etc.

[0261] Cations adsorbed on the second porous electrode 12b can desorb from the second porous electrode 12b and move to the third channel 13. At the same time, the anion exchange membrane 11c prevents cations in the third channel 13 from moving to the first channel 11.

[0262] Furthermore, by applying a second positive voltage to the second current collector 12a, water in the second channel 12 can be electrolyzed.

[0263] Because the magnitude of the second positive voltage applied to the second current collector 12a during the descaling operation is preset within the range of water electrolysis in the second channel 12, water electrolysis occurs at the second electrode 12ab, which serves as the anode.

[0264] Water electrolysis can occur at a high reaction rate. During water electrolysis, hydrogen ions are produced, which gradually lower the pH of the water.

[0265] Water electrolysis at the second electrode 12ab may include reducing the acidity of the water in the second channel 12 to below pH 5 when a second positive voltage is applied to the second current collector 12a for a predetermined period of time (e.g., at least 7 minutes).

[0266] The amplitude of the second positive voltage applied to the second current collector 12a during the descaling operation can be greater than the amplitude of the positive voltage applied to the first current collector 11a during the deionization operation and the amplitude of the first positive voltage applied to the second current collector 12a during the regeneration operation.

[0267] Considering the time required for descaling, it is preferable to perform the descaling operation when a relatively large amount of scale has settled in the CDI module 100 and the deionization performance of the water treatment device 1 has been significantly reduced.

[0268] In an embodiment, the water treatment device 1 may alternately perform deionization and regeneration operations, and then perform descaling operations only based on satisfying predetermined conditions related to the amount of scale deposits.

[0269] According to an embodiment, the water in the second channel 12 can be electrolyzed during the descaling operation to generate acidic water and remove the scale deposited in the CDI module 100.

[0270] Figure 7 This is a diagram used to make a relative comparison between the size of the gap between the first electrode and the anion exchange membrane and the size of the gap between the second electrode and the cation exchange membrane in the water treatment apparatus according to the embodiment.

[0271] refer to Figure 7 A gap g1 can be formed between the first electrode 11ab and the anion exchange membrane 11c to facilitate smooth fluid flow. For example, the gap g1 can be formed between the first porous electrode 11b and the anion exchange membrane 11c.

[0272] A gap g2 can be formed between the second electrode 12ab and the cation exchange membrane 12c to facilitate smooth fluid flow. For example, the gap g2 can be formed between the second porous electrode 12b and the cation exchange membrane 12c.

[0273] The larger the thicknesses d1 and d2 of the gaps g1 and g2 formed between electrodes 11ab and 12ab and ion exchange membranes 11c and 12c, the larger the distance between electrodes 11ab and 12ab. As a result, the intensity of the electric field formed between electrodes 11ab and 12ab may be weaker. Therefore, the thicknesses d1 and d2 of the gaps g1 and g2 formed between electrodes 11ab and 12ab and ion exchange membranes 11c and 12c can be minimized.

[0274] The thickness d1 of the gap g1 formed between the first electrode 11ab and the anion exchange membrane 11c can refer to the distance d1 between the first porous electrode 11b and the anion exchange membrane 11c.

[0275] The thickness d2 of the gap g2 formed between the second electrode 12ab and the cation exchange membrane 12c can refer to the distance d2 between the second porous electrode 12b and the cation exchange membrane 12c.

[0276] However, if the thicknesses d1 and d2 of the gaps g1 and g2 formed between electrodes 11ab and 12ab and ion exchange membranes 11c and 12c are small, the space for fluid flow in the first channel 11 or the second channel 12 may be narrow, and therefore the flow of fluid in the first channel 11 or the second channel 12 may not be smooth.

[0277] On the other hand, sufficient space for acidic water to flow around the cation exchange membrane 12c during descaling operations can improve descaling performance.

[0278] In an embodiment, the thickness d1 of the gap g1 formed between the first electrode 11ab and the anion exchange membrane 11c may be less than the thickness d2 of the gap g2 formed between the second electrode 12ab and the cation exchange membrane 12c.

[0279] For example, the distance d1 between the first electrode 11ab and the anion exchange membrane 11c can be shorter than the distance d2 between the second electrode 12ab and the cation exchange membrane 12c.

[0280] In an embodiment, the thickness d1 of the gap g1 formed between the first electrode 11ab and the anion exchange membrane 11c may be less than 10 μm. A thickness d1 of less than or equal to 10 μm in the gap g1 formed between the first electrode 11ab and the anion exchange membrane 11c may include a thickness d1 of 0 μm.

[0281] The gap g1 formed between the first electrode 11ab and the anion exchange membrane 11c having a thickness d1 of 0 μm may include the first porous electrode 11b and the anion exchange membrane 11c being in contact with each other. For example, when the gap g1 formed between the first electrode 11a and the anion exchange membrane 11c has a thickness d1 of 0 μm, there may also be no gap between the first electrode 11ab and the anion exchange membrane 11c.

[0282] In an embodiment, the thickness d2 of the gap g2 formed between the second electrode 12ab and the cation exchange membrane 12c can be greater than 10 μm. For example, the thickness d2 of the gap g2 formed between the second electrode 12ab and the cation exchange membrane 12c can be from 10 μm to 500 μm.

[0283] According to an embodiment, the space through which acidic water flows during the descaling operation can be provided between the second electrode 12ab and the cation exchange membrane 12c.

[0284] According to the embodiment, because acidic water can flow smoothly between the second electrode 12ab and the cation exchange membrane 12c during the descaling operation, the scale deposited around the cation exchange membrane 12c can be removed smoothly.

[0285] Figure 8 An example is shown of a spacer installed between a second electrode 12ab and a cation exchange membrane 12c in a water treatment apparatus according to an embodiment.

[0286] refer to Figure 8 In an embodiment, the CDI module 100 may include a spacer sc disposed between the second electrode 12ab and the cation exchange membrane 12c.

[0287] The spacer sc can provide space between the second porous electrode 12b and the cation exchange membrane 12c.

[0288] The spacer sc can be configured to keep the second porous electrode 12b and the cation exchange membrane 12c spaced apart from each other without direct close contact.

[0289] In an embodiment, the spacer sc can be configured to maintain a distance of 10 μm or more between the second porous electrode 12b and the cation exchange membrane 12c without direct contact. For example, the spacer sc can be configured to maintain a distance of 10 μm to 500 μm between the second porous electrode 12b and the cation exchange membrane 12c without direct contact.

[0290] The spacer sc can include a flat plate or a membrane, and fluid can pass through the spacer sc.

[0291] One side of the spacer sc can face the cation exchange membrane 12c, and the other side of the spacer sc can face the second porous electrode 12b.

[0292] According to various implementation schemes, a spacer may not be provided between the first porous electrode 11b and the anion exchange membrane 11c.

[0293] According to an embodiment, due to the spacer sc between the second porous electrode 12b and the cation exchange membrane 12c, space can be provided between the second electrode 12ab and the cation exchange membrane 12c for the flow of acidic water during descaling operations.

[0294] According to an embodiment, during the descaling operation, acidic water can flow smoothly in the space formed by the spacer sc, thereby smoothly removing the scale deposited around the cation exchange membrane 12c.

[0295] Figure 9 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of a method for controlling a water treatment apparatus according to an embodiment. Figure 10This is a conceptual diagram illustrating the time periods of deionization, regeneration, and descaling operations performed by the water treatment apparatus according to an embodiment.

[0296] refer to Figure 9 and Figure 10 The water treatment device 1 can carry out the water treatment process based on the conditions for starting water treatment being met.

[0297] For example, controller 70 can perform a water treatment process in response to receiving a user input to start the water treatment process via at least one input interface 41.

[0298] In another example, controller 70 may perform the water treatment process in response to receiving a control command to start the water treatment process from an external device (e.g., a remote control device, a user device, etc.) via communication circuit 60.

[0299] Water treatment processes can include deionization and regeneration operations.

[0300] The controller 70 can repeatedly execute the deionization operation 500 and the regeneration operation 510 based on the start of the water treatment process.

[0301] The controller can alternately execute deionization operation 500 and regeneration operation 510. For example, the controller can repeat regeneration operation 510 after deionization operation 500 is terminated, and repeat deionization operation 500 after regeneration operation 510 is terminated.

[0302] In an embodiment, the controller 70 may perform a deionization operation 500 for a first predetermined time k1, and may perform a regeneration operation 510 for a second predetermined time k2 based on the termination of the deionization operation 500.

[0303] For example, the first predetermined time k1 can be set to be longer than the second predetermined time k2. Alternatively, the first predetermined time k1 and the second predetermined time k2 can be set based on user input via at least one input interface 41 and / or user input received from an external device via communication circuit 60.

[0304] In an embodiment, the controller 70 may perform a regeneration operation 510 based on predetermined conditions satisfied by the sensor 50, while continuously performing a deionization operation 500.

[0305] For example, sensor 50 may include a conductivity sensor, and controller 70 may perform regeneration operation 510 for a predetermined time based on the conductivity of the water discharged through first outlet 103 dropping below a predetermined value during deionization operation 500.

[0306] Thus, unless the descaling conditions are met, the controller 70 can simply repeat the deionization operation 500 and the regeneration operation 510.

[0307] The controller 70 can perform descaling operation 520 based on the fact that descaling conditions are met during the water treatment process (yes in operation 505 or yes in operation 515).

[0308] For example, controller 70 can perform descaling operation 520 while performing deion operation 500, based on the satisfaction of descaling conditions (yes in operation 505).

[0309] In this embodiment, the controller 70 can perform a descaling operation 520 at time point t1 when the descaling conditions are met, while performing the deionization operation 500.

[0310] According to various embodiments, if the descaling conditions are met while performing the deionization operation 500, the controller 70 may also perform the descaling operation 520 at the end of the deionization operation 500.

[0311] The controller 70 can perform descaling operation 520 while performing regeneration operation 510, based on the satisfaction of descaling conditions (yes in operation 515).

[0312] In this embodiment, the controller 70 can perform a descaling operation 520 at time t3 when the descaling conditions are met, while performing the regeneration operation 510.

[0313] According to various embodiments, if the descaling conditions are met while performing the regeneration operation 510, the controller 70 may also perform the descaling operation 520 at the end of the regeneration operation 510.

[0314] When descaling operation 520 is performed, controller 70 may terminate the descaling operation (525) based on the fulfillment of a condition for terminating the descaling operation (hereinafter referred to as the "termination condition").

[0315] In an embodiment, the controller 70 can immediately terminate the descaling operation 520 based on the fact that the termination condition (525) is met while the descaling operation 520 is being performed, and then the regeneration operation 510 can be performed for a predetermined time to discharge the acidic water into the second discharge channel 27.

[0316] In this embodiment, based on the fact that the termination condition (525) is met while performing the descaling operation 520, the controller 70 can terminate the descaling operation by operating the pump 16 for a predetermined time to discharge acidic water into the second discharge channel 27 while pausing the application of positive voltage to the second current collector 12a.

[0317] In an embodiment, the controller 70 may perform a deionization operation 500 based on the termination of the descaling operation.

[0318] During the descaling operation, scale adhering to the cation exchange membrane 12c and the second porous electrode 12b can be removed, and cations adsorbed on the second porous electrode 12b can also be desorbed. Therefore, the controller 70 can perform the deionization operation 500 when the descaling operation is terminated, regardless of whether the previous process was the deionization operation 500 or the regeneration operation 510.

