Water treatment apparatus

Abstract

This water treatment apparatus comprises: a housing; a stack including a first electrode and a second electrode disposed to face the first electrode and configured to form an electric field with the first electrode so as to separate ions contained in a fluid introduced into the housing; and a pressing plate configured to divide an internal space of the housing into a first internal space in which the stack is disposed and a second internal space, and to press the stack in a first direction, which is a direction in which the first electrode and the second electrode are stacked, wherein the pressing plate is configured to move between a first position and a second position, the first position being arranged to enable the pressing plate to press the stack after moving in the first direction, and the second position being spaced apart from the first position in a second direction opposite to the first direction.

Description

water treatment device

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a water treatment device using a capacitive desalination technology.

[0002] Desalination technology is a technology that is widely demanded across industries, such as removing hardness components such as calcium and magnesium from areas with high hardness of water to use it for drinking or boiler water, or as cooling water for power plants or factories.

[0003] Capacitive deionization (CDI) technology is an example of desalination technology, which removes ions by electrochemically adsorbing them on an electrode with a high specific surface area.

[0004] The capacitive desalination module performs a water treatment process by moving and removing ions using an electric field generated in a direction perpendicular to the direction of water flow inside the channel.

[0005] If the capacitive desalination module performs water treatment for a long time, scale accumulates on the electrodes, reducing the efficiency of the water treatment process.

[0006] One aspect of the present disclosure provides a water treatment device having improved efficiency in removing scale attached to electrodes.

[0007] The technical problems to be achieved in this document are not limited to the technical problems mentioned above, and other technical problems not mentioned can be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the technical field to which the present invention belongs from the description below.

[0008] A water treatment device according to the invention comprises a housing, a stack including a first electrode and a second electrode arranged to face the first electrode and form an electric field with the first electrode, the stack being arranged to separate ions contained in a fluid flowing into the housing, and a pressing plate dividing an internal space of the housing into a first internal space and a second internal space in which the stack is arranged, and being arranged to press the stack in a first direction which is a stacking direction of the first electrode and the second electrode, wherein the pressing plate is arranged to move between a first position arranged to press the stack in the first direction and a second position spaced apart from the first position in a second direction which is an opposite direction to the first direction.

[0009] One aspect of the present disclosure provides a water treatment device having an effect of improving the performance of removing scale attached to electrodes through a pressurizing plate that pressurizes a stack composed of electrodes so that the gap between the electrodes is narrow during a deionization process of water and the gap between the electrodes is widened during a flushing process of the electrodes.

[0010] FIG. 1 is a schematic side cross-sectional view of a deionization operation of a water treatment device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0011] FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically illustrating the flow of water in a water treatment device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0012] Figure 3 is a conceptual diagram for explaining the movement of ions that occurs when a water treatment device according to one embodiment performs deionization operation.

[0013] Figure 4 is a conceptual diagram for explaining the movement of ions that occurs when a water treatment device according to one embodiment performs regenerative operation.

[0014] Figure 5 is a conceptual diagram for explaining a chemical reaction that occurs when a water treatment device according to one embodiment performs scale removal operation.

[0015] FIG. 6 is a schematic side cross-sectional view of a scale removal operation of a water treatment device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0016] FIG. 7 is a schematic side cross-sectional view of a deionization operation of a water treatment device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0017] FIG. 8 is a schematic side cross-sectional view of a scale removal operation of a water treatment device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] FIG. 9 is a schematic side cross-sectional view of a deionization operation of a water treatment device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0019] FIG. 10 is a schematic side cross-sectional view of a scale removal operation of a water treatment device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] FIG. 11 is a schematic side cross-sectional view of a deionization operation of a water treatment device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0021] FIG. 12 is a schematic side cross-sectional view of a scale removal operation of a water treatment device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] FIG. 13 is a schematic side cross-sectional view of a scale removal operation of a water treatment device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] FIG. 14 is a schematic side cross-sectional view of a scale removal operation of a water treatment device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0024] FIG. 15 is a schematic side cross-sectional view of a scale removal operation of a water treatment device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] It should be understood that the various embodiments and terms used in this document are not intended to limit the technical features described in this document to specific embodiments, but rather to include various modifications, equivalents, or substitutes of the embodiments.

[0026] In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components.

[0027] The singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or more of said items, unless the relevant context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0028] In this document, each of the phrases "A or B", "at least one of A and B", "at least one of A or B", "A, B, or C", "at least one of A, B, and C", and "at least one of A, B, or C" may include any one of the items listed together in that phrase, or all possible combinations thereof.

[0029] The term “and / or” includes any combination of a plurality of related described elements or any one of a plurality of related described elements.

[0030] Terms such as "first," "second," or "first" or "second" may be used simply to distinguish one component from another and do not qualify the components in any other respect (e.g., importance or order).

[0031] When a component (e.g., a first component) is referred to as being "coupled" or "connected" to another component (e.g., a second component), with or without the terms "functionally" or "communicatively," it means that the component can be connected to the other component directly (e.g., wired), wirelessly, or through a third component.

[0032] The terms “include” or “have” are intended to specify the presence of a feature, number, step, operation, component, part or combination thereof described in this document, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts or combinations thereof.

[0033] When a component is said to be “connected,” “coupled,” “supported,” or “in contact with” another component, this includes not only cases where the components are directly connected, coupled, supported, or in contact, but also cases where the components are indirectly connected, coupled, supported, or in contact through a third component.

[0034] When we say that a component is "on" another component, this includes not only cases where the component is in contact with the other component, but also cases where there is another component between the two components.

[0035] Water treatment devices, according to various embodiments, can purify contaminated water and make it clean. Water treatment devices are used in sewage treatment facilities, industrial processes, and water supply systems in homes and offices, playing a vital role in environmental protection and human health. Water purified by water treatment devices can be released back into the environment, used for cleaning, used as drinking water, or reused in industrial processes.

[0036] According to various embodiments, the water treatment device may include not only a household water treatment device such as a water purifier or a water softener, but also an industrial water treatment device.

[0037] Water treatment devices can purify polluted water through various methods, including biological treatment methods, chemical treatment methods, and physical treatment methods.

[0038] A water treatment device according to one embodiment can purify contaminated water through a capacitive deionization (CDI) method.

[0039] The capacitive desalination method refers to a method for removing ions from contaminated water by utilizing the principle of ions being adsorbed and desorbed from the surface of electrodes by the electrical force generated between the electrodes. In the present specification, removing ions from contaminated water may include removing ionic substances from the contaminated water.

[0040] A water treatment device may include various components such as a plurality of pipes through which water flows, a plurality of valves to control the flow of water, and a capacitive desalination device that purifies water using a capacitive desalination method.

[0041] A capacitive desalination device may include a housing, electrodes and ion exchange membranes provided within the housing. Depending on the voltage supplied to the electrodes, ions contained in water flowing into the housing may be adsorbed onto or desorbed from the electrodes.

[0042] According to various embodiments, the water treatment device may further include various components, such as a pretreatment filter for pretreating raw water and supplying it to the capacitive desalination device, and / or a posttreatment filter for filtering water purified by the capacitive desalination module once again.

[0043] The term "capacitive deionization device" can be replaced with terms such as ion removal module in that it removes ions.

[0044] FIG. 1 is a schematic side cross-sectional view of a deionization process of a water treatment device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically illustrating the flow of water in a water treatment device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram for explaining the movement of ions generated when a water treatment device according to an embodiment performs a deionization operation, FIG. 4 is a conceptual diagram for explaining the movement of ions generated when a water treatment device according to an embodiment performs a regeneration operation, FIG. 5 is a conceptual diagram for explaining a chemical reaction that occurs when a water treatment device according to an embodiment performs a scale removal operation, and FIG. 6 is a schematic side cross-sectional view of a regeneration process of a water treatment device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0045] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a water treatment device (1) according to one embodiment may include a housing (10) through which water passes. Water flowing into the housing (10) may undergo deionization in the internal space (11) of the housing (10) and flow out of the housing (10).

[0046] The water treatment device (1) may include a stack (20) that is placed in the internal space (11) of the housing (10) and removes ions of water passing through the housing (10) by moving them using an electric field formed by electrodes.

[0047] The internal space (11) of the housing (10) may include a first internal space (15) in which a stack (20) is arranged by a pressure plate (100) to be described later, and a second internal space (16) partitioned from the first internal space (15).

[0048] The housing (10) may include an inlet (17) provided to allow water to flow into the first internal space (15) and an outlet (18) provided to discharge water from the first internal space (15) to the outside of the housing (10).

[0049] The housing (10) may include an inlet passage (15a) provided to allow water introduced into the inlet (17) to flow into the first internal space (15). The inlet passage (15a) may guide water so that the water introduced through the inlet passage (15a) flows between the first and second electrodes (21, 22) of the stack (20) described later.

[0050] The housing (10) may include a discharge path (15b) that guides water to the discharge port (18) so that water flows between the first and second electrodes (21, 22) of the stack (20) and is discharged from the first internal space (15).

[0051] As shown in the drawing, the inlet (17) and the outlet (18) may each be positioned at the upper portion (12) of the housing (10). However, this is not limited thereto, and the inlet (17) and the outlet (18) may each be positioned at different locations of the housing (10).

[0052] For example, the inlet (17) may be arranged at the upper part (12) of the housing (10), and the outlet (18) may be arranged at the lower part (14) of the housing (10). At this time, the inlet path (15a) may be formed at the upper part (12) of the housing (10) to correspond to the inlet path (17), and the outlet path (15b) may be formed at the lower part (14) of the housing (10) to correspond to the outlet path (18).

[0053] For example, the inlet (17) and the outlet (18) may each be placed at the lower part (14) of the housing (10).

[0054] For example, the inlet (17) may be arranged at the top (12) or bottom (14) of the housing (10) and the outlet (18) may be arranged at the side (13) of the housing (10). Conversely, the inlet (17) may be arranged at the side of the housing (10) and the outlet may be arranged at the side (13) of the housing (10).

[0055] For example, the inlet (17) and the outlet (18) can be arranged on each side (13). The side (13) is a concept that includes all four sides of the rectangular housing (10), and the inlet (17) and the outlet (18) can be arranged on the same side or spaced apart from each other on each side.

[0056] For example, the inlet path (15a) may be arranged so that water flows from the inlet (17), which may be positioned in various ways without being limited in its location depending on the location of the inlet (17), to the stack (20).

[0057] For example, the discharge path (15b) may be arranged so that water flows from the stack (20) to the discharge port (18), the location of which is not limited and may be positioned in various ways depending on the location of the discharge port (18).

[0058] The positions of the inlet (17) and the outlet (18) can be arranged without being limited to any position in the housing (10), and the inlet path (15a) and the outlet path (15b) can also be formed without being limited to any position in the housing (10) in correspondence with the positions of the inlet (17) and the outlet (18).

[0059] The water treatment device (1) may include a supply unit (31) that supplies water to the housing (10). The supply unit (31) may be connected to an inlet (17) to supply water to a first internal space (15) and may be arranged so that deionization of the water proceeds by a stack (20) arranged in the first internal space (15).

[0060] For example, the supply unit (31) may be connected to a supply pipe (40) to be described later so that water is supplied to the second internal space (16) through the supply pipe (40).

[0061] For example, the supply unit (31) is additionally provided with a supply pump to smoothly supply fluid to the stack (20), and as will be described later, when the water treatment device (1) is in scale removal operation, the supply pump can increase the flow rate of the fluid supplied to the stack (20) to increase the efficiency of scale removal.

[0062] The water treatment device (1) may include an outlet (32) for discharging water flowing out from the housing (10) to the outside. The outlet (32) may be connected to an outlet (18) so that water flowing out from the first internal space (15) after deionization is discharged from the housing (10).

[0063] For example, the outlet (32) may be connected to an outlet pipe (50) to be described later so that water stored in the second internal space (16) is discharged to the outside of the housing (10) through the outlet pipe (50).

[0064] For example, the supply unit (31) may be provided with an additional discharge pump to smoothly discharge the fluid from the stack (20). In addition, as will be described later, when the water treatment device (1) is driven in scale removal operation, the discharge pump may be provided to smoothly discharge the fluid stored in the second space (16).

[0065] The stack (20) may include a first electrode (21) and a second electrode (22). The stack (20) may include a plurality of first electrodes (21) and a plurality of second electrodes (22), and the plurality of first electrodes (21) and the plurality of second electrodes (22) may be arranged to be alternately stacked. The plurality of first electrodes (21) and the plurality of second electrodes (22) are all formed in the same shape, so for convenience of explanation, only the first electrodes (21) and the second electrodes (22) that face each other among the plurality of first electrodes (21) and the plurality of second electrodes (22) will be described below.

[0066] The stack (20) is formed between the first electrode (21) and the second electrode (22) and may include a channel (23) through which water flows.

[0067] The channel (23) may be provided as a space between the first electrode (21) and the second electrode (22). Therefore, it may also be referred to as a separation space between the first electrode (21) and the second electrode (22).

