JP3841926B2 - Water purification device - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a water purification and sterilization apparatus that purifies and sterilizes raw water such as tap water and groundwater and supplies it as drinking water for general household use and business use.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Recent technical trends in sterilization of raw water in this type of water purification sterilization equipment include devices that sterilize microorganisms such as bacteria by using a hollow fiber membrane module (commercially available product) and suppress propagation, and sterilize raw water by electrolysis And a device for sterilizing with an appropriate amount of generated chlorine are known.
[0003]
In general, in the case of a water purifier as a water treatment device, residual chlorine components such as hypochlorous acid (HClO) contained in raw water such as tap water and groundwater, musty odor, trihalomethane, organochlorine compounds or dyes are adsorbed on activated carbon. It is removed by adsorption through the part. In addition, the ability to remove the adsorbent decreases with the passage of time, and algae, bacteria, and microorganisms propagate in the adsorption portion. Therefore, in order to remove musty odors, trihalomethanes, organochlorine compounds, etc. and bacteria attached to the adsorption part, after the water purification mode for purifying raw water, the regeneration mode for regenerating the adsorption part is started. Yes.
[0004]
This regeneration mode includes a drain mode for draining water contained in the adsorption section, and a desorption mode for electrically heating and desorbing from the organochlorine compound adsorption section after this drain mode, and also sterilizing bacteria, etc. And a washing mode in which the adsorbing part is washed with water after the desorption mode to discharge the desorbed organic compounds and bacteria, and the regeneration mode is completed by sequentially performing each of these series of modes. .
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
As described above, in the conventional water purification and sterilization apparatus, the water purification mode and the regeneration mode are performed at predetermined intervals. In the cleaning mode which is the final mode of the regeneration mode, the water supply operation to the adsorption unit and the The suction part is washed by alternately performing the drainage operation from the suction part. With this water supply and drainage operation, air may remain in the adsorption portion at the end of this cleaning mode.
[0006]
As described above, when air remains in the adsorbing portion after the cleaning mode is completed, the residual air is supplied during the first water purification operation performed thereafter, and the amount of purified water supplied is reduced. Such a situation is not so much a problem in a home water purification apparatus, but is a big problem in a water purification apparatus installed in a vending machine that sells cold beverages or hot beverages. That is, when the beverage is sold for the first time after the washing mode, this residual air is supplied to the cup for a predetermined time. If the beverage supply amount is controlled by the weight supplied to the cup, the sales time will be the same as the air supply time. There is a problem of delay.
[0007]
An object of the present invention is to provide a purified water sterilization apparatus in which air is not supplied in a purified water mode performed after the end of a regeneration mode in view of the conventional problems.
[0008]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention provides a water purification mode for generating raw water by passing raw water through an adsorption portion of conductive activated carbon, and adsorption of the adsorption portion by electrically heating the adsorption portion. In the water purification sterilization apparatus that restores the function and performs the regeneration mode for sterilizing bacteria at a predetermined interval by a timer means, the outlet port that guides the raw water that has passed through the adsorption part to a faucet or the like has an air introduction valve. An air introduction pipe that is open to the atmosphere is connected, and the regeneration mode includes a draining mode for draining water contained in the adsorption unit, and after the drainage mode, the adsorption unit is electrically heated to remove organic matter, bacteria, and the like. A desorption mode for desorption from the adsorption unit, a cleaning mode for cleaning the adsorption unit by repeatedly supplying and draining raw water to the adsorption unit after the desorption mode, and an air introduction valve after the cleaning mode. Open In state, it supplies the raw water to the adsorption portion has a structure having a vent mode for discharging the air in the adsorption portion through the air inlet tube open to the atmosphere.
[0009]
According to invention of Claim 1 , since it has the air vent mode which discharges the air in an adsorption | suction part after washing | cleaning mode, when it transfers to purified water mode after that, air is not supplied by this purified water mode.