[0319] In an embodiment, the controller 70 may perform descaling operation 520 based on the fact that descaling conditions are met when deionizing operation 500 is performed, and may restart deionizing operation 500 when descaling operation 520 is terminated.

[0320] In another example, controller 70 can perform descaling operation 520 based on the fact that descaling conditions are met while performing regeneration operation 510, and can restart deionization operation 500 when descaling operation 520 is terminated.

[0321] According to an embodiment, the deionization efficiency of the water treatment device 1 can be improved by omitting the unnecessary regeneration operation 510 after performing the descaling operation 520.

[0322] According to various embodiments, the controller 70 can restart the previously performed operation when the descaling operation 520 is terminated.

[0323] Applying a second positive voltage to the second current collector 12a can generate acidic water, and if the descaling operation is terminated before the generated acidic water is discharged as wastewater, the acidic water can be retained in the second channel and / or the third channel. If the deionization operation 500 is performed immediately while the acidic water is retained in the second channel and / or the third channel, the acidic water can be discharged into the first discharge channel 26.

[0324] To address the aforementioned issues, according to various embodiments, the controller 70 can perform a regeneration operation 510 when the descaling operation is terminated, regardless of whether the previously performed process was a deionization operation 500 or a regeneration operation 510.

[0325] In the example, controller 70 can perform descaling operation 520 based on the fact that descaling conditions are met when deion operation 500 is performed, and can restart regeneration operation 510 when descaling operation 520 is terminated.

[0326] In another example, controller 70 can perform descaling operation 520 based on the fact that descaling conditions are met while performing regeneration operation 510, and can restart regeneration operation 510 when descaling operation 520 is terminated.

[0327] According to the embodiment, acidic water generated during the descaling operation can be prevented from being discharged into the first discharge channel 26.

[0328] The descaling conditions can be preset to conditions in which a relatively large amount of scale is estimated to have been deposited in the first channel 11, the second channel 12 and / or the third channel 13.

[0329] In one embodiment, the controller 70 may determine whether the descaling conditions are met based on information obtained from the sensor 50.

[0330] The controller 70 can perform a descaling operation based on the fact that the sensor 50 meets the descaling conditions.

[0331] Performing a descaling operation based on the fact that the descaling conditions are met by sensor 50 may include performing a descaling operation in response to determining that the descaling conditions are met based on information obtained from sensor 50.

[0332] For example, descaling conditions may include at least one of the following: the TDS value measured by the TDS sensor of sensor 50 is greater than a predetermined value; the turbidity value detected by the turbidity sensor of sensor 50 is greater than a predetermined value; the pH value detected by the pH sensor of sensor 50 is within a predetermined pH range; the conductivity detected by the conductivity sensor of sensor 50 is within a predetermined conductivity range; the hardness value detected by the hardness sensor of sensor 50 is greater than a predetermined value; and / or the flow rate detected by the flow rate sensor of sensor 50 is slower than a predetermined flow rate.

[0333] Examples of descaling conditions that can be detected based on information obtained by sensor 50 are not limited to the examples described above.

[0334] According to various embodiments, in response to receiving sensor data from external sensors (e.g., turbidity sensor, TDS sensor, pH sensor, conductivity sensor, hardness sensor, flow rate sensor, etc.) via communication circuit 60, controller 70 can determine whether descaling conditions are met based on the sensor data obtained via communication circuit 60.

[0335] Descaling conditions may include receiving a descaling command.

[0336] In an embodiment, the controller 70 may determine that the descaling conditions are met in response to receiving a descaling command via the input interface 41 and / or the communication circuit 60.

[0337] Descaling conditions may include a cumulative number of deionization operations exceeding a predetermined number.

[0338] In one implementation, the controller 70 can determine that the descaling conditions are met based on the fact that the deion operation 500 has been performed more than a predetermined number of times.

[0339] For example, controller 70 can initialize the cumulative number of deionization operations 500 based on the descaling operations that have already been performed.

[0340] The termination condition can be preset to the condition that the scale deposited in the first channel 11, the second channel 12 and / or the third channel 13 has been largely removed.

[0341] In one embodiment, the controller 70 may determine whether the termination condition is met based on information obtained from the sensor 50.

[0342] For example, the termination condition may include at least one of the following: the TDS value measured by the TDS sensor of sensor 50 is less than a predetermined value; the turbidity value detected by the turbidity sensor of sensor 50 is less than a predetermined value; the pH value detected by the pH sensor of sensor 50 is outside a predetermined pH range; the conductivity detected by the conductivity sensor of sensor 50 is outside a predetermined conductivity range; the hardness value detected by the hardness sensor of sensor 50 is less than a predetermined value; and / or the flow rate detected by the flow rate sensor of sensor 50 is faster than a predetermined flow rate. For example, for safety margins, the predetermined values, predetermined ranges, and / or predetermined flow rates used to determine the termination condition may differ from the predetermined values, predetermined ranges, and / or predetermined flow rates used to determine the descaling condition.

[0343] Examples of termination conditions that can be detected based on information obtained by sensor 50 are not limited to the examples described above.

[0344] According to various embodiments, in response to receiving sensor data from external sensors (e.g., turbidity sensor, TDS sensor, pH sensor, conductivity sensor, hardness sensor, flow rate sensor, etc.) via communication circuit 60, controller 70 can determine whether a termination condition is met based on the sensor data obtained via communication circuit 60.

[0345] Descaling conditions may include receiving a command to terminate the descaling operation.

[0346] In an embodiment, the controller 70 may determine that the termination condition is met in response to receiving a command to terminate the descaling operation via the input interface 41 and / or the communication circuit 60.

[0347] Descaling conditions may include a descaling operation time exceeding a predetermined time period.

[0348] In one embodiment, the controller 70 may determine that the termination condition is met based on the fact that the operation time of the descaling operation exceeds a predetermined time period.

[0349] As described above, in this embodiment, based on the fulfillment of the termination condition, the controller 70 can terminate the descaling operation by operating the pump 16 for a predetermined time to discharge acidic water into the second discharge channel 27 while pausing the application of positive voltage to the second current collector 12a. The controller 70 can then perform a deionization operation 500 at time points t2 and t4 when the descaling operation ends.

[0350] In this embodiment, the controller 70 can immediately terminate the descaling operation based on the termination conditions met, and the controller 70 can perform a regeneration operation 510 based on the termination of the descaling operation in order to discharge the acidic water generated during the descaling operation into the second discharge channel 27.

[0351] According to the embodiment, the descaling operation can be performed only when a large amount of scale has already been deposited in the water treatment device 1, thereby improving the efficiency of water treatment.

[0352] According to an embodiment, after all the acidic water generated during the descaling operation is discharged as wastewater, the water treatment device 1 can perform the water treatment process again.

[0353] Figure 11 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of a method for controlling a water treatment apparatus according to an embodiment.

[0354] The sequence, operation time, operation cycle, and / or number of operations 610, 620, and 630 are not limited to... Figure 11 As shown in the image.

[0355] refer to Figure 11 According to the embodiment, the water treatment apparatus 1 can control at least one valve 30 and / or pump 16 based on an algorithm corresponding to each operating mode (i.e., deionization operation, regeneration operation and / or descaling operation).

[0356] Figure 12 An example of water flow during deionization operation of a water treatment apparatus according to an embodiment is shown.

[0357] Figure 12 It is shown that water introduced from the outside into the CDI module 100 passes through the third channel 13 and is discharged into the first discharge channel 26.

[0358] In deionization operation, controller 70 can control at least one valve 30 and / or pump 16 to allow external water to flow into the first discharge channel 26 (610) through the third channel 13.

[0359] For example, in a deionization operation, the controller 70 can operate the pump 16 to allow external water to flow into the first flow channel 21.

[0360] In the deionization operation, the controller 70 can control the first valve 30a to allow water pumped into the first flow channel 21 to flow into the third flow channel 23.

[0361] During deionization operation, controller 70 can open second valve 30b to allow water flowing in third channel 23 to flow into third channel 13 through first inlet 102.

[0362] In the deionization operation, the controller 70 can control the fourth valve 30d to allow water in the third channel 13 to flow into the first discharge channel 26 through the first outlet 103.

[0363] During deionization operation, controller 70 can close the third valve 30c to prevent water flowing in circulation channel 25 from flowing into the third channel 13.

[0364] According to various embodiments, the structure of the flow channel 20 and the arrangement of at least one valve 30 can vary. For example, the housing 101 may include an outlet connected to a first discharge flow channel 26 and an outlet connected to a second discharge flow channel 27, and an on / off valve may be installed in each of the outlets connected to the first discharge flow channel 26 and the second discharge flow channel 27.

[0365] In another example, the first flow channel 21 may branch into a second flow channel 22 and a third flow channel 23, and an on / off valve may be installed in each of the second flow channel 22 and the third flow channel 23.

[0366] In deionization operation, the controller 70 can control the maximum operating RPM of the pump 16 to a first target RPM. For example, the first target RPM can be preset to ensure that when the water flowing into the third channel 13 flows into the fourth channel 24, there is sufficient time to remove ions from the water flowing into the third channel 13.

[0367] According to an embodiment, in the deionization operation of the water treatment device, external water can be deionized through the third channel 13 and can be discharged into the first discharge channel 26.

[0368] Figure 13 An example of water flow during the regeneration operation of a water treatment apparatus according to an embodiment is shown.

[0369] Figure 13 It shows water introduced from the outside into the CDI module 100 passing through the third channel 13 and being discharged into the second discharge channel 27.

[0370] During regeneration operation, controller 70 can control at least one valve 30 and / or pump 16 to allow water in the third channel 13 to flow into the second discharge channel 27 (620).

[0371] In one embodiment, during regeneration, the controller 70 may operate the pump 16 to allow external water to flow into the first flow channel 21.

[0372] During regeneration operation, controller 70 can control the first valve 30a to allow water pumped into the first flow channel 21 to flow into the third flow channel 23.

[0373] During regeneration operation, the controller 70 can open the second valve 30b to allow water flowing in the third channel 23 to flow into the third channel 13 through the first inlet 102.

[0374] During regeneration operation, controller 70 can control fourth valve 30d to allow water in third channel 13 to flow into second discharge channel 27 through first outlet 103.

[0375] During regeneration operation, controller 70 can close the third valve 30c to prevent water flowing in circulation channel 25 from flowing into the third channel 13.

[0376] In one embodiment, the controller 70 may operate the pump 16 based on the start of the regeneration operation.

[0377] In one embodiment, the controller 70 can operate the pump 16 continuously during regeneration operations.

[0378] In an embodiment, during regeneration operation, the controller 70 may also operate the pump 16 after a predetermined time following the application of a first positive voltage to the second current collector 12a.

[0379] In an embodiment, during regeneration operation, the controller 70 can repeat the process of applying a first positive voltage to the second current collector 12a for a predetermined time and then operating the pump 16 for a predetermined time a predetermined number of times.

[0380] During regeneration, the controller 70 can control the maximum operating RPM of the pump 16 to a second target RPM. For example, the second target RPM can be preset to ensure that when the water flowing into the third channel 13 flows into the fourth channel 24, the ions desorbed from electrodes 11ab and 12ab have enough time to move into the water flowing into the third channel 13.

