Water purifying apparatus

Abstract

A water purifying apparatus is provided. The water purifying apparatus comprises: a water outlet through which water is discharged; a valve which is disposed at the front end of the water outlet and which can be opened and closed to control the discharge of water through the water outlet; a pipe unit forming a flow path through which water flows from the valve to the water outlet; and a branch pipe unit branching off from the pipe unit between the valve and the water outlet and having a cavity therein.

Description

water purifier

[0001] Various embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a water purification device using a valve, and more specifically, to a water purification device having a configuration capable of preventing or reducing the effect of chattering occurring in a valve.

[0002] A water purifier is a device that uses one or more filters to physically or chemically filter out impurities such as foreign substances and heavy metals from raw water, such as tap water or groundwater, and then provides the user with clean drinking water (e.g., purified water). With water pollution becoming a major social problem, water purifiers are commonly used in homes and offices to obtain clean water.

[0003] Recently, due to space efficiency considerations, direct-connected filtration water purification devices, which are directly connected to the pipes (e.g., water pipes) that supply raw water (e.g., tap water), have been widely used. Direct-connected filtration water purification devices have a structure in which raw water flowing from the raw water supply pipe is filtered by water pressure as it passes through filters within the purification device, and then supplied to the user through a water outlet and an externally exposed water outlet nozzle or faucet.

[0004] A water purifier uses valves to control the opening and closing of the flow of water at various locations along the internal flow paths. For example, the water purifier may include a water outlet valve to control whether water (e.g., purified water) filtered through one or more filters is discharged through the water outlet. For example, the water purifier may include a drain valve to control the discharge of wastewater such as water after cleaning the internal flow path or water accumulated in other internal flow paths. To control the flow of water in the internal flow paths of such a water purifier, a solenoid valve that allows for rapid and accurate low-power remote control and is suitable for fluid flow control is mainly used. A diaphragm-type solenoid valve that can provide flow control by a small-sized solenoid using fluid pressure to open and close the valve is often used to control whether water is discharged from the water purifier.

[0005] The water pressure of the raw water supplied through each water pipe in each home or office environment often fluctuates for various reasons. For example, when tap water is being used heavily through other water pipes in the home, the water pressure of the raw water flowing into the water purifier from the pipe connected to the water purifier may be lower than usual. However, low water pressure can affect the operation of diaphragm-type solenoid valves. For example, the opening and closing of diaphragm-type solenoid valves can be affected by fluid pressure, and lower fluid pressure can weaken the opening of the solenoid valve, resulting in valve chatter.

[0006] Chattering from a valve can cause instability in the fluid flow, such as by creating numerous air bubbles in the fluid flow downstream of the valve. For example, flow instability caused by chattering from the outlet valve can cause trembling in the water stream discharged through the outlet and outlet nozzle. For example, flow instability caused by chattering from the drain valve can cause trembling in the drain hose connected to the drain.

[0007] The present disclosure prevents or reduces the influence of valve chattering, which may occur in low water pressure situations, on the fluid flow at the rear end of the valve, by installing a simple structure on the flow path without having to change the structure of the valve itself used in the water purification device.

[0008] According to one example of the present disclosure, a water purification device includes a water outlet through which water is discharged, a valve disposed at a front end of the water outlet and openable to control discharge of water through the water outlet, a pipe section forming a path through which water flows from the valve to the water outlet, and a branch pipe section formed from the pipe section between the valve and the water outlet and having a hollow space therein.

[0009] According to a water purification device according to an example of the present disclosure, even when the water pressure inside the water purification device decreases due to a change in the usage environment of the water purification device, the instability of the fluid flow caused by valve chattering and the resulting shaking of the water stream or hose at the water outlet can be minimized, and the resulting noise can be reduced.

[0010] FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of a water purification device according to an example of the present disclosure.

[0011] FIG. 2 is a drawing schematically illustrating the internal functional configuration of a water purification device according to an example of the present disclosure.

[0012] FIG. 3 is a drawing showing a cross-section of an exemplary solenoid valve used in a water purification device according to an example of the present disclosure and a flow path portion controlled to be opened and closed by the solenoid valve.

[0013] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing an exemplary flow path including a valve and a branch pipe section provided downstream of the valve, which are available in a water purification device according to an example of the present disclosure.

[0014] FIG. 5a and FIG. 5b are drawings showing an exemplary configuration of a water purification device illustrated in FIG. 2.

[0015] FIG. 6a and FIG. 6b are drawings showing an exemplary configuration of a water purification device illustrated in FIG. 2.

[0016] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. In the following description, specific details, such as detailed configurations and components, will be provided solely to facilitate a general understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. In the description of the drawings, the same or similar reference numerals may be used to refer to the same or similar components. Furthermore, in the drawings and related descriptions, descriptions of well-known functions and components may be omitted for clarity and conciseness.

[0017] FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of a water purification device according to an example of the present disclosure.

[0018] Referring to FIG. 1, a water purification device (100) according to an example may include a case (110). According to an example, the case (110) may form the overall appearance of the water purification device (100). As illustrated, the case (110) may be formed in an overall rectangular parallelepiped shape, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0019] As illustrated, a raw water inlet (111), a cold water / purified water outlet (112), a hot water outlet (113), a drain inlet (114), and a drain outlet (115) may be formed on one surface of the case (110). In one example, each of the raw water inlet (111), the cold water / purified water outlet (112), the hot water outlet (113), and the drain outlet (115) may be connected to a corresponding valve, which will be described later. As illustrated, an exhaust hole (116) may also be formed on one surface of the case (110). Through the exhaust hole (116), heat generated inside the water purification device (100) may be discharged to the outside. In one example, the exhaust hole (116) may be formed as an overall circular grill, and the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0020] FIG. 2 is a drawing schematically illustrating the internal functional configuration of a water purification device according to an example of the present disclosure.

