JP3723749B2

JP3723749B2 - Twin cartridge type water purifier

Info

Publication number: JP3723749B2
Application number: JP2001171586A
Authority: JP
Inventors: 均今堀; 隆富錦織
Original assignee: Joplax Co Ltd
Current assignee: Joplax Co Ltd
Priority date: 2001-06-06
Filing date: 2001-06-06
Publication date: 2005-12-07
Anticipated expiration: 2021-06-06
Also published as: JP2002361235A

Description

【０００１】
【発明の属する技術分野】
本発明は、一般家庭の水道水の浄化に使用されるツインカートリッジ型浄水器、特にカートリッジの交換時期を表示する機能を有するツインカートリッジ型浄水器に関する。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
現在、水道の水源環境の悪化に伴い、浄水器への関心が高まり、広く普及され、最近では大きな浄化能力を持つ浄水器が要望されるようになった。しかしながら、単に浄水用カートリッジのサイズを大きくしただけでは、設置スペースの問題が生じるので、何らかの工夫が期待されていた。また、従来、カートリッジ交換型浄水器として、カートリッジの交換時期を表示する浄水器（例えば、特開平０６−０６３５４８公報）があったが、この交換時期算出のための流量センサーを装置内例えば原水の給水口の直前等に安易に装備すると、浄水器自体のサイズが大きくなり、これが設置スペースの問題をさらに大きくしていた。また、従来、カートリッジを浄水機能の異なる二つのカートリッジで構成することによりコンパクト化したツインカートリッジ型浄水器として、活性炭フィルターカートリッジと超マイクロフィルターカートリッジとを有するツインカートリッジ型浄水器（特開平１０−５７４６公報）が知られていたが、これにはカートリッジ交換時期の表示部がないので、この表示部の構成を含めたコンパクト化構造は依然として未解決であった。
また、ツインカートリッジ型浄水器においては、給水側カートリッジの活性炭微粒子が吐水側カートリッジの中空糸膜ユニットに流入してその濾過機能を大きく低減させることがあった。
【０００３】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
本発明は、この点を鑑みてなされたもので、カートリッジ交換時期の表示塔を設けた構造で、しかもツインカートリッジ型に構成したコンパクトで大きな浄水処理能力を持つツインカートリッジ型浄水器を提供することを目的とする。
またさらに本発明は、設置場所に応じて外部接続用の給水管と配水管の取出し方向を何れの方向にも変更できるツインカートリッジ型浄水器を提供することを目的とする。
また本発明は、カートリッジ交換時期を表示塔に段階的に表示するツインカートリッジ型浄水器を提供することを目的とする。
また本発明は、カートリッジの装着ミスを未然に防止するように構成したツインカートリッジ型浄水器を提供することを目的とする。
また本発明は、給水側カートリッジ内の活性炭微粒子が吐水側カートリッジ内の中空糸膜ユニットの濾過機能を損なわないように構成したツインカートリッジ型浄水器を提供することを目的とする。
また本発明は、カートリッジを装着した基台の有底穴に結露の水が溜まらないように構成したツインカートリッジ型浄水器を提供することを目的とする。
また本発明は、カートリッジの着脱を容易とするとともに基台内の汚染を防止したツインカートリッジ型浄水器を提供することを目的とする。
【０００４】
【課題を解決するための手段】
本発明の課題を解決するツインカートリッジ型浄水器は、上部を大径口とし底部に２つの小径口を設けた互いに隣接する２つの有底穴を表面に有する基台と、該２つの有底穴間のそれぞれ一方の小径口同士を接続した連結接続管と、他の各小径口に接続した給水管および配水管を回動可能に接続する接続具と、該各大径口にそれぞれ着脱自在に連結した一対の浄水用カートリッジとを備え、
前記一対の浄水カートリッジには流入口及び流出口がそれぞれ設けられ、一方の前記浄水カートリッジの前記流入口が前記給水管に連通した小径口に連結されるとともに前記流出口が前記連結接続管に連通した小径口に連結され、他方の前記浄水カートリッジの前記流入口が前記連結接続管に連通した小径口に連結されるとともに前記流出口が前記配水管に連通した小径口に連結され、
前記浄水用カートリッジの外周壁上であって前記大径口の開口端の上側に位置する部分に環状の凸条が形成され、該凸条が大径口の上端外周壁に螺合した固着環の中央開口縁で押圧固定されることにより、浄水用カートリッジが前記有底穴に着脱自在に固着されることを特徴としている。
さらには、前記各接続具の回動方向を揃えることにより、前記給水管および配水管を基台の左側若しくは右側の何れの方向にも取り出し可能となすことが望ましい。
【０００５】
さらに詳細には、前記接続具は、実質的にＬ字形の筒体からなり、該当の前記小径口に漏水防止構造を介して回動自在に嵌合しており、該接続具の開口端外周壁に形成された環状凸条が基台の壁面に螺子止めされた板状固定金具により固定されていることを特徴としている。
また、外部接続用の給水管および配水管を挿通する開口部を基台の左右側壁に設けたことを特徴としている。
【０００６】
また本発明の課題を解決する他のツインカートリッジ型浄水器は、上部を大径口とし底部に２つの小径口を設けた互いに隣接する２つの有底穴を表面に有する基台と、該各有底穴のそれぞれ一方の隣接する該小径口同士を接続した連結接続管と、左右両端に開口端部が形成された筒体からなり、その中間部に該各小径口のいずれかに連通する垂直部が形成された一対の流水路と、該各大径口にそれぞれ着脱自在に連結した一対の浄水用カートリッジとを備え、
前記一対の浄水カートリッジには流入口及び流出口がそれぞれ設けられ、一方の前記浄水カートリッジの前記流入口が一方の前記流水路に連通した小径口に連結されるとともに前記流出口が前記連結接続管に連通した小径口に連結され、他方の前記浄水カートリッジの前記流入口が前記連結接続管に連通した小径口に連結されるとともに前記流出口が他方の前記流水管に連通した小径口に連結され、
前記一対の流水路の前記両端部の開口端部は同一形状を有し、前記各流水路の何れか一方の開口端部に外部接続用の給水管と配水管を接続し、他方の開口端部を栓体で閉成したことを特徴としている。
さらに詳細には、前記接続具の両開口端部に対応する基台の側壁のそれぞれに開口部を設け、該開口部の何れか一方を通して外部接続用の給水管と配水管を接続したことを特徴としている。
また、前記浄水用カートリッジの外周壁上であって前記大径口の開口端の上側に位置する部分に環状の凸条が形成され、該凸条が大径口の上端外周壁に螺合した固着環の中央開口縁で押圧固定されることにより、浄水用カートリッジが前記有底穴に着脱自在に固着されることを特徴としている。
また、前記連結接続管内に流量センサーが設置されたことを特徴としている。
また、前記連結接続管を流量センサー自体で構成したことを特徴としている。
また、前記一対の浄水用カートリッジの側面間に生じる基台正面中央上の空間にカートリッジ交換時期を示す表示塔を設けたことを特徴としている。
【０００７】
さらにまた、表示塔と流量センサーとの電気接続回路にマイクロコンピュータを設置し、該マイクロコンピュータにより内蔵のタイマー情報から算出した累積使用期間と、流量センサーの検出した流水情報から算出した累積流水量とに対応する表示レベルを複数段階に定め、該累積使用期間と累積流水量の少なくとも何れか一方が達した表示レベルを表示塔の表示パネルに段階的に表示するように構成したことを特徴としている。
また、前記一対の浄水用カートリッジの内、給水側に活性炭を充填するとともに、吐水側に微粒子除去と鉛除去の役割を有する鉛除去剤入活性炭および中空糸膜ユニットを該鉛除去剤入活性炭が中空糸膜ユニットの給水側に位置するように充填したことを特徴としている。好ましくは、前記鉛除去剤入活性炭中の活性炭としては、粒状活性炭、繊維状活性炭、及び、これらの混合物よりなる群から選択される１つであり、該鉛除去剤入活性炭が円筒状に成形されたものを採用することができる。
また、前記鉛除去剤入活性炭中の鉛除去剤は、粒径１〜１０μの粉末ゼオライトであり、該鉛除去剤入活性炭全体の１０重量％〜５０重量％の割合で混入させたことを特徴としている。
また、前記有底穴の底部に設けた２つの小径口の少なくとも１つの内径が隣接する他の前記有底穴の底部の対応する小径口の内径と異なるように構成したことを特徴としている。
また、前記吐水側の浄水用カートリッジの長さ方向で前記繊維状活性炭の長さを前記中空糸膜ユニットの長さの３０％から５０％としたことを特徴としている。
また、前記有底穴のそれぞれの底部に該底部と前記カートリッジの下部外周壁との間に生じる結露を基台の下に排出する透孔を設けたことを特徴としている。
【０００８】
【発明の実施の形態】
以下、本発明の実施形態を図面を参照して説明する。図１は本発明の一実施形態に係るツインカートリッジ型浄水器の正面図であって、同図にそのカバー２００の同図１Ａ−Ａ線右側を縦断面で破断して内部の吐水側カートリッジ６００を示し、また基台１００の一部を破断して内部のカートリッジ連結部３００を示す。同図に示されているようにこの浄水器は、カートリッジ装着用基台１００とカバー２００とを備え、基台１００は中空台座状に形成され、カバー２００は中空楕円筒状に形成され、このカバーは基台１００の上に着脱自在に装着されている。
また図２はその背面図であって、同図にそのカバー２００を縦断面で破断して内部の一対の給水側カートリッジ５００と吐水側カートリッジ６００を見せ、さらに基台１００の同図２Ｂ−Ｂ線左側を縦断面として、吐水側カートリッジ６００の外部への接続具８００を示している。
【０００９】
また、図１に示されているように基台１００上には柱状の表示塔４００がカートリッジ交換時期表示用として浄水器正面中央に位置するように一体に設けられている。またカバー２００には、切り欠き部２１０を設けてあり、この切り欠きの内周縁は図１に示されているように逆Ｕ字形に形成され、表示塔４００の側縁に隙間の生じないように接合している。図３はカバー２００を取り外した状態の浄水器の正面を示し、同図に示されているように、表示塔４００は、給水側カートリッジ５００の円柱面状側壁と吐水側カートリッジ６００の円柱面状側壁との間に生じる空間に位置するようにコンパクトに設けられている。またこの表示塔の中央には、カートリッジ５００、６００の使用に伴う機能低下を後述のように６段階のレベルで表示できる液晶パネル４１０が設けられている。また、同図３に示されているように基台１００には一対の給水側カートリッジ５００と吐水側カートリッジ６００が垂直に装着されている。これらのカートリッジは、上に抜けないように螺子付き固着環１１０、１６０でそれぞれ基台１００に固着されていて、これらの固着構造は後述のように着脱自在である。
【００１０】
図４はカートリッジ５００、６００を外した状態の基台１００の平面図を示し、給水側カートリッジ５００を着脱自在に装着する有底穴１２０には、その上部の大径口から入れた給水側カートリッジ５００に接続される原水給水用小径口１２１および吐水用小径口１２２が設けられ、また吐水側カートリッジ６００を着脱自在に装着する有底穴１７０にも、その上部の大径口から入れた吐水側カートリッジ６００に接続される給水用小径口１７１、および浄化水吐水用小径口１７２が設けられ、それらは垂直方向に筒状に形成されている。
なお、本実施形態では、カートリッジ５００、６００の装着間違いを犯さないように、原水給水用小径口１２１の径を吐水用小径口１２２の径よりも小さく形成してあり、この構造によりカートリッジ６００が有底穴１２０に装着できないように構成されている。
また、使用中の冷水によるカートリッジ５００、６００の下部外周壁の結露を基台１００の下に排出するために、有底穴１２０に透孔１２５が、また有底穴１７０には、透孔１７５が設けられている。
図５は外部への接続用給水管と配水管を外した状態の基台１００の底面図を示し、前述の給水用小径口１２１、および吐水用小径口１７２には、これらの内径より小さい外径を有するＬ字形接続具７００，８００の垂直方向の開口端部が後述のようにそれぞれ回動自在にそれぞれ嵌合している。
【００１１】
図６は接続具の取付部の要部を分解して示す斜視図であって、接続具７００、８００は同一構造を有しているので、一方の取付部を説明する。接続具７００の垂直開口端７０５はパッキン７１０を介して給水用小径口１２１に漏水防止構造に回動自在に嵌合される。また接続具７００の垂直開口端の外周壁には、同図６に示されているように環状凸条７２０が形成されていて、この凸条７２０は、基台１００内の壁面に螺子７３２で緩締自在に固着されたＵ字形板状固定金具７３０と給水用小径口１２１の下部開口縁との間に挟持固定される。
この接続構造をさらに詳細に説明すれば、図２に示されているように、接続具８００の垂直開口端８０５は、吐水用小径口１７２の内周壁と接続管６５０の外周壁との間隙にパッキンを介して回動自在にしかも漏水防止構造に嵌合している。また、図面を省略して説明するが、接続具７００の垂直方向の開口端部７０５も同様に有底穴１２０の給水用小径口１２１の内周壁と接続管５５０の下端部外周壁との間隙にパッキンを介して回動自在にしかも漏水防止構造に嵌合している。
【００１２】
接続具７００、８００の外部接続側開口端部には、外部配管接続用螺子環７７０、８７０がそれぞれ螺着している。図７は図２のＣ−Ｃ線断面で基台１００内の要部を示す断面図を示し、外部接続用の給水管７６０、配水管８６０を基台１００左側の切欠き開口部１８５から取り出した状態の基台１００の下側から見た水平断面が示されている。接続具７００、８００それぞれの外部接続側開口端部は同一方向へ揃えられており、給水管７６０、配水管８６０は、螺子環７７０、８７０によってそれぞれ接続具７００、８００の外部接続側開口端部にそれぞれ接続されている。図７では、図面上左側から給水管７６０、配水管８６０ともに外部へ取り出すようになしたものが示されているが、図面上右側から取り出すようにすることもできる。
またカートリッジ５００の流出口５３４とカートリッジ６００の流入口６３２との間の流路を構成する連結部３００は、流水量測定部を兼ねており、図５に示されているように保護カバー１１０で覆われていて、その内部では、図１および図７に示されているように、吐水用小径口１２２と給水用小径口１７１が、連結接続管３１０で接続され、また、この連結接続管内には羽根車と磁石とコイルないしリードスイッチを主要構成部品とした市販の流量センサー４２０が設置されている。
【００１３】
また、図３に示されているようにカバー２００の正面中央にカートリッジ交換時期を表示する表示塔４００が基台１００と一体に柱状に形成されていて、この表示塔の中央部分には図１０に示されている液晶表示パネル４１０が設けられている。同図１０に示されているようにパネル４１０は、カートリッジ交換時期を段階的に示すことが可能なように上下に６分割されている。同図１０は、このパネル４１０と流量センサー４２０との電気接続回路図を示すもので、流量センサー４２０にはマイクロコンピュータ４３０が接続されている。マイクロコンピュータ４３０は流水情報と内蔵のタイマー情報とからカートリッジ交換時期表示レベルを算出し、この結果に基いて、表示制御装置４４０を介してパネル４１０にカートリッジの浄水能力低下のレベルを表示させる。その６つのレベルは、使用初期で全部点灯しているが、積算流水量、あるいは使用期間に応じて表示レベルが変化する。すなわち、これらのレベルの変化に応じて、段階的に上から順に消灯して行く。
【００１４】
図８は給水側カートリッジ５００の縦断面図を示し、このカートリッジ５００は中空円筒体形ケース５１０を有する。ケース５１０は、下部開口の外周部に螺子溝を切った逆コップ形本体５２０と、上部開口の内周壁に螺子溝を切った椀形蓋体５３０との組合せで構成されている。本体５２０の下部外周壁には環状の凸条５２１が形成されていて、この凸条が蓋体５３０の開口上端縁に衝合していて本体５２０と蓋体５３０との螺子締め位置を決めている。なお、凸条５２１は、有底穴１２０への装着時にこの有底穴１２０大径口の開口端の上側に位置するように形成されている。また蓋体５３０の下壁部中央には基台１００の給水用小径口１２１に相当する位置に円筒形流入口５３２が設けられ、さらに基台１００の吐水用小径口１２２に相当する位置にこの吐水口に嵌合する円筒形流出口５３４が設けられている。
【００１５】
また本体５２０の上端内部にはこの水平断面のほぼ全部をカバーする空間５２２が流水拡大用として設けられている。さらに流入口５３２から上部空間５２２を接続する中央配管５４０が保持具兼用として設けられ、この配管の上端部周壁には保持部５４２が逆円錐体形に一体に水平に形成されていて、この保持部の外周縁部が本体５２０の内周壁に衝合していることにより配管５４０の上端部が本体５２０の中心軸線上に保持されている。また保持部５４２には等間隔で複数の細孔（図示省略）が開けられていて上部空間５２２から中央配管５４０の上端開口周囲への通水が可能なように構成されているとともに、塵等が保持部５４２を通過しないようにこの保持部の上面はドーナッツ形不織布５４４で覆われている。
【００１６】
また中央配管５４０の下端部には、保持具を兼ねる漏斗形接続管５５０の上部開口が漏水防止構造に嵌合しており、この接続管５５０の外周壁には逆円錐体形保持部５５２が水平に一体に形成されていて、この保持部の外周縁部が本体５２０の下部開口内周壁に衝合していることにより中央配管５４０の下端部が本体５２０の中心軸線上に保持されている。またこの接続管５５０には中心軸線位置に上下方向に中央配管５４０の下端部開口と連通するように透孔５５６が形成されていて、この透孔の下端部が円筒形となって蓋体５３０の流入口５３２から漏水防止構造に外部に突出している。また、保持部５５２にも等間隔で複数の細孔（図示省略）が開けられていて中央配管の周囲から流出口５３４への通水が可能に構成されているとともに、塵等が保持部５５２を通過しないようにこの保持部の上面もドーナッツ形不織布５５４で覆われている。また中央配管５４０の周囲とその上部の保持部５５２と本体５２０の円筒状内壁と接続管５５０の上面との間に形成される空間は、活性炭充填室を構成し、この活性炭充填室にトリハロメタン除去用として約４００ｇの粒状活性炭５７０が充填されている。
