Composite filters and water purifiers containing them

Abstract

The present invention relates to a composite filter and a water purifier including the same, and relates to a composite filter that is configured by integrating filter members so that raw water can be input, purified water can be output, and wash water can be discharged, thereby improving convenience for users; a head member of a housing part is provided with first and second partition walls to form independent flow paths in which raw water, purified water, and wash water do not mix, so that the passages through which raw water, purified water, and wash water flow are concentrated at the top of the composite filter, improving design freedom for other parts; and a composite filter and a water purifier including the same, which are configured so that a pre-manufactured first filter member can be used to manufacture a composite filter by arranging a second filter member to surround the first filter member via first, second, and third upper cap members in a filtration part.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a composite filter and a water purifier including the same. Since it is possible to discharge not only the incoming raw water and the purified water but also the washing water, the convenience of the user is improved by integrating the filter members to form a composite filter. The head member of the housing part is provided with first and second partition walls so that independent flow paths in which the raw water, the purified water, and the washing water are not mixed are formed, whereby the passages through which the raw water, the purified water, and the washing water flow are concentrated on the upper part of the composite filter, and the degree of freedom in the layout design of other parts can be improved. The present invention relates to a composite filter with improved manufacturability configured to be able to manufacture the composite filter by utilizing a pre-manufactured first filter member, and a water purifier including the same.

Background Art

[0002] Generally, a water purifier is a device that filters the incoming raw water into purified water that can be drunk by the user and provides it to the user. Such a water purifier uses a combination of multiple filters for filtering the raw water. However, when using such a combination of each filter, the layout inside the water purifier becomes complicated, and the volume occupied by the filters inside increases, resulting in an increase in the overall volume of the water purifier. Therefore, in order to solve this problem, a composite filter in which each filter is integrated may be used.

[0003] A water purification device disclosed in LG Electronics Co., Ltd.'s Korean Published Patent No. 10-2012-0054919 includes a composite filter. Such a composite filter comprises a first filter section and a second filter section, each of which is selected from known filters such as activated carbon filters, sedimentation filters, ceramic filters, and ultrafiltration filters. However, such a composite filter has the problem of a complex internal layout because the raw water inlet and purified water outlet are separated on the upper and lower sides of the filter housing. In addition, such a composite filter does not have a mechanism for cleaning the filters, which leads to a problem of a shorter replacement cycle for the composite filter.

[0004] Korean Published Patent No. 10-2015-0067664 of Coway Co., Ltd. discloses a water purification filter. Such a water purification filter comprises a first filtration member containing a nonwoven fabric composite layer and a carbon filtration section containing granular activated carbon. However, such a composite filter does not have a flow path for cleaning water to wash the filter, which leads to a problem of shorter replacement cycles for the composite filter and increased operating costs for the water purifier.

[0005] The water purifier disclosed in Korean Published Patent No. 10-2010-0133123 of Coway Co., Ltd. is equipped with a water filter capable of backwashing. Such a water purifier discloses a backwashing unit that cleans the water filter using residual water present in the filtration unit and wash water stored in a wash water storage tank connected to the filtration unit. However, since such a backwashing unit is provided separately from the water filter, there is a problem in that the overall size of the water purifier increases. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Korean Published Patent No. 10-2012-0054919 [Patent Document 2] Korean Published Patent Publication No. 10-2015-0067664 [Patent Document 3] Korean Published Patent No. 10-2010-0133123 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0007] To solve the aforementioned problems, the composite filter according to one embodiment of the present invention is capable of receiving raw water, outputting purified water, and discharging washing water, thereby improving user convenience by integrating filter members to form a composite filter; first and second partition walls are provided in the head member of the housing portion so that independent flow paths are formed in which raw water, purified water, and washing water are not mixed, thereby concentrating the passages through which raw water, purified water, and washing water flow to the upper part of the composite filter, thereby improving the design freedom of the layout of other parts; and the filtration portion is configured so that the second filter member surrounds the first filter member through first, second, and third upper cap members, thereby improving manufacturability by enabling the manufacture of a composite filter using a pre-manufactured first filter member.

[0008] In a composite filter according to one embodiment of the present invention, the filtration section is provided with a lower cap member coupled to the lower side of the second filter member to improve structural stability, and a flow path is formed through which the first purified water moves to the second filter member, so that the second purified water that is finally discharged moves upward, thereby improving the manufacturability of the composite filter.

[0009] In a composite filter according to one embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of discharge holes are formed on the side surface of the first filter member, and the washing water used to wash the first filter member moves through the plurality of discharge holes to the washing water discharge port via a first discharge passage formed between the first filter member and the body member. The washing water moves through an independent flow path without mixing with raw water or purified water, thereby improving the water quality of the purified water and improving user satisfaction.

[0010] In a composite filter according to one embodiment of the present invention, a first O-ring is formed between the first filter member and the first upper cap member to prevent cleaning water from flowing back into the first filter member. This aims to stably discharge the cleaning water to the outside and increase the service life of the first filter member.

[0011] In a composite filter according to one embodiment of the present invention, a second O-ring is formed between the second filter member and the body member to prevent the first purified water from moving to the second discharge passage. The objective is to improve the operational reliability of the composite filter by ensuring that the first purified water moves stably to the second filter member.

[0012] In a composite filter according to one embodiment of the present invention, a first spacer is formed between the body member and the first upper cap member, thereby improving the operational reliability of the composite filter by allowing the cleaning water to move smoothly between the body member and the first upper cap member.

[0013] In a composite filter according to one embodiment of the present invention, a second spacer is formed between the second upper cap member and the third upper cap member, thereby improving the operational reliability of the composite filter by allowing purified water to move smoothly between the second upper cap member and the third upper cap member.

[0014] In a composite filter according to one embodiment of the present invention, raw water flows into the first filter member through a first upward guide, so that the passages for raw water, purified water, and washing water are concentrated at the top of the composite filter, while the raw water is not mixed with the purified water or washing water, thereby improving the operational reliability of the composite filter.

[0015] In a composite filter according to one embodiment of the present invention, the first compartment wall is extended axially along the first upward guide, thereby effectively preventing the incoming raw water from mixing with the discharged washing water, and aiming to improve user satisfaction by improving the water quality of the final purified water discharged.

[0016] In a composite filter according to one embodiment of the present invention, the cleaning water that has passed through the first filter member is discharged to the outside through the second upward guide, thereby improving the operational stability of the composite filter while ensuring stable discharge of the cleaning water.

[0017] In a composite filter according to one embodiment of the present invention, the second compartment wall is extended axially along the second upward guide, thereby effectively preventing the discharged purified water from mixing with the discharged washing water, and aiming to improve user satisfaction through improved water quality of the purified water.

[0018] The water purifier according to one embodiment of the present invention aims to increase the product life of the composite filter and improve user satisfaction by selectively supplying raw water and washing water to the composite filter, thereby cleaning the composite filter with the washing water even though the purified water and washing water that are ultimately discharged are not mixed.

[0019] In a water purifier according to one embodiment of the present invention, the cleaning module utilizes raw water supplied from the raw water supply unit as cleaning water, thereby eliminating the need for a separate fluid supply to be used as cleaning water for the cleaning module, and thus improving the manufacturability of the water purifier.

[0020] In a water purifier according to one embodiment of the present invention, the objective is to improve the cleaning efficiency of the composite filter by having the cleaning module utilize purified water as cleaning water.

[0021] To solve the above problems, the composite filter according to another embodiment of the present invention can not only intake raw water and discharge purified water, but also discharge washing water. By integrating filter members to form a composite filter, the convenience for users is improved. The head member of the housing part is provided with first and second partition walls so that independent flow paths through which raw water, purified water, and washing water are not mixed are formed, and the passages through which raw water, purified water, and washing water flow are concentrated on the upper part of the composite filter, thereby improving the design freedom of the layout of other parts. The filtering part is configured such that the first to fifth upper cap members are arranged on the upper parts of the first filter member and the second filter member, so as to utilize the pre-manufactured first filter member to manufacture the composite filter and improve the manufacturability.

[0022] In the composite filter according to another embodiment of the present invention, the filtering part is provided with a lower cap member coupled to the lower side of the second filter member, improving the structural stability. A flow path through which the first purified water moves to the second filter member is formed, and the second purified water that finally flows out moves in the upward direction, aiming to improve the manufacturability of the composite filter.

[0023] In the composite filter according to another embodiment of the present invention, since the first purified water passing through the first filter member flows into the second filter member through the first upward guide, even when the second filter member is stacked and arranged on the upper part of the first filter member, the passages through which raw water, purified water, and washing water flow are concentrated on the upper part of the composite filter, aiming to improve the usability of the composite filter.

[0024] In the composite filter according to another embodiment of the present invention, since the washing water passing through the first filter member moves through the second upward guide, the washing water is not mixed with the purified water, aiming to improve the operation reliability of the composite filter.

[0025] In the composite filter according to another embodiment of the present invention, by coupling the upper cap guide of the third upper cap member to the second filter member, the second filter member is stably arranged above the first filter member to stably secure a passage through which the second purified water moves, aiming to improve the operating reliability of the composite filter.

[0026] In the composite filter according to another embodiment of the present invention, in order for the purified water passing through the second filter member to move through the fourth upward guide, it is aimed to improve the operating reliability of the composite filter so that the purified water is not mixed with the washing water.

[0027] In the composite filter according to another embodiment of the present invention, since the washing water passing through the first filter member is discharged to the outside through the fifth upward guide, it is aimed to improve the operating reliability of the composite filter so that the washing water is not mixed with the raw water.

[0028] In the composite filter according to another embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of discharge holes are formed on the side surface of the first filter member, and the washing water for washing the first filter member moves through the plurality of discharge holes and via the first discharge passage formed between the first filter member and the second upper cap member to the washing water discharge port, so that the washing water moves through an independent flow path without being mixed with the raw water or the purified water, aiming to improve user satisfaction through the improvement of the water quality of the purified water.

[0029] In the composite filter according to another embodiment of the present invention, since a first O-ring is formed between the second upper cap member and the first filter member to prevent the washing water from flowing back into the first filter member, the washing water is stably discharged to the outside, aiming to increase the service life of the first filter member.

[0030] In another embodiment of the present invention, a second O-ring is formed between the second upper cap member and the fifth upper cap member to prevent the cleaning water from flowing back into the first filter member. This aims to prevent the cleaning water from mixing with the raw water and improve the operational reliability of the composite filter.

[0031] In a composite filter according to another embodiment of the present invention, a third O-ring is formed between the second upper cap member and the lower cap member to prevent the second purified water filtered by the second filter member from moving to the second discharge passage. This aims to improve the operational reliability of the composite filter by preventing the second purified water from mixing with the washing water.

[0032] In another embodiment of the present invention, a composite filter is provided in which a fourth O-ring is formed between the first upper cap member and the second upper cap member to prevent the second purified water from flowing into the first discharge passage. This aims to prevent the second purified water from mixing with the washing water and to improve the operational reliability of the composite filter.

[0033] In another embodiment of the present invention, a fifth O-ring is formed between the lower cap member and the fourth upper cap member to prevent the second purified water from flowing into the second discharge passage. This aims to prevent the second purified water from mixing with the washing water and improve the operational reliability of the composite filter.

[0034] In another embodiment of the present invention, a first spacer is formed between the fourth upper cap member and the fifth upper cap member, so that the cleaning water moves smoothly upward through the space between the fourth upper cap member and the fifth upper cap member, thereby improving the operational reliability of the composite filter.

[0035] In a composite filter according to another embodiment of the present invention, a second spacer is formed between the fifth upper cap member and the case member, so that raw water moves smoothly to the bottom through the space between the fifth upper cap member and the case member, and although the composite filter is configured with a stacked structure of the first filter member and the second filter member, the passages through which raw water, purified water, and washing water flow are concentrated at the top of the composite filter, thereby improving the ease of use of the composite filter.

[0036] In another embodiment of the present invention, a water purifier is supplied with raw water and washing water selectively to a composite filter. This ensures that the purified water and washing water that are ultimately discharged are not mixed, yet the washing water cleans the composite filter. This aims to increase the product life of the composite filter and improve user satisfaction.

[0037] In another embodiment of the present invention, the cleaning module utilizes raw water supplied from the raw water supply unit as cleaning water, thereby eliminating the need for a separate fluid supply to be used as cleaning water for the cleaning module, and thus improving the manufacturability of the water purifier.

[0038] In another embodiment of the present invention, the objective is to improve the cleaning efficiency of the composite filter by having the cleaning module utilize purified water as cleaning water.

[0039] To solve the aforementioned problems, the composite filter according to yet another embodiment of the present invention is capable of not only receiving raw water and outputting purified water but also discharging washing water, thus improving user convenience by integrating filter members to form a composite filter, and by providing first and second partition walls in the head member of the housing part so that independent flow paths are formed in which raw water, purified water and washing water are not mixed, the passages through which raw water, purified water and washing water flow are concentrated in the upper part of the composite filter, improving the design freedom of the layout of other parts, and the filtration section is configured so that the first filter member and the second filter member are arranged in a laminated structure using a first body member, a first upper cap member, a second upper cap member, a first lower cap member and a third upper cap member, thereby improving manufacturability by enabling the manufacture of a composite filter using a pre-manufactured first filter member.

[0040] In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the composite filter is provided with a second lower cap member coupled to the lower side of the second filter member in the filtration section to improve structural stability, and a flow path is formed through which the first purified water moves to the second filter member, so that the second purified water that is finally discharged moves upward, thereby improving the manufacturability of the composite filter.

[0041] In yet another embodiment of the present invention, in a composite filter, raw water flows into the first filter member through a first upward guide, so that the passages for raw water, purified water, and washing water are concentrated at the top of the composite filter, while the raw water is not mixed with the purified water or washing water, thereby improving the operational reliability of the composite filter.

[0042] In a composite filter according to yet another embodiment of the present invention, the cleaning water that has passed through the first filter member is discharged to the outside through the second upward guide, thereby improving the operational stability of the composite filter while ensuring stable discharge of the cleaning water.

[0043] In yet another embodiment of the present invention, in a composite filter, the first purified water that has passed through the first filter member moves to the lower side of the second filter member through the first lower cap guide. Therefore, even if the first filter member and the second filter member have a stacked structure, the first purified water moves smoothly to the second filter member, with the aim of improving the operational reliability of the composite filter.

[0044] In a composite filter according to yet another embodiment of the present invention, the upper cap guide of the third upper cap member is coupled with the second filter member, thereby stably securing a passage for the second purified water to move between the first filter member and the second filter member, and thus improving the operational stability of the composite filter.

[0045] In yet another embodiment of the present invention, a composite filter is provided in which a plurality of discharge holes are formed on the side surface of the first filter member, and the washing water used to wash the first filter member moves through the plurality of discharge holes to a washing water discharge port via a first discharge passage formed between the first filter member and the first body member. The washing water moves through an independent flow path without mixing with raw water or purified water, thereby improving the water quality of the purified water and improving user satisfaction.

[0046] In yet another embodiment of the present invention, a composite filter is provided in which a first O-ring is formed between the first upper cap member and the first filter member to prevent the cleaning water from flowing back into the first filter member. This allows the cleaning water to be stably discharged to the outside, thereby increasing the service life of the first filter member.

[0047] In yet another embodiment of the present invention, a composite filter is provided in which a second O-ring is formed between the second upper cap member and the first body member to prevent the washing water from mixing with the second purified water, thereby improving the operational reliability of the composite filter.

[0048] In yet another embodiment of the present invention, a composite filter is provided in which a third O-ring is formed between the first filter member and the first lower cap member to prevent washing water from flowing into the second filter member. This prevents the washing water from mixing with the first purified water, thereby ensuring the quality of the purified water and improving user satisfaction.

[0049] In yet another embodiment of the present invention, a composite filter is provided in which a fourth O-ring is formed between the first body member and the first lower cap member to prevent the washing water from mixing with the second purified water, thereby improving the operational reliability of the composite filter.

[0050] In yet another embodiment of the present invention, a fifth O-ring is formed between the second body member and the third upper cap member to prevent the second purified water from flowing back into the second filter member. This is intended to improve the operational stability of the composite filter by allowing the second purified water to move smoothly upwards.

[0051] In yet another embodiment of the present invention, a first spacer is formed between the first upper cap member and the first body member, so that the cleaning water moves smoothly upward through the space between the first upper cap member and the second upper cap member, thereby improving the operational reliability of the composite filter.

[0052] In yet another embodiment of the present invention, a second spacer is formed between the second upper cap member and the case member, thereby improving the operational reliability of the composite filter by allowing purified water to move smoothly between the second upper cap member and the case member.

[0053] In yet another embodiment of the present invention, a water purifier is supplied with raw water and washing water selectively to a composite filter. This ensures that the purified water and washing water that are ultimately discharged are not mixed, yet the washing water cleans the composite filter. This aims to increase the product life of the composite filter and improve user satisfaction.

[0054] In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the water purifier utilizes raw water supplied from the raw water supply unit as cleaning water in the cleaning module, thereby eliminating the need for a separate fluid supply to be used as cleaning water in the cleaning module, and thus improving the manufacturability of the water purifier.

[0055] In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the objective is to improve the cleaning efficiency of the composite filter by having the cleaning module utilize purified water as cleaning water.

[0056] The problems that the present invention addresses are not limited to those mentioned above, and any other problems not mentioned can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description. [Means for solving the problem]

[0057] To achieve the above objective, a composite filter according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a housing portion equipped with a raw water inlet port for raw water to enter, a purified water outlet port for filtered purified water to exit, and a washing water outlet port for washing water to be discharged; and a filtration portion equipped with a first filter member for filtering the raw water to produce first purified water, and a second filter member for filtering the first purified water to produce second purified water and arranged to surround the first filter member, wherein the housing portion includes a first partition wall for preventing the raw water and the washing water from mixing, and a second partition wall for preventing the second purified water and the washing water from mixing. The filter comprises a body and a head member having a body and a case member extending from the head member and having the filter unit disposed inside thereof, wherein the filter unit includes a body member disposed between the first filter member and the second filter member, a first upper cap member disposed inside the body member with the first filter member positioned below it, a second upper cap member disposed below the first upper cap member, and a third upper cap member disposed outside the body member with the second filter member positioned below it and above the second upper cap member.

