JP2008025702A - Water passage switching device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To communicate many water passages and easily switch the water passages without using a complicated structure. <P>SOLUTION: In the water passage switching device 30 consisting of a water supply line for supplying water from a water source, a plurality of drain lines for draining the water supplied from the water supply line and a communication member for selectably communicating with either of the water supply line and the drain lines, the communication member is provided with a cylindrical valve 14 with a rotation shaft and a plurality of communication water passages communicated from a side face of the valve 14 to the other side face. Either one of the communication water passages is communicated with either of the water supply line or the drain lines according to a rotation angle of the valve 14. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a water channel switching device applicable to a water purifier that purifies raw water from a water source port. Specifically, the conventional method includes a columnar rotary communication member having a rotation shaft, and opens a plurality of communication water channels from one side surface to the other side surface of the rotary communication member without depending on a complicated structure. Compared to the above, many water channels can be opened from the longitudinal direction, and the water channels can be easily switched.

  At present, many water purifiers are used to filter raw water from tap water with, for example, activated carbon and discharge purified water for drinking. Many of these have a water discharge switching function to switch between straight water discharge of raw water, straight water discharge of purified water, and shower water discharge of raw water, and the user can clean water when drinking drinking water. When washing ingredients, tableware, etc., in straight water discharge, water is often used by switching to straight water discharge or shower water discharge.

  Such switching of water discharge is often performed by a water channel switching device provided in the water purifier, and many inventions have been disclosed regarding these water channel switching devices.

  In this regard, a water channel switching device as disclosed in Patent Document 1 is disclosed. According to this water channel switching device, a valve having a plurality of water channel holes and a valve body having an inflow port connected to the valve, and the valve valve is moved to move one of the plurality of water channel holes and the valve body. A plurality of water channels are switched by bringing the inflow port into communication. By comprising in this way, it is hard to be influenced by the change of feed water pressure, and operativity and a sealing performance improve.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-219769 (page 3, page 4, FIG. 4)

  However, according to the water channel switching device according to Patent Document 1, it is necessary to form a plurality of water channel holes having different lengths in parallel with the rotation axis of the rod valve, so that the structure is relatively complicated and difficult to manufacture. It is. In addition, there is a limit to the number of water channels that can be formed parallel to the rotation axis of the rod valve. This is because a rod valve having a relatively large diameter is required to open a large number of water passage holes having a predetermined diameter.

  Accordingly, the present invention has been created in view of the above-described problems, and provides a water channel switching device that can open a large number of water channels from the longitudinal direction of the rotary communication member and can easily switch water channels without using a complicated structure. The purpose is to do.

  The water channel switching device according to the present invention communicates selectively between a water supply channel for supplying water from a water source port, a plurality of water discharge channels for discharging water supplied from the water supply channel, and any one of the water supply channel and the water discharge channel. In the water channel switching device including the communication member, the communication member includes a columnar rotation communication member having a rotation shaft, and a plurality of communication water channels opened from one side surface to the other side surface of the rotation communication member. And any one of the communication water channels communicates either the water supply channel or the water discharge channel according to the rotation angle of the rotary communication member.

  According to the water channel switching device according to the present invention, any one of the plurality of communication water channels opened from one side surface of the cylindrical rotary communication member toward the other side surface communicates with either the water supply channel or the water discharge channel. To be made. Thereby, many water channels can be opened from the longitudinal direction of the rotation communication member. Therefore, many communication water channels can be opened as compared with the conventional method, and the water channels can be easily switched only by changing the rotation angle of the column communication member. Further, these effects can be realized with an apparatus having a simple structure. By applying this to a water purifier that discharges water by switching between raw water, purified water, and water spray (shower), it is possible to contribute to miniaturization and cost reduction of the water purifier.

  According to the water channel switching device according to the present invention, a columnar rotation communication member having a rotation shaft and a plurality of communication water channels opened from one side surface to the other side surface of the rotation communication member are provided. Made. With this configuration, a number of communication water channels can be opened from the longitudinal direction of the rotary communication member as compared with the conventional method, and the water channels can be easily switched by changing the rotation angle of the rotary communication member.

  Next, the sterilizer according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a configuration example of a sterilizing water purifier 100 as a first embodiment according to the present invention. A sterilizing water purifier 100 shown in FIG. 1 constitutes an example of a water purifier with a sterilizing function, and is used with a main body fixed to the tip of a water supply.

[Configuration of the sterilizer 100]
The sterilizing water purifier 100 has a function of purifying raw water from a tap and has a light emitting means for emitting sterilizing light. For the sterilization light irradiation, the sterilizer according to the present invention is applied. The sterilizing water purifier 100 has a water purifier main body 101 in the center, and includes a hydroelectric power generation unit 1 on the left side and a cartridge unit 12 on the right side.

  The water purifier main body 101 constitutes an example of a main body member having a predetermined shape, and includes a water supply unit 8, a water channel switching device 30, and a lever 15. The water supply unit 8 provided in the upper part of the water purifier main body 101 is connected to a faucet of the water supply so as to maintain the posture of the water purifier main body 101 and supply raw water to the inside. The water supply unit 8 has an attachment mechanism, and firmly fixes the water purifier main body 101 to a water faucet, and supplies raw water by communicating the water faucet with an internal water channel without leakage.

  A hydroelectric power generation unit 1 that constitutes an example of a power source unit and a power generation unit is connected to an end portion of a water channel that leads from the water supply channel 8 to the inside so as to generate electric power by using hydraulic power at the time of water discharge and output DC power. Made. A water channel switching device 30 is connected to the water discharge unit of the hydroelectric power generation unit 1 and is operated by the lever 15 provided on the front surface of the water purifier main body 101 so as to switch the water channel. The water channel switching device 30 is fixed inside the water purifier main body 101.

  On the right side of the water channel switching device 30, a cartridge unit 12 that constitutes an example of a filter is replaceably connected to purify the raw water supplied from the water channel switching device 30 and supply the purified water to the water channel switching device 30 again. It is made like.

  In addition, the water purifier main body 101 includes a water discharge unit 9, a discharge tube 4, a control board 10, and a liquid crystal display 6. A water discharge unit 9 is connected to the lower part of the water channel switching device 30 so that, for example, raw water / purified straight water discharge and raw water shower (watering) water discharge are performed. In addition, a discharge tube 4 that constitutes an example of a light emitting means is installed at a predetermined position of the water discharge unit 9 to irradiate foodstuffs, tableware, etc. with sterilizing light and generate ozone by irradiating ultraviolet rays into the air. It is made to sterilize.

