JP2012030204A - Cartridge for water purifier and water purifier - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a cartridge for water purifier that sufficiently exhibits performance of a hollow fiber membrane to improve water quality without cutting or bending the hollow fiber membrane even when the cartridge for water purifier is used under a high tap-water pressure, and a water purifier.SOLUTION: The cartridge for water purifier has an adsorbent on the upstream side, and has a hollow fiber membrane module, formed by filling a hollow fiber membrane bundle into a casing in the form of a U shape and fixing the membrane bundle to the casing with a casting material, on the downstream side of the adsorbent so that the U-shaped bent part of the hollow fiber membrane bundle faces the adsorbent. The adsorbent is cylindrical. A water passage in the adsorbent communicates with the casing. A protective net covers the hollow fiber membrane bundle from the bent part to a straight part thereof.

Description

  The present invention relates to a water purifier cartridge for purifying tap water and a water purifier equipped with the water purifier cartridge.

  The cartridge for water purifier (hereinafter referred to as cartridge) consists of a hollow fiber membrane module filled with granular, fibrous, spherical and block adsorbents such as activated carbon and ion exchangers and a bundle of hollow fiber membranes. Many are known in which a hollow fiber membrane module is arranged on the downstream side.

  For example, as in Patent Document 1, there is a cartridge in which activated carbon formed in a cylindrical shape and a hollow fiber membrane module are arranged in series. The activated carbon is cylindrical and has a water passage formed therein. An upstream cap that closes the end is fixed on the upstream side of the activated carbon, and a downstream cap having a water purifying outlet is fixed on the downstream side. Further, on the downstream side, a hollow fiber membrane module in which a hollow fiber membrane is filled in a casing is provided, and a water passage inside the activated carbon and the hollow fiber membrane module are connected in series. Water flows inward from the outside of the activated carbon, flows through the water passage inside the activated carbon to the hollow fiber membrane module side, and is discharged from the end of the hollow fiber membrane module.

  However, in the cartridge configured as described above, there is a possibility that water flowing into the hollow fiber membrane module through the water passage inside the activated carbon hits the hollow fiber membrane bundle and damages the hollow fiber membrane. In particular, when a cartridge is used by flowing a large amount of water in an area where the tap water pressure is high, the hollow fiber membrane may be cut or bent by the jet, and the performance of the hollow fiber membrane may not be sufficiently achieved. It was.

  In order to solve such a problem, in Patent Document 2, a baffle plate is provided between the adsorbent and the hollow fiber membrane module, and further, a non-woven fabric is provided in the upstream water channel of the hollow fiber membrane bundle, so A method is disclosed in which the water that has passed through is dispersed, hits the hollow fiber membrane bundle evenly, and prevents the hollow fiber membrane from being cut or bent. However, in the method described in such a document, since the hollow fiber membrane bundle is in an unconstrained state except for a portion fixed by the casting material, even if it is a dispersed water flow, the hollow fiber membrane is caused by the water flow. The bundles may be scattered one by one and pushed into the fixed side, and excessive stress may be applied near the boundary between the unconstrained part and the fixed part of the hollow fiber membrane bundle. From these points, such a document is not satisfactory as a method for preventing the hollow fiber membrane from being cut or bent.

  Apart from this, as an example of using a nonwoven fabric for a hollow fiber membrane module, Patent Document 3 discloses a method of binding a nonwoven fabric into a hollow fiber membrane bundle in a cylindrical shape. However, in the method described in such a document, the nonwoven fabric functions as a filter and extends the lifetime of the hollow fiber membrane itself, or the hollow fiber membrane is inserted into the casing in a state of being bundled with the nonwoven fabric. It is intended to prevent the membrane from being damaged by the corners of the case, and is not intended to prevent the hollow fiber membrane from being cut or bent by the jet flow, and this is not mentioned. Furthermore, in this method, there is an effect of preventing the hollow fiber membrane bundles from being scattered one by one by bundling the nonwoven fabric, but since the vicinity of the tip of the bent portion of the hollow fiber membrane bundle is not covered with the nonwoven fabric, the hollow fibers In some cases, the water flow vigorously flows in the vicinity of the tip of the bent portion of the membrane bundle, the hollow fiber membrane bundle near the tip of the bent portion is scattered, and the hollow fiber membrane is cut or bent.

JP 2002-346550 A JP 2005-211182 A Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 3-169329

  In view of the above-mentioned problems in the prior art, the present invention is based on the hollow fiber membrane without the hollow fiber membrane being cut or bent by the jet even when the water purifier cartridge is used in an area where the tap water pressure is high. It aims at providing the cartridge for water purifiers which can fully demonstrate performance, and can improve water quality, and a water purifier.

  In order to achieve the above object, the water purifier cartridge of the present invention has an adsorbent on the upstream side, a hollow fiber bundle in which a hollow fiber membrane bundle is filled in a U-shape and fixed to the casing using a casting material A cartridge for a water purifier having a membrane module on the downstream side of an adsorbent so that a bent portion of a U-shaped hollow fiber membrane bundle faces the adsorbent, the adsorbent being cylindrical and having an internal passage The water channel communicates with the casing, and further includes a protective net covering the hollow fiber membrane bundle from the bent portion to the straight portion of the hollow fiber membrane bundle.