[0058] In a composite filter according to one embodiment of the present invention, the cleaning water is characterized in that, after cleaning the first filter member, it moves to the cleaning water discharge port via a first discharge passage formed between the first filter member and the body member.

[0059] A composite filter according to one embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that the filtration portion further includes a lower cap member coupled to the lower side of the second filter member.

[0060] In a composite filter according to one embodiment of the present invention, the lower cap member is characterized by including a guide that is extended upward so as to be coupled with the second filter member.

[0061] A composite filter according to one embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that a plurality of discharge holes communicating with the first discharge passage are formed on the side surface of the first filter member, and the washing water used to wash the first filter member moves to the first discharge passage through the plurality of discharge holes.

[0062] A composite filter according to one embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that a second discharge passage communicating with the first discharge passage is formed between the first upper cap member and the second upper cap member, and the second discharge passage communicates with the wash water discharge port.

[0063] A composite filter according to one embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that a first O-ring is formed between the first filter member and the first upper cap member to prevent the cleaning water from flowing back into the first filter member.

[0064] A composite filter according to one embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that a second O-ring is formed between the second upper cap member and the body member to prevent the second purified water filtered by the second filter member from moving to the second discharge passage.

[0065] A composite filter according to one embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that a third O-ring is formed between the third upper cap member and the case member to prevent the second purified water filtered by the second filter member from flowing back into the second filter member.

[0066] In a composite filter according to one embodiment of the present invention, a first spacer is formed between the body member and the first upper cap member to separate them at a constant distance from each other.

[0067] In a composite filter according to one embodiment of the present invention, a second spacer is formed between the second upper cap member and the third upper cap member to separate them at a constant distance from each other.

[0068] In a composite filter according to one embodiment of the present invention, the first upper cap member is characterized in that it includes a first upward guide that is extended upward so that the raw water flows into the first filter member.

[0069] In a composite filter according to one embodiment of the present invention, the first partition wall is characterized in that it is extended in the axial direction along the first upward guide.

[0070] A composite filter according to one embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that the second upper cap member includes a second upward guide that is extended upward so as to allow the cleaning water that has passed through the first filter member to be discharged to the outside.

[0071] In a composite filter according to one embodiment of the present invention, the second partition wall is characterized in that it is extended in the axial direction along the second upward guide.

[0072] A water purifier according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a raw water supply unit that controls the supply of raw water, a composite filter that receives raw water from the raw water supply unit and filters it, a purified water discharge unit that controls the discharge of purified water filtered by the composite filter, and a cleaning module provided between the raw water supply unit and the composite filter that controls the supply of cleaning water to the composite filter, wherein the raw water and the cleaning water are selectively supplied to the composite filter.

[0073] A water purifier according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a filtration section comprising: a first filter member that filters the raw water to produce first purified water; and a second filter member that filters the first purified water to produce second purified water and is arranged to surround the first filter member, wherein the filtration section includes: a body member disposed between the first filter member and the second filter member; a first upper cap member disposed inside the body member with the first filter member positioned below it; a second upper cap member disposed below the first upper cap member; and a third upper cap member disposed outside the body member with the second filter member positioned below it and above the second upper cap member.

[0074] A water purifier according to one embodiment of the present invention further includes a housing portion provided with a raw water inlet port for raw water to enter, a purified water outlet port for filtered purified water to exit, and a wash water outlet port for wash water to exit, wherein the housing portion includes a head member provided with a first partition wall for preventing the raw water and the wash water from mixing, and a second partition wall for preventing the second purified water and the wash water from mixing, and a case member extending from the head member, in which the filtration portion is disposed.

[0075] In a water purifier according to one embodiment of the present invention, the cleaning module is characterized in that it cleans the composite filter using raw water supplied from the raw water supply unit.

[0076] A water purifier according to one embodiment of the present invention further includes a water storage tank connected to the water discharge section and receiving a supply of water filtered by the composite filter, and the cleaning module is characterized in that it cleans the composite filter using the water supplied from the water storage tank.

[0077] A composite filter according to another embodiment of the present invention includes a housing portion having a raw water inlet port for raw water to enter, a purified water outlet port for filtered purified water to exit, and a washing water outlet port for washing water to be discharged; and a filtration portion having a first filter member for filtering the raw water to produce first purified water, and a second filter member for filtering the first purified water to produce second purified water, and stacked on top of the first filter member, wherein the housing portion is provided with a first partition wall for preventing the second purified water and the washing water from mixing, and a second partition wall for preventing the raw water and the washing water from mixing. The filter comprises a head member and a case member extending from the head member, the filtration section having the filtration section disposed inside, wherein the filtration section includes a first upper cap member on which the first filter member is disposed on the lower side, a second upper cap member on which the first upper cap member is disposed on the lower side and which has a hole formed therein for the movement of the washing water, a third upper cap member on which the second filter member is disposed on the lower side, a fourth upper cap member on which the third upper cap member is disposed on the lower side, and a fifth upper cap member on which the fourth upper cap member is disposed on the lower side.

[0078] In another embodiment of the present invention, the composite filter is characterized in that the filtration section further includes a lower cap member coupled to the lower side of the second filter member.

[0079] In another embodiment of the present invention, the composite filter is characterized in that the lower cap member includes a lower cap guide that is extended upward so as to be coupled with the second filter member.

[0080] In another embodiment of the present invention, the composite filter is characterized in that the first upper cap member includes a first upward guide that is extended upward so that the first purified water flows into the second filter member.

[0081] In another embodiment of the present invention, the composite filter is characterized in that the second upper cap member includes a second upward guide that is extended upward so that the cleaning water is discharged from the first filter member.

[0082] In another embodiment of the present invention, the composite filter is characterized in that the third upper cap member includes an upper cap guide that is extended downward so as to be coupled with the second filter member.

[0083] In another embodiment of the present invention, the composite filter is characterized in that the fourth upper cap member includes a fourth upward guide that is extended upward so that the second purified water is discharged from the second filter member to the outside.

[0084] In another embodiment of the present invention, the composite filter is characterized in that the fifth upper cap member includes a fifth upward guide that is extended upward so as to allow the cleaning water to be discharged to the outside.

[0085] In another embodiment of the present invention, the composite filter is characterized in that, after washing the first filter member, the washing water moves to the washing water discharge port via a first discharge passage formed between the first filter member and the second upper cap member.

[0086] In another embodiment of the present invention, a composite filter is characterized in that a plurality of discharge holes communicating with the first discharge passage are formed on the side surface of the first filter member, and the washing water used to wash the first filter member moves to the first discharge passage through the plurality of discharge holes.

[0087] In a composite filter according to another embodiment of the present invention, a second discharge passage communicating with the first discharge passage is formed between the fourth upper cap member and the fifth upper cap member, and the second discharge passage communicates with the wash water discharge port.

[0088] In another embodiment of the present invention, a composite filter is characterized in that a first O-ring is formed between the second upper cap member and the first filter member to prevent the cleaning water from flowing back into the first filter member.

[0089] In another embodiment of the present invention, a composite filter is characterized in that a second O-ring is formed between the second upper cap member and the fifth upper cap member to prevent the cleaning water from flowing back into the first filter member.

[0090] In another embodiment of the present invention, a composite filter is characterized in that a third O-ring is formed between the second upper cap member and the lower cap member to prevent the second purified water filtered by the second filter member from moving to the second discharge passage.

[0091] In another embodiment of the present invention, a composite filter is characterized in that a fourth O-ring is formed between the first upper cap member and the second upper cap member to prevent the second purified water from flowing into the first discharge passage.

[0092] In another embodiment of the present invention, a composite filter is characterized in that a fifth O-ring is formed between the lower cap member and the fourth upper cap member to prevent the second purified water from flowing into the second discharge passage.

[0093] In another embodiment of the present invention, a composite filter is characterized in that a first spacer is formed between the fourth upper cap member and the fifth upper cap member to separate them at a constant distance from each other.

[0094] In another embodiment of the present invention, a composite filter is characterized in that a second spacer is formed between the fifth upper cap member and the case member to separate them at a constant distance from each other.

[0095] A water purifier according to another embodiment of the present invention includes a raw water supply unit that controls the supply of raw water, a composite filter that receives raw water from the raw water supply unit and filters it, a purified water discharge unit that controls the discharge of purified water filtered by the composite filter, and a washing module provided between the raw water supply unit and the composite filter and controls the supply of washing water to the composite filter, wherein the composite filter includes a filtration unit comprising a first filter member that filters the raw water to produce first purified water, and a second filter member that filters the first purified water to produce second purified water and is stacked on top of the first filter member, wherein the filtration unit includes a first upper cap member on which the first filter member is positioned below, a second upper cap member on which the first upper cap member is positioned below and which has a hole formed for the movement of the washing water, a third upper cap member on which the second filter member is positioned below, a fourth upper cap member on which the third upper cap member is positioned below, and a fifth upper cap member on which the fourth upper cap member is positioned below, wherein the raw water and the washing water are selectively supplied to the composite filter.

[0096] In another embodiment of the present invention, the water purifier further includes a housing portion having a raw water inlet port for raw water to enter, a purified water outlet port for filtered purified water to exit, and a wash water outlet port for wash water to exit, wherein the housing portion includes a head member having a first partition wall for preventing the second purified water and the wash water from mixing, and a second partition wall for preventing the raw water and the wash water from mixing, and a case member extending from the head member, with the filtration portion disposed inside therein.

[0097] In another embodiment of the present invention, the water purifier is characterized in that the cleaning module cleans the composite filter using raw water supplied from the raw water supply unit.

[0098] In another embodiment of the present invention, the water purifier further includes a water storage tank connected to the water discharge section and receiving the water filtered by the composite filter, and the cleaning module is characterized in that it cleans the composite filter using the water supplied from the water storage tank.

[0099] A composite filter according to yet another embodiment of the present invention includes a housing portion having a raw water inlet port for raw water to enter, a purified water outlet port for filtered purified water to exit, and a washing water outlet port for washing water to be discharged; and a filtration portion having a first filter member for filtering the raw water to produce first purified water, and a second filter member for filtering the first purified water to produce second purified water, and which is stacked below the first filter member, wherein the housing portion has a head member having a first partition wall for preventing the raw water and the washing water from mixing, and a second partition wall for preventing the purified water and the washing water from mixing. The filtration section includes a head member and a case member extending from the head member and having the filtration section disposed inside thereof, wherein the filtration section includes a first body member surrounding the first filter member, a first upper cap member on which the first filter member is disposed below, a second upper cap member on which the first upper cap member is disposed below and the first body member is disposed below, a first lower cap member on which the first filter member is disposed above and penetrates the second filter member, a second body member surrounding the second filter member, and a third upper cap member on which the second filter member is disposed below.

[0100] In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the composite filter further includes a second lower cap member coupled to the lower side of the second filter member.

[0101] In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the composite filter is characterized in that the second lower cap member includes a second lower cap guide that is extended upward so as to be coupled with the second filter member.

[0102] In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the composite filter is characterized in that the first upper cap member includes a first upward guide that is extended upward so that the raw water flows into the second filter member.

[0103] In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the composite filter is characterized in that the second upper cap member includes a second upward guide that is extended upward so that the cleaning water is discharged from the first filter member.

[0104] In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the composite filter is characterized in that the first lower cap member includes a first lower cap guide that extends downward so as to penetrate the second filter member.

[0105] In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the composite filter is characterized in that the third upper cap member includes an upper cap guide that is extended downward so as to be coupled with the second filter member.

[0106] In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the composite filter is characterized in that, after washing the first filter member, the washing water moves to the washing water discharge port via a first discharge passage formed between the first filter member and the first body member.

[0107] In a composite filter according to yet another embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of discharge holes communicating with the first discharge passage are formed on the side surface of the first filter member, and the washing water used to wash the first filter member moves to the first discharge passage through the plurality of discharge holes.

[0108] In a composite filter according to yet another embodiment of the present invention, a second discharge passage communicating with the first discharge passage is formed between the first upper cap member and the second upper cap member, and the second discharge passage communicates with the wash water discharge port.

[0109] In yet another embodiment of the present invention, a composite filter is characterized in that a first O-ring is formed between the first upper cap member and the first filter member to prevent the cleaning water from flowing back into the first filter member.

[0110] In yet another embodiment of the present invention, a composite filter is characterized in that a second O-ring is formed between the second upper cap member and the first body member to prevent the washing water from mixing with the second purified water.

[0111] In yet another embodiment of the present invention, a composite filter is characterized in that a third O-ring is formed between the first filter member and the first lower cap member to prevent the cleaning water from flowing into the second filter member.

[0112] In yet another embodiment of the present invention, a composite filter is characterized in that a fourth O-ring is formed between the first body member and the first lower cap member to prevent the washing water from mixing with the second purified water.

[0113] In yet another embodiment of the present invention, a composite filter is characterized in that a fifth O-ring is formed between the second body member and the third upper cap member to prevent the second purified water from flowing back into the second filter member.

[0114] In yet another embodiment of the present invention, a composite filter is characterized in that a first spacer is formed between the first upper cap member and the first body member to separate them at a constant distance from each other.

[0115] In yet another embodiment of the present invention, a composite filter is characterized in that a second spacer is formed between the second upper cap member and the case member to separate them at a constant distance from each other.

[0116] A water purifier according to yet another embodiment of the present invention includes a raw water supply unit that controls the supply of raw water, a composite filter that receives raw water from the raw water supply unit and filters it, a purified water discharge unit that controls the discharge of purified water filtered by the composite filter, and a washing module provided between the raw water supply unit and the composite filter and controlling the supply of washing water to the composite filter, wherein the composite filter includes a first filter member that filters the raw water to produce first purified water, and a second filter member that filters the first purified water to produce second purified water and is stacked below the first filter member. The filter includes a first body member surrounding the first filter, a first upper cap member on which the first filter member is positioned below, a second upper cap member on which the first upper cap member is positioned below and the first body member is positioned below, a first lower cap member on which the first filter member is positioned above and which penetrates the second filter member, a second body member surrounding the second filter member, and a third upper cap member on which the second filter member is positioned below, wherein the raw water and the wash water are selectively supplied to the composite filter.

[0117] In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the composite filter further includes a housing portion having a raw water inlet port for raw water to enter, a purified water outlet port for filtered purified water to exit, and a wash water outlet port for wash water to exit, wherein the housing portion includes a head member having a first partition wall for preventing the raw water and the wash water from mixing, and a second partition wall for preventing the purified water and the wash water from mixing, and a case member extending from the head member, with the filtration portion disposed inside therein.

[0118] In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the cleaning module is characterized in that it cleans the composite filter using raw water supplied from the raw water supply unit.

[0119] A water purifier according to yet another embodiment of the present invention further includes a water storage tank connected to the water discharge section and receiving a supply of water filtered by the composite filter, wherein the cleaning module cleans the composite filter using the water supplied from the water storage tank. [Effects of the Invention]

[0120] With the above configuration, the composite filter according to one embodiment of the present invention is capable of not only receiving raw water and outputting purified water but also discharging washing water. By integrating the filter members to form a composite filter, user convenience is improved. The head member of the housing is provided with first and second partition walls so that independent flow paths are formed in which raw water, purified water, and washing water are not mixed. This concentrates the passages through which raw water, purified water, and washing water flow to the upper part of the composite filter, improving the design freedom of the layout of other parts. In the filtration section, the second filter member is arranged to surround the first filter member through first, second, and third upper cap members. This configuration allows for the manufacture of a composite filter using a pre-manufactured first filter member, thereby improving manufacturability.

[0121] In a composite filter according to one embodiment of the present invention, the filtration section is provided with a lower cap member coupled to the lower side of the second filter member to improve structural stability, and a flow path is formed through which the first purified water moves to the second filter member, so that the second purified water that is finally discharged moves upward, thereby improving the manufacturability of the composite filter.

[0122] In a composite filter according to one embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of discharge holes are formed on the side surface of the first filter member, and the washing water used to wash the first filter member moves through the plurality of discharge holes to the washing water discharge port via a first discharge passage formed between the first filter member and the body member. This provides the effect of improving user satisfaction by allowing the washing water to move through an independent flow path without mixing with raw water or purified water, thereby improving the water quality of the purified water.

[0123] In a composite filter according to one embodiment of the present invention, a first O-ring is formed between the first filter member and the first upper cap member to prevent cleaning water from flowing back into the first filter member. This provides the effect of stably discharging cleaning water to the outside and increasing the service life of the first filter member.

[0124] In a composite filter according to one embodiment of the present invention, a second O-ring is formed between the second filter member and the body member to prevent the first purified water from moving to the second discharge passage. This provides the effect of improving the operational reliability of the composite filter by ensuring that the first purified water moves stably to the second filter member.

[0125] In a composite filter according to one embodiment of the present invention, a first spacer is formed between the body member and the first upper cap member, thereby providing the effect of improving the operational reliability of the composite filter by allowing the cleaning water to move smoothly between the body member and the first upper cap member.

[0126] In a composite filter according to one embodiment of the present invention, a second spacer is formed between the second upper cap member and the third upper cap member, thereby providing the effect of improving the operational reliability of the composite filter by allowing purified water to move smoothly between the second upper cap member and the third upper cap member.

[0127] In a composite filter according to one embodiment of the present invention, raw water flows into the first filter member through the first upward guide, so that even though the passages for raw water, purified water, and washing water are concentrated at the top of the composite filter, the raw water is not mixed with the purified water or washing water, thereby improving the operational reliability of the composite filter.

[0128] In a composite filter according to one embodiment of the present invention, the first compartment wall is extended axially along the first upward guide, thereby effectively preventing the incoming raw water from mixing with the discharged washing water, and providing an effect of improving user satisfaction through improved water quality of the final purified water discharged.