[0068] The first electrode (21) and the second electrode (22) can be arranged to face each other. The first electrode (21) and the second electrode (22) can form an electric field. Accordingly, deionization of water flowing in the channel (23) between the first electrode (21) and the second electrode (22) can proceed.

[0069] The stack (20) may also be referred to as an ion removal module (20) comprising a pair of electrodes (21, 22) and a channel (23) for removing ions from a fluid.

[0070] The stack (20) may also be referred to as an ion removal cell (20) including a pair of electrodes (21, 22) and a channel (23) for removing ions from a fluid. The first electrode (21) and the second electrode (22) may be connected to external terminals (24, 25) that are electrically connected, respectively. Referring to FIGS. 3 to 5, the first electrode (21) may include a first ion exchange membrane (21c). The second electrode (22) may include a second ion exchange membrane (22a).

[0071] The first electrode (21) and the second electrode (22) can be arranged opposite each other, and the first electrode (21) and the second electrode (22) arranged opposite each other can form a capacitor.

[0072] The first electrode (21) may include a first current collector (21a) and a first porous electrode (21b).

[0073] As will be described later, the first electrode (21) can be an anode (positive electrode) during deionization operation of the water treatment device (1), and can be a cathode (negative electrode) during regeneration operation or scale removal operation.

[0074] In one embodiment, the first collector (21a) may include a plate electrically connected to the first porous electrode (21b). The plate may include a metal plate and / or a non-metal plate.

[0075] The material of the first current collector (21a) may be a conductor. For example, the material of the first current collector (21a) may be graphite, but the material of the first current collector (21a) is not limited thereto.

[0076] The first porous electrode (21b) may include a solid electrode including void space. The first porous electrode (21b) may be formed of a material that is easy to adsorb ions. For example, the first porous electrode (21b) may be a carbon porous electrode, but the type of the first porous electrode (21b) is not limited thereto.

[0077] The second electrode (22) may include a second current collector (22a) and a second porous electrode (22b).

[0078] As will be described later, the second electrode (22) can be a negative electrode (cathode) during deionization operation of the water treatment device (1) and can be a positive electrode (anode) during regeneration operation or scale removal operation.

[0079] In one embodiment, the second collector (22a) may include a plate electrically connected to the second porous electrode (22b). The plate may include a metal plate and / or a non-metal plate.

[0080] The material of the second collector (22a) may be a conductor.

[0081]

[0082] For example, the material of the second collector (22a) may be selected from the group consisting of a transition metal, a transition metal oxide, a transition metal alloy, aluminum, an oxide of aluminum, an aluminum alloy, graphene, a catalytic oxide electrode (Dimensionally Stable Anode, DSA), and a Boron doped diamond (BDD) electrode.

[0083] Transition metals may include, for example, Pt, Ru, Ir, Rh, Ni, Fe, Co, Cu, Fe, etc. Transition metal alloys may include, for example, Ni-containing materials such as NiCo, Ni / B, etc.

[0084] In one embodiment, the transition metal alloy may comprise an alloy of a transition metal oxide.

[0085] The catalytic oxide electrode may include a material in which a metal oxide is coated on a Ti material. The catalytic oxide electrode may include, for example, RuO2 / Ti, IrO2 / Ti, or PtO2 / Ti.

[0086] The material of the first collector (21a) may also be the same as that of the second collector (22a).

[0087] However, for economic reasons, in one embodiment, the materials of the first current collector (21a) and the second current collector (22a) may be different from each other. For example, the material of the first current collector (21a) may be graphite, and the material of the second current collector (22a) may be selected from the group consisting of a transition metal, a transition metal oxide, a transition metal alloy, aluminum, an oxide of aluminum, an aluminum alloy, graphene, a catalytic oxide electrode (Dimensionally Stable Anode, DSA), and a Boron doped diamond (BDD) electrode.

[0088] The second porous electrode (22b) may include a solid electrode including void space. The second porous electrode (22b) may be made of a material that is easy to adsorb ions. For example, the second porous electrode (22b) may be a carbon porous electrode, but the type of the second porous electrode (22b) is not limited thereto.

[0089] For example, the material of the second porous electrode (22b) may be selected from the group consisting of a transition metal, a transition metal oxide, a transition metal alloy, aluminum, an aluminum oxide, an aluminum alloy, graphene, a catalytic oxide electrode (Dimensionally Stable Anode, DSA), and a boron doped diamond (BDD) electrode. More specifically, the second porous electrode (22b) may include a nickel porous electrode.

[0090] The material of the second porous electrode (22b) may also be the same as the material of the second porous electrode (22b).

[0091] However, for economic reasons, in one embodiment, the materials of the first porous electrode (21b) and the second porous electrode (22b) may be different from each other. For example, the material of the first porous electrode (21b) may be carbon, and the material of the second porous electrode (22b) may be selected from the group consisting of a transition metal, a transition metal oxide, a transition metal alloy, aluminum, an oxide of aluminum, an aluminum alloy, graphene, a catalytic oxide electrode (Dimensionally Stable Anode, DSA), and a Boron doped diamond (BDD) electrode.

[0092] The channel (23) can be formed by a first ion exchange membrane (21c) and a second ion exchange membrane (22c).

[0093] The first electrode channel (23a) can be defined as a configuration included in the first electrode (21), and the second electrode channel (23b) can be defined as a configuration included in the second electrode (22).

[0094] The first electrode (21) may include a first electrode channel (23a) formed by a first collector (21a) and a first ion exchange membrane (21c).

[0095] The second electrode (22) may include a second electrode channel (23b) formed by a second collector (22a) and a second ion exchange membrane (22c).

[0096] However, it is not limited to this, and the first electrode channel (23a) and the second electrode channel (23b) can also be defined as a configuration included in the channel (23).

[0097] The first electrode channel (23a) may include a space between the first current collector (21a) and the first ion exchange membrane (21c). The second electrode channel (23b) may include a space between the second current collector (22a) and the second ion exchange membrane (22c). The channel (23) may include a space between the first ion exchange membrane (21c) and the second ion exchange membrane (22c).

[0098] The first electrode channel (23a), the second electrode channel (23b), and the channel (23) may be replaced with terms such as compartment, space, room, or chamber in that they can be separated from each other by ion exchange membranes (21c, 22c).

[0099] The first ion exchange membrane (21c) and the second ion exchange membrane (22c) may include a membrane through which a fluid can pass.

[0100] The first electrode channel (23a), the second electrode channel (23b), and the channel (23) can be fluidically connected to each other. For example, the fluid in the channel (23) can move to the first electrode channel (23a) and / or the second electrode channel (23b), and conversely, the fluid in the first electrode channel (23a) and / or the second electrode channel (23b) can move to the channel (23).

[0101] The second ion exchange membrane (22c) may include a membrane that allows only cations to pass through among cations and anions. Since the second ion exchange membrane (22c) has a negative charge, it repels anions and does not allow them to pass through, but only allows cations to pass through.

[0102] The first ion exchange membrane (21c) may include a membrane that allows only anions to pass through among cations and anions. Since the first ion exchange membrane (21c) has a positive charge, it repels cations and does not allow them to pass through, but only allows anions to pass through.

[0103] The ion exchange membranes (21c, 22c) may include a synthetic resin membrane.

[0104] When a positive voltage is applied to the first current collector (21a), the first electrode (21) becomes a positive electrode (anode), and when a negative voltage is applied to the second current collector (22a), the second electrode (22) becomes a negative electrode (cathode). Accordingly, when a positive voltage is applied to the first current collector (21a) and a negative voltage is applied to the second current collector (22a), the positive ions in the channel (23) can move to the second electrode channel (23b), and the negative ions in the channel (23) can move to the first electrode channel (23a).

[0105] Applying a positive voltage to the first collector (21a) may include applying a negative voltage to the second collector (22a).

[0106] Applying a positive voltage to the first collector (21a) and a negative voltage to the second collector (22a) may include applying a positive voltage between the first collector (21a) and the second collector (22a).

[0107] Applying a positive voltage between the first collector (21a) and the second collector (22a) may include making the potential of the first collector (21a) higher than the potential of the second collector (22a).

[0108] When a negative voltage is applied to the first current collector (21a), the first electrode (21) becomes a negative electrode (cathode), and when a positive voltage is applied to the second current collector (22a), the second electrode (22) becomes a positive electrode (anode). Accordingly, when a negative voltage is applied to the first current collector (21a) and a positive voltage is applied to the second current collector (22a), positive ions in the second electrode channel (23b) can move to the channel (23), and negative ions in the first electrode channel (23a) can move to the channel (23).

[0109] Applying a negative voltage to the first collector (21a) may include applying a positive voltage to the second collector (22a).

[0110] Applying a negative voltage to the first collector (21a) and applying a positive voltage to the second collector (22a) may include applying a negative voltage between the first collector (21a) and the second collector (22a).

[0111] Applying a negative voltage between the first collector (21a) and the second collector (22a) may include making the potential of the first collector (21a) lower than the potential of the second collector (22a).

[0112] A first porous electrode (21b) may be provided in the first electrode channel (23a), and a second porous electrode (22b) may be provided in the second electrode channel (23b).

[0113] When a positive voltage is applied between the first current collector (21a) and the second current collector (22a), the negative ions moved to the first electrode channel (23a) can be adsorbed to the first porous electrode (21b), and the positive ions moved to the second electrode channel (23b) can be adsorbed to the second porous electrode (22b).

[0114] By applying a negative voltage between the first collector (21a) and the second collector (22a), the negative ions adsorbed on the first porous electrode (21b) can be desorbed from the first porous electrode (21b), and the positive ions adsorbed on the second porous electrode (22b) can be desorbed from the second porous electrode (22b).

[0115] A water treatment device (1) according to one embodiment may include a control unit (90).

[0116] A water treatment device (1) according to one embodiment may have at least three operating modes. For example, a water treatment device (1) according to one embodiment may have a deionization operating mode, a regeneration operating mode, and a scale removal operating mode.

[0117] The water treatment device (1) can perform a deionization process on the fluid provided to the stack (20) in deionization operation.

[0118] The water treatment device (1) can perform a regeneration process to desorb ions adsorbed on the first electrode (21) and the second electrode (22) of the capacitor-type desalination module (100) during regeneration operation.

[0119] The water treatment device (1) can perform a scale removal process to remove scale generated on the first electrode (21) and the second electrode (22) of the capacitor type desalination module (100) in scale removal operation.

[0120] The control unit (90) can control the water treatment device (1) to be operated in one of the operation modes of deionization operation, regeneration operation, and scale removal operation based on a user's input signal, a signal detected by a sensor, etc., and / or a set signal.

[0121] The control unit (90) can control various components of the water treatment device (1). For example, the control unit (90) can control the voltage applied to the first electrode (21) and the second electrode (22).

[0122] The control unit (90) may include hardware such as a CPU, Micom, or memory, and software such as a control program. For example, the control unit (90) may include at least one memory that stores data in the form of a program, an algorithm for controlling the operation of components within the water treatment device (1), and at least one processor that performs the operations described above and the operations to be described below using data stored in the at least one memory. The memory and the processor may each be implemented as separate chips. The processor may include one or more processor chips or one or more processing cores. The memory may include one or more memory chips or one or more memory blocks. In addition, the memory and the processor may be implemented as a single chip.

[0123] In one embodiment, the control unit (90) can control the water treatment device (1) to perform a scale removal operation based on the number of times the deionization operation and the regeneration operation have been performed. At this time, the number of times can be set by the user. In one embodiment, the control unit (90) can control the water treatment device (1) to perform a scale removal operation based on the satisfaction of a predetermined condition by a sensor or the like. As another example, the control unit (90) can control the water treatment device (1) to perform a scale removal operation after the deionization operation has been performed or after the regeneration operation has been performed.

[0124] A water treatment device (1) according to one embodiment can perform deionization operation, regeneration operation, and / or scale removal operation.

[0125] The water treatment device (1) can apply a negative voltage to the second collector (22a) during deionization operation. Applying a negative voltage to the second collector (22a) may include applying a positive voltage to the first collector (21a).

[0126] Applying a negative voltage to the second collector (22a) may include applying a negative voltage between the second collector (22a) and the first collector (21a).

[0127] Applying a negative voltage between the second collector (22a) and the first collector (21a) may include making the difference between the voltage applied to the second collector (22a) and the voltage applied to the first collector (21a) a negative voltage.

[0128] Applying a negative voltage to the second collector (22a) may include applying a positive voltage between the first collector (21a) and the second collector (22a).

[0129] Applying a positive voltage between the first collector (21a) and the second collector (22a) may include making the difference between the voltage applied to the first collector (21a) and the voltage applied to the second collector (22a) a positive voltage.

[0130] The control unit (90) can cause the positive ions contained in the water in the channel (23) to move to the second electrode channel (23b) by applying a negative voltage to the second collector (22a) in the deionization operation.