[0381] According to various embodiments, the first target RPM, which is the maximum operating RPM of pump 16 in the deionization operation, can be the same as the second target RPM, which is the maximum operating RPM of pump 16 in the regeneration operation. For example, the first target RPM and the second target RPM can be the first RPM, which is the maximum operating RPM of pump 16 in the deionization operation, and the second target RPM is the maximum operating RPM of pump 16 in the regeneration operation.

[0382] The controller 70 can control the maximum operating RPM of pump 16 in the deionization operation to the first RPM, and can also control the maximum operating RPM of pump 16 in the regeneration operation to the first RPM.

[0383] According to various embodiments, the first target RPM may be different from the second target RPM, where the first target RPM is the maximum operating RPM of pump 16 in the deionization operation and the second target RPM is the maximum operating RPM of pump 16 in the regeneration operation.

[0384] In one example, the controller 70 can control the maximum operating RPM of pump 16 in the deionization operation to a first RPM, and can control the maximum operating RPM of pump 16 in the regeneration operation to a range equal to or less than the first RPM.

[0385] In another example, the controller 70 can control the maximum operating RPM of pump 16 in the regeneration operation to a first RPM, and can control the maximum operating RPM of pump 16 in the deionization operation to a range equal to or less than the first RPM.

[0386] According to an embodiment, by operating the pump 16 after the ions adsorbed on the first electrode 11ab and the second electrode 12ab have been desorbed and moved to the third channel 13, waste of water used in the regeneration operation can be prevented.

[0387] According to an embodiment, during the regeneration operation of the water treatment device 1, ions desorbed from the first electrode 11ab and the second electrode 12ab can be discharged into the second discharge channel 27.

[0388] Figure 14 An example of water flow during descaling operation of a water treatment apparatus according to an embodiment is shown.

[0389] Figure 14 It is shown that water introduced from the outside into the CDI module 100 flows through the second channel 12, then through the first inlet 102 into the third channel 13, and the water in the third channel 13 is discharged into the second discharge channel 27.

[0390] According to various embodiments, the structure of the flow channel 20 and the arrangement of at least one valve 30 can be varied. For example, the water treatment device 1 may also not have a circulation flow channel 25. In the case where the water treatment device does not include a circulation flow channel 25, the second outlet 105 may be connected to a second discharge flow channel 27, and water introduced from the outside into the CDI module 100 may be discharged directly into the second discharge flow channel 27 after passing through the second channel 12.

[0391] In an embodiment, during the descaling operation, the controller 70 may control at least one valve 30 and / or pump 16 to allow external water to flow into the third channel 13 through the second channel 12, and the water in the third channel 13 is discharged into the second discharge channel 27 (630).

[0392] For example, during a descaling operation, the controller 70 can operate the pump 16 to allow external water to flow into the first flow channel 21.

[0393] During the descaling operation, the controller 70 can control the first valve 30a to allow water pumped into the first flow channel 21 to flow into the second flow channel 22.

[0394] Water flowing into the second channel 22 can flow into the circulation channel 25 through the second channel 12.

[0395] During descaling operation, the controller 70 can open the third valve 30c to allow water flowing in the circulation channel 25 to flow into the third channel 13 through the first inlet 102.

[0396] During the descaling operation, the controller 70 can control the fourth valve 30d to allow water in the third channel 13 to flow into the second discharge channel 27 through the first outlet 103.

[0397] According to an embodiment, during the descaling operation, the acidic water generated in the second channel 12 can remove the scale attached to one side of the second electrode 12ab and / or the cation exchange membrane 12c, and when the acidic water generated in the second channel 12 moves to the third channel 13, it can remove the scale attached to the other side of the first electrode 11ab, the anion exchange membrane 11c and / or the cation exchange membrane 12c.

[0398] In one embodiment, the controller 70 may operate the pump 16 based on the start of the descaling operation.

[0399] In one embodiment, the controller 70 can operate the pump 16 continuously during the descaling operation.

[0400] In one embodiment, during the descaling operation, the controller 70 can operate the pump 16 after a predetermined time following the application of a second positive voltage to the second current collector 12a.

[0401] For example, the preset time can be a period of time during which the pH of the water in the second channel 12 is allowed to drop below 4.

[0402] In this embodiment, during the descaling operation, the controller 70 can increase the operating RPM of the pump 16 for a predetermined time. During the descaling operation, the controller 70 can increase the operating RPM of the pump 16 to the maximum operating RPM for a predetermined time.

[0403] During descaling operations, the controller 70 can control the maximum operating RPM of the pump 16 to the third target RPM.

[0404] For example, a third target RPM can be preset to ensure sufficient mechanical cleaning power to remove the deposited scale, while the water flowing into the third channel 13 flows into the fourth channel 24, or the water flowing into the second channel 12 through the second inlet 104 flows into the circulation channel 25.

[0405] The first target RPM and / or the second target RPM can be less than the third target RPM. The first target RPM is the maximum operating RPM of pump 16 in the deionization operation, the second target RPM is the maximum operating RPM of pump 16 in the regeneration operation, and the third target RPM is the maximum operating RPM of pump 16 in the descaling operation.

[0406] The controller 70 can control the maximum operating RPM of the pump 16 to a first RPM during deionization and / or regeneration operations, and can control the maximum operating RPM of the pump 16 to a second RPM greater than the first RPM during descaling operations.

[0407] The controller 70 can control the maximum operating RPM of the pump 16 to be equal to or less than a first RPM during deionization and / or regeneration operations, and can control the maximum operating RPM of the pump 16 to a second RPM greater than the first RPM during descaling operations.

[0408] According to an embodiment, the controller 70 can increase the operating RPM of the pump 16 for a predetermined time during the descaling operation, thereby enhancing the physical cleaning power due to the increased flow rate.

[0409] In an embodiment, during the descaling operation, the controller 70 can repeat the process of applying a second positive voltage to the second current collector 12a for a predetermined time and then operating the pump 16 for a predetermined time a predetermined number of times.

[0410] Figure 15 This is a conceptual diagram illustrating another example of a water treatment apparatus according to an embodiment.

[0411] To avoid repetition, it has already been described. Figure 1 The water treatment device 1 shown in the figure is described and is related to Figure 15 The configuration of the water treatment device 2 shown in the figure is the same as that described by the same reference numerals.

[0412] refer to Figure 15 The water treatment apparatus 2 according to the embodiment may include a capacitor deionization (CDI) module 200, at least one flow channel 220 formed by a pipe, and at least one valve 230 for regulating the water flow in the at least one flow channel 220.

[0413] CDI module 200 may include electrodes 11ab and 12ab, a third current collector 13a, and ion exchange membranes 11c, 12c, and 13c.

[0414] The first electrode 11ab and the second electrode 12ab can be arranged opposite to each other, and the first electrode 11ab and the second electrode 12ab arranged opposite to each other can form a capacitor.

[0415] The first electrode 11ab may include a first current collector 11a and a first porous electrode 11b.

[0416] The first electrode 11ab can be a positive electrode (anode) during the deionization operation of the water treatment device 2, and a negative electrode (cathode) during the regeneration operation of the water treatment device 2.

[0417] In an embodiment, the first current collector 11a may include an electrode plate electrically connected to the first porous electrode 11b. The electrode plate may include a metal plate and / or a non-metal plate.

[0418] The material of the first current collector 11a can be a conductor. For example, the material of the first current collector 11a can be graphite, but it is not limited to this.

[0419] The first porous electrode 11b may include a solid electrode containing empty spaces. The first porous electrode 11b may be made of a material that readily adsorbs ions. For example, the first porous electrode 11b may be a carbon porous electrode, but the type of the first porous electrode 11b is not limited to this.

[0420] The second electrode 12ab may include a second current collector 12a and a second porous electrode 12b.

[0421] The second electrode 12ab can be a negative electrode (cathode) during the deionization or descaling operation of the water treatment device 2, and a positive electrode (anode) during the regeneration operation of the water treatment device 2.

[0422] In an embodiment, the second current collector 12a may include an electrode plate electrically connected to the second porous electrode 12b. The electrode plate may include a metal plate and / or a non-metal plate.

[0423] The material of the second collector 12a can be a conductor.

[0424] The second porous electrode 12b may include a solid electrode containing empty spaces. The second porous electrode 12b may be made of a material that readily adsorbs ions. For example, the second porous electrode 12b may be a carbon porous electrode, but the type of the second porous electrode 12b is not limited to this.

[0425] The second collector 12a and the third collector 13a can be arranged opposite to each other, and the second collector 12a and the third collector 13a arranged opposite to each other can form a capacitor.

[0426] In the descaling operation of the water treatment device 2, acidic water can be generated by electrolyzing water at the third current collector 13a. In order to electrolyze water at the third current collector 13a, a relatively large voltage needs to be applied to the third current collector 13a, which may result in relatively large power consumption in the descaling operation.

[0427] In an embodiment, the third current collector 13a may be made of a material intended to serve as a catalyst for the electrolysis of water. The third current collector 13a may be formed of a material capable of allowing an aqueous solution of 1000 ppm NaCl to reach a pH of less than or equal to 4 within 7 minutes at a current density of 25 mA / cm².

[0428] For example, the material of the third current collector 13a may be selected from the group consisting of transition metals, transition metal oxides, transition metal alloys, aluminum, alumina, aluminum alloys, graphene, size-stabilized anodes (DSA), and boron-doped diamond (BDD) electrodes.

[0429] Transition metals may include, for example, Pt, Ru, Ir, Rh, Ni, Fe, Co, Cu, etc. Transition metal alloys may include, for example, Ni-containing materials, such as NiCo, Ni / B, etc.

[0430] In some embodiments, the transition metal alloy may include an alloy of transition metal oxides.

[0431] DSA can include Ti materials coated with metal oxides. DSA can include, for example, RuO2 / Ti, IrO2 / Ti, or PtO2 / Ti.

[0432] According to an embodiment, the third current collector 13a is made of a catalytic material that is easy to electrolyze water, so the CDI module 200 can easily generate acidic water on its own.

[0433] The materials of the first collector 11a and the second collector 12a can be the same as the materials of the third collector 13a.

[0434] However, for economic reasons, in the embodiments, the materials of the first current collector 11a, the second current collector 12a, and the third current collector 13a can be different from each other. For example, the materials of the first current collector 11a and the second current collector 12a can be graphite, and the material of the third current collector 13a can be selected from the group consisting of transition metals, transition metal oxides, transition metal alloys, aluminum, alumina, aluminum alloys, graphene, DSA, and BDD electrodes.

[0435] CDI module 200 may include a housing 201 having at least one inlet 202, 204 and / or 206 and at least one outlet 203 and / or 205. In an embodiment, at least a portion of the surface of housing 201 may be configured as current collectors 11a and 12a. However, at least a portion of the surface of housing 201 may also be configured as a pad for supporting current collectors 11a and 12a.

[0436] The CDI module 200 may include a first channel 11 formed by a first current collector 11a and an anion exchange membrane 11c, a second channel 12 formed by a second current collector 12a and a first cation exchange membrane 12c, a third channel 13 formed by an anion exchange membrane 11c and a first cation exchange membrane 12c, and a fourth channel 14 formed by a second cation exchange membrane 13c and a third current collector 13a.

[0437] The first channel 11 may include the space between the first current collector 11a and the anion exchange membrane 11c. The second channel 12 may include the space between the second current collector 12a and the first cation exchange membrane 12c. The third channel 13 may include the space between the anion exchange membrane 11c and the first cation exchange membrane 12c. The fourth channel 14 may include the space between the second cation exchange membrane 13c and the third current collector 13a.