[0129] In a composite filter according to one embodiment of the present invention, the cleaning water that has passed through the first filter member is discharged to the outside through the second upward guide, thereby providing the effect of improving the operational stability of the composite filter while ensuring stable discharge of the cleaning water.

[0130] In a composite filter according to one embodiment of the present invention, the second compartment wall is extended axially along the second upward guide, thereby effectively preventing the purified water being discharged from mixing with the washing water being discharged, and providing an effect of improving user satisfaction through improved water quality of the purified water.

[0131] In one embodiment of the present invention, a water purifier selectively supplies raw water and washing water to a composite filter. As a result, the purified water and washing water that are ultimately discharged are not mixed, but the washing water cleans the composite filter. This provides the effect of increasing the product life of the composite filter and improving user satisfaction.

[0132] In a water purifier according to one embodiment of the present invention, the cleaning module utilizes raw water supplied from the raw water supply unit as cleaning water, thereby eliminating the need for a separate fluid supply to be used as cleaning water for the cleaning module, and thus providing the effect of improving the manufacturability of the water purifier.

[0133] In a water purifier according to one embodiment of the present invention, the cleaning module utilizes purified water as cleaning water, thereby providing the effect of improving the cleaning efficiency of the composite filter.

[0134] In other embodiments of the present invention, the composite filter allows for the inflow of raw water, the outflow of purified water, and the discharge of washing water. By integrating the filter members to form a composite filter, user convenience is improved. The head member of the housing is provided with first and second partition walls so that independent flow paths are formed in which raw water, purified water, and washing water are not mixed. This concentrates the passages through which raw water, purified water, and washing water flow at the top of the composite filter, improving the design freedom of the layout of other parts. The filtration section is configured so that the composite filter can be manufactured using a pre-manufactured first filter member by arranging first to fifth upper cap members above the first and second filter members, thereby improving manufacturability.

[0135] In another embodiment of the present invention, the composite filter is provided with a lower cap member coupled to the lower side of the second filter member in the filtration section, thereby improving structural stability and creating a flow path through which the first purified water moves to the second filter member, so that the second purified water that is finally discharged moves upward, thereby improving the manufacturability of the composite filter.

[0136] In another embodiment of the present invention, the first purified water, having passed through the first filter member, flows into the second filter member through the first upward guide. Therefore, even if the second filter member is stacked on top of the first filter member, the passages for raw water, purified water, and washing water are concentrated at the top of the composite filter, thereby improving the ease of use of the composite filter.

[0137] In another embodiment of the present invention, the wash water that has passed through the first filter member moves through the second upward guide, thereby preventing the wash water from mixing with the purified water and improving the operational reliability of the composite filter.

[0138] In another embodiment of the present invention, the upper cap guide of the third upper cap member is coupled with the second filter member, thereby stably positioning the second filter member on top of the first filter member and stably securing a passage for the movement of the second purified water, thus providing an effect of improving the operational reliability of the composite filter.

[0139] In another embodiment of the present invention, the purified water that has passed through the second filter member moves through the fourth upward guide, thereby preventing the purified water from mixing with the washing water and improving the operational reliability of the composite filter.

[0140] In another embodiment of the present invention, the wash water that has passed through the first filter member is discharged to the outside through the fifth upward guide, thereby preventing the wash water from mixing with the raw water and improving the operational reliability of the composite filter.

[0141] In a composite filter according to another embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of discharge holes are formed on the side surface of the first filter member, and the washing water used to wash the first filter member moves through the plurality of discharge holes to the washing water discharge port via a first discharge passage formed between the first filter member and the second upper cap member. This provides the effect of improving user satisfaction by allowing the washing water to move through an independent flow path without mixing with raw water or purified water, thereby improving the water quality of the purified water.

[0142] In another embodiment of the present invention, a composite filter is provided in which a first O-ring is formed between the second upper cap member and the first filter member to prevent the cleaning water from flowing back into the first filter member. This allows the cleaning water to be stably discharged to the outside, thereby increasing the service life of the first filter member.

[0143] In another embodiment of the present invention, a second O-ring is formed between the second upper cap member and the fifth upper cap member to prevent the cleaning water from flowing back into the first filter member. This prevents the cleaning water from mixing with the raw water and improves the operational reliability of the composite filter.

[0144] In another embodiment of the present invention, a composite filter is provided in which a third O-ring is formed between the second upper cap member and the lower cap member to prevent the second purified water filtered by the second filter member from moving to the second discharge passage. This prevents the second purified water from mixing with the washing water and improves the operational reliability of the composite filter.

[0145] In another embodiment of the present invention, a composite filter is provided in which a fourth O-ring is formed between the first upper cap member and the second upper cap member to prevent the second purified water from flowing into the first discharge passage, thereby preventing the second purified water from mixing with the washing water and improving the operational reliability of the composite filter.

[0146] In another embodiment of the present invention, a fifth O-ring is formed between the lower cap member and the fourth upper cap member to prevent the second discharge passage from flowing in. This prevents the second purified water from mixing with the washing water, thereby improving the operational reliability of the composite filter.

[0147] In another embodiment of the present invention, a composite filter is provided in which a first spacer is formed between the fourth upper cap member and the fifth upper cap member, so that the cleaning water moves smoothly upward through the space between the fourth upper cap member and the fifth upper cap member, thereby improving the operational reliability of the composite filter.

[0148] In another embodiment of the present invention, a second spacer is formed between the fifth upper cap member and the case member. This allows raw water to move smoothly downwards through the space between the fifth upper cap member and the case member, and although the first filter member and the second filter member are stacked in a structure, the passages for raw water, purified water, and washing water are concentrated at the top of the composite filter, thereby improving the ease of use of the composite filter.

[0149] In another embodiment of the present invention, a water purifier selectively supplies raw water and washing water to a composite filter. As a result, the purified water and washing water that are ultimately discharged are not mixed, yet the washing water cleans the composite filter. This provides the effect of increasing the product life of the composite filter and improving user satisfaction.

[0150] In another embodiment of the present invention, the cleaning module utilizes raw water supplied from the raw water supply unit as cleaning water, thereby eliminating the need for a separate fluid supply to be used as cleaning water for the cleaning module, and thus providing the effect of improving the manufacturability of the water purifier.

[0151] In another embodiment of the present invention, a water purifier is provided in which the cleaning module utilizes purified water as cleaning water, thereby improving the cleaning efficiency of the composite filter.

[0152] In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the composite filter allows for the inflow of raw water, the outflow of purified water, and the discharge of washing water. By integrating the filter members to form a composite filter, user convenience is improved. The head member of the housing is provided with first and second partition walls so that independent flow paths are formed in which raw water, purified water, and washing water are not mixed. This concentrates the passages through which raw water, purified water, and washing water flow to the upper part of the composite filter, improving the design freedom of the layout of other parts. The filtration section is configured so that the first filter member and the second filter member are arranged in a laminated structure using a first body member, a first upper cap member, a second upper cap member, a first lower cap member, and a third upper cap member, allowing the composite filter to be manufactured using a pre-manufactured first filter member, thereby improving manufacturability.

[0153] In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the filtration section is provided with a second lower cap member coupled to the lower side of the second filter member to improve structural stability, and a flow path is formed through which the first purified water moves to the second filter member, so that the second purified water that is finally discharged moves upward, thereby improving the manufacturability of the composite filter.

[0154] In yet another embodiment of the present invention, in a composite filter, raw water flows into the first filter member through the first upward guide, so that the passages for raw water, purified water, and washing water are concentrated at the top of the composite filter, but the raw water is not mixed with the purified water or washing water, thereby improving the operational reliability of the composite filter.

[0155] In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the cleaning water that has passed through the first filter member is discharged to the outside through the second upward guide, thereby providing the effect of improving the operational stability of the composite filter while ensuring stable discharge of the cleaning water.

[0156] In yet another embodiment of the present invention, in a composite filter, the first purified water that has passed through the first filter member moves to the lower side of the second filter member through the first lower cap guide. Therefore, even if the first filter member and the second filter member have a stacked structure, the first purified water moves smoothly to the second filter member, providing the effect of improving the operational reliability of the composite filter.

[0157] In a composite filter according to yet another embodiment of the present invention, the upper cap guide of the third upper cap member is coupled with the second filter member, thereby stably securing a passage for the second purified water to move between the first filter member and the second filter member, and thus providing the effect of improving the operational stability of the composite filter.

[0158] In yet another embodiment of the present invention, a composite filter is provided in which a plurality of discharge holes are formed on the side surface of the first filter member, and the washing water used to wash the first filter member moves through the plurality of discharge holes to the washing water discharge port via a first discharge passage formed between the first filter member and the first body member. This allows the washing water to move through an independent flow path without mixing with raw water or purified water, thereby improving the water quality of the purified water and improving user satisfaction.

[0159] In yet another embodiment of the present invention, a composite filter is provided in which a first O-ring is formed between the first upper cap member and the first filter member to prevent the cleaning water from flowing back into the first filter member, thereby stably discharging the cleaning water to the outside and increasing the lifespan of the first filter member.

[0160] In yet another embodiment of the present invention, a second O-ring is formed between the second upper cap member and the first body member to prevent the washing water from mixing with the second purified water, thereby providing an effect of improving the operational reliability of the composite filter.

[0161] In yet another embodiment of the present invention, a composite filter is provided in which a third O-ring is formed between the first filter member and the first lower cap member to prevent washing water from flowing into the second filter member. This prevents the washing water from mixing with the first purified water, thereby ensuring the quality of the purified water and improving user satisfaction.

[0162] In yet another embodiment of the present invention, a fourth O-ring is formed between the first body member and the first lower cap member to prevent the washing water from mixing with the second purified water, thereby providing an effect of improving the operational reliability of the composite filter.

[0163] In yet another embodiment of the present invention, a fifth O-ring is formed between the second body member and the third upper cap member to prevent the second purified water from flowing back into the second filter member, thereby providing the effect of improving the operational stability of the composite filter by allowing the second purified water to move smoothly upward.

[0164] In yet another embodiment of the present invention, a first spacer is formed between the first upper cap member and the first body member, so that the cleaning water moves smoothly upward through the space between the first upper cap member and the second upper cap member, thereby improving the operational reliability of the composite filter.

[0165] In yet another embodiment of the present invention, a second spacer is formed between the second upper cap member and the case member, thereby providing the effect of improving the operational reliability of the composite filter by allowing purified water to move smoothly between the second upper cap member and the case member.

[0166] In yet another embodiment of the present invention, a water purifier selectively supplies raw water and washing water to a composite filter, thereby cleaning the composite filter with the washing water without mixing the purified water and washing water that are ultimately discharged. This provides the effect of increasing the product life of the composite filter and improving user satisfaction.

[0167] In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the cleaning module utilizes the raw water supplied from the raw water supply unit as cleaning water, thereby eliminating the need for a separate fluid supply to be used as cleaning water for the cleaning module, and thus providing the effect of improving the manufacturability of the water purifier.

[0168] In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the cleaning module utilizes purified water as cleaning water, thereby providing the effect of improving the cleaning efficiency of the composite filter. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0169] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram showing the appearance of a composite filter according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a plan view showing the head member of a composite filter according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] This is a cross-sectional view showing the assembled state of the filtration section of a composite filter according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] This is a cross-sectional view showing the body member of the filtration section of a composite filter according to one embodiment of the present invention, the first, second and third upper cap members and the lower cap member in a separated state. [Figure 5] This is a cross-sectional view showing the filtration section of a composite filter according to one embodiment of the present invention installed in the housing section. [Figure 6] This is a schematic diagram showing a water purifier according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] This is a schematic diagram showing a water purifier according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] This is a schematic diagram showing a water purifier according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] This drawing schematically shows the appearance of a composite filter according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] This is a plan view showing a head member of a composite filter according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] This is a cross-sectional view showing the assembled filtration section of a composite filter according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] This is a cross-sectional view showing the filtration section of a composite filter according to another embodiment of the present invention in a separated state. [Figure 13] This is a cross-sectional view showing the filtration section of a composite filter according to another embodiment of the present invention installed in the housing. [Figure 14] This is a schematic diagram showing a water purifier according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] This is a schematic diagram showing a water purifier according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16] This is a schematic diagram showing a water purifier according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 17] This drawing schematically shows the appearance of a composite filter according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 18] This is a plan view showing a head member of a composite filter according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 19] This is a cross-sectional view showing the assembled filtration section of a composite filter according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 20] This is a cross-sectional view showing the filtration section of a composite filter according to yet another embodiment of the present invention in a separated state. [Figure 21] This is a cross-sectional view showing the filtration section of a composite filter according to yet another embodiment of the present invention installed in the housing. [Figure 22] This is a schematic diagram showing a water purifier according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 23] This is a schematic diagram showing a water purifier according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 24] This is a schematic diagram showing a water purifier according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0170] Hereinafter, various embodiments will be described in more detail with reference to the attached drawings. Embodiments according to the present invention can be modified in various ways. Certain embodiments may be depicted in the drawings and described in detail in the detailed description. However, the specific embodiments disclosed in the attached drawings are merely for the purpose of making the various embodiments easier to understand. Therefore, the specific embodiments disclosed in the attached drawings should not be understood as limiting the technical idea, but rather as including all equivalents or substitutes that fall within the idea and technical scope of the invention.

[0171] Terms including ordinal numbers, such as "1st," "2nd," etc., can be used to describe a variety of components, but such components are not limited by the aforementioned terms. The aforementioned terms are used solely for the purpose of distinguishing one component from others.

[0172] In embodiments of the present invention, terms such as “includes” or “having” are intended to specify the presence of features, figures, stages, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in embodiments of the present invention, and should be understood not to preemptively exclude the possibility of the presence or addition of one or more other features, figures, stages, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof. When a component is referred to as being “linked” or “connected” to another component, it should be understood that it may be directly linked or connected to the other component, but other components may be present in between. Conversely, when a component is referred to as being “directly linked” or “directly connected” to another component, it should be understood that there are no other components in between.

[0173] On the other hand, a “module” or “part” used in an embodiment of the present invention performs at least one function or operation. Furthermore, a “module” or “part” can perform a function or operation through hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software. Also, multiple “modules” or “parts,” excluding those that are to be performed by specific hardware or by at least one processor, may be integrated into at least one module. A singular expression includes plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0174] Furthermore, in describing embodiments of the present invention, if it is determined that a specific description of a related known function or configuration may unnecessarily obscure the gist of the present invention, such detailed description will be abbreviated or omitted.

[0175] The following describes a composite filter and a water purifier including the composite filter according to one embodiment of the present invention with reference to the drawings. Figure 1 is a schematic drawing showing the external appearance of the composite filter according to one embodiment of the present invention, Figure 2 is a plan view showing the head member of the composite filter according to one embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the assembled state of the filtration section of the composite filter according to one embodiment of the present invention. Here, a means the axial direction of the composite filter, and r means the radial direction of the composite filter.

[0176] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the composite filter 100 of the present invention includes a housing portion 110 equipped with a raw water inlet port 10 into which raw water W1 enters, a purified water outlet port 20 from which filtered purified water C is discharged, and a washing water outlet port 30 from which washing water W2 is discharged, and a filtration unit 200 equipped with a first filter member 210 that filters the raw water W1 to produce first purified water C1, and a second filter member 220 that filters the first purified water C1 to produce second purified water C2 and is arranged to surround the first filter member 210. That is, the raw water W1 that enters through the raw water inlet port 10 moves to the filtration unit 200, and is filtered by sequentially moving through the first filter member 210 and the second filter member 220 provided in the filtration unit 200, and finally the filtered purified water C is discharged through the purified water outlet port 20 and then provided to the user. Furthermore, the purified water C may be stored in a separate purified water tank (not shown) or supplied to a chilled water generation unit (not shown), a hot water generation unit (not shown), and an ice generation unit (not shown) for the production of chilled water, hot water, and ice. The first purified water C1 then moves to the lower side of the first filter member 210 and then to the second filter member 220, and the washing water W2, after washing the first filter member 210, moves to the first discharge passage PW2 formed between the first filter member 210 and the second filter member 220 and is discharged to the outside of the composite filter 100 through the washing water discharge port 30. Thus, by configuring the system to allow not only the inflow of raw water W1 and the outflow of purified water C, but also the discharge of washing water W2, the first filter member 210 and the second filter member 220 can be integrated to form a composite filter, improving user convenience. Furthermore, by using the washing water W2 to wash the first filter member 210, the product life of the composite filter 100 is increased, further improving user convenience. In this case, the first filter member 210 may be an UF (Ultra Filtration) filter that filters contaminants using a hollow fiber membrane. The second filter member 220 may be a carbon filter or an MF (Microfiltration) filter. The second filter may also include an electrodeionization filter.The aforementioned electrodeionization method refers to EDI (Electro Deionization), CEDI (Continuous Electro Deionization), or CDI (Capacitive Deionization), etc. In this case, a separate filter member may be provided on the outer surface of the second filter member 220. As an example, such a separate filter member may be an NT filter member. Such an NT filter member may consist of a material that becomes electrostatically charged to adsorb foreign matter contained in the incoming raw water W1, for example, a nanotrap material. Such an electrostatically charged material may be configured to carry a positive charge. Accordingly, negatively charged foreign matter contained in the raw water W1, such as viruses, bacteria, and fine particles, may be adsorbed onto the NT filter member by electrostatic charge. Alternatively, such a separate filter member may be a sediment filter member.

[0177] As shown in Figure 2, in a composite filter according to one embodiment of the present invention, the housing portion 110 includes a head member 111 having a first partition wall 111a that prevents the raw water W1 and the washing water W2 from mixing, and a second partition wall 111b that prevents the second purified water C2 and the washing water W2 from mixing, and a case member 112 extending from the head member 111, in which the filtration portion 200 is arranged. That is, the structure is such that not only the raw water W1 that enters but also the second purified water C2 that is discharged and the washing water W2 that is discharged are discharged / out from the upper part of the composite filter 100, and for this purpose the head member 111 has a raw water region RW1 into which the raw water W1 enters, a second purified water region RC2 into which the second purified water C2 is discharged, and a washing water region RW2 into which the washing water W2 is discharged. To this end, the head member 111 of the housing 110 is provided with the first and second partition walls 111a and 111b such that independent flow paths are formed in which the raw water W1, the second purified water C2, and the washing water W2 are not mixed. This concentrates the water outlet / discharge to the upper part of the composite filter 100, improving the freedom of layout design for other parts. Here, the washing water W2 flowing into the first filter member 210 uses the raw water W1 to wash the first filter member 210. However, the washing water W2 is not limited to using only the raw water W1, and may also use the purified water that is discharged.