[0131] In deionization operation, the magnitude of the negative voltage applied to the second collector (22a) may be approximately 0.6 V or less. The magnitude of the negative voltage applied to the second collector (22a) being 0.6 V or less may include that the negative voltage applied to the second collector (22a) is -0.6 V or more.

[0132] In deionization operation, the magnitude of the positive voltage applied to the first collector (21a) may be approximately 0.6 V or less. The magnitude of the positive voltage applied to the first collector (21a) being 0.6 V or less may include the positive voltage applied to the first collector (21a) being +0.6 V or less.

[0133] In deionization operation, cations in the channel (23) can move to the second electrode channel (23b) through the second ion exchange membrane (22c) and be adsorbed on the second porous electrode (22b).

[0134] Regeneration operation may mean operation in which cations adsorbed on the second electrode (22) used as a cathode in deionization operation are desorbed and moved to a channel (23), and wastewater containing a large amount of cations is discharged to the outside of the capacitive deionization module (100).

[0135] The water treatment device (1) can apply a first positive voltage to the second collector (22a) in regeneration operation.

[0136] Applying a first positive voltage to the second collector (22a) may include applying a first negative voltage to the first collector (21a).

[0137] Applying the first positive voltage to the second collector (22a) may include applying a positive voltage between the second collector (22a) and the first collector (21a).

[0138] Applying a positive voltage between the second collector (22a) and the first collector (21a) may include making the difference between the voltage applied to the second collector (22a) and the voltage applied to the first collector (21a) a positive voltage.

[0139] Applying a positive voltage to the second collector (22a) may include applying a negative voltage between the first collector (21a) and the second collector (22a).

[0140] Applying a negative voltage between the first collector (21a) and the second collector (22a) may include making the difference between the voltage applied to the first collector (21a) and the voltage applied to the second collector (22a) a negative voltage.

[0141] The control unit (90) can cause positive ions in the second electrode channel (23b) to move to the channel (23) by applying a first positive voltage to the second collector (22a) in the regenerative operation.

[0142] The magnitude of the first positive voltage applied to the second current collector (22a) in the regeneration operation can be preset within a range in which water in the second electrode channel (23b) is not electrolyzed. The magnitude of the first positive voltage applied to the second current collector (22a) in the regeneration operation can be the same as or similar to the magnitude of the negative voltage applied to the second current collector (22a) in the deionization operation. The magnitude of the negative voltage applied to the first current collector (21a) in the regeneration operation can be the same as or similar to the magnitude of the negative voltage applied to the second current collector (22a) in the deionization operation.

[0143] For example, in regenerative driving, the magnitude of the first positive voltage applied to the second collector (22a) may be approximately 0.6 V or less. That is, the first positive voltage may be +0.6 V or less.

[0144] In regeneration operation, cations adsorbed on the second porous electrode (22b) can move to the channel (23) through the second ion exchange membrane (22c). In regeneration operation, cations adsorbed on the second porous electrode (22b) can move to the water in the channel (23) through the second ion exchange membrane (22c). However, cations in the channel (23) cannot move to the first electrode channel (23a) due to the first ion exchange membrane (21c).

[0145] The water treatment device (1) can perform deionization operation and regeneration operation repeatedly according to a predetermined cycle.

[0146] The water treatment device (1) can perform scale removal operation based on the satisfaction of certain conditions.

[0147] The scale removal operation may mean an operation to remove scale attached to the second ion exchange membrane (22c) and the second porous electrode (22b), unlike the regeneration operation that desorbs cations adsorbed on the second porous electrode (22b). Scale is an impurity such as a metallic oxide, precipitate, etc. (e.g., CaCO 3, It may contain Mg(OH)2).

[0148] Not limited thereto, in scale removal operation, scale attached to the first ion exchange membrane (21c) and the first porous electrode (21b) can be removed.

[0149] When deionization operation and regeneration operation are repeated at a predetermined cycle, scale may be attached to the side of the second electrode (22) used as the cathode in the deionization operation. For example, scale may be attached to both sides of the second ion exchange membrane (22c) and the second porous electrode (22b).

[0150] According to the present disclosure, scale can be removed by increasing the flow rate of the fluid flowing inside the channel (23) without a separate external device in a water treatment device (1) according to one embodiment, thereby detaching the scale attached to the first electrode (21) and the second electrode (22).

[0151] The control unit (90) can apply a negative voltage to the second collector (22a) in deionization operation.

[0152] When a negative voltage is applied to the second collector (22a), positive ions contained in the fluid within the channel (23) can move to the second electrode channel (23b).

[0153] The cations contained in the fluid are, for example, sodium ions (Na + ), magnesium ions (Mg 2+ ), calcium ions (Ca 2+ ) may include, etc.

[0154] The cations contained in the water within the channel (23) can be adsorbed onto the second porous electrode (22b) by moving to the second electrode channel (23b).

[0155] Accordingly, when the water treatment device (1) performs deionization operation, cations in the water in the channel (23) can be removed.

[0156] Applying a negative voltage to the second collector (22a) may include applying a positive voltage to the first collector (21a).

[0157] When a positive voltage is applied to the first collector (21a), negative ions contained in the fluid within the channel (23) can move to the first electrode channel (23a).

[0158] The control unit (90) can apply a first positive voltage to the second collector (22a) in regenerative operation.

[0159] When a first positive voltage is applied to the second collector (22a), cations within the second electrode channel (23b) can move to the channel (23). The cations within the second electrode channel (23b) may include cations adsorbed to the second porous electrode (22b) during deionization operation.

[0160] The cations adsorbed on the second porous electrode (22b) are, for example, sodium ions (Na + ), magnesium ions (Mg 2+ ), calcium ions (Ca 2+ ) may include, etc.

[0161] The cations adsorbed on the second porous electrode (22b) can be desorbed from the second porous electrode (22b) and moved to the channel (23).

[0162] Meanwhile, the cations in the channel (23) cannot move to the first electrode channel (23a) due to the first ion exchange membrane (21c).

[0163] Accordingly, when the water treatment device (1) performs regeneration operation, the cations adsorbed on the second porous electrode (22b) can be desorbed, and accordingly, the ion adsorption efficiency of the second porous electrode (22b) can be regenerated.

[0164] Applying the first positive voltage to the second collector (22a) may include applying a negative voltage to the second collector (11a).

[0165] When a negative voltage is applied to the first collector (21a), negative ions within the first electrode channel (23a) can move to the channel (23). The negative ions within the first electrode channel (23a) may include negative ions adsorbed to the first porous electrode (21b) during deionization operation.

[0166] Meanwhile, the negative ions in the channel (23) cannot move to the second electrode channel (23b) due to the second ion exchange membrane (22c).

[0167] Accordingly, when the water treatment device (1) performs regeneration operation, the negative ions adsorbed on the first porous electrode (21b) can be desorbed, and accordingly, the ion adsorption efficiency of the first porous electrode (21b) can be regenerated.

[0168] The water treatment device (1) can alternately perform deionization operation and regeneration operation. Meanwhile, when the water treatment device alternately performs deionization operation and regeneration operation, scale (e.g., CaCO) is removed according to the movement of cations and anions. 3, Mg(OH)2) may be precipitated. The scale may be mainly formed on the second electrode (22) with a high concentration of cations or on both sides of the second ion exchange membrane (22c). The both sides of the second ion exchange membrane (22c) may include a side adjacent to the second electrode channel (23b) and a side adjacent to the channel (23).

[0169] If a large amount of scale is deposited on both sides of the second electrode (22) or the second ion exchange membrane (22c), not only will the space for water to flow within the second electrode channel (23b) become narrow, but smooth ion adsorption to the second porous electrode (22b) will also be hindered, so that the efficiency of deionization operation may be significantly reduced.

[0170] Accordingly, there is a need to remove the scale precipitated from inside the stack (20).

[0171] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the water treatment device (1) can remove scale deposited inside the capacitor type desalination module without using an external device or without user intervention by performing a scale removal operation.

[0172] As illustrated in Fig. 5, in the scale removal operation of the water treatment device (1), as will be described later, the width of the channel (23) is formed to be wider than the width of the channel (23) during the deionization operation and / or the regeneration operation, so that the flow rate of the fluid flowing through the channel (23) can increase. Accordingly, as a large amount of fluid flows, the scale formed on the second electrode (22) is particularly struck with greater force, so that the scale can be removed by detaching the scale from the second electrode (22).

[0173] In the past, in order to improve the performance of scale removal operation that removes scale formed on the electrodes of the stack of a water treatment device, an acidic substance such as citric acid was added to the water to make the water acidic during scale removal operation to remove the scale remaining on the electrodes. However, there was a problem that the chemical substance was continuously consumed, so the component that injected the chemical substance had to be replaced periodically. In addition, water was made to flow inside the stack to physically remove the scale on the electrodes inside the stack according to the flow of water. However, when the water flows, the water flows between each electrode and physically pressurizes the scale remaining on the electrodes to remove the scale, but the gap between each electrode was maintained at a predetermined length, so there was a problem that the water could not reach the water pressure necessary for scale removal on the electrodes.

[0174] That is, when the gap between the electrodes is formed to be greater than a predetermined length, the flow velocity of the water flowing between the electrodes at a location further from each electrode becomes relatively fast, and conversely, the flow velocity of the water flowing closer to each electrode becomes relatively slow. Therefore, in the water flowing between the electrodes, the removal of ions proceeds relatively quickly in the water passing through the portion adjacent to each electrode, and the removal of ions proceeds relatively slowly in the water passing through the portion relatively far from each electrode. Accordingly, in the water flowing between the electrodes, the ion concentration of the water passing through the portion adjacent to each electrode may be lower than the ion concentration of the water passing through the portion far from each electrode, and accordingly, the gap between the electrodes may be arranged to be a predetermined length so that no difference in ion concentration occurs in the water flowing between the electrodes. That is, the predetermined length here means the length of the gap between the electrodes at which no difference in ion concentration occurs in the water flowing between the electrodes.

[0175] However, in scale removal operation, scale is removed by physical contact with the flow of water, and as the gap between the electrodes increases, the flow rate between the electrodes increases, so that when the gap between the electrodes increases in scale removal operation, the scale removal efficiency of the electrodes can increase. In addition, as the gap between the electrodes increases, the separation between the ion exchange membrane and the current collector of each electrode increases, so that the scale removal efficiency of the electrodes can increase.

[0176] That is, in order to increase the efficiency of deionization, the gap between the electrodes is maintained at a predetermined distance, but this predetermined distance may cause the fluidity of water to decrease during scale removal operation, which may reduce the scale removal effect of the electrodes.

[0177] To solve this problem, the gap (d1) between the first electrode (21) and the second electrode (22) when the water treatment device (1) is in deionization operation can be formed to be narrower than the gap (d2) between the first electrode (21) and the second electrode (22) when the water treatment device (1) is in scale removal operation.

[0178] That is, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 6, the water treatment device (1) is provided so that the gap (d1) between the first electrode (21) and the second electrode (22) is formed narrowly to increase the deionization efficiency during the deionization operation, and the gap (d2) between the first electrode (21) and the second electrode (22) is formed wide to increase the scale removal efficiency of the electrode during the scale removal operation, so that the efficiency can be increased in each operation mode.

[0179] At this time, since the gap between the first electrode (21) and the second electrode (22) must be changed in the deionization operation and the scale removal operation, the user may experience inconvenience in additionally operating the water treatment device (1) so that the gap between the first electrode (21) and the second electrode (22) is adjusted to suit each operation mode.

[0180] To solve this problem, the water treatment device (1) may include a pressure plate (100) that adjusts the length of the gap between the first electrode (21) and the second electrode (22) according to each operating mode.

[0181] The pressurizing plate (100) can pressurize the stack (20) so that the gap (d1) between the first electrode (21) and the second electrode (22) during deionization operation of the water treatment device (1) becomes narrower than the gap (d2) between the first electrode (21) and the second electrode (22) during scale removal operation.

[0182] The pressurizing plate (100) is provided to pressurize the stack (20) in the stacking direction of the first electrode (21) and the second electrode (22) so that the gap (d1) between the first electrode (21) and the second electrode (22) is narrowed, and can support the stack (20) so that the narrowed gap (d1) between the first electrode (21) and the second electrode (22) is maintained.

[0183] The pressurized plate (100) can release the pressure of the stack (20) so that the gap (d2) between the first electrode (21) and the second electrode (22) during scale removal operation of the water treatment device (1) becomes wider than the gap (d1) between the first electrode (21) and the second electrode (22) during deionization operation.

[0184] The pressurized plate (100) is provided to release the pressure on the stack (20) in the stacking direction of the first electrode (21) and the second electrode (22) so that the gap (d2) between the first electrode (21) and the second electrode (22) is widened, and the stack (20) can be supported so that the widened gap (d2) between the first electrode (21) and the second electrode (22) is maintained.

[0185] The pressure plate (100) is configured to transmit a certain level of pressure to the stack (20) and may also be referred to as a pressure plate (100) or a transmission plate (100).