[0438] The term "channel" can be used interchangeably with "compartment," "space," "chamber," "cavity," etc., because the first channel 11, the second channel 12, the third channel 13, and the fourth channel 14 can be distinguished from each other by ion exchange membranes 11c and 12c.

[0439] The anion exchange membrane 11c, the first cation exchange membrane 12c, and the second cation exchange membrane 13c may include membranes through which fluids can pass.

[0440] The first channel 11, the second channel 12, and the third channel 13 may be fluidly connected to each other. For example, fluid in the third channel 13 may move to the first channel 11 and / or the second channel 12, and conversely, fluid in the first channel 11 and / or the second channel 12 may move to the third channel 13.

[0441] Conversely, due to the second current collector 12a, the fourth channel 14 may not be fluidly connected to the first channel 11, the second channel 12, and the third channel 13. For example, water contained in the fourth channel 14 may flow only through the flow channel 225 to the first channel 11, the second channel 12, and the third channel 13.

[0442] The first cation exchange membrane 12c may include a membrane that allows only cations (cations and anions) to pass through. The first cation exchange membrane 12c carries a negative charge, allowing only cations to pass through while repelling anions.

[0443] The second cation exchange membrane 13c may include a membrane that allows only cations (among cations and anions) to pass through. The second cation exchange membrane 13c carries a negative charge, allowing only cations to pass through while repelling anions.

[0444] The anion exchange membrane 11c may include a membrane that allows only anions of cations and anions to pass through. The anion exchange membrane 11c carries a positive charge, allowing only anions to pass through while repelling cations.

[0445] Ion exchange membranes 11c, 12c, and 13c may include synthetic resin membranes.

[0446] In response to applying a positive voltage to the first current collector 11a, the first electrode 11ab becomes a positive electrode (anode), and in response to applying a negative voltage to the second current collector 12a, the second electrode 12ab becomes a negative electrode (cathode). Therefore, in response to applying a positive voltage to the first current collector 11a and a negative voltage to the second current collector 12a, cations in the third channel 13 can move to the second channel 12, and anions in the third channel 13 can move to the first channel 11.

[0447] Applying a positive voltage to the first current collector 11a and a negative voltage to the second current collector 12a may include applying a positive voltage between the first current collector 11a and the second current collector 12a.

[0448] Applying a positive voltage between the first current collector 11a and the second current collector 12a may include setting the potential of the first current collector 11a to be higher than the potential of the second current collector 12a.

[0449] In response to applying a negative voltage to the first current collector 11a, the first electrode 11ab becomes a negative electrode (cathode), and in response to applying a positive voltage to the second current collector 12a, the second electrode 12ab becomes a positive electrode (anode). Therefore, in response to applying a negative voltage to the first current collector 11a and a positive voltage to the second current collector 12a, cations in the second channel 12 can move to the third channel 13, and anions in the first channel 11 can move to the third channel 13.

[0450] Applying a negative voltage to the first current collector 11a and a positive voltage to the second current collector 12a may include applying a negative voltage between the first current collector 11a and the second current collector 12a.

[0451] Applying a negative voltage between the first current collector 11a and the second current collector 12a may include setting the potential of the first current collector 11a to be lower than the potential of the second current collector 12a.

[0452] The first channel 11 may be provided with a first porous electrode 11b, and the second channel 12 may be provided with a second porous electrode 12b.

[0453] By applying a positive voltage between the first current collector 11a and the second current collector 12a, anions that move to the first channel 11 can be adsorbed onto the first porous electrode 11b, and cations that move to the second channel 12 can be adsorbed onto the second porous electrode 12b.

[0454] By applying a negative voltage between the first current collector 11a and the second current collector 12a, anions adsorbed on the first porous electrode 11b can be desorbed from the first porous electrode 11b, and cations adsorbed on the second porous electrode 12b can be desorbed from the second porous electrode 12b.

[0455] By applying a positive voltage to the third current collector 13a, the third current collector 13a becomes the positive electrode (anode), and by applying a negative voltage to the second current collector 12a, the second electrode 12ab becomes the negative electrode (cathode).

[0456] Applying a positive voltage to the third current collector 13a may include applying a negative voltage to the second current collector 12a.

[0457] Applying a positive voltage to the third current collector 13a and a negative voltage to the second current collector 12a may include applying a positive voltage between the third current collector 13a and the second current collector 12a.

[0458] Applying a positive voltage between the third current collector 13a and the second current collector 12a may include setting the potential of the third current collector 13a to be higher than the potential of the second current collector 12a.

[0459] In an embodiment, housing 201 may include a first inlet 202 and a first outlet 203, the first inlet 202 allowing water to be introduced into the third channel 13 and the first outlet 203 allowing water to be discharged from the third channel 13.

[0460] In one embodiment, housing 201 may include a second inlet 204 to allow water to be introduced into the second channel 12.

[0461] In an embodiment, housing 201 may include a third inlet 206 and a second outlet 205, the third inlet 206 allowing water to be introduced into the fourth channel 14 and the second outlet 205 allowing water to be discharged from the fourth channel 14.

[0462] External water (water from outside the CDI module 200) can be introduced into the third channel 13 through the first inlet 202. Water can also be introduced into the third channel 13 from the circulation channel 225, which will be described later, through the first inlet 202. Water in the third channel 13 can be discharged to the outside of the CDI module 200 through the first outlet 203.

[0463] Water can be introduced into the second channel 12 from the second inlet 204 through the circulation channel 225.

[0464] Water from outside the CDI module 200 can be introduced into the fourth channel 14 through the third inlet 206. Water in the fourth channel 14 can be discharged into the circulation channel 225 through the second outlet 205.

[0465] The water treatment device 2 can treat water supplied from the water source 15 where raw water is stored or water supplied from an external source. The raw water may include water to be treated by the water treatment device 2.

[0466] The water treatment device 2 may include a pump 16 for pumping external water (e.g., water supplied from a water source).

[0467] The water treatment device 2 may include at least one flow channel 220 and at least one valve 230. The at least one flow channel 220 may branch through the at least one valve 230.

[0468] Water pumped by pump 16 can flow into the flow channel 220 of water treatment device 2.

[0469] In one embodiment, external water can be pumped by pump 16 and flow into the first flow channel 221. The first flow channel 221 can be configured to receive external water.

[0470] The first valve 230a may allow water flowing in the first channel 221 to flow into the second channel 222 or the third channel 223. The second channel 222 may include a channel configured to allow water to flow from the first channel 221 to the fourth channel 14. The third channel 223 may include a channel configured to allow water to flow from the first channel 221 into the third channel 13.

[0471] The third flow channel 223 can be connected to the first inlet 202. The second flow channel 222 can be connected to the third inlet 206.

[0472] The second valve 230b can open or close the third flow channel 223. The second valve 230b can block or allow water flow in the third flow channel 223.

[0473] In an embodiment, if the first valve 230a can block the water flow from the first flow channel 221, the second valve 230b can be omitted.

[0474] Water flowing into the third channel 13 through the third channel 223 can be discharged into the fourth channel 224. The fourth channel 224 can be connected to the first outlet 203.

[0475] The fourth valve 230d can allow water flowing in the fourth channel 224 to flow into the first discharge channel 226 or the second discharge channel 227. For example, the fourth valve 230d can allow water discharged from the third channel 13 to flow into the first discharge channel 226 or the second discharge channel 227. In an embodiment, the fourth valve 230d can close the fourth channel 224 to prevent water flowing in the fourth channel 224 from flowing into the first discharge channel 226 and the second discharge channel 227.

[0476] The first discharge channel 226 may include a channel through which purified water (or deionized water) is discharged. The second discharge channel 227 may include a channel through which polluted water (or wastewater) is discharged.

[0477] Water flowing into the fourth channel 14 through the second channel 222 can be discharged into the fifth channel 225. The fifth channel 225 can be connected to the second outlet 205. The fifth channel 225 can be connected to the first inlet 202 and / or the second inlet 204. In other words, the fifth channel 225 may include channels configured to allow water discharged from the fourth channel 14 to flow into the third channel 13 and / or the second channel 12. Therefore, the fifth channel 225 may be referred to as the circulation channel 225.

[0478] The third valve 230c can open and close the fifth flow channel 225.

[0479] According to one embodiment, the water treatment device 2 includes a fifth flow channel 225 that allows water discharged from the fourth channel 14 to flow into the third channel 13 and / or the second channel 12, thereby cleaning the third channel 13 and / or the second channel 12 with the acidic water generated in the fourth channel 14, which will be described later.

[0480] According to various embodiments, the number of inlets 202, 204 and 206, the number of outlets 203 and 205, the type of flow channel 220 and / or the type of at least one valve 230 are not limited to the following. Figure 15 The example shown is as follows. For example, the water treatment device 2 may include two outlets connected to a third channel 13 and two valves for opening and closing the flow channels connected to the two outlets.

[0481] In another example, the water treatment device 2 may include two inlets connected to the third channel 13, and these two inlets may be connected to the third flow channel 223 and the fifth flow channel 225, respectively.

[0482] In an embodiment, the water treatment device 2 may include at least one CDI module 200.

[0483] The description of the control block diagram for water treatment unit 2 has been omitted to avoid redundant reference. Figure 2 The description is as follows. In water treatment unit 2, Figure 2 The CDI module 100 shown can be replaced by a CDI module 200 including a first electrode 11ab, a second electrode 12ab and a third current collector 13a, and at least one valve 30 can be replaced by at least one valve 230.

[0484] Figure 16 This illustrates a method for controlling according to an embodiment. Figure 15 The flowchart shows an example of a method for a water treatment device.

[0485] refer to Figure 16 The water treatment apparatus 2 according to the embodiment can perform deionization operation, regeneration operation and / or descaling operation.

[0486] During deionization operation, the water treatment unit 2 can apply a negative voltage (710) to the second current collector 12a. Related descriptions are omitted here to avoid repetition. Figure 3 Description of operation 410.

[0487] In deionization operation, controller 70 can control at least one valve 230 and / or pump 16 to allow external water to flow into the first discharge channel 226 (710) through the third channel 13. Related descriptions are omitted here to avoid repetition. Figure 11 The description of operation 610.

[0488] Figure 17 An example is shown. Figure 15 An example of water flow during the deionization process of a water treatment device is shown in the figure.

[0489] Figure 17 The diagram shows water introduced from the outside into the CDI module 200 passing through the third channel 13 and being discharged into the first discharge channel 226. Related descriptions are omitted to avoid repetition. Figure 12 The description of the water flow.

[0490] Refer again Figure 15 During the regeneration operation, the water treatment unit 2 can apply a first positive voltage (720) to the second current collector 12a. Related descriptions are omitted here to avoid repetition. Figure 3 Description of operation 420.

[0491] During regeneration operation, controller 70 can control at least one valve 230 and / or pump 16 to allow external water to flow into the second discharge channel 227 (720) through the third channel 13. Related descriptions are omitted here to avoid repetition. Figure 11 The description of operation 620 is as described in the text.

[0492] Figure 18 An example is shown. Figure 15 An example of water flow during the regeneration operation of a water treatment device is shown in the figure.

[0493] Figure 18 The diagram shows water introduced from the outside into the CDI module 200 passing through the third channel 13 and being discharged into the second discharge channel 227. Related descriptions are omitted to avoid repetition. Figure 13 The description of water flow in the text.

