JP2018089613A - Water purifier - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a water purifier in which torsion generated in connecting a faucet for the water purifier with a raw water introduction pipe and a clean water delivery pipe is released, to prevent water leakage from a connecting section with the faucet for the water purifier, and in which a mouthpiece and a hose body constituting the raw water introduction pipe and the clean water delivery pipe are fixed together by pressing with a fastening member, to be able to prevent the water leakage even when high water pressure is applied.SOLUTION: The water purifier comprises a filter cartridge and a filter head for the water purifier, to which the filter cartridge is attached in a detachable manner. The filter head for the water purifier includes a filter head connecting portion, the raw water introduction pipe, and the clean water delivery pipe, wherein the raw water introduction pipe and the clean water delivery pipe are each constituted by the mouthpiece composed of a head portion and a nipple portion, the hose body, and the fastening member for fixing the hose body to the nipple portion by pressing. The head portion is arranged in each receiving recess of the filter head connecting portion and is fixed by fixing means, and thus the raw water introduction pipe and the clean water delivery pipe are each fixed pivotably.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a water purifier that purifies tap water, and more particularly to an undersink type water purifier that is installed in a space beside or below a sink.

  Conventional water purifiers that purify tap water include faucet-directly connected water purifiers that are directly connected to the tap outlet, stationary water purifiers that are placed on the kitchen, and undersinks that are placed inside the kitchen. A type (or built-in type) water purifier is known. In any case, the filter medium filled in the filter cartridge for the water purifier is limited in the total amount of filtered water that can be processed. Therefore, the user continues to use the water purifier while periodically replacing the filter cartridge for the water purifier.

  The undersink type water purifier is larger than the faucet direct connection type water purifier or the stationary type water purifier, and can be used for a long time because the total amount of filtered water that can be treated is large. Since there is no water purifier near the kitchen faucet or sink, it does not interfere with the work.

  As an undersink type water purifier, for example, as disclosed in Patent Document 1, there is known one that includes a raw water inlet and a purified water outlet and uses a hose with a one-touch joint attached to the tip. The user places the water purifier cartridge on the bottom surface of the space below the sink, and connects the hose for supplying raw water and the hose for discharging purified water. Purified water can be easily obtained by operating a kitchen faucet.

  However, this type of water purifier is usually installed in the back of the sink storage unit, and in order to take out the water purifier, it is necessary to take out the articles stored in the foreground, and it takes a lot of trouble to replace it. there were. In addition, when the cartridge was replaced, the butt-touch joint was removed from the cartridge, and when the cartridge was attached to a new cartridge, there was a problem that an error occurred in attaching the one-touch joint between the raw water inlet and the purified water outlet.

  On the other hand, as in Patent Document 2, for example, the holder includes a raw water inlet and a purified water outlet, and a filtration cartridge having a raw water inlet and a purified water outlet, which is detachably attached to the holder. In addition, a rotatable filtration cartridge fixing means is provided, in which the raw water introduction pipe is connected to the raw water introduction port, and the purified water outlet pipe is connected to the purified water outlet. Since it is directly connected to the cartridge from the holder, there is no need for a water pipe such as a hose, and there is no need to connect a hose when replacing the cartridge.

  Moreover, since the adsorbent part is arrange | positioned in the radial direction outer side of the hollow fiber membrane bundle, the water purifier of patent document 1 will also have the problem that a cartridge outer diameter will become large as a result and the storage space under a kitchen cannot be ensured. there were.

  On the other hand, there exists a cartridge for water purifiers arrange | positioned coaxially in order of the shaping | molding activated carbon and the hollow fiber membrane from the downstream side like patent document 3, for example. With this structure, the outer diameter of the cartridge can be reduced while ensuring the volume of the filter medium for ensuring the necessary filtration capacity.

JP 2007-275814 A International Publication No. 1999/00645 International Publication No. 2015/1991161

[First task]
However, in the holder proposed in Patent Document 2, when the other end of the raw water introduction pipe and the purified water outlet pipe is connected to the water purifier faucet, the raw water introduction pipe and the purified water outlet pipe are twisted, and the twist is the purified water. There is a risk of water leaking from the connection with the water purifier faucet. Moreover, there is a possibility that water leakage may occur when a high water pressure is applied to the connecting portion of the raw water inlet pipe and the raw water inlet, and the purified water outlet pipe and the purified water outlet.

  Therefore, the present invention allows the raw water introduction pipe and the purified water outlet pipe to be rotated so that the twist generated when the faucet faucet, the raw water introduction pipe and the purified water outlet pipe are connected is connected to the water purifier faucet. Purified water that prevents water leakage from the site, and prevents water leakage even when high water pressure is applied by pressing and fixing the fittings and hose body of the raw water inlet pipe and purified water outlet pipe with fastening members Provide a bowl.

[Second issue]
In addition, the molded activated carbon used in the cartridge proposed in Patent Document 3 needs to add a binder other than activated carbon when molding the activated carbon, and the amount of activated carbon is reduced to form a predetermined volume. End up. By using a powder filter medium instead of molded activated carbon, the filter medium occupied by the binder contributes to the filtration, so that the filtration ability can be improved. The pressure loss in water becomes large, and a predetermined filtration flow rate cannot be secured.

  Accordingly, the present invention provides a filter cartridge for a water purifier that can secure the necessary filtration capacity with a compact shape, in which the storage space below the kitchen sink is less reduced when installed in the storage space under the kitchen sink. .

[Means for solving the first problem]
(1-1) The water purifier of the present invention that solves the first problem includes a filter cartridge containing a filter medium and a filter head for a water purifier to which the filter cartridge can be attached and detached.
The filter head for the water purifier is
A filter head connecting portion for connecting the filter cartridge;
A raw water introduction pipe arranged in the filter head connecting portion for introducing raw water into the filter cartridge;
And a purified water outlet pipe for extracting purified water that is disposed in the filter head connecting portion and purified by the filter cartridge,
The raw water inlet pipe and the purified water outlet pipe are respectively
It is composed of a cylindrical head portion and a cylindrical nipple portion extending from the head portion, and a mouth fitting in which a flow path penetrating the head portion and the nipple portion is formed in the center portion,
A hose body inserted into the nipple part,
And a fastening member that is attached to the outer periphery of the hose body and presses and fixes the hose body to the nipple portion.
The head part of the mouthpiece of the raw water introduction pipe and the head part of the mouthpiece of the water purification lead-out pipe are respectively arranged in two circular insertion recesses formed in the filter head connecting part, and are fixed from the insertion recess by the fixing means. By being fixed so as not to come off, the raw water introduction pipe and the purified water lead-out pipe are each fixed to be rotatable with respect to the filter head.

(1-2) Further, in the water purifier of the present invention, each of the mouthpiece of the raw water introduction pipe and the mouthpiece of the water purification outlet pipe has an outer diameter of the head larger than an outer diameter of the nipple portion,
The fixing means includes a fixing plate in which one or two openings having a size through which the head portion does not penetrate and the nipple portion penetrates, and a fixing member that fixes the fixing plate to the filter head connecting portion. And consists of
In the state in which the fixing plate has a portion other than the head of each of the raw water introduction pipe and the purified water outlet pipe penetrated through the opening of the fixing plate, and the head is arranged in the insertion recess. It is preferable that the raw water introduction pipe and the purified water lead-out pipe are each fixed to be rotatable with respect to the filter head by being fixed to the connection portion by a fixing member.