[0186] Additionally, the pressure plate (100) may be also referred to as a support plate (100) as it is configured to support the stack (20).

[0187] Additionally, the pressure plate (100) may also be referred to as a partition plate (100) as it is configured to partition the internal space (11) of the housing (10).

[0188] In addition, according to one embodiment, the pressure plate (100) is provided in a plate shape, but is not limited thereto, and may be provided as a member of another shape that pressurizes or supports the stack (20) and partitions the internal space (11) of the housing (10). Accordingly, the pressure plate (100) may also be referred to as a pressure member (100), a support member (100), a pressure member (100) transmission member (100), or a partition member (100).

[0189] In addition, according to one embodiment, the pressurizing plate (100) is provided in a plate shape, but is not limited thereto. It may be formed as a part of the housing (10) that pressurizes or supports the stack (20) and partitions the internal space (11) of the housing (10). Accordingly, the pressurizing plate (100) may also be referred to as a pressurizing portion (100), a support portion (100), a pressure portion (100), a transmission portion (100), or a partition portion (100).

[0190] In one embodiment, it is disclosed that the pressure plate (100) pressurizes the stack (20), but this is not limited to the present invention, and the pressure plate (100) may be expressed as supporting the stack (20) or transmitting a predetermined pressure to the stack (20).

[0191] In addition, although in one embodiment, the pressurizing plate (100) is disclosed to pressurize the stack (20), it is not limited thereto, and the pressurizing plate (100) may be expressed as compressing and expanding the stack (20), or the pressurizing plate (100) may be expressed as widening and narrowing the width of the channel (23) of the stack (20), or the pressurizing plate (100) may be expressed as reducing or increasing the gap between the first electrode (21) and the second electrode (22).

[0192] In addition, in one embodiment, it is disclosed that the pressure plate (100) pressurizes the stack (20), but this is not limited to this, and it can be expressed that the pressure plate (100) controls the compressive force applied to the stack (20).

[0193] Hereinafter, the gap (d1) between the first electrode (21) and the second electrode (22) during the deionization operation of the water treatment device (1) is defined as the first gap (d1), and the gap (d2) between the first electrode (21) and the second electrode (22) during the scale removal operation of the water treatment device (1) is defined as the second gap (d2).

[0194] The upper end of the stack (20) may be supported by the upper end (12) of the housing (10), and the lower end of the stack (20) may be supported by the pressure plate (100). At this time, when the pressure plate (100) presses the stack (20), the first electrode (21) and the second electrode (22) that are laminated and arranged inside the stack (20) are arranged closer to each other by the pressure of the pressure plate (100), and as the gap between the first electrode (21) and the second electrode (22) narrows, the first gap (d1) may be formed.

[0195] The first interval (d1) may correspond to the width of the channel (23) during deionization operation of the water treatment device (1). As the width of the channel (23) through which water flows is reduced, the deionization ratio of water flowing in the channel (23) during deionization operation of the water treatment device (1) can be maintained constant.

[0196] The pressure plate (100) can be arranged so that the pressure of the stack (20) in the deionization operation is released so that the gap between the first electrode (21) and the second electrode (22) increases to a second gap (d2) during the scale removal operation of the water treatment device (1).

[0197] Due to the pressure of the pressure plate (100) toward the stack (20), the stack (20) was in a state of contraction in the stacking direction of the first electrode (21) and the second electrode (22), but as the pressure of the pressure plate (100) toward the stack (20) is released, the contraction of the stack (20) in the stacking direction of the first electrode (21) and the second electrode (22) disappears, and the shape of the stack (20) can be restored in the stacking direction of the first electrode (21) and the second electrode (22).

[0198] Accordingly, the second gap (d2) formed by releasing the pressure of the pressure plate (100) can be increased compared to the first gap (d1) formed by the pressure plate (100) pressing the stack (20).

[0199] The state in which the pressure plate (100) toward the stack (20) is released may be a state in which the pressure plate (100) does not pressurize the stack (20) in the stacking direction of the first electrode (21) and the second electrode (22), and is not limited thereto, and may also include a state in which the pressure plate (100) presses the stack (20) with a pressure lower than the pressure applied by the pressure plate (100) toward the stack (20) during the deionization operation of the water treatment device (1).

[0200] The stack (20) may be arranged on a channel (23) and may include a spacer (not shown) that supports the first electrode (21) and the second electrode (22) in the stacking direction of the first electrode (21) and the second electrode (22).

[0201] The spacer may be provided so as to be able to shrink and expand in the stacking direction of the first electrode (21) and the second electrode (22).

[0202] When the pressurizing plate (100) presses the stack (20), the spacer may be arranged to contract in the stacking direction of the first electrode (21) and the second electrode (22), and when the pressurizing plate (100) is released, the spacer may be arranged to extend in the stacking direction of the first electrode (21) and the second electrode (22).

[0203] The gap between the first electrode (21) and the second electrode (22) can be arranged to decrease or increase by shrinkage and expansion in the stacking direction of the first electrode (21) and the second electrode (22) of the spacer.

[0204] For example, the spacer may be placed at both ends of the first electrode (21) and the second electrode (22) in the channel (23) in the extension direction of the first electrode (21) and the second electrode (22).

[0205] For example, the spacer can be placed approximately over the entire area of ​​the channel (23) in the extension direction of the first electrode (21) and the second electrode (22).

[0206] For example, a spacer may be placed in at least some area of ​​the channel (23) to support the first electrode (21) and the second electrode (22).

[0207] For example, the spacer may be made of a water-permeable material to allow water to flow over the channel (23).

[0208] For example, the spacer may be made of a material that absorbs water and releases the absorbed water.

[0209] However, without being limited thereto, the stack (20) may not include a spacer and may include a support member capable of supporting the first electrode (21) and the second electrode (22) at both ends of the first electrode (21) and the second electrode (22) in the extension direction of the first electrode (21) and the second electrode (22).

[0210] The support member can support the first electrode (21) and the second electrode (22) so that the gap (d1) between the first electrode (21) and the second electrode (22) is reduced when the pressure plate (100) presses the stack (20), and can support the first electrode (21) and the second electrode (22) so that the gap (d2) between the first electrode (21) and the second electrode (22) is increased when the pressure of the pressure plate (100) is released.

[0211] That is, the pressurizing plate (100) can control the length of the gap between the first electrode (21) and the second electrode (22) by varying the degree of pressurization of the stack (20) according to the deionization operation and scale removal operation of the water treatment device (1) or by terminating the pressurization during the scale removal operation.

[0212] The degree of pressurization or whether pressurization is applied to the stack (20) of the pressurizing plate (100) is changed depending on the degree of water stored in the second internal space (16) described later, and the degree of water stored in the second internal space (16) can be controlled by opening and closing the supply pipe (40) and the discharge pipe (50) described later based on each operation of the water treatment device (1).

[0213] Accordingly, the user's convenience can be increased as the user does not need to control or operate an additional water treatment device (1).

[0214] The pressure plate (100) can divide the internal space (11) of the housing (10) into a first internal space (15) and a second internal space (16). The pressure plate (100) can divide the first internal space (15) and the second internal space (16) in the stacking direction of the first electrode (21) and the second electrode (22).

[0215] The lower part of the first internal space (15) in the stacking direction of the first electrode (21) and the second electrode (22) may be formed by a pressure plate (100). The lower part of the stack (20) in the stacking direction of the first electrode (21) and the second electrode (22) may be provided to be supported by the pressure plate (100).

[0216] The upper part of the second internal space (16) can be formed by a pressure plate (100).

[0217] The lower part of the second internal space (16) can be formed by the lower surface (14a) of the internal space (11) of the housing (10).

[0218] A stack (20) is placed in the first internal space (15) partitioned by a pressure plate (100), and water flows into the first internal space (15) through the inlet (17), and then deionization occurs while passing through the stack (20), and can flow out from the first internal space (15) through the outlet (18).

[0219] The pressure plate (100) can be provided to be reciprocally movable in the stacking direction of the first electrode (21) and the second electrode (22).

[0220] Since the pressure plate (100) forms the lower portion of the first internal space (15) and the upper portion of the second internal space (16), the volumes of the first internal space (15) and the second internal space (16) can change depending on the position of the pressure plate (100). When the pressure plate (100) moves in a direction in which the second internal space (16) increases, the pressure plate (100) moves toward the first internal space (15), thereby pressurizing the stack (20) placed in the first internal space (15).

[0221] That is, as the pressure plate (100) is provided to be movable, the pressure plate (100) can be provided to pressurize the stack (20) while moving toward the first internal space (15).

[0222] The water treatment device (1) may include a supply pipe (40) that supplies water to the second internal space (16) and an outlet pipe (50) that discharges water flowing into the second internal space (16) to the outside of the second internal space (16).

[0223] Water that flows into the second internal space (16) through the supply pipe (40) can be temporarily stored in the second internal space (16) and then flow out from the second internal space (16) through the discharge pipe (50).

[0224] One end of the supply pipe (40) can be connected to the second internal space (16), and the other end of the supply pipe (40) can be connected to the supply section (31).

[0225] The supply pipe (40) may include a supply pipe valve (41) that opens and closes the supply pipe (40).

[0226] When the supply pipe valve (41) is open, water supplied from the supply section (31) can flow into the second internal space (16) through the supply pipe (40). Conversely, when the supply pipe valve (41) is closed, water supplied from the supply section (31) is blocked from flowing into the supply pipe (40) and cannot flow into the second internal space (16).

[0227] One end of the outlet pipe (50) can be connected to the second internal space (16), and the other end of the outlet pipe (50) can be connected to the outlet (32).

[0228] The outlet pipe (50) may include an outlet pipe valve (51) that opens and closes the outlet pipe (50).

[0229] When the outlet pipe valve (51) is opened, water temporarily stored in the second internal space (16) can flow through the outlet pipe (50) to the outlet (32) and flow out of the housing (10). Conversely, when the outlet pipe valve (51) is closed, water stored in the second internal space (16) can be stored in the second internal space (16) by blocking the flow to the outlet (32).

[0230] The pressure plate (100) can be moved toward the first internal space (15) or toward the second internal space (16) by the flow rate of water stored in the second internal space (16) through the supply pipe (40).

[0231] As the amount of water stored in the second internal space (16) increases, the water stored in the second internal space (16) pressurizes the pressure plate (100), so that the pressure plate (100) can move toward the first internal space (15).

[0232] That is, the pressure plate (100) divides the first internal space (15) and the second internal space (16), and as the volume of the second internal space (16) increases due to water flowing into the second internal space (16) through the supply pipe (40), the volume of the first internal space (15) decreases.

[0233] At this time, the pressure plate (100) is arranged to be reciprocally movable in the stacking direction of the first electrode (21) and the second electrode (22), so that the volume of the first internal space (15) is reduced as the volume of the second internal space (16) increases, and can be moved toward the first internal space (15).

[0234] As the pressure plate (100) moves toward the first internal space (15), the stack (20) placed in the first internal space (15) is pressed, and while a certain amount of water is stored in the second internal space (16), the pressure plate (100) can be arranged to continuously pressurize the stack (20) by the stored water.

[0235] When water stored in the second internal space (16) flows out of the second internal space (16) through the discharge pipe (50), the pressure plate (100) can move toward the second internal space (16) depending on the amount of water flowing out.

[0236] As the amount of water stored in the second internal space (16) decreases, the pressure of the water pressurizing the pressure plate (100) decreases, and accordingly, the pressure plate (100) can move toward the second internal space (16).

[0237] For example, as the compression of the stack (20) by the pressure plate (100) is released, the width of the stack (20) in the stacking direction of the first electrode (21) and the second electrode (22) is restored, and the pressure generated or the pressure of the water flowing into the first internal space (15) becomes greater than the pressure that presses the pressure plate (100) into the first internal space (15) as the water stored in the second internal space (16) decreases, so the pressure plate (100) can move toward the second internal space (16).

[0238] For example, the first internal space (15) and the second internal space (16) are sequentially arranged in the vertical direction in the direction of gravity, and as the amount of water stored in the second internal space (16) decreases, the pressure plate (100) can be moved toward the second internal space (16).

[0239] When the water treatment device (1) is in deionization operation, the first gap (d1) may be formed to be relatively narrower than the gap between the first electrode (21) and the second electrode (22) in other operation modes of the water treatment device (1) in order to increase the efficiency of deionization.

[0240] The pressure plate (100) can be provided to press the stack (20) in the direction in which the first electrode (21) and the second electrode (22) are stacked so that the gap (d1) between the first electrode (21) and the second electrode (22) is formed narrowly.

[0241] To this end, the water treatment device (1) may be arranged to open the supply pipe valve (41) so that water flows into the second internal space (16) during deionization operation and store water in the second internal space (16). The water treatment device (1) may close the discharge pipe valve (51) so that water is temporarily stored in the second internal space (16).