[0010]
The invention of claim 2 is obtained by replacing the cleaning mode and the air venting mode according to the water purification and sterilization apparatus of claim 1 with a cleaning / air venting mode in which the cleaning mode and the air venting mode are collectively performed. In this cleaning / air venting mode, the raw water is supplied to the adsorbing unit, the water overflowing from the adsorbing unit is discharged to clean the adsorbing unit, and the water stored in the adsorbing unit is used to vent the air in the adsorbing unit. .
[0011]
According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the water purification sterilization apparatus according to the first or second aspect , a pair of bifurcated branches are connected to the inlet of the air introduction valve, one branch pipe is opened to the atmosphere, and the other Since the branch pipe is connected to the drain pipe for draining the raw water of the adsorption section, the raw water mixed with residual air and flowing into the air introduction valve in the air vent mode is discharged through the drain pipe.
[0012]
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the water purification and sterilization apparatus of the third aspect , since one branch pipe is provided with a check valve for restricting the outflow of the raw water, the raw water mixed with residual air in the air vent mode is exposed to the outside. It can be reliably discharged into the drain without leaking.
[0013]
According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the water purification device of the first aspect, in the air vent mode, the air introduction valve is closed after a lapse of a predetermined time after the supply of the raw water to the adsorption portion is completed. Thereby, the air remaining in the adsorption part is discharged from the air introduction valve during this delay time, and air is not supplied to the faucet or the like in the subsequent water purification treatment in the water purification mode.
[0014]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
1 to 5 show a first embodiment of a water purification sterilization apparatus according to the present invention. FIG. 1 is a sectional view of the water purification sterilization apparatus, FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a control circuit of the water purification sterilization apparatus, and FIG. 1 and 4 in the control flowchart of the water purification sterilizer are shown in Fig. 2 and Fig. 5 are time charts showing the control of the water purification and sterilization device.
[0015]
This water purification sterilizer has a cylindrical water tank 10 for storing raw water. The water tank 10 is closed at the top and bottom with caps 11 and 12, while the upper cap 11 is provided with a lead-out port 11 a communicating with a faucet (not shown), and the lower cap 12 has an introduction port 12 a for introducing raw water into the water tank 10. Is provided. A water supply pipe 13 provided with a water supply valve 13a, a pre-filter 13b and a check valve 13c is connected to the introduction port 12a, and the water supply valve 13a allows the raw water to pass through and does not pass through the water. The backflow from the water tank 10 is regulated by the valve 13c. Further, a drain pipe 14 having a drain valve 14a is connected to the introduction port 12a. When the drain valve 14a is opened, water in the water tank 10 is discharged.
[0016]
On the other hand, an air introduction pipe 15 having an air introduction valve 15a communicates with the outlet 11a, the inlet side of the air introduction valve 15a is bifurcated, one branch pipe 15b is opened to the atmosphere, and the other branch pipe 15c. Is connected to the drain pipe 14 on the outlet side of the drain valve 14a.
[0017]
In addition, a cylindrical suction portion 20 is disposed in the water tank 10. The adsorbing portion 20 is formed by using conductive fibrous activated carbon, and the upper end thereof is held by the upper cap 11 via the plate-like first electrode 21, and the lower end thereof via the plate-like second electrode 22. Are held by the holder 23. An annular passage 24 communicating with the introduction port 12a is formed between the outer surface of the adsorption unit 20 and the inner surface of the water tank 10, and the raw water flowing from the introduction port 12a is passed through the passage 24 into the adsorption unit 20. To flow into. Further, the suction portion 20 has a conductive coil spring 25 interposed between the lower end thereof and the lower cap 12, and the suction portion 20 is urged toward the upper cap 11 by the coil spring 25. 10 is fixed inside. Furthermore, a temperature sensor 26 is attached to the adsorption unit 20, and the temperature of the adsorption unit 20 is detected by the temperature sensor 26.
[0018]
A pouring pipe 27 extending vertically is arranged inside the adsorbing section 20 configured as described above, and the water that has passed through the adsorbing section 20 through the numerous water passage holes 27a of the pouring pipe 27 is led out. It leads to 11a. Here, the extraction pipe 27 is made of a conductive material and constitutes a third electrode.