  On the other hand, a control board 10 is provided at a predetermined site inside the water purifier main body 101, and a circuit is constructed by mounting electrical members such as the inverter 3, the secondary battery 2, and the microcomputer 5. The control board 10 is provided with an inverter 3 that constitutes an example of a conversion unit, and converts DC power supplied from the hydroelectric power generation unit 1 into AC power. The AC power converted by the inverter 3 is supplied to the discharge tube 4 described above.

  In addition, the control board 10 is mounted with a secondary battery 2 that constitutes an example of a power supply means, and stores / discharges the electric power generated by the hydroelectric generator 1. On the control board 10, connected to the terminal of the secondary battery 2, the microcomputer 5 constituting an example of the control means is mounted so that the voltage supplied from the hydroelectric generator 1 is detected and the control signal is output. Made. In addition, the microcomputer 5 is configured to have a timer function, a control function of the liquid crystal display 6, and the like. In this example, the microcomputer 5 operates using the secondary battery 2 as a power source and outputs a necessary control signal.

  A liquid crystal display 6 constituting an example of display means is connected to the end of the wiring connected to the output terminal of the microcomputer 5 so as to display information corresponding to the control signal output from the microcomputer 5. . The liquid crystal display 6 is composed of a small and thin liquid crystal panel, and is fixed at a predetermined position on the surface of the water purifier main body 101 that is easy for the user to see while electrically communicating with the microcomputer 5 to display information. The sterilizing water purifier 100 is configured as described above.

[Configuration and Manufacturing Method of Waterway Switching Device 30]
FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating a configuration example of the water channel switching device 30. A water channel switching device 30 shown in FIG. 2 includes a switching main body 13 and a valve 14.

  The switching main body 13 has, for example, a rectangular parallelepiped main body member, and a valve insertion port 13i into which a valve 14 constituting an example of a rotary communication member is inserted is opened on the front surface thereof. From the left and right side surfaces of the switching main body 13, a plurality of water supply channels and water discharge channels are provided toward the opened valve insertion port 13i.

  From the left side surface of the switching body 13, raw water supply channels 13 a, 13 b, 13 c (hereinafter simply referred to as water channels 13 a, 13 b, 13 c) are provided to supply raw water to the valve 14. In addition, since the water channels 13a-13c communicate with each other in the hydroelectric power generation unit 1, they may be integrated into one elliptical water channel.

  From the right side surface of the switching main body 13, a raw water discharge channel 13d (hereinafter simply referred to as a water channel 13d) is provided to discharge the raw water into the cartridge unit 12. The water channel 13d is opened on the extension line of the water channel 13b so as to communicate with the water supply water channel of the cartridge unit 12.

  From the lower surface of the switching main body 13, shower water discharge channels 13e and 13g (hereinafter simply referred to as water channels 13e and 13g) and raw water / purified water discharge water channel 13f (hereinafter simply referred to as water channel 13f) are provided. Part 9 is made to discharge raw water / purified water.

  A purified water supply channel 13h (hereinafter simply referred to as a water channel 13h) is provided from the right side toward the inside of the opened water channel 13f so that the purified water from the cartridge unit 12 is supplied to the switching body unit 13 again. To be made. The water channel 13h is opened so as to communicate with the water discharge channel of the cartridge unit 12.

  In order to manufacture such a switching main body 13, for example, a mold having the following shape is prepared. First, two molds to be a core having a rectangular parallelepiped cavity on one side are prepared. Here, when the cavity portions of the two molds are combined, a rectangular parallelepiped cavity having the same size as the switching main body portion 13 can be formed inside. In this example, the two molds are clamped from the left and right.

  A rod-like body shaped like a water channel 13a, 13b, 13c is projected into the cavity of the left mold. A rod-like body shaped like the water channel 13d and the water channel 13h is projected into the cavity of the right mold. A hole for projecting a rod-shaped body shaped like the water channel 13e, 13g, 13f is opened from the lower surface of the joint part of the two molds. Separately, a rod-like body shaped like a water channel 13e, 13g, 13f protruding from the hole into the cavity is also prepared. Also, a cylindrical mold member formed in the same shape as the valve insertion port 13i is prepared separately so that holes can be opened and inserted into the front surfaces of the molds serving as two cores.

  When the above-described mold is prepared, the mold is assembled and clamped, and, for example, a lightweight reinforced plastic resin is poured into the interior and hardened. Further, a rectangular parallelepiped member may be prepared without using a mold, and the valve insertion port 13i and a necessary water channel may be opened with a drill, for example. Moreover, in order to prevent water leakage, it is preferable to use rubber or a metal for the communication part of a water channel suitably.

  The valve 14 is inserted into the valve insertion port 13i of the switching main body 13 configured (manufactured) as described above, and a plurality of water supply paths and water discharge paths provided in the switching main body section 13 are switched. The valve 14 has a cylindrical main body member that rotates on a rotation axis orthogonal to the water supply channel, and a plurality of communication channels whose angles or / and shapes are changed independently of each other in parallel to a surface orthogonal to the rotation axis. Is provided inside, and the water channel that communicates with the angle of rotation is switched.

  From the central portion in the longitudinal direction of the left side surface of the valve 14, a purified water communication channel 14 b 1 (hereinafter simply referred to as a communication channel 14 b 1) constituting an example of a straight channel is provided toward the right side, and the rotation angle of the valve 14 Accordingly, the water channel 13b and the water channel 13d are communicated with each other.

  A raw water communication channel 14b2 (hereinafter simply referred to as a communication channel 14b2) constituting an example of a branch channel from the center of the communication channel 14b1 toward the upper surface of the valve 14 is provided, and depending on the rotation angle of the valve 14, the channel 13b communicates with the water channel 13f.

  Here, the communicating water channel 14b1 and the communicating water channel 14b2 communicating with each other constitute a raw water / purified water communicating channel 14b (an example of a first communicating channel, hereinafter simply referred to as a communicating channel 14b). Thus, since the communicating water channel 14b is shared by straight water discharge of raw water and purified water, it can contribute to simplification and size reduction of the structure of the valve 14.