[0494] Refer again Figure 15During the descaling operation, the water treatment device 2 can apply a second positive voltage (730) to the third current collector 13a.

[0495] The amplitude of the second positive voltage applied to the third current collector 13a during the descaling operation can be greater than the amplitude of the first positive voltage applied to the second current collector 12a during the regeneration operation.

[0496] The magnitude of the second positive voltage applied to the third current collector 13a during the descaling operation can be preset within a range that allows for the electrolysis of water in the fourth channel 14.

[0497] The magnitude of the first positive voltage applied to the second current collector 12a during the regeneration operation can be less than or equal to 0.6V, while the magnitude of the second positive voltage applied to the third current collector 13a during the descaling operation can be greater than 0.6V.

[0498] For example, the controller 70 can apply a first positive voltage to the second current collector 12a during regeneration operation, and can apply a second positive voltage with an amplitude greater than the first positive voltage to the third current collector 13a during descaling operation.

[0499] The controller 70 can apply a second positive voltage with an amplitude greater than the first positive voltage to the third current collector 13a during the descaling operation, thereby electrolyzing the water in the fourth channel 14.

[0500] During the descaling operation, the acidic water generated in the fourth channel 14 can remove the scale adhering to the second porous electrode 12b and the cation exchange membrane 12c.

[0501] According to an embodiment, the CDI module 100 can generate acidic water on its own, thereby removing scale from the CDI module 100 without user intervention or additional equipment.

[0502] Figure 19 An example is shown. Figure 15 An example of water flow during descaling operation of a water treatment device is shown in the figure.

[0503] Figure 19 It is shown that water introduced from the outside into the CDI module 200 flows through the fourth channel 14, and then through the first inlet 202 and / or the second inlet 204 into the third channel 13 and / or the second channel 12, and then the water in the third channel 13 and / or the second channel 12 is discharged into the second discharge channel 227.

[0504] In an embodiment, during descaling operation, the controller 70 may control at least one valve 230 and / or pump 16 to allow external water to be introduced into the third channel 13 and / or the second channel 12 through the fourth channel 14, and to allow water in the third channel 13 and / or the second channel 12 to be discharged into the second discharge channel 227 (730).

[0505] In one embodiment, during the descaling operation, the controller 70 may operate the pump 16 to direct external water to the first flow channel 221.

[0506] During the descaling operation, the controller 70 can control the first valve 30a to allow water pumped into the first flow channel 221 to flow into the second flow channel 222.

[0507] Water flowing in the second channel 222 can flow into the circulation channel 225 through the fourth channel 14.

[0508] During descaling operation, the controller 70 can open the third valve 30c to allow water flowing in the circulation channel 225 to flow into the third channel 13 through the first inlet 202.

[0509] During descaling operation, the controller 70 can open the third valve 30c to allow water flowing in the circulation channel 225 to flow into the second channel 12 through the second inlet 204.

[0510] During the descaling operation, the controller 70 can control the fourth valve 230d to allow water in the third channel 13 and / or the second channel 12 to flow into the second discharge channel 227 through the first outlet 203.

[0511] According to an embodiment, during the descaling operation, the acidic water generated in the fourth channel 14 can flow into the third channel 13 and / or the second channel 12, thereby removing the scale attached to one side of the second electrode 12ab and / or the cation exchange membrane 12c. When the acidic water generated in the fourth channel 14 moves to the third channel 13 and / or the second channel 12, it can remove the scale attached to the other side of the first electrode 11ab, the anion exchange membrane 11c and / or the cation exchange membrane 12c.

[0512] In one embodiment, the controller 70 may operate the pump 16 based on the start of the descaling operation.

[0513] In one embodiment, the controller 70 can operate the pump 16 continuously during the descaling operation.

[0514] In an embodiment, during the descaling operation, the controller 70 may also operate the pump 16 after a predetermined time following the application of a second positive voltage to the third current collector 13a.

[0515] For example, the preset time can be a period of time during which the pH of the water in the second channel 12 is allowed to drop below 4.

[0516] In this embodiment, during the descaling operation, the controller 70 can increase the operating RPM of the pump 16 for a predetermined time. During the descaling operation, the controller 70 can increase the operating RPM of the pump 16 to the maximum operating RPM for a predetermined time.

[0517] During descaling operations, the controller 70 can control the maximum operating RPM of the pump 16 to the third target RPM.

[0518] For example, a third target RPM can be preset to ensure sufficient mechanical cleaning power to remove the deposited scale, while water flowing into the third channel 13 through the first inlet 202 flows into the fourth channel 224, or water flowing into the second channel 12 through the second inlet 204 flows into the fourth channel 224.

[0519] The first target RPM (the maximum operating RPM of pump 16 in deionization operation) and / or the second target RPM (the maximum operating RPM of pump 16 in regeneration operation) may be less than the third target RPM, which is the maximum operating RPM of pump 16 in descaling operation.

[0520] The controller 70 can control the maximum operating RPM of the pump 16 to a first RPM during deionization and / or regeneration operations, and can control the maximum operating RPM of the pump 16 to a second RPM greater than the first RPM during descaling operations.

[0521] The controller 70 can control the maximum operating RPM of the pump 16 to be equal to or less than a first RPM during deionization and / or regeneration operations, and can control the maximum operating RPM of the pump 16 to a second RPM greater than the first RPM during descaling operations.

[0522] According to an embodiment, the controller 70 can increase the operating RPM of the pump 16 for a predetermined time during the descaling operation, thereby enhancing the physical cleaning power due to the increased flow rate.

[0523] In an embodiment, during the descaling operation, the controller 70 can repeat the process of applying a second positive voltage to the second current collector 12a for a predetermined time and then operating the pump 16 for a predetermined time a predetermined number of times.

[0524] Based on various implementation plans, and referring to Figures 7 to 10 The described implementation scheme can also be applied to water treatment device 2.

[0525] Figure 20 A washing machine connected to a water treatment device is shown according to one of several embodiments. Figure 21 This is a cross-sectional view of a washing machine that uses a water treatment apparatus according to one of the several embodiments.

[0526] refer to Figure 20 and Figure 21 The washing machine 1010 is described as connecting and / or applying water treatment devices 1 and / or 2 according to embodiments of the present invention.

[0527] The washing machine 1010 may include a washing machine housing 1011 therein, which houses various components. The washing machine housing 1011 may shape the appearance of the washing machine 1010. The washing machine housing 1011 may have a box shape with one side open.

[0528] 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 generally forward.

[0529] The washing machine 1010 may include a door 1013 for opening and closing a housing opening 1012 formed in the washing machine housing 1011. The door 1013 may be pivotally coupled to the washing machine housing 1011 using a hinge 1014. At least a portion of the door 1013 may be transparent or translucent to allow observation of the interior of the washing machine housing 1011.

[0530] The washing machine 1010 may include a tub 1020 provided in the washing machine housing 1011 for storing water. The tub 1020 may be located within the washing machine housing 1011. The tub 1020 may include a tub opening 1022, provided corresponding to a housing opening 1012. The tub opening 1022 may open generally forward. 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.

[0531] The tub 1020 can be elastically supported by the washing machine housing 1011 via 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.

[0532] The washing machine 1010 may include a drum 1030 provided for accommodating clothes. The drum 1030 may 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 the clothes to rise and fall during the rotation of the drum 1030.

[0533] The roller 1030 may include a roller opening 1032, which is provided to correspond to the housing opening 1012 and the tub opening 1022. Clothing can be placed into and removed from the roller 1030 through the housing opening 1012, the tub opening 1022, and the roller opening 1032.

[0534] The washing machine 1010 may include a washing machine drive device 1040 for rotating the drum 1030. The washing machine drive device 1040 may include a drive motor 1041 and a rotating shaft 1042 for transmitting the driving force generated by the drive motor 1041 to the drum 1030. The rotating shaft 1042 may pass through the tub 1020 to be connected to the drum 1030.

[0535] 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 rotating shaft 1042 is connected to the drive motor 1041 via the pulley 1043 to rotate the drum 1030.

[0536] The washing machine 1010 according to the embodiment can be provided as an indirect drive type, but is not limited thereto, and can also be provided as a direct drive type.

[0537] One end of the rotating shaft 1042 can be connected to the roller 1030, and the other end of the rotating shaft 1042 can be connected to the pulley 1043 to receive driving force from the drive motor 1041. A motor pulley 1041a can be provided at the rotating shaft of the drive motor 1041. A drive belt 1044 can be provided between the motor pulley 1041a and the pulley 1043, and the rotating shaft 1042 can be driven by the drive belt 1044.

[0538] A bearing housing 1045 for rotatably supporting the rotating shaft 1042 can be installed in the rear region of the barrel 1020. The bearing housing 1045 can be formed of aluminum alloy and can be inserted into the rear region of the barrel 1020 during injection molding.

[0539] The washing machine drive device 1040 can be provided to perform washing, rinsing and / or spin-drying or drying operations by causing the drum 1030 to rotate in the forward and reverse directions.

[0540] 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 provided 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.

[0541] 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.

[0542] The washing machine 1010 may include a detergent supply device 1060 for supplying detergent to the tub 1020. The detergent supply device 1060 supplies detergent to the tub 1020 during water circulation. Water supplied via a water supply pipe 1051 may pass through the detergent supply device 1060 to mix with the detergent. The water mixed with the detergent may be supplied to the tub 1020. The detergent may include not only laundry detergent but also rinsing agents, deodorants, disinfectants, or fragrances for dryers. The detergent supply device 1060 may be connected to the tub 1020 via a connecting pipe 1061.

[0543] The washing machine 1010 may include a drain device 1070. The drain device 1070 drains water contained in the tub 1020 to the outside. The drain device 1070 may include: a drain pump 1073 for draining 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 to allow water contained in the tub 1020 to be introduced into the drain pump 1073; and a drain hose 1074 for 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 provided at the connecting hose 1071 to open and close the connecting hose 1071.

[0544] The washing machine 1010 may provide a user interface device 1015 for interaction between the user and the washing machine 1010.

[0545] 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.

[0546] At least one input interface 1016 can convert sensory information received from the user into electrical signals.

[0547] At least one input interface 1016 may include a power button, an operation button, a program selection knob (or program 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 rotary knob, and / or a microphone.

[0548] At least one output interface 1017 can send various data related to the operation of the washing machine 1010 to the user by generating sensory information.

[0549] For example, at least one output interface 1017 can send information to the user related to the washing program, 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.

[0550] Water treatment devices 1 and / or 2 according to various embodiments can be provided for removing ions from water supplied to washing machine 1010.

[0551] For example, water treatment devices 1 and / or 2 can be installed outside the washing machine 1010, such as... Figure 20 As shown. Water treatment devices 1 and / or 2 can be installed outside the washing machine 1010 and can remove ions from the water supplied to the washing machine 1010. Water treatment devices 1 and / or 2 can be provided at the flow channel connecting the external water source and the washing machine 1010.

[0552] For example, water treatment devices 1 and / or 2 can be installed inside the washing machine 1010, such as Figure 21 As shown. Water treatment devices 1 and / or 2 can be connected to the water supply pipe 1051. For example, the first flow channel 21 of the CDI module 100 can be connected to the water supply pipe 1051. Water treatment devices 1 and / or 2 can remove ions from the water flowing through the water supply pipe 1051. The location of water treatment devices 1 and / or 2 is not limited to the water supply pipe 1051, and water treatment devices 1 and / or 2 can be provided at various locations along the path of water supplied to the washing machine 1010.