[0019]
As described above, the water purification sterilizer according to the present embodiment has the first electrode 21, the second electrode 22, and the third electrode 27, and is adsorbed through the second electrode 22 and the third electrode 27 in the water purification mode described later. In the detachment mode of the regeneration mode, a DC voltage is applied to the unit 20 while applying a DC voltage to the adsorption unit 20 through the first electrode 21 and the second electrode 22 to prevent trihalomethane or Organic substances are removed and sterilized.
[0020]
Next, the drive control circuit of the water purification sterilizer according to this embodiment will be described with reference to the block diagram of FIG.
[0021]
The water purification sterilizer according to the present embodiment is automated by including a control device 30 such as a microcomputer. The control device 30 includes a central processing unit (CPU) 31 and a memory 32 that stores a control program. The control device 30 inputs / outputs signals between the timer 33 and the control device 30 or inputs / outputs signals between the control device 30 and the water supply valve 13a, the drain valve 14a, and the air introduction valve 15a. I / O ports 34 and 35 are provided. Thereby, based on the signal from the timer 33, the various valves 13a, 14a and 15a are controlled.
[0022]
Based on these drive control circuits, the water purification mode and the regeneration mode are driven at predetermined intervals, and the drive control in the regeneration mode, which is a characteristic configuration thereof, is described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 3 and 4 and the time chart of FIG. explain.
[0023]
That is, when the purified water mode for feeding purified water to the faucet is performed for a long time and the initial adsorption capacity of the adsorption unit 20 cannot be obtained, specifically, the accumulated time of the purification process is a predetermined limit value. Is reached, it is determined that the adsorption unit 20 needs to be regenerated (S1). Based on the determination of the necessity of regeneration, it is determined whether or not the present time is under water (a state in which the purification process is not performed), and when the purification process is being performed, the end (the water supply valve 13a is closed) ) And the regeneration process of the suction unit 20 is started (S2). Here, the regeneration mode includes a drainage mode, a desorption mode, a cleaning mode, and an air vent mode, and these modes are sequentially performed at predetermined time intervals.
[0024]
This drainage mode is carried out with the water supply valve 13a closed and the air introduction valve 15a and the drainage valve 14a opened (S3, S4). This drainage mode continues until all of the stored water in the aquarium 10 is discharged through the drainpipe 14, specifically, until a drainage time predetermined according to the natural fall ability of the amount of stored water in the aquarium 10 elapses. (S6).
[0025]
After this drainage mode, the mode shifts to the desorption mode. This desorption mode is performed by applying a predetermined AC voltage to the adsorption unit 20 through the first electrode 21 and the second electrode 22. As a result, the adsorbing unit 20 itself, which is an electrical resistor, generates heat due to Joule heat, and the substance adsorbed during the water purification mode is desorbed from the adsorbing unit 20 due to the temperature rise due to this heat generation, and at the same time, adheres to the adsorbing unit 20 Bacteria and microorganisms are killed. This desorption mode is basically continued until a predetermined desorption time elapses, but the temperature sensor 26 indicates that the temperature of the adsorption unit 20 has reached a preset upper limit temperature before the elapse of time. If the temperature sensor 26 detects that the temperature of the adsorption unit 20 has reached a preset lower limit temperature, the application of the AC voltage to each of the electrodes 21 and 22 is stopped (S7 to S10). You may make it restart the application of the alternating voltage to each electrode 21 and 22. FIG.
[0026]
After this desorption mode, the mode shifts to the cleaning mode. In this cleaning mode, the drain valve 14a is closed and the air introduction valve 15a and the water supply valve 13a are opened (S11, S12). Thereby, raw water is taken into the water tank 10 through the water supply pipe 13, passes through the adsorption part 20 through the passage 24, and flows into the extraction pipe 27. As a result, bacteria or the like killed in the desorption mode are desorbed from the adsorption unit 20 and mixed into the raw water. This raw water supply time is continued until the water tank 10 is filled with raw water. When the water tank 10 is full, the water supply valve 13a is closed while the drain valve 14a is closed for a predetermined time (from the full water state until empty). It opens over the drainage time (S13 to S19). Thereby, raw water mixed with death sterilization or the like is discharged through the drain pipe 14. By repeating such a cleaning process a set number of times (N times) (S20), all the killed bacteria and the like in the adsorption unit 20 are discharged, and the regeneration process of the adsorption unit 20 is performed.