[0242] Accordingly, the pressurizing plate (100) may be arranged so that the stack (20) is pressed while moving toward the first internal space (15) by the water stored in the second internal space (16), and the first gap (d1) is formed as the gap between the first electrode (21) and the second electrode (22) becomes narrower.

[0243] In order for the water treatment device (1) to deionize water, water must be supplied to the first internal space (15) through the supply unit (31). At this time, when the supply pipe valve (41) is opened, water is supplied to the first internal space (15) and at the same time, water is also supplied to the second internal space (16). When the water treatment device (1) is in deionization operation, the gap (d1) between the first electrode (21) and the second electrode (22) can be formed narrowly.

[0244] When the water treatment device (1) is in scale removal operation, the second gap (d2) may be formed to be relatively wider than the gap (d1) between the first electrode (21) and the second electrode (22) when the deionization device (1) is in operation to increase the efficiency of scale removal.

[0245] The pressure plate (100) may be provided so that the pressure of the stack (20) in the direction in which the first electrode (21) and the second electrode (22) are stacked is released, and the gap (d2) between the first electrode (21) and the second electrode (22) may be increased.

[0246] To this end, the water treatment device (1) may be arranged to open the discharge pipe valve (51) when the scale removal operation is in progress and allow the water stored in the second internal space (16) to flow out. Since water is continuously supplied to the first internal space (15) even when the water treatment device (1) is in progress for scale removal, the water treatment device (1) may close the supply pipe valve (41) to prevent water supplied from the supply unit (31) from flowing into the second internal space (16) through the supply pipe (40).

[0247] Accordingly, the pressure plate (100) may be arranged so that the gap (d2) between the first electrode (21) and the second electrode (22) increases as the water stored in the second internal space (16) flows out and moves toward the second internal space (16) and the pressure of the stack (20) is released.

[0248] Below, the water treatment device (1) in the deionization operation and scale removal operation state of the water treatment device (1) is described in detail.

[0249] As shown in Fig. 1, when the water treatment device (1) is in deionization operation, the supply section (31) of the water treatment device (1) can be arranged to be kept open and the supply pipe valve (41) connected to the supply section (31) can be arranged to be open.

[0250] When the water treatment device (1) is in deionization operation, the outlet (32) of the water treatment device (1) may be arranged to be kept open and the outlet pipe valve (51) connected to the outlet (32) may be arranged to be closed.

[0251] Here, when the deionization operation is in progress, the water treatment device (1) may also include a preparation step for the water treatment device (1) to start the deionization operation before the deionization operation starts, i.e., a step in which the control unit (90) described below controls each component of the water treatment device (1) so that the water treatment device (1) is driven in the deionization operation.

[0252] Accordingly, water supplied through the supply unit (31) flows into the first internal space (15) through the inlet (17), passes through the channel (23) of the stack (20), and after deionization, is discharged outside the first internal space (15) through the outlet (18) and can flow out of the housing (10) through the outlet (32).

[0253] When the water treatment device (1) is in deionization operation, voltages of different magnitudes are applied to the first electrode (21) and the second electrode (22), so that the first electrode (21) and the second electrode (22) can form an electric field.

[0254] Deionization of water flowing on the channel (23) can proceed by the electric field formed by the first electrode (21) and the second electrode (22).

[0255] In addition, water supplied through the supply unit (31) flows into the second internal space (16) through the supply pipe (40), and as the outlet pipe valve (51) is closed, water flowing into the second internal space (16) cannot flow out through the outlet (32) and can be stored in the second internal space (16).

[0256] As water is stored in the second internal space (16), the pressure plate (100) can be moved toward the first internal space (15) in conjunction with the first height (h1) of water stored in the second internal space (16) in the stacking direction of the first electrode (21) and the second electrode (22).

[0257] When the direction in which the first internal space (15) is arranged in the stacking direction of the first electrode (21) and the second electrode (22) is defined as the first direction and the direction in which the second internal space (16) is arranged as the second direction, the pressure plate (100) can be arranged to move in the first direction during the deionization operation of the water treatment device (1).

[0258] The pressure plate (100) can be moved in the first direction by a distance approximately corresponding to the first height (h1) of water stored in the second internal space (16).

[0259] When the water treatment device (1) is in deionization operation, the pressurizing plate (100) can be placed at a first position (100A) that can pressurize the stack (20) while moving in the first direction.

[0260] Here, when the deionization operation is in progress, the pressure plate (100) may be arranged to move to the first position (100A) before the fluid is introduced into the stack (20), including a preparation step for the water treatment device (1) to start the deionization operation before the deionization operation starts.

[0261] The first position (100A) can be defined as a position where the pressure plate (100) presses the stack (20) so that a gap (d1) is formed between the first electrode (21) and the second electrode (22) so that deionization of water flowing within the channel (23) can be uniformly achieved.

[0262] When the pressure plate (100) is placed at the first position (100A), the first gap (d1) can be set to be narrower than the gap between the first electrode (21) and the second electrode (22) when the pressure plate (100) is not placed at the first position (100A).

[0263] As the pressure plate (100) is placed at the first position (100A), the stack (20) can be compressed in the first direction and / or the second direction by being pressurized by the pressure plate (100) and the upper portion (12) of the housing (10).

[0264] When the stack (20) is maintained in the first state (20A), the first electrode (21) and the second electrode (22) constituting the stack (20) are also compressed in the first direction and / or the second direction, so that the gap between the first electrode (21) and the second electrode (22) can be reduced.

[0265] The stack (20) may include a guide member (110) that guides the movement of the pressure plate (100) in the first direction and the second direction.

[0266] The guide member (110) may be placed in the second internal space (16). However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the guide member (110) may be placed in the first internal space (15).

[0267] The guide member (110) may be formed of an elastic material. Accordingly, the guide member (110) may be configured to contract and expand due to elasticity when the pressure plate (100) moves in the first direction and the second direction.

[0268] The guide member (110) can transmit an external force to the pressure plate (100) to control the degree to which the pressure plate (100) presses the stack (20).

[0269] The guide member (110) can guide the movement of the pressure plate (100) so that the pressure plate (100) does not pressurize the stack (20) above a predetermined pressure.

[0270] The guide member (110) can support the pressure plate (100) so that the pressure plate (100) does not move in the first direction from the first position (100A).

[0271] When the pressure plate (100) is moved further in the first direction than the first position (100A), the gap between the first electrode (21) and the second electrode (22) is further reduced, so that deionization of water flowing within the channel (23) can be uniformly achieved, but the flow rate is reduced, so that the deionization efficiency is lowered, and as the force pressing the stack (20) increases, a problem of damage to the stack may occur.

[0272] Accordingly, the guide member (110) can be provided to guide the pressure plate (100) so that the pressure plate (100) does not move in the first direction from the first position (100A) and the first gap (d1) is maintained at a predetermined distance.

[0273] As shown in Fig. 6, when the water treatment device (1) is in scale removal operation, the supply section (31) of the water treatment device (1) may be arranged to be kept open and the supply pipe valve (41) connected to the supply section (31) may be arranged to be closed.

[0274] When the water treatment device (1) is in scale removal operation, the outlet (32) of the water treatment device (1) may be kept open and the outlet pipe valve (51) connected to the outlet (32) may be arranged to be open.

[0275] Accordingly, water supplied through the supply unit (31) flows into the first internal space (15) through the inlet (17), passes through the channel (23) of the stack (20), and after scale removal is performed, is discharged outside the first internal space (15) through the outlet (18) and can flow out of the housing (10) through the outlet (32).

[0276] When the water treatment device (1) is in scale removal operation, voltage may not be applied to the first electrode (21) and the second electrode (22). During scale removal operation, the water flowing inside the channel (23) physically collides with the first electrode (21) and the second electrode (22), so that scale is removed. Therefore, voltage does not need to be applied to the first electrode (21) and the second electrode (22). However, this is not limited to this, and a voltage smaller than that during deionization operation may be applied to the first electrode (21) and the second electrode (22), so that the external terminals (24, 25) and the first electrode (21) and the second electrode (22) can be electrically connected.

[0277] In addition, water supplied through the supply section (31) cannot flow into the second internal space (16) through the supply pipe (40) due to the closure of the supply pipe valve (41), and water stored in the second internal space (16) can flow out through the discharge section (32) as the discharge pipe valve (51) is opened.

[0278] As the water stored in the second internal space (16) flows out, the pressure plate (100) can be moved in the second direction in conjunction with the second height (h2) of the water stored in the second internal space (16) in the stacking direction of the first electrode (21) and the second electrode (22). That is, the pressure plate (100) can be arranged to move in the second direction while the water treatment device (1) is in scale removal operation.

[0279] The pressure plate (100) can be moved in the second direction by a distance approximately corresponding to the second height (h2) of water stored in the second internal space (16).

[0280] When the water treatment device (1) is in scale removal operation, the pressure plate (100) can be moved in the second direction and placed in the second position (100B) where the pressure of the stack (20) is released.

[0281] The second position (100B) may be defined as a position where the pressure plate (100) releases the pressure of the stack (20) so that the flow rate of water flowing within the channel (23) increases, thereby forming a second gap (d2) that can effectively remove scale remaining within the channel (20).

[0282] In addition, the second position (100B) may also be defined as a position of the pressure plate (100) at which the gap between the first electrode (21) and the second electrode (22) may be increased compared to the first gap (d1) at the first position (100A). The second position (100B) is a position of the pressure plate (100) that forms the second gap (d2). That is, when the pressure plate (100) is placed at the second position (100B), the gap between the first electrode (21) and the second electrode (22) may be arranged to be wider than when the pressure plate (100) is placed at the first position (100A).

[0283] Here, when scale removal is in progress, the water treatment device (1) may also include a preparation step for the scale removal operation to start before the scale removal operation starts, i.e., a step in which the control unit (90) controls each component of the water treatment device (1) so that the water treatment device (1) is driven into scale removal operation.

[0284] Accordingly, the actuator (200) may be arranged so that the pressure plate (100) moves to the second position (100A) before fluid is introduced into the stack (20).

[0285] When the pressure plate (100) is placed at the second position (100B), the pressure plate (100) can be placed adjacent to the lower surface (14a) of the internal space (11) of the housing (10). When the pressure plate (100) is placed at the second position (100B), it can be placed closer to the lower surface (14a) of the internal space (11) of the housing (10) than when it is placed at the first position (100A).

[0286] When the pressure plate (100) is placed at the second position (100B), the volume of the second internal space (16) can be arranged to be smaller than when the pressure plate (100) is placed at the first position (100A).

[0287] As the pressure plate (100) is placed in the second position (100B), the stack (20) can be in a second state (20B) in which the pressure by the pressure plate (100) and the upper portion (12) of the housing (10) is released and the compression is released in the first direction and / or the second direction.

[0288] Here, the second state (20B) of the stack (20) may be a state in which there is no pressure at all in the first direction and / or the second direction, or the first state (20A) may be a state in which the pressure in the first direction and / or the second direction is reduced.

[0289] When the stack (20) is maintained in the second state (20B), the first electrode (21) and the second electrode (22) constituting the stack (20) are also decompressed in the first direction and / or the second direction, so that the gap between the first electrode (21) and the second electrode (22) can increase.

[0290] As the pressure plate (100) moves to the second position (100B), the guide member (110) may contract and the volume of the second internal space (16) may decrease.

[0291] When the scale removal operation of the water treatment device (1) is completed and the deionization operation is performed again, the water treatment device (1) may be arranged so that the supply section (31), the outlet section (32) and the supply pipe valve (41) are in an open state, and the outlet pipe valve (51) is in a closed state.

[0292] Additionally, it can be arranged so that voltages of different magnitudes are applied to the first electrode (21) and the second electrode (22).

[0293] Accordingly, when the deionization operation of the water treatment device (1) is performed again while the water stored in the second internal space (16) is discharged by the scale removal operation of the water treatment device (1), the pressure plate (100) moves back to the first position (100A) as water is stored in the second internal space (16), and thus the gap (d1) between the first electrode (21) and the second electrode (22) can be narrowed.

[0294] That is, the pressure plate is arranged to move between the first position (100A) and the second position (100B) depending on the operation mode of the water treatment device (1), so that the gap between the first electrode (21) and the second electrode (22) can be changed.

[0295] Hereinafter, the water treatment device (1) in the deionization operation and scale removal operation state according to one embodiment will be described in detail.

[0296] Fig. 7 is a schematic side cross-sectional view of a deionization operation of a water treatment device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 8 is a schematic side cross-sectional view of a scale removal operation of a water treatment device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0297] In the deionization operation of the water treatment device (1), water stored in the second internal space (16) in addition to water for water treatment can be introduced into the housing (10) so that the pressure plate (100) is placed at the first position (100A).

[0298] The water flowing into the second internal space (16) is not deionized but is temporarily stored in the second internal space (16) and then discharged outside the housing (10). Since a portion of the water that should be purified through deionization simply flows into the second internal space (16) without a conversion process and then is discharged outside, the efficiency of water treatment may be reduced. In other words, a problem may arise in which a portion of the water flowing into the water treatment device (1) is wasted in order to increase the efficiency of the deionization operation of the water treatment device (1).