[0021] Referring to FIG. 2, the water purification device (100) includes a raw water inlet (111) into which raw water (e.g., tap water) at room temperature is introduced from the outside, a filter unit (120) configured to filter the raw water introduced through the raw water inlet (111), a cold water / purified water outlet (112) configured to supply water filtered in the filter unit (120) to the outside in a room temperature or cooled state, and a hot water outlet (113) configured to supply water filtered in the filter unit (120) in a hot state. The water purification device (100) also includes a drain outlet (115) through which wastewater, such as stagnant water in a faucet or other internal passages generated due to cleaning, sterilization, or other various causes, that has entered the water purification device (100) through a drain inlet (114), is discharged to the outside.

[0022] In one example, the raw water inlet (111) may be a faucet from which tap water enters the house. Raw water from a water source, such as a water supply (not shown), may be supplied into the water purification device (100) through the raw water inlet (111).

[0023] In one example, the cold / purified water outlet (112) and the hot water outlet (113) are each used to provide clean water filtered from the water purification device (100) as drinking water for the user in a room temperature, cooled state, or heated state. In one example, the cold / purified water outlet (112) and the hot water outlet (113) can each be connected to an externally exposed water outlet nozzle or faucet (not shown). In one example, the cold / purified water outlet (112) and the hot water outlet (113) can be connected to the same or different water outlet nozzles or faucets.

[0024] In one example, the drain inlet (114) may be a passage through which drainage, such as stagnant water on the internal passage caused by cleaning, sterilization, cooling, heating, or other various causes of the internal passage of the water purification device (100) from a water outlet nozzle or a faucet (not shown), enters. In one example, drainage that enters through the drain inlet (114) may be discharged to the outside through the drain outlet (115). In one example, a drain hose (not shown) may be connected to and utilized at the drain outlet (115).

[0025] As illustrated, the water purification device (100) includes a raw water passage (130) between a raw water inlet (111) and a filter unit (120). The raw water passage (130) may be connected to a raw water inlet (111), such as an external faucet, and may receive raw water flowing in from the raw water inlet (111). In one example, a pressure reducing valve (131) may be disposed in the raw water passage (130) to reduce the pressure of the raw water flowing in to prepare for a change in the water pressure of the water flowing into the raw water inlet (111). In one example, a raw water inlet valve (132) may be disposed in the raw water passage (130) to control whether or not raw water flows in. In one example, although not illustrated in the drawing, one or more filters may be disposed in the raw water passage (130) to filter out sediment or relatively large particles contained in the raw water.

[0026] The filter unit (120) may include a plurality of filters. For example, the filter unit (120) may include a pre-treatment filter that adsorbs volatile substances such as chlorine and chlorine byproducts from the raw water flowing from the raw water passage (130), a membrane filter that filters very small-sized contaminants through reverse osmosis, and a post-treatment filter that affects the taste of the purified water being discharged. The pre-treatment filter, the membrane filter, and the post-treatment filter may be sequentially connected, and the raw water flowing into the filter unit (120) may sequentially pass through the pre-treatment filter, the membrane filter, and the post-treatment filter, thereby filtering out impurities contained in the raw water. The above-described types and arrangements of the filters of the filter unit (120) are merely examples and the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0027] As illustrated, the water purification device (100) includes a water purification path (140) between a filter unit (120) and a cold water / purified water outlet (112). In one example, the water purification path (140) may be composed of one or more pipes. Clean water (e.g., room temperature purified water) filtered through the raw water path (130) and the filter unit (120) may be delivered to the water purification path (140), and then provided to the cold water / purified water outlet (112) through the water purification path (140).

[0028] In one example, a flow sensor (141) for detecting the flow rate of water flowing through the water purification channel (140) may be disposed in the water purification channel (140). A water purification valve (142) for controlling the discharge of water through the cold water / purified water outlet (112) may be disposed in the water purification channel (140). The water purification valve (142) may include a diaphragm-type solenoid valve. In one example, as illustrated, the flow sensor (141) may be disposed on the upstream side of the water purification channel (140), for example, after the filter unit (120) and before the water purification valve (142). In one example, as illustrated, the water purification valve (142) may be disposed on the water purification channel (140) between the flow sensor (141) and the cold water / purified water outlet (112). When the water purification valve (142) is opened, clean water (e.g., room temperature purified water) filtered in the filter unit (120) can be supplied to a water outlet nozzle or faucet (not shown) through a cold water / purified water outlet (112) provided at the downstream end of the water purification channel (160). The flow sensor (141) can measure and provide a sensing value for the flow rate of water flowing in the water purification channel (160) when the water purification valve (142) is opened and water flows.