  From both ends of the lower surface of the valve 14 in the longitudinal direction, shower communication channels 14a and 14c (hereinafter simply referred to as communication channels 14a and 14c) constituting an example of the second communication channel are bent at right angles in this example. According to the rotation angle of the valve 14, the water channel 13 a and the water channel 13 e communicate with each other, and the water channel 13 c and the water channel 13 g communicate with each other.

  Thus, by providing the communication water channel 14b at the center of the valve 14 in the longitudinal direction and the communication water channels 14a and 14c at both ends, straight water discharge is performed from the center of the water discharge unit 9, and shower water discharge from the periphery. The water channel can be constructed efficiently when

  In order to manufacture such a valve 14, the following molds are prepared. First, two molds that serve as a core having a cylindrical hollow portion with a semicircular cross-sectional shape on one surface are prepared. Here, when the cavities of the two molds are combined, a cylindrical cavity having the size of the valve 14 can be formed inside. In this example, the two molds are clamped from the left and right.

  In the cavity of the left mold, a rod-like body shaped like the communication water channel 14b1 is projected to the bonding surface of the mold serving as the core. A similar rod-shaped body is projected in the cavity of the right mold. At this time, when the mold as the core is clamped, the two rod-shaped bodies are matched at the coupling surface so that the communication water channel 14b1 can be formed. Furthermore, the rod-shaped body which modeled the communicating water channels 14a and 14c is also protruded from the cavity of the right mold. At this time, only the part parallel to the communication water channel 14b1 is protruded.

  Next, a rod-like body shaped like the communication water channel 14b2 is prepared separately, and a hole that can be inserted into the upper surface of the joint portion of the mold that becomes the core is opened. Separately, a rod-like body having a shape perpendicular to the communication water channel 14b1 of the communication water channels 14a and 14c is also prepared, and a hole that can be inserted into the lower surface of the joint portion of the mold serving as the core is opened.

  When the above-described mold is prepared, the mold is assembled and clamped so that a cavity having the same shape as the valve 14 is formed inside, and, for example, a lightweight reinforced plastic resin is poured into the interior and hardened. Further, the valve 14 may be manufactured by preparing a cylindrical member and opening a necessary water channel with a drill, for example. Moreover, in order to prevent water leakage, it is preferable to use rubber or a metal for the communication part of a water channel suitably. In this way, the water channel switching device 30 is configured (manufactured). Below, the assembly method of the sterilization water purifier 100 is demonstrated.

[Assembly of sterilizing water purifier 100]
FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a member example and an assembly example of the sterilizing water purifier 100. A sterilizing water purifier 100 shown in FIG. 3 has a main body member 101 ′ serving as a substrate for the water purifier main body 101.

  When assembling the sterilizing water purifier shown in FIG. 1, first, a main body member 101 ′ made of, for example, a lightweight reinforced plastic material is prepared. The main body member 101 ′ has a box shape with a curved front surface with a lower surface opened, and the opened lower surface constitutes a water discharge channel insertion port 101 d (hereinafter simply referred to as an insertion port 101 d). Made.

  Further, a lever insertion port 101e (hereinafter simply referred to as an insertion port 101e) into which the lever 15 can be inserted is opened on the front surface of the main body member 101 ', and a turbine insertion port 101a to which the hydroelectric power generation unit 1 can be connected is formed on the left surface. (Hereinafter simply referred to as the insertion port 101a) is opened. Further, a filter insertion port 101b (hereinafter simply referred to as an insertion port 101b) capable of connecting the cartridge portion 12 is opened on the right surface, and a water supply channel insertion port 101c (hereinafter simply referred to as an insertion port 101c) is opened on the upper surface. ) Is opened.

  Further, the main body member 101 ′ has a mechanism provided with the water channel switching device 30 and the control board 10 at a predetermined internal portion. In order to prevent electric leakage, the control board 10 is provided in a sealable space where water does not enter. When the main body member 101 ′ is prepared as described above, the sterilizing water purifier 100 is assembled by connecting the members based on the main body member 101 ′.

  First, the water channel switching device 30 is inserted and fixed into the manufactured main body member 101 ′ from the insertion port 101 d. A connection mechanism such as a hole having a thread groove is formed on the front surface of the valve 14 of the water channel switching device 30, and the lever 15 inserted from the insertion port 101e on the front surface is connected. The lever 15 is formed so that the user can easily change the rotation angle of the valve 14.

  The hydroelectric generator 1 is connected to the left side surface of the main body member 101 '. The hydroelectric power generation unit 1 includes a cover 1a, a generator 1b, a water turbine unit 1c, and a container member 1d. First, the water turbine portion 1 c is inserted from the insertion port 101 a and communicated with the water channel opened on the left side surface of the water channel switching device 30. The water turbine portion 1c is configured to have a rotary blade 1e (see FIG. 4B) inside a cylindrical container member 1d having one bottom surface opened. It is preferable that the member used for the water turbine portion 1c is also made of a plastic resin in consideration of weight reduction. The opened bottom surface of the container member 1d communicates with the water channel of the water channel switching device 30 with a strong adhesive so as not to leak.

  A rotating shaft that rotates in synchronization with the internal rotary blade 1e is taken out from the other bottom surface of the container member 1d, and is connected to the rotating shaft of the generator 1b. This generator 1b is also preferably made of a material that is as light as possible.

  The water turbine 1c and the generator 1b are covered with the cover 1a so as to be securely connected to the main body member 101 '. The cover 1a is firmly connected to the main body member 101 'by a mechanism that cannot be easily removed by the user. The cover 1a may be manufactured from the same material as the main body member 101 '.

  Further, inside the main body member 101 ′, a hole is opened at a position where the raw water efficiently contacts the rotary blade 1 e on the side surface of the container member 1 d so that the raw water from the water supply unit 8 can be obtained. The water supply unit 8 includes a water supply connector 8a and a water supply channel 8b, and one end of the water supply channel 8b is communicated with the side surface of the container member 1d. The water supply channel 8b is formed of a light and strong material such as plastic or rubber. The communicating portion with the container member 1d is brought into close contact with a strong adhesive or rubber packing so that there is no water leakage.