【００１７】
また、図９は吐水側カートリッジ６００の縦断面図を示し、この吐水側のカートリッジ６００でも、ケース５１０と同様に、中空円筒体形ケース６１０を有し、このケースは、下部開口の外周部に螺子溝を切った逆コップ形状本体６２０と上部開口の内周壁に螺子溝を切った蓋体６３０との組合せで構成され、本体６２０の下部外周壁には、環状の凸条６２１が形成されていて、この凸条が蓋体６３０の開口上端縁に衝合していて本体６２０と蓋体６３０との螺子締め位置を決めている。なお、凸条６２１は、有底穴１７０への装着時にこの有底穴１７０大径口の開口端の上側に位置するように形成されている。また蓋体６３０の下壁部中央には基台１００の吐水用小径口１７２に相当する位置に円筒状流出口６３４が設けられ、さらに基台１００の給水用小径口１７１に相当する位置に同小径口に嵌合する円筒状流入口６３２が設けられている。
また、本体６２０の内部には中空糸格納用円筒部６４０がケース６２０内に同芯位置関係に設置され、この円筒部内に中空糸膜ユニット６４２が充填されている。なお、中空糸膜ユニット６４２の膜面積はＯ．５から０．７平方メートルである。また円筒部６４０の下端開口には漏水防止構造に漏斗形接続管６５０が嵌合しており、この接続管には中心軸線位置に上下方向に透孔６５２が形成されていて、この透孔が円筒形となって流出口６３４から漏水防止構造に外部に突出している。
【００１８】
また、筒部６４０の上部開口６４６は円板状保持体６６０で蓋をされていて、この保持体の外周縁部６６２が本体６２０の内周壁と開口６４６の外周壁との間に介在することにより円筒部６４０の上部が本体６２０内中央に保持されている。またこの外周縁部６６２には上下方向の透孔（図示省略）が等間隔に開けられていて、本体６２０内壁と円筒部６４０外壁との間の流水が上方へ流入できるように構成されている。また保持体６６０の中心軸線位置には上方に突出した円筒形状の流入口６６４が形成されている。この流入口には鉛除去剤入活性炭、一例として肉厚円筒形の通水性繊維状活性炭６７０の下部開口が嵌合しており、またこの繊維状活性炭の下部外周縁は保持体６６０の上面に形成された凸状環条６６６に嵌合している。なお、繊維状活性炭の円筒外周壁面積は約８０センチ平方メートルである。この結果、繊維状活性炭６７０の下部は保持体６６０の流入口６６４と凸状環条６６６との間に保持されている。また繊維状活性炭６７０の上端開口は、逆円筒台形に形成されたスペーサー６８０の下面中央の係止環条６８２に嵌合し、繊維状活性炭６７０の上端外周縁はスペーサー６８０の下面外周縁の係止環条６８４に嵌合し、またスペーサー６８０の上部開口縁はケース６１０の上部内壁に衝合しており、この結果、繊維状活性炭６７０の上部は保持体６６０の上から外れないようにスペーサー６８０によって押圧保持されている。
【００１９】
また、繊維状活性炭６７０の外周壁とケース６１０の内壁との間には通水用空間６１２が形成されている。
また、繊維状活性炭６７０には鉛除去剤として粉末ゼオライト（粒径：１〜１０μ）が１０重量％〜５０重量％程度の割合で混入されており、また、この繊維状活性炭の上下方向の長さは中空糸膜ユニット６４２の長さの約３６％にとしてあり、中空糸膜ユニットに対して微粒子除去用のフィルターとしての役目を持たされているが、この繊維状活性炭の上下方向の長さを、中空糸膜ユニット６４２の長さの３０％〜５０％の範囲内にすることにより、カートリッジ６００の寿命を最適に保つことができる。
なお、この具体例では鉛除去剤入活性炭として粉末ゼオライト入り繊維状活性炭の例を示したが、活性炭としては繊維状のもののみならず、粒子状のもの、繊維状のものと粒子状のものの混合物も用いることができ、これらの鉛除去剤入活性炭は円筒状に成形されて用いられる。
また、給水側カートリッジ５００については、図３に示されているように固着環１１０が有底穴１２０の大径口の上端外周壁に螺合して、この固着環の中央開口縁が本体５２０の凸条５２１を押圧固定する構成により前述の着脱自在構造となっている。吐水側カートリッジ６００についても、同様に固着環１６０が有底穴１７０の大径口の上端外周壁に螺合して、この固着環の中央開口縁が本体６２０の凸条６２１を押圧固定する構成により着脱自在構造となっている。
また、この実施形態では、カートリッジ５００、６００の周面が円柱面状に形成されているが、これに限らずこれに近い多角柱面状に形成することにより、両カートリッジの側面間に生じる空間にカートリッジ交換時期を表示する表示塔４００を設けても同様の機能が得られる。
また、この実施形態では、カートリッジ５００、６００の装着間違いを犯さないように、原水給水用小径口１２１の径を吐水用小径口１７２の径よりも小さく形成してあるが、この大きさの違いを逆にしても同様の効果を得られる。
また、この実施形態では、パネル４１０が、カートリッジ交換時期を段階的に示すことが可能なように上下に６分割されているが、これに限らず、例えば、簡単に３分割、その他の複数段階に分割してもよい。
【００２０】
次にこのツインカートリッジ型浄水器の浄水機能について説明する。外部接続用の給水管経由で図８に矢印で示されているように水道からの原水が流入口５３２から給水側カートリッジ５００に入ると、この原水は矢印で示されるように中央配管５４０内を通ってカートリッジ５００の上部空間５２２に入った後、粒状活性炭５７０を略均一に通過し、ここで流水中のトリハロメタン等有害物質が吸着されて下部空間に至り、流出口５３４から吐出される。この後、連結接続管３１０を通して、図９に矢印で示されているように、吐水側のカートリッジ６００にその流入口６３２から入り、さらに中空糸格納用円筒部６４０の周囲空間を通って繊維状活性炭６７０の周囲空間に入り、この後、繊維状活性炭６７０でその濾過作用により微粒子を除去され、さらに鉛を除去されて繊維状活性炭６７０の中心部空間に入る。この後、流水は流入口６６４から空間室６４４に入り、さらに中空糸膜ユニット６４２に入り、ここで細菌などが除去されて下部空間室に至り、さらに矢印で示されているように流出口６３４から外部接続用の配水管に浄化水として給水される。
【００２１】
また、使用した水の流水情報は流量センサー４２０の羽根車の回転に応じた電気信号として検出され、カートリッジ交換時期を表示する表示塔４００の表示パネル４１０は使用初期で全部黒く消灯しているが、この流水情報からマイクロコンピュータ４３０により算出された積算流水量、あるいはマイクロコンピュータ４３０のタイマー情報から算出された使用期間に応じて表示制御装置４４０が表示パネル４１０の表示レベルを次のように６つのレベルで段階的に上から順に点灯して白色に変化させる。
レベル１：積算流水量５００リッター以上、あるいは使用期間２ヶ月以上
レベル２：積算流水量１０００リッター以上、あるいは使用期間４ヶ月以上
レベル３：積算流水量２０００リッター以上、あるいは使用期間６ヶ月以上
レベル４：積算流水量４０００リッター以上、あるいは使用期間８ヶ月以上
レベル５：積算流水量６０００リッター以上、あるいは使用期間１０ヶ月以上
レベル６：積算流水量８０００リッター以上、あるいは使用期間１２ヶ月以上
なお、パネル４１０の下部には「交換」の文字が表示されていて、レベル６以降にはこの「交換」が点灯する。
この実施例では、給水管７６０と配水管８６０が左側の切欠き開口部１８５から引き出されていたが、設置場所の都合に応じて、Ｕ字形固定金具７３０、８３０の締付螺子を緩めて、給水用小径口１２１と接続具７００との接続部、および吐水用小径口１７２と接続具８００との接続部をそれぞれ反対側に９０度回動させることにより右側の切欠き開口部１８６から引出すことができる。また設置場所の都合によっては、給水管７６０を開口部１８５から、配水管８６０を開口部１８６からそれぞれ浄水器背面に引出すことができる。
なお、以上述べた実施形態では、接続具７００、８００が基台１００の底部に設けられた２つの小径口１２１、１７２に対して回動自在に設けられているものを示したが、本発明はこれに限定されるものではなく、接続具７００、８００の外部接続側開口端部を同時に右方向ないしは左方向に適宜切り替えることができる周知の構成を採用することができる。
【００２２】
次に外部接続用の給水管と配水管との接続構造を変更した他の実施形態について説明する。図１１は図４と同様にカバーと給水側、吐水側の一対のカートリッジを取り外した他の実施形態の基台１００Ｂの平面図を示し、有底穴１２０Ｂには給水用小径口１２１Ｂと吐水用小径口１２２Ｂ、有底穴１７０Ｂには給水用小径口１７１Ｂと吐水用小径口１７２Ｂがそれぞれ形成されている。同図１１に示されているように、給水用小径口１２１Ｂと吐水用小径口１７２Ｂとは、基台１００Ｂの前面から互いに異なる距離に位置するように有底穴１２０Ｂ、１７０Ｂにそれぞれ形成されている。なお、これらの給水用小径口１２１Ｂ、吐水用小径口１７２Ｂの位置に合わせて、これらに装着する給水側カートリッジの流入口、および吐水側カートリッジの流出口がそれぞれの中心軸線からずれた位置（図示省略）に形成される。
【００２３】
図１２は、図７と同様にその基台１００Ｂの水平な断面の要部を裏側から見た図を示し、基台１００Ｂ内には平行に並んだ一対の流水路７００Ｂ、８００Ｂが配置されていて、これらは基台１００Ｂと一体に形成されている。またこれらの流水路７００Ｂ、８００Ｂには前記実施例のＬ字形接続具７００、８００の垂直部と同構造な垂直部（図示省略）がそれぞれ形成されており、流水路７００Ｂの垂直部は給水用小径口１２１Ｂに、また流水路８００Ｂの垂直部は吐水用小径口１７２Ｂにそれぞれ漏水防止構造に接続している。また流水路７００Ｂ、８００Ｂの左右開口部に対応する基台１００Ｂの左右側壁には外部接続用の給水管７６０Ｂと配水管８６０Ｂを挿通する開口部１８５Ｂ、１８６Ｂが設けられている。図１３は外部接続用の給水管７６０Ｂと配水管８６０Ｂを断面で表したこの実施例の右側側面図で、同図に示されているように基台１００Ｂには流水路７００Ｂ、８００Ｂの開口部７８０Ｂ、８８０Ｂがそれぞれ開口している。これらの開口部７８０Ｂ、８８０Ｂには同図１２に示されているように開口部１８６Ｂを通してかつ接続具９００Ｂを介して外部接続用の給水管７６０Ｂ、配水管８６０Ｂが接続している。接続具９００Ｂは、図１４で示されているように接続具本体９１０Ｂに一対の差込み用筒体９２０Ｂ、９９０Ｂを備え、開口部７８０Ｂ、８８０Ｂに漏水防止構造で着脱自在に差込める構成となっている。また、流水路７００Ｂ、８００Ｂの左側開口端部は、右側開口端部と同じ構造に形成され、接続具９００Ｂと類似の外形をした栓体９５０Ｂで着脱自在に図１２に示されているように閉成されている。
【００２４】
この実施形態では、外部接続用の給水管７６０Ｂ、配水管８６０Ｂが、基台１００Ｂ右側壁の開口部１８６Ｂから引出されているが、必要に応じて図１２で示されているのと逆に右側端部開口７８０Ｂ、８８０Ｂを栓体９５０Ｂで閉成し、外部接続用の給水管７６０Ｂ、配水管８６０Ｂを左側端部開口７９０Ｂ、８９０Ｂに接続して、これらの給水管７６０Ｂ、配水管８６０Ｂを基台１００Ｂの左側壁の開口部１８５Ｂから左側に引出すことが可能である。
【００２５】
【発明の効果】
以上のように本発明によれば、浄水機能の異なる一対の浄水用カートリッジを基台の装着面に並べて装着するとともに、カートリッジ交換時期の表示塔を一対の浄水用カートリッジの前面中間に生じる空間に配置し、また基台の内部の浄水用カートリッジ間を接続する連結接続管内に流量センサーを設置したので、全体としてコンパクトに構成できる。
また、本発明によれば、外部接続用の給水管と配水管を基台の何れの側からも取り出せるので、水道の何れの側にも設置し易い。
また、本発明によれば、吐水側のカートリッジの中空糸膜ユニットの給水側に微粒子除去と鉛除去の両方の役割を有する鉛除去剤入活性炭を充填することにより、給水側カートリッジの活性炭微粒子が中空糸膜ユニットに入らないようにしたので、コンパクトながら長寿命の浄水処理能力を持たせることができる。
また、本発明によれば、カートリッジを装着する有底穴に透孔を設けたので、有底穴に結露の水が溜まることもない。
また、本発明によれば、大径口の開口端に螺合する固定環でカートリッジを固着したので、カートリッジの着脱を容易とするとともに基台内の汚染を防止できる。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】本発明の一実施形態に係るツインカートリッジ型浄水器の図中Ａ−Ａ線右側を一部破断して吐出側浄水用カートリッジの装着状態を示す正面図である。
【図２】図１のＡ−Ａ線右半分を縦断面で示す背面図である。
【図３】図１からカバーを外した場合の正面図である。
【図４】図１からカバーおよび浄水用カートリッジを外した場合の平面図である。
【図５】図１の底面図である。
【図６】図５の要部の分解斜視図である。
【図７】図２のＣ−Ｃ線断面で基台内の要部を示す断面図である。
【図８】本発明の一実施形態に係る給水側浄水用カートリッジの縦断面図である。
【図９】本発明の一実施形態に係る吐水側浄水用カートリッジの縦断面図である。
【図１０】本発明の一実施形態に係るカートリッジ交換時期表示パネルと流量センサーとの電気接続回路図である。
【図１１】本発明の他の実施形態に係るカートリッジを外した状態の基台の平面図である。
【図１２】本発明の他の実施形態に係る基台の水平断面の要部を示す断面図である。
【図１３】本発明の他の実施形態の側面図である。
【図１４】本発明の他の実施形態に利用される外部接続具の要部を示す平面図である。
【符号の説明】
１００基台
１２０、１７０有底穴
１２１、１２１Ｂ給水用小径口
１７２、１７２Ｂ吐水用小径口
１８５、１８６切欠き開口部
１８５Ｂ、１８６Ｂ開口部
２００カバー
３００カートリッジ連結部
３１０連結接続管
４００表示塔
４２０流量センサー
５００給水側浄水用カートリッジ
５３４、６３４流出口
５５０、６３２流入口
５７０微粒子活性炭
６００吐水側浄水用カートリッジ
６４２中空糸膜ユニット
６７０繊維状活性炭
７００給水側の接続具
７００Ｂ給水側の流水路
７６０、７６０Ｂ外部接続用の給水管
８００吐水側の接続具
８００Ｂ吐水側の流水路
８６０、８６０Ｂ外部接続用の配水管
９００Ｂ接続具
９５０Ｂ栓体[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a twin cartridge type water purifier used for purifying tap water in general households, and more particularly to a twin cartridge type water purifier having a function of displaying a replacement time of a cartridge.
[0002]
[Prior art]
At present, with the deterioration of the water source environment of the water supply, interest in water purifiers has increased and has become widespread, and recently there has been a demand for water purifiers with a large purification capacity. However, simply increasing the size of the cartridge for water purification causes a problem of installation space, so some device has been expected. Conventionally, as a cartridge replacement type water purifier, there has been a water purifier (for example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 06-063548) that displays a cartridge replacement time. A flow rate sensor for calculating the replacement time is provided in the apparatus, for example, raw water. Easily equipped immediately before the water inlet, etc., increased the size of the water purifier itself, which further increased the problem of installation space. Conventionally, a twin cartridge type water purifier having an activated carbon filter cartridge and an ultra micro filter cartridge as a twin cartridge type water purifier made compact by configuring the cartridge with two cartridges having different water purifying functions (JP-A-10-5746). However, since there is no display section for the cartridge replacement time, the compact structure including the structure of the display section is still unsolved.