[0029] In the water purification path (140), a branch pipe section (143) may be arranged to branch off from the water purification path (140) at the rear end of the water purification valve (142), that is, between the water purification valve (142) and the cold water / purified water outlet (112). The water pressure of the raw water supplied to the house may vary due to various causes. When the water pressure of the raw water decreases, the water pressure of the water flowing through the water purification path (140) through the raw water path (130) and the filter section (120) also decreases. When the water purification valve (142), which is composed of a solenoid valve (particularly, a diaphragm-type solenoid valve), is opened to supply water through the cold water / purified water outlet (112), the low water pressure on the water purification path (140) may cause chattering of the water purification valve (142). Chattering occurring in the water purification valve (142) can significantly affect the stability of the water flow in the water purification passage (140) at the rear end of the water purification valve (142). For example, when chattering occurs in the water purification valve (142), the amount and water pressure of water flowing in the water purification passage (140) at the rear end of the water purification valve (142) continuously fluctuate, and a large amount of air bubbles may be included in the water flow in the water purification passage (140). In this case, the branch pipe (143) buffers the instability of the water flow caused by the chattering of the aforementioned water purification valve (142), and reduces or prevents the influence (e.g., water stream shaking, etc.) of such instability on the water flow discharged through the rear end of the branch pipe (143), e.g., the cold water / purified water outlet (112). For example, the quantity and water pressure fluctuations in the water flow on the water purification path (140) at the rear end of the water purification valve (142) can be buffered by a branch pipe section (143) arranged to be in fluid communication with the water purification path (140), and a large amount of air bubbles included in the water flow on the water purification path (140) can escape through a branch pipe section (143) arranged to branch from the water purification path (140).

[0030] In one example, the water purification device (100) includes a cold water conduit (150) branched from the purified water conduit (140). A cooling module (151) and a cold water valve (152) may be disposed on the cold water conduit (150). Although not specifically illustrated, the cooling module (151) may include a heat exchanger. Water (e.g., room temperature purified water) filtered through the filter unit (120) may flow into the cold water conduit (150) through a portion of the purified water conduit (140) and be cooled in the cooling module (151). Cold water from the cooling module (151) may be supplied through the cold water / purified water outlet (112) according to the opening and closing of the cold water valve (152). As shown, the rear end of the cold water valve (152) of the cold water conduit (150) is shown to join the rear end of the purified water conduit (140), that is, the rear end of the branch pipe section (143) described above, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. According to another example, separate outlets for the purified water conduit (140) and the cold water conduit (150) may be provided. In one example, the cold water valve (152) may be a diaphragm-type solenoid valve. As shown, no separate branch pipe section is provided at the rear end of the cold water valve (152), but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0031] In one example, the water purification device (100) includes a hot water passage (160) branched from the purified water passage (140). A hot water valve (161) and a heating module (162) may be disposed on the hot water passage (160). When the hot water valve (161) is opened and closed, water (e.g., room temperature purified water) filtered through the filter unit (120) may flow into the hot water passage (160) through a portion of the purified water passage (140). The water passing through the hot water valve (161) may be heated in the heating module (162) and then provided to the outside through the hot water outlet (113). In one example, the hot water valve (161) may be a diaphragm-type solenoid valve. As illustrated, a separate branch pipe section is not provided at the rear end of the hot water outlet valve (161), but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0032] In one example, the water purification device (100) includes a drainage passage (170) connecting a drainage inlet (114) and a drainage outlet (115). Wastewater that enters through the drainage inlet (114), such as stagnant water on a faucet or other internal passages generated by cleaning, sterilization, cooling, heating, or other various causes inside the water purification device (100), is delivered to the drainage outlet (115) through the drainage passage (170). As illustrated, a filter unit (120) may be connected to one side of the drainage passage (170). As illustrated, a heating module (162) on a hot water module (160) may be connected to one side of the drainage passage (170), but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. A drainage valve (171) may be arranged in the drainage passage (170) to open and close the drainage passage (170) to control the flow of wastewater discharged to the outside. Although not shown, a check valve (not shown) may also be placed in the drainage path (170) to prevent backflow of drainage. When the drainage valve (171) is opened, drainage on the drainage path (170) can be discharged to the outside through the drainage outlet (115).

[0033] In one example, the drain valve (171) may include a diaphragm-type solenoid valve. A branch pipe section (173) may be arranged in the drain path (170) so as to branch off from the drain path (170) at the rear end of the drain valve (171), that is, between the drain valve (171) and the drain outlet (115). Typically, the flow rate in the drain path (170) of the water purification device (100) is low, and there is a high possibility that chattering may occur in the drain valve (171). The chattering occurring in the drain valve (171) may impair the stability of the water flow in the drain path (170) at the rear end of the drain valve (171). For example, when chattering occurs in the drain valve (171), the amount and water pressure of water flowing in the drain path (170) at the rear end of the drain valve (171) may continuously fluctuate, and a large amount of air bubbles may be included in the water flow in the drain path (170). In this case, the branch pipe section (173) buffers the instability of the water flow caused by the chattering of the aforementioned drain valve (171), and reduces or prevents the influence (e.g., shaking of the drain hose connected to the drain outlet (115)) on the water flow discharged through the rear end of the cavity structure (173), e.g., the drain outlet (115). For example, the water quantity and water pressure fluctuations in the water flow on the drain passage (170) at the rear end of the drain valve (171) can be buffered by the branch pipe section (173) arranged to be in fluid communication with the drain passage (170), and a large amount of air bubbles included in the water flow on the drain passage (170) can escape from the drain passage (170) to the branch pipe section (173) (specifically, a cavity inside the branch pipe section (173)) arranged by branching off from the drain passage (170).

[0034] Meanwhile, the terms upstream and downstream, or forward and backward, used in the present disclosure are determined based on the direction in which water flows within the water purification device (100). Accordingly, the side closer to the direction in which raw water flows is the upstream or forward end, and the opposite side is the downstream or backward end.

[0035] FIG. 3 is a drawing showing a cross-section of an exemplary solenoid valve used in a water purification device according to an example of the present disclosure and a flow path portion controlled to be opened and closed by the solenoid valve.