  The other end of the water supply path 8b is taken out from the insertion port 101c, and a water supply connector 8a is connected from above. The water supply connector 8a has, for example, a screwed portion on the outer peripheral portion so that the water purifier main body 101 can be firmly fixed to a water faucet, and at the center, for example, can communicate the water passage and the water channel of the main body without leakage. Have a water channel made of rubber material.

  Further, the cartridge portion 12 is connected to the right side surface of the main body member 101 '. The cartridge part 12 has a cover 12a and a filter 12b. The filter 12b is inserted from the insertion port 101b and communicated with the water channel opened on the right side surface of the water channel switching device 30. The filter 12b is configured by enclosing, for example, activated carbon in a cylindrical container member having a water supply portion 12e and a water discharge portion 12f on one bottom surface.

  The filter 12b is covered with a cover 12a and connected to the main body member 101 '. The cover 12a is connected to the main body member 101 'by a detachable mechanism so that the user can easily replace the filter 12b. In addition, here, threaded grooves that mesh with each other may be formed on the side surface of the insertion port 101b and the side surface of the filter 12b so that the filter 12b is in close contact with the water channel switching device 30.

  On the other hand, each water channel opened on the lower surface of the water channel switching device 30 is communicated with the water channel of the water discharger 9 inserted from the insertion port 101d. The water discharger 9 has shower outlets 9b and 9d on the upper surface and outlets for the straight water discharger 9c, a shower head 9a on the outer periphery, and a straight water discharger 9c on the center.

  A discharge tube 4 is further attached to the inside of the shower outlet on the lower surface of the water discharger 9. A circular ultraviolet lamp having a small diameter is used for the discharge tube 4. Further, a reflection plate may be provided on the upper part to increase the irradiation efficiency, or a transparent cover made of glass or plastic may be provided on the lower part for safety. The sterilizing water purifier 100 can be assembled as described above. Hereinafter, the operation of the water channel switching device 30 will be described.

[Operation of waterway switching device 30]
4A and 4B are a configuration diagram of an upper surface showing an operation example (part 1) of the sterilizing water purifier 100 and a configuration diagram of a cross section taken along the arrow X1-X1. The sterilizing water purifier 100 shown in FIG. 4A is a top view of the sterilizing water purifier 100 shown in FIG. The X1-X1 cross section is set so as to pass through the central portion of the hydroelectric power generation unit 1, the water purifier main body 101, and the cartridge unit 12 of the sterilization water purifier 100.

  Hereinafter, how raw water supplied from the water supply unit 8 passes through the inside of the sterilizing water purifier 100 and is discharged will be described. Here, a case where raw water is discharged straight is taken as an example.

  The raw water supplied from the water supply connector 8a shown in FIG. 4B is supplied to the water turbine unit 1c through the water supply path 8b. The water turbine portion 1c has a rotating blade 1e inside the container member 1d, and raw water is supplied so as to rotate the rotating blade 1e. The raw water that has rotated the rotary blade 1 e flows into the water channel 13 b of the water channel switching device 30.

  In the example of FIG. 4B, the communication channel 14b communicates with the channel. Therefore, the raw | natural water which flowed in flows into the waterway 13f through the communicating waterway 14b. Finally, the raw water passes straight through the straight water discharge channel 9c of the water discharge unit 9 communicated with the lower part of the water channel switching device 30 and is discharged straight. Next, the case where raw water is discharged from the shower will be briefly described.

  FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along arrow Y1-Y1 in FIG. 4A showing an operation example (part 2) of the sterilizing water purifier 100. The raw water supplied from the water supply connector 8a shown in FIG. 5 flows into the water channel switching device 30 after being supplied to the water turbine unit 1c (not shown) through the water supply channel 8b. In the example of FIG. 5, the communication water channels 14a and 14c communicate with the water channel. Therefore, the raw | natural water which flowed in flows into the water channels 13e and 13g through the communicating water channels 14a and 14c. Furthermore, the water channel 13e communicates with the shower water discharge channel 9b of the water discharge unit 9, the water channel 13g communicates with the shower water discharge channel 9d, and finally the raw water is discharged from the shower head 9a to the outside.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 5, an O-ring 14 d may be wound around the valve 14 to prevent water leakage from the water channel switching device 30. In addition to this, for example, when the rubber packing 14e and the lid member 14f are attached to the opening surface of the valve insertion port 13i by, for example, screwing, water leakage can be prevented more reliably. The water discharge shape of the sterilizing water purifier 100 can be switched by changing the rotation angle of the valve 14 of the water channel switching device 30.

  FIG. 6 is a configuration diagram of the upper surface showing an operation example of the water channel switching device 30. The water channel switching device 30 shown in FIG. 6 is a top view of the water channel switching device 30 shown in FIG. The arrow sectional views for explaining the operation of each communicating water channel of the water channel switching device 30 are shown in FIGS.

  7A, 8A and 9A are X2-X2 arrow sectional views showing an operation example of the communication channel 14a. 7B, 8B, and 9B are X3-X3 arrow sectional views showing an operation example of the communication channel 14b. 7C, 8C, and 9C are X4-X4 arrow sectional views showing an operation example of the communication channel 14c. The dot marks in FIGS. 7 to 9 are shown for convenience in order to explain the rotation angle of the valve 14.

  First, FIG. 7A-C has shown the operation example of each communicating water channel at the time of straight water discharge of raw | natural water. At this time, the valve 14 is set to a rotation angle at which the dot mark in the figure becomes the direction of p1. The communicating water channels 14a and 14c shown in FIGS. 7A and 7C are in a state in which the opening faces in a direction not including any water channel. That is, the water channels 13a and 13c are blocked by the valve 14 and cannot supply raw water, and water does not flow through the water channels 13e and 13g.

  The communication water channel 14b shown in FIG. 7B is in a state in which the opening surface faces both directions having the water channel 13b and the water channel 13f. Therefore, the water channel 13b and the water channel 13f are communicated, and water is supplied from the water channel 13b toward the water channel 13f. At this time, the water channel switching device 30 operates to cause the water discharger 9 to discharge raw water straightly.

  8A to 8C show an operation example of each communication channel during straight water discharge of purified water. At this time, the valve 14 is rotated 90 degrees from the state of FIG. 7, and is set to a rotation angle at which the dot mark in the drawing is in the direction of p2. Communication channels 14a and 14c shown in FIGS. 8A and 8C are in a state in which one opening surface faces in a direction having water channels 13e and 13g. However, the opening surface does not face in the direction having the water channels 13a and 13c for supplying water, and raw water cannot be supplied. Accordingly, water does not flow through the water channels 13e and 13g.

