GB2257052A - Water purifier attachable to a faucet - Google Patents

Abstract

A domestic water purifier comprises an upper holder 1, 3, 5, which screws on to a faucet A, and a replaceable filter cartridge 2 demountably attached to the holder. The cartridge has an annular mass of fibrous active carbon 19 around a central bypass 20. A two-way valve 14 in the holder is adjustable to open the bypass at its upper, inlet end, or to close it with spherical valve member 14A to constrain the water to flow through alternative openings 12 and thence through the carbon 19. Both filtered and unfiltered water emerges through the same outlet, formed by a sintered plastics body 27. Carbon 19 and interior surfaces of cartridge 2 may be coated with bacteriacide. <IMAGE>

Description

WATER PURIFIER ATTACHABLE TO A FAUCET, AND A HOLDER ar; CARTRIDGE FOR USE THEREIN 1 A GROUND OF THE INVENTION FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a water purifier attachable to a faucet and switchable between a Position for allowing water just to flow straight through without being purified, and a position for allowing water to flow out after purifying the water such as by filtration and dechlorination.

J; licularly, the invention relates to a water purifier including a holder having a device for empling to a faucet, a cartridge detachably connected to the holder and having a purifying device, anil a switching device for selectively guiding water to a purifying passage and a straight-through passage.

DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART A water purifier of the type attached to a as noted above maintains its purifying function by changing a cartridge containing a filter when II(' filter is clogged or has deteriorated. Such a water purifier has the advantage of low maintenance cost over a disposable water purifier having a switching device and a purifying device integrated into a holder.

t provide the above advantage, the cartridge may In mounted in the holder, with water from the faucet gideci to flow through a gap between the holder and cartridge to the straight-through passage or to the purifying device.

On the other hand, water from the faucet may be supplied selectively to a straight-through passage d@@ned in the holder and to an inlet of the cartridge. In this case, unpurified water is discharged directly from the straight-through passage, while purified water is discharged directly from outlet of the cartridge.

Further. such a water purifier may contain a purifying device having a double filtration structure with hollow yarn films and granular activated carbon.

Conventional water purifiers as noted above ha various disadvantages. One such disadvantage concerns hygiene in that, when the cartridge is changed, the otter peripheral surface thereof which defines a water passage is touched by a hand.

The water purifier including a switching device has a purified water outlet and an unpurified aLe outlet spaced from each other. This could result in a difficulty in bringing a glass or other receptacle to a right position for receiving purified or unpurified water at once. Where the holder is rotatable about a horizontal axis to switch between a purified water supplying position and an unpurified water supplying p ition, the purified water outlet and unpurified water outlet share the same position in use. However, residual water in the cartridge flows backward and -nains therein when the cartridge is turned over for supplying unpurified water.Where the purify ce employs activated carbon, the residual water becomes dechlorinated, thereby inevitably increasing 1 teria to the detriment of hygiene.

Further, the use of hollow yarn films is costly, and has a strong passage resistance to reduce flow rate of purified water.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The object of the present invention is to provide ct water purifier, and a holder and cartridge for use therein, which are hygienic and inexpensive o maintain, and presents little passage resistance.

The above object is fulfilled, according to I. ltc present invention, by a water purifier comprising a holder for coupling to a faucet, the holder having a first outlet and a second outlet defined in a bottom thereof; a cartridge removably attached to the bottom the holder and including a purifying device, the cartridge having a discharge opening defined in a bottom thereof, a straight-through passage for allowing water to flow from the first outlet down to til, discharge opening, and a purifying passage for al!.wing water to flow from the second outlet down to the discharge opening; and a switching device for gliding water from the faucet selectively to the first outlet and the second outlet.

In another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a holder for a water purifier comprises a do lice for coupling to a faucet, a device for coupling to a cartridge having a purifying device, a bottom defining a first outlet and a second outlet, and a switching device for guiding water from the farcet selectively to the first outlet and the second outlet.

In a further aspect of the invention, therc is provided a water purifying cartridge removably attachable to a holder coupled to a faucet and hui a bottom defining a first outlet and a second outlet.