[0036] Referring to FIG. 3, a flow path pipe (310) having an upstream inlet (A) through which fluid flows in and a downstream outlet (B) through which fluid flows out, and a solenoid valve (320) for controlling opening and closing between the inlet (A) and outlet (B) of the flow path pipe (310) are illustrated.

[0037] As shown, the solenoid valve (320) includes a coil (321) arranged in an annular shape, a plunger (322) that moves upward inside the coil (321) by magnetic lines of force generated in the coil (321) when current is applied, and a diaphragm (323) arranged at the lower end of the plunger (322). As shown, a space (E) can be formed at the upper portion of the diaphragm (323). A relatively large-diameter outlet hole (324) is formed at the center of the diaphragm (323). Water from the inlet (A) side of the flow pipe (310) can also flow into the space (E) at the upper portion of the diaphragm (323) through a small-diameter inlet hole (not shown) formed at the radial edge of the diaphragm (323).

[0038] The solenoid valve (320) also includes an orifice structure (325) that provides a space through which water can flow between the inlet (A) and the outlet (B) of the flow pipe (310) when the valve is open. In one example, the orifice structure (325) may have an overall cylindrical shape. As described below, when current is supplied to the solenoid valve (320), water can flow from the inlet (A) side of the flow pipe (310) toward the outlet (B) beyond the top of the orifice structure (325), thereby opening the valve passage (326) through the orifice structure (325).

[0039] When no current is applied to the solenoid valve (320), the lower portion of the plunger (322) blocks the outlet hole (324) at the center of the diaphragm (323). At this time, as illustrated, the lower surface of the diaphragm (323) is positioned to contact the upper surface of the orifice structure (325), so that the valve passage (326) formed by the orifice structure (325) is blocked, and the water flow from the inlet (A) to the outlet (B) of the flow pipe (310) is blocked. In particular, since the pressure due to the water filled in the space (E) is applied to the lower diaphragm (323), the sealing of the diaphragm (323) against the upper surface of the orifice structure (325) becomes more solid, and the valve passage (326) can be completely blocked.

[0040] When current is applied to the solenoid valve (320), the plunger (322) moves upward. By this action, the outlet hole (324) at the center of the diaphragm (323) is opened. When the outlet hole (324) is opened, the water inside the space (E) quickly moves to the lower space (C) through the outlet hole (324). As a result, the pressure of the water in the space (E) above the diaphragm (323) is lowered, and the diaphragm (323) can move upward. When the diaphragm (323) moves upward and is separated from the upper surface of the orifice structure (325), the valve passage (326) can be opened. As a result, water from the inlet (A) of the flow pipe (310) flows to the space (C) and the outlet (B) through the valve passage (326) at the upper end of the orifice structure (325). At this time, the pressure of water flowing in from the inlet (A) of the euro pipe (310) can contribute to pushing the diaphragm (323) upward and maintaining the opening of the valve passage (326).

[0041] When the current supply to the solenoid valve (320) is cut off again, the plunger (322) moves downward. In addition, the pressure of the water filling the space (E) again causes the diaphragm (323) to contact the upper surface of the orifice structure (325), and the valve passage (326) is blocked.

[0042] In this way, in the case of the solenoid valve (320) having a diaphragm (323), the pressure of the water filling the space (E) can function as auxiliary pressure for shutting off the valve. In addition, the pressure of the water supplied from the inlet (A) side of the flow pipe (310) can assist in opening and maintaining the open state of the valve. If the pressure of the water supplied from the inlet (A) side of the flow pipe (310) decreases, the open state of the valve cannot be maintained constantly and chattering of the valve may occur. In such a case, the amount of water flowing from the outlet (B) side of the flow pipe (310) or the water pressure may continuously fluctuate, and fluid instability may occur, such as the generation of a large amount of air bubbles in the water flow.

[0043] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing an exemplary flow path including a valve and a branch pipe section provided downstream of the valve, which are available in a water purification device according to an example of the present disclosure.

[0044] In one example, a valve (410) is connected to one end of a pipe (420) by a pipe connection (411). The pipe connection (411) is a passage connecting the valve (410) and the pipe (420). As illustrated, the pipe connection (411) includes an L-shaped fitting, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0045] In one example, the pipe (420) includes a pipe termination portion (412) at its downstream end. As illustrated, the pipe termination portion (412) includes a T-fitting, although the present disclosure is not limited thereto. As illustrated, one of the opposing ends of the T-fitting constituting the pipe termination portion (412) may be connected to the upstream pipe (420), and the other end may form an outlet or a drain. The pipe termination portion (412) may also be connected to a branch pipe portion (430). In one example, the other end of the T-fitting constituting the pipe termination portion (412) may be connected to the branch pipe portion (430). The branch pipe portion (430) may be formed to be in fluid communication with the pipe (420) through the pipe termination portion (412).

[0046] In one example, the branch pipe section (430) may include a first portion (431) extending from one end of the aforementioned pipe termination portion (412), and a second portion (432) extending in a bend from a tip of the first portion (431). The first portion (431) may extend perpendicularly from the extension direction of the pipe (420), but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The second portion (432) may be arranged in parallel with the extension direction of the pipe (420) by being bent from the tip of the first portion (431), but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. In one example, the branch pipe section (430) may generally have an L-shape, but this shape is merely exemplary and the present disclosure is not limited thereto. As illustrated, the branch pipe section (430) is configured to include an I-shaped fitting and an L-shaped fitting, but the present disclosure is not limited to a specific form.