[0178] As shown in Figure 3, the filtration unit 200 includes a body member 230 positioned between the first filter member 210 and the second filter member 220, a first upper cap member 240 positioned inside the body member 230 with the first filter member 210 positioned below it, a second upper cap member 250 positioned below the first upper cap member 240, and a third upper cap member 260 positioned outside the body member 230 with the second filter member 220 positioned below it and above the second upper cap member 250. At this time, the raw water W1 moves through the inside of the first upper cap member 240, the washing water W2 moves between the first upper cap member 240 and the second upper cap member 250, and the purified water C moves between the second upper cap member 250 and the third upper cap member 260, thereby forming independent flow paths in which the raw water W1, the washing water W2, and the purified water C do not mix with each other, improving manufacturability while integrating the first filter member 210 and the second filter member 220.

[0179] As shown in Figure 3, the lower side of the first filter member 210 is provided with a plurality of discharge holes 211 that are spaced apart from each other. At this time, the size of the plurality of discharge holes 211 is the same. However, the size of the plurality of discharge holes 211 is not limited to being the same, and they may become larger or smaller as you go downwards. Also, the plurality of discharge holes 211 are spaced apart from each other at equal intervals. However, the plurality of discharge holes 211 are not limited to being spaced apart from each other at equal intervals, and they may be spaced apart so that they are further apart as you go downwards. A first discharge passage PW2 through which the cleaning water W2 flows is provided between the first filter member 210 and the body member 230. At this time, the plurality of discharge holes 211 are in communication with the first discharge passage PW2. The cleaning water W2 that has cleaned the first filter member 210 moves to the first discharge passage PW2 through the plurality of discharge holes 211. Furthermore, a second discharge passage AW2 is provided between the first upper cap member 240 and the second upper cap member 250, which communicates with the first discharge passage PW2. At this time, the second discharge passage AW2 communicates with the wash water discharge port (30, see Figure 2). Through this, the wash water W2 used to wash the first filter member 210, the plurality of discharge holes 211, the first discharge passage PW2, the second discharge passage AW2, and the wash water discharge port 30 are sequentially discharged to the outside of the composite filter 100. In this way, the composite filter 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention is manufactured by integrating the first filter member 210 and the second filter member 220, while improving the operational reliability of the composite filter 100 by ensuring that the wash water W2 is discharged without mixing with the purified water C.

[0180] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the body member of the filtration section of a composite filter according to one embodiment of the present invention, the first, second and third upper cap members and the lower cap member in a separated state.

[0181] As shown in Figure 4, in the composite filter 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention, the second upper cap member 250 is located below the third upper cap member 260, the first upper cap member 240 is located below the second upper cap member 250, the body member 230 is located below the first upper cap member 240, and the lower cap member 270 is located below the body member 230. In this way, the third upper cap member 260, the second upper cap member 250, the first upper cap member 240, the body member 230, and the lower cap member 270 are sequentially stacked to assemble the first filter member (210, see Figure 3) and the second filter member 220 into a double structure, thereby improving the manufacturability of the composite filter 100.

[0182] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, in a composite filter 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention, the first upper cap member 240 includes a first upward guide 241 which is extended upward so that the raw water W1 flows into the first filter member 210. That is, the first upper cap member 240 is provided with a first upward guide 241 through which the raw water W1 flows, thereby separating the inflow of the raw water W1 and the discharge of the wash water W2 and ensuring the operational reliability of the composite filter 100. Furthermore, the first compartment wall (111a, see Figure 2) is extended axially along the first upward guide 241. That is, the raw water W1 moves smoothly to the first filter member 210 through the first compartment wall (111a, see Figure 2) and the first upward guide 241.

[0183] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 3 and 4, in the composite filter 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention, the second upper cap member 250 includes a second upward guide 251 which is extended upward so that the cleaning water W2 that has passed through the first filter member 210 is discharged to the outside. At this time, the second upward guide 251 is formed to surround and be spaced apart from the first upward guide 241. The second upper cap member 250 is provided with the second upward guide 251 through which the cleaning water W2 flows, thereby separating the discharge of the cleaning water W2 from the discharge of the purified water C and ensuring the operational reliability of the composite filter 100. In addition, the second partition wall (111b, see Figure 2) is extended axially along the second upward guide 251. That is, the cleaning water W2 moves upward along the second upward guide 251 and then smoothly moves to the cleaning water discharge port 30 through the second partition wall (111b, see Figure 2).

[0184] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 3 and 4, in the composite filter 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention, the first upper cap member 240 is provided with a first downward guide 242 extending downward between the first filter member 210 and the body member 230. At this time, a first O-ring 301 is formed between the first filter member 210 and the first downward guide 242 of the first upper cap member 240. The first O-ring 301 is made of rubber or silicone material. However, the first O-ring 301 is not limited to being made of rubber or silicone material, but can be made of a variety of elastic materials. The first O-ring 301 seals the space between the first filter member 210 and the first downward guide 242, preventing the washing water W2 moving through the first discharge passage PW2 from flowing back into the first filter member 210. Furthermore, a first spacer 311 is provided between the body member 230 and the first downward guide 242 of the first upper cap member 240, to be spaced apart from each other at a constant distance. That is, the first spacer 311 prevents the first discharge passage PW2 and the second discharge passage AW2 from blocking each other. In addition, the elastic force of the first O-ring 301 is provided so as to press the first spacer 311 toward the body member 230, thereby stably fixing the first upper cap member 240 between the first filter member 210 and the body member 230 by the first spacer 311 and the first O-ring 301.

[0185] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 3 and 4, in the composite filter 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention, the second upper cap member 250 is provided with a second downward guide 252 extending downward between the second filter member 220 and the body member 230. At this time, a second O-ring 302 is formed between the body member 230 and the second downward guide 252 of the second upper cap member 250. The second O-ring 302 is made of rubber or silicone material. However, the second O-ring 302 is not limited to being made of rubber or silicone material, but can be made of a variety of elastic materials. The second O-ring 302 seals the space between the body member 230 and the second downward guide 252, preventing the second purified water C2 from flowing into the second discharge passage AW2. In addition, a second spacer 312 is provided between the third upper cap member 260 and the second downward guide 252 of the second upper cap member 250 to be spaced apart from each other at a certain interval. In other words, the second spacer 312 prevents the second upper cap member 250 and the third upper cap member 260 from coming into contact and blocking the passage through which the second purified water C2 is discharged. Furthermore, the elastic force of the second O-ring 302 is provided so as to press the second spacer 312 toward the third upper cap member 260, thereby stably fixing the second upper cap member 250 between the third upper cap member 260 and the body member 230 by the second spacer 312 and the second O-ring 302.

[0186] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 3 and 4, in the composite filter 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention, the third upper cap member 260 is provided with an outlet hole 265 through which the second purified water C2 is discharged. The second purified water C2 filtered by the second filter member 220 moves upward through the outlet hole 265. The third upper cap member 260 is also provided with a third downward guide 262 that extends downward so that the second filter member 220 is fixedly positioned. The third downward guide 262 contacts the upper outer peripheral surface of the second filter member 220, thereby stably fixing the second filter member 220 and improving the durability of the composite filter 100. In addition, the third upper cap member 260 has a third upward guide 261 through which the discharged second purified water C2 flows. This third upward guide 261 connects the second purified water C2 to the purified water outlet port 20, ensuring that the second purified water C2 is stably discharged outside the composite filter 100 and that the operational stability of the composite filter 100 is ensured.

[0187] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, in a composite filter 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention, the filtration section 200 further includes a lower cap member 270 coupled to the lower side of the second filter member 220. The lower cap member 270 also includes a guide 271 that extends upward so as to be coupled to the second filter member 220. The support guide 271 contacts the lower outer peripheral surface of the second filter member 220, thereby stably fixing the second filter member 220, and thus improving the durability of the composite filter 100. Accordingly, the lower cap member 270, together with the third upper cap member 260, stably fixes the second filter member 220, enabling modularization of the composite filter through a sub-assembly process and improving workability.

[0188] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view showing the filtration section of a composite filter according to one embodiment of the present invention installed in the housing.

[0189] As shown in Figure 5, in a composite filter 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention, the lower cap member 270 is provided with a lower leg 272 that extends downward toward the lower surface of the case member 112. The lower leg 272 is formed such that the lower cap member 270 is spaced apart from the lower surface of the case member 112. The lower leg 272 is such that the lower cap member 270 is spaced apart from the lower surface of the case member 112, causing the first purified water C1 that has passed through the first filter member 210 to move between the lower cap member 270 and the lower surface of the case member 112. At this time, a third O-ring 303 is provided between the first filter member 210 and the lower side of the body member 230 to prevent the first purified water C1 that has passed through the first filter member 210 from moving toward the first discharge passage PW2. Consequently, the first purified water C1 no longer moves to the first discharge passage PW2 and flows stably in a separated state without mixing with the washing water W2, thereby ensuring the operational stability of the composite filter.

[0190] At this time, as shown in Figure 5, in the composite filter 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention, a first purified water flow path PC1 is formed between the side surface of the case member 112 and the second filter member 220. The first purified water C1 moves upward along the first purified water flow path PC1 and moves to the second filter member 220. A fourth O-ring 304 is provided between the lower cap member 270 and the lower side of the body member 230 to prevent the second purified water C2, which has passed through the second filter member 220, from flowing back into the lower side of the case member 112. Accordingly, the second purified water C2 is prevented from flowing back into the lower side of the case member 112 and moving again to the second filter member 220, thereby ensuring the operational stability of the composite filter.

[0191] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 5, in the composite filter 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention, a first purified water flow path PC1 is formed between the side surface of the case member 112 and the second filter member 220. The first purified water C1 moves upward along the first purified water flow path PC1 and moves to the second filter member 220. A fourth O-ring 304 is provided between the lower cap member 270 and the lower side of the body member 230 to prevent the second purified water C2, which has passed through the second filter member 220, from flowing back into the lower side of the case member 112. Accordingly, the second purified water C2 is prevented from flowing back into the lower side of the case member 112 and moving again to the second filter member 220, thereby ensuring the operational stability of the composite filter.

[0192] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 5, in the composite filter 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention, a fifth O-ring 305 is provided between the side surface of the case member 112 and the third upper cap member 260 to prevent the first purified water C1, which moves along the first purified water flow path PC1, from moving to the upper side of the third upper cap member 260. Accordingly, the first purified water C1 moves stably upward through the first purified water flow path PC1 and flows into the second filter member 220 without immediately moving to the upper side of the third upper cap member 260, thereby ensuring the operational stability of the composite filter.

[0193] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram showing a water purifier according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0194] As shown in Figure 6, a water purifier 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a raw water supply unit 410 that controls the supply of raw water W1, a composite filter 100 that receives the raw water W1 from the raw water supply unit 410 and filters it, a purified water discharge unit 420 that controls the discharge of purified water C filtered by the composite filter 100, and a cleaning module 430 provided between the raw water supply unit 410 and the composite filter 100 that controls the supply of cleaning water W2 to the composite filter 100, wherein the raw water W1 and the cleaning water W2 are selectively supplied to the composite filter 100.

[0195] At this time, the raw water supply unit 410 controls the supply of the raw water W1, thereby preventing the raw water W1 from being excessively supplied to the composite filter 100, thus preventing damage to the composite filter 100 by the raw water W1, and preventing the raw water W1 from being undersupplied to the composite filter 100, thus preventing a decrease in the flow of the raw water W1 inside the composite filter 100, and thus ensuring the operational stability of the water purifier. Furthermore, the purified water discharge unit 420 controls the discharge of the purified water C, thereby extracting purified water to meet the user's needs and improving user satisfaction.

[0196] As shown in Figure 6, in the water purifier 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention, the composite filter 100 is the composite filter described above. However, the composite filter 100 is not limited to the composite filter described above, and a structure in which raw water inlet, purified water outlet, and wash water discharge are performed independently is also applicable.

[0197] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 6, in a water purifier 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention, the cleaning module 430 includes a cleaning water control valve 431 that controls the supply of the cleaning water W2 using the raw water from the raw water supply unit 410. The cleaning water control valve 431 controls whether to supply the raw water W1 to the composite filter 100 or to supply the raw water W1 to the cleaning module 430. That is, the cleaning water control valve 431 controls whether the raw water W1 is supplied to the composite filter 100 and whether the supply of the raw water W1 to the cleaning module 430 is stopped, or conversely, whether the supply of the raw water W1 to the composite filter 100 is stopped and whether the raw water W1 is supplied to the cleaning module 430. The cleaning module 430 then performs the function of sterilizing the raw water W1 supplied from the raw water supply unit 410. In other words, the cleaning module 430 can be a sterilization device that sterilizes the raw water W1. For example, the cleaning module 430 can sterilize the raw water W1 using ultrasound or plasma, or add a disinfectant, and various other methods can be applied to sterilize the raw water W1 and clean the composite filter 100. The cleaning water W2 from the cleaning module 430 moves to the composite filter 100 to clean the composite filter 100, and then is discharged to the outside through the cleaning water discharge valve 450.

[0198] Next, with reference to Figure 6, we will examine in detail the purified water extraction process and the cleaning process of the composite filter 100. First, for purified water extraction, the raw water supply unit 410 opens the flow path of the raw water W1 so that the raw water W1 is supplied to the composite filter 100. At this time, the cleaning water control valve 431 opens the flow path of the raw water W1 to control the movement of the raw water W1 to the composite filter 100, and closes the flow path through which the raw water W1 moves to the cleaning module 430. Then, as the raw water W1 passes through the composite filter 100, the composite filter 100 generates purified water C. The purified water C is then extracted to the outside through the purified water discharge unit 420. At this time, the cleaning water discharge valve 450 closes the flow path of the cleaning water W2 to ensure the operational stability of the purified water extraction.

[0199] Next, in order to clean the composite filter 100, the raw water supply unit 410 opens the flow path of the raw water W1 so that the raw water W1 is supplied to the cleaning module 430. At this time, the cleaning water control valve 431 opens the flow path of the cleaning water W2 to control the movement of the raw water W1 to the cleaning module 430, and closes the flow path through which the raw water W1 moves to the composite filter 100. The cleaning module 430 then supplies the cleaning water W2 to the composite filter 100. The composite filter 100 is cleaned by the cleaning water W2 as it passes through the composite filter 100. The cleaning water W2 is then discharged to the outside through the cleaning water discharge valve 450. At this time, the purified water discharge unit 420 closes the flow path of the purified water C to ensure operational stability for cleaning the composite filter 100.

[0200] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram showing a water purifier according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0201] As shown in Figure 7, the water purifier 2 according to another embodiment of the present invention includes a raw water supply unit 410, a composite filter 100, a purified water discharge unit 420, a purified water storage tank 440, and a cleaning module 430. Descriptions of components that are the same or similar as those of the previously described embodiments will be replaced by the previously described descriptions, and the purified water storage tank 440 and the cleaning module 430 will be described in detail. The purified water storage tank 440 is connected to the purified water discharge unit 420. The purified water discharge unit 420 includes a first control valve 421 that controls the supply of purified water C filtered by the composite filter 100 to the purified water storage tank 440. The purified water C is then extracted to the outside by the control of the purified water discharge unit 420 or moved to the purified water storage tank 440 by the control of the first control valve 421.

[0202] As shown in Figure 7, in a water purifier 2 according to another embodiment of the present invention, the cleaning module 430 includes a cleaning water control valve 433 that controls the supply of the cleaning water W2 using purified water supplied from the purified water storage tank 440. When the cleaning water control valve 433 opens the flow path through which the purified water C moves, the purified water C moves to the cleaning module 430 and is used as the cleaning water W2. At this time, a second control valve 432 is provided in the flow path through which the raw water W1 moves. The cleaning water W2 that has passed through the cleaning module 430 moves to the second control valve 432 located in the flow path through which the raw water W1 moves. The second control valve 432 can stop the supply of the raw water W1 and control the supply of the cleaning water W2 to be supplied to the composite filter 100, or conversely, control the supply of the raw water W1 to be supplied to the composite filter 100 and stop the supply of the cleaning water W2.

[0203] Next, with reference to Figure 7, we will examine in detail the purified water extraction process and the cleaning process of the composite filter 100. First, for purified water extraction, the raw water supply unit 410 opens the flow path of the raw water W1 so that the raw water W1 is supplied to the composite filter 100. At this time, the second control valve 432 opens the flow path of the raw water W1 and controls the movement of the raw water W1 to the composite filter 100, while closing the flow path for the cleaning water W2 to move to the composite filter 100. Then, as the raw water W1 passes through the composite filter 100, the composite filter 100 generates the purified water C. The purified water C is then extracted to the outside or moved to the purified water storage tank 440 under the control of the purified water discharge unit 420. At this time, the cleaning water control valve 433 and the cleaning water discharge valve 450 close the flow path of the cleaning water W2 to ensure the operational stability of the purified water extraction.

[0204] Next, in order to clean the composite filter 100, the cleaning water control valve 433 opens the flow path of the cleaning water W2 and controls the movement of the purified water C to the cleaning module 430. The cleaning module 430 then supplies the cleaning water W2 to the second control valve 432. At this time, the second control valve 432 closes the flow path of the raw water W1 and opens the flow path for the cleaning water W2 to move to the composite filter 100. The composite filter 100 is cleaned by the cleaning water W2 as it passes through the composite filter 100. The cleaning water W2 is then discharged to the outside through the cleaning water discharge valve 450. At this time, the purified water discharge section 420 closes the flow path of the purified water C to ensure operational stability for cleaning the composite filter 100.