[0553] Water treatment devices 1 and / or 2 according to various embodiments may be installed outside and / or inside the washing machine 1010.

[0554] Water treatment devices 1 and / or 2 can perform deionization during the water supply cycle of washing machine 1010. In an embodiment, washing machine 1010 can send a water supply start signal to water treatment devices 1 and / or 2 based on the fulfillment of conditions for starting water supply cycle. Water treatment devices 1 and / or 2 can perform deionization in response to receiving the water supply start signal from washing machine 1010.

[0555] Water treatment devices 1 and / or 2 can perform a regeneration operation based on the termination of the water supply cycle of washing machine 1010. In an embodiment, washing machine 1010 can send a water supply termination signal to water treatment devices 1 and / or 2 based on the fulfillment of conditions for terminating the water supply cycle. Water treatment devices 1 and / or 2 can perform a regeneration operation in response to receiving the water supply termination signal from washing machine 1010.

[0556] Based on the conditions for descaling operation, water treatment devices 1 and / or 2 can perform descaling operation while washing machine 1010 is not performing water supply circulation.

[0557] Figure 22 A chiller connected to a water treatment apparatus according to an embodiment is shown. Figure 23 The refrigerator door, connected to an embodiment of the water treatment apparatus according to an embodiment, is shown in an open state. Figure 24 This is a cross-sectional view of a refrigerator using a water treatment apparatus according to one of the several embodiments.

[0558] refer to Figures 22 to 24 The text describes the connection and / or application of a water treatment device 1 and / or 2 to a refrigerator 2000 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0559] The refrigerator 2000 according to an embodiment may include a main body 2010.

[0560] The main body 2010 may include an inner cabinet, an outer cabinet located outside the inner cabinet, and insulating material disposed between the inner cabinet and the outer cabinet.

[0561] The inner cabinet may include at least one of the enclosure, panel, panel, or liner that constitutes storage rooms 2020 and 2030. The inner cabinet may be formed as a single unit or as an assembly of multiple panels. The outer cabinet may form the appearance of the main body and may be coupled to the outside of the inner cabinet to allow insulation material to be placed between the inner and outer cabinets.

[0562] The insulating material can isolate the interior and exterior of storage compartments 2020 and 2030 to maintain the internal temperature of storage compartments 2020 and 2030 at a pre-set appropriate temperature, unaffected by the external environment. According to an embodiment, the insulating material may include foam insulation. Foam insulation can be formed by injecting and blowing polyurethane foam, comprising polyurethane and a foaming agent, into the space between the inner and outer cabinets.

[0563] According to embodiments, in addition to foam insulation, the insulation material may also include vacuum insulation, or the insulation material may be formed solely of vacuum insulation instead of foam insulation. Vacuum insulation may include a core material and an outer shell material, the outer shell material housing the core material and sealing the interior under vacuum or near-vacuum pressure. However, the insulation material is not limited to the aforementioned foam insulation or vacuum insulation, and may include a variety of other materials suitable for insulation.

[0564] Storage rooms 2020 and 2030 may include spaces defined by inner cabinets. Storage rooms 2020 and 2030 may also include inner cabinets defining spaces corresponding to those in storage rooms 2020 and 2030. Storage rooms 2020 and 2030 may store various items such as food, medicine, and cosmetics, and may be configured to have an open side for loading and unloading items.

[0565] Refrigerator 2000 may include one or more storage compartments 2020 and 2030. In the case where refrigerator 2000 includes two or more storage compartments 2020 and 2030, each of the storage compartments 2020 and 2030 may have a different purpose and be maintained at a different temperature. For this purpose, each of the storage compartments 2020 and 2030 may be separated by a barrier wall 2011 comprising insulating material.

[0566] Storage compartments 2020 and 2030 can be provided within appropriate temperature ranges according to their intended use, and may include refrigerated compartments, freezers, or variable temperature compartments categorized according to their use and / or temperature range. Refrigerated compartments can be maintained at temperatures suitable for storing items under refrigeration, and freezers can be maintained at temperatures suitable for storing items in a frozen state. Refrigeration can refer to keeping items in a refrigerated state without freezing, and for example, a refrigerated compartment can be maintained in a temperature range of 0°C to 7°C. Freezing can refer to cooling items to be frozen or to be kept in a frozen state, and for example, a freezer can be maintained in a temperature range of -20°C to -1°C. Variable temperature compartments can be used as refrigerated compartments or freezers, either by user selection or independent of user selection.

[0567] In addition to refrigerators, freezers, and variable temperature compartments, storage compartments 2020 and 2030 may also be referred to by various names, such as vegetable compartments, fresh food compartments, cooling compartments, and ice-making compartments. The terms such as refrigerator, freezer, and variable temperature compartment as used below should be understood to encompass storage compartments 2020 and 2030, each with its respective purpose and temperature range.

[0568] Storage compartments 2020 and 2030 may include shelves 2023 for placing food thereon, and at least one storage box 2027 for storing food in a sealed state.

[0569] According to an embodiment, the refrigerator 2000 may include one or more doors 2021, 2022, and 2031 on an opening side of storage compartments 2020 and 2030 for opening and closing. Doors 2021, 2022, and 2031 may be provided for opening and closing each of one or more storage compartments 2020 and 2030, or one of doors 2021, 2022, and 2031 may be provided for opening and closing multiple storage compartments 2020 and 2030. Doors 2021, 2022, and 2031 may be rotatably or slidably mounted on the front of the body 2010.

[0570] Doors 2021, 2022, and 2031 can be configured to seal storage compartments 2020 and 2030 when doors 2021, 2022, and 2031 are closed. Similar to the body 2010, doors 2021, 2022, and 2031 may include insulating material to insulate storage compartments 2020 and 2030 when doors 2021, 2022, and 2031 are closed.

[0571] According to an embodiment, doors 2021, 2022, and 2031 may include an outer door panel constituting the front portion of doors 2021, 2022, and 2031, an inner door panel constituting the rear portion of doors 2021, 2022, and 2031 and facing storage rooms 2020 and 2030, an upper cover, a lower cover, and door insulation material provided therein.

[0572] A gasket 2028 may be provided on the edge of the inner door panel to make tight contact with the body 2010, thereby sealing storage compartments 2020 and 2030 when doors 2021, 2022 and 2031 are closed. The inner door panel may include a rearwardly projecting dyke 2025 to allow a door basket 2024 for storing items to be mounted thereon.

[0573] According to an embodiment, when a storage compartment 2020 is opened and closed by two doors 2021 and 2022, the refrigerator 2000 may include a rotating rod 2026 to control the cooling air of the storage compartment 2020 by sealing the gap between the two doors 2021 and 2022.

[0574] According to embodiments, doors 2021, 2022, and 2031 may include a door body and a front panel detachably coupled to the front of the door body and forming the front of the door. The door body may include an outer door panel forming the front of the door body, an inner door panel defining the rear of the door body and facing the storage compartment, a top cover, a bottom cover, and door insulation material provided therein.

[0575] Based on the arrangement of doors 2021, 2022, and 2031, and 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.

[0576] According to an embodiment, the refrigerator 2000 may include a cooling air supply device for supplying cooling air to the storage compartments 2020 and 2030.

[0577] Cooling air supply equipment may include machines, instruments, electronic equipment and / or combinations thereof configured to cool storage rooms 2020 and 2030 by generating and directing cooling air.

[0578] According to an embodiment, the cooling air supply device can generate cooling air via a refrigeration cycle that includes processes of refrigerant compression, condensation, expansion, and evaporation. To this end, the cooling air supply device may include a refrigeration cycle device comprising a compressor, condenser, expander, and evaporator capable of driving the refrigeration cycle. According to an embodiment, the cooling 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 using the Peltier effect.

[0579] According to an embodiment, the refrigerator 2000 may include a machine compartment in which at least some components of a cooling air supply device are located.

[0580] The machine room can be arranged to be separate from and insulated from storage rooms 2020 and 2030 to prevent heat generated by components located in the machine room from being transferred to storage rooms 2020 and 2030. The interior of the machine room can be configured to communicate with the exterior of the main body 2010 to dissipate heat from components located in the machine room.

[0581] According to an embodiment, the refrigerator 2000 may include a dispenser 2090 provided at one or more doors 2021 to provide water and / or ice. The dispenser 2090 may be provided at the door 2021 to allow a user to access the dispenser 2090 without opening the door 2021.

[0582] Distributor 2090 may include a water intake space 2091 and an operating lever, wherein a container is installed in the water intake space 2091 to take water or ice, and the operating lever is configured to operate distributor 2090 to discharge water or ice.

[0583] According to an embodiment, the refrigerator 2000 may include an ice maker 2080 provided to produce ice. The ice maker 2080 may include an ice tray for storing water, an ice release device configured to release ice from the ice tray, and an ice bucket 2083 for storing ice made in the ice tray.

[0584] An ice maker 2080 may be located in an ice-making chamber 2081, which is situated at the upper corner of a storage chamber 2020. The ice-making chamber 2081 may be provided to be separated from the storage chamber 2020 by an ice-making chamber wall 2082. The ice-making chamber 2081 may be equipped with a auger 2084 for conveying ice stored in an ice bucket 2083 to a chute 2094.

[0585] 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.

[0586] According to an embodiment, the refrigerator 2000 may include a water supply channel 2061 for ice making to supply water to the ice maker 2080, and a water supply channel 2062 for a dispenser to supply water to the dispenser 2090.

[0587] According to an embodiment, the refrigerator 2000 may include a controller (not shown) for controlling the refrigerator 2000.

[0588] 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 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.

[0589] Input interfaces can include keys, touchscreens, microphones, etc. Input interfaces can receive user input and send it to the processor.

[0590] Output interfaces can include displays, speakers, etc. Output interfaces can output various notifications, messages, and information generated by the processor.

[0591] Water treatment devices 1 and / or 2, according to various embodiments, can remove ions from water supplied to refrigerator 2000.

[0592] Water treatment devices 1 and / or 2 according to various embodiments may be installed outside and / or inside the refrigerator 2000.

[0593] For example, water treatment units 1 and / or 2 can be installed outside the refrigerator 2000, such as Figure 22 and Figure 23 As shown. Water treatment devices 1 and / or 2 can be installed outside the refrigerator 2000 and can remove ions from the water supplied to the refrigerator 2000. Water treatment devices 1 and / or 2 can be installed at the flow channel connecting the external water source to the refrigerator 2000.

[0594] For example, water treatment devices 1 and / or 2 can be installed inside the refrigerator 2000, such as Figure 24 As shown. Water treatment devices 1 and / or 2 can be connected to a water supply line. For example, the first flow channel 21 of the CDI module 100 can be connected to a water supply line. Water treatment devices 1 and / or 2 can remove ions from the water flowing through the water supply line. The location of water treatment devices 1 and / or 2 is not limited to the water supply line, and water treatment devices 1 and / or 2 can be located at various locations through which water supplied to the refrigerator 2000 can pass.

[0595] Figure 25 A dishwasher connected to a water treatment device is shown according to one of several embodiments. Figure 26 This is a cross-sectional view of a dishwasher using a water treatment apparatus according to an embodiment.

[0596] refer to Figure 25 and Figure 26 The description includes a dishwasher 3100, to which water treatment devices 1 and / or 2, according to embodiments of the present invention, are connected and / or applied.