[Means for solving the second problem]
(2-1) The filter cartridge for water purifier of the present invention that solves the second problem is a cylindrical filter body provided with a raw water receiving port and a purified water discharge port,
A cylindrical powder filter medium module containing a powder filter medium, and a cylindrical hollow fiber membrane module containing a hollow fiber membrane, which are coaxially housed in the filter body,
Water entered from the raw water inlet is a filter cartridge for a water purifier having a structure that passes through the inside of the powder filter medium module and the hollow fiber membrane module in this order and exits from the purified water discharge port,
The powder filter module is
An outer cylinder through which water passes without passing through the powder filter medium;
An inner cylinder that is disposed inside the outer cylinder and passes water without passing through the powder filter medium;
An opening that is liquid-tightly connected to one end of the outer cylinder and one end of the inner cylinder, closes a space between one end of the outer cylinder and one end of the inner cylinder, and communicates with a space on the inner diameter side of the inner cylinder A formed upper inner lid;
A bottom lid that is liquid-tightly connected to the other end of the outer cylinder and the other end of the inner cylinder, and closes a space between one end of the outer cylinder and one end of the inner cylinder and a space on the inner diameter side of the inner cylinder; ,
The powder filter medium housed in a space surrounded by the outer cylinder, the inner cylinder, the upper inner lid and the bottom lid,
One end of the hollow fiber membrane module is liquid-tightly connected to the water purification outlet, and the other end is liquid-tightly connected to the upper inner lid of the powder filter module directly or via another member. ,
When the powder filter media are arranged in order of particle diameter, the particle diameter D90 when the cumulative number is 90%, the particle diameter D10 when the cumulative number is 10%, and the particle when the cumulative number is 50% The diameter D50 satisfies 0.5 ≦ (D90−D10) /D50≦0.9.

(2-2) Moreover, as for the filter cartridge for water purifiers of this invention, the said raw | natural water inlet and the said purified water discharge outlet are provided in the end of the said filter main body,
The gap between the filter body and the outer cylinder of the powder filter module, the gap between the filter body and the upper inner lid of the powder filter module, and the gap between the filter body and the hollow fiber membrane module are connected. It is preferable that a water passage communicating with the raw water inlet is formed.

  (2-3) Further, the filter cartridge for a water purifier of the present invention is such that the bottom cover of the powder filter module is the other side opposite to one end of the filter body provided with the raw water receiving port and the purified water discharging port. It is also preferable to serve as a lid for closing the end.

According to the water purifier of the present invention, the raw water introduction pipe and the purified water outlet pipe are rotatably fixed, so that the twist generated when the faucet faucet, the raw water introduction pipe and the purified water outlet pipe are connected is released. It is possible to prevent water leakage from the connection site with the water purifier faucet.

  Further, according to the water purifier of a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the water fitting and the hose body configured in the raw water introduction pipe and the purified water outlet pipe are fixed by pressing with a fastening member, so that even when high water pressure is applied. Leakage can be prevented.

  Moreover, according to the water purifier of the preferable aspect of the present invention, since the fixing plate and the filter head connecting portion are firmly fixed by the fixing member, the fixing plate cannot be removed unless a tool or the like is used. Can be prevented from being accidentally disassembled.

  According to the filter cartridge for a water purifier of the present invention, since water flow is performed in the radial direction from the outside to the inside of the cylindrical powder filter material portion, pressure loss in water flow is reduced, and the average particle diameter is further reduced. Since the width of the particle size distribution is below a certain level, the pressure loss due to water flow can be reduced.

  Moreover, according to the cartridge for water purifiers of a preferable aspect of the present invention, by providing both the raw water receiving port and the purified water discharging port at one end of the filter main body, the pipe connecting the raw water receiving port and the purified water discharging port at one place. Since it is collected, the space under the sink can be secured.

  Moreover, according to the cartridge for water purifier of the preferable aspect of this invention, since the bottom cover of a powder filter medium module serves as the cover which closes a filter main body, the number of members can be reduced.

It is a perspective view which shows an example of the water purifier in this invention. It is a perspective view which shows an example of the filter cartridge used for the water purifier in this invention. It is sectional drawing which shows an example of the water purifier in this invention. It is sectional drawing which shows an example of the filter head for water purifiers used for the water purifier in this invention. It is a perspective view which shows an example of the filter head for water purifiers used for the water purifier in this invention. It is a perspective view which shows an example of the filter head connection part used for the water purifier in this invention. It is a perspective view which shows an example of the raw | natural water introduction pipe | tube used for the water purifier in this invention, and a purified water derivation | leading-out pipe. It is a perspective view which shows an example of the filter head fixing plate used for the water purifier in this invention. It is sectional drawing which shows an example of the filter head for water purifiers used for the water purifier in this invention. It is a left view which shows an example of the filter head for water purifiers used for the water purifier in this invention. It is a perspective view which shows an example of the movable shaft used for the water purifier in this invention. It is sectional drawing which shows an example of the filter cartridge used for the water purifier in this invention. It is sectional drawing which shows an example of the filter cartridge used for the water purifier in this invention. It is sectional drawing (FIG. A) and a perspective view (FIG. B) which show an example of the ring case used for the water purifier in this invention. It is a perspective view which shows an example of the baffle plate used for the water purifier in this invention. It is sectional drawing (FIG. A) and a perspective view (FIG. B) which show an example of the upper inner lid used for the water purifier in this invention. It is sectional drawing (FIG. A) and a perspective view (FIG. B) which show an example of the bottom cover used for the water purifier in this invention. It is sectional drawing which shows an example of the hollow fiber membrane module used for the water purifier in this invention. It is sectional drawing (FIG. A) and a perspective view (FIG. B) which show an example of the connection cap used for the water purifier in this invention.

One Embodiment of the water purifier in this invention is described based on drawing.
As shown in FIG. 1, the water purifier 1 includes a filter cartridge 2 containing a filter medium, a raw water introduction pipe 7, and a purified water outlet pipe 8, and includes a water purifier filter head 3 to which the filter cartridge 2 can be attached and detached. ing.

Next, each member which comprises the filter head 3 for water purifiers is demonstrated.
As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the filter head 3 for the water purifier includes a raw water inlet pipe 7, a purified water outlet pipe 8, a filter head connection portion 5, a filter head fixing plate 4 disposed on the upper surface of the filter head connection portion 5, and a lower surface. And a flange 6 disposed on the surface.

Next, each member constituting the raw water introduction pipe 7 and the purified water outlet pipe 8 will be described.
As shown in FIG. 7, the raw water introduction pipe 7 is composed of a fitting 11, a fastening member 15, and a hose body 16. The mouthpiece 11 is composed of a cylindrical head 14 and a cylindrical nipple portion 13 extending from the head 14, and a flow path that penetrates the head 14 and the nipple portion 13 is formed at the center. Yes. And the hose body 16 is fixed between the nipple part 13 and the fastening member 15 by inserting the hose body 16 into the nipple part 13 and pressing and fixing the fastening member 15 attached to the outer periphery of the hose body 16. .

  The fastening member 15 that compresses and fixes the hose body 16 may be any member that does not leak water or cannot be removed by water pressure when the piping hose is connected and water is passed. Examples of such a fastening member include a caulking sleeve, a hose clamp, and a binding band that are caulked and fixed.

  The material of the fastening member 15 may be an inexpensive resin such as polypropylene, polyacetal, polyethylene, nylon, or polycarbonate, but a metal such as stainless steel, brass, or bronze is preferable from the viewpoint of strength.

  In addition, the purified water outlet pipe 8 is composed of a fitting 11, a caulking sleeve 15, and a hose body 16, similarly to the raw water introduction pipe 7. The mouthpiece 11 is composed of a cylindrical head 14 and a cylindrical nipple portion 13 extending from the head 14, and a flow path that penetrates the head 14 and the nipple portion 13 is formed at the center. Yes. Then, the hose body 16 is inserted into the nipple portion 13, and the hose body 16 is fixed between the nipple portion 13 and the caulking sleeve 15 by caulking the caulking sleeve 15 attached to the outer periphery of the hose body 16. The That is, even if a high water pressure or external force is applied to the raw water introduction pipe 7 and the purified water outlet pipe 8, it is preferable in that it is firmly fixed.

  The metal fitting 11 is preferably made of a metal such as stainless steel, brass or bronze from the viewpoint of strength.

  The filter head connecting portion 5 shown in FIGS. 1, 4, 5, and 6 is a bottomed / double cylindrical shape having a first cylindrical portion 233 and a second cylindrical portion 234, and the space of the first cylindrical portion 233 is raw water. The space of the second cylindrical portion 234 communicates with the purified water outlet pipe 8 in the introduction pipe 7. A pair of partially enlarged diameter portions 235 and 236, which are part of a bayonet mechanism described later, are provided on the inner circumferential side of the first circumferential portion 233, and the outer side of the first cylindrical portion 233 is provided to improve strength. A large number of ribs 237 are provided.

The bottomed cylindrical portion 226 on the raw water introduction pipe 7 side of the filter head connecting portion 5 incorporates a check valve 213 that opens the flow path when the filter cartridge 2 is mounted.
The bottomed cylindrical portion 226 on the purified water outlet pipe 8 side of the filter head connecting portion 5 incorporates a check valve 214 that prevents backflow of water.