Moreover, in the twin cartridge type water purifier, the activated carbon fine particles of the water supply side cartridge may flow into the hollow fiber membrane unit of the water discharge side cartridge, and the filtration function thereof may be greatly reduced.
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
The present invention has been made in view of this point, and provides a twin cartridge type water purifier having a structure with a display tower for cartridge replacement timing and having a compact and large water purification capacity configured in a twin cartridge type. With the goal.
Still another object of the present invention is to provide a twin cartridge type water purifier that can change the direction of taking out the external connection water supply pipe and the water distribution pipe in either direction according to the installation location.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a twin cartridge type water purifier that displays the cartridge replacement time in a stepwise manner on the display tower.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a twin cartridge type water purifier configured to prevent an erroneous mounting of the cartridge.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a twin cartridge type water purifier configured such that the activated carbon fine particles in the water supply side cartridge do not impair the filtration function of the hollow fiber membrane unit in the water discharge side cartridge.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a twin cartridge type water purifier configured so that water of condensation does not accumulate in the bottomed hole of the base on which the cartridge is mounted.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a twin cartridge type water purifier that facilitates the mounting and dismounting of the cartridge and prevents contamination in the base.
[0004]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  The twin cartridge type water purifier that solves the problems of the present invention is:A base that has two bottomed holes adjacent to each other with a large-diameter top at the bottom and two small-diameter holes at the bottom, and a connection that connects one small-diameter port between the two bottomed holes. A pipe, a water supply pipe connected to each other small-diameter port and a connector for rotatably connecting the water distribution pipe, and a pair of water purification cartridges detachably connected to the respective large-diameter ports,
The pair of water purification cartridges are respectively provided with an inlet and an outlet, and the inlet of one of the water purification cartridges is connected to a small diameter port communicating with the water supply pipe, and the outlet is connected to the connection connecting pipe. Connected to the small diameter port, the inlet of the other water purification cartridge is connected to the small diameter port connected to the connection connecting pipe and the outlet is connected to the small diameter port connected to the water distribution pipe,
An annular ridge is formed on the outer peripheral wall of the water purification cartridge and above the open end of the large diameter port, and the fixed ring is screwed into the upper end outer wall of the large diameter port. The water purification cartridge is detachably fixed to the bottomed hole by being pressed and fixed at the center opening edge ofIt is characterized by that.
  Furthermore, it is desirable that the water supply pipe and the water distribution pipe can be taken out in either the left side or the right side of the base by aligning the rotation directions of the connecting tools.
[0005]
  More specifically, the connection toolIs formed of a substantially L-shaped cylindrical body, and is rotatably fitted to the corresponding small-diameter opening via a water leakage prevention structure, and is formed on the outer peripheral wall of the opening end of the connector. Is fixed by a plate-shaped bracket that is screwed to the wall of the base.It is characterized by that.
  Moreover, the opening part which penetrates the water supply pipe for external connection and a water pipe is provided in the left and right side walls of the base.
[0006]
  Moreover, other twin cartridge type water purifiers that solve the problems of the present invention are:A base that has two bottomed holes adjacent to each other with a large diameter opening at the top and two small diameter holes at the bottom, and a connection that connects the adjacent small diameter ports on each of the bottomed holes A connecting pipe and a pair of flowing water passages each having a vertical portion communicating with one of the small-diameter ports in the middle portion thereof, each of the large-diameter ports including a connecting body and a cylindrical body having open ends at both left and right ends And a pair of water purification cartridges detachably connected to each other,
The pair of water purification cartridges are respectively provided with an inlet and an outlet, and the inlet of one of the water purification cartridges is connected to a small-diameter port communicating with one of the water channels, and the outlet is connected to the connecting pipe. The inlet of the other water purification cartridge is connected to the small diameter port connected to the connection connecting pipe, and the outlet is connected to the small diameter port connected to the other water pipe. ,
Open ends of the both ends of the pair of flow channels have the same shape, and each of the flow channelsA water supply pipe for external connection and a water distribution pipe are connected to one of the opening ends, and the other opening end is closed with a plug.
  More specifically, an opening is provided in each of the side walls of the base corresponding to both opening ends of the connection tool, and the external supply water supply pipe and the water distribution pipe are connected through one of the openings. It is a feature.
An annular ridge is formed on the outer peripheral wall of the water purification cartridge and above the opening end of the large-diameter mouth, and the ridge is screwed to the upper-end outer peripheral wall of the large-diameter mouth. By being pressed and fixed at the central opening edge of the fixing ring, the water purification cartridge is detachably fixed to the bottomed hole.
  Further, a flow rate sensor is installed in the connection connecting pipe.
  Further, the connecting connecting pipe is constituted by a flow sensor itself.
  In addition, a display tower indicating a cartridge replacement time is provided in a space above the center of the front of the base generated between the side surfaces of the pair of water purification cartridges.
[0007]
  Furthermore, a microcomputer is installed in the electrical connection circuit between the display tower and the flow sensor, the cumulative use period calculated from the built-in timer information by the microcomputer, and the cumulative flowing water amount calculated from the flowing water information detected by the flow sensor. The display level corresponding to is defined in a plurality of stages, and the display level that has reached at least one of the cumulative use period and the cumulative amount of running water is displayed in stages on the display panel of the display tower. .
  Further, among the pair of water purification cartridges, the activated carbon is filled on the water supply side, and the activated carbon containing lead removing agent and the hollow fiber membrane unit having the role of removing fine particles and removing lead on the water discharge side are combined with the activated carbon containing the lead removing agent. It is characterized by filling so that it may be located in the water supply side of a hollow fiber membrane unit. Preferably, the activated carbon in the activated carbon containing the lead removing agent is one selected from the group consisting of granular activated carbon, fibrous activated carbon, and a mixture thereof, and the activated carbon containing the lead removing agent is formed into a cylindrical shape. Can be adopted.