[0205] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram showing a water purifier according to yet another embodiment of the present invention.

[0206] As shown in Figure 8, a water purifier 3 according to yet another embodiment of the present invention includes a raw water supply unit 410, a composite filter 100, a purified water discharge unit 420, a purified water storage tank 441, and a cleaning module 430. Descriptions of components identical or similar to those of the previously described embodiments will be replaced by the previously described descriptions, and the purified water storage tank 441 and the cleaning module 430 will be examined in detail. The purified water storage tank 441 is positioned between the composite filter 100 and the purified water discharge unit 420 and is connected to the purified water discharge unit 420. The purified water C filtered by the composite filter 100 is supplied to the purified water storage tank 441. The purified water C is then extracted to the outside under the control of the purified water discharge unit 420.

[0207] As shown in Figure 8, in a water purifier 3 according to yet another embodiment of the present invention, the cleaning module 430 includes a cleaning water control valve 434 that controls the supply of the cleaning water W2 using the purified water supplied from the purified water storage tank 441. When the cleaning water control valve 434 opens the flow path through which the purified water C moves, the purified water C moves to the cleaning module 430 and is used as the cleaning water W2. At this time, a control valve 415 is provided in the flow path through which the raw water W1 moves. The cleaning water W2 that has passed through the cleaning module 430 moves to the control valve 415 located in the flow path through which the raw water W1 moves. The control valve 415 can stop the supply of the raw water W1 and control the supply of the cleaning water W2 to be supplied to the composite filter 100, or conversely, control the supply of the raw water W1 to be supplied to the composite filter 100 and stop the supply of the cleaning water W2.

[0208] Next, with reference to Figure 8, we will examine in detail the purified water extraction process and the cleaning process of the composite filter 100. First, for purified water extraction, the raw water supply unit 410 opens the flow path of the raw water W1 so that the raw water W1 is supplied to the composite filter 100. At this time, the control valve 415 opens the flow path of the raw water W1 and controls the movement of the raw water W1 to the composite filter 100, while closing the flow path for the cleaning water W2 to move to the composite filter 100. Then, as the raw water W1 passes through the composite filter 100, the composite filter 100 generates the purified water C. The purified water C is then stored in the purified water storage tank 441 and then extracted to the outside under the control of the purified water discharge unit 420. At this time, the cleaning water control valve 434 and the cleaning water discharge valve 450 close the flow path of the cleaning water W2 to ensure the operational stability of the purified water extraction.

[0209] Next, in order to clean the composite filter 100, the purified water discharge section 420 closes the flow path of the purified water C so that the purified water C is not discharged to the outside. At this time, the cleaning water control valve 434 opens the flow path of the cleaning water W2 and controls the movement of the purified water C to the cleaning module 430. The cleaning module 430 then supplies the cleaning water W2 to the control valve 415. At this time, the control valve 415 closes the flow path of the raw water W1 and opens the flow path for the cleaning water W2 to move to the composite filter 100. As the cleaning water W2 passes through the composite filter 100, the composite filter 100 is cleaned by the cleaning water W2. The cleaning water W2 is then discharged to the outside through the cleaning water discharge valve 450. In this way, by utilizing the purified water C as cleaning water W2, the cleaning efficiency of the composite filter 100 is improved.

[0210] As illustrated in Figures 9 to 11, another composite filter 500 of the present invention includes a housing section 510 equipped with a raw water inlet port 520 into which raw water W1 enters, a purified water outlet port 530 from which filtered purified water C is discharged, and a washing water outlet port 540 from which washing water W2 is discharged, and a filtration section 600 equipped with a first filter member 610 that filters the raw water W1 to produce first purified water C1, and a second filter member 620 that filters the first purified water C1 to produce second purified water C2 and is stacked on top of the first filter member 610. That is, the raw water W1 that enters through the raw water inlet port 520 moves to the filtration section 600, where it is filtered as it moves sequentially through the first filter member 610 and the second filter member 620 provided in the filtration section 600, and finally the filtered purified water C is discharged through the purified water outlet port 530 and then provided to the user. Furthermore, the purified water C may be stored in a separate purified water tank (not shown) or supplied to a chilled water generation unit (not shown), a hot water generation unit (not shown), and an ice generation unit (not shown) for the production of chilled water, hot water, and ice. The first purified water C1 then moves to the upper side of the first filter member 610 and then to the second filter member 620, and the washing water W2, after washing the first filter member 610, moves to the first discharge passage 691 formed between the first filter member 610 and the fifth upper cap member 670 and is discharged to the outside of the composite filter 500 through the washing water discharge port 540. Thus, by configuring the system to allow not only the inflow of raw water W1 and the outflow of purified water C but also the discharge of washing water W2, the first filter member 610 and the second filter member 620 can be integrated to form a composite filter, improving user convenience. Furthermore, by using the washing water W2 to wash the first filter member 610, the product life of the composite filter 500 is increased, further improving user convenience. In this case, the first filter member 610 may be an UF (Ultra Filtration) filter that filters contaminants using a hollow fiber membrane. The second filter member 620 may be a carbon filter or an MF (Microfiltration) filter. In addition, the second filter member 620 may include an electrodeionization filter.The aforementioned electrodeionization method refers to EDI (Electro Deionization), CEDI (Continuous Electro Deionization), or CDI (Capacitive Deionization), etc. In this case, a separate filter member may be provided on the outer surface of the second filter member 620. As an example, such a separate filter member may be an NT filter member. Such an NT filter member may consist of a material that becomes electrostatically charged to adsorb foreign matter contained in the incoming raw water W1, for example, a nanotrap material. Such an electrostatically charged material may be configured to be positively charged. Accordingly, negatively charged foreign matter contained in the raw water W1, such as viruses, bacteria, and fine particles, may be adsorbed onto the NT filter member by electrostatic charge. Alternatively, such a separate filter member may be a sediment filter member.

[0211] As shown in Figure 10, in a composite filter according to another embodiment of the present invention, the housing portion 510 includes a head member 511 having a first partition wall 511a that prevents the second purified water C2 and the washing water W2 from mixing, and a second partition wall 511b that prevents the raw water W1 and the washing water W2 from mixing, and a case member 512 extending from the head member 511, in which the filtration portion 600 is arranged. That is, the structure is such that not only the raw water W1 that enters but also the second purified water C2 that is discharged and the washing water W2 that is discharged are discharged / out from the top of the composite filter 500, and for this purpose the head member 511 has a raw water region 521 into which the raw water W1 enters, a second purified water region 531 into which the second purified water C2 is discharged, and a washing water region 541 into which the washing water W2 is discharged. To this end, the head member 511 of the housing 510 is provided with the first and second partition walls 511a and 511b such that independent flow paths are formed in which the raw water W1, the second purified water C2, and the washing water W2 are not mixed. This concentrates the water outlet / discharge to the upper part of the composite filter 500, improving the freedom of layout design for other parts. Here, the washing water W2 flowing into the first filter member 610 uses the raw water W1 to wash the first filter member 610. However, the washing water W2 is not limited to using only the raw water W1, and may also use the purified water that is discharged.

[0212] As shown in Figure 11, the filtration section 600 includes a first upper cap member 630 on which the first filter member 610 is positioned below, a second upper cap member 640 on which the first upper cap member 630 is positioned below, a third upper cap member 650 on which the second filter member 620 is positioned below, a fourth upper cap member 660 on which the third upper cap member 650 is positioned below, and a fifth upper cap member 670 on which the fourth upper cap member 660 is positioned below. At this time, the raw water W1 moves through the outside of the fifth upper cap member 670 and then flows into the first filter member 610 below it, the washing water W2 moves upward through the space between the first filter member 610 and the second upper cap member 640 and between the fourth upper cap member 660 and the fifth upper cap member 670, and the purified water C moves upward through the space between the second filter member 620 and the fourth upper cap member 660, thereby forming independent flow paths in which the raw water W1, the washing water W2, and the purified water C do not mix with each other, improving manufacturability while integrating the first filter member 610 and the second filter member 620.

[0213] As shown in Figure 11, the side surface of the first filter member 610 is provided with a plurality of discharge holes 611 that are spaced apart from each other. At this time, the size of the plurality of discharge holes 611 is the same. However, the size of the plurality of discharge holes 611 is not limited to being the same; they may become larger or smaller as you go downwards. Also, the plurality of discharge holes 611 are spaced apart from each other at equal intervals. However, the plurality of discharge holes 611 are not limited to being spaced apart from each other at equal intervals; they may be spaced apart so that they move further apart as you go downwards. A first discharge passage 691 through which the cleaning water W2 flows is provided between the first filter member 610 and the fourth upper cap member 660. At this time, the plurality of discharge holes 611 communicate with the first discharge passage 691. The cleaning water W2 that has cleaned the first filter member 610 moves to the first discharge passage 691 through the plurality of discharge holes 611.

[0214] Furthermore, a second discharge passage 692 is provided between the fourth upper cap member 660 and the fifth upper cap member 670, which communicates with the first discharge passage 691. At this time, the second discharge passage 692 communicates with the wash water discharge port (540, see Figure 10). Through this, the wash water W2 that has washed the first filter member 610 is discharged to the outside of the composite filter 500 by sequentially passing through the plurality of discharge holes 611, the first discharge passage 691, the second discharge passage 692 and the wash water discharge port 540. In this way, the composite filter 500 according to another embodiment of the present invention is manufactured by integrating the first filter member 610 and the second filter member 620, while improving the operational reliability of the composite filter 500 by ensuring that the wash water W2 is discharged without mixing with the purified water C.

[0215] Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view showing the filtration section of a composite filter according to another embodiment of the present invention in a separated state.

[0216] As shown in Figures 11 and 12, in the filtration section 600 of the composite filter according to another embodiment of the present invention, the first filter member 610 is located below the first upper cap member 630, the first upper cap member 630 is located below the second upper cap member 640, the second filter member 620 is located below the third upper cap member 650, the third upper cap member 650 is located below the fourth upper cap member 660, and the fourth upper cap member 660 is located below the fifth upper cap member 670. In this way, the first to fifth upper cap members 630, 640, 650, 660, and 670 are assembled to have a laminated structure of the first filter member 610 and the second filter member 620, thereby improving the manufacturability of the composite filter 500.

[0217] As shown in Figures 11 and 12, in the filtration section 600 of a composite filter according to another embodiment of the present invention, the first upper cap member 630 includes a first upward guide 631 which extends upward so that the first purified water C1 that has passed through the first filter member 610 flows into the second filter member 620. That is, the first upper cap member 630 is provided with the first upward guide 631 through which the first purified water C1 flows, so that even if the first filter member 610 and the second filter member 620 are in a stacked structure, the first purified water C1 moves smoothly upward toward the second filter member 620, ensuring the operational reliability of the composite filter 500. The first upper cap member 630 also includes a first downward guide 632 which extends downward. The first downward guide 632 is formed to surround the upper part of the first filter member 610 and is coupled to the first filter member 610, so that the first upper cap member 630 is stably coupled to the upper part of the first filter member 610 by the first downward guide 632.

[0218] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 11 and 12, in the filtration section 600 of the composite filter according to another embodiment of the present invention, the second upper cap member 640 includes a second upward guide 641 which extends upward so that the washing water W2 that has passed through the first filter member 610 moves to the second discharge passage 692. The second upward guide 641 is formed to be spaced apart from the first upward guide 631 while surrounding it. That is, the washing water W2 moves through the space between the first upward guide 631 and the second upward guide 641, preventing the washing water W2 from mixing with the first purified water C1 and ensuring the operational reliability of the composite filter 500. Furthermore, the second upper cap member 640 includes a second downward guide 642 which extends downward. The second downward guide 642 is formed to be spaced apart from the first filter member 610 while surrounding it. In other words, a first discharge passage 691 is provided between the second downward guide 642 and the first filter member 610, through which the cleaning water W2 used to clean the first filter member 610 flows. A hole 645 is formed in the second upper cap member 640 for the cleaning water W2 to flow through. Consequently, the cleaning water W2 that has passed through the first discharge passage 691 moves to the second discharge passage 692 through the hole 645. In this way, the filtration unit 600 is provided with an independent flow path so that the cleaning water W2 does not mix with the raw water W1 or the purified water C, thereby ensuring the quality of the purified water C and improving user satisfaction.

[0219] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 11 and 12, in the filtration section 600 of a composite filter according to another embodiment of the present invention, the third upper cap member 650 includes an upper cap guide 651 that extends downward so as to be coupled with the second filter member 620. The upper cap guide 651 is formed to surround the upper part of the second filter member 620, and the third upper cap member 650 is stably fixed to the second filter member 620 by the upper cap guide 651.

[0220] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 11 and 12, in the filtration section 600 of the composite filter according to another embodiment of the present invention, the fourth upper cap member 660 includes a fourth upward guide 661 that extends upward. The second purified water C2, which has passed through the second filter member 620, moves upward through the fourth upward guide 661 to separate the discharge of the washing water W2 from the discharge of the purified water C, thereby ensuring the operational reliability of the composite filter 500. The first compartment wall (511a, see Figure 10) is also extended axially along the fourth upward guide 661. That is, the purified water C is discharged to the outside of the composite filter 500 through the first compartment wall (511a, see Figure 10) and the fourth upward guide 661. The fourth upper cap member 660 also includes a fourth downward guide 662 that extends downward. The fourth downward guide 662 is spaced apart from the side of the second filter member 620, surrounding it. Then, the second purified water C2, having passed through the second filter member 620, moves upward between the fourth downward guide 662 and the second filter member 620, and the washing water W2 moves along the outside of the fourth downward guide 662, preventing the second purified water C2 and the washing water W2 from mixing, thereby ensuring a stable quality of the purified water.

[0221] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 11 and 12, in the filtration section 600 of the composite filter according to another embodiment of the present invention, the fifth upper cap member 670 includes a fifth upward guide 671 that extends upward. The washing water W2 moves upward through the fifth upward guide 671, separating the discharge of the washing water W2 from the inflow of the raw water W1, thereby ensuring the operational reliability of the composite filter 500. The second compartment wall (511b, see Figure 10) is also extended axially along the fifth upward guide 671. That is, after the washing water W2 moves upward along the fifth upward guide 671, it moves smoothly to the washing water discharge port 540 through the second compartment wall (511b, see Figure 10). The fifth upper cap member 670 also includes a fifth downward guide 672 that extends downward. The fifth downward guide 672 is spaced apart from the fourth downward guide 662, surrounding its side. In other words, a second discharge passage 692 is formed between the fourth downward guide 662 and the fifth downward guide 672, through which the cleaning water W2 moves upward. The cleaning water W2 then passes through the first filter member 610, the first discharge passage 691, and the hole 645 in sequence, and then moves to the inside of the fifth upward guide 671 through the second discharge passage 692. The raw water W1 then moves along the outside of the fifth downward guide 672, and the fifth downward guide 672 prevents the raw water W1 and the cleaning water W2 from mixing, thereby ensuring the operational stability of the composite filter 500.

[0222] As shown in Figures 11 and 12, the filtration section 600 of the composite filter according to another embodiment of the present invention further includes a lower cap member 680 coupled to the lower side of the second filter member 620. The lower cap member 680 also includes a lower cap guide 681 that extends upward to connect with the second filter member 620. The lower cap guide 681 contacts the lower outer peripheral surface of the second filter member 620, thereby stably fixing the second filter member 620 and improving the durability of the composite filter 500. Consequently, the lower cap member 680, together with the third upper cap member 650, stably fixes the second filter member 620, enabling modularization of the composite filter through a sub-assembly process and improving workability.

[0223] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 11 and 12, in the filtration section 600 of the composite filter according to another embodiment of the present invention, a first O-ring 701 is formed between the second upper cap member 640 and the first filter member 610 to prevent the wash water W2 from flowing back into the first filter member 610. The first O-ring 701 is made of rubber or silicone material. However, the first O-ring 701 is not limited to being made of rubber or silicone material, but can be made of a variety of elastic materials. The first O-ring 701 seals the space between the first filter member 610 and the second upper cap member 640, preventing the wash water W2 moving through the first discharge passage 691 from flowing back into the first filter member 610.

[0224] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 11 and 12, in the filtration section 600 of the composite filter according to another embodiment of the present invention, a second O-ring 702 is formed between the second upper cap member 640 and the fifth upper cap member 670 to prevent the washing water W2 from flowing back into the first filter member 610. The second O-ring 702 is made of rubber or silicone material. However, the second O-ring 702 is not limited to being made of rubber or silicone material, but can be made of a variety of elastic materials. The second O-ring 702 seals the space between the second upper cap member 640 and the fifth upper cap member 670, preventing the washing water W2 from mixing with the raw water W1.

[0225] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 11 and 12, in the filtration section 600 of the composite filter according to another embodiment of the present invention, a third O-ring 703 is formed between the second upper cap member 640 and the lower cap member 680 to prevent the second purified water C2 from moving to the second discharge passage 692. The third O-ring 703 is made of rubber or silicone material. However, the third O-ring 703 is not limited to being made of rubber or silicone material, but can be made of a variety of elastic materials. The third O-ring 703 seals the space between the second upper cap member 640 and the lower cap member 680, preventing the second purified water C2 from mixing with the washing water W2.

[0226] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 11 and 12, in the filtration section 600 of the composite filter according to another embodiment of the present invention, a fourth O-ring 704 is formed between the first upper cap member 630 and the second upper cap member 640 to prevent the second purified water C2 from moving to the first discharge passage 691. The fourth O-ring 704 is made of rubber or silicone material. However, the fourth O-ring 704 is not limited to being made of rubber or silicone material, but can be made of a variety of elastic materials. The fourth O-ring 704 seals the space between the first upper cap member 630 and the second upper cap member 640, preventing the second purified water C2 of the second filter member 620 from mixing with the wash water W2.