  When the filter cartridge 2 is removed from the water purifier filter head 3, the check valve 213 and the check valve 214 attached to the raw water introduction pipe 7 and the purified water outlet pipe 8 of the water purifier filter head 3 close the flow path. Water can be prevented from flowing back or leaking.

  The filter head fixing plate 4 shown in FIGS. 4 and 8 is provided with openings 17 and 18 through which the straight pipe portion 222 of the cap 11 is passed.

  In the raw water introduction pipe 7, the fitting 11 is disposed in the insertion recess 220 of the filter head connecting portion 5, and the straight pipe portion 222 of the fitting 11 passes through the opening 17 of the filter head fixing plate 4. Similarly, in the purified water outlet pipe 8, the fitting 11 is disposed in the insertion recess 220 of the filter head connecting portion 5, and the straight pipe portion 222 of the fitting 11 passes through the opening 18 of the filter head fixing plate 4.

  The filter head fixing plate 4 is fixed to the filter head connecting portion 5 by a plurality of fixing members 227 while pressing the head end face 223 of the head 14 of the fitting 11. As a result, the filter head fixing plate 4 fixes the cap 11 in the insertion recess 220 of the filter head connecting portion 5 in the axial direction and prevents the cap 11 from falling off. The movement is made possible.

The fixing member 227 for fixing the filter head fixing plate 4 to the filter head connecting portion 5 is a push rivet, snap rivet, patchon lock or snap lock which does not require a tool, in addition to a tapping screw used for plastic or wood board. May be. Further, a fixing member 227 is arranged as a claw on one of the filter head fixing plate 4 and the filter head connecting portion 5, an opening is formed on the other, and a claw is inserted into the opening and fixed. Also good.
The material of the fixing member 227 may be an inexpensive resin such as polypropylene, polyacetal, polyethylene, nylon, or polycarbonate, but is preferably a metal such as stainless steel, brass, or bronze from the viewpoint of strength.

  Naturally, since the straight pipe portion 222 of the fitting 11 is located in the openings 17 and 18 of the filter head fixing plate 4 and is located inside the outer peripheral surface of the head 14 of the fitting 11, 18 is a size through which the head portion 14 does not penetrate and the straight pipe portion 222 penetrates. If the openings 17 and 18 are circular, the relationship of the outer diameter of the head 14> the diameter of the openings 17 and 18> the outer diameter of the straight pipe portion 222 is established.

  4 and 8, the cap 11 has a straight pipe portion 222 having an outer diameter larger than the nipple portion 13 and smaller than the head portion 14 between the nipple portion 13 and the head portion 14. However, the straight pipe portion 222 may be omitted. In this case, when the raw water introduction pipe 7 and the purified water lead-out pipe 8 are fixed to the filter head connecting portion 5, it is sufficient that the nipple portion 13 passes through the openings 17 and 18 of the filter head fixing plate 4. 17 and 18 should just be the magnitude | sizes which the head part 14 does not penetrate and the nipple part 13 penetrates. If the openings 17 and 18 are circular, the outer diameter of the head 14> the diameter of the openings 17 and 18> the outer diameter of the nipple 13 may be satisfied.

Since the opening 17 (18) may have a shape that allows a portion other than the head 14 of the fitting 11 to pass therethrough and press the head end surface 223 of the head 14, the circular shape, the square shape, and the oval shape. It can be formed in various shapes such as a U shape. Among them, the same circular shape as the head end surface 223 is preferable from the viewpoint of strength because the contact area with the head end surface 223 can be ensured by minimizing the opening. Also, in the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. Although two openings 17 and 18 are formed in one filter head fixing plate 4, two filter head fixing plates 4 each having only one opening 17 (18) are used. The introduction pipe 7 and the purified water outlet pipe 8 may be fixed individually.

  The filter head fixing plate 4 may be a resin such as ABS resin, polycarbonate, polystyrene, or polypropylene, but is preferably manufactured from a metal such as stainless steel, brass, or bronze from the viewpoint of strength.

  The plate thickness of the filter head fixing plate 4 is advantageously larger in order to ensure pressure resistance. However, since the cost naturally increases when the plate thickness is increased, the plate thickness is 0. 0 in consideration of the balance between pressure resistance and cost. 5-3.0 mm is preferable.

  An O-ring 228 disposed between the inner peripheral surface of the insertion recess 220 of the filter head connection portion 5 and the outer peripheral surface of the head portion 14 when the head portion 14 of the fitting 11 is attached to the filter head connection portion 5. Thus, the fitting 11 and the filter head connecting portion 5 are in a liquid-tight connection, and liquid-tightness is ensured.

  The filter head connecting portion 5 may be a metal such as stainless steel, brass or bronze, or may be a resin such as ABS resin, polycarbonate, polystyrene, or polypropylene. There are advantages with respect to manufacturing costs.

  With the above structure, the raw water introduction pipe 7 and the purified water outlet pipe 8 can be rotated. Thereby, the twist which generate | occur | produces when connecting the water purifier faucet, the raw | natural water introduction pipe | tube 7, and the purified water outlet pipe 8 can be escaped, and the water leak from the connection site | part with the water purifier faucet can be prevented.

  Since the filter head fixing plate 4 and the filter head connecting portion 5 are firmly fixed by the tapping screw 227, water leakage can be prevented even when a high water pressure is applied to the water purifier 1. Further, since the tapping screw 227 cannot be removed unless a tool or the like is used, the user can be prevented from being disassembled by mistake.

  The flange 6 shown in FIG. 5 has a ring shape and is fixed to the filter head connecting portion 5 with a plurality of tapping screws 227. On the inner peripheral side of the ring shape, partial enlarged diameter portions 230 and 231 that are part of a bayonet mechanism described later are provided so that a pair of convex portions 91 and 92 provided in the filter cartridge 2 described later can pass therethrough. It has become.

  The material of the flange 6 may be a metal such as stainless steel, brass or bronze, or may be a resin such as ABS resin, polycarbonate, polystyrene, or polypropylene. There is merit in terms of cost.

  The filter cartridge 2 shown in FIGS. 2, 12, and 13 is rotated and attached by a bayonet mechanism to the filter head 3 for the water purifier so that the water purifier 1 is configured. More specifically, at least two convex portions 91 and 92 are provided on the outer periphery of the filter main body 82 of the filter cartridge 2, and pass through the partially enlarged diameter portions 230 and 231 of the flange 6 to be engaged and rotated. As a result, the bayonet mechanism is used for coupling. When the filter cartridge 2 is removed, it is done by rotating it in the opposite direction to the time of coupling.

  As described above, since the attachment / detachment of the filter cartridge 2 to / from the water purifier filter head 3 is performed by the bayonet mechanism, the attachment / detachment operation is simple and easy.

  As shown in FIGS. 5, 9, 10, and 11, a movable shaft 215 is provided between the inner surface of the filter head connection portion 5 and the flange 6 in the closed space 232 of the filter head connection portion 5 and the flange 6. The spring 216 is provided between the filter head connecting portion 5 and the movable shaft 215. As the filter cartridge 2 is rotated for mounting on the filter head 3 for the water purifier, the convex portion 217 of the filter body 82 of the filter cartridge 2 comes into contact with the inclined portion 218 of the movable shaft 215 at the completion stage. The shaft 215 is arranged so that the shaft 215 moves upward, gets over the convex portion 217, and the movable shaft 215 and the convex portion 217 engage with each other. By overcoming (engaging), a feeling of mounting the filter cartridge 2 by the bayonet mechanism is obtained.

  With this feeling of wearing, the user can surely know the completion of wearing, and can definitely carry out wearing without fail (so as not to leak water). Furthermore, when the convex part 217 is on the lower outer periphery of the filter head 3 for the water purifier, the user can visually recognize it, so that the attachment completion can be more surely confirmed visually with the attachment feeling.

  When removing the filter cartridge 2 from the water purifier filter head 3, the filter cartridge 2 is removed in the reverse order of attachment. After the user moves the protruding portion 219 of the movable shaft 215 upward, the user rotates the filter cartridge 2 in the direction opposite to that at the time of coupling to complete the removal. Since the spring 216 is provided, the user cannot remove the filter cartridge 2 unless he / she is aware of the detaching operation. Therefore, the filter cartridge 2 can be prevented from being removed or dropped unintentionally by the user.