[0047] At least a portion of the branch pipe section (430) may form an empty cavity therein. In one example, the opposite end of the portion connected to the pipe termination section (412) of the branch pipe section (430), for example, the tip section (433) of the second portion (432) in the drawing, may be blocked so as to block air from the outside, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0048] As illustrated in FIG. 4, when a branch pipe section (430) formed by branching from a pipe (420) downstream of a valve (410) exists, for example, instability in the fluid flow inside the pipe (420) caused by chattering of the valve (410) can be buffered by the branch pipe section (430). For example, when the amount of water or water pressure passing through the inside of the pipe (420) continuously fluctuates due to chattering of the valve (410), a small amount of water passing through the pipe (420) can flow in and out of at least a portion of the branch pipe section (430), thereby reducing the instability in the fluid flow on the pipe (420). For example, air bubbles included in the fluid flow passing through the inside of the pipe (420) due to chattering of the valve (410) can escape into the cavity inside the branch pipe section (430). In this case, the instability of the fluid flow in the pipe (420) at the rear end of the valve (410) can be alleviated, and the influence of chattering can be prevented or reduced.

[0049] FIG. 5a and FIG. 5b are drawings showing an exemplary configuration of a water purification device illustrated in FIG. 2.

[0050] Specifically, FIG. 5A is a perspective view showing a part of a purification flow path (140) including a purification valve (142) and a branch pipe section (143) in a purification device (100). FIG. 5B is a perspective view showing a part of a purification flow path (140) of the purification device (100) illustrated in FIG. 5A from another direction. The details of the structure, components, shapes, and arrangement relationships of the flow paths illustrated in FIGS. 5A and 5B are merely examples of the present disclosure and the present disclosure is not limited thereto. A purification flow path of a purification device according to another example of the present disclosure may be configured according to structures, components, shapes, and arrangement relationships different from those described below.

[0051] Referring to FIGS. 5A and 5B, a purified water inlet (511) connected to a flow sensor (141) of a purified water passage (140) is illustrated. Although not illustrated in the drawings, clean purified water filtered through a filter section (120) (not illustrated in FIGS. 5A and 5B) of the preceding stage flows into the flow sensor (141) through the purified water inlet (511). As illustrated, the purified water inlet (511) is configured as an L-shaped fitting, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0052] As illustrated, one end of the flow sensor (141) is connected to the purified water inlet (511) and the other end is connected to the first pipe (513) via the first pipe connection (512). The first pipe (513) is also connected to one end of the second pipe (515) via the second pipe connection (514). As illustrated, the other end of the second pipe (515) is connected to the purified water valve (142). In one example, the second pipe connection (514) may be arranged to be in fluid communication with the first pipe (513), the second pipe (515), and the third pipe (516) described below. As illustrated, the second pipe connection (514) is a T-shaped fitting having three ends (514a, 514b, 514c), but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0053] According to the structure shown, purified water entering through the purified water inlet (511) flows through the flow sensor (141) along the first pipe connection (512) and the first pipe (513), and purified water passing through the first pipe (513) passes through the second pipe connection (514), specifically, one end (514a) of the second pipe connection (514) and the other end (514c) downward in the Y-axis direction, and can enter the purified water valve (142) through the second pipe (515). In one example, purified water passing through the first pipe (513) can also pass through the second pipe connection (514), specifically, one end (514a) of the second pipe connection (514) and the other end (514b) upward in the Y-axis direction, and flow into the third pipe (516). Although not shown, the third pipe (516) may be connected to the cooling module (151).

[0054] As illustrated, the water purification valve (142) is connected to one end of an inverted U-shaped fourth pipe (518) through another pipe connection (517). The other end of the fourth pipe (518) is arranged close to the water outlet (519). In one example, the water outlet (519) may be the cold water / purified water outlet (112) of FIG. 2, and the present disclosure is not limited thereto. In one example, the water outlet (519) may be arranged to be in fluid communication not only with the aforementioned fourth pipe (518), but also with another fifth pipe (520). The fifth pipe (520) may be arranged, for example, between the cold water valve (152) at the front end and the water outlet (519) at the rear end.

[0055] In one example, as illustrated, a water outlet pipe (521) may be disposed between the fifth pipe (520) and the water outlet (519). In one example, the water outlet pipe (521) may be a T-shaped fitting having three ends (521a, 521b, 521c), but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. As illustrated, opposite ends (521b, 521c) of the water outlet pipe (521) are disposed on opposite sides along the X-axis. As illustrated, among the opposite ends of the water outlet pipe (521), the -X-axis direction end (521b) is connected to one end of the fifth pipe (520), and the +X-axis direction end (521c) forms the water outlet (519).

[0056] In one example, the upper end (521a) of the outlet pipe (521) in the Y-axis direction may be arranged to be in fluid communication with one end of another connecting structure (522). In one example, as illustrated, the connecting structure (522) may have a T-shaped fitting (523) having three ends (523a, 523b, 523c) and an L-shaped fitting (524) connected thereto, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. As illustrated, the opposing ends (523b, 523c) of the T-shaped fitting (523) are sequentially arranged along the extension direction of the fourth pipe (518). As shown, among the opposite ends of the T-shaped fitting (523), the upper end (523b) in the Y-axis direction is connected to the other end of the fourth pipe (518), and the lower end (523c) in the Y-axis direction is connected to one end (521a) of the outlet pipe (521).