  Here, the protective net covers 25% or more of the length of the hollow fiber membrane bundle from the tip of the bent portion of the hollow fiber membrane bundle to the opening end, starting from the tip of the bent portion of the hollow fiber membrane bundle. Preferably it is.

  Moreover, it is preferable that the sum total of the cross-sectional area of the part enclosed by the outer diameter of the hollow fiber membrane of the hollow fiber membrane bundle is 45% or more of the cross-sectional area of the inner diameter part of the casing.

  The protective net is preferably bag-shaped.

  Further, the protective net folds the hollow fiber membrane bundle into a U-shape, and then wraps the hollow fiber membrane bundle in a cylindrical shape with a sheet-like material, and further, one end of the sheet-like material serves as a bent portion of the hollow fiber membrane bundle. It is preferable that it is folded so as to be covered.

  Further, it is preferable that the folded length of the sheet-like material is folded back at least 25% of the length of the hollow fiber membrane bundle from the tip of the bent portion of the hollow fiber membrane bundle to the open end.

  Moreover, it is preferable that the length of the protective net in the straight part of the hollow fiber membrane bundle is a length up to the casting material in the casing.

  Moreover, the water purifier which said cartridge for water purifiers can attach or detach is also preferable.

  According to the present invention, since the protective net for covering the hollow fiber membrane bundle is provided from the bent portion to the straight portion of the hollow fiber membrane bundle, a cartridge is used by flowing a large amount of water in an area where the tap water pressure is high. Even in this case, the hollow fiber membrane is not cut and the integrity of the hollow fiber membrane module is not impaired, and the hollow fiber membrane is not bent and the flow rate is not lowered, so that the filtration performance by the hollow fiber membrane can be sufficiently exhibited. Furthermore, starting from the tip of the bent portion of the hollow fiber membrane bundle, covering the 25% or more of the length of the hollow fiber membrane bundle from the tip of the bent portion of the hollow fiber membrane bundle to the open end with a protective net, The surface area over which the hollow fiber membrane bundle is covered with the protective net is increased, and the effect of preventing the hollow fiber membrane bundle from being scattered and the protective net from being detached from the hollow fiber membrane bundle is further improved. Further, if the sum of the cross-sectional areas of the hollow fiber membrane bundle surrounded by the outer diameter of the hollow fiber membrane is 45% or more of the cross-sectional area of the inner diameter portion of the casing, the protective net is formed between the hollow fiber membrane bundle and the casing. Since it is firmly fixed between the two, it is possible to more reliably prevent the hollow fiber membrane from being cut.

  If the protective net is a bag, the hollow fiber membrane bundle can be easily covered with the protective net.

  The protective net bends the hollow fiber membrane bundle into a U shape, wraps the hollow fiber membrane bundle into a cylindrical shape with a sheet, and further covers one end of the sheet into the bent portion of the hollow fiber membrane bundle. In the production process, the protective net can be easily covered with the hollow fiber membrane bundle in the production process, and the protective net only cuts the sheet-like material according to the size of the hollow fiber membrane module. This makes it easy to mass-produce protective nets at low cost.

  Also, if the folded length of the protective net is 25% or more of the length of the hollow fiber membrane bundle, the folded length is insufficient, so that the folded portion returns to its original shape due to vibration and covers a part of the hollow fiber membrane. There is no worry that the function of the protection net will deteriorate due to the creation of an undisclosed part.

  If the length of the protective net in the straight part of the hollow fiber membrane bundle is the length up to the casting material in the casing, the casing of the casting material that occurs when the protective net enters between the casting material and the casing Can be prevented from peeling.

  If the above-described cartridge is a detachable water purifier, the user can obtain delicious and safe water purifier.

It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view which shows an example of the cartridge for water purifiers in this invention. It is a partially notched sectional view which shows the state which attached the cartridge for water purifiers in this invention to the water purifier. It is the perspective view seen from the downstream which shows the intermediate cap of the cartridge for water purifiers in this invention. It is the perspective view seen from the upstream which shows the intermediate cap of the cartridge for water purifiers in this invention. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view which shows the hollow fiber membrane module of the cartridge for water purifiers in this invention. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing a hollow fiber membrane module when a plurality of bent hollow fiber membranes are prepared and then bundled into a hollow fiber membrane bundle. It is a perspective view which shows the connection holder (connection member) of the cartridge for water purifiers in this invention. It is a perspective view which shows the exit cap (outlet member) of the cartridge for water purifiers in this invention.

  One embodiment of the cartridge for water purifier in the present invention is described based on a drawing.

  FIG. 1 is a longitudinal sectional view showing an example of a water purifier cartridge according to the present invention. FIG. 2 is a partially cutaway sectional view showing a state in which the water purifier cartridge according to the present invention is attached to the water purifier. As shown in FIG. 1, the water purifier cartridge 1 includes an inlet cap 11, activated carbon 2, an intermediate cap 12, a hollow fiber membrane module 3, a connection holder (connection member) 13, and an outlet cap (outlet member) 14 from the upstream side. In order, each has a connected structure.