[0299] To prevent this, the water treatment device (1) shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 does not directly discharge water stored in the second internal space (16) to the outside of the housing (10) for the movement of the pressure plate (100) in the deionization operation of the water treatment device (1), but flows it into the first internal space (15) during the scale removal operation of the water treatment device (1) so that the water flowing into the second internal space (16) is recycled, thereby preventing the problem of water being wasted.

[0300] The water treatment device (1) may include a supply pipe (40) that supplies water to the second internal space (16) and an outlet pipe (60) that discharges water flowing into the second internal space (16) to the outside of the second internal space (16).

[0301] One end of the supply pipe (40) can be connected to the second internal space (16), and the other end of the supply pipe (40) can be connected to the supply section (31).

[0302] One end of the outlet pipe (60) can be connected to the second internal space (16), and the other end of the outlet pipe (60) can be connected to the supply unit (31).

[0303] The outlet pipe (60) may include an outlet pipe valve (61) that opens and closes the outlet pipe (60).

[0304] When the outlet pipe valve (61) is opened, water temporarily stored in the second internal space (16) can flow to the supply section (31) through the outlet pipe (60) and flow out of the second internal space (16). Conversely, when the outlet pipe valve (61) is closed, water stored in the second internal space (16) can be stored in the second internal space (16) by blocking the flow to the supply section (31).

[0305] When the outlet pipe valve (61) is opened while the supply section (31) is open, water stored in the second internal space (16) flows into the supply section (31) through the outlet pipe (60), and water flowing into the supply section (31) through the outlet pipe (60) can flow into the first internal space (15) through the inlet (17).

[0306] That is, when the outlet pipe valve (61) is opened while the supply section (31) is open, water temporarily stored in the second internal space (16) can flow into the first internal space (15) and then flow out of the housing (10) through the outlet section (32).

[0307] The stage where water stored in the second internal space (16) flows out to the outside is when the water treatment device (1) is in scale removal operation, and at this time, the pressure plate (100) is placed at the second position (100B).

[0308] The step in which water temporarily stored in the second internal space (16) flows into the first internal space (15) is a step in which the water treatment device (1) is in scale removal operation and the water flowing into the first internal space (15) is not actually purified, so even if contaminated water flows into the first internal space (15), no problem occurs in water treatment.

[0309] Therefore, for the purpose of scale removal operation of the water treatment device (1), the water flowing into the first internal space (15) from the outside is replaced with water temporarily stored in the second internal space (16), thereby reusing the water that has already flowed into the housing (10), thereby increasing the water treatment efficiency of the water treatment device (1).

[0310] As illustrated in Fig. 4, when the water treatment device (1) is in deionization operation, the supply section (31) and the outlet section (32) of the water treatment device (1) may be maintained in an open state, and the supply pipe valve (41) connected to the supply section (31) may be arranged to be open. At this time, the outlet pipe valve (61) connected to the supply section (31) may be arranged to be closed.

[0311] Accordingly, water supplied through the supply unit (31) flows into the first internal space (15) through the inlet (17), passes through the channel (23) of the stack (20), and after deionization, is discharged outside the first internal space (15) through the outlet (18) and can flow out of the housing (10) through the outlet (32).

[0312] In addition, water supplied through the supply unit (31) flows into the second internal space (16) through the supply pipe (40), and as the outlet pipe valve (61) is closed, water flowing into the second internal space (16) cannot flow into the first internal space (15) through the supply unit (31) and can be stored in the second internal space (16).

[0313] As water is stored in the second internal space (16), the pressure plate (100) can be moved toward the first internal space (15) in conjunction with the first height (h1) of water stored in the second internal space (16) in the stacking direction of the first electrode (21) and the second electrode (22).

[0314] The pressure plate (100) can be moved in the first direction by a distance approximately corresponding to the first height (h1) of water stored in the second internal space (16).

[0315] When the water treatment device (1) is in deionization operation, the pressurizing plate (100) can be placed at a first position (100A) that can pressurize the stack (20) while moving in the first direction.

[0316] As the pressure plate (100) is placed at the first position (100A), the stack (20) can be compressed in the first direction and / or the second direction by being pressurized by the pressure plate (100) and the upper portion (12) of the housing (10).

[0317] When the stack (20) is maintained in the first state (20A), the first electrode (21) and the second electrode (22) constituting the stack (20) are also compressed in the first direction and / or the second direction, so that the gap (d1) between the first electrode (21) and the second electrode (22) can be reduced.

[0318] As illustrated in Fig. 5, when the water treatment device (1) is in scale removal operation, the outlet (32) of the water treatment device (1) may be arranged to remain open and the supply pipe valve (41) connected to the supply portion (31) may be arranged to be closed. At this time, the supply portion (31) may be arranged to be closed and the outlet pipe valve (61) connected to the supply portion (31) may be arranged to be open.

[0319] Therefore, as the supply section (31) is closed, water cannot flow into the first internal space (15) from the outside through the supply section (31).

[0320] Here, the meaning of the supply unit (31) being closed means that water is introduced into the supply unit (31) from the outside and the water is blocked from flowing into the inlet (17). Even when the supply unit (31) is closed, when water flows into the supply unit (31) from the outlet pipe (60) connected to the supply unit (31), the supply unit (31) can cause water to flow into the inlet (17).

[0321] As the outlet pipe valve (61) is opened and the supply section (31) is closed, water flowing from the second internal space (16) through the outlet pipe (60) to the supply section (31) flows into the first internal space (15) through the inlet (17), passes through the channel (23) of the stack (20), and after scale removal is performed, is discharged outside the first internal space (15) through the outlet (18) and can flow out of the housing (10) through the outlet (32).

[0322] That is, water temporarily stored in the second internal space (16) during the deionization operation of the water treatment device (1) can be moved from the second internal space (16) to the supply section (31) through the outlet pipe (60) when the scale removal operation of the water treatment device (1) is started, and can be introduced into the first internal space (15) from the supply section (31) through the inlet (17).

[0323] During the deionization operation of the water treatment device (1), water that flows into the housing (10) for the movement of the pressure plate (100) does not undergo deionization. However, water that flows into the housing (10) for the movement of the pressure plate (100) flows into the housing (10) twice in total, each time during the deionization operation and scale removal operation of the water treatment device (1), thereby reducing the amount of water wasted when the water treatment device (1) is operated.

[0324] As the outlet pipe valve (61) is opened, water stored in the second internal space (16) flows to the supply section (31) and then to the first internal space (15), while as the supply section (31) and the supply pipe valve (41) are closed, no additional water flows into the second internal space (16), so the water stored in the second internal space (16) can continuously flow out to the outside.

[0325] As the water stored in the second internal space (16) flows out, the pressure plate (100) can be moved in the second direction in conjunction with the second height (h2) of the water stored in the second internal space (16). That is, the pressure plate (100) can be arranged to move in the second direction while the water treatment device (1) is in scale removal operation.

[0326] When the water treatment device (1) is in scale removal operation, the pressure plate (100) can be moved in the second direction and placed in the second position (100B) where the pressure of the stack (20) is released.

[0327] As the pressure plate (100) is placed in the second position (100B), the stack (20) can be in a second state (20B) in which the pressure by the pressure plate (100) and the upper portion (12) of the housing (10) is released and the compression is released in the first direction and / or the second direction.

[0328] When the scale removal operation of the water treatment device (1) is completed and the deionization operation is performed again, the water treatment device (1) may be arranged so that the supply section (31), the outlet section (32) and the supply pipe valve (41) are in an open state, and the outlet pipe valve (61) is in a closed state.

[0329] After the water flowing through the second internal space (16) to the first internal space (15) by the scale removal operation of the water treatment device (1) completes the removal of scale inside the stack (20) and flows out of the housing (10), the water treatment device (1) can start the deionization operation again.

[0330] Accordingly, when the deionization operation of the water treatment device (1) is performed again while the water stored in the second internal space (16) flows out to the first internal space (15) by the scale removal operation of the water treatment device (1), the pressure plate (100) can be moved back to the first position (100A) as the water is stored again in the second internal space (16).

[0331] The water flowing into the second internal space (16) can be temporarily stored in the second internal space (16) and then flow back into the first internal space (15) through the discharge pipe (60) when the water treatment device (1) starts scale removal operation.

[0332] Below, the water treatment device (1) in the deionization operation and scale removal operation state of the water treatment device (1) is described in detail.

[0333] FIG. 8 is a side cross-sectional view schematically illustrating a deionization operation of a water treatment device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, and FIG. 9 is a side cross-sectional view schematically illustrating a scale removal operation of a water treatment device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0334] As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the water treatment device (1) may include an actuator (200) that moves the pressure plate (100) so that the pressure plate (100) moves between the first position (100A) and the second position (100B).

[0335] The actuator (200) may include a rack (210) and a pinion (220). The actuator (200) may include a drive motor that drives the pinion (220).

[0336] The rack (210) can be arranged to reciprocate in the stacking direction of the first electrode (21) and the second electrode (22).

[0337] The pressure plate (100) can be moved between the first position (100A) and the second position (100B) in conjunction with the movement of the rack (210).

[0338] For example, the actuator (200) may be configured to move the pressure plate (100) through a rack (210) and a pinion (220), but is not limited thereto, and the actuator (200) may move the pressure plate (100) through a cam or a plurality of gears.

[0339] The actuator (200) may be placed outside the housing (10). However, this is not limited to the case, and the actuator (200) may be placed inside the second internal space (16).

[0340] The second internal space (16) may be designed so that fluid does not flow in from the outside and its volume changes depending on the position of the pressure plate (100). For example, when the actuator (200) is placed outside the housing (10), the volume of the second internal space (16) may be formed to be smaller than when the actuator (200) is placed inside the second internal space (16).

[0341] As shown in Fig. 9, when the water treatment device (1) is in deionization operation, the actuator (200) can move the pressure plate (100) in the direction in which the stack (20) is located so that the pressure plate (100) is placed at the first position (100A).

[0342] The rack (210) is moved to the second internal space (16) in conjunction with the rotation of the pinion (220), and accordingly, the pressure plate (100) can be placed in the first position (100A) for pressing the stack (20) in conjunction with the movement of the rack (210).

[0343] The supply section (31) and the outlet section (32) of the water treatment device (1) are maintained in an open state so that the fluid supplied from the supply section (31) can flow into the stack (20) through the inlet (17). As the pressure plate (100) is placed at the first position (100A), the stack (20) is pressurized by the pressure plate (100) and the upper portion (12) of the housing (10) and becomes a first state (20A) in which it is compressed in the first direction and / or the second direction, and the fluid introduced into the stack (20) is deionized while passing through the stack (20) in the first state (20A), and then is discharged to the outside of the first internal space (15) through the outlet (18) and can flow out of the housing (10) through the outlet (32).

[0344] When the stack (20) is maintained in the first state (20A), the first electrode (21) and the second electrode (22) constituting the stack (20) are also compressed in the first direction and / or the second direction, so that the gap (d1) between the first electrode (21) and the second electrode (22) can be reduced.

[0345] As the pressure plate (100) is placed at the first position (100A), the stack (20) can be compressed in the first direction and / or the second direction by being pressurized by the pressure plate (100) and the upper portion (12) of the housing (10).

[0346] The pressure plate (100) can be moved in the first direction from the lower surface (14a) of the internal space (11) by a distance that roughly corresponds to the height at which one end of the rack (210) is moved upward from the lower surface (14a) of the internal space (11) in the second internal space (16).

[0347] As shown in Fig. 10, when the water treatment device (1) is in scale removal operation, the actuator (200) can move the pressure plate (100) in the opposite direction to the direction in which the stack (20) is located so that the pressure plate (100) is placed in the second position (100A).

[0348] The rack (210) is moved from the second internal space (16) to the outside of the housing (10) in conjunction with the rotation of the pinion (220), and accordingly, the pressure plate (100) can be placed in the second position (100B) where the pressure of the stack (20) is released in conjunction with the movement of the rack (210).

[0349] The supply section (31) and the outlet section (32) of the water treatment device (1) are maintained in an open state so that the fluid supplied from the supply section (31) can flow into the stack (20) through the inlet (17). As the pressure plate (100) is placed at the second position (100A), the stack (20) is released from the pressure by the pressure plate (100) and the upper portion (12) of the housing (10), and thus enters a second state (20B) in which the compression in the first direction and / or the second direction is released, and the fluid introduced into the stack (20) passes through the stack (20) in the second state (20B) and removes the scale remaining on the first electrode (21) and the second electrode (22), and then is discharged outside the first internal space (15) through the outlet (18) and can flow out of the housing (10) through the outlet (32).

[0350] When the stack (20) is maintained in the second state (20B), the first electrode (21) and the second electrode (22) constituting the stack (20) may also be decompressed in the first direction and / or the second direction, thereby increasing the gap (d2) between the first electrode (21) and the second electrode (22).