[0597] The dishwasher 3100 may include a main body 3110, a door 3120, a housing structure 3130, a sliding member 3140, a washing assembly 3150, and a user interface 3160.

[0598] The main body 3110 can form the appearance of the dishwasher 3100. The main body 3110 may include an opening 3111 on one side, and a washing tub 3112 that is opened and closed by a door 3120 and a machine chamber 3113 that is spatially separated from the washing tub 3112 may be located therein.

[0599] Door 3120 may be pivotally coupled to body 3110 to open and close opening 3111 of body 3110. Door 3120 may be coupled to lower region of body 3110 via hinge. A handle or recess for a handle may be formed on the outside of door 3120 to allow user to manually open door 3120.

[0600] The receiving structure 3130 is located spaced apart from the washing tub 3112, can slide back and forth, has holes of various sizes, and includes a first basket 3131, a second basket 3132, and a cutlery area 3133 to receive plates, etc.

[0601] Here, the first basket 3131 contains various tableware such as plates, dinner plates and kitchen utensils to be washed, the second basket 3132 contains cups, etc., and the tableware area 3133 contains forks, knives, spoons, chopsticks, knives, long-handled spoons, etc.

[0602] A sliding member 3140 may be provided in the washing tub 3112 to guide and slide the movement of each of the first basket 3131, the second basket 3132, and the dish area 3133.

[0603] The washing assembly 3150 can be provided in the machine room 3113 and the washing tub 3112, and can include a water supply device 3151, a water collection tank 3152, a heater 3153, a circulator 3154, a nozzle assembly 3155 and a drainage device 3156, and is configured to perform washing cycles, rinsing cycles, drying cycles, etc.

[0604] The water supply device 3151 may include a water supply pipe 3151a located between an external water source and a water collection tank 3152 and guiding water introduced from the outside to the water collection tank 3152, and a water supply valve 3151b that blocks water introduced from the outside.

[0605] The water collection tank 3152 can store 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 collection tank 3152, the circulator 3154, and the nozzle assembly 3155.

[0606] The heater 3153 may be located around the water collection tank 3152 and heat the washing water contained in the water collection tank 3152.

[0607] In addition, the water collection tank 3152 may also be provided with a temperature detector (not shown) to detect the temperature of the water.

[0608] The circulator 3154 can be provided between the water collection tank 3152 and the nozzle assembly 3155, and can pump the washing water contained in the water collection tank 3152 to supply the washing water to the nozzle assembly 3155 via the circulation pipe 3154b.

[0609] The circulator 3154 may include: a circulation pump 3154a for pumping washing water contained in a collection tank 3152; a plurality of circulation pipes 3154b for guiding the pumped washing water to a nozzle assembly 3155; and a valve 3154c provided at each circulation pipe 3154b to control the circulation of the pumped washing water.

[0610] The nozzle assembly 3155 can spray washing water supplied by the circulator 3154 onto various tableware placed in the first basket 3131, the second basket 3132, and the tableware area 3133.

[0611] The nozzle assembly 3155 may include a first nozzle 3155a disposed below the first basket 3131, a second nozzle 3155b disposed between the first basket 3131 and the second basket 3132, and a third nozzle 3155c disposed above the cutlery area 3133. The first nozzle 3155a, the second nozzle 3155b, and the third nozzle 3155c may be rotated by a rotor.

[0612] The drainage device 3156 can discharge the washing water contained in the water collection tank 3152 to the outside.

[0613] The drainage device 3156 may include: a drainage pump 3156a for pumping washing water contained in the collection tank 3152; and a drain pipe 3156b for guiding the pumped washing water to the outside. Additionally, the drainage device 3156 may also include a drain valve (not shown) to control the discharge of washing water contained in the collection tank 3152 to the outside.

[0614] User interface 3160 can be provided at the main body 3110 and can be used to operate and display the dishwasher's operating information.

[0615] The user interface 3160 can receive operational information such as various washing programs (e.g., standard programs and manual programs) and additional rinsing through user instructions, display information about the ongoing operation, and display error information in case of errors.

[0616] Here, the washing process may include a washing cycle that washes the dishes by spraying washing water onto the dishes, a rinsing cycle that rinses the dishes by spraying rinsing water onto the dishes, and a drying cycle that dries the rinsed dishes.

[0617] Water treatment devices 1 and / or 2, according to various embodiments, can be provided for removing ions from water supplied to dishwasher 3100.

[0618] Water treatment devices 1 and / or 2 according to various embodiments may be installed outside and / or inside the dishwasher 3100.

[0619] For example, water treatment devices 1 and / or 2 can be installed outside the dishwasher 3100, such as... Figure 25As shown. Water treatment devices 1 and / or 2 can be installed outside the dishwasher 3100 and can remove ions from the water supplied to the dishwasher 3100. Water treatment devices 1 and / or 2 can be provided at the flow channel connecting the external water source to the dishwasher 3100.

[0620] For example, water treatment devices 1 and / or 2 can be housed inside the dishwasher 3100, such as Figure 26 As shown. Water treatment devices 1 and / or 2 can be connected to water supply pipe 3151a. For example, the first flow channel 21 of CDI module 100 can be connected to water supply pipe 3151a. Water treatment devices 1 and / or 2 can remove ions from the water flowing through water supply pipe 3151a. The location of water treatment devices 1 and / or 2 is not limited to water supply pipe 3151a, and water treatment devices 1 and / or 2 can be located at various locations through which water supplied to dishwasher 3100 can pass.

[0621] Water treatment devices 1 and / or 2 can perform deionization during the water supply cycle of dishwasher 3100. The water supply cycle of dishwasher 3100 may include a washing cycle and a rinsing cycle.

[0622] In this embodiment, the dishwasher 3100 may send a water supply start signal to the water treatment devices 1 and / or 2 based on the fulfillment of conditions for initiating water supply circulation. The water treatment devices 1 and / or 2 may perform a deionization operation in response to receiving the water supply start signal from the dishwasher 3100.

[0623] Water treatment devices 1 and / or 2 can perform a regeneration operation based on the termination of the water supply cycle of dishwasher 3100. In an embodiment, dishwasher 3100 can send a water supply termination signal to water treatment devices 1 and / or 2 based on the fulfillment of conditions for terminating the water supply cycle. Water treatment devices 1 and / or 2 can perform a regeneration operation in response to receiving the water supply termination signal from dishwasher 3100.

[0624] Based on the conditions for descaling operation, water treatment devices 1 and / or 2 can perform descaling operation while the dishwasher 3100 is not performing water supply circulation.

[0625] Figure 27 A water purifier is shown as an application of a water treatment apparatus according to an embodiment.

[0626] refer to Figure 27 The present invention describes a water purifier 4001 according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 27 The water purifier 4001 shown may include water treatment device 1 and / or 2.

[0627] refer to Figure 27The water purifier 4001 may include a filter body 4010 and a dispenser 4050, the dispenser 4050 being connected to the filter body 4010 and configured to dispense liquid from the filter body 4010. The filter body 4010 may be disposed under a kitchen countertop 4002, and the dispenser 4050 may be disposed on the kitchen countertop 4002. The kitchen countertop 4002 may include a sink. The sink may include a sink bowl and a kitchen countertop.

[0628] Dispenser 4050 can be rotatably provided on top of kitchen countertop 4002. For example, dispenser 4050 can be rotatably mounted on top of sink. Dispenser 4050 can be connected to filter 4010 via connecting pipe 4040.

[0629] The filter body 4010 can be housed inside the kitchen workbench 4002. The filter body 4010 may include a filter unit 4020 and a heat exchanger 4030. The filter unit 4020 includes at least one filter 4021, and the heat exchanger 4030 is provided to cool or heat the liquid purified by the filter unit 4020. The heat exchanger 4030 may include a cooler and a heater.

[0630] The filter body 4010 can receive raw water, such as tap water, via an external pipe 4043.

[0631] 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.

[0632] The kitchen workbench 4002 may be provided with a mounting member 4003 for mounting a distributor 4050. The mounting member 4003 may be formed by opening 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.

[0633] Dispenser 4050 may be rotatably mounted on mounting member 4003. Water purifier 4001 may include rotating member 4060 to rotatably mount dispenser 4050 to mounting member 4003. Rotating member 4060 may be coupled to kitchen countertop 4002.

[0634] The water purifier 4001 may include a pipe fixing member 4070 provided for fixing pipes 4041, 4042. The pipe fixing member 4070 may be located inside the kitchen countertop 4002. The pipe fixing member 4070 may be disposed between the filter body 4010 and the distributor 4050. The pipe fixing member 4070 may be fixed to at least one of the filter body 4010 or the kitchen countertop 4002. Portions of pipes 4041 and 4042 may be wound around the pipe fixing member 4070. The lengths of pipes 4041 and 4042 may increase or decrease as portions of pipes 4041 and 4042 are wound or unwound around the pipe fixing member 4070.

[0635] The water purifier 4001 according to an embodiment may include water treatment devices 1 and / or 2. Water treatment devices 1 and / or 2 may be connected to an external conduit 4043. For example, the first flow channel 21 of the CDI module 100 may be connected to the external conduit 4043. Water treatment devices 1 and / or 2 can remove ions from the water flowing through the external conduit 4043. The location of water treatment devices 1 and / or 2 is not limited to the external conduit 4043, and water treatment devices 1 and / or 2 may be located at various locations through which water supplied to the water purifier 4001 can pass.

[0636] According to the embodiments, water treatment devices 1 and / or 2 can be applied to various products.

[0637] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the water treatment device 1 may include: a first channel 11 formed by a first current collector 11a and an anion exchange membrane 11c; a second channel 12 formed by a second current collector 12a and a cation exchange membrane 12c; a third channel 13 formed by anion exchange membrane 11c and a cation exchange membrane 12c; and a controller 70 configured to: in a deionization operation, to move cations contained in the water in the third channel 13 to the second channel 12 by applying a negative voltage to the second current collector 12a; in a regeneration operation, to move cations in the second channel 12 to the third channel 13 by applying a first positive voltage to the second current collector 12a; and in a descaling operation, to electrolyze the water in the second channel 12 by applying a second positive voltage greater than the first positive voltage to the second current collector 12a.

[0638] The second current collector 12a can be selected from the group consisting of transition metals, transition metal oxides, transition metal alloys, aluminum, alumina, graphene, size-stabilized anodes (DSA), and boron-doped diamond (BDD) electrodes.

[0639] The water treatment apparatus 1 may also include a porous electrode 12b electrically connected to a second current collector 12a and a spacer sc configured to ensure space between the porous electrode 12b and the cation exchange membrane 12c.

[0640] The water treatment device 1 may further include a first porous electrode 11b electrically connected to a first current collector 11a and a second porous electrode 12b electrically connected to a second current collector 12a. The gap g1 between the anion exchange membrane 11c and the first porous electrode 11b may be smaller than the gap g2 between the cation exchange membrane 12c and the second porous electrode 12b.

[0641] The water treatment device 1 may also include a porous electrode 12b electrically connected to the second current collector 12a. The thickness d2 of the gap g2 between the cation exchange membrane 12c and the porous electrode 12b may be 10 μm to 500 μm.

[0642] Applying a negative voltage to the second current collector 12a may include applying a positive voltage to the first current collector 11a, and applying a positive voltage to the second current collector 12a may include applying a negative voltage to the first current collector 11a.