[0057] By this structure, when the water purification valve (142) is opened, the water purification that has passed through the water purification valve (142) can pass through the second pipe connection portion (517) and the fourth pipe (518), and then pass through a part of the connection structure (522) (e.g., the opposite ends (523b, 523c) of the T-shaped fitting (523)). Then, the water purification can pass through the upper end portion (521a) in the Y-axis direction of the water discharge pipe portion (521) again and be discharged through the water discharge port (519). For reference, in one example, when the cold water valve (152) is opened, the cold water passing through the cold water valve (152) can sequentially pass through the fifth pipe (520) and the -X-axis direction end (521b) and the +X-axis direction end (521c) of the outlet pipe (521) and then be discharged through the outlet (519).

[0058] As illustrated, a portion (first portion) formed by the opposite ends (523b, 523c) of the T-shaped fitting (523) of the connection structure (522) is arranged to be in fluid communication with the fourth pipe (518) along the extension direction of the fourth pipe (518). Another end (523a) of the T-shaped fitting (523) branches off from the extension direction of the fourth pipe (518) and extends in a different direction. For example, another end (523a) of the T-shaped fitting (523) extends perpendicularly to the extension direction of the fourth pipe (518), but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. In one example, a portion of the L-shaped fitting (524) connected to the end (523a) of the T-shaped fitting (523) is arranged parallel to the extension direction of the fourth pipe (518), but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. In one example, as illustrated, a portion protruding and extending from the extension direction of the fourth pipe (518) (i.e., a portion of the T-shaped fitting (523) extending toward the end (523a)) and an L-shaped fitting (524) connected thereto may form a branch pipe portion (143), but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. In one example, the interiors of the T-shaped fitting (523) and the L-shaped fitting (524) may be in communication with each other, and at least a portion of the branch pipe portion (143) may form a cavity therein.

[0059] As illustrated in FIGS. 5a and 5b, when a branch pipe section (143) is arranged by branching from a downstream pipe of a water purification valve (142), for example, an extension direction of a fourth pipe (518), a large amount of air bubbles included in the purified water flow inside the fourth pipe (518) caused by, for example, chattering in the water purification valve (142) may escape into the cavity of the branch pipe section (143). For example, fluctuations in the water quantity and water pressure occurring in the purified water flow inside the fourth pipe (518) caused by chattering of the water purification valve (142) can be alleviated by causing a small amount of the purified water passing through the fourth pipe (518) to gradually flow into the cavity of the branch pipe section (143), thereby preventing the influence of the chattering of the water purification valve (142) on the outlet (519) at the rear end. In this way, when a branch pipe section (143) is provided at the rear end of the water purification valve (142) on the water purification flow path (140), the instability of the fluid flow at the rear end of the valve that may be caused by chattering generated in the water purification valve (142) is alleviated, and the influence of the chattering can be prevented or reduced.

[0060] In the above description with reference to FIGS. 5A and 5B, the branch pipe section (143) is described as being composed of specific parts (e.g., a part of the T-shaped fitting (523) and the L-shaped fitting (524)) having a specific shape and arrangement relationship with the fourth pipe (518), but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. According to an example of the present disclosure, any type of branch pipe section that is arranged to branch from the pipe arranged at the rear end of the water purification valve (142) and provides a cavity may be included and utilized in the water purification flow path of the water purification device.

[0061] FIG. 6a and FIG. 6b are drawings showing an exemplary configuration of a water purification device illustrated in FIG. 2.

[0062] Specifically, FIG. 6A is a perspective view showing a part of a drainage path (170) including a drain valve (171) and a branch pipe section (173) of a water purification device (100). FIG. 6B is a perspective view showing a part of a drainage path (170) of the water purification device (100) shown in FIG. 6A from another direction. The details of the structure, components, shapes, and arrangement relationships of the paths shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B are merely examples of the present disclosure and the present disclosure is not limited thereto. A drainage path of a water purification device according to another example of the present disclosure may be configured according to structures, components, shapes, and arrangement relationships different from those described below.

[0063] Referring to FIGS. 6A and 6B, a drain inlet (144) of a drainage channel (170) is illustrated. Although not illustrated in this drawing, as described above, various drainage waters from the water purification device (100), such as stagnant water on a faucet or other internal channel generated by cleaning, sterilization, cooling, heating of water, or other various causes within the water purification device (100), flow into the drainage channel (170) through the drainage inlet (114).

[0064] As shown, the drain inlet (114) is connected to one end of the first drain pipe (611) in fluid communication. In one example, the other end of the first drain pipe (611) is connected to the drain valve (171) through the pipe connection (612). Therefore, the drainage flowing into the drain inlet (114) can flow into the drain valve (171) through the first drain pipe (611) and the pipe connection (612).

[0065] As illustrated, the drain valve (171) is connected to one end of the second drain pipe (613). The other end of the second drain pipe (613) is disposed close to the drain outlet (115). In one example, a drain pipe portion (614) may be disposed between the second drain pipe (613) and the drain outlet (115). In one example, as illustrated, the drain pipe portion (614) may be a T-shaped fitting having three ends (614a, 614b, 614c), but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. As illustrated, the opposite ends (614b, 614c) of the drain pipe portion (614) are disposed on both sides along the X-axis. As shown, among the opposite ends of the drain pipe section (614), the -X-axis direction end (614b) is connected to one end of the second drain pipe (613), and the +X-axis direction end (614c) forms the drain outlet (115). With this structure, when the drain valve (171) is opened, the drainage passing through the drain valve (171) can pass through the opposite ends (614b, 614c) of the second drain pipe (613) and the drain pipe section (614) and be discharged to the drain outlet (115).