  The material of the movable shaft 215 may be a metal such as stainless steel, brass or bronze, or may be a resin such as ABS resin, polycarbonate, polystyrene, or polypropylene. Polyacetal or polyamide suitable for sliding is manufactured by injection molding. There are advantages in terms of quality and manufacturing costs.

  The filter cartridge 2 shown in FIGS. 2, 3, 12, and 13 has a raw water receiving port 86 and a purified water discharge port 88 on the upper end side, and closes the filter main body 82 having an open lower end and the lower end opening of the filter main body 82. A storage space is formed by the bottom lid 201. A hollow fiber membrane module 38 containing the hollow fiber membrane bundle 105, a ring case 208 containing the ion exchanger 203, and a powder filter module 249 containing the powder filter medium 102 are stored in the storage space, and is downstream. From the side, the powder filter medium module 249, the ring case 208, and the hollow fiber membrane module 38 are arranged coaxially in this order and are liquid-tightly connected. As shown in FIG. 3, the filter cartridge 2 is directly connected to the filter head 3 for the water purifier, receives raw water supplied from a water purifier faucet (not shown) through the raw water introduction pipe 7, and It can be used to purify raw water and discharge it as purified water.

  It is preferable to provide both the raw water receiving port 86 and the purified water discharge port 88 on the upper end side of the filter body 82 because the filter cartridge 2 can be made compact. However, if the size of the filter cartridge 2 is not concerned, the raw water receiving port 86 may be provided on the lower end side of the filter cartridge 2 and the purified water discharge port 88 may be provided on the upper end side of the filter cartridge 2.

  The hollow fiber membrane module 38 includes a hollow fiber membrane case 103, a hollow fiber membrane bundle 105, and a casting material 106. The hollow fiber membrane bundle 105 is sealed and fixed on the downstream side of the hollow fiber membrane case 103 with a casting material 106 and accommodated in the hollow fiber membrane case 103.

  The ion exchanger 203 is accommodated in a ring case 208 containing the ion exchanger 203. A rectifying plate 202 that produces a rectifying effect on the ion exchanger 203 is attached to an upper inner lid 207 to be described later, and is arranged on the upstream side of the ion exchanger 203.

  The powder filter medium module 249 includes the powder filter medium 102, the inner cylinder 206, the outer cylinder 205, the upper inner lid 207, and the bottom lid 201. The powder filter medium 102 is accommodated in a substantially cylindrical accommodation space surrounded by the inner cylinder 206, the outer cylinder 205, the upper inner lid 207, and the bottom lid 201. As shown in FIG. 12, the raw water that has entered from the raw water receiving port 86 is a cylindrical gap formed between the inner wall surface 239 of the filter body 82 and the outer peripheral surface of the hollow fiber membrane case 103 or the outer peripheral surface of the outer cylinder 205. , After passing through the outer cylinder 205, the powder filter medium 102, and the inner cylinder 206 in this order in the radial direction, the rectifying plate 202, the ion exchanger 203, It is filtered by the hollow fiber membrane 105 and discharged from the purified water discharge port 88 as purified water.

  In order to make the filter cartridge 2 compact, it is the most effective and preferable form that the raw water inlet 86 is disposed on the coaxial outer side of the purified water outlet 88.

  The coaxial arrangement of the hollow fiber membrane module 38, the ring case 208, and the powder filter medium module 249 is the most effective, rational, and preferred form for making the filter cartridge 2 compact. If the ion exchange action is not necessary, the ring case 208 may be omitted, and the hollow fiber membrane module 38 and the powder filter medium module 249 may be arranged coaxially and connected in a liquid-tight manner.

Next, each member constituting the filter cartridge 2 will be described.
The outer cylinder 205 includes a support frame 34 and a filter material 36 made of synthetic resin. A plurality of lattice-shaped openings 35 are provided on the peripheral surface of the support frame 34 of the outer cylinder 205, and polyethylene terephthalate, polypropylene, or the like is provided on the peripheral surface of the support frame so as to cover the openings of the openings 35. A filter material 36 made of synthetic fiber such as polyethylene or nylon is fixed.

  The filter material 36 does not leak the facing powder filter material 102 and has a filter function of allowing water to be processed to pass through. Therefore, the opening of the filter material 36 is smaller than the particle size of the powder filter material 102. It has become a thing. Moreover, in order to reduce the pressure loss at the time of water flow, the aperture ratio of the filter material 36 is preferably as large as the strength allows. Similarly, the opening ratio of the opening 35 of the support frame 34 is preferably as large as the strength allows.

  As described above, the outer cylinder 205 includes a cylindrical support frame 34 having a plurality of openings 35 on the wall surface, and a filter material 36 fixed to the support frame 34 and covering the openings 35. The strength of the outer cylinder 205 is improved, the outer cylinder 205 is deformed by the water pressure generated in the water purification process, and the layer thickness of the powder filter medium 102 (adsorbent layer) is reduced, so that the adsorbent through which the raw water passes in the water purification process. It is possible to suppress a decrease in the filtration performance of the water purification cartridge due to a decrease in the distance between the layers and an insufficient adsorption treatment in the adsorbent layer of raw water.

  Furthermore, the area where the opening 35 is present substantially coincides with the area where the facing powder filter medium 102 exists so that the entire powder filter medium 102 accommodated in the substantially cylindrical storage space can be used effectively. It is preferable to make it. The filter material 36 covering the opening of the opening 35 may be a thin sheet such as a nonwoven fabric or a woven fabric such as a mesh, as long as it has a filter function that allows water to be processed without allowing the powder filter medium 102 to leak. .

  As a method of fixing the filter material 36 to the support frame 34 of the outer cylinder 205, a method of integrally molding with the filter material 36 when the outer cylinder 205 is molded is preferable in that it can be firmly attached.

  When the filter material 36 is integrally formed, if the filter material 36 is positioned on the outer peripheral surface of the support frame 34, the powder filter medium 102 filled and accommodated inside the outer cylinder 205 in the radial direction is equal to the thickness of the support frame 34. Only the filling amount can be increased. Further, by providing ribs or protrusions on the outside of the support frame 34 and sandwiching the filter material 36, the strength can be improved so that the filter material 36 is not peeled off from the support frame 34 by water pressure. Moreover, if it is a rib, it can contribute to the intensity | strength improvement of the support frame 34, and it is preferable.

  Further, as a fixing method, it is possible to apply an adhesive, or to perform heat fusion, ultrasonic welding or pressure bonding. With these methods, the opening and basis weight of the filter material can be changed according to the particle size of the powder filter medium 102 to be used, and a plurality of types of outer cylinders can be created with one type of support frame. The mold shape of the support frame is also simple, which is preferable because the cost of the product can be reduced. In the case of these fixing methods, the filter member 36 can be easily fixed by being positioned on the outer peripheral surface of the support frame 34, and the water pressure can be dispersed and held by both the filter member 36 and the support frame 34. Problems are less likely to occur and this is preferable in terms of strength.

  Among these fixing methods, in order to maintain the fixing strength with the support frame 34, thermal fusion or ultrasonic welding is preferable. Since the amount of energy to be applied can be adjusted according to the material of the selected filter material 36 and fixed to the support frame 34 with a certain strength or more, ultrasonic welding is preferably used.

  Specifically, a sheet-like polyolefin nonwoven fabric as the filter material 36 is wound so as to cover the outer peripheral surface of the support frame (outer cylinder), and the entire circumference of both ends in the axial direction of the cylindrical nonwoven fabric is There is a fixed form in which the powder filter medium 102 can be sealed by ultrasonic welding to the outer peripheral surface of the support frame (in the cylinder), and also in the axial joint portion of the nonwoven fabric wound in a cylindrical shape. preferable. Although this fixed form is a simple one in which the ultrasonic welding location is the minimum region, it exhibits a certain effect that the powder filter medium 102 is not leaked.

Of course, since the outer cylinder 205 is located inside the filter main body 82 and located radially outside the inner cylinder 206, there is a relationship of the filter main body 82 diameter> the outer cylinder 205 diameter> the inner cylinder 206 diameter.
An O-ring 229 is attached to the annular groove in the lower end opening 212 of the outer cylinder 205. Since it is connected to the bottom lid 201 via the outer cylinder 205, the purified water and the raw water (unpurified tap water) are not mixed.