  The activated carbon 2 is cylindrical and includes an activated carbon molded body 21 mainly composed of fibrous activated carbon, an inner diameter side nonwoven fabric 22 and an outer diameter side nonwoven fabric 23. The activated carbon molded body 21 is obtained by mixing a plurality of fibrous activated carbons having different specific surface areas and pore diameter distributions at a predetermined ratio, and further adding ion exchange fibers for selectively taking in lead ions and heat fusion fibers. . These are formed into a sheet and wound up at a constant tension around a shaft on which the inner diameter side nonwoven fabric 22 is wound. When a predetermined outer diameter is reached, heat treatment is performed. The heat-sealing fiber has a core-sheath structure, the core has a high melting point, the sheath has a low melting point, and only the sheath is melted and welded by this heat treatment. By this welding, the outer diameter side nonwoven fabric 23 is wound around what is maintained in a cylindrical shape, and cut to a predetermined length.

  By changing the mixing ratio of a plurality of fibrous activated carbons with different specific surface areas and pore size distributions, it is possible to balance the filtration capacities of multiple substances to be removed, and to produce an activated carbon molded body with the highest overall filtration ability. . Thus, a cartridge that can be used for a long period of time by the user can be provided. Moreover, if the tension | tensile_strength at the time of winding up to a axis | shaft is controlled, the density of an activated carbon molded object can be changed. It is possible to provide an easy-to-use cartridge in which the pressure loss is not too large and the filtration capacity is not too low.

  Here, the molded body composed of the fibrous activated carbon, the lead adsorbent, and the heat-fusible fiber may be molded by a wet molding method. Granular activated carbon as well as fibrous activated carbon may be mixed. Only granular activated carbon can be used. Moreover, you may use the heat-fusion material which is not fibrous.

  If granular or powdery aluminosilicate, titanium silicate, or titanium oxide is used as the lead removal material in addition to the ion exchange fiber, lead ions can be efficiently removed. Among them, ion exchange fibers, aluminosilicates, and titanium silicates have a large amount of lead adsorption per unit volume, and by including these, the amount of filter media in the cartridge can be reduced and the cartridge can be made compact.

  The inlet cap 11 has a disk shape, and a cylindrical rib 31 and a concentric groove 32 are formed on the surface connected to the activated carbon. The rib 31 has a thickness of 0.3 to 1.5 mm and a height of 1 to 4 mm, and plays the role of aligning the central axis with the cylindrical activated carbon 2.

  Adhesion between the inlet cap 11 and the activated carbon 2 may be either a hot-melt adhesive type in which a thermoplastic resin that has been heated and melted is applied and then cooled and solidified, or a one-part silicone rubber adhesive type that is cured by reacting with moisture in the air. good. The groove 32 has a width of 1 to 2 mm and a depth of 0.5 to 1 mm, and the adhesive 35 sufficiently penetrates and cures. Therefore, the adhesive 35 and the inlet cap 11 have a high adhesive force. The material of the inlet cap 11 is preferably an amorphous resin having good affinity with the adhesive, and ABS resin and polystyrene are preferable in consideration of safety.

  FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the intermediate cap of the water purifier cartridge according to the present invention as seen from the upstream side. The intermediate cap 12 has a disk shape having an opening 43 in the center, and a cylindrical rib 41 and a rib 42 having a notch are erected on a surface connected to the activated carbon. Like the rib 31, the rib 41 has a thickness of 0.3 to 1.5 mm and a height of 1 to 4 mm, and plays the role of aligning the central axis with the cylindrical activated carbon 2. The outer diameter of the rib 42 is substantially the same as the inner diameter of the activated carbon 2, but not only aligns the central axis with the cylindrical activated carbon 2, but also serves to prevent the adhesive 36 from sticking to the inner diameter side of the activated carbon 2. Plays. A flow path from the activated carbon 2 to the hollow fiber membrane module 3 is secured.

  Similar to the inlet cap 11, two concentric grooves 44 are formed on the surface of the intermediate cap 12 connected to the activated carbon 2. The two grooves 44 have a width of 1 to 2 mm and a depth of 0.5 to 1 mm, and the adhesive 36 sufficiently penetrates and cures. Therefore, the adhesive 36 and the intermediate cap 12 have a high adhesive force.

  On the hollow fiber membrane module side of the opening 43, a baffle plate 47 supported by four column portions 46 having a height of 1 to 4 mm is provided. The baffle plate 47 has a flat plate shape, a thickness of 1 to 2 mm, and a cross section substantially the same shape as the opening 43, and protects the hollow fiber membrane bundle 51 from the water ejected from the opening 43. The number of column portions 46 may be two, three, or five or more. The baffle plate 47 may be bowl-shaped, and if it is bowl-shaped, the jet can be firmly received and the effect of protecting the hollow fiber membrane bundle 51 is enhanced.

  A cylindrical rib 48 is erected on the surface of the intermediate cap 12 connected to the hollow fiber membrane module 3. The step provided on the inner peripheral side of the rib 48 is engaged with a step provided on the casing 50 described later so that there is no rattling. In the engaged state, the intermediate cap 12 and the casing 50 are welded by applying vibration energy while applying pressure while applying a horn of an ultrasonic welder from the intermediate cap 12 side. As a welding method, any method such as a bad joint method, a step joint method, a shear joint method, and a bead joint method may be used. Although there is no particular limitation, a shear joint method excellent in water tightness and air tightness is most suitable.