[0643] The second current collector 12a can be made of a material that allows an aqueous solution of 1000ppm NaCl to reach a pH of less than or equal to 4 within 7 minutes at a current density of 25mA / cm2.

[0644] The water treatment apparatus 1 may further include: a first flow channel 21 configured to allow external water to flow in; a second flow channel 22 configured to allow water to flow from the first flow channel 21 to the second channel 12; a third flow channel 23 configured to allow water to flow from the first flow channel 21 to the third channel 13; and at least one valve 30 configured to allow water to flow from the first flow channel 21 to one of the second flow channel 22 or the third flow channel 23.

[0645] The controller 70 can be configured to: in deionization operation, control at least one valve 30 to allow water to flow from the first flow channel 21 to the third flow channel 23; and in descaling operation, control at least one valve 30 to allow water to flow from the first flow channel 21 to the second flow channel 22.

[0646] The water treatment apparatus 1 may also include a pump 16 configured to pump external water to the first flow channel 21. The controller 70 may be configured to control the maximum operating revolutions per minute (RPM) of the pump 16 to a first RPM during regeneration operations and to control the maximum operating RPM of the pump to a second RPM greater than the first RPM during descaling operations.

[0647] The water treatment device 1 may also include a circulation channel 25 configured to allow water discharged from the second channel 12 to flow into the third channel 13, and a circulation valve (30; 30c) configured to open and close the circulation channel 25.

[0648] The controller 70 can be configured to close the circulation channel 25 by controlling the circulation valve (30; 30c) during deionization and regeneration operations, and to open the circulation channel 25 by controlling the circulation valve (30; 30c) during descaling operations.

[0649] The water treatment apparatus 1 may further include: a first discharge channel 26 configured to allow water discharged from the third channel 13 to flow; a second discharge channel 27 configured to allow water discharged from the third channel 13 to flow; and at least one valve (30; 30c) configured to allow water discharged from the third channel 13 to reach one of the first discharge channel 26 or the second discharge channel 27. The controller 70 may be configured to, in deionization operation, control at least one valve (30; 30c) to allow water to flow from the third channel 13 to the first discharge channel 26, and in regeneration and descaling operations, control at least one valve (30; 30c) to allow water to flow from the third channel 13 to the second discharge channel 27.

[0650] The water treatment apparatus 1 may also include at least one sensor 50 configured to detect the water quality of the water discharged from the third channel 13. The controller 70 may be configured to perform a regeneration operation based on a deionization operation that has been performed for a predetermined period of time, and to perform a descaling operation based on the at least one sensor 50 meeting the descaling conditions.

[0651] According to an embodiment, a method for controlling the water treatment device 1 may include: in a deionization operation, applying a negative voltage to the second current collector 12a to move cations contained in the water in the third channel 13 to the second channel 12; in a regeneration operation, applying a first positive voltage to the second current collector 12a to move cations in the second channel 12 to the third channel 13; and in a descaling operation, applying a second positive voltage with an amplitude greater than the first positive voltage to the second current collector 12a to electrolyze the water in the second channel 12.

[0652] The method for controlling the water treatment apparatus 1 may further include: in a deionization operation, controlling at least one valve 30 to allow water to flow from the first flow channel 21 to the third flow channel 23; and in a descaling operation, controlling at least one valve 30 to allow water to flow from the first flow channel 21 to the second flow channel 22.

[0653] The method for controlling the water treatment device 1 may further include: in a regeneration operation, controlling the maximum operating RPM of the pump 16 to a first RPM, and in a descaling operation, controlling the maximum operating RPM of the pump 16 to a second RPM greater than the first RPM.

[0654] The method for controlling the water treatment device 1 may further include: controlling the circulation valve (30; 30c) to close the circulation channel 25 during deionization and regeneration operations, and controlling the circulation valve (30; 30c) to open the circulation channel 25 during descaling operations.

[0655] The method for controlling the water treatment device 1 may further include: in a deionization operation, controlling at least one valve 30 to allow water to flow from the third channel 13 to the first discharge channel 26; and in a regeneration operation and a descaling operation, controlling at least one valve 30 to allow water to flow from the third channel 13 to the second discharge channel 27.

[0656] The method of controlling the water treatment device 1 may further include: performing a regeneration operation based on the fact that the deionization operation has been performed for a predetermined period of time; and performing a descaling operation based on the fact that at least one sensor 50 configured to detect the water quality of the water discharged from the third channel 13 meets the descaling conditions.

[0657] The embodiments may be implemented in the form of a recording medium storing computer-executable instructions. The instructions may be stored as program code, and when executed by a processor, the instructions may generate program modules to perform the operations of the disclosed embodiments. The recording medium may be implemented as a computer-readable recording medium.

[0658] Computer-readable recording media may be provided in the form of non-transitory storage media. The term non-transitory storage media may refer to a tangible device that does not contain signals (e.g., electromagnetic waves) and may store data in a storage medium without distinction between semi-permanent and temporary storage. For example, a non-transitory storage medium may include a buffer for temporarily storing data.

[0659] Methods according to various embodiments may be provided in a computer program product. The computer program product may be a commercial product that can be traded between a seller and a buyer. The computer program product may be in the form of a storage medium (e.g., a compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM)), through an app store (e.g., the Play Store™), directly between two user devices (e.g., smartphones), or online (e.g., downloaded or uploaded). In the case of online distribution, at least a portion of the computer program product (e.g., a downloadable application) may be at least temporarily stored or arbitrarily generated in a storage medium that may be device-readable, such as a manufacturer's server, an app store's server, or a relay server.

[0660] According to exemplary embodiments, at least one of the components, elements, modules, or units (collectively referred to as "components" in this paragraph) represented by the blocks in the accompanying drawings can be embodied in various numbers of hardware, software, and / or firmware structures that perform the functions described above. For example, at least one of these components can use direct circuit structures, such as memory, processor, logic circuits, lookup tables, etc., which can perform the corresponding functions under the control of one or more microprocessors or other control devices. Furthermore, at least one of these components can be embodied in a portion of a module, program, or code containing one or more executable instructions for performing a specified logical function, and executed by one or more microprocessors or other control devices. Additionally, at least one of these components can include, or can be implemented by, a processor such as a central processing unit (CPU), microprocessor, etc., that performs the corresponding function. Two or more of these components can be combined into a single component that performs all the operations or functions of the combined two or more components. Furthermore, at least a portion of the function of at least one of these components can be performed by another component. Moreover, although a bus is not shown in the above block diagrams, communication between components can be performed via a bus. The functional aspects of the above exemplary embodiments can be implemented in algorithms executed on one or more processors. Furthermore, the components represented by the blocks or processing steps can employ any number of techniques from related fields such as electronic configuration, signal processing and / or control, data processing, etc.

[0661] Although the disclosure has been shown and described with reference to specific embodiments, those skilled in the art will understand that changes and modifications may be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and scope of the embodiments, the scope of which is defined in the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A water treatment apparatus, comprising: The first channel includes the first current collector and the anion exchange membrane; The second channel includes a second current collector and a cation exchange membrane; The third channel includes the anion exchange membrane and the cation exchange membrane; as well as At least one processor is configured as follows: During the deionization operation, a negative voltage is applied to the second current collector to move cations contained in the water in the third channel to the second channel. During the regeneration operation, a first positive voltage is applied to the second current collector to move the cations in the second channel to the third channel, and During the descaling operation, a second positive voltage greater than the first positive voltage is applied to the second current collector to electrolyze the water in the second channel.

2. The water treatment apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The second current collector includes at least one of a transition metal, a transition metal oxide, a transition metal alloy, aluminum, alumina, graphene, a size-stabilized anode (DSA), and a boron-doped diamond (BDD) electrode.

3. The water treatment apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: The porous electrode is electrically connected to the second current collector; as well as A spacer is placed between the porous electrode and the cation exchange membrane.

4. The water treatment apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: The first porous electrode is electrically connected to the first current collector; as well as The second porous electrode is electrically connected to the second current collector. The gap between the anion exchange membrane and the first porous electrode is smaller than the gap between the cation exchange membrane and the second porous electrode.

5. The water treatment apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: The porous electrode is electrically connected to the second current collector. The thickness of the gap between the cation exchange membrane and the porous electrode ranges from 10 μm to 500 μm.

6. The water treatment apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, Applying the negative voltage to the second current collector includes applying a positive voltage to the first current collector, and Applying a positive voltage to the second current collector includes applying a negative voltage to the first current collector.

7. The water treatment apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The second current collector includes one configured to allow an aqueous solution of 1000 ppm NaCl to flow at 25 mA / cm. 2 The current density reaches a pH of less than or equal to 4 within 7 minutes for the material.

8. The water treatment apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: The first flow channel is configured to allow external water flow; The second flow channel is configured to allow water to flow from the first flow channel to the second channel; The third channel is configured to allow water to flow from the first channel to the third channel; as well as At least one valve is configured to allow water to flow from the first flow channel to one of the second and third flow channels.

9. The water treatment apparatus according to claim 8, wherein, The at least one processor is further configured to: During the deionization operation, controlling the at least one valve allows water to flow from the first flow channel to the third flow channel; and During the descaling operation, the at least one valve is controlled to allow water to flow from the first flow channel to the second flow channel.

10. The water treatment apparatus according to claim 8, further comprising: A pump is configured to deliver the external water pump to the first flow channel. The at least one processor is further configured to: During the regeneration operation, the maximum operating revolutions per minute (RPM) of the pump is controlled to a first RPM, and During the descaling operation, the maximum operating RPM of the pump is controlled to a second RPM that is greater than the first RPM.

11. The water treatment apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: A circulation channel is configured to allow water discharged from the second channel to flow into the third channel; as well as A circulation valve is configured to open and close the circulation channel.

12. The water treatment apparatus according to claim 11, wherein, The at least one processor is further configured to: During the deionization and regeneration operations, the circulation valve is controlled to close the circulation channel, and During the descaling operation, the circulation valve is controlled to open the circulation channel.

13. The water treatment apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: The first discharge channel is configured to allow water discharged from the third channel to flow; The second discharge channel is configured to allow water discharged from the third channel to flow; as well as At least one valve is configured to allow water discharged from the third channel to flow into one of the first discharge channel or the second discharge channel. The at least one processor is further configured to: During the deionization operation, controlling the at least one valve allows water to flow from the third channel to the first discharge channel, and During the regeneration and descaling operations, the at least one valve is controlled to allow water to flow from the third channel to the second discharge channel.

14. The water treatment apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: At least one sensor is configured to detect the water quality of the water discharged from the third channel. The at least one processor is further configured to: The regeneration operation is performed based on the fact that the deionization operation has already been performed for a predetermined period of time, and The descaling operation is performed based on the fact that at least one sensor meets the descaling conditions.

15. A method for controlling a water treatment apparatus, the water treatment apparatus comprising a first channel, a second channel, and a third channel, the first channel comprising a first current collector and an anion exchange membrane, the second channel comprising a second current collector and a cation exchange membrane, and the third channel comprising the anion exchange membrane and the cation exchange membrane, the method comprising: During the deionization operation, a negative voltage is applied to the second current collector to move cations contained in the water in the third channel to the second channel; During the regeneration operation, a first positive voltage is applied to the second current collector to move cations in the second channel to the third channel; as well as During the descaling operation, a second positive voltage greater than the first positive voltage is applied to the second current collector to electrolyze the water in the second channel.

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