  The inner cylinder 206 has a cylindrical shape, and the opening is adjusted so that the powder filter medium 102 does not pass and water passes. Those having an opening of 20 to 50 μm can be preferably used. A non-woven fabric obtained by cutting a non-woven fabric of polyolefin-based heat-fusible fibers into a cylindrical shape by winding the non-woven fabric a plurality of times around a heated shaft may be inexpensive. However, it is not limited to this. An olefin-based material such as polypropylene may be melted and formed into a cylindrical shape by blow molding. A non-woven fabric or mesh cloth may be welded or bonded to a cylindrical resin molded body having an opening on the outer peripheral surface. When forming a cylindrical resin molded body having an opening, a non-woven fabric or mesh cloth is inserted. Also good. The inner cylinder 206 is preferably a nonwoven fabric. Since the inner cylinder is a non-woven fabric, the inner cylinder is thinner than the case where the inner cylinder has a mesh member fixed to the inner peripheral surface of the inner case having a side opening, and the size of the cartridge for the water purifier is smaller. Can be filled with more powder filter media 102.

  The thickness of the inner cylinder 206 formed of a nonwoven fabric is preferably 0.5 to 2 mm. If the thickness is less than 0.5 mm, there will be a problem of sinking due to water flow resistance and pressure loss of the powder filter medium 102 during water flow. If the thickness exceeds 2 mm, it will protrude to the outer diameter side, and the filling amount of the powder filter medium 102 will be reduced. If the thickness is 0.5 to 2 mm, there is no depression, and the filling amount of the powder filter medium 102 is not inappropriately reduced.

  An end (one end) on the downstream side of the inner cylinder 206 is fixed by fitting into an inner rib 240 of the upper inner lid 207 described later. The powder filter medium 102 does not leak, and the fit is such that an axis alignment operation described later can be performed.

  The upstream end (one end) of the inner cylinder 206 is fixed to the inner rib 209 of the bottom lid 201 by fitting. The powder filter medium 102 does not leak, and the fit is such that an axis alignment operation described later can be performed.

  As shown in FIGS. 16A and 16B, the upper inner lid 207 has a disk shape having an opening 32 in the center, and the portion connected to the outer cylinder 205 is connected to the outer rib 33 and the portion connected to the inner cylinder 206. The inner rib 240 is erected. The outer rib 33 has a thickness of 0.3 to 2.0 mm and a height of 1 to 4 mm, and plays the role of aligning the central axes of the outer cylinder 205 and the upper inner lid 207. The inner diameter of the outer rib 33 is substantially the same as the outer diameter of the outer cylinder 205, and also plays a role in preventing the powder filter medium 102 from leaking outside.

  An opening 32 is disposed on the inner diameter side of the inner rib 240. The inner diameter of the inner rib 240 is substantially the same as the outer diameter of the inner cylinder 206, and the inner cylinder 206 is fixed to the inner rib 240 by fitting. The powder filter medium 102 does not leak, and the fit is such that an axis alignment operation described later can be performed. Thereby, the inner diameter side flow path 22 and the opening 32 of the inner cylinder 206 communicate with each other. That is, a flow path from the powder filter medium 102 to the rectifying plate 202 is secured.

  It is preferable that the upper inner lid 207 is transparent because the internal state of the upper inner lid 207 can be confirmed, such as whether there is any abnormality during assembly.

  A plurality of protrusions 243 are disposed on the outer peripheral surface of the outer rib 33. The center axis of the upper inner lid 207 and the center axis of the filter main body 82 can be easily aligned, which is preferable in terms of improving the assembling workability.

  The material of the upper inner lid 207 may be a metal such as stainless steel, brass, or bronze, or a resin such as ABS resin, polycarbonate, polystyrene, or polypropylene. However, it is necessary to manufacture an ABS resin with high molding accuracy by injection molding. There are advantages with respect to manufacturing costs.

  As shown in FIGS. 17A and 17B, the bottom cover 201 has a bottomed cylindrical shape, and after the outer cylinder 205 and the inner cylinder 206 are inserted, the filter main body 82 is fastened using screws and an O-ring. The The filter body 82 may be fixed by welding. If it is welded, a sealing member such as an O-ring is unnecessary, and the manufacturing cost is reduced. Although there is no particular limitation such as ultrasonic welding, rotational welding, vibration welding, and the like, rotational welding is preferable because a welding area can be widened and pressure resistance as a filter cartridge is increased.

  A large number of ribs 245 for improving the strength are provided on the bottom surface of the bottom lid 201.

  The material of the bottom lid 201 may be a metal such as stainless steel, brass or bronze, or may be a resin such as ABS resin, polycarbonate, polystyrene, or polypropylene. There are advantages with respect to manufacturing costs.

  Next, the powder filter medium 102 will be described. As shown in FIG. 13, the powder filter medium 102 is accommodated in a substantially cylindrical accommodation space formed by the above-described inner cylinder 206, outer cylinder 205, upper inner lid 207, and bottom lid 201. In terms of the manufacturing process, before the upper inner lid 207 is fitted into the inner cylinder 206 and the outer cylinder 205, the powder filter medium 102 is filled from the portion between the upper part of the inner cylinder 206 and the upper part of the outer cylinder 205. After completion of the filling, the upper inner lid 207 is fitted to the upper outer wall surface of the inner cylinder 206 and the outer outer wall surface of the outer cylinder 205 so as to seal the powder filter medium 102. In addition, it is a preferable method for increasing the filtration capacity of the water purification cartridge to increase the packing density of the powder filter medium by performing vibration, intake, and exhaust to the powder filter medium 102 at the time of filling.

  As the powder filter medium 102, granular or powdered activated carbon made of coconut shell, wood, coal, etc., or granular or powder ion exchanger suitable for removing heavy metals such as lead in raw water, such as titanium silicate Aluminosilicates such as salt and zeolite, ion exchange resins, and the like can be used by being appropriately combined.

  Further, since the bottom lid 201 also serves as a lid that closes one end of the powder filter medium 102 and the filter main body 82, the powder filter medium 102 can be filled up to the surface of the bottom lid 201, and the inner cylinder 206 and the outer cylinder 205 This is preferable because a member for closing one end is not required separately.

  As the powder filter medium 102, those having an average particle diameter in the range of about 30 to 900 μm can be used, and are selected and used according to the type, application, and performance of the water purification cartridge. Since the surface area increases when the particle size is reduced, the adsorption capacity and ion exchange capacity of the powder filter medium can be increased, and the packing density of the powder filter medium is also improved. The particle size of the powder filter medium is measured using a laser diffraction particle size distribution measuring device (manufactured by Shimadzu Corporation, model SALD-3100). (Diameter) is defined as an average particle diameter.

  In the filter medium such as activated carbon of the conventional molded body, the volume ratio occupied by the binder for molding occupies about 30 to 20%, and that part does not contribute to the filtration, but the binder occupies by using the powder filter medium. The volume that has been filled can be filled with activated carbon or an ion exchanger, and the increased filter medium contributes to filtration, so the filtration capacity can be greatly improved.

  In general, when the particle size is reduced, the pressure loss due to water passing through the powder filter medium portion increases, and a predetermined filtration flow rate may not be ensured. However, in the present invention, the overall shape of the above-described substantially cylindrical storage space and the powder filter medium 102 accommodated therein (corresponding to the shape of the powder filter medium portion) corresponds to the shape of the long and substantially cylindrical inner cylinder 206 as described above. (Shape) has a cylindrical shape that is longer in the axial direction and longer than its radial length (thickness). And since the water flow is performed in the radial direction from the outside to the inside of the cylindrical powder filter medium part, the flow passage cross-sectional area is much wider than that in the case of water flow in the axial direction. The flow rate of water flow is reduced, and even if a powder filter medium having a small particle size is packed at a high density, the pressure loss in water flow can be sufficiently reduced and a predetermined filtration flow rate can be achieved.

  The axial length / radial length of the cylindrical powder filter part is determined according to pressure loss or the like required by a numerical value exceeding 1, but is preferably 2 or more. In addition, the absolute value of the length in the radial direction is at least required in order to prevent a shortcut for water passage at the boundary surface between the powder filter medium and the upper end of the storage space and the lower end of the storage space, and the filtration principle of the powder filter medium. The value is determined in consideration of the value and the like, but is practically about 5 mm or more in practice.