[0351] One end of the rack (210) is moved toward the lower surface (14a) of the internal space (11) from the position where the pressure plate (100) is placed at the first position (100A), and the pressure plate (100) can be moved in the direction where the lower surface (14a) of the internal space (11) is located by a distance that roughly corresponds to the movement distance of one end of the rack (210).

[0352] The pressure plate (100) can be placed at a second position (100B) where the pressure of the stack (20) is released while moving in the second direction.

[0353] As the pressure plate (100) is placed in the second position (100B), the stack (20) can be in a second state (20B) in which the pressure by the pressure plate (100) and the upper portion (12) of the housing (10) is released and the compression is released in the first direction and / or the second direction.

[0354] When the scale removal operation of the water treatment device (1) is completed and the deionization operation is performed again, the actuator (200) drives the pinion (220) so that the rack (210) moves back to the second internal space (16), and the pressurizing plate (100) moves back from the second position (100B) to the first position (100A) to pressurize the stack (20).

[0355] FIG. 11 is a side cross-sectional view schematically illustrating a deionization operation of a water treatment device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, and FIG. 12 is a side cross-sectional view schematically illustrating a scale removal operation of a water treatment device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0356] As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the water treatment device (1) may include an actuator (300) that moves the pressure plate (100) so that the pressure plate (100) moves between the first position (100A) and the second position (100B).

[0357] The actuator (300) may include a storage tank (310) in which fluid supplied from a supply pipe (40) is stored, a control member (320) that moves a pressure plate (100) between a first position (100A) and a second position (200B) in accordance with the amount of fluid stored in the storage tank (310), and a connecting member (330) that connects the control member (320) and the pressure plate (100).

[0358] The storage tank (310) may be arranged to be connected to a supply pipe (40) and an outlet pipe (50). When the supply pipe valve (41) is opened and the outlet pipe valve (51) is closed, fluid is supplied into the storage tank (310) through the supply pipe (40) and stored for a certain period of time, and when the supply pipe valve (41) is closed and the outlet pipe valve (51) is opened, the fluid that has been temporarily stored may be discharged from the storage tank (310) to the outside.

[0359] The control member (320) may be arranged to reciprocate in the stacking direction of the first electrode (21) and the second electrode (22) in accordance with the amount of fluid stored in the storage tank (310). When the amount of fluid stored in the storage tank (310) increases, the control member (320) may move in the direction in which the stack (20) is positioned, and when the amount of fluid stored in the storage tank (310) decreases, the control member (320) may move in the opposite direction to the direction in which the stack (20) is positioned.

[0360] The pressure plate (100) can be moved between the first position (100A) and the second position (100B) in conjunction with the movement of the adjustment member (320). However, this is not limited thereto, and the pressure plate (100) and the adjustment member (320) are provided as a single configuration, and at this time, one end of the pressure plate (100) can protrude outward from the internal space (11) of the housing (10) and be placed inside the storage tank (310).

[0361] The actuator (300) may be placed outside the housing (10). However, this is not limited to the case, and the actuator (300) may be formed on another area formed by the housing (10).

[0362] It can be placed outside the internal space (11) of the housing (10).

[0363] The second internal space (16) may be designed so that fluid does not flow in from the outside and its volume changes depending on the position of the pressure plate (100). For example, when the actuator (200) is placed outside the housing (10), the volume of the second internal space (16) may be formed to be smaller than when the actuator (200) is placed inside the second internal space (16).

[0364] For example, the connecting portion (330) may be formed as a member that directly connects the pressure plate (100) and the adjusting member (320), but is not limited thereto. The connecting portion (330) may also be formed as a plurality of gears that transmit the force generated by the difference in position between the adjusting member (320) and the pressure plate (100) as the adjusting member (320) moves to the pressure plate (100) so that the pressure plate (100) moves back and forth.

[0365] As shown in Fig. 11, when the water treatment device (1) is in deionization operation, the actuator (300) can move the pressure plate (100) in the direction in which the stack (20) is located so that the pressure plate (100) is placed at the first position (100A).

[0366] When the water treatment device (1) is in deionization operation, a portion of the fluid supplied to the water treatment device (1) may flow into the storage tank (310) through the supply pipe (40).

[0367] When the water treatment device (1) is in deionization operation, the supply pipe valve (41) may be provided in an open state and the discharge pipe valve (51) may be provided in a closed state. Accordingly, some of the fluid supplied through the supply unit (40) may flow into the storage tank (310) through the supply pipe (40) and be temporarily stored inside the storage tank (310).

[0368] As the amount of fluid stored inside the storage tank (310) increases and the depth of the stored fluid increases, the control member (320) can be moved in conjunction with this in the direction in which the stack (20) is located.

[0369] The pressure plate (100) is connected to the adjusting member (320) by the connecting portion (330), and thus can be moved in the direction in which the stack (20) is located in conjunction with the distance moved by the adjusting member (320). Accordingly, the pressure plate (100) can be placed at the first position (100A) and apply pressure to the stack (20).

[0370] As shown in Fig. 12, when the water treatment device (1) is in scale removal operation, the actuator (300) can move the pressure plate (100) in the opposite direction to the direction in which the stack (20) is located so that the pressure plate (100) is placed in the second position (100B).

[0371] When the water treatment device (1) is in scale removal operation, the fluid temporarily stored in the storage tank (310) can be discharged from the storage tank (310) through the discharge pipe (50).

[0372] When the water treatment device (1) is in scale removal operation, the supply pipe valve (41) may be closed and the discharge pipe valve (51) may be provided in an open state. Accordingly, the fluid may not flow into the storage tank (310) through the supply section (40), and the fluid temporarily stored in the storage tank (310) may flow out of the storage tank (310) through the discharge pipe (50) and out through the discharge section (32) to the outside.

[0373] When the water treatment device (1) is in scale removal operation, the entire fluid stored in the storage tank (310) may be discharged from the storage tank (310) through the discharge pipe (50), but this is not limited to this, and at least a portion of the fluid stored in the storage tank (310) may remain inside the storage tank (310).

[0374] As the amount of fluid stored inside the storage tank (310) decreases and the depth of the stored fluid decreases, the control member (320) can be moved in the opposite direction to the direction in which the stack (20) is located in conjunction therewith.

[0375] The pressurizing plate (100) is connected to the adjusting member (320) by the connecting portion (330), and thus can be moved in the direction in which the stack (20) is located in conjunction with the distance moved by the adjusting member (320). Accordingly, the pressurizing plate (100) can be moved from the first position (100A) to the second position (100B), and the pressurization of the stack (20) can be released. In one embodiment, the fluid stored in the storage tank (310) may be the same fluid as the fluid flowing into the stack (20), but is not limited thereto, and the fluid flowing into the storage tank (310) may be a different fluid from the fluid flowing into the stack (20).

[0376] At this time, the supply pipe (40) that supplies fluid to the actuator (300) and the discharge pipe (50) that discharges fluid from the actuator (300) are not connected to the actuator (300), and separate pipes may be connected from the outside so that a fluid different from the fluid flowing into the stack (20) flows into and out of the actuator (300). For example, the fluid flowing into the stack (20) may be water, and the fluid flowing into the actuator (300) may be an oil-like fluid.

[0377] Below, the water treatment device (1) in the scale removal operation state of the water treatment device (1) is described in detail.

[0378] FIG. 13 is a schematic side cross-sectional view of a scale removal operation of a water treatment device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0379] As illustrated in FIG. 13, the water treatment device (1) may include a separation module (400) provided so that scale removed in the scale removal operation of the water treatment device (1) is separated and discharged from the water treatment device (1).

[0380] When the water treatment device (1) is in scale removal operation, the fluid supplied into the stack (20) through the supply unit (31) and the solid scale removed from the stack (20) may flow out to the discharge unit (32).

[0381] At this time, in order to prevent the scale from being mixed with the fluid and flowing out from the water treatment device (1), the outlet (32) may be provided to be connected to a separation module (400).

[0382] The separation module (400) may be provided so that the scale flowing out from the outlet (32) is separated from the fluid flowing out from the outlet (32) and flows out from the water treatment device (1).

[0383] The separation module (400) may include a separation chamber (410) provided to separate the scale and the fluid.

[0384] The separation module (400) may include a fluid separation pipe (420) through which the scale-separated fluid flows out from the separation module (400). The separation module (400) may include a scale separation pipe (430) through which the scale separated from the fluid flows out from the separation module (400).

[0385] The separation chamber (410) may be provided to be connected to the outlet (32). The water treatment device (1) may include a connecting pipe (35) connecting the outlet (32) and the separation chamber (410). However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the outlet (32) and the separation chamber (410) may be provided to be directly connected without the connecting pipe (35).

[0386] The separation chamber (410) may be provided as a cyclone chamber that is arranged to separate fluid and scale through centrifugal separation.

[0387] The separation chamber (410) may include a conical portion (411) arranged inside the separation chamber (410) and configured to guide the swirling flow of fluid and scale so that the scale is separated from the fluid by centrifugal force.

[0388] As the fluid and scale are rotated and moved by the cone section (411), the scale formed to a predetermined size collides with the inner wall of the separation chamber (410) by centrifugal force and can thus be moved to the lower chamber (413) of the separation chamber (410).

[0389] For example, scale may be naturally collected by gravity in the area of ​​the lower part of the chamber (413), but this is not limited thereto, and a collection unit for collecting scale may be additionally formed in the lower part of the chamber (413), and the collection unit may be directly connected to the scale separation tube (430).

[0390] It cannot be seen that only the scale flows to the lower chamber (413), and some of the fluid may flow to the lower chamber (413) together with the scale.

[0391] The fluid in rotational motion can flow out of the separation chamber (410) through the fluid separation pipe (420) connected to the upper part (412) of the chamber (410). Since the scale has moved to the lower part (413) of the chamber, the scale may not flow in the fluid flowing in the upper part (412) of the chamber.

[0392] However, in the case of a scale with a small particle size among the scales, the scale is less affected by centrifugal force and can flow like a fluid in the upper part of the chamber (412) and flow out of the separation chamber (410) through the fluid separation tube (420).

[0393] The separation module (400) may include a scale separation tube valve (431) that selectively opens and closes the scale separation tube (430).

[0394] One end of the fluid separation pipe (420) is connected to the upper part of the chamber (412) of the separation chamber (410), and the other end of the fluid separation pipe (420) is connected to the outside, so that all fluid discharged from the water treatment device (1) can flow out to the outside through the separation module (400) and the fluid separation pipe (420).

[0395] One end of the scale separation tube (430) can be connected to the lower chamber (413) of the separation chamber (410), and the other end of the scale separation tube (430) can be connected to the fluid separation tube (420).

[0396] Accordingly, the scale flowing through the scale separation tube (430) can flow into the fluid separation tube (420).

[0397] However, the scale separation pipe valve (431) selectively opens and closes the scale separation pipe (430) so that only when discharge of scale is required, the scale separation pipe valve (431) opens the scale separation pipe (430) so that the scale can flow out of the water treatment device (1) through the fluid separation pipe (420).

[0398] However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the other end of the scale separation tube (430) may be directly connected to the outside without being connected to the fluid separation tube (420). In this case, the scale flowing through the scale separation tube (430) may be completely separated from the fluid separated in the separation module (400) and may flow out of the water treatment device (1).

[0399] The scale separation pipe valve (431) can be provided so that the scale separation pipe (430) is closed when the water treatment device (1) is in deionization operation and scale removal operation.

[0400] The scale separation pipe valve (431) may be provided so that the water treatment device (1) opens the scale separation pipe (430) during regeneration operation so that scale is discharged together with the fluid passing through the stack (20) during regeneration operation.

[0401] The control unit (90) can control the scale separation pipe valve (431) so that the scale separation pipe valve (431) is closed when the water treatment device (1) is in deionization operation and scale removal operation. In addition, the control unit (90) can control the scale separation pipe valve (431) so that the scale separation pipe valve (431) is opened when the water treatment device (1) is in regeneration operation.

[0402] In the case of the separation module (400), since the fluid flowing into the separation module (400) is guided to rotate and flow, so that scale in the fluid is separated from the fluid without physical filtering, a configuration such as a filter for additionally filtering the scale is unnecessary. If the separation module (400) includes a filter configuration, the user must replace the filter periodically, but the separation module (400) according to one embodiment of the present invention is configured to separate the fluid and scale without a filter configuration, so that it can provide convenience to the user due to the non-replacement of the filter, and can increase the efficient operation time of the water treatment device (1).

[0403] In addition, the separation module (400) includes a scale separation valve (431) that is arranged to selectively discharge scale, so that scale is discharged from the water treatment device (1) together with the fluid flowing out of the regeneration operation when the water treatment device (1) is in regeneration operation without manual operation of the user, thereby providing convenience to the user and increasing the efficient operation time of the water treatment device (1).