If there are small cross-sectional areas such as protrusions on the workpiece to be welded, cracks may occur at the time of welding. However, the cross-sectional area of the four column portions 46 or the connection portion between the column portions 46 and the baffle plate 47 is 5 mm ^2. The crack generation is prevented by the above.

  As the material of the intermediate cap 12, similarly to the inlet cap 11, an amorphous resin having good affinity with the adhesive is preferable, and ABS resin and polystyrene are preferable in consideration of safety.

  FIG. 5 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a hollow fiber membrane module of a water purifier cartridge in the present invention. The hollow fiber membrane module 3 includes a casing 50, a hollow fiber membrane bundle 51, a casting material (potting material) 52, and a protective net 53.

  Inside the casing 50, a hollow fiber membrane bundle 51 obtained by bending approximately 1200 hollow fiber membranes into a U shape is housed so that the bent side of the hollow fiber membrane bundle faces the activated carbon 2. The end of the hollow fiber membrane bundle is sealed and fixed at the end of the casing 50 by a casting material 52 filled between the hollow fiber membranes and between the hollow fiber membrane and the casing 50. The hollow fiber membrane is opened toward the connection holder 13 by partially cutting and removing the casting material 52.

  The hollow fiber membrane bundle 51 includes a bent portion 61 and a straight portion 62. The bent portion is a part of the hollow fiber membrane bundle, and at least a part of the hollow fiber membranes constituting the hollow fiber membrane bundle has a curvature. A straight part means the other part of a hollow fiber membrane bundle.

  A part of the inner peripheral surface of the casing 50 is subjected to a graining process to prevent the casting material 52 from being peeled off from the casing 50. When water flows, a load due to water pressure is applied to the casting material 52. However, since the casting material 52 is uneven along the embossed unevenness, the unevenness is caught between the casting material 52, so that the casting material 52 is peeled off from the casing 50. Never do.

  The casing 50 has a cylindrical shape, and a step that engages with a connection holder 13 described later is provided on the outer peripheral side of the end portion that is sealed and fixed by the casting material 52, and the above-described intermediate cap 12 is provided on the outer peripheral side of the multi-end. A step that engages with the rib 48 is formed.

  As the hollow fiber membrane bundle 51, a hydrophilized polysulfone hollow fiber membrane is used. Polysulfone is excellent in biological properties, heat resistance, chemical resistance and the like, and is preferable for water purifier applications. In addition to polysulfone, a hollow fiber membrane of polyacrylonitrile, polyphenylenesulfone, polyethersulfone, polyethylene, or polypropylene may be used. You may combine multiple types of hollow fiber membranes from which materials differ. If a hollow fiber membrane made of hydrophobic polyethylene or polypropylene is inserted, air mixed in water can be discharged efficiently. If the hole diameter of the hollow fiber membrane is 2 μm or less, more preferably 0.5 μm or less, it is most suitable for capturing turbidity in tap water. Furthermore, when removing a minute solid, it is preferable to use a pore having a pore size of 0.3 μm or less, more preferably 0.2 μm or less. The method for measuring the pore diameter is a known method. For example, the pore diameter may be calculated by observing the inner diameter, the outer diameter, or the middle thereof with an electron microscope, or may be measured by the blocking rate of a fluid containing latex beads having a known particle diameter. . The hollow fiber membrane has an outer diameter of φ300 to 400 μm, an inner diameter of φ200 to 300 μm, and a film thickness of 50 to 100 μm, and has sufficient strength. There is no breakage in the process of bending into a U-shape or the process of pushing into the casing 50 in the manufacture of the hollow fiber membrane module.

  As for the shape of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 51, it is preferable that all the hollow fiber membranes are bundled and then bent into a U shape so that the hollow fiber membrane module 3 can be easily manufactured. Two bundles made of a number of hollow fiber membranes can be made and folded together in a U shape, then the two bundles can be combined, or each hollow fiber membrane can be individually folded in a U shape and then folded. Alternatively, a plurality of folded hollow fiber membranes such as bundling hollow fiber membranes may be prepared and then bundled to form a hollow fiber membrane bundle.

  FIG. 6 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a hollow fiber membrane module when a plurality of folded hollow fiber membranes are prepared and then bundled to form a hollow fiber membrane bundle. The hollow fiber membrane module 4 includes a casing 70, a hollow fiber membrane bundle 71, a casting material (potting material) 72, and a protective net 73. The hollow fiber membrane bundle 71 further includes a bent portion 81 and a straight portion 82. Become. The bent portion 81 and the straight portion 82 of the hollow fiber membrane module 4 are defined in the same manner as the bent portion 61 and the straight portion 62 described above. Thus, even when a plurality of folded hollow fiber membranes are prepared and then bundled, the configurations of the hollow fiber membrane module and the hollow fiber membrane bundle are not changed.