  As described above, in the present invention, even if the powder filter medium part is filled with a powder filter medium having a small particle diameter at a high density, the pressure loss in passing water can be sufficiently reduced, but the width of the particle size distribution with respect to the average particle diameter can be reduced. If it is below a certain level, the pressure loss can be further reduced. When the width of the particle size distribution is wide, the particle size difference between the powder filter material particles having a small particle size and the powder filter material particles having a large particle size becomes large. When this happens, the powder filter media particles having a small particle size enter between the powder filter media particles having a larger particle size, increasing the density of the powder filter media as a whole, clogging the powder filter media, It is presumed that this will hinder the flow of pressure and become a major factor in the rise of pressure loss. By setting the width of the particle size distribution to a certain value or less with respect to the average particle size, the powder filter medium particles having a small particle size are removed, so that it is estimated that the effect of reducing the pressure loss occurs. Therefore, the particle size D90 where the cumulative volume becomes 90% when the powder filter media are arranged in order of the particle size, the particle diameter D10 where the cumulative volume becomes 10%, and the cumulative volume becomes 50%. It is preferable that the particle diameter D50 satisfies 0.5 ≦ (D90−D10) /D50≦0.9. More preferably, 0.6 ≦ (D90−D10) /D50≦0.8.

  If (D90-D10) / D50 is less than 0.5, an additional step such as sieving is required during the production of the powder filter medium, or the ratio of the powder filter medium not used by sieving increases, resulting in an increase in cost. Further, when (D90−D10) / D50 exceeds 0.9, the chance of the powder filter medium particles having a small particle diameter entering between the powder filter medium particles having a larger particle diameter increases, and Pressure loss during water increases.

  As shown in FIG. 13, an elastic member 210 is preferably disposed between the powder filter medium 102 and the upper inner lid 207. In this way, the elastic member 210 presses the powder filter medium 102 and the upper inner lid 207 and comes into close contact therewith, so that no gap is formed between the filled powder filter medium 102 and the upper inner lid 207, and the raw water passes through. There is no risk of short-cutting the powder filter medium 102 when wet. As the elastic member, rubber such as silicone rubber having low hardness, sponge of synthetic resin, foam, nonwoven fabric, felt or the like can be used.

  In the above description, the substantially cylindrical members having the same central axis are coaxially arranged, which is the most effective, rational and preferable form for making the filter cartridge compact. .

  Next, the ring case 208 shown in FIGS. 14A and 14B will be described. Since the ion exchanger 203 is arranged in the ring case 208 on the downstream side of the powder filter medium 102, the raw water is rectified by the powder filter medium 102 and can uniformly contact the entire ion exchanger 203. Specific ions (such as heavy metal ions such as soluble lead) in the raw water are ion-exchanged and removed.

  The ring case 208 has a substantially cylindrical shape including an open bottom surface 24 on the upstream side, an upper surface 25 having an opening 23, an inner cylinder 26, and an outer cylinder 27. The ring case 208 is preferably a synthetic resin molded article so that it can be manufactured at low cost, and the ion exchanger 203 can be compressed and inserted / assembled with good slippage and has rigidity that does not deform even when compressed. . As the synthetic resin material, polypropylene, ABS resin (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene resin), polyacetal, polystyrene, AS resin (acrylonitrile styrene resin), polycarbonate, acrylic resin, polyethylene, and the like can be used.

  Further, the filter cartridge 2 has a ratio (L / d) of 1.0 to 4.0 with respect to the axial length (L) of the powder filter medium 102 with respect to the outer diameter (d) of the body of the filter body 82. In order to achieve a sufficient filtration capacity. When L / d is smaller than 1.0, the outer diameter of the body of the filter cartridge 2 is increased, and the filter cartridge 2 is not compact. On the other hand, if L / d is greater than 4.0, the thickness of the powder filter medium 102 in the water passage direction becomes small as the outer diameter (d) of the body of the filter cartridge 2 decreases, so that sufficient filtration ability cannot be obtained.

  The shape of the open portion is preferably a ring shape similar to the shape of the ion exchanger so that the ion exchanger 203 can be inserted from the open portion of the bottom surface 24 of the ring case 208. The opening 23 on the upper surface 25 of the ring case 208 desirably has a large opening area within the allowable range of the strength of the ring case 208 in order to secure a water passage area in the ion exchanger 203. The shape of the opening 23 is preferably a plurality of fan-shaped shapes in which the ring-shaped upper surface 25 is equally divided so as to allow uniform water flow. However, other shapes such as a large number of circular and square openings and an oval shape are preferable. But you can.

  The lower outer peripheral surface of the outer cylinder 27 of the ring case 208 according to this embodiment and the inner peripheral surface of the outer rib 33 of the upper inner lid 207 are substantially the same, and the outer rib 33 is fixed to the ring case 208 by fitting. ing. Thereby, purified water and raw water (unpurified tap water) are not mixed.

  Further, the upper outer peripheral surface of the outer cylinder 27 of the ring case 208 and the inner peripheral surface of the outer rib 211 of the hollow fiber membrane case 103 described later are substantially the same, and the outer rib 211 is fixed to the ring case 208 by fitting. Yes. Thereby, purified water and raw water (unpurified tap water) are not mixed.

  A flange portion 28 is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the outer cylinder 27. This is preferable in that the ring case 208 and the upper inner lid 207 and the ring case 208 and the hollow fiber membrane case 103 can be positioned when assembled.

The material of the ring case 208 may be a metal such as stainless steel, brass, or bronze, or a resin such as ABS resin, polycarbonate, polystyrene, or polypropylene. However, the quality and production of an ABS resin with high dimensional accuracy is manufactured by injection molding. There is merit in terms of cost.
It is preferable that the ion exchanger 203 has a ring shape in which long filter media having ion exchange ability are wound and laminated in layers. In particular, when the ion exchanger 203 is a ring-shaped piece manufactured by slicing a sheet-like long filter material wound and laminated in a cross section perpendicular to the axial direction to a predetermined axial thickness, It is more preferable because it can be manufactured at low cost. In addition, for example, a ring shape in which layers of filter media having a relatively short ion exchange capability such as a strip shape are connected and wound in layers may be used. Alternatively, a fibrous filter medium having ion exchange capacity may be simply compression-molded into a ring-shaped predetermined shape.

Furthermore, ion exchangers 203, easily fabricated wound laminated ring in layers, to facilitate maintaining the shape as the ion exchanger to the outside diameter d _o of the ion exchanger 203 in the ring casing 208 It is preferable that the ratio t _a / d _o of the radial thickness t _a of 203 satisfies the relationship of 0.1 to 0.35.

  The long filter medium having ion exchange capability is preferably a sheet of ion exchange fiber, but may be a non-woven fabric or felt carrying an adsorbent having ion exchange capability. The ion exchange fiber is a fiber in which a predetermined functional group is bonded to a styrenic, acrylic, methacrylic acid, or phenol polymer matrix. In order to obtain higher performance, it is preferable to use an acrylic or methacrylic acid base. Examples of the predetermined functional group include sulfonic acid, carboxylic acid, trimethylammonium, dimethylethanolammonium, dimethylamine, polyamine, iminodiacetic acid, aminocarboxylic acid, and polycarboxylic acid. In order to obtain higher performance, sulfonic acid or carboxylic acid is preferable. As the adsorbent having ion exchange capacity, it is preferable to use inorganic adsorbents such as aluminosilicate, calcium phosphate, calcium carbonate and titanosilicate, and organic adsorbents such as ion exchange resin and chelate resin. In order to obtain higher performance, it is preferable to use titanosilicate and aluminosilicate. The long filter medium may be used by mixing a plurality of filter media. For example, when a molded body in which ion exchange fibers and fibrous activated carbon are mixed to form a sheet is used, a cartridge having excellent heavy metal removal performance and improved removal performance of trihalomethane, mold odor and the like can be obtained.