[0227] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 11 and 12, in the filtration section 600 of the composite filter according to another embodiment of the present invention, a fifth O-ring 705 is formed between the lower cap member 680 and the fourth upper cap member 660 to prevent the second purified water C2 from moving to the second discharge passage 692. The fifth O-ring 705 is made of rubber or silicone material. However, the fifth O-ring 705 is not limited to being made of rubber or silicone material, but can be made of a variety of elastic materials. The fifth O-ring 705 seals the space between the lower cap member 680 and the fourth upper cap member 660, preventing the second purified water C2 that has passed through the second filter member 620 from mixing with the washing water W2.

[0228] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 11 and 12, in the filtration section 600 of the composite filter according to another embodiment of the present invention, a first spacer 711 is provided between the fourth upper cap member 660 and the fifth upper cap member 670 to be spaced apart from each other at a constant distance. Accordingly, the first spacer 711 prevents the second discharge passage 692 from being blocked. In addition, since the first spacer 711 is made of a material having elastic force such as rubber, the elastic force of the first spacer 711 is provided in a direction that moves the fourth upper cap member 660 and the fifth upper cap member 670 away from each other, so that the fifth upper cap member 670 is stably fixed to the fourth upper cap member 660 by the first spacer 711.

[0229] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 11 and 12, in the filtration section 600 of the composite filter according to another embodiment of the present invention, a second spacer 712 is provided between the fifth upper cap member 670 and the case member (512, see Figure 13) to be spaced apart from each other at a constant distance. Accordingly, the second spacer 712 prevents the space between the fifth upper cap member 670 and the case member (512, see Figure 13) from being blocked, allowing the raw water W1 to move smoothly along the outside of the fifth upper cap member 670. In addition, since the second spacer 712 is made of a material having elastic force such as rubber, the elastic force of the second spacer 712 is provided in a direction that moves the fifth upper cap member 670 and the case member (512, see Figure 13) away from each other, and the fifth upper cap member 670 is stably fixed to the case member (512, see Figure 13) by the second spacer 712.

[0230] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 11 and 12, in the filtration section 600 of the composite filter according to another embodiment of the present invention, a third spacer 713 is provided between the third upper cap member 650 and the fourth upper cap member 660 to be spaced apart from each other at a constant distance. Accordingly, the third spacer 713 prevents the passage through which the second purified water C2 moves from being blocked. In addition, since the third spacer 713 is made of a material having elastic force such as rubber, the elastic force of the third spacer 713 is provided in a direction that moves the third upper cap member 650 and the fourth upper cap member 660 away from each other, so that the fourth upper cap member 660 is stably fixed to the third upper cap member 650 by the third spacer 713.

[0231] Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view showing the filtration section of a composite filter according to another embodiment of the present invention installed in the housing.

[0232] As shown in Figure 13, in a composite filter 500 according to another embodiment of the present invention, the lower cap member 680 is provided with a lower leg 682 extending downward toward the second upper cap member 640. The lower leg 682 is formed such that the lower cap member 680 is positioned at a distance from the second upper cap member 640. The lower leg 682 ensures that the washing water W2, after passing through the first discharge passage 691, moves through the upper part of the second upper cap member 640 and then moves to the second discharge passage 692, thereby ensuring the operational stability of the composite filter 500.

[0233] At this time, as shown in Figure 13, in the composite filter 500 according to another embodiment of the present invention, a raw water channel 695 is formed between the case member 512 and the fourth upper cap member 660. The raw water W1 that flows in through the raw water inlet port (520, see Figure 10) moves along the raw water channel 695 to the lower part of the first filter member 610. The first filter member 610 is provided with a filter leg 612 that extends downward toward the lower side surface of the case member 512. The filter leg 612 is formed to provide a passage for the raw water W1 to move between the first filter member 610 and the lower side surface of the case member 512. The raw water W1 that has passed through the raw water channel 695 flows into the first filter member 610 via the space between the first filter member 610 and the lower side surface of the case member 512.

[0234] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 13, in the composite filter 500 according to another embodiment of the present invention, the first purified water C1 that has passed through the first filter member 610 moves to the inside of the second filter member 620. At this time, a purified water passage 696 is formed between the second filter member 620 and the fourth upper cap member 660. Then, the second purified water C2 that has passed through the second filter member 620 moves upward along the purified water passage 696 and is discharged to the outside of the composite filter 500 through the purified water outlet port (520, see Figure 10). Thus, in another embodiment of the present invention, the composite filter 500 is assembled by stacking the first filter member 610 and the second filter member 620 on the case member 512, while forming independent flow paths through the top for the inlet of raw water W1, the outlet of purified water C, and the discharge of wash water W2 using first to fifth upper cap members 630, 640, 650, 660, 670 and lower cap member 680. This enables the modularization of the composite filter, eliminating the need for the user to operate a separate component for cleaning, thus improving user convenience.

[0235] Figure 14 is a schematic diagram showing a water purifier according to yet another embodiment of the present invention.

[0236] As shown in Figure 14, a water purifier 800 according to yet another embodiment of the present invention includes a raw water supply unit 801 that controls the supply of raw water W1, a composite filter 500 that receives the raw water W1 from the raw water supply unit 801 and filters it, a purified water discharge unit 802 that controls the discharge of purified water C filtered by the composite filter 500, and a washing module 803 provided between the raw water supply unit 801 and the composite filter 500 that controls the supply of washing water W2 to the composite filter 500, wherein the raw water W1 and the washing water W2 are selectively supplied to the composite filter 500.

[0237] At this time, the raw water supply unit 801 controls the supply of the raw water W1, thereby preventing the raw water W1 from being excessively supplied to the composite filter 500, thus preventing damage to the composite filter 500 by the raw water W1, and preventing the raw water W1 from being undersupplied to the composite filter 500, thus preventing a decrease in the flow of the raw water W1 inside the composite filter 500, and thus ensuring the operational stability of the water purifier. Furthermore, the purified water discharge unit 802 controls the discharge of the purified water C, thereby extracting purified water to meet the user's needs and improving user satisfaction.

[0238] As shown in Figure 14, in a water purifier 800 according to yet another embodiment of the present invention, the composite filter 500 is the composite filter of the embodiment described above. However, the composite filter 500 is not limited to the composite filter described above, and a structure in which raw water inlet, purified water outlet, and wash water discharge are performed independently is also applicable.

[0239] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 14, in a water purifier 800 according to yet another embodiment of the present invention, the cleaning module 803 includes a cleaning water control valve 803a that controls the supply of the cleaning water W2 using the raw water from the raw water supply unit 801. The cleaning water control valve 803a controls whether the raw water W1 is supplied to the composite filter 500 or to the cleaning module 803. That is, the cleaning water control valve 803a controls whether the raw water W1 is supplied to the composite filter 500 and whether the supply of the raw water W1 to the cleaning module 803 is stopped, or conversely, whether the supply of the raw water W1 to the composite filter 500 is stopped and whether the raw water W1 is supplied to the cleaning module 803. The cleaning module 803 then performs the function of sterilizing the raw water W1 supplied from the raw water supply unit 801. In other words, the cleaning module 803 can be a sterilization device that sterilizes the raw water W1. For example, the cleaning module 803 can sterilize the raw water W1 using ultrasound or plasma, or add a disinfectant, and various other methods can be applied to sterilize the raw water W1 and clean the composite filter 500. The cleaning water W2 from the cleaning module 803 moves to the composite filter 500 to clean the composite filter 500, and after that, is discharged to the outside through the cleaning water discharge valve 805.

[0240] Next, with reference to Figure 14, we will examine in detail the purified water extraction process and the cleaning process of the composite filter 500. First, for purified water extraction, the raw water supply unit 801 opens the flow path of the raw water W1 so that the raw water W1 is supplied to the composite filter 500. At this time, the cleaning water control valve 803a opens the flow path of the raw water W1 to control the movement of the raw water W1 to the composite filter 500, and closes the flow path through which the raw water W1 moves to the cleaning module 803. Then, as the raw water W1 passes through the composite filter 500, the composite filter 500 generates the purified water C. The purified water C is then extracted to the outside through the purified water discharge unit 802. At this time, the cleaning water discharge valve 805 closes the flow path of the cleaning water W2 to ensure the operational stability of the purified water extraction.

[0241] Next, in order to clean the composite filter 500, the raw water supply unit 801 opens the flow path of the raw water W1 so that the raw water W1 is supplied to the cleaning module 803. At this time, the cleaning water control valve 803a opens the flow path of the cleaning water W2 to control the movement of the raw water W1 to the cleaning module 803, and closes the flow path through which the raw water W1 moves to the composite filter 500. The cleaning module 803 then supplies the cleaning water W2 to the composite filter 500. The composite filter 500 is cleaned by the cleaning water W2 as it passes through the composite filter 500. The cleaning water W2 is then discharged to the outside through the cleaning water discharge valve 805. At this time, the purified water discharge unit 802 closes the flow path of the purified water C to ensure operational stability for cleaning the composite filter 500.

[0242] Figure 15 is a schematic diagram showing a water purifier according to yet another embodiment of the present invention.

[0243] As illustrated in Figure 15, a water purifier 810 according to yet another embodiment of the present invention includes a raw water supply unit 801, a composite filter 500, a purified water discharge unit 802, a purified water storage tank 804, and a cleaning module 803. Descriptions of components identical or similar to those of the previously described embodiments will be replaced by the previously described descriptions, and the purified water storage tank 804 and the cleaning module 803 will be examined in detail. The purified water storage tank 804 is connected to the purified water discharge unit 802. The purified water discharge unit 802 includes a first control valve 802a that controls the supply of purified water C filtered by the composite filter 500 to the purified water storage tank 804. The purified water C is then extracted to the outside by the control of the purified water discharge unit 802 or moved to the purified water storage tank 804 by the control of the first control valve 802a.

[0244] As shown in Figure 15, in a water purifier 810 according to yet another embodiment of the present invention, the cleaning module 803 includes a cleaning water control valve 803c that controls the supply of the cleaning water W2 using purified water supplied from the purified water storage tank 804. When the cleaning water control valve 803c opens the flow path through which the purified water C moves, the purified water C moves to the cleaning module 803 and is used as the cleaning water W2. At this time, a second control valve 803b is provided in the flow path through which the raw water W1 moves. The cleaning water W2 that has passed through the cleaning module 803 moves to the second control valve 803b located in the flow path through which the raw water W1 moves. The second control valve 803b can stop the supply of the raw water W1 and control the supply of the cleaning water W2 to be supplied to the composite filter 500, or conversely, control the supply of the cleaning water W2 to be stopped by allowing the raw water W1 to be supplied to the composite filter 500.

[0245] Next, with reference to Figure 15, we will examine in detail the purified water extraction process and the cleaning process of the composite filter 500. First, for purified water extraction, the raw water supply unit 801 opens the flow path of the raw water W1 so that the raw water W1 is supplied to the composite filter 500. At this time, the second control valve 803b opens the flow path of the raw water W1 and controls the movement of the raw water W1 to the composite filter 500, while closing the flow path for the cleaning water W2 to move to the composite filter 500. Then, as the raw water W1 passes through the composite filter 500, the composite filter 500 generates the purified water C. The purified water C is then extracted to the outside or moved to the purified water storage tank 804 under the control of the purified water discharge unit 802. At this time, the cleaning water control valve 803c and the cleaning water discharge valve 805 close the flow path of the cleaning water W2 to ensure the operational stability of the purified water extraction.

[0246] Next, in order to clean the composite filter 500, the cleaning water control valve 803c opens the flow path of the cleaning water W2 and controls the movement of the purified water C to the cleaning module 803. The cleaning module 803 then supplies the cleaning water W2 to the second control valve 803b. At this time, the second control valve 803b closes the flow path of the raw water W1 and opens the flow path for the cleaning water W2 to move to the composite filter 500. As the cleaning water W2 passes through the composite filter 500, the composite filter 500 is cleaned by the cleaning water W2. The cleaning water W2 is then discharged to the outside through the cleaning water discharge valve 805. At this time, the purified water discharge section 802 closes the flow path of the purified water C to ensure operational stability for cleaning the composite filter 500.

[0247] Figure 16 is a schematic diagram showing a water purifier according to yet another embodiment of the present invention.

[0248] As shown in Figure 16, a water purifier 820 according to yet another embodiment of the present invention includes a raw water supply unit 801, a composite filter 500, a purified water discharge unit 802, a purified water storage tank 804a, and a cleaning module 803. Descriptions of components identical or similar to those of the previously described embodiments will be replaced by the previously described descriptions, and the purified water storage tank 804a and the cleaning module 803 will be examined in detail. The purified water storage tank 804a is positioned between the composite filter 500 and the purified water discharge unit 802 and is connected to the purified water discharge unit 802. The purified water C filtered by the composite filter 500 is supplied to the purified water storage tank 804a. The purified water C is then extracted to the outside under the control of the purified water discharge unit 802.

[0249] As shown in Figure 16, in a water purifier 820 according to yet another embodiment of the present invention, the cleaning module 803 includes a cleaning water control valve 803d that controls the supply of the cleaning water W2 using purified water supplied from the purified water storage tank 804a. When the cleaning water control valve 803d opens the flow path through which the purified water C moves, the purified water C moves to the cleaning module 803 and is used as the cleaning water W2. At this time, a control valve 801a is provided in the flow path through which the raw water W1 moves. The cleaning water W2 that has passed through the cleaning module 803 moves to the control valve 801a located in the flow path through which the raw water W1 moves. The control valve 801a can stop the supply of the raw water W1 and control the supply of the cleaning water W2 to be supplied to the composite filter 500, or conversely, control the supply of the cleaning water W2 to be stopped by allowing the raw water W1 to be supplied to the composite filter 500.

[0250] Next, we will examine in detail the purified water extraction process and the cleaning process of the composite filter 500 with reference to Figure 16. First, for purified water extraction, the raw water supply unit 801 opens the flow path of the raw water W1 so that the raw water W1 is supplied to the composite filter 500. At this time, the control valve 801a opens the flow path of the raw water W1 and controls the movement of the raw water W1 to the composite filter 500, while closing the flow path for the cleaning water W2 to move to the composite filter 500. Then, as the raw water W1 passes through the composite filter 500, the composite filter 500 generates the purified water C. The purified water C is then stored in the purified water storage tank 804a and then extracted to the outside under the control of the purified water discharge unit 802. At this time, the cleaning water control valve 803d and the cleaning water discharge valve 805 close the flow path of the cleaning water W2 to ensure the operational stability of the purified water extraction.

[0251] Next, in order to clean the composite filter 500, the purified water discharge section 802 closes the flow path of the purified water C so that the purified water C is not discharged to the outside. At this time, the cleaning water control valve 803d opens the flow path of the cleaning water W2 and controls the movement of the purified water C to the cleaning module 803. The cleaning module 803 then supplies the cleaning water W2 to the control valve 801a. At this time, the control valve 801a closes the flow path of the raw water W1 and opens the flow path for the cleaning water W2 to move to the composite filter 500. As the cleaning water W2 passes through the composite filter 500, the composite filter 500 is cleaned by the cleaning water W2. The cleaning water W2 is then discharged to the outside through the cleaning water discharge valve 805. In this way, by utilizing the purified water C as cleaning water W2, the cleaning efficiency of the composite filter 500 is improved.

[0252] Figure 17 is a schematic drawing showing the external appearance of a composite filter according to yet another embodiment of the present invention, Figure 18 is a plan view showing the head member of the composite filter according to yet another embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 19 is a cross-sectional view showing the assembled filtration section of the composite filter according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. Here, a means the axial direction of the composite filter, and r means the radial direction of the composite filter.

[0253] As shown in Figures 17 to 19, the composite filter 900 of the present invention includes a housing section 910 equipped with a raw water inlet port 920 into which raw water W1 enters, a purified water outlet port 930 from which filtered purified water C is discharged, and a washing water outlet port 940 from which washing water W2 is discharged, and a filtration section 1000 equipped with a first filter member 1010 that filters the raw water W1 to produce first purified water C1, and a second filter member 1020 positioned below the first filter member 1010 that filters the first purified water C1 to produce second purified water C2. That is, the raw water W1 that enters through the raw water inlet port 920 moves to the filtration section 1000, and is filtered as it moves sequentially through the first filter member 1010 and the second filter member 1020 provided in the filtration section 1000, and finally the filtered purified water C is discharged through the purified water outlet port 930 and then provided to the user. Furthermore, the purified water C may be stored in a separate purified water tank (not shown) or supplied to a chilled water generation unit (not shown), a hot water generation unit (not shown), and an ice generation unit (not shown) for the production of chilled water, hot water, and ice. The first purified water C1 then moves to the lower side of the first filter member 1010 and then to the second filter member 1020, and the washing water W2, after washing the first filter member 1010, moves to the first discharge passage 1101 formed between the first filter member 1010 and the first body member 1030 and is discharged to the outside of the composite filter 900 through the washing water discharge port 940. Thus, by configuring the system to allow not only the inflow of raw water W1 and the outflow of purified water C but also the discharge of washing water W2, the first filter member 1010 and the second filter member 1020 can be integrated to form a composite filter, improving user convenience. Furthermore, by using the washing water W2 to wash the first filter member 1010, the product life of the composite filter 900 is increased, further improving user convenience. In this case, the first filter member 1010 may be an UF (Ultra Filtration) filter that filters contaminants using a hollow fiber membrane. The second filter member 1020 may be a carbon filter or an MF (Microfiltration) filter.Furthermore, the second filter member 1020 may include an electrodeionization filter. The electrodeionization method refers to EDI (Electro Deionization), CEDI (Continuous Electro Deionization), or CDI (Capacitive Deionization), etc. In this case, a separate filter member may be provided on the outer surface of the second filter member 1020. As an example, such a separate filter member may be an NT filter member. Such an NT filter member may consist of a material that becomes electrostatically charged to adsorb foreign matter contained in the incoming raw water W1, for example, a nanotrap material. Such an electrostatically charged material may be configured to be positively charged. Accordingly, negatively charged foreign matter contained in the raw water W1, such as viruses, bacteria, and fine particles, may be adsorbed onto the NT filter member by electrostatic charge. Furthermore, such a separate filter member may be a sediment filter member.