  Since the sum of the cross-sectional areas of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 51 surrounded by the outer diameter of the hollow fiber membrane is 45 to 55% of the cross-sectional area of the inner diameter part of the casing 50, it has a high turbidity filtration capacity. Can be used for a long time. If it is less than 45%, the membrane area of the hollow fiber membrane becomes small, and if it exceeds 55%, the turbidity does not completely reach the inside of the dense bundle of hollow fiber membranes. Unusable. Since the outer diameter of the hollow fiber membrane is φ300 to 400 μm and sufficiently strong while having strength, a sufficiently large membrane area can be secured in a small casing. This is one of the reasons for the high turbidity filtration capability.

  A protective net 53 is covered around the hollow fiber membrane bundle 51. When used in an area where the tap water pressure is extremely high, the baffle plate 47 alone cannot sufficiently suppress the water flow, and the hollow fiber membranes are scattered one by one and pushed into the sealing and fixing side. May be cut or bent. However, since the protective net 53 covers the hollow fiber membrane bundle 51, the shape of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 51 is not disturbed. This prevents the hollow fiber membrane from being cut off and becoming turbid and significantly reducing the filtration performance.

The protective net 53 is a non-woven fabric having a basis weight of 5 to 100 g / m ² and a thickness of 0.05 to 1 mm. If the weight per unit area is 5 g / m ² or less or the thickness is 0.05 mm or less, the rigidity of the nonwoven fabric is too low to sufficiently fulfill the role of protecting the hollow fiber membrane bundle 51. Conversely, if the basis weight is 100 g / m ² or more or the thickness is 1 mm or more, the rigidity is too high and the hollow fiber membrane is compressed, or the pressure loss during water flow is too large and the flow rate decreases. There is.

  As a shape of the protective net 53, a bag shape that can be covered with the hollow fiber membrane bundle 51 is preferable. It may be cylindrical and folded at one end so that the bent portion 61 of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 51 is covered. Even if it is cylindrical, if one end is not folded back, the water that has flowed in vigorously from the vicinity of the tip 63 of the bent portion of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 51 directly hits the hollow fiber membrane. As described above, the hollow fiber membranes are separated one by one. And the hollow fiber membrane bundle 51 cannot be protected.

  When the protective net 53 is folded and used, the most preferable method is to wrap the sheet-like material in a cylindrical shape around a hollow fiber membrane bundle folded in a U shape. If it is a sheet-like material, it can be produced simply by cutting according to the size of the hollow fiber membrane module, so that it can be easily and inexpensively mass-produced. The sheet-like material has a quadrangular shape, and the length on the side wound in a cylindrical shape is longer than the length capable of winding the hollow fiber membrane bundle 51 once.

  The protection net 53 is not limited to one, and a plurality of protection nets 53 may be provided. For example, in the case where a plurality of folded hollow fiber membranes are prepared and then bundled into a hollow fiber membrane bundle as in the hollow fiber membrane bundle 71 shown in FIG. 6, a plurality of protective nets 53 are prepared and bent. Each yarn membrane may be covered.

  The hollow fiber membrane bundle 51 is covered from the bent portion 61 to the straight portion 62 by the protective net 53. If the protective net 53 covers the straight portion 62, the hollow fiber membrane bundle 51 is firmly fixed by the protective net 53. Therefore, even when the jet flows on the hollow fiber membrane bundle 51, the hollow fiber membrane bundle 51 is not easily scattered. The hollow fiber membrane is not cut or bent. If the straight portion 62 is not covered, a part of the jet directly hits the hollow fiber membrane bundle 51 and the hollow fiber membrane bundle 51 is separated, and the hollow fiber membrane is cut or bent. Moreover, the protective net 53 moves to the casting material 52 side by the jet flow, and the role of protecting the hollow fiber membrane bundle 51 cannot be fulfilled.

  The protective net 53 preferably covers 0.25 × H or more, where H is the distance between the tip 63 of the bent portion of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 51 and the open end 64. Furthermore, if it covers 0.4 × H or more, the surface area of the protective net 53 covering the hollow fiber membrane bundle 51 is increased, and it is possible to prevent the hollow fiber membrane bundle 51 from being further scattered.

  Further, if the sum of the cross-sectional areas of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 51 surrounded by the outer diameter of the hollow fiber membrane is 45% or more of the cross-sectional area of the inner diameter portion of the casing 50, the hollow fiber membrane is cut or bent. Can be prevented more reliably. If it is 45% or more, the hollow fiber membrane bundle 51 and the casing 50 are in close contact with each other, so that the casing 50 exerts a force for fixing the hollow fiber membrane bundle 51, and the protective net 53 and the hollow fiber membrane bundle 51 are firmly fixed. The hollow fiber membrane bundle 51 does not come apart. Further, since the protective net 53 and the hollow fiber membrane bundle 51 are firmly fixed, the protective net 53 is not moved to the casting material 52 side by the jet flow. Further, when the sum of the cross-sectional areas of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 51 surrounded by the outer diameter of the hollow fiber membrane is 48% or more of the cross-sectional area of the inner diameter portion of the casing 50, the hollow fiber membrane bundle 51 is formed by the casing 50. The fixing force is strengthened, and the hollow fiber membrane bundle 51 can be prevented from being separated more.