This water purifying cartridge comprises a housing di rinsing a water inlet in one end thereof and a discharge opening the other end thereof, a partition dividing the opening into a straight-through passage for allowing water to flow from the fir outlet down to the discharge opening and a purifying passage for allowing water to flow from the sec-.ttd outlet down to the discharge opening, and a purifying device mounted in the purifying passage.

] 'iferably, the purifying device acts as a filter aii includes porous shaped fiber activated carbon with atilibacterial surfaces. Portions of the cartridge for contacting purified water may have antibacterial sti Paces.

milch the water purifier according to the present invention, unpurified water may be supplied throth discharge opening when the first outlet is selected by the switching device, and purified X m be supplied through the discharge opening when the second outlet is selected. Altough this water ' fiber is switchable to supply purified water and unpurified water, only one discharge opening is provided. Further, since the straight-through passage and purifying passage are both provided inside the --itridge, these passages are not contaminated by a hand at a time of changing the cartridge. In a'.1iition, water will never flow backward through the purifying passage since the cartridge directs the discharge opening downward whether purified water is supplied or unpurified water is supplied.

Particularly where the purifying device includes porous shaped fiber activated carbon will awilibacterial surfaces or portions of the cartridge for contacting purified water have antibacterlat surfaces dechlorination and removable of organic stbstances are effected in addition to filtration.

l',:teria-free water is supplied although the dechlorination and removable of organic substances result in an environment for facilitating increase bacteria in residual water inside the purifying passage. Thus, the water purifier remaining new i nd c.@an is always attached to a faucet, which does not require expensive hollow yarn films and does !,()t fi-.ster bacteria. In the absence of hollow yarn films, little passage resistance is imparted to water flwas, thereby allowing water to exit the cartridge at high flow rate.

According to the present invention, therefore, a water purifier attachable to a faucet, and a helher a':i cartridge for use therein, are provided which are inexpensive to maintain, hygienic, compact, conven; itL f(r use, and capable of preventing increase of bacteria in residual water, and which presents little passage resistance.

Other features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following dlscription of the preferred embodiment of the invention taken with reference to the accompanying d iwings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig i by. 1 is a view in vertical section of a water jt ifier according to the present invention, Jig. 2 is a cross section of a portion of the water purifier, Fig. 3 is a bottom view of a main holder body and a fixing ring, Fig. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the main holder body and fixing ring, Fig. 5 is a perspective view of a cartridge, Fig. 6 is a plan view of a partition pipe and a i:pport plate, )'tg. 7 is a perspective view of a modified valve, and Fig. 8 is a perspective view of another modified valve.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring to Fig. 1, a water purifier attachable a a a faucet includes a holder 1, and a cartridge 2 detachably connected to a bottom of the holder 1.

The holder 1 includes a main body 3 having a coupling device for coupling to a faucet A, a disk- sli-iped distributing plate 5 fitted to the main body 3 for defining a circular chamber 4 under the main body 3, and a cartridge attaching device for detachably connecting the cartridge 2 to the main body 3.

The coupling device includes an engaging ring 6 Ji lied with a forward end of the faucet A, and a fixing ring 7 meshed with the main body 3 for pressing a center portion of the main body 3 against l tì eel aging ring 6. Packings 8 and 9 are mounted between the engaging ring 6 and faucet A and between the cugaging ring 6 and main body 3, respectively.

The center portion of the main body 3 opposed to at opening of the faucet A defines an inlet 10 for allowing passage of water from the faucet A down to tit:- chamber 4.

The disrtibuting plate 5 forming the bottom of the holder 1 includes a first outlet 11 extending from titi' chamber 4 and a plurality of second outlets 12 also extending from the chamber 4 and spaced from oii another.

Nttrieral 13 denotes a packing for sealing between the distributing plate 5 and main body 3. Numeral 5a denotes a projection formed on the distributing plate 5 and engaging a circumferential groove formed in the main body 3 to set the distributing plate 5 to a position concentric with the main body 3. Numeral 5b denotes a projection formed on the distributing plate 5 and engaging a cutout formed in the main body 3 I:o the the distributing plate 5 against rotation relative to the main body 3.