  Further, the lead remover in the activated carbon with lead remover is a powder zeolite having a particle size of 1 to 10 μm, and is mixed at a ratio of 10 wt% to 50 wt% of the entire activated carbon with lead remover. It is said.
  Further, the invention is characterized in that at least one inner diameter of two small diameter openings provided at the bottom of the bottomed hole is different from an inner diameter of a corresponding small diameter opening at the bottom of the other bottomed hole adjacent thereto.
  In addition, the length of the fibrous activated carbon in the length direction of the water purification cartridge on the water discharge side is 30% to 50% of the length of the hollow fiber membrane unit.
  The bottomed hole is provided with a through hole for discharging condensation generated between the bottom and the lower outer peripheral wall of the cartridge below the base.
[0008]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a front view of a twin cartridge type water purifier according to an embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 1, the right side of FIG. In addition, a part of the base 100 is broken to show the cartridge connecting portion 300 inside. As shown in the figure, this water purifier includes a cartridge mounting base 100 and a cover 200. The base 100 is formed in a hollow pedestal shape, and the cover 200 is formed in a hollow elliptical cylinder shape. The cover is detachably mounted on the base 100.
FIG. 2 is a rear view of the same. FIG. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view of the cover 200 to show a pair of water supply side cartridge 500 and water discharge side cartridge 600 inside. The connector 800 to the outside of the water discharge side cartridge 600 is shown with the left side of the line as a longitudinal section.
[0009]
Further, as shown in FIG. 1, a columnar display tower 400 is integrally provided on the base 100 so as to be positioned at the center of the front of the water purifier for displaying the cartridge replacement time. Further, the cover 200 is provided with a notch portion 210, and the inner peripheral edge of the notch is formed in an inverted U shape as shown in FIG. 1 so that no gap is formed at the side edge of the display tower 400. It is joined to. FIG. 3 shows the front of the water purifier with the cover 200 removed. As shown in FIG. 3, the display tower 400 includes a cylindrical side wall of the water supply side cartridge 500 and a cylindrical surface shape of the water discharge side cartridge 600. It is provided compactly so as to be located in a space formed between the side walls. In the center of the display tower, there is provided a liquid crystal panel 410 capable of displaying a function deterioration caused by the use of the cartridges 500 and 600 at six levels as will be described later. Also, as shown in FIG. 3, a pair of water supply side cartridge 500 and water discharge side cartridge 600 are vertically mounted on the base 100. These cartridges are respectively fixed to the base 100 by screwed fixing rings 110 and 160 so as not to be pulled out, and these fixing structures are detachable as described later.
[0010]
FIG. 4 shows a plan view of the base 100 with the cartridges 500 and 600 removed, and the water supply side cartridge inserted into the bottomed hole 120 into which the water supply side cartridge 500 is detachably attached from the large-diameter opening at the top thereof. The raw water supply small-diameter port 121 and the water discharge small-diameter port 122 connected to 500 are provided, and the bottomed hole 170 to which the water discharge-side cartridge 600 is detachably attached is also inserted into the water discharge side from the upper large-diameter port. A water supply small-diameter port 171 connected to the cartridge 600 and a purified water spouting small-diameter port 172 are provided, and these are formed in a cylindrical shape in the vertical direction.
In the present embodiment, the diameter of the raw water supply small-diameter port 121 is made smaller than the diameter of the water discharge small-diameter port 122 so as not to make a mistake in mounting the cartridges 500 and 600. It is configured so that it cannot be attached to the bottomed hole 120.
Further, in order to discharge dew condensation on the lower outer peripheral walls of the cartridges 500 and 600 due to the cold water in use to the bottom of the base 100, a through hole 125 is provided in the bottomed hole 120 and a through hole 175 is provided in the bottomed hole 170. Is provided.
FIG. 5 is a bottom view of the base 100 with the water supply pipe and the water distribution pipe connected to the outside removed. The small diameter port 121 for water supply and the small diameter port 172 for water discharge have an outer diameter smaller than these inner diameters. The open ends of the L-shaped connectors 700 and 800 having diameters are respectively fitted so as to be rotatable as will be described later.
[0011]
FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view showing a main part of the attachment part of the connection tool. Since the connection tools 700 and 800 have the same structure, one of the attachment parts will be described. A vertical opening end 705 of the connection tool 700 is fitted to the water supply small diameter port 121 via the packing 710 so as to be freely rotatable. Further, as shown in FIG. 6, an annular ridge 720 is formed on the outer peripheral wall of the vertical opening end of the connector 700, and this ridge 720 is formed by a screw 732 on the wall surface in the base 100. It is clamped and fixed between a U-shaped plate-shaped fixing bracket 730 that is fixed so as to be freely tightenable and the lower opening edge of the small diameter water supply port 121.
If this connection structure is described in more detail, as shown in FIG. 2, the vertical opening end 805 of the connector 800 is located in the gap between the inner peripheral wall of the small-diameter outlet 172 and the outer peripheral wall of the connection pipe 650. It is pivotable through the packing and is fitted to the water leakage prevention structure. Although not shown in the drawings, the opening end 705 in the vertical direction of the connector 700 is similarly a gap between the inner peripheral wall of the small diameter water supply port 121 of the bottomed hole 120 and the outer peripheral wall of the lower end of the connection pipe 550. Further, it can be freely rotated via a packing and fitted into a water leakage prevention structure.
[0012]
External pipe connection screw rings 770 and 870 are screwed into the external connection side opening ends of the connection tools 700 and 800, respectively. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing the main part in the base 100 taken along the line CC in FIG. 2, and the water supply pipe 760 and the water distribution pipe 860 for external connection are taken out from the notch opening 185 on the left side of the base 100. The horizontal cross section seen from the lower side of the base 100 in the state of the state is shown. The external connection side opening ends of the connection tools 700 and 800 are aligned in the same direction, and the water supply pipe 760 and the water distribution pipe 860 are connected to the external connection side opening ends of the connection tools 700 and 800 by screw rings 770 and 870, respectively. Are connected to each. In FIG. 7, both the water supply pipe 760 and the water distribution pipe 860 are taken out from the left side in the drawing, but can be taken out from the right side in the drawing.