  In the case where the shape of the protective net 53 is a cylindrical shape and one end is folded back, the length of the folded portion is important in addition to the above-described covering length. When the distance between the tip 63 of the bent portion of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 51 and the open end 64 is H, the folding length is preferably 0.25 × H or more. If it is 0.25 × H or less, the folded portion is restored by vibration or the like, and a portion where the protective net 53 is not covered is formed in the vicinity of the tip 63 of the bent portion of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 51. The hit water directly hits the hollow fiber membrane, and the hollow fiber membrane is cut or bent.

  Further, the length of the protective net 53 in the straight portion 62 of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 51 is the length up to the casting material 52 in the casing 50. This is because the protective net 53 enters between the casting material 52 and the casing 50 to reduce the adhesive strength between the casting material 52 and the casing 50 and prevent the casting material 52 from peeling from the casing 50. In particular, when the sum of the cross-sectional areas of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 51 surrounded by the outer diameter of the hollow fiber membrane is 45% or more of the cross-sectional area of the inner diameter portion of the casing 50, the casing 50 and the hollow fiber membrane bundle. When the protective net 53 comes into contact between the casting material 52 and the casing 50 when the protective net 53 comes into contact with the casting material 52 and the gap between the protective net 53 and the casing 50 is reduced, peeling easily occurs. However, as long as the contact area between the casting material 52 and the protective net 53 is within half the contact area between the casing 50 and the casting material 52, there is no problem even if a part of the protective net 53 comes into contact with the casting material 52. .

  As a material of the protective net 53, a thermoplastic resin such as polyethylene terephthalate, polypropylene, or polyethylene is preferable because it is inexpensive, and the form may be a woven or knitted fabric such as a mesh cloth other than a nonwoven fabric.

  The casting material (potting material) 52 is a two-component mixed type in which a main component having fluidity and a curing agent are mixed and cured, and polyurethane, epoxy resin, or the like can be appropriately used. What is necessary is just to solidify them by the centrifugation method or the stationary method.

  A connection holder (connection member) 13 is coupled to one end of the hollow fiber membrane module 3. The connection holder 13 has an outer cylinder 91, a first connection portion 92 with the casing 50 on the inner peripheral side of one end of the outer cylinder 91, and an outlet cap (exit member) 14 to be described later on the other end. A second connection part 93 is provided. The level difference provided on the first connection portion 92 is engaged with the level difference provided on the casing 50 so that there is no backlash. In the engaged state, the connection holder 13 and the casing 50 are welded by applying a horn of an ultrasonic welder from the outlet cap 14 side and applying vibration energy while applying pressure. As a welding method, any method such as a bad joint method, a step joint method, a shear joint method, and a bead joint method may be used. Although there is no particular limitation, a shear joint method excellent in water tightness and air tightness is most suitable.

  The outlet cap (outlet member) 14 has a cylindrical shape whose outer diameter and inner diameter change in the center, and an annular reduced diameter portion 101 that engages with the second connection portion 93 of the connection holder 13 is formed on the inner peripheral side of one end of the thicker one. Is provided. A purified water outlet 102 is opened at the other end of the narrower side, and an O-ring 103 is mounted in an annular groove near the tip. As shown in FIG. 2, since the outlet cap 14 is connected to a member on the downstream side of purified water such as a main body cover 111 described later via an O-ring 103, purified water and raw water (unpurified tap water) Will not mix.

  As the material of the outlet cap 14, ABS resin, polyacetal, polycarbonate, and polystyrene, which have high dimensional accuracy in molding, can be used, but it is preferable to use relatively soft polyethylene or polypropylene. In the case of polyethylene or polypropylene, it is easy to forcibly remove the mold in the undercut portion, and the mold production cost is low. Since it is relatively soft, it is easy to fit in production, and productivity is improved.

  Since the connection holder (connection member) 13 and the casing 50 are connected by ultrasonic welding, the outer cylinder 91 of the connection holder 13 and the casing 50 are not thickened and the loading amount of the hollow fiber membrane is not reduced. Since the membrane area can be secured, turbidity can be continuously filtered for a long time.

  The water purifier cartridge 1 having the above-described configuration is suitably used as a cartridge used for a stationary water purifier, as shown in FIG. In FIG. 2, the water purifier cartridge 1 is covered with a main body cover 111. Reference numeral 112 denotes a water discharge pipe, and reference numeral 113 denotes a discharge unit that discharges the purified water.

  A switching device 5 attached to a water tap is connected to the upstream side of the stationary water purifier as described above. The switch 5 includes a switching operation unit 121, a main body unit 122, and a connection hose 123 that connects the switching operation unit 121 and the main body unit 122 described above. The operation of the switching operation unit 121 can be switched between a purified water state for purifying tap water and a raw water state for discharging tap water as it is.