This water purifier further includes a switching do ice for guiding water entering through the inlet 10 st-iectively to the first outlet 11 and to the second outlets 12. Specifically, the switching device is in iii' form of a valve 14 disposed adjacent an upper circular opening of the first outlet 11. This circular opening is opposed to the inlet 10 which is also circular as shown in Fig. 3, for receiving water flowing through the inlet 10. In plan view, the first outlet 11 is larger than and disposed outside it-c inlet 10. The first outlet 11 is defined by a nozzle pipe 15 depending from a center position of tic d i tributing plate 5.Each of the second outlets 12 is also circular in plan view.

As also shown in Fig. 2, the valve 14 includes a spherical valve closure member 14A, an arm 14B and a control lever C. The valve closure member 14A is supported in a distal end of the arm 14B attached lo the main body 3 to be pivotable about a vertical axis a. The arm 14B has a shaft portion 14a extend, along the vertical axis a outwardly of the main body 3. The control lever 14C is connected to a projecting cud of the shaft portion 14a. Thus, the valve closure member 14A is movable between a position resting on a circumferential edge of the upper circular opening of first outlet 11 to close the opening, and a iti-sition retracted from the upper circular opening.

Numeral 16a denotes an O-ring for sealing between the shift portion 14a and main body 3. The arm 14B has a valve holding portion 14b at the distal end thereof The valve holding portion 14b defines an opening 14c through which an upper surface of the valve closure ni upper 14A in the closed position is opposed to the inlet 10. The distributing plate 5 includes a packing I defining the upper circular opening of the first outlet 11 and acting as a valve seat.

Thus, the switching device is operable to open the first outlet 11 to allow water to flow from tic inlet 10 to the first outlet 11, and to close the first outlet 11 to allow water to flow from the int''.L 10 to the second outlets 12.

As also shown in Fig. 5, the cartridge 2 has a btsic construction including a housing 18 defining an intake opening 18a in an upper end thereof idols receiving water, and a discharge opening 18b in a lower end thereof for discharging water. The housi llg 18 contains porous shaped fiber activated carbon 19 acting as a filter for filtering water flowing fron he intake opening 18a down to the discharge opening 18b. Specifically, the cartridge 2 includes a p:-rtition pipe 20 surrounding the nozzle pipe 15 of tit. distributing plate 5 when the cartridge 2 is connected to the holder 1.This partition pipe 20 divides the housing 18 into a straight-through passage and a purifying passage C. The straight-through passage B allows water to flow from the first outlet 11 down to the discharge opening 18b, whereas the purifying passage C allows water to flow from the sttond outlets 12 down to the discharge opening 18b.

The shaped fiber activated carbon 19 is mounted in i-I-tc pu;ifying passage C to act as a purifying device. The discharge opening 18b opens downwardly, and acts 1 as a purified water outlet 21 and an unpurified water outlet 21 of the water purifier, Numeral 16b denotes an 0-ring for sealing between the nozzle pipe 15 and partition pipe 20.

As also shown in Fig. 5, the upper end of the housing 18 includes a mounting ring 18A project; outwardly for connection to the holder 1, and a retainer flange 18B projecting inwardly. I-lie cartridge 2 has a resin coated two-piece can construction having an upper opening closed by an upper lid clamped at a circumferential edge thereof, and a bottom thereof defining the discharge openitlg 18b. This upper lid includes a center portion 23 to define the intake opening 18a, with the clamped cd.-;c forming the mounting ring 18A, and a portion sui rounding the center portion forming the retaining flange 18B.The center portion 23 includes a pull-off trttl 24, and a low-strength boundary is provided between the center portion 23 and the surrounding portion forming the retainer flange 18B. Thus, the intake opening 18a is formed by pulling the tab 24 to tear off the center portion 23.