  The communication water channel 14b shown in FIG. 8B is in a state in which the opening surface faces both directions including the water channel 13b and the water channel 13d. Therefore, the water channel 13b and the water channel 13d are communicated, and water is supplied from the water channel 13b toward the water channel 13d. At this time, the water channel switching device 30 operates to supply raw water to the filter 12b to purify the water. The purified water purified by the filter 12b is supplied again from the water channel 13h to the water channel 13f and flows into the water discharger 9. As a result, purified water is discharged straight from the water discharge portion 9.

  9A to 9C show an operation example of each communication water channel at the time of shower discharge of raw water. At this time, the valve 14 is rotated 180 degrees from the state of FIG. 7, and the dot mark in the drawing is set to be in the direction of p3. Communication channels 14a and 14c shown in FIGS. 9A and 9C are in a state in which the opening surfaces are oriented in both directions including water channels 13a and 13e and water channels 13c and 13g. Accordingly, the water channels 13a and 13e and the water channels 13c and 13g are communicated, and water is supplied from the water channels 13a to 13e and water is supplied from the water channels 13c to 13g.

  The communication water channel 14b shown in FIG. 9B is in a state where the opening surface is not directed in the direction having the water channel 13b for supplying water, and raw water cannot be supplied. Accordingly, water does not flow through the water channel 13f. At this time, the water channel switching device 30 operates to cause the water discharger 9 to discharge raw water into the shower.

  Thus, according to the water channel switching device 30 as the first embodiment of the present invention, any one of the plurality of communication water channels opened from one side surface of the cylindrical valve 14 toward the other side surface is provided. , It communicates with either the water supply channel or the water discharge channel. Thereby, many water channels can be opened from the longitudinal direction of the valve 14. Therefore, many communication water channels can be opened (conducted) as compared with the conventional method, and the water channels can be easily switched only by changing the rotation angle of the valve 14. Further, these effects can be realized with an apparatus having a simple structure. The water channel switching device 30 can be applied to a water purifier that switches between straight water discharge of raw water / purified water and shower water discharge of raw water, and can contribute to downsizing and cost reduction of the water purifier.

  FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a configuration example of a filter 12b as a second embodiment according to the present invention. Moreover, FIG. 11 is sectional drawing which shows the structural example of the filter 12b. In this example, a cartridge type filter is used for the filter 12b shown in FIGS. The filter 12b includes a cylindrical container 12c, a container lid 12d, an introduction pipe portion 12g, an outflow hole 12h, activated carbon 12i, and a nonwoven fabric 12m.

[Configuration of Filter 12b]
The cylindrical container 12c constitutes an example of a container member. The cylindrical container 12c has a water supply part 12e at the center of one bottom surface and a water discharge part 12f at the outer peripheral part, and communicates with the water channel of the water purifier main body 101.

  In the cylindrical container 12c, activated carbon 12i constituting an example of a filtering member is enclosed, for example, in a nonwoven fabric 12m, and the raw water is filtered. Activated carbon 12i comes into contact with the supplied raw water, thereby adsorbing and filtering organic substances to form purified water. The nonwoven fabric 12m is made to have a thickness of 3 mm, for example, and prevents the activated carbon 12i from flowing out of the container.

  From the water supply part 12e of the cylindrical container 12c which supplies raw water to the activated carbon 12i, the introduction pipe part 12g is provided so as to protrude into the container, and the raw water is introduced. The introduction pipe portion 12g has a tubular body having an opening at the start end portion 12l and a closed end portion 12k, and forms a water channel for introducing raw water into the inner portion of the cylindrical container 12c.

  An outflow hole 12h that constitutes an example of an opening is opened in the front end portion 12k or the peripheral side surface so that raw water flows out into the cylindrical container 12c. A plurality of outflow holes 12h are opened with a small diameter, and the raw water flows out into the back of the cylindrical container 12c.

  A container lid 12d is connected to the upper surface of the cylindrical container 12c containing the activated carbon 12i so as to seal the container. The container lid 12d is firmly connected by a mechanism that the user cannot easily open. Further, in this example, the container lid 12d is provided with a mechanism capable of fixing the introduction pipe portion 12g by causing the fixing portion 12j to protrude at the center thereof.

  Thus, the filter 12b is configured. In this example, a cartridge-type filter is formed. However, in order to reduce costs and reduce dust, the user can easily open the container lid 12d and use the activated carbon 12i inside. You may make it replace with the state put in the nonwoven fabric 12m.

[Manufacturing Method of Filter 12b]
When manufacturing (assembling) the filter 12b shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, first, a cylindrical container 12c, a container lid 12d, and an introduction pipe part 12g are prepared.

  To manufacture the cylindrical container 12c, first, a mold having a cylindrical hole is prepared. Next, a cylindrical mold having a diameter smaller than that of the hole is prepared. A cylinder matching the diameter of the water supply part 12e is protruded from the center of the bottom surface of the cylindrical mold. A large number of thin rod-shaped bodies shaped like water discharge holes are protruded from the water discharge portion 12f around the bottom surface. The cylindrical mold formed in this way is inserted into the cylindrical hole portion with the midpoint of the bottom face aligned, and then clamped, and for example, a lightweight reinforced plastic resin is poured and hardened. At this time, the cylindrical container 12c may be formed with a mold so as to have a mechanism that can fix the introduction pipe portion 12g to the water supply portion 12e without leakage. Alternatively, the water discharger 12f may be formed by opening a large hole in the outer periphery of the bottom surface of the cylindrical container 12c, and later attaching a strong mesh-shaped cloth, for example.

  In order to manufacture the container lid 12d, a mold having a thin cylindrical hole having a diameter matched to the cylindrical container 12c is prepared. Next, a cylindrical mold having a diameter smaller than that of the hole is prepared. A groove shaped like a fixed portion 12j may be opened at the center of the cylindrical mold. The cylindrical mold formed in this way is inserted into the cylindrical hole portion, the center point of the bottom surface being aligned, and the mold is clamped so that the bottom portion is floated, and for example, a lightweight reinforced plastic resin is poured and hardened. Further, it is preferable that a peripheral portion of the container lid 12d has a mechanism that can be coupled to the cylindrical container 12c.