[0066] As illustrated, a portion (first portion) formed by the opposite ends (614b, 614c) of the drain pipe portion (614) is arranged to be in fluid communication with the second drain pipe (613) along the extension direction of the second drain pipe (613). Another end (614a) of the drain pipe portion (614) branches off from the extension direction of the second drain pipe (613) and extends in a different direction. For example, another end (614a) of a T-shaped fitting forming the drain pipe portion (614) extends perpendicularly to the extension direction of the second drain pipe (613), but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. In one example, an L-shaped fitting (615) may be connected to the end (614a) of the drain pipe portion (614). As illustrated, a portion of the L-shaped fitting (615) is arranged parallel to the extension direction of the second drain pipe (613), but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. In one example, as illustrated, a portion protruding and extending from the extension direction of the second drain pipe (613) (i.e., a portion of the drain pipe portion (614) extending toward the end (614a)) and a portion connected thereto (e.g., including a portion of the L-shaped fitting (615)) may form a branch pipe portion (173), but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. In one example, the interiors of the drain pipe portion (614) and the branch pipe portion (173) may be communicated with each other, and at least a portion of the branch pipe portion (173) may form a cavity therein.

[0067] As illustrated in FIGS. 6A and 6B, when a branch pipe section (173) is arranged by branching from a downstream pipe of a drain valve (171), for example, an extension direction of a second drain pipe (613), a large amount of air bubbles included in the drain flow inside the second drain pipe (613) caused by, for example, chattering in the drain valve (171) may escape into the cavity of the branch pipe section (173). For example, fluctuations in the water quantity and water pressure occurring in the drain flow inside the second drain pipe (613) caused by chattering of the drain valve (171) can be alleviated by causing a small amount of the drainage passing through the second drain pipe (613) to gradually flow into the cavity of the branch pipe section (173), thereby preventing the influence of the drain outlet (115) at the rear end due to chattering of the drain valve (171). In this way, when a branch pipe section (173) is provided at the rear end of the drain valve (171) on the drain path (170), the instability of the fluid flow at the rear end of the valve that may be caused by chattering generated in the drain valve (171) is alleviated, and the influence of the chattering can be prevented or reduced.

[0068] In the above description with reference to FIGS. 6A and 6B, the branch pipe section (173) is described as being composed of specific parts having specific shapes and arrangement relationships (e.g., a portion of the drain pipe section (614) and an L-shaped fitting (615), etc.), but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. According to one example of the present disclosure, a branch pipe section of any shape that is arranged to branch from a pipe arranged at the rear end of the drain valve (171) and provides a cavity may be included and utilized in the drainage path of the water purification device.

[0069] In the present disclosure, with respect to each branch pipe section, the description is centered on a case in which a protrusion extends from the direction of flow of the fluid flowing through the valve and a portion extends in a bend from the tip of the protrusion and is arranged parallel to the direction of flow of the fluid, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. In another example of the present disclosure, a structure having an arbitrary cavity arranged so that air bubbles and the like contained in the fluid passing through the pipe can escape from the pipe at the rear end of the valve may be selected as the branch pipe section.

[0070] In the present disclosure, a branch pipe is mainly arranged downstream of valves (e.g., a water purification valve and a drain valve) that control the fluid flow respectively arranged in the water purification path and the drainage path of a water purification device, in order to buffer or reduce the influence of chattering occurring in each corresponding valve. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. According to an example of the present disclosure, a branch pipe may be arranged downstream of each valve that can be used in a water purification device, such as a cold water valve or a hot water valve, in order to alleviate instability of fluid flow in the downstream pipe of the valve caused by chattering occurring in each valve.

[0071] In addition, the water purification device according to various examples of the present disclosure may be configured as an independent device, or may be implemented in a form built into various types of electronic products such as refrigerators, coffee machines, and other clean water supply devices.

[0072] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a water purification device is provided. The water purification device includes a water outlet through which water is discharged, a valve disposed at a front end of the water outlet and openable to control the discharge of water through the water outlet, a pipe section forming a path through which water flows from the valve to the water outlet, and a branch pipe section formed from the pipe section between the valve and the water outlet and having a cavity therein.

[0073] In one example, the valve may be a solenoid valve having a diaphragm.

[0074] In one example, the cavity may provide a passage through which at least a portion of air contained in water flowing in the pipe section downstream of the valve escapes from the pipe section depending on the on / off state of the valve.

[0075] In one example, the branch pipe section may have a first end in fluid communication with the pipe section and a second end remote from the first side and sealed from the outside air.

[0076] According to one example, the branch pipe section may include a first portion protruding from the pipe section and extending in a first direction that is not parallel to the pipe section, and a second portion bent at an end of the first portion and extending in a second direction different from the first direction.

[0077] For example, the first direction may be a direction perpendicular to the extension direction of the pipe section. The second direction may be a direction parallel to the extension direction of the pipe section.

[0078] According to one example, the water purification device may further include a raw water inlet for introducing raw water from an external source; and a filter unit for filtering the raw water introduced from the raw water inlet. The valve may include a water purification valve for supplying water that has passed through the filter unit.

[0079] According to one example, the water purification device may further include a drain outlet through which wastewater is discharged from the inside. The valve may include a drain valve disposed at a front end of the drain outlet to control the discharge of the wastewater into the drain outlet.

[0080] In one example, the drain outlet may be connected to a drain hose.

[0081] According to one example, the water purification device may further include a raw water inlet for introducing raw water from an external source, a filter unit for filtering the raw water introduced from the raw water inlet, and a cooling module for supplying water that has passed through the filter unit. The valve may include a cold water valve for supplying water that has passed through the cooling module.