[0404] Below, the water treatment device (1) in the scale removal operation state of the water treatment device (1) is described in detail.

[0405] FIG. 14 is a schematic side cross-sectional view of a scale removal operation of a water treatment device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0406] As illustrated in FIG. 14, the water treatment device (1) may include a separation module (500) provided so that scale removed in the scale removal operation of the water treatment device (1) is separated and discharged from the water treatment device (1).

[0407] When the water treatment device (1) is in scale removal operation, the fluid supplied into the stack (20) through the supply unit (31) and the solid scale removed from the stack (20) may flow out to the discharge unit (32).

[0408] At this time, in order to prevent the scale from being mixed with the fluid and flowing out from the water treatment device (1), the outlet (32) may be provided to be connected to a separation module (500).

[0409] The separation module (400) may be provided so that the scale flowing out from the outlet (32) is separated from the fluid flowing out from the outlet (32) and flows out from the water treatment device (1).

[0410] The separation module (500) may include a separation chamber (510) provided to separate the scale and the fluid.

[0411] The separation module (500) may include a fluid separation pipe (550) through which the scale-separated fluid flows out from the separation module (500). The separation module (500) may include a scale separation pipe (560) through which the scale separated from the fluid flows out from the separation module (500).

[0412] The separation chamber (510) may be provided to be connected to the outlet (32). The water treatment device (1) may include a connecting pipe (35) connecting the outlet (32) and the separation chamber (510). However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the outlet (32) and the separation chamber (510) may be provided to be directly connected without the connecting pipe (35).

[0413] The separation chamber (510) may be provided as a cyclone chamber in which fluid and scale are separated through centrifugal separation.

[0414] The separation chamber (510) may include a tube (520) disposed inside the separation chamber (510) and through which the fluid and scale flowing from the outlet (32) flow, and a fan (530) disposed inside the tube (520) and configured to guide the swirling flow of the fluid and scale inside the tube (520) so that the scale is separated from the fluid by centrifugal force.

[0415] One end of the tube (520) may be connected to the outlet (32) or the connecting pipe (35), and the other end of the tube (520) may be arranged to communicate with the inside of the separation chamber (510). Accordingly, the fluid flowing through the tube (520) may flow into the inside of the separation chamber (510) and then flow out of the separation chamber (510) through the fluid separation pipe (550) or the scale separation pipe (560).

[0416] As the fluid and scale are rotated and moved by the fan (530), the scale formed to a predetermined size is moved from the other end of the tube (520) into the separation chamber (510) by centrifugal force, collides with the inner wall of the separation chamber (510), and thus can be moved to the chamber inner peripheral surface (540) of the separation chamber (510). The chamber inner peripheral surface (540) can be defined as the space between the tube (520) and the inner peripheral surface of the separation chamber (510) within the separation chamber (510).

[0417] For example, scales moved to the inner circumferential surface (540) of the chamber can be moved to the lower part of the inner circumferential surface (540) of the chamber by gravity and captured. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and a capture unit for capturing scales can be additionally formed on the inner circumferential surface (540) of the chamber, and the capture unit can be directly connected to the scale separation tube (560).

[0418] It cannot be seen that only the scale flows to the inner circumferential surface (540) of the chamber, and some of the fluid may flow to the inner circumferential surface (540) of the chamber together with the scale.

[0419] The fluid separation tube (550) may be positioned adjacent to the other end of the tube (520). Accordingly, the fluid passing through the other end of the tube (520) may flow out of the separation chamber (510) through the fluid separation tube (550).

[0420] Since the scale is moved to the inner peripheral surface of the chamber (540) by centrifugal force while passing through the other end of the tube (520), the scale may not flow in the fluid flowing into the fluid separation tube (550).

[0421] However, in the case of a scale with a small particle size among the scales, the scale is less affected by centrifugal force and can pass through the other end of the tube (520) like a fluid and flow out of the separation chamber (510) through the fluid separation tube (550).

[0422] The separation module (500) may include a scale separation tube valve (561) that selectively opens and closes the scale separation tube (560).

[0423] One end of the fluid separation pipe (550) is connected to an area adjacent to the other end of the tube (520) inside the separation chamber (510), and the other end of the fluid separation pipe (550) is connected to the outside, so that all fluid discharged from the water treatment device (1) can flow out to the outside through the separation module (500) and the fluid separation pipe (550).

[0424] One end of the scale separation tube (560) can be connected to the chamber inner circumference (540) of the separation chamber (510), and can be connected to the lower part of the chamber inner circumference (540) among the chamber inner circumferences (540). The other end of the scale separation tube (560) can be connected to the fluid separation tube (550).

[0425] Accordingly, the scale flowing through the scale separation tube (560) can flow into the fluid separation tube (550).

[0426] However, the scale separation pipe valve (561) selectively opens and closes the scale separation pipe (560) only when discharge of scale is required, so that the scale separation pipe valve (561) opens the scale separation pipe (560) so that the scale can flow out of the water treatment device (1) through the fluid separation pipe (550).

[0427] However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the other end of the scale separation tube (560) may be directly connected to the outside without being connected to the fluid separation tube (550). In this case, the scale flowing through the scale separation tube (560) may be completely separated from the fluid separated in the separation module (500) and may flow out of the water treatment device (1).

[0428] The scale separation pipe valve (561) can be provided so that the scale separation pipe (456) is closed when the water treatment device (1) is in deionization operation and scale removal operation.

[0429] The scale separation pipe valve (561) may be provided so that the water treatment device (1) opens the scale separation pipe (560) during regeneration operation so that scale is discharged together with the fluid passing through the stack (20) during regeneration operation.

[0430] The control unit (90) can control the scale separation pipe valve (561) so that the scale separation pipe valve (561) is closed when the water treatment device (1) is in deionization operation and scale removal operation. In addition, the control unit (90) can control the scale separation pipe valve (561) so that the scale separation pipe valve (561) is opened when the water treatment device (1) is in regeneration operation.

[0431] In the case of the separation module (500), since the fluid flowing into the separation module (500) is guided to rotate and flow, so that scale in the fluid is separated from the fluid without physical filtering, a configuration such as a filter for additionally filtering the scale is unnecessary. If the separation module (500) includes a filter configuration, the user must replace the filter periodically, but the separation module (500) according to one embodiment of the present invention is configured to separate the fluid and scale without a filter configuration, so that it can provide convenience to the user due to the non-replacement of the filter, and can increase the efficient operation time of the water treatment device (1).

[0432] In addition, the separation module of the water treatment device (1) is not limited to the separation module (400, 500) illustrated in FIGS. 13 and 14, and may include a configuration of any shape that separates scale in a fluid through centrifugation.

[0433] In addition, the separation module (400) includes a scale separation valve (431) that is arranged to selectively discharge scale, so that scale is discharged from the water treatment device (1) together with the fluid flowing out of the regeneration operation when the water treatment device (1) is in regeneration operation without manual operation of the user, thereby providing convenience to the user and increasing the efficient operation time of the water treatment device (1).

[0434] The separation modules (400, 500) illustrated in FIGS. 13 and 14 can be applied to all of the above-described embodiments. Furthermore, any separation module comprising a configuration of any shape that separates scale from a fluid through centrifugation can be applied to all of the above-described embodiments.

[0435] Below, the water treatment device (1) in the deionization operation and scale removal operation state of the water treatment device (1) is described in detail.

[0436] FIG. 15 is a schematic side cross-sectional view of a scale removal operation of a water treatment device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0437] An embodiment is planned to be disclosed in which only the filter part is combined without a pressure plate.

[0438] As illustrated in Fig. 15, the first electrode (21) and the second electrode (22) of the stack (20) of the water treatment device (1) can be arranged to maintain a constant interval when the water treatment device (1) is in deionization operation and scale removal operation.

[0439] The water treatment device (1) may be arranged so that the fluid passing through the stack (20) passes through the outlet (32) and then passes through the separation module (400). That is, the water treatment device (1) may be operated without the pressure plate (100) disclosed in the embodiments and the configuration in which the pressure plate (100) is arranged to move, and the water treatment device (1) may include the separation module (400) to separate scale from the fluid flowing out of the outlet (32) and selectively discharge it to the outside of the water treatment device (1). The effects obtainable in the present disclosure are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure pertains from the description below.

[0440] The above illustrates and describes specific embodiments. However, the invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that various modifications and implementations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the claims below.

Claims

1. Housing; A stack including a first electrode and a second electrode positioned to face the first electrode and form an electric field with the first electrode, the stack being arranged to separate ions contained in a fluid flowing into the housing; The internal space of the housing is divided into a first internal space and a second internal space in which the stack is arranged, and includes a pressure plate provided to press the stack in a first direction, which is the stacking direction of the first electrode and the second electrode; The above pressure plate A water treatment device arranged to move between a first position configured to pressurize the stack by moving in the first direction, and a second position spaced apart from the first position in a second direction opposite to the first direction.

2. In paragraph 1, It is driven by a deionization operation for adsorbing ions contained in the fluid flowing into the housing onto the stack, a regeneration operation for desorbing ions adsorbed onto the stack during the deionization operation, and a scale removal operation for removing scale generated on the stack. A water treatment device wherein the pressure plate is disposed at the first position during the deionization operation, at the first position during the regeneration operation, and at the second position during the scale removal operation.

3. In paragraph 1, It further includes a supply pipe for supplying water to the second internal space, and an outlet pipe for discharging water introduced into the second internal space to the outside of the second internal space. The above pressure plate A water treatment device configured to move to the first position when water is supplied to the second internal space through the supply pipe, and to move to the second position when water in the second internal space is discharged through the discharge pipe.

4. In paragraph 2, It further includes a supply pipe for supplying water to the second internal space, and an outlet pipe for discharging water introduced into the second internal space to the outside of the second internal space. During the above deionization operation, water is supplied to the second internal space through the above supply pipe, A water treatment device provided so that water in the second internal space is discharged through the discharge pipe during the above scale removal operation.

5. In paragraph 3, A water treatment device in which the above pressurizing plate is provided to pressurize the stack in the first direction by pressurizing water flowing into the second internal space.

6. In paragraph 3, It further includes a supply unit for supplying water from the outside to the housing, and an outlet unit for draining water from the housing to the outside. The housing further includes an inlet connected to the supply portion and configured to allow water to flow into the first internal space, and an outlet connected to the outlet portion and configured to allow water to discharge from the first internal space. The above supply pipe is connected to the above supply section, The above-mentioned outlet pipe is a water treatment device connected to the above-mentioned outlet.

7. In paragraph 1, A water treatment device wherein the gap between the first electrode and the second electrode when the pressure plate is placed at the first position is narrower than the gap between the first electrode and the second electrode when the pressure plate is placed at the second position.

8. In the first paragraph, the stack further includes a spacer disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode, A water treatment device in which the width of the spacer when the pressure plate is placed at the first position is narrower than the width of the spacer when the pressure plate is placed at the second position.

9. In paragraph 1, A supply section for supplying water from the outside to the housing, and an outlet section for draining water from the housing to the outside, A water treatment device further comprising a separation module connected to the outlet and arranged to centrifuge scale in a fluid introduced through the outlet.

10. In paragraph 9, The above separation module A separation chamber provided to separate the fluid and scale, A water treatment device comprising a conical section disposed inside the separation chamber and guiding a swirling flow of fluid and scale.

11. In paragraph 10, The above separation module includes a fluid separation pipe through which the fluid separated from the scale flows out from the separation module, a scale separation pipe through which the scale separated from the fluid flows out from the separation module, and a scale separation pipe valve that selectively opens and closes the scale separation pipe. A water treatment device in which one end of the above scale separation pipe is connected to the above fluid separation pipe.

12. In paragraph 1, A supply section for supplying water from the outside to the housing, and an outlet section for draining water from the housing to the outside, It further includes a separation module connected to the above outlet and arranged to centrifuge scale in the fluid introduced through the above outlet, The above separation module A separation chamber provided to separate the fluid and scale, A tube arranged inside the separation chamber and configured to allow fluid and scale to flow from the outlet into the separation chamber; A water treatment device comprising a fan arranged inside the tube and arranged to rotate fluid and scale.

13. In paragraph 12, The above separation module further includes a fluid separation pipe provided to discharge the fluid from which the scale has been separated, a scale separation pipe provided to discharge the scale separated from the fluid, and a scale separation pipe valve provided to open and close the scale separation pipe. A water treatment device in which one end of the above scale separation pipe is connected to the above fluid separation pipe.

14. In paragraph 1, An actuator is included for moving the pressure plate between the first position and the second position, The above actuator is a water treatment device including a rack that moves the pressure plate and a pinion connected to the rack.

15. In paragraph 1, An actuator is included for moving the pressure plate between the first position and the second position, The above actuator includes a storage tank provided to store fluid from the outside and a control member that moves according to the amount of fluid stored in the storage tank and is connected to the pressure plate, A water treatment device in which the above pressure plate is arranged to move in conjunction with the position of the above control member.

Images