  When the switching operation unit 121 is in a purified state and the faucet is opened, tap water flows into the outer peripheral side of the water purifier cartridge 1. First, the activated carbon 2 is fed into the outer diameter side nonwoven fabric 23, the activated carbon molded body 21, and the inner diameter side nonwoven fabric 22. Pass in order. At this time, free residual chlorine in tap water is decomposed, and at the same time, volatile organic substances in tap water are adsorbed and removed. Next, water flows axially through the activated carbon 2, passes through the opening 43 of the intermediate cap 12, and flows into the hollow fiber membrane module 3. At this time, since it once hits the baffle plate 47, the momentum of water is eased. Water flows from the outer diameter side to the inner diameter side of the hollow fiber membrane, and turbidity and bacteria in tap water are captured by the hollow fiber membrane. The purified water that has passed through the hollow fiber membrane passes through the connection holder 13, passes through the purified water outlet 102 of the outlet cap (outlet member) 14, passes through the water discharge pipe 112, and is discharged from the discharge portion 113.

  Moreover, the cartridge 1 for water purifiers is used suitably also as a cartridge incorporated in a faucet built-in type water purifier. A flow path switching valve is incorporated in the head of the water purifier with built-in faucet so that it can be switched between a purified water state for purifying tap water and a raw water state for discharging tap water as it is.

  When the faucet is opened with the flow path switching valve in the purified state, the water flowing into the faucet built-in water purifier flows into the water purifying outlet 102 as in the case of using the stationary water purifier, The purified water is discharged through the head.

<Example 1>
A non-woven fabric having a basis weight of 12 g / m ² and a thickness of 0.08 mm was used for the protective net, and a portion of the hollow fiber membrane bundle from the bent portion to the straight portion was covered with this non-woven fabric. At this time, the length covered by the nonwoven fabric was 10% of the length from the tip of the bent portion of the hollow fiber membrane bundle to the open end, starting from the tip of the bent portion of the hollow fiber membrane bundle. The hollow fiber membrane accommodates 930 hydrophilic polysulfone hollow fiber membranes having an outer diameter of φ360 μm, and the total cross-sectional area of the hollow fiber membrane bundle surrounded by the outer diameter of the hollow fiber membrane is the cross-sectional area of the inner diameter portion of the casing. Of 40%.

  A cylindrical activated carbon molded body was arranged on the upstream side of the hollow fiber membrane module configured as described above, and the activated carbon and the hollow fiber membrane module were connected to an intermediate cap. The size of the opening provided in the intermediate cap was φ6 mm, and a flat baffle plate supported by four pillars having a height of 3.5 mm was provided on the hollow fiber membrane module side of the opening.

When this water purifier cartridge was installed in a faucet built-in water purifier and subjected to an endurance test in which water passing and stopping at a dynamic water pressure of 0.75 MPa were alternately repeated every 2 seconds, 8000 cycles (water passing 2 seconds, stopping water) The hollow fiber membrane did not break or bend even when 2 cycles of water was taken as 1 cycle). However, it was confirmed that some hollow fiber membranes were slightly scattered and the protective nets were slightly displaced.
<Example 2>
A non-woven fabric having a basis weight of 12 g / m ² and a thickness of 0.08 mm was used for the protective net, and a portion of the hollow fiber membrane bundle from the bent portion to the straight portion was covered with this non-woven fabric. At this time, the length covered by the non-woven fabric was 25% of the length from the tip of the bent portion of the hollow fiber membrane bundle to the open end, starting from the tip of the bent portion of the hollow fiber membrane bundle. The hollow fiber membrane accommodates 930 hydrophilic polysulfone hollow fiber membranes having an outer diameter of φ360 μm, and the total cross-sectional area of the hollow fiber membrane bundle surrounded by the outer diameter of the hollow fiber membrane is the cross-sectional area of the inner diameter portion of the casing. Of 40%.
When this water purification cartridge was built in a water purifier with a built-in faucet and subjected to the same durability test as in Example 1, the hollow fiber membrane was not cut or bent even after 8000 cycles. Moreover, although the hollow fiber membrane was not scattered as seen in Example 1, it was confirmed that the protective net was slightly shifted.
<Example 3>
A non-woven fabric having a basis weight of 12 g / m ² and a thickness of 0.08 mm was used for the protective net, and a portion of the hollow fiber membrane bundle from the bent portion to the straight portion was covered with this non-woven fabric. At this time, the length covered by the nonwoven fabric was 10% of the length from the tip of the bent portion of the hollow fiber membrane bundle to the open end, starting from the tip of the bent portion of the hollow fiber membrane bundle. The hollow fiber membrane accommodates 1,200 hydrophilized polysulfone hollow fiber membranes having an outer diameter of φ360 μm, and the total cross-sectional area of the hollow fiber membrane bundle surrounded by the outer diameter of the hollow fiber membrane is the cross-sectional area of the inner diameter portion of the casing. Of 52%.

When this water purification cartridge was built in a water purifier with a built-in faucet and subjected to the same durability test as in Example 1, the hollow fiber membrane was not cut or bent even after 8000 cycles. Moreover, it was confirmed that there was almost no dispersion | distribution of the hollow fiber membrane seen in Example 1, and there was also no shift | offset | difference of the protection net seen in Example 2.
<Example 4>
A non-woven fabric having a basis weight of 12 g / m ² and a thickness of 0.08 mm was used for the protective net, and a portion of the hollow fiber membrane bundle from the bent portion to the straight portion was covered with this non-woven fabric. At this time, the length covered by the non-woven fabric was 25% of the length from the tip of the bent portion of the hollow fiber membrane bundle to the open end, starting from the tip of the bent portion of the hollow fiber membrane bundle. The hollow fiber membrane accommodates 1,200 hydrophilized polysulfone hollow fiber membranes having an outer diameter of φ360 μm, and the total cross-sectional area of the hollow fiber membrane bundle surrounded by the outer diameter of the hollow fiber membrane is the cross-sectional area of the inner diameter portion of the casing. Of 52%.