In addition, the connecting part 300 constituting the flow path between the outlet 534 of the cartridge 500 and the inlet 632 of the cartridge 600 also serves as a flowing water amount measuring part, and as shown in FIG. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 7, the water discharge small-diameter port 122 and the water supply small-diameter port 171 are connected by a connection connecting pipe 310, and inside the connection connection pipe A commercially available flow sensor 420 having an impeller, a magnet, a coil or a reed switch as main components is installed.
[0013]
Further, as shown in FIG. 3, a display tower 400 for displaying the cartridge replacement time is formed in a columnar shape integrally with the base 100 at the front center of the cover 200. A liquid crystal display panel 410 shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 10, the panel 410 is divided into six parts vertically so that the cartridge replacement timing can be shown in stages. FIG. 10 shows an electrical connection circuit diagram of the panel 410 and the flow sensor 420, and a microcomputer 430 is connected to the flow sensor 420. The microcomputer 430 calculates the cartridge replacement time display level from the running water information and the built-in timer information, and based on this result, displays the level of the reduction in the water purification capacity of the cartridge on the panel 410 via the display control device 440. The six levels are all lit at the beginning of use, but the display level changes depending on the accumulated water flow or the period of use. That is, the lights are turned off step by step in accordance with changes in these levels.
[0014]
FIG. 8 is a longitudinal sectional view of the water supply side cartridge 500, and the cartridge 500 has a hollow cylindrical body case 510. The case 510 is configured by a combination of an inverted cup-shaped main body 520 having a screw groove cut in the outer peripheral portion of the lower opening and a hook-shaped lid 530 having a screw groove cut in the inner peripheral wall of the upper opening. An annular ridge 521 is formed on the lower outer peripheral wall of the main body 520, and this ridge abuts the upper edge of the opening of the lid 530 to determine the screw tightening position between the main body 520 and the lid 530. Yes. In addition, the protruding item | line 521 is formed so that it may be located in the upper side of the opening end of this bottomed hole 120 large diameter opening | mouth at the time of mounting | wearing with the bottomed hole 120. FIG. In addition, a cylindrical inflow port 532 is provided at a position corresponding to the water supply small-diameter port 121 of the base 100 at the center of the lower wall portion of the lid 530, and further at a position corresponding to the water discharge small-diameter port 122 of the base 100 A cylindrical outlet 534 that fits into the water outlet is provided.
[0015]
Further, a space 522 that covers almost the entire horizontal section is provided inside the upper end of the main body 520 for enlarging running water. Further, a central pipe 540 that connects the upper space 522 from the inflow port 532 is provided as a holding tool, and a holding part 542 is integrally formed horizontally in an inverted conical shape on the peripheral wall of the upper end of the pipe. The upper peripheral edge of the pipe 540 is held on the central axis of the main body 520 by the outer peripheral edge of the pipe 540 being in contact with the inner peripheral wall of the main body 520. The holding portion 542 is formed with a plurality of pores (not shown) at equal intervals so that water can be passed from the upper space 522 to the periphery of the upper end opening of the central pipe 540, and dust or the like. The upper surface of the holding part is covered with a donut-shaped non-woven fabric 544 so as not to pass through the holding part 542.
[0016]
In addition, an upper opening of a funnel-shaped connection pipe 550 that also serves as a holder is fitted to the water leakage prevention structure at the lower end of the central pipe 540, and an inverted conical holding part 552 is horizontally disposed on the outer peripheral wall of the connection pipe 550. The lower peripheral portion of the central pipe 540 is held on the central axis of the main body 520 because the outer peripheral edge of the holding portion is in contact with the lower opening inner peripheral wall of the main body 520. The connecting pipe 550 is formed with a through hole 556 at the center axis position so as to communicate with the lower end opening of the central pipe 540 in the vertical direction. The lower end of the through hole is cylindrical and has a lid 530. It protrudes to the outside from the inflow port 532 to the water leakage prevention structure. In addition, a plurality of pores (not shown) are opened at equal intervals in the holding portion 552 so that water can be passed from the periphery of the central pipe to the outlet 534, and dust and the like are held in the holding portion 552. The upper surface of the holding portion is also covered with a donut-shaped nonwoven fabric 554 so as not to pass through. Further, the space formed between the periphery of the central pipe 540, the holding portion 552 at the upper part thereof, the cylindrical inner wall of the main body 520, and the upper surface of the connection pipe 550 constitutes an activated carbon filling chamber. About 400 g of granular activated carbon 570 is filled for use.
[0017]
FIG. 9 is a longitudinal sectional view of the water discharge side cartridge 600. This water discharge side cartridge 600 also has a hollow cylindrical case 610, similar to the case 510, and this case has a screw on the outer periphery of the lower opening. It is composed of a combination of an inverted cup-shaped main body 620 having a groove and a lid 630 having a screw groove formed on the inner peripheral wall of the upper opening, and an annular ridge 621 is formed on the lower outer peripheral wall of the main body 620. The protrusions abut on the upper edge of the opening of the lid body 630 to determine the screw tightening position between the main body 620 and the lid body 630. The protruding strip 621 is formed so as to be positioned above the open end of the bottomed hole 170 large-diameter mouth when the bottomed hole 170 is mounted. In addition, a cylindrical outlet 634 is provided in the center of the lower wall portion of the lid 630 at a position corresponding to the small-diameter outlet 172 of the base 100, and the same as the position corresponding to the small-diameter outlet 171 of the base 100. A cylindrical inlet 632 that fits into the small diameter port is provided.
In addition, a hollow fiber storage cylindrical portion 640 is installed in the case 620 in a concentric positional relationship inside the main body 620, and the hollow fiber membrane unit 642 is filled in the cylindrical portion. The membrane area of the hollow fiber membrane unit 642 is O.D. 5 to 0.7 square meters. A funnel-shaped connection pipe 650 is fitted to the lower end opening of the cylindrical portion 640 in a water leakage prevention structure, and a through-hole 652 is formed in the connection pipe at the center axis position in the vertical direction. It has a cylindrical shape and protrudes from the outlet 634 to the water leakage prevention structure.
[0018]