[0254] As shown in Figure 18, in a composite filter according to yet another embodiment of the present invention, the housing portion 910 includes a head member 911 having a first partition wall 911a that prevents the raw water W1 and the washing water W2 from mixing, and a second partition wall 911b that prevents the purified water C and the washing water W2 from mixing, and a case member 912 extending from the head member 911, in which the filtration portion 1000 is arranged. That is, the structure is such that not only the raw water W1 that enters but also the second purified water C2 that is discharged and the washing water W2 that is discharged are discharged / out from the top of the composite filter 900, and for this purpose the head member 911 has a raw water region 921 into which the raw water W1 enters, a second purified water region 931 into which the second purified water C2 is discharged, and a washing water region 941 into which the washing water W2 is discharged. To this end, the head member 911 of the housing 910 is provided with the first and second partition walls 911a and 911b such that independent flow paths are formed in which the raw water W1, the second purified water C2, and the washing water W2 are not mixed. This concentrates the water outlet / discharge to the upper part of the composite filter 900, improving the freedom of layout design for other parts. Here, the washing water W2 flowing into the first filter member 1010 uses the raw water W1 to wash the first filter member 1010. However, the washing water W2 is not limited to using only the raw water W1, and may also use the purified water that is discharged.

[0255] As shown in Figure 19, the filtration section 1000 includes a first body member 1030 surrounding the first filter member 1010, a first upper cap member 1040 on which the first filter member 1010 is positioned below, a second upper cap member 1050 on which the first upper cap member 1040 is positioned below and the first body member 1030 is positioned below, a first lower cap member 1060 on which the first filter member 1010 is positioned above and which penetrates the second filter member 1020, a second body member 1070 surrounding the second filter member 1020, and a third upper cap member 1080 on which the second filter member 1020 is positioned below. At this time, the raw water W1 moves through the inside of the first upper cap member 1040, the washing water W2 moves upward through the space between the first filter member 1010 and the first body member 1030, and the space between the first upper cap member 1040 and the second upper cap member 1050, and the purified water C moves upward through the inside of the case member 912, thereby forming independent flow paths in which the raw water W1, the washing water W2, and the purified water C do not mix with each other, improving manufacturability while integrating the first filter member 1010 and the second filter member 1020.

[0256] As shown in Figure 19, the side surface of the first filter member 1010 is provided with a plurality of discharge holes 1011 that are spaced apart from each other. At this time, the size of the plurality of discharge holes 1011 is the same. However, the size of the plurality of discharge holes 1011 is not limited to being the same; they may become larger or smaller as you go downwards. Also, the plurality of discharge holes 1011 are spaced apart from each other at equal intervals. However, the plurality of discharge holes 1011 are not limited to being spaced apart from each other at equal intervals; they may be spaced apart so that they move further apart as you go downwards. A first discharge passage 1101 through which the cleaning water W2 flows is provided between the first filter member 1010 and the first body member 1030. At this time, the plurality of discharge holes 1011 communicate with the first discharge passage 1101. The cleaning water W2 that has cleaned the first filter member 1010 moves to the first discharge passage 1101 through the plurality of discharge holes 1011. Furthermore, a second discharge passage 1102 is provided between the first upper cap member 1040 and the second upper cap member 1050, which communicates with the first discharge passage 1101. At this time, the second discharge passage 1102 communicates with the wash water discharge port (940, see Figure 18). Through this, the wash water W2 that has washed the first filter member 1010 is discharged to the outside of the composite filter 900 by sequentially passing through the plurality of discharge holes 1011, the first discharge passage 1101, the second discharge passage 1102 and the wash water discharge port 940. In this way, the composite filter 900 according to yet another embodiment of the present invention is manufactured by integrating the first filter member 1010 and the second filter member 1020, while improving the operational reliability of the composite filter 900 by ensuring that the wash water W2 is discharged without mixing with the purified water C.

[0257] Figure 20 is a cross-sectional view showing the filtration section of a composite filter according to yet another embodiment of the present invention in a separated state.

[0258] As shown in Figures 19 and 20, in the filtration section 1000 of the composite filter according to yet another embodiment of the present invention, the first filter member 1010 is located below the first upper cap member 1040, the first upper cap member 1040 is located below the second upper cap member 1050, the first lower cap member 1060 is located below the first filter member 1010, and the second filter member 1020 is located below the third upper cap member 1080. The first upper cap member 1040, the second upper cap member 1050, the first lower cap member 1060, and the third upper cap member 1080 are assembled to have a laminated structure of the first filter member 1010 and the second filter member 1020, thereby improving the manufacturability of the composite filter 900. Furthermore, the first body member 1030 surrounds the first filter member 1010 while being positioned separately from it, and separate flow paths are formed on the inside and outside of the first body member 1030. As a result, even though the first filter member 1010 and the second filter member 1020 have a stacked structure, the raw water W1, the purified water C, and the washing water W2 are not mixed and form independent flow paths, thereby ensuring the operational reliability of the composite filter 900.

[0259] As shown in Figures 19 and 20, in the filtration section 1000 of a composite filter according to yet another embodiment of the present invention, the first upper cap member 1040 includes a first upward guide 1041 which is extended upward so that the raw water W1 flows into the first filter member 1010. That is, the first upper cap member 1040 is provided with a first upward guide 1041 through which the raw water W1 flows, thereby separating the inflow of the raw water W1 and the discharge of the wash water W2 and ensuring the operational reliability of the composite filter 900. Furthermore, the first compartment wall (911a, see Figure 18) is extended axially along the first upward guide 1041. That is, the raw water W1 moves smoothly to the first filter member 1010 through the first compartment wall (911a, see Figure 18) and the first upward guide 1041. Furthermore, the first upper cap member 1040 includes a first downward guide 1042 which is extended downward. The first downward guide 1042 is formed to surround the upper part of the first filter member 1010 and is coupled to the first filter member 1010, so that the first upper cap member 1040 is stably coupled to the upper part of the first filter member 1010 by the first downward guide 1042.

[0260] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 19 and 20, in the filtration section 1000 of the composite filter according to yet another embodiment of the present invention, the second upper cap member 1050 includes a second upward guide 1051 which is extended upward so that the washing water W2 that has passed through the first filter member 1010 is discharged to the outside of the composite filter 900. At this time, the second upward guide 1051 is formed to surround and be spaced apart from the first upward guide 1041. The second upper cap member 1050 is provided with the second upward guide 1051 through which the washing water W2 flows, thereby separating the discharge of the washing water W2 from the discharge of the purified water C and ensuring the operational reliability of the composite filter 900. In addition, the second partition wall (911b, see Figure 18) is extended axially along the second upward guide 1051. In other words, the cleaning water W2 moves upward along the second upward guide 1051 and then moves smoothly through the second partition wall (911b, see Figure 18) to the cleaning water discharge port 940, ensuring the operational reliability of the composite filter 900. The second upper cap member 1050 also includes a second downward guide 1052 that extends downward. The second downward guide 1052 is formed to surround and space away from the first downward guide 1042. That is, a flow path is formed between the first downward guide 1042 and the second downward guide 1052 through which the cleaning water, which has passed through the first discharge passage 1101, moves. At this time, the upper part of the first body member 1030 is positioned between the first downward guide 1042 and the second downward guide 1052.

[0261] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 19 and 20, in the filtration section 1000 of a composite filter according to yet another embodiment of the present invention, the first lower cap member 1060 includes a third upward guide 1061 that extends upward. The third upward guide 1061 surrounds the lower part of the first filter member 1010 and is coupled to the first filter member 1010, thereby stably fixing the first lower cap member 1060 to the first filter member 1010. The first lower cap member 1060 also includes a first lower cap guide 1062 that extends downward so as to penetrate the second filter member 1020. The outer diameter of the first lower cap guide 1062 is smaller than the inner diameter of the second filter member 1020. Furthermore, the first purified water C1, which has passed through the first filter member 1010, moves along the inside of the first lower cap guide 1062 to the lower part of the second filter member 1020, thereby preventing the first purified water C1 and the second purified water C2, which has passed through the second filter member 1020, from mixing, and ensuring the operational stability of the composite filter 900.

[0262] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 19 and 20, in the filtration section 1000 of a composite filter according to yet another embodiment of the present invention, the third upper cap member 1080 includes an upper cap guide 1082 that extends downward so as to be coupled with the second filter member 1020. The upper cap guide 1082 is formed to surround the upper part of the second filter member 1020, and the third upper cap member 1080 is stably fixed to the second filter member 1020 by the upper cap guide 1082. The third upper cap member 1080 also includes an upper cap support member 1081 that extends upward. The upper cap support member 1081 is formed so that the first lower cap member 1060 and the third upper cap member 1080 are spaced apart from each other. Accordingly, the second purified water C2, having passed through the second filter member 1020, moves through the upper part of the third upper cap member 1080, thereby forming an independent flow path through which the second purified water C2 moves to the upper part of the composite filter 900 without being mixed with the first purified water C1, thereby ensuring the quality of the purified water and improving user satisfaction.

[0263] As shown in Figures 19 and 20, the filtration section 1000 of the composite filter according to yet another embodiment of the present invention further includes a second lower cap member 1090 coupled to the lower side of the second filter member 1020. The second lower cap member 1090 also includes a second lower cap guide 1091 that extends upward and is coupled to the second filter member 1020. The second lower cap guide 1091 contacts the lower outer peripheral surface of the second filter member 1020, thereby stably fixing the second filter member 1020 and improving the durability of the composite filter 900. Accordingly, the second lower cap member 1090, together with the third upper cap member 1080, stably fixes the second filter member 1020, enabling the modularization of the composite filter 900 through a sub-assembly process and improving workability. Furthermore, the second lower cap member 1090 is provided with a lower leg 1092 that extends downward toward the lower side surface of the second body member 1070. The lower leg 1092 is formed so that the second lower cap member 1090 is positioned apart from the second body member 1070. As a result of the second lower cap member 1090 being positioned apart from the second body member 1070 by the lower leg 1092, the first purified water C1 that has passed through the first lower cap member 1060 moves along the lower part of the second filter member 1020 and then moves to the second filter member 1020, thereby ensuring the operational stability of the composite filter 900.

[0264] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 19 and 20, the second filter member 1020, the third upper cap member 1080, and the second lower cap member 1090 are attached to the second body member 1070, which enables the modularization of the composite filter 900 and improves workability.

[0265] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 19 and 20, in the filtration section 1000 of the composite filter according to yet another embodiment of the present invention, a first O-ring 1201 is formed between the first upper cap member 1040 and the first filter member 1010 to prevent the washing water W2 from flowing back into the first filter member 1010. The first O-ring 1201 is made of rubber or silicone material. However, the first O-ring 1201 is not limited to being made of rubber or silicone material, but can be made of a variety of elastic materials. The first O-ring 1201 seals the space between the first filter member 1010 and the first upper cap member 1040, preventing the washing water W2 moving through the first discharge passage 1101 from flowing back into the first filter member 1010.

[0266] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 19 and 20, in the filtration section 1000 of the composite filter according to yet another embodiment of the present invention, a second O-ring 1202 is formed between the second upper cap member 1050 and the first body member 1030 to prevent the washing water W2 from mixing with the second purified water C2. The second O-ring 1202 is made of rubber or silicone material. However, the second O-ring 1202 is not limited to being made of rubber or silicone material, but can be made of a variety of elastic materials. The second O-ring 1202 seals the space between the second upper cap member 1050 and the first body member 1030, preventing the second purified water C2 from flowing into the first discharge passage 1101 or the second discharge passage 1102.

[0267] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 19 and 20, in the filtration section 1000 of the composite filter according to yet another embodiment of the present invention, a third O-ring 1203 is formed between the first filter member 1010 and the first lower cap member 1060 to prevent the washing water from flowing into the second filter member 1020. The third O-ring 1203 is made of rubber or silicone material. However, the third O-ring 1203 is not limited to being made of rubber or silicone material, but can be made of a variety of elastic materials. The third O-ring 1203 seals the space between the first filter member 1010 and the first lower cap member 1060, preventing the second purified water C2 from mixing with the washing water W2, thereby ensuring the operational stability of the composite filter 900.

[0268] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 19 and 20, in the filtration section 1000 of the composite filter according to yet another embodiment of the present invention, a fourth O-ring 1204 is formed between the first body member 1030 and the first lower cap member 1060 to prevent the washing water W2 from mixing with the second purified water C2. The fourth O-ring 1204 is made of rubber or silicone material. However, the fourth O-ring 1204 is not limited to being made of rubber or silicone material, but can be made of a variety of elastic materials. The fourth O-ring 1204 seals the space between the first body member 1030 and the first lower cap member 1060, preventing the second purified water C2 from moving to the first discharge passage 1101, thereby ensuring the operational stability of the composite filter 900.

[0269] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 19 and 20, in the filtration section 1000 of the composite filter according to yet another embodiment of the present invention, a fifth O-ring 1205 is formed between the second body member 1070 and the third upper cap member 1080 to prevent the second purified water C2 from flowing back into the second filter member 1020. The fifth O-ring 1205 is made of rubber or silicone material. However, the fifth O-ring 1205 is not limited to being made of rubber or silicone material, but can be made of a variety of elastic materials. The fifth O-ring 1205 seals the space between the second body member 1070 and the third upper cap member 1080, preventing the first purified water C1 from mixing with the second purified water C2, thereby ensuring the operational stability of the composite filter 900.

[0270] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 19 and 20, in the filtration section 1000 of the composite filter according to yet another embodiment of the present invention, a first spacer 1211 is provided between the first upper cap member 1040 and the first body member 1030 to be spaced apart from each other at a constant distance. Accordingly, the first spacer 1211 prevents the first discharge passage 1101 and the second discharge passage 1102 from blocking each other. In addition, the elastic force of the first O-ring 1201 is provided so that the first spacer 1211 is pressed toward the first body member 1030, thereby stably fixing the first upper cap member 1040 between the first filter member 1010 and the first body member 1030 by the first spacer 1211 and the first O-ring 1201.

[0271] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 19 and 20, in the filtration section 1000 of the composite filter according to yet another embodiment of the present invention, a second spacer 1212 is provided between the second upper cap member 1050 and the case member (912, see Figure 21) to be spaced apart from each other at a constant interval. Accordingly, the second spacer 1212 prevents the space between the second upper cap member 1050 and the case member (912, see Figure 21) from being blocked, allowing the purified water C to move smoothly along the inside of the case member (912, see Figure 21). In addition, the elastic force of the second O-ring 1202 is provided to press the second spacer 1212 toward the case member (912, see Figure 21), so that the second upper cap member 1050 is stably fixed between the case member (912, see Figure 21) and the first body member 1030 by the second spacer 1212 and the second O-ring 1202.

[0272] Figure 21 is a cross-sectional view showing the filtration section of a composite filter according to yet another embodiment of the present invention installed in the housing.

[0273] As shown in FIG. 21, the raw water W1 flowing in through the raw water inlet port (520, see FIG. 18) moves to the first filter member 1010 through the first upper cap member 1040. Then, the first purified water C1 passing through the first filter member 1010 moves to the lower part of the second filter member 1020 through the first lower cap member 1060. At this time, a first purified water flow path 1121 through which the first purified water C1 moves is formed between the second body member 1070 and the second filter member 1020. The first purified water C1 moves along the first purified water flow path 1121 and flows into the second filter member 1020. Then, a second purified water flow path 1122 through which the second purified water C2 moves is formed between the second filter member 1020 and the first lower cap member 1060. The second purified water C2 passing through the second filter member 1020 moves upward along the second purified water flow path 1122 and moves between the third upper cap member 1080 and the first lower cap member 1060. Then, a third purified water flow path 1123 through which the second purified water C2 moves is formed between the case member 912 and the first body member 1030. The second purified water C2 moves upward along the third purified water flow path 1123.

[0274] Thus, the composite filter 900 according to still another embodiment of the present invention forms independent flow paths for the inflow of the raw water W1, the outflow of the purified water C, and the discharge of the washing water W2 through the upper part, while the first filter member 1010 and the second filter member 1020 are assembled to have a laminated structure by the first upper cap member 1040, the second upper cap member 1050, the first lower cap member 1060, and the third upper cap member 1080. This enables modularization of the composite filter, eliminating the need for the user to operate a separate configuration for cleaning, thereby improving the convenience for the user.

[0275] FIG. 22 is a configuration diagram schematically showing a water purifier according to still another embodiment of the present invention.

[0276] As shown in FIG. 22, a water purifier 1200 according to still another embodiment of the present invention includes a raw water supply unit 1210 that controls the supply of raw water W1, a composite filter 900 that receives the supply of the raw water W1 from the raw water supply unit 1210 and filters it, a purified water discharge unit 1220 that controls the discharge of purified water C filtered by the composite filter 900, and a cleaning module 1230 provided between the raw water supply unit 1210 and the composite filter 900 that controls the supply of cleaning water W2 to the composite filter 900. The raw water W1 and the cleaning water W2 are selectively supplied to the composite filter 900.

[0277] At this time, by controlling the supply of the raw water W1, the raw water supply unit 1210 prevents the raw water W1 from being excessively supplied to the composite filter 900 and prevents the composite filter 900 from being damaged by the raw water W1. Also, it prevents the raw water W1 from being supplied过少 to the composite filter 900 and prevents the flow of the raw water W1 from decreasing inside the composite filter 900. Therefore, the operation stability of the water purifier is ensured. Further, by controlling the discharge of the purified water C, the purified water discharge unit 1220 extracts the purified water according to the needs of the user, improving user satisfaction.

[0278] And, as shown in FIG. 22, in the water purifier 1200 according to still another embodiment of the present invention, the composite filter 900 is the composite filter of the foregoing embodiment. However, the composite filter 900 is not limited to the foregoing composite filter, and a structure in which raw water inlet, purified water outlet, and discharge of cleaning water are made independently is also applicable.