[0082] In one example, the pipe section may include a connection between opposing first and second ends of a T-shaped fitting having three ends. The branch pipe section may be formed at least in part by a protrusion extending from the connection between the first and second ends of the T-shaped fitting to a third end of the T-shaped fitting.

[0083] In one example, the water purification device may further include an L-shaped fitting having one end connected to the third end of the T-shaped fitting. The branch piping section may be formed at least partially by the L-shaped fitting.

[0084] According to one example, the T-shaped fitting and the L-shaped fitting can be fluidly connected.

[0085] In one example, the other end of the L-shaped fitting can be isolated from the outside air.

[0086] The terminology used herein is merely used to describe specific embodiments and is not intended to limit the present disclosure. For example, a singular element should be understood to include plural elements unless the context clearly indicates only a singular element. As used herein, phrases such as "A or B," "at least one of A and B," "at least one of A or B," "A, B, or C," "at least one of A, B, and C," and "at least one of A, B, or C" can each include any one of the items listed together in that phrase, or all possible combinations thereof. It should be understood that the term "and / or" as used herein encompasses any and all possible combinations of one or more of the listed items. The terms "include," "have," "comprise," and the like used in this disclosure are intended to specify only the presence of a feature, component, part, or combination thereof described in this disclosure, and the use of these terms does not exclude the possibility of the presence or addition of one or more other features, components, parts, or combinations thereof. The expressions "first," "second," and the like used in this disclosure can modify various components regardless of order and / or importance, and are only used to distinguish one component from another, without limiting the components.

[0087] The expression "configured to" used in the present disclosure can be appropriately used interchangeably with, for example, "suitable for," "capable of," "designed to," "modified to," "made to," or "capable of." The term "configured to" may not necessarily mean only something "specially designed" in terms of hardware. Instead, in some situations, the expression "a device configured to" may mean that the device is "capable of" doing something together with other devices or components. For example, the phrase "a device configured (or set) to perform A, B, and C" may mean a dedicated device for performing the corresponding operations, or a general-purpose device that can perform various operations including the corresponding operations.

[0088] Meanwhile, the terms “upper side,” “lower side,” and “front-rear direction” used in the present disclosure are defined based on the drawings, and the shape and position of each component are not limited by these terms.

[0089] Although the foregoing description in this disclosure has focused on specific embodiments, it should be understood that this disclosure is not limited to such specific embodiments, but rather encompasses various modifications, equivalents, and / or alternatives of the various embodiments.

Claims

1. As a water purifying device, Water discharge outlet (112, 115); A valve (142, 410, 171) arranged in front of the above outlet (112, 115) and openable to control the discharge of water through the above outlet (112, 115); A pipe section forming a path through which water flows from the above valve (142, 171) to the above outlet (112, 115); and A water purifier including a branch pipe section (143, 430, 173) formed from the pipe section between the valve (142, 171) and the outlet (112, 115) and having a cavity inside.

2. In paragraph 1, A water purifying device, wherein the above valve is a solenoid valve having a diaphragm.

3. In paragraph 1 or 2, The above joint is, A water purifier that provides a passage through which at least a portion of air contained in water flowing in the pipe section on the downstream side of the valve escapes from the pipe section according to the on / off of the valve.

4. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 3, The above branch pipe section (143, 430, 173) is A water purifier having a first end in fluid communication with the above-mentioned pipe section, and a second end separated from the first side and blocked from the outside air.

5. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 3, The above branch pipe section (143, 430, 173) is A water purifying device comprising a first portion protruding from the pipe portion and extending in a first direction that is not parallel to the pipe portion, and a second portion bent from an end of the first portion and extending in a second direction different from the first direction.

6. In paragraph 5, The above first direction is a direction perpendicular to the extension direction of the pipe section, A water purifier, wherein the second direction is a direction parallel to the extension direction of the pipe section.

7. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 6, A raw water inlet (111) through which raw water is introduced from the outside; and It further includes a filter unit (120) that filters the raw water flowing in from the raw water inlet, The above valve is a water purification device including a water purification valve (142) through which water passing through the filter section is supplied.

8. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 7, It further includes a drain outlet (115) through which drainage from the inside of the water purification device is discharged, A water purifier, wherein the valve comprises a drain valve (171) disposed in front of the drain outlet (115) to control discharge of the drain into the drain outlet.

9. In paragraph 8, A water purifier, wherein the above drain outlet is connected to a drain hose.

10. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 9, A raw water inlet (111) through which raw water is introduced from outside; A filter unit (120) for filtering raw water flowing in from the raw water inlet; and It further includes a cooling module (151) to which water passing through the above filter section is supplied, The above valve is a water purification device including a cold water valve (152) through which water passing through the cooling module is supplied.

11. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 10, The above pipe section includes a connection between the first and second ends of a T-shaped fitting (523) having three ends, A water purifier, wherein the branch pipe portion is at least partially formed by a protrusion extending from the connection portion between the first and second ends of the T-shaped fitting (523) to the third end of the T-shaped fitting.

12. In paragraph 10, Further comprising an L-shaped fitting (524) having one end connected to the third end of the T-shaped fitting; A water purification device, wherein the branch pipe section is at least partially formed by the L-shaped fitting.

13. In paragraph 12, A water purification device in which the above T-shaped fitting and the above L-shaped fitting are connected in a fluid communication manner.

14. In paragraph 12, The other end of the above L-shaped fitting is a water purifying device, isolated from the outside air.

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