Further, the upper opening 646 of the cylindrical portion 640 is covered with a disc-like holding body 660, and the outer peripheral edge portion 662 of this holding body is interposed between the inner peripheral wall of the main body 620 and the outer peripheral wall of the opening 646. Thus, the upper portion of the cylindrical portion 640 is held at the center in the main body 620. Further, the outer peripheral edge 662 is provided with vertical through holes (not shown) at equal intervals so that water flowing between the inner wall of the main body 620 and the outer wall of the cylindrical portion 640 can flow upward. . A cylindrical inflow port 664 protruding upward is formed at the central axis position of the holding body 660. The inlet is fitted with an activated carbon containing lead remover, for example, a lower opening of a thick cylindrical water-permeable fibrous activated carbon 670, and the lower outer peripheral edge of the fibrous activated carbon is on the upper surface of the holding body 660. The formed convex ring 666 is fitted. In addition, the cylindrical outer peripheral wall area of fibrous activated carbon is about 80 centimeter square. As a result, the lower part of the fibrous activated carbon 670 is held between the inlet 664 of the holding body 660 and the convex ring 666. The upper end opening of the fibrous activated carbon 670 is fitted to a locking ring 682 at the center of the lower surface of the spacer 680 formed in an inverted cylindrical trapezoid, and the outer peripheral edge of the upper end of the fibrous activated carbon 670 is related to the outer peripheral edge of the lower surface of the spacer 680. The upper edge of the spacer 680 is engaged with the upper inner wall of the case 610 so that the upper portion of the fibrous activated carbon 670 does not come off from the top of the holding body 660. 680 is pressed and held.
[0019]
A water passage space 612 is formed between the outer peripheral wall of the fibrous activated carbon 670 and the inner wall of the case 610.
Further, fibrous activated carbon 670 is mixed with powdered zeolite (particle size: 1 to 10 μm) as a lead removing agent in a ratio of about 10 wt% to 50 wt%. The length is about 36% of the length of the hollow fiber membrane unit 642, and the hollow fiber membrane unit serves as a filter for removing fine particles. Is within the range of 30% to 50% of the length of the hollow fiber membrane unit 642, the life of the cartridge 600 can be kept optimal.
In addition, in this specific example, an example of fibrous activated carbon containing powdered zeolite as the activated carbon containing lead removal agent is shown, but the activated carbon is not only in the form of fibers, but also in the form of particles, fibers and particles. Mixtures can also be used, and these activated carbons with a lead removing agent are formed into a cylindrical shape.
As for the water supply side cartridge 500, as shown in FIG. 3, the fixing ring 110 is screwed into the outer peripheral wall of the upper end of the large-diameter mouth of the bottomed hole 120, and the central opening edge of this fixing ring is the main body 520. The above-described detachable structure is configured by pressing and fixing the convex strip 521. Similarly, with respect to the water discharge side cartridge 600, the fixing ring 160 is screwed into the upper end outer peripheral wall of the large-diameter mouth of the bottomed hole 170, and the central opening edge of the fixing ring presses and fixes the protrusion 621 of the main body 620. It has a detachable structure.
In this embodiment, the peripheral surfaces of the cartridges 500 and 600 are formed in a cylindrical surface shape. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a space generated between the side surfaces of both cartridges is formed by forming a polygonal prism surface shape close thereto. A similar function can be obtained by providing a display tower 400 for displaying the cartridge replacement time.
Further, in this embodiment, the diameter of the raw water supply small-diameter port 121 is formed smaller than the diameter of the water discharge small-diameter port 172 so as not to make a mistake in mounting the cartridges 500 and 600. The same effect can be obtained by reversing.
Further, in this embodiment, the panel 410 is divided into six parts in the vertical direction so that the cartridge replacement timing can be indicated in stages. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the panel 410 is simply divided into three parts and other multiple stages. You may divide into.
[0020]
Next, the water purification function of this twin cartridge type water purifier will be described. When raw water from the water supply enters the water supply side cartridge 500 through the inlet 532 as indicated by an arrow in FIG. 8 via a water supply pipe for external connection, the raw water passes through the central pipe 540 as indicated by an arrow. After passing through the upper space 522 of the cartridge 500, it passes through the granular activated carbon 570 substantially uniformly, where harmful substances such as trihalomethane in the running water are adsorbed and reach the lower space, and are discharged from the outlet 534. Thereafter, as shown by an arrow in FIG. 9, the cartridge 600 on the water discharge side enters from the inlet 632 through the connection connecting pipe 310, and further passes through the surrounding space of the hollow fiber storing cylindrical portion 640 to form a fiber. After entering the surrounding space of the activated carbon 670, the fine particles are removed by the filtering action by the fibrous activated carbon 670, and further lead is removed to enter the central space of the fibrous activated carbon 670. Thereafter, the flowing water enters the space chamber 644 from the inlet 664, and further enters the hollow fiber membrane unit 642, where bacteria and the like are removed to reach the lower space chamber, and the outlet 634 is further indicated by an arrow. Is supplied as purified water to a distribution pipe for external connection.
[0021]
The used water flow information is detected as an electrical signal corresponding to the rotation of the impeller of the flow sensor 420, and the display panel 410 of the display tower 400 that displays the cartridge replacement timing is all turned off in the initial stage of use. The display control device 440 sets the display level of the display panel 410 according to the accumulated flow amount calculated by the microcomputer 430 from the flowing water information or the usage period calculated from the timer information of the microcomputer 430 as follows. It turns on in order from the top in stages and changes to white.
Level 1: Accumulated running water of 500 liters or more, or usage period of 2 months or more
Level 2: Accumulated running water volume of 1000 liters or more, or usage period of 4 months or more
Level 3: Accumulated running water volume of 2000 liters or more, or usage period of 6 months or more
Level 4: Cumulative running water volume 4000 liters or more, or usage period 8 months or more
Level 5: Accumulated water flow 6000 liters or more, or use period 10 months or more
Level 6: Cumulative running water volume 8000 liters or more, or usage period 12 months or more
Note that the word “replacement” is displayed at the bottom of the panel 410, and this “replacement” lights up after level 6.
In this embodiment, the water supply pipe 760 and the water distribution pipe 860 are drawn out from the left-side cutout opening 185, but according to the convenience of the installation location, the fastening screws of the U-shaped fixing brackets 730 and 830 are loosened, The connection portion between the water supply small-diameter port 121 and the connection tool 700 and the connection portion between the water discharge small-diameter port 172 and the connection device 800 are respectively rotated 90 degrees to the opposite side to be pulled out from the right-side cutout opening 186. Can do. Depending on the installation location, the water supply pipe 760 can be pulled out from the opening 185 and the water distribution pipe 860 can be pulled out from the opening 186 to the back of the water purifier.
In the above-described embodiment, the connection tools 700 and 800 are provided so as to be rotatable with respect to the two small diameter ports 121 and 172 provided at the bottom of the base 100. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and it is possible to adopt a known configuration in which the external connection side opening end portions of the connection tools 700 and 800 can be appropriately switched rightward or leftward at the same time.
[0022]