  In order to manufacture the introduction tube portion 12g, first, a mold having a cylindrical hole portion is prepared. Next, a cylindrical mold having a diameter smaller than that of the hole is prepared. The columnar mold is inserted into the cylindrical hole portion with the midpoint of the bottom face aligned, and then clamped so that the bottom portion is floated. For example, a lightweight reinforced plastic resin is poured and hardened. A large number of holes smaller than, for example, activated carbon are opened on the side surface of the leading end portion 12k of the formed introduction tube portion 12g with a small drill to form an outflow hole 12h. Instead of the outflow hole 12h, an opening for raw water outflow may be formed using a mesh-shaped cloth or member having a small mesh. Moreover, it is good to form the mechanism which can be connected with the water supply part 12e of the cylindrical container 12c in the start end part 12l of the introduction pipe part 12g.

  If the above members are manufactured, the filter 12b is assembled as follows. First, the introduction pipe part 12g is inserted from the tip part 12k from the water supply part 12e on the bottom surface of the cylindrical container 12c, and the start end part 121 is fixed. Next, activated carbon 12i in a state of entering the nonwoven fabric 12m is put from the upper part of the cylindrical container 12c. As the activated carbon 12i, for example, activated carbon containing silver ions is used. At this time, even if the filter 12b is used sideways, a sufficient amount is added so that the activated carbon is not biased downward. Finally, the container lid 12d is connected from above to seal the container. At this time, the introduction pipe part 12g may be fixed by the fixing part 12j. When sealing, you may adhere | attach using an adhesive agent etc. The filter 12b can be manufactured (assembled) as described above. The filter 12b configured (manufactured) in this manner is used by being connected to the water channel switching device 30 provided therein from the right side surface of the water purifier main body 101 shown in FIG.

[Operation of Filter 12b]
FIG. 12 is a sectional view showing an operation example of the filter 12b. The filter 12b shown in FIG. 12 is connected to the water purifier main body 101 so that the water supply unit 12e communicates with the water channel 13d of the water channel switching device 30 and the water discharge unit 12f communicates with the water channel 13h of the water channel switching device 30. Yes. Moreover, the filter 12b shall be connected with the mechanism which can supply the water discharge from the water discharge part 12f to the water channel 13h efficiently. This mechanism can be easily realized by forming the water discharger 12f of the filter 12b, for example, by indenting it from the water supply unit 12e. By forming the water discharge portion 12f in this way, when the filter 12b and the water channel switching device 30 are connected, a circular water channel is constructed at the joint.

  When the valve 14 of the water channel switching device 30 is set to the rotation angle at the time of clean water discharge shown in FIG. 8, raw water is supplied from the water channel 13d of the water channel switching device 30 to the water supply unit 12e of the filter 12b. The raw water supplied from the water supply part 12e is introduced into the inner part of the cylindrical container 12c by the introduction pipe part 12g, and flows out into the container from the outflow hole 12h opened at the tip part of the introduction pipe part 12g.

  The raw water that has flowed out contacts the activated carbon 12i enclosed in the container, and flows toward the water discharger 12f while adsorbing organic substances such as chlorine, trihalomethane, and various bacteria contained in the raw water.

  When the water discharger 12f is reached, the raw water adsorbed with the organic substance is purified water, and is supplied again to the water channel switching device 30 through the water channel 13h of the water channel switching device 30. The supplied purified water passes through the water channel 13f shown in FIG. 4B and is discharged from the straight water discharge channel 9c.

  Thus, according to the filter 12b as the second embodiment of the present invention, the raw water flows out from the outflow hole 12h opened at the tip of the introduction pipe section 12g to the activated carbon 12i of the cylindrical container 12c. .

  Thereby, since the raw | natural water supplied from the water supply part 12e can be passed toward the water discharge part 12f from the back | inner part of the cylindrical container 12c, it can be made to contact raw water with many activated carbon 12i, and an organic substance can be removed. Become. Therefore, the amount of activated carbon 12i can be reduced and the use time of the filter 12b can be extended. Moreover, such an effect can be realized by a filter having a simple structure.

  FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the control board 10 according to the third embodiment of the present invention. A control board 10 shown in FIG. 13 has an inverter 3, a constant voltage circuit 7, a secondary battery 2, a microcomputer 5, etc. (hereinafter collectively referred to simply as electric) on an insulating material printed with predetermined wiring made of copper foil, for example. A circuit is constructed by mounting a member). Many electric operations in the sterilizing water purifier 100 are realized by a circuit constituted by electric members mounted on the control board 10.

[Configuration of Control Board 10]
The control board 10 is provided with a GND terminal P1, power supply terminals P2 and P3, output terminals P5, P6 and P7, and an input terminal P8, of which the GND terminal P1 and the power supply terminal P2 are connected to the generator 1b to connect to the DC voltage. To be entered. Thus, by inputting the output voltage of the generator 1b and operating the circuit on the control board 10, it is possible to effectively use hydraulic power and contribute to energy saving.

  A capacitor C1 is connected between the GND terminal P1 and the power supply terminal P2, and operates so as to store / discharge the output voltage of the generator 1b that varies according to the flow rate. For example, an electrolytic capacitor of several hundred μF is used as the capacitor C1, and the fluctuation of the DC voltage that fluctuates from 0V to 10V, for example, is reduced.

  The inverter 3 is connected in parallel with the capacitor C1, and the input DC voltage is converted into AC power of, for example, 600 V / 20 kHz, and output to the outside of the control board 10 from the output terminals P6 and P7. The discharge terminals 4 are connected to the output terminals P6 and P7, and sterilizing light having a light amount corresponding to the supplied AC voltage is irradiated, and ozone is generated by irradiating ultraviolet rays into the air.

  Further, a constant voltage circuit 7 is connected in parallel with the inverter 3, and a DC voltage from the generator 1b is input and a predetermined constant voltage is output. The constant voltage output from the constant voltage circuit 7 is set to 3 V, for example, in accordance with the rated voltage of the secondary battery 2 connected to the output terminal.