  The current plate 202 shown in FIG. 15 will be described. The purified water purified by the powder filter medium 102 passes through the inner cylinder 206, then comes into contact with the inner cylinder plane 248 of the ring case 208, flows in the radial direction, passes through the bottom surface 24 of the upper inner lid 207, and enters the ion exchanger 203. To reach. Here, the flow straightening plate 202 can flow more uniformly until it reaches the ion exchanger 203 by applying an appropriate pressure loss to the inflowing purified water through the plurality of opening holes 247 arranged on the upper surface 246, so that the ion exchange can be performed. The filtering ability of the body 203 can be improved.

  The opening hole 247 preferably has a hole diameter of Φ0.5 to Φ3.0 and an opening ratio of 15 to 25% with respect to the upper surface 246 in consideration of the flow of purified water flowing in uniformly and the balance of pressure loss.

The material of the rectifying plate 202 may be a metal such as stainless steel, brass or bronze, or may be a resin such as ABS resin, polycarbonate, polystyrene or polypropylene, but the quality of the ABS resin with high dimensional accuracy is manufactured by injection molding. And there are advantages with respect to manufacturing costs.
The filter main body 82 shown in FIGS. 2 and 12 is provided with a raw water inlet 86 at the tip, and in order from the vicinity of the tip on the outer periphery, a small-diameter O-ring 87, a purified water discharge port 88, a large-diameter O-ring 89, and a bayonet mechanism. A pair of convex portions 91 and 92 are provided.

  The filter body 82 is open on the diameter-expanded side, the inside is a double cylinder, and a connection cap 104 described later is inserted into the inner cylinder 93. The inner peripheral side of the inner cylinder 93 communicates with the purified water discharge port 88, and the outer peripheral side of the inner cylinder 93 communicates with the raw water receiving port 86.

  The material of the filter main body 82 may be a metal such as stainless steel, brass, bronze, or a resin such as ABS resin, polycarbonate, polystyrene, or polypropylene. However, it is preferable to produce an ABS resin or polypropylene having good appearance by injection molding. There are advantages with respect to manufacturing costs.

  A hollow fiber membrane bundle 105 obtained by bundling hollow fiber membranes and bending them in an inverted U shape is sealed and fixed by a casting material 106 in the central opening 125 of the hollow fiber membrane case 103 shown in FIGS. The casting material 106 is filled between the hollow fiber membranes and between the hollow fiber membranes and the hollow fiber membrane case 103, and is fixed by solidifying. The hollow fiber membrane 105 is opened toward the connection cap 104 by partially cutting and removing the casting material 106 before connecting the hollow fiber membrane case 103 and the connection cap 104 described later. It is preferable to apply a texture to a part of the inner peripheral surface of the hollow fiber membrane case 103. The casting material 106 is prevented from being peeled off from the hollow fiber membrane case 103, and a load due to water pressure is applied to the casting material 106 at the time of passing water. However, since the casting material 106 has unevenness along the unevenness of the embossing, Therefore, the casting material 106 is not peeled off or dropped from the hollow fiber membrane case 103.

  The material of the hollow fiber membrane case 103 is preferably an amorphous resin having good affinity with an adhesive, and ABS resin and polystyrene are preferable in consideration of safety.

  As the hollow fiber membrane bundle 105, 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. The hollow fiber membrane has a pore diameter of 0.1 to 0.3 μm and is most suitable for capturing turbidity in tap water. The outer diameter of the hollow fiber membrane is φ300 to 600 μm, the inner diameter is φ180 to 340 μm, the film thickness is 50 to 150 μm, and it has sufficient strength. It does not break in the process of bending into a U-shape in manufacturing or the process of pushing into the hollow fiber membrane case 103.

  Since the cross-sectional area of only the hollow fiber membrane of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 105 is 45 to 55% of the cross-sectional area of the opening 125 of the hollow fiber membrane case 103, it has a high turbidity filtration capability and should be used for a long time. Can do. 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 hollow fiber membrane has an outer diameter of φ300 to 600 μm and is sufficiently thin while having strength, a sufficiently large membrane area can be secured in a small casing. This is also a factor that exhibits high turbidity filtration ability.

  The casting material (potting material) 106 is a two-component mixed type in which a fluid main agent and a curing agent are mixed and cured, and polyurethane, epoxy resin, or the like can be used as appropriate. What is necessary is just to solidify them by the centrifugation method or the stationary method.

  On the outer peripheral side of the end portion of the hollow fiber membrane case 103 that is sealed and fixed by the casting material 106, a flange portion that engages with a connection cap 104 described later is provided.

  The connection cap 104 shown in FIGS. 13, 19 (A), (B) has a large tube 131 and a small tube 132, and a first connection portion with the hollow fiber membrane case 103 is provided on the inner peripheral side of one end of the large tube 131. 135 and a second connecting portion 134 to the inner cylinder 93 of the filter main body 82 is provided on the outer peripheral side of one end of the small tube 132. The inner periphery of the first connecting portion 135 is engaged with the outer periphery of the collar portion provided in the hollow fiber membrane case 103 so that there is no backlash. In the engaged state, the connection cap 104 and the hollow fiber membrane case 103 are welded by applying vibration energy while applying pressure by applying a horn of an ultrasonic welder from the connection cap 104 side. The welding method may be any method such as a bad joint method, a step joint method, a shear joint method, a bead joint method, and the like, and is not particularly limited. The connection cap 104 and the hollow fiber membrane case 103 may be coupled by fitting instead of ultrasonic welding. An elastic member such as an O-ring may be interposed between the connection cap 104 and the hollow fiber membrane case 103.

  An O-ring 136 is attached to the annular groove of the second connecting portion 134 of the small tube 132. Since the connection cap 104 is connected to the filter main body 82 via the O-ring 136, purified water and raw water (unpurified tap water) are not mixed.

  As the material of the connection cap 104, the same material as that of the hollow fiber membrane case 103 is used when the connection cap 104 is connected to the hollow fiber membrane case 103 by ultrasonic welding. ABS resin, AS resin, polyacetal, polycarbonate, polystyrene having high dimensional accuracy in molding can be used. When connecting with the hollow fiber membrane case 103 by fitting, relatively soft polyethylene or polypropylene is used. 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.

  A protrusion 244 is disposed on the outer peripheral surface of the large cylinder 131. Since the center axis of the connection cap 104 and the center axis of the filter body 82 can be easily aligned, this is preferable in terms of improving the assembling workability.

  The connection cap 104 is made of the same material as the hollow fiber membrane case 103 when it is connected to the hollow fiber membrane case 103 by ultrasonic welding. ABS resin, polyacetal, polycarbonate, polystyrene having high dimensional accuracy in molding can be used. When connecting with the hollow fiber membrane case 103 by fitting, relatively soft polyethylene or polypropylene is used. 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.

  Next, installation of the water purifier 1 will be described. The water purifier 1 of the present invention is not particularly limited in place of installation, but if used as an under-sink type water purifier that is installed and used under a kitchen sink, the conventional problems can be solved and effective.

  The raw water introduction pipe 7 and the purified water outlet pipe 8 of the filter head 3 for the water purifier are connected to a water purifier faucet (not shown) of the kitchen. When the water purifier faucet is opened by turning a lever, etc., tap water is supplied to the raw water introduction pipe 7 from a valve mechanism built in the water purifier faucet. The purified water purified by the water purifier 1 returns from the purified water outlet pipe 8 to the water purifier faucet and is discharged as it is from the outlet of the water purifier faucet without passing through the valve mechanism. That is, the water purifier 1 is provided on the downstream side of the valve mechanism built in the water purifier faucet, and water pressure is not applied to the water purifier 1 when the water stops. It is a so-called type II water purifier. However, the water purifier 1 of the present invention is not limited to the II type. It may be used as a so-called I-type water purifier in which water pressure is applied to the water purifier 1 when the water stops.

  Next, purification of tap water in the water purifier 1 will be described. 3 and 12, when the water purifier faucet (not shown) is opened, the water purifier of the present invention flows into the raw water introduction pipe 7 of the water purifier filter head 3, and the filter cartridge 2 is introduced into the raw water receiving port 86 of the filter body 82. Here, when the filter cartridge 2 is not attached to the filter head 3 for the water purifier, the check valve 213 and the check valve 214 close the flow path. Can be prevented.