When this water purification cartridge was built in a water purifier with a built-in faucet and subjected to the same durability test as in Example 1, the hollow fiber membrane was not cut or bent even after 8000 cycles. In addition, it was confirmed that there was no scattering of the hollow fiber membrane and no shift of the protective net.
<Comparative Example 1>
A hollow fiber in which a non-woven fabric having a basis weight of 12 g / m ² and a thickness of 0.08 mm is used for the protective net, and the shape of the non-woven fabric is a disk having the same diameter as the outer diameter of the hollow fiber membrane bundle. It was installed near the tip of the bent part of the membrane. At this time, the non-woven fabric was not covered in the portion from the bent portion to the straight portion of the hollow fiber membrane bundle. The length of the hollow fiber membrane bundle covered with the nonwoven fabric is 5% of the length from the tip of the bent portion of the hollow fiber membrane bundle to the end of the opening starting from the tip of the bent portion of the hollow fiber membrane bundle. It was. The hollow fiber membrane accommodates 1,200 hydrophilized polysulfone hollow fiber membranes having an outer diameter of φ360 μm, and the total cross-sectional area of the hollow fiber membrane bundle surrounded by the outer diameter of the hollow fiber membrane is the cross-sectional area of the inner diameter portion of the casing. Of 52%.

  When this water purification cartridge was built into a water purifier with a built-in faucet and subjected to the same durability test as in Example 1, the hollow fiber membrane was broken in 300 cycles. As a result of confirmation, the hollow fiber membrane was pushed into the casting material side and was cut near the boundary between the non-constrained portion and the fixed portion of the hollow fiber membrane.

  The present invention can be applied to a general water purifier such as a stationary water purifier, a faucet built-in type, a faucet direct connection type, a pot type, an undersink type, but is not limited thereto.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Water purifier cartridge 2 Activated carbon 3 Hollow fiber membrane module 4 Hollow fiber membrane module 5 Switch 11 Inlet cap 12 Intermediate cap 13 Connection holder (connection member)
14 Outlet cap (outlet member)
21 activated carbon molded body 22 inner diameter side nonwoven fabric 23 outer diameter side nonwoven fabric 31 rib 32 groove 35 adhesive 36 adhesive 41 rib 42 rib 43 opening 44 groove 46 pillar portion 47 baffle plate 48 rib 50 casing 51 hollow fiber membrane bundle 52 casting material ( Potting material)
53 Protective net 61 Bent part 62 Straight part 63 Bent part tip 64 Open end part 70 Casing 71 Hollow fiber membrane bundle 72 Casting material (potting material)
73 Protective net 81 Bent part 82 Straight part 83 Bent part tip 84 Open end 91 Outer cylinder 92 First connection part 93 Second connection part 101 Reduced diameter part 102 Purified outlet 103 O-ring 111 Main body cover 112 Water discharge pipe 113 Discharge unit 121 Switching operation unit 122 Main unit 123 Connection hose

Claims (8)

A hollow fiber membrane module having an adsorbent on the upstream side, filled with a hollow fiber membrane bundle in a U shape in a casing, and fixed to the casing using a casting material, is a U-shaped hollow fiber membrane bundle. A water purifier cartridge having a bent portion on the downstream side of the adsorbent such that the bent portion faces the adsorbent, wherein the adsorbent is cylindrical, and an internal water passage of the adsorbent communicates with the casing. The water purifier cartridge further comprises a protective net that covers the hollow fiber membrane bundle from the bent portion to the straight portion of the hollow fiber membrane bundle. The protective net covers 25% or more of the length of the hollow fiber membrane bundle from the tip of the bent portion to the open end of the hollow fiber membrane bundle, starting from the tip of the bent portion of the hollow fiber membrane bundle. The water purifier cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the water purifier cartridge is covered. The sum total of the cross-sectional areas of the part surrounded by the outer diameter of the hollow fiber membrane of the hollow fiber membrane bundle is 45% or more of the cross-sectional area of the inner diameter part of the casing. Water purifier cartridge. The water purifier cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the protective net has a bag shape. The protective net folds the hollow fiber membrane bundle into a U shape, wraps the hollow fiber membrane bundle in a cylindrical shape with a sheet-like material, and further, one end of the sheet-like material is attached to the hollow fiber membrane bundle. The cartridge for water purifier according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the cartridge is folded so as to cover the bent portion. 6. The folded length of the sheet-like material is folded over 25% or more of the length of the hollow fiber membrane bundle from the tip of the bent portion to the open end of the hollow fiber membrane bundle. The cartridge for water purifier as described. The length of the said protection net in the straight part of the said hollow fiber membrane bundle is a length until it reaches the said casting material in the said casing, The purified water in any one of Claims 1-6 characterized by the above-mentioned. A dexterous cartridge. A water purifier equipped with the water purifier cartridge according to claim 1.

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