[0027]
After this cleaning mode , the mode shifts to the air vent mode. In this air vent mode, the drain valve 14a is closed and the air introduction valve 15a and the water supply valve 13a are opened (S21, S22). Thereby, the raw water is taken into the water tank 10 through the water supply pipe 13 and the raw water flows into the water tank 10 as in the above-described cleaning mode, but the water supply time is set slightly longer than that in the cleaning mode. 10 is filled with raw water, and the raw water is supplied to such an extent that the raw water in the water tank 10 reaches the air introduction valve 15a through the air introduction pipe 15 (S23, S24). When this water supply ends (the water supply valve 13a is closed), the air introduction valve 15a is closed after a while (S25 to S27). Thereby, the air remaining in the water tank 10 is gradually discharged to the outside through the one branch pipe 15b during the delay time, thereby preventing the air from remaining in the water tank 10.
[0028]
By sequentially performing such a series of drainage mode, desorption mode, cleaning mode, and air vent mode, the regeneration mode of the adsorption unit 20 is completed.
[0029]
According to this embodiment, in addition to the action of killing bacteria and the like and discharging dead bacteria and the like by the regeneration mode described above, the remaining air in the water tank 10 is completely removed in the air vent mode which is the final mode of the regeneration mode. Therefore, there is no problem that air is supplied when water purification is performed in the water purification mode.
[0030]
Further, in this air vent mode, when the residual air is discharged through one branch pipe 15b, this residual air is discharged in a foamed manner including water, but most of the water is discharged through the other branch pipe 15c. Therefore, water leakage from the branch pipe 15c can be prevented as much as possible.
[0031]
FIG. 6 shows a second embodiment of the water purifying apparatus according to the present invention. In this embodiment, a check valve 16 is provided in one branch pipe 15b, and raw water flows out from the branch pipe 15b. Is regulated.
[0032]
According to the present embodiment, the residual air discharged in the air vent mode, the water contained therein is regulated by the check valve 16 and all flows to the drain pipe 14 through the other branch pipe 15c. It is. Therefore, water leakage from one branch pipe 15b is completely prevented. Other configurations and operations are the same as those in the above embodiment.
[0033]
7 and 8 show a third embodiment of the water purification sterilization apparatus according to the present invention, FIG. 7 is a flowchart, and FIG. 8 is a time chart.
[0034]
In this embodiment, the regeneration mode has a drainage mode and a desorption mode similar to those in the first embodiment, and the difference is that each of these modes is replaced with the cleaning mode and the air vent mode in the first embodiment. The point is that it has a cleaning / bleeding mode to be performed in a lump. Therefore, the steps (S1, S2) for switching from the water purification mode to the regeneration mode, the drainage mode (S3 to S6) in this regeneration mode, and the desorption mode (S7 to S10) performed after the drainage mode are the same as in the first embodiment. Therefore, the description thereof is omitted.
[0035]
The cleaning / bleeding process is performed with the drain valve 14a closed and the air introduction valve 15a and the water supply valve 13a opened (S11, S12). Thereby, raw water is taken into the water tank 10 through the water supply pipe 13, passes through the adsorption part 20 through the passage 24, and flows into the extraction pipe 27. As a result, bacteria or the like killed in the desorption mode are desorbed from the adsorption unit 20 and mixed into the raw water. This raw water supply time is continued until the time in which the inside of the water tank 10 is completely washed, and the water overflowing from the water tank 10 passes through the air introduction valve 15a together with the air remaining in the water tank 10, It is discharged outside through one branch pipe 15b. Thereby, while the adsorption | suction part 20 is wash | cleaned, the air in the water tank 10 is vented. Other configurations and operations are the same as those in the first embodiment.
[0036]
In addition, in the water purifier which concerns on each said embodiment, although the voltage application system which applies an alternating voltage to the 1st electrode 21 and the 1st electrode 22 is used as an electric heating means of the adsorption | suction part 20