Next, another embodiment in which the connection structure between the water supply pipe for external connection and the water distribution pipe is changed will be described. FIG. 11 shows a plan view of a base 100B of another embodiment from which a pair of cartridges on the water supply side and the water discharge side is removed as in FIG. 4, and a bottom hole 120B has a small water supply port 121B and a water discharge The small-diameter port 122B and the bottomed hole 170B are formed with a small-diameter port for water supply 171B and a small-diameter port for water discharge 172B, respectively. As shown in FIG. 11, the water supply small-diameter port 121B and the water discharge small-diameter port 172B are respectively formed in the bottomed holes 120B and 170B so as to be located at different distances from the front surface of the base 100B. Yes. In addition, according to the positions of the small water supply port 121B and the small water discharge port 172B, the inflow port of the water supply side cartridge and the outflow port of the water discharge side cartridge attached to these are shifted from their respective central axes (illustrated). (Omitted).
[0023]
FIG. 12 shows a view of the main part of the horizontal cross section of the base 100B as seen from the back side as in FIG. 7, and a pair of water channels 700B and 800B arranged in parallel are arranged in the base 100B. These are formed integrally with the base 100B. In addition, a vertical portion (not shown) having the same structure as the vertical portion of the L-shaped connector 700, 800 of the above embodiment is formed in each of the water channels 700B, 800B. The vertical portion of the water channel 700B is for water supply. The small diameter port 121B and the vertical portion of the water flow channel 800B are connected to the water discharge small diameter port 172B, respectively, to the water leakage prevention structure. Further, openings 185B and 186B through which the external connection water supply pipe 760B and the water distribution pipe 860B are inserted are provided on the left and right side walls of the base 100B corresponding to the left and right openings of the water channels 700B and 800B. FIG. 13 is a right side view of this embodiment showing a cross section of a water supply pipe 760B and a water distribution pipe 860B for external connection. As shown in the figure, the base 100B has openings of flow channels 700B and 800B. 780B and 880B are opened. A water supply pipe 760B and a water distribution pipe 860B for external connection are connected to these openings 780B and 880B through the opening 186B and through the connector 900B as shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 14, the connector 900B includes a pair of insertion cylinders 920B and 990B in the connector main body 910B, and can be detachably inserted into the openings 780B and 880B with a water leakage prevention structure. Yes. Moreover, as shown in FIG. 12, the left opening end portions of the flowing water channels 700 </ b> B and 800 </ b> B are formed in the same structure as the right opening end portion, and are detachable by a plug body 950 </ b> B having an external shape similar to the connection tool 900 </ b> B. It is closed.
[0024]
In this embodiment, the external connection water supply pipe 760B and the water distribution pipe 860B are drawn out from the opening 186B on the right side wall of the base 100B, but on the right side as shown in FIG. The end openings 780B and 880B are closed by a plug 950B, the external connection water supply pipe 760B and the water distribution pipe 860B are connected to the left end opening 790B and 890B, and the water supply pipe 760B and the water distribution pipe 860B are used as a base. It can be pulled out to the left from the opening 185B on the left side wall of the table 100B.
[0025]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, a pair of water purification cartridges having different water purification functions are mounted side by side on the mounting surface of the base, and a display tower for cartridge replacement time is provided in the space generated in the middle of the front surface of the pair of water purification cartridges. Since the flow rate sensor is installed in the connecting connecting pipe that is disposed and connects between the cartridges for water purification inside the base, it can be configured compactly as a whole.
In addition, according to the present invention, since the water supply pipe and the water distribution pipe for external connection can be taken out from either side of the base, it is easy to install on either side of the water supply.
Further, according to the present invention, the activated carbon fine particles of the water supply side cartridge can be obtained by filling the water supply side of the hollow fiber membrane unit of the water discharge side cartridge with the activated carbon containing lead remover having both the role of fine particle removal and lead removal. Since the hollow fiber membrane unit is prevented from entering, it is possible to provide a long-life water purification treatment capacity while being compact.
In addition, according to the present invention, since the through hole is provided in the bottomed hole in which the cartridge is mounted, the condensed water does not collect in the bottomed hole.
Further, according to the present invention, since the cartridge is fixed by the fixing ring that is screwed into the opening end of the large-diameter opening, the cartridge can be easily attached and detached and contamination in the base can be prevented.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a front view of a twin cartridge type water purifier according to an embodiment of the present invention, in which a right side of the line AA in the drawing is partially broken to show a mounted state of a discharge water purification cartridge.
FIG. 2 is a rear view showing the right half of the line AA in FIG.
FIG. 3 is a front view when a cover is removed from FIG. 1;
FIG. 4 is a plan view when the cover and the water purification cartridge are removed from FIG. 1;
FIG. 5 is a bottom view of FIG. 1;
6 is an exploded perspective view of the main part of FIG.
7 is a cross-sectional view showing the main part in the base in the cross section taken along the line CC of FIG. 2;
FIG. 8 is a longitudinal sectional view of a water supply side water purification cartridge according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 9 is a longitudinal sectional view of a water discharge side water purification cartridge according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 10 is an electrical connection circuit diagram of a cartridge replacement time display panel and a flow rate sensor according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 11 is a plan view of the base with a cartridge removed according to another embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view showing a main part of a horizontal cross section of a base according to another embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 13 is a side view of another embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 14 is a plan view showing a main part of an external connector used in another embodiment of the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
100 base
120, 170 Bottomed hole
121, 121B Small-diameter port for water supply
172, 172B Small-diameter mouth for water discharge
185, 186 Notch opening
185B, 186B opening
200 cover
300 Cartridge connection
310 Connecting pipe
400 display tower
420 Flow sensor
500 Water supply side water purification cartridge
534, 634 outlet
550, 632 Inlet
570 Fine activated carbon
600 Water-purifying cartridge
642 Hollow fiber membrane unit
670 Fibrous activated carbon
700 Water supply side connector
700B Flow channel on the water supply side
760, 760B Water supply pipe for external connection
800 Connector on the water discharge side
800B Flowing channel on the water discharge side
860, 860B Water distribution pipe for external connection
900B connector
950B plug