The partition pipe 20 is formed of a plastic material having a lower opening thereof opposed to all spaced from the discharge opening 18b. The partition pipe 20 defines a plurality of permeable pores, and a c.ttport plate 26 formed integral therewith for supporting the shaped fiber activated carbon 19. -\s also shown in Fig. 6, the support plate 26 has a plurality of legs 26a formed integral therewith and arranged at intervals circumferentially thereof. The support plate 26 is placed on a bottom surface of tic lit;tising 18 and in contact with an inner peripheral wall thereof.With the legs 26a resting on the botm surface of the housing 18, a passage is defined between the support plate 26 and the bottom surface for water to flow through the support plate 26 to the discharge opening 18b. The partition pipe 20, support plate 26 and legs 26a are formed as an integral unit.

Numeral 27 denotes a flow straightening filter prestifl firmly by the support plate 26 on the bottom surface of the housing 18 to close the discharge opening 18b at-I prevent scattering of water. This filter 27 is -f(,; < med by baking beads of a resin such as methacrylic resin or styrene resin. Numeral 28 denotes paper filters placed on upper and lower surfaces of Uc fber activated carbon 19. Numeral 29 denotes a plastic presser plate having permeable pores, wltic1 c atacts the retainer flange 18B of the housing 18 to prevents the fiber activated carbon 19 and the abo mentioned integral unit from moving upward from the housing 18.

The shaped fiber activated carbon 19 is formed by adding a binder to fiber activated carbon, and defines a bore for receiving the partition pipe 20. This bore has an inside diameter slightly smaller than the outt.r configuration of the partition plate. The fiber activated carbon 19 has an outside diameter slightly larger than an inside diameter of the housing 18.

Thus the fiber activated carbon 19 is fitted in a compressed state in the housing 18.

Surfaces of the housing 18, fiber activated carbon 19, integral unit, flow straightening filter 27 and presser plate 29 are rendered antibacterial. TtU is, the portions of the cartridge 2 contacting purified water have antibacterial surfaces.

The housing 18 is rendered antibacterial by itit ging an antibacterial agent into the resin coating.

fiber fiber activated carbon 19 is rendered antibacterial by mixing the antibacterial agent into the e binder. The integral unit, flow straightening filter 27 and presser plate 29 are rendctid antibacterial by mixing the antibacterial agent into the resin forming these components.

The antibacterial agent is in the form of minute particles of about 0.5 to 2 micrometers that destroy bacteria upon contact therewith. This agent comprises an ion exchanger with ion exchange groups haviit; metallic ions, or an insoluble inorganic compound carrying metallic ions. The ion exchanger may !3c lermutite or an ion exchange resin, and metallic ions may be silver ions, copper ions, zinc ions or tin onus.

Where the antibacterial agent is permutite with ion exchange groups having silver ions or an insolublc inorganic compound carrying silver ions for rendering the surfaces of the housing 18, fiber activated carbon 19, integral unit, flow straightening filter 27 and presser plate 29 antibacterial, the agent is added in 0. 1 to 10% by weight of the fiber activated carbon and in 0. 1 to 10% by weight of the resin.

To described briefly a way in which the cartridge 2 is prepared, the fiber activated carbon 19 with tlle integral unit, the filter 28 and flow straightening filter 27 are placed in the housing 18 defining the discharge opening 18b. Then the presser plate 29 is placed in position, and thereafter the upper lid is secured in the double seam.

The discharge opening 18b is closed by a seal 30 as shown in a two-dot-and-dash line in Fig. 30. Thlts, tii cartridge 2 has an interior sealed tight until use.