  The secondary battery 2 is connected to the output terminal of the constant voltage circuit 7 via a diode D7 that prevents backflow, and the power generated by the generator 1b is stored / discharged. As the secondary battery 2, a lead storage battery, a lithium ion battery, an air double layer capacitor, or the like is used, and a stable predetermined DC constant voltage is supplied to an electrical member connected to the subsequent stage. By using the secondary battery 2 in this way, it is possible to reduce the cost and labor of battery replacement compared to the case where a primary battery is used.

  The microcomputer 5 is connected using the secondary battery 2 as a power source, and operates so as to output a control signal from input information. For example, the microcomputer 5 outputs a control signal indicating the flow rate of water flowing through the water purifier main body to the output terminal P5. In order to calculate this flow rate, the microcomputer 5 inputs the potential of the power supply terminal P2 to the input terminal IN1. Since the DC voltage generated by the generator 1b changes in proportion to the flow rate of water, the microcomputer 5 can calculate the flow rate by applying a constant to the voltage at the power supply terminal P2. By outputting a control signal for the flow rate of water in this way, the user can be prevented from using water more than necessary, and water can be saved.

  Further, the microcomputer 5 outputs a control signal indicating the replacement time of the cartridge type filter to the output terminal P5. The replacement time of the cartridge type filter is counted by a timer provided in the microcomputer 5. Further, in this example, only the time for discharging the purified water with the filter 12b is integrated to derive the replacement time.

  The discrimination of the purified water discharge for that is performed by monitoring the voltage of the power supply terminal P2 with the microcomputer 5. FIG. As described above, the voltage at the power supply terminal P2, which changes in proportion to the flow rate of water, changes so as to decrease when the purified water is discharged compared to when the raw water is discharged. This is because when the water flows into the filter 12b and passes through the activated carbon 12i, the resistance of the water channel increases and the flow rate of the water decreases. Therefore, the microcomputer 5 accumulates only the time when the filter 12b is used by counting the time during which power generation of a certain value or more is performed and the voltage of the power supply terminal P2 is lower than the predetermined voltage. Can do. In order to facilitate this discrimination, the introduction pipe portion 12g and the outflow hole 12h of the filter 12b may be designed to be thin (small) so that the resistance of the water channel becomes higher.

  Moreover, in order to count the exact integration time, for example, a mechanism that can detect the rotation angle of the valve 14 may be provided to determine clean water discharge.

  Further, when the user replaces the filter 12b, an optical fiber switch SW1 is provided at a predetermined position of the cartridge unit 12 in order to set and / or reset the accumulated time of the microcomputer 5. The switch SW1 has one end connected to the GND potential and one end connected to the input terminal P8. The input terminal P8 is connected to the power supply terminal P3 via the resistor R1 and is input to the input terminal IN2 of the microcomputer 5. Here, it is preferable that the resistor R1 is set as large as possible so that the current flowing through the resistor R1 is small when the switch SW1 is turned on.

  In this example, the switch SW1 closes and becomes conductive when the filter 12b is connected to the water purifier main body 101, and changes the potential of the input terminal IN2 of the microcomputer 5 to the GND potential. The microcomputer 5 operates to detect that the input voltage has become the GND potential and reset the integration time.

  In addition, when the user disconnects the filter 12b from the water purifier main body 101 and reconnects it before reaching the replacement time, the microcomputer 5 may be controlled so as not to reset the accumulated time. By doing so, it is possible to prevent the user from using the filter 12b for longer than a predetermined time. However, according to this mechanism, if the user replaces the filter 12b with a new one before reaching the replacement time, there is a possibility that the correct replacement time cannot be accumulated. In order to solve this problem, for example, a user who installs a manual switch outside the water purifier main body 101 and replaces the filter 12b before the replacement time may be able to manually reset the timer.

  By outputting the control signal for the cartridge replacement time in this way, it is possible to inform the user of the cartridge replacement time that is often forgotten and to ensure the safety of purified water.

  The control signal of the microcomputer 5 is taken out from the output terminal P5 of the control board 10 to the outside. The liquid crystal display 6 is connected to the output terminal P5, and a control signal is input. The liquid crystal display 6 operates using the secondary battery 2 as a power source, and displays information corresponding to the control signal of the microcomputer 5. In this example, the liquid crystal display 6 is normally controlled to display the flow rate of water and display the replacement information only at the replacement time of the cartridge type filter. Of course, the present invention is not limited to this, and it may be controlled to display various information at the same time. The control board 10 is configured as described above.

[Operation of control board 10]
FIG. 14 is a circuit diagram illustrating a configuration example of the generator 1 b and the inverter 3. FIG. 15A is a diagram illustrating a voltage waveform between the power supply terminal P2 and the GND terminal P1. FIG. 15B is a diagram illustrating a voltage waveform between the output terminals P6 and P7. 15A and 15B, the horizontal axis indicates time t, and the vertical axis indicates voltage level.

  The generator 1b shown in FIG. 14 includes, for example, a three-phase synchronous generator 1g and a rectifier 1f. The three-phase synchronous generator 1g outputs three-phase AC voltages e1, e2, e3 corresponding to the rotational power of the water turbine unit 1c, and supplies it to the rectifier 1f. The rectifier 1f generates a DC voltage obtained by full-wave rectifying the input three-phase AC voltages e1, e2, e3 between the power supply terminal P2 and the GND terminal P1 (see FIG. 15A).

  The generated voltage of the generator 1b is smoothed by the capacity C1 and input to the inverter 3. The inverter 3 is composed of an LC oscillator and a coil transformer in this example. When a DC voltage is input to the inverter 3, LC oscillation is started at a frequency determined by the values of the coil L1 and the capacitor C2, and an AC voltage is generated at both ends of the coil L1 (see FIG. 15B). The generated AC voltage is transformed according to the turns ratio of the coils L1 and L3, and is generated between the output terminals P6 and P7 and output to the outside. The AC voltage formed in this way is input to the discharge tube 4 and light emission of the discharge tube 4 is realized.

  As described above, according to the control board 10 according to the third embodiment of the present invention, the inverter 3 that converts the DC power supplied from the generator 1 b into the AC voltage is provided, and the AC voltage is supplied to the discharge tube 4. Is. Therefore, since the low voltage DC power supplied from the generator 1b can be converted into high voltage AC power and supplied to the discharge tube 4, the high voltage discharge tube 4 can be used. The power efficiency in the sterilizing light irradiation can be improved as compared with the case where low-voltage DC power is supplied to the discharge tube 4 as it is. Thereby, the sterilization light which the discharge tube 4 light-emits is strengthened, and it can sterilize now efficiently in a short time.