  When the water purifier faucet (not shown) is opened by turning a lever or the like, tap water is supplied to the raw water inlet of the filter cartridge 2 via the raw water flow path 224 of the filter head connecting portion 5 of the water purifier filter head 3. 86. The cylindrical powder filter medium 102 flows uniformly from the outer diameter side to the inner diameter side, free residual chlorine in the tap water is decomposed, and at the same time, volatile organic substances in the tap water are adsorbed and removed. Next, water reaches the inner cylinder 206 inside the cylindrical powder filter medium 102, water flows upward, passes through the current plate 202, and reaches the ion exchanger 203. Water flows from the lower side to the upper side of the ion exchanger 203, and the lead component is removed. Next, water flows from the outer diameter side to the inner diameter side of the hollow fiber membrane 105, and turbid matter and bacteria in the water are captured by the hollow fiber membrane. The purified water that has passed through the hollow fiber membrane 105 is discharged from the purified water discharge port 88 of the filter cartridge 2 and is discharged as it is from the discharge port of the water purifier faucet through the purified water flow path 225 of the filter head connecting portion 5. The user can obtain delicious and safe purified water.

  Finally, replacement of the filter cartridge 2 of the water purifier 1 will be described. When the filter cartridge 2 is turned 90 degrees counterclockwise, the filter cartridge 2 is easily detached from the water purifier filter head 3 by the bayonet mechanism.

  Next, the unused filter cartridge 2 is attached to the filter head 3 for the water purifier. When the tip of the unused filter cartridge 2 is inserted into the water purifier filter head 3, the central axis 242 of the filter cartridge 2 naturally matches the central axis 241 of the water purifier filter head 3. When the unused filter cartridge 2 is rotated 90 degrees clockwise after obtaining the feel that has reached the filter head 3 for the water purifier, the unused filter cartridge 2 can be securely attached to the filter cartridge connecting portion 3.

  The particle size shown in the examples was measured by using a laser diffraction particle size distribution measuring apparatus (model [SALD-3100], manufactured by Shimadzu Corporation), which was obtained by stirring a small amount of sample in pure water. In the apparatus sample tank, the mixture was constantly stirred and subjected to ultrasonic treatment for 1 minute in a state where it was circulated between the sample tank and the cell, and then the particle size distribution was measured.

Example 1
Coconut shell activated carbon was used as a powder filter medium. The particle diameter D50 when the integrated value by the volume particle size distribution is 50% is 197 μm, the particle diameter D90 when the integrated value by the volume particle size distribution is 90% is 295 μm, and the integrated value by the volume particle size distribution is 10%. Thus, the particle diameter D10 was 141 μm. The activated carbon was filled in a filter cartridge having the structure shown in FIG. 3, and the pressure loss value (1) was measured when water was passed at a displayed flow rate of 3.5 L / min. Thereafter, the pressure loss value (2) of the filter cartridge excluding the powder filter medium was measured, and the pressure loss value (3) of the powder filter medium part was calculated by subtracting the pressure loss (2) from the pressure loss (1). . The pressure loss in the powder filter was very small.

(Example 2)
As a powder filter medium, the particle diameter D50 when the integrated value by the volume particle size distribution is 50% is 211 μm, and the particle diameter D90 when the integrated value by the volume particle size distribution is 90% is 319 μm, depending on the volume particle size distribution. The pressure loss was measured in the same manner as in Example 1 except that coconut shell activated carbon having a particle diameter D10 of 143 μm where the integrated value was 10% was used. Although the pressure loss was higher than that of Example 1, there was no practical problem.

(Reference Example 1)
As a powder filter medium, the particle diameter D50 when the integrated value by the volume particle size distribution is 50% is 199 μm, the particle diameter D90 when the integrated value by the volume particle size distribution is 90% is 319 μm, and the particle size distribution by volume The pressure loss was measured in the same manner as in Example 1 except that coconut shell activated carbon having a particle diameter D10 of 116 μm where the integrated value was 10% was used. The pressure loss exceeded 0.018 MPa.

  Table 1 shows the conditions of the powder filter media of Examples 1 and 2 and Reference Example 1, and Table 2 shows the pressure loss values. If the pressure loss value (3) at the time of 3.5 L / min water passing through the powder filter medium part is 0.018 MPa or less, there is no practical problem.

  The present invention relates to a water purifier for purifying tap water, and more particularly to an under-sink type water purifier installed in a space beside or below a sink. Can be applied in general. It is not limited to the undersink type water purifier.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Water purifier 2 Filter cartridge 3 Water purifier filter head 4 Filter head fixing plate 5 Filter head connecting part 6 Flange 7 Raw water introduction pipe 8 Purified water outlet pipe 11 Metal fitting 13 Nipple part 14 Head 15 Fastening member (clamping sleeve)
16 Hose body 17 Opening portion 18 Opening portion 22 Inner diameter side channel 23 Opening portion 24 Bottom surface 25 Upper surface 26 Inner tube 27 Outer tube 28 Brim portion 32 Opening 33 Outer rib 34 Support frame 35 Opening portion 36 Filter material 38 Hollow fiber membrane module 82 Filter body 86 Raw water receiving port 87 Small diameter O-ring 88 Purified water discharge port 89 Large diameter O-ring 91 Convex part 92 Convex part 93 Inner cylinder 102 Powder filter medium 103 Hollow fiber membrane case 104 Connection cap 105 Hollow fiber membrane 106 Casting material 125 Opening 131 Large tube 132 Small tube 134 Second connection portion 135 First connection portion 136 O-ring 201 Bottom cover 202 Current plate 203 Ion exchanger 204 Inner inner wall 205 Outer tube 206 Inner tube 207 Upper inner cover 208 Ring case 209 Inner rib 210 Elastic member 211 Outer rib 212 Lower end opening 213 Check valve 214 Check valve 215 Movable shaft 216 Bar 217 convex portion 218 inclined portion 219 protruding portion 220 insertion recess 221 flow path 222 straight pipe part 223 head end surface 224 raw water flow path 225 purified water passage 226 bottomed cylindrical portion 227 fixing member (tapping screw)
228 O-ring 229 O-ring 230 Partially enlarged portion 231 Partially enlarged portion 232 Closed space 233 First cylindrical portion 234 Second cylindrical portion 235 Partially enlarged portion 236 Partially enlarged portion 237 Rib 238 Gap 239 Inner wall surface 240 Inner rib 241 Center shaft 242 Center shaft 243 Projection 244 Projection 245 Outer rib 246 Upper surface 247 Opening hole 248 Inner cylinder plane 249 Powder filter module

Claims (2)

A filter cartridge containing a filter medium and a filter head for a water purifier to which the filter cartridge can be attached and detached;
The filter head for the water purifier is
A filter head connecting portion for connecting the filter cartridge;
A raw water introduction pipe arranged in the filter head connecting portion for introducing raw water into the filter cartridge;
And a purified water outlet pipe for extracting purified water that is disposed in the filter head connecting portion and purified by the filter cartridge,
The raw water inlet pipe and the purified water outlet pipe are respectively
It is composed of a cylindrical head portion and a cylindrical nipple portion extending from the head portion, and a mouth fitting in which a flow path penetrating the head portion and the nipple portion is formed in the center portion,
A hose body inserted into the nipple part,
And a fastening member that is attached to the outer periphery of the hose body and presses and fixes the hose body to the nipple portion.
The head part of the mouthpiece of the raw water introduction pipe and the head part of the mouthpiece of the water purification lead-out pipe are respectively arranged in two circular insertion recesses formed in the filter head connecting part, and are fixed from the insertion recess by the fixing means. The water purifier in which the raw water introduction pipe and the purified water outlet pipe are each fixed so as to be rotatable with respect to the filter head by being fixed so as not to come off. The mouthpiece of the raw water introduction pipe and the mouthpiece of the purified water outlet pipe each have an outer diameter of the head larger than an outer diameter of the nipple part,
The fixing means includes a fixing plate in which one or two openings having a size through which the head portion does not penetrate and the nipple portion penetrates, and a fixing member that fixes the fixing plate to the filter head connecting portion. And consists of
In the state in which the fixing plate has a portion other than the head of each of the raw water introduction pipe and the purified water outlet pipe penetrated through the opening of the fixing plate, and the head is arranged in the insertion recess. The water purifier according to claim 1, wherein the raw water introduction pipe and the purified water lead-out pipe are each fixed to be rotatable with respect to the filter head by being fixed to the connection portion by a fixing member.

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