[0279] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 22, in a water purifier 1200 according to yet another embodiment of the present invention, the cleaning module 1230 includes a cleaning water control valve 1231 that controls the supply of the cleaning water W2 using the raw water from the raw water supply unit 1210. The cleaning water control valve 1231 controls whether the raw water W1 is supplied to the composite filter 900 or to the cleaning module 1230. That is, the cleaning water control valve 1231 controls whether the raw water W1 is supplied to the composite filter 900 and whether the supply of the raw water W1 to the cleaning module 1230 is stopped, or conversely, whether the supply of the raw water W1 to the composite filter 900 is stopped and whether the raw water W1 is supplied to the cleaning module 1230. The cleaning module 1230 then performs the function of sterilizing the raw water W1 supplied from the raw water supply unit 1210. In other words, the cleaning module 1230 can be a sterilization device that sterilizes the raw water W1. For example, the cleaning module 1230 can sterilize the raw water W1 using ultrasound or plasma, or add a disinfectant, and various other methods can be applied to sterilize the raw water W1 and clean the composite filter 900. The cleaning water W2 from the cleaning module 1230 moves to the composite filter 900 to clean the composite filter 900, and after that, the cleaning water is discharged to the outside through the cleaning water discharge valve 1250.

[0280] Next, with reference to Figure 22, we will examine in detail the purified water extraction process and the cleaning process of the composite filter 900. First, for purified water extraction, the raw water supply unit 1210 opens the flow path of the raw water W1 so that the raw water W1 is supplied to the composite filter 900. At this time, the cleaning water control valve 1231 opens the flow path of the raw water W1 and controls the movement of the raw water W1 to the composite filter 900, while closing the flow path through which the raw water W1 moves to the cleaning module 1230. Then, as the raw water W1 passes through the composite filter 900, the composite filter 900 generates the purified water C. The purified water C is then extracted to the outside through the purified water discharge unit 1220. At this time, the cleaning water discharge valve 1250 closes the flow path of the cleaning water W2 to ensure the operational stability of the purified water extraction.

[0281] Next, in order to clean the composite filter 900, the raw water supply unit 1210 opens the flow path of the raw water W1 so that the raw water W1 is supplied to the cleaning module 1230. At this time, the cleaning water control valve 1231 opens the flow path of the cleaning water W2 to control the movement of the raw water W1 to the cleaning module 1230, and closes the flow path through which the raw water W1 moves to the composite filter 900. The cleaning module 1230 then supplies the cleaning water W2 to the composite filter 900. The composite filter 900 is cleaned by the cleaning water W2 as it passes through the composite filter 900. The cleaning water W2 is then discharged to the outside through the cleaning water discharge valve 1250. At this time, the purified water discharge unit 1220 closes the flow path of the purified water C to ensure operational stability for cleaning the composite filter 900.

[0282] Figure 23 is a schematic diagram showing a water purifier according to yet another embodiment of the present invention.

[0283] As shown in Figure 23, a water purifier 1300 according to yet another embodiment of the present invention includes a raw water supply unit 1210, a composite filter 900, a purified water discharge unit 1220, a purified water storage tank 1240, and a cleaning module 1230. Descriptions of components identical or similar to those of the previously described embodiments will be replaced by the previously described descriptions, and the purified water storage tank 1240 and the cleaning module 1230 will be examined in detail. The purified water storage tank 1240 is connected to the purified water discharge unit 1220. The purified water discharge unit 1220 includes a first control valve 1221 that controls the supply of purified water C filtered by the composite filter 900 to the purified water storage tank 1240. The purified water C is then extracted to the outside by the control of the purified water discharge unit 1220 or moved to the purified water storage tank 1240 by the control of the first control valve 1221.

[0284] As shown in Figure 23, in a water purifier 1300 according to yet another embodiment of the present invention, the cleaning module 1230 includes a cleaning water control valve 1233 that controls the supply of the cleaning water W2 using purified water supplied from the purified water storage tank 1240. When the cleaning water control valve 1233 opens the flow path through which the purified water C moves, the purified water C moves to the cleaning module 1230 and is used as the cleaning water W2. At this time, a second control valve 1232 is provided in the flow path through which the raw water W1 moves. The cleaning water W2 that has passed through the cleaning module 1230 moves to the second control valve 1232 located in the flow path through which the raw water W1 moves. The second control valve 1232 can stop the supply of the raw water W1 and control the supply of the cleaning water W2 to be supplied to the composite filter 900, or conversely, control the supply of the cleaning water W2 to be stopped by allowing the raw water W1 to be supplied to the composite filter 900.

[0285] Next, with reference to Figure 23, we will examine in detail the purified water extraction process and the cleaning process of the composite filter 900. First, for purified water extraction, the raw water supply unit 1210 opens the flow path of the raw water W1 so that the raw water W1 is supplied to the composite filter 900. At this time, the second control valve 1232 opens the flow path of the raw water W1 and controls the movement of the raw water W1 to the composite filter 900, while closing the flow path for the cleaning water W2 to move to the composite filter 900. Then, as the raw water W1 passes through the composite filter 900, the composite filter 900 generates the purified water C. The purified water C is then extracted to the outside or moved to the purified water storage tank 1240 under the control of the purified water discharge unit 1220. At this time, the cleaning water control valve 1233 and the cleaning water discharge valve 1250 close the flow path of the cleaning water W2 to ensure the operational stability of the purified water extraction.

[0286] Next, in order to clean the composite filter 900, the cleaning water control valve 1233 opens the flow path of the cleaning water W2 and controls the movement of the purified water C to the cleaning module 1230. The cleaning module 1230 then supplies the cleaning water W2 to the second control valve 1232. At this time, the second control valve 1232 closes the flow path of the raw water W1 and opens the flow path for the cleaning water W2 to move to the composite filter 900. As the cleaning water W2 passes through the composite filter 900, the composite filter 900 is cleaned by the cleaning water W2. The cleaning water W2 is then discharged to the outside through the cleaning water discharge valve 1250. At this time, the purified water discharge section 1220 closes the flow path of the purified water C to ensure operational stability for cleaning the composite filter 900.

[0287] Figure 24 is a schematic diagram showing a water purifier according to yet another embodiment of the present invention.

[0288] As shown in Figure 24, a water purifier 1400 according to yet another embodiment of the present invention includes a raw water supply unit 1210, a composite filter 900, a purified water discharge unit 1220, a purified water storage tank 1241, and a cleaning module 1230. Descriptions of components identical or similar to those of the previously described embodiments will be replaced by the previously described descriptions, and the purified water storage tank 1241 and the cleaning module 1230 will be examined in detail. The purified water storage tank 1241 is positioned between the composite filter 900 and the purified water discharge unit 1220 and is connected to the purified water discharge unit 1220. The purified water C filtered by the composite filter 900 is supplied to the purified water storage tank 1241. The purified water C is then extracted to the outside under the control of the purified water discharge unit 1220.

[0289] As shown in Figure 24, in a water purifier 1400 according to yet another embodiment of the present invention, the cleaning module 1230 includes a cleaning water control valve 1234 that controls the supply of the cleaning water W2 using purified water supplied from the purified water storage tank 1241. When the cleaning water control valve 1234 opens the flow path through which the purified water C moves, the purified water C moves to the cleaning module 1230 and is used as the cleaning water W2. At this time, a control valve 801a is provided in the flow path through which the raw water W1 moves. The cleaning water W2 that has passed through the cleaning module 1230 moves to a control valve 1215 located in the flow path through which the raw water W1 moves. The control valve 1215 can stop the supply of the raw water W1 and control the supply of the cleaning water W2 to be supplied to the composite filter 900, or conversely, control the supply of the cleaning water W2 to be stopped by allowing the raw water W1 to be supplied to the composite filter 900.

[0290] Next, with reference to Figure 24, we will examine in detail the purified water extraction process and the cleaning process of the composite filter 900. First, for purified water extraction, the raw water supply unit 1210 opens the flow path of the raw water W1 so that the raw water W1 is supplied to the composite filter 900. At this time, the control valve 1215 opens the flow path of the raw water W1 and controls the movement of the raw water W1 to the composite filter 900, while closing the flow path for the cleaning water W2 to move to the composite filter 900. Then, as the raw water W1 passes through the composite filter 900, the composite filter 900 generates the purified water C. The purified water C is then stored in the purified water storage tank 1241 and then extracted to the outside under the control of the purified water discharge unit 1220. At this time, the cleaning water control valve 1234 and the cleaning water discharge valve 1250 close the flow path of the cleaning water W2 to ensure the operational stability of the purified water extraction.

[0291] Next, in order to clean the composite filter 900, the purified water discharge section 1220 closes the flow path of the purified water C so that the purified water C is not discharged to the outside. At this time, the cleaning water control valve 1234 opens the flow path of the cleaning water W2 and controls the movement of the purified water C to the cleaning module 1230. The cleaning module 1230 then supplies the cleaning water W2 to the control valve 1215. At this time, the control valve 1215 closes the flow path of the raw water W1 and opens the flow path for the cleaning water W2 to move to the composite filter 900. As the cleaning water W2 passes through the composite filter 900, the composite filter 900 is cleaned by the cleaning water W2. The cleaning water W2 is then discharged to the outside through the cleaning water discharge valve 1250. In this way, by utilizing the purified water C as cleaning water W2, the cleaning efficiency of the composite filter 900 is improved.

[0292] As described above, the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been examined in detail. However, it is obvious to those with ordinary knowledge in the relevant art that, in addition to the embodiments described above, the present invention can be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit and scope thereof. Therefore, the embodiments described above should be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive. Accordingly, the present invention is not limited to the foregoing description, and can be modified within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

Explanation of Signs

[0293] 10: Raw water inlet port 20: Purified water outlet port 30: Cleaning water discharge port 100: Composite filter 110: Housing part 111: Head member 111a: First partition wall body 111b: Second partition wall body 112: Case member 200: Filtering part 210: First filter member 220: Second filter member 230: Body member 240: First upper cap member 250: Second upper cap member 260: Third upper cap member 500: Composite filter 510: Housing part 511: Head member 512: Case member 520: Raw water inlet port 530: Purified water outlet port 540: Cleaning water discharge port 511a: First partition wall body 511b: Second partition wall body 600: Filtering part 610: First filter member 620: Second filter member 630: First upper cap member 640: Second upper cap member 650: Third upper cap member 660: Fourth upper cap member 670: Fifth upper cap member 900: Composite filter 910: Housing part 911: Head member 912: Case member 920: Raw water inlet port 930: Purified water outlet port 940: Wash water discharge port 911a: First compartment wall 911b: Second compartment wall 1000: Filtration section 1010: First filter member 1020: Second filter member 1030: First body member 1040: First upper cap member 1050: Second upper cap member 1060: First lower cap member 1070: Second body component 1080: Third upper cap component

Claims

1. A housing section equipped with a raw water inlet port for raw water to enter, a purified water outlet port for filtered purified water to exit, and a wash water outlet port for wash water to be discharged, The filtration unit includes a first filter member that filters the raw water to produce first purified water, and a second filter member that filters the first purified water to produce second purified water and is arranged to surround the first filter member. The aforementioned housing portion is A head member comprising a first compartment wall that prevents the raw water and the washing water from mixing, and a second compartment wall that prevents the second purified water and the washing water from mixing, Includes a case member extending from the head member, in which the filtration section is disposed, The aforementioned filtration section is A body member disposed between the first filter member and the second filter member, The first upper cap member, which is positioned on the lower side of the first filter member, is located inside the body member. A second upper cap member on which the first upper cap member is positioned below, and A composite filter characterized by including a second filter member positioned below the body member, which is located on the outside of the body member, and a third upper cap member positioned above the second upper cap member.

2. The composite filter according to claim 1, characterized in that the cleaning water, after cleaning the first filter member, moves to the cleaning water discharge port via a first discharge passage formed between the first filter member and the body member.

3. The filtration section further includes a lower cap member coupled to the lower side of the second filter member, The composite filter according to claim 1, characterized in that the lower cap member includes a guide that is extended upward so as to be coupled with the second filter member.

4. Multiple discharge holes communicating with the first discharge passage are formed on the side surface of the first filter member. The cleaning water used to clean the first filter member moves to the first discharge passage through the plurality of discharge holes. A second discharge passage communicating with the first discharge passage is formed between the first upper cap member and the second upper cap member. The composite filter according to claim 2, characterized in that the second discharge passage communicates with the wash water discharge port.

5. The composite filter described in claim 1, A raw water supply unit controls the supply of raw water so that raw water is supplied to the composite filter. A purified water discharge unit that controls the discharge of purified water filtered by the composite filter, and The raw water supply unit and the composite filter are provided together and include a cleaning module that controls the supply of cleaning water to the composite filter, A water purifier characterized in that the raw water and the washing water are selectively supplied to the composite filter.

6. The water purifier according to claim 5, characterized in that the cleaning module cleans the composite filter using raw water supplied from the raw water supply unit.

7. A housing section equipped with a raw water inlet port for raw water to enter, a purified water outlet port for filtered purified water to exit, and a wash water outlet port for wash water to be discharged, A filtration unit includes a first filter member that filters the raw water to produce first purified water, and a second filter member that filters the first purified water to produce second purified water and is stacked on top of the first filter member. The aforementioned housing portion is A head member comprising a first compartment wall that prevents the second purified water and the washing water from mixing, and a second compartment wall that prevents the raw water and the washing water from mixing, Includes a case member extending from the head member, in which the filtration section is disposed, The aforementioned filtration section is The first upper cap member, on which the first filter member is positioned below, The first upper cap member is positioned below the second upper cap member, which has a hole formed therein for the cleaning water to move through. The third upper cap member, on which the second filter member is positioned below, A fourth upper cap member on which the third upper cap member is positioned below, and A composite filter characterized by including a fifth upper cap member, the fourth upper cap member of which is positioned below the fourth upper cap member.

8. The filtration section further includes a lower cap member coupled to the lower side of the second filter member, The composite filter according to claim 7, characterized in that the lower cap member includes a lower cap guide that is extended upward so as to be coupled with the second filter member.

9. The first upper cap member includes a first upward guide that is extended upward so that the first purified water flows into the second filter member. The second upper cap member includes a second upward guide that is extended upward so that the cleaning water is discharged from the first filter member. The third upper cap member includes an upper cap guide that is extended downward so as to be coupled with the second filter member. The fourth upper cap member includes a fourth upward guide that is extended upward so that the second purified water is discharged from the second filter member to the outside. The composite filter according to claim 7, characterized in that the fifth upper cap member includes a fifth upward guide that is extended upward so as to allow the cleaning water to be discharged to the outside.

10. After cleaning the first filter member, the cleaning water moves to the cleaning water discharge port via the first discharge passage formed between the first filter member and the second upper cap member. Multiple discharge holes communicating with the first discharge passage are formed on the side surface of the first filter member. The composite filter according to claim 8, characterized in that the cleaning water used to clean the first filter member moves to the first discharge passage through the plurality of discharge holes.

11. A second discharge passage communicating with the first discharge passage is formed between the fourth upper cap member and the fifth upper cap member. The composite filter according to claim 10, characterized in that the second discharge passage communicates with the wash water discharge port.

12. The composite filter described in claim 7, A raw water supply unit controls the supply of raw water so that raw water is supplied to the composite filter. A purified water discharge unit that controls the discharge of purified water filtered by the composite filter, and The raw water supply unit and the composite filter are provided together and include a cleaning module that controls the supply of cleaning water to the composite filter, A water purifier characterized in that the raw water and the washing water are selectively supplied to the composite filter.

13. The water purifier according to claim 12, characterized in that the cleaning module cleans the composite filter using raw water supplied from the raw water supply unit.

14. A housing section equipped with a raw water inlet port for raw water to enter, a purified water outlet port for filtered purified water to exit, and a wash water outlet port for wash water to be discharged, The filtration unit includes a first filter member that filters the raw water to produce first purified water, and a second filter member that filters the first purified water to produce second purified water and is stacked below the first filter member. The aforementioned housing portion is A head member comprising a first compartment wall that prevents the raw water and the washing water from mixing, and a second compartment wall that prevents the purified water and the washing water from mixing, Includes a case member extending from the head member, in which the filtration section is disposed, The aforementioned filtration section is The first body member surrounding the first filter member, The first upper cap member, on which the first filter member is positioned below, The first upper cap member is positioned on the lower side, and the first body member is positioned on the lower side of the second upper cap member, The first filter member is positioned on the upper side, and the first lower cap member penetrates the second filter member. A second body member surrounding the second filter member, and A composite filter characterized by including a third upper cap member on which the second filter member is positioned below.

15. The filtration section further includes a second lower cap member coupled to the lower side of the second filter member, The composite filter according to claim 14, characterized in that the second lower cap member includes a second lower cap guide that is extended upward so as to be coupled with the second filter member.

16. The first upper cap member includes a first upward guide that is extended upward so that the raw water flows into the second filter member. The second upper cap member includes a second upward guide that is extended upward so that the cleaning water is discharged from the first filter member. The first lower cap member includes a first lower cap guide that extends downward so as to penetrate the second filter member. The composite filter according to claim 14, characterized in that the third upper cap member includes an upper cap guide that is extended downward so as to be coupled with the second filter member.

17. After cleaning the first filter member, the cleaning water moves to the cleaning water discharge port via the first discharge passage formed between the first filter member and the first body member. Multiple discharge holes communicating with the first discharge passage are formed on the side surface of the first filter member. The composite filter according to claim 14, characterized in that the cleaning water used to clean the first filter member moves to the first discharge passage through the plurality of discharge holes.

18. A second discharge passage communicating with the first discharge passage is formed between the first upper cap member and the second upper cap member. The composite filter according to claim 17, characterized in that the second discharge passage communicates with the wash water discharge port.

19. The composite filter described in claim 14, The raw water supply unit controls the supply of raw water. A purified water discharge unit that controls the discharge of purified water filtered by the composite filter so that raw water is supplied to the composite filter, and The raw water supply unit and the composite filter are provided together and include a cleaning module that controls the supply of cleaning water to the composite filter, A water purifier characterized in that the raw water and the washing water are selectively supplied to the composite filter.

20. The water purifier according to claim 19, characterized in that the cleaning module cleans the composite filter using raw water supplied from the raw water supply unit.

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