  Also, the discharge tube 4 is irradiated with conventional sterilizing light, and a large amount of power is supplied from the microcomputer 5, the liquid crystal display 6 and the like to perform various controls and display various information that is convenient for the user. Will be able to.

  In addition, since the sterilizing light from the discharge tube 4 may be irradiated when cleaning foods and dishes, for example, the inverter 3 includes a mechanism that can detect the rotation angle of the bulb 14 and output a control signal. When the input terminal P4 (shown by a broken line in FIG. 13) is provided, and water discharge information obtained from the rotation angle of the valve 14 is input to the inverter 3 from the input terminal P4, and straight water discharge and shower water discharge by raw water are performed. In addition, a circuit for controlling the discharge tube 4 to emit germicidal light may be further configured. Moreover, since the voltage (flow rate of water) of the power supply terminal P2 shown in FIG. 13 falls at the time of water discharge of clean water compared with the time of water discharge of raw | natural water, the microcomputer 5 reads water discharge information from this voltage change, and a control signal from the input terminal P4 The discharge tube 4 may emit germicidal light only when the raw water is discharged. By configuring the circuit in this way, it is possible to reduce wasteful power consumption by preventing the sterilizing light from being irradiated when drinking water for drinking water.

  Further, instead of the generator 1b and the capacity C1 shown in FIG. 13, a primary battery (not shown) may be used as a power source. At this time, the secondary battery 2 may be deleted. If comprised in this way, it will come to be able to supply the stable DC power supply which is not influenced by the flow volume of water. Moreover, since the hydroelectric power generation part 1 becomes unnecessary, it can contribute to size reduction and weight reduction of the sterilization water purifier 100.

  When the primary battery is used, the microcomputer 5 generates a control signal for the replacement time. In this case, for example, the voltage drop at the input terminal IN1 is monitored, and when the potential drops to a predetermined voltage value, the user is notified by a predetermined method. As notification means, an alarm sound may be generated or a light emitting diode may be caused to emit light. Further, a control signal may be output from the output terminal P5 and displayed on the liquid crystal display 6. In this way, by notifying the replacement time of the primary battery in advance, the user can prepare the new primary battery in advance by predicting the replacement time.

  The present invention is extremely suitable when applied to a sterilizing water purifier that purifies raw water from a water source and emits sterilizing light.

It is a perspective view which shows the structural example of the sterilization water purifier 100 as a 1st Example. 3 is a perspective view illustrating a configuration example of a water channel switching device 30. FIG. It is a perspective view which shows the example of a member of the sterilization water purifier 100, and an example of an assembly. (A) And (B) is the upper surface block diagram which shows the operation example (the 1) of the sterilization water purifier 100, and X1-X1 arrow cross-sectional block diagram. It is Y1-Y1 arrow sectional drawing which shows the operation example (the 2) of the sterilization water purifier 100. FIG. 6 is a top view illustrating an operation example of the water channel switching device 30. (A)-(C) are arrow sectional drawings which show the operation example of the water path switching apparatus 30 at the time of straight water discharge of raw | natural water. (A)-(C) are arrow sectional views which show the operation example of the water path switching apparatus 30 at the time of straight water discharge of purified water. (A)-(C) are arrow sectional views which show the operation example of the water path switching apparatus 30 at the time of shower discharge of raw | natural water. It is a perspective view which shows the structural example (the 1) of the filter 12b as a 2nd Example. It is sectional drawing which shows the structural example (the 2) of the filter 12b. It is sectional drawing which shows the operation example of the filter 12b. It is a block diagram which shows the structural example of the control board 10 as a 3rd Example. 3 is a circuit diagram illustrating a configuration example of a generator 1b and an inverter 3. FIG. (A) And (B) is a wave form diagram which shows the operation example of the inverter 3. FIG.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Hydroelectric power generation part, 2 ... Secondary battery, 3 ... Inverter, 4 ... Discharge tube, 5 ... Microcomputer, 6 ... Liquid crystal display, 7 ... Constant voltage circuit , 8 ... Water supply unit, 9 ... Water discharge unit, 10 ... Control board, 12 ... Cartridge unit, 13 ... Switching body unit, 14 ... Valve, 15 ... Lever, 30 ... Water channel switching device, 100 ... sterilizing water purifier, 101 ... water purifier body

Claims (6)

A water supply channel for supplying water from the water source,
A plurality of water discharge channels for discharging water supplied from the water supply channel;
In a water channel switching device comprising a communication member that selectively communicates between the water supply channel and the water discharge channel,
In the communication member,
A columnar rotary communication member having a rotation axis;
A plurality of communication water channels opened from one side surface of the rotary communication member toward the other side surface;
One of the communicating water channels communicates either the water supply channel or the water discharging channel according to the rotation angle of the rotating communication member. The rotational communication member is
A rotation axis perpendicular to the water supply channel,
The plurality of communication water channels are:
The water channel switching device according to claim 1, wherein the water channel switching device is disposed perpendicular to a rotation axis of the rotation communication member. The plurality of communication water channels are:
While the angle of one communication channel and the angle of the other communication channel are different from each other,
The water channel switching device according to claim 1, wherein the shape of one communication water channel and the shape of the other communication water channel are different from each other. In the plurality of communication water channels,
From a predetermined part of the first side surface of the rotary communication member,
A straight water channel opened toward a second side facing the first side;
A first communication channel having a branch channel opened through one end in the middle of the straight channel and toward the third side surface of the rotary communication member;
From a predetermined part of the fourth side surface of the rotational communication member,
The water channel switching device according to claim 1, further comprising a second communication water channel bent and opened at a predetermined angle. The first communication channel is
It is provided in the central part in the longitudinal direction of the rotation communication member,
The second communication channel is
The water channel switching device according to claim 4, wherein the water channel switching device is provided at both ends in the longitudinal direction of the rotary communication member. The water supply channel, the water discharge channel and the communication member are:
It is provided in the main body of the water purifier that discharges water by switching between raw water, purified water and water spray,
In the first communication channel,
Communicating the raw water and purified water channels,
In the second communication channel,
The water channel switching device according to claim 4, wherein the water channel is communicated.

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