The packing 13 is pressed from below against the main body 3 and distributing plate 5 for sealing between the main body 3 and distributing plate 5. A fixing ring 31, as also shown in Figs. 3 and 4, is removably attached to the main body 3 to press the mounting ring 18A of the cartridge 2 against a lower surface of the packing 13. This cartridge connecting device secures the cartridge 2 to the main body 3 lo be undetachable downwardly by pushing up the mounting ring 18A. The main body 3 includes a cylindric oration for engaging the fixing ring 31, and defining two large diameter portions 32 and two small diameter portions 33 arranged alternately in the circumferential direction.The fixing ring 31 includes a cylindrical portion for engaging the main body 3, and defining ridges 34 on inner periphc;':i Halls thereof. When the fixing ring 31 is in a first rt,lation position relative to the main body 3, the ridges 34 contact the large diameter portions 32 to plevent the fixing ring 31 from fitting onto the main body 3. Only when the fixing ring 31 is in a second rotation position relative to the main body 3, the ridges 34 allows the fixing ring 31 to fit onto the main body 3.The large diameter portions 32 definc grooves 35, respectively, for receiving the ridges 34 when the fixing ring 31 is fitted on the main body 3 and turned to the first rotation position, and for preventing axial movement of the fixing ring 31. the grooves 35 include projections 35a, respectively, for elastically engaging recesses 34a when the fixing ring 31 is in the first rotation position, to stop rotation of the fixing ring 31. Thus, the fixing ring 31 is turned to be rigidly connected to the main body 3, and turned in the opposite direction to be disengaged from the main body 3.

'ihe above embodiment may be modified in various ways, as follows: (1) In the foregoing embodiment, the valve closure member 14A is movable through pivotal movenl llt the arm 14B. The arm 14B may be replaced by a linearly movable element to move the valve closero member 14A.

(2) The second outlets 12 may be in the form of slits rather than the circular openings as in the foregoing embodiment.

In In the foregoing embodiment, the valve closure member 14A is pivotable about the vertical axis a to close and open the first outlet 11. Figs. I arid 8 show different examples of valve closure members 14A, each of which is movable between a closed ii sition and open position by rotation about a horizontal axis b.

(4) In the foregoing embodiment, the valve 14 has the valve closure member 14A for opening and closii,' ihe upstream end of the first outlet 11 opposed to the inlet 10. Instead of this construction, the fit.

outlet 14 may be closed and opened at an intermediate position or at an exit end thereof.

(5) In the foregoing embodiment, the shaped fiber activated carbon is employed as the purifying devise However, the purifying device may comprise a filtering film for superfine filtration ultrafiltration, or a layer of activated carbon particles, or a combination thereof.

(6) The switching device may be modified to open and close the first outlet and second outlets in an alternative mode, instead of opening and closing only the first outlet as described.

(7) The housing 18 may be formed of resin-coated ik-iQer or a resin instead of being in the form of a can as in the described embodiment.

Claims (6)

1. A water purifier comprising: a holder for coupling to a faucet, said holder having a first outlet and a second outlet defined in a bottom thereof; a cartridge removably attached to the bottom of sald holder and including purifying means, six in cartridge having a discharge opening defined in a bottom thereof, a straight-through passage fo a1 lowing water to flow from said first outlet down to said discharge opening, and a purifying passage sage allowing water to flow from said second outlet down to said discharge opening; and switching means for guiding water from said faucet selectively to said first outlet and said second outlet.

2 A holder for a water purifier comprising: means for coupling to a faucet; Jans for coupling to a cartridge having purifying means; a bottom defining a first outlet and a second outlet; and switching means for guiding water from said faucet selectively to said first outlet and st id second outJt'..

3. A water purifying cartridge removably attachable to a holder coupled to a faucet and having a bottom defining a first outlet and a second outlet, said water purifying cartridge comprising: a housing defining a water inlet in one end thereof and a discharge opening the other end thereof; partition means for dividing said opening into a straight-through passage for allowing water to flw from said first outlet down to said discharge opening, and a purifying passage for allowing water to fl from said second outlet down to said dishcarge opening; and purifying means mounted in said purifying passage.

d A water purifying cartridge as claimed in claim 3, wherein said purifying means acts as a filter itid includes porous shaped fiber activated carbon with antibacterial surfaces.

5. A water purifying cartridge as claimed in claim 3, wherein portions of the cartridge for contacting purified water have antibacterial surfaces.

6. A water purifier substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.