Claims

A base having two bottomed holes adjacent to each other in which two small diameter opening the top to the bottom and large径口 the surface, coupling connections respectively connecting the small diameter opening between the one between the two bottomed holes comprising a tube and a connector for connecting the water supply pipe and water pipe connected to each of the other small-diameter openings rotatably, and a pair of water purification cartridge respectively removably connected to the respective large 径口,
The pair of water purification cartridges are respectively provided with an inlet and an outlet, and the inlet of one of the water purification cartridges is connected to a small diameter port communicating with the water supply pipe, and the outlet is connected to the connection connecting pipe. Connected to the small diameter port, the inlet of the other water purification cartridge is connected to the small diameter port connected to the connection connecting pipe and the outlet is connected to the small diameter port connected to the water distribution pipe,
An annular ridge is formed on the outer peripheral wall of the water purification cartridge and above the open end of the large diameter port, and the fixed ring is screwed into the upper end outer wall of the large diameter port. A twin cartridge type water purifier, wherein the water purifying cartridge is detachably fixed to the bottomed hole by being pressed and fixed at the center opening edge .

2. The twin cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the water supply pipe and the water distribution pipe can be taken out in either the left side or the right side of the base by aligning the rotation directions of the respective connecting devices. Type water purifier.

The connecting device is substantially composed of cylindrical body of L-shaped, it is fitted rotatably through a leakage prevention structure to said small-diameter opening in question has been formed in the opening end outer circumferential wall of the fitting The twin cartridge type water purifier according to claim 1 , wherein the annular ridge is fixed by a plate-shaped fixture that is screwed to the wall surface of the base .

The twin cartridge type water purifier according to any one of claims 1 to 3 , wherein at least two or more openings through which a water supply pipe and a water distribution pipe for external connection are inserted are provided on a side wall of the base.

Coupling connected with a base having two bottomed holes adjacent to each other in which two small diameter opening the top to the bottom and large径口 the surface, respectively the diameter opening adjacent to each other of one of the respective blind hole a connecting pipe, made of the open end is formed cylindrical body to the left and right ends, a pair of water flow passages vertical portion formed communicating with the one of the respective small-diameter opening in its middle portion, each of said large径口and a pair of water purification cartridge detachably connected respectively,
The pair of water purification cartridges are respectively provided with an inlet and an outlet, and the inlet of one of the water purification cartridges is connected to a small-diameter port communicating with one of the water channels, and the outlet is connected to the connecting pipe. The inlet of the other water purification cartridge is connected to the small diameter port connected to the connection connecting pipe, and the outlet is connected to the small diameter port connected to the other water pipe. ,
The opening ends of the both ends of the pair of water channels have the same shape, and a water supply pipe and a water distribution pipe for external connection are connected to one of the opening ends of each of the water channels , and the other opening end. Twin cartridge type water purifier characterized by closing the part with a plug.

An opening is provided in each of the side walls of the base corresponding to both opening ends of the flow channel, and a water supply pipe and a water distribution pipe for external connection are connected through one of the openings. Twin cartridge water purifier according to 5.

An annular ridge is formed on the outer peripheral wall of the water purification cartridge and located above the open end of the large diameter port, and the fixed ring is screwed to the upper end outer wall of the large diameter port. The water purification cartridge is detachably fixed to the bottomed hole by being pressed and fixed at the center opening edge of the bottom. The twin cartridge type water purifier according to claim 5 or 6.

The twin cartridge type water purifier according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein a flow rate sensor is installed in the connection connecting pipe.

The twin cartridge type water purifier according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the connection connecting pipe is constituted by a flow rate sensor itself.

The twin cartridge type water purifier according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein a display tower indicating a cartridge replacement time is provided in a space above the center of the front of the base generated between the side surfaces of the pair of water purification cartridges. .

A microcomputer is installed in the electrical connection circuit between the display tower and the flow rate sensor, and the microcomputer corresponds to the cumulative usage period calculated from the built-in timer information and the cumulative running water amount calculated from the running water information detected by the flow rate sensor. 2. The display level is defined in a plurality of stages, and the display level that has reached at least one of the cumulative use period and the cumulative running water amount is displayed in stages on the display panel of the display tower. Thru | or the twin cartridge type water purifier in any one of 10 .

The activated carbon is filled on the water supply side of the pair of water purification cartridges, and the activated carbon containing the lead removing agent and the hollow fiber membrane unit are disposed on the water discharge side so that the activated carbon containing the lead removing agent is located on the water supply side of the hollow fiber membrane unit. The twin cartridge type water purifier according to claim 1 , wherein the twin cartridge type water purifier is filled.

The activated carbon in the activated carbon with lead remover is one selected from the group consisting of granular activated carbon, fibrous activated carbon, and a mixture thereof, and the activated carbon with lead remover is molded into a cylindrical shape. The twin cartridge type water purifier according to claim 12,

The lead remover in the activated carbon with lead remover is a powdered zeolite having a particle size of 1 to 10 μm, and is mixed in a proportion of 10 to 50% by weight of the entire activated carbon with lead remover. The twin cartridge type water purifier according to claim 12 or 13 .

15. The length of the activated carbon portion containing the lead removal agent in the length direction of the water purification cartridge on the water discharge side is 30% to 50% of the length of the hollow fiber membrane unit . The twin cartridge type water purifier according to any one of the above.

2. The inner diameter of at least one of the two small diameter openings provided at the bottom of the bottomed hole is configured to be different from the inner diameter of the corresponding small diameter opening at the bottom of the other bottomed hole. Thru | or the twin cartridge type water purifier in any one of 15 .

Any one of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that a hole for discharging condensation which occurs between the lower outer peripheral wall of each of the bottom the cartridge and the bottom portion of the bottomed hole in the base under the base Twin cartridge type water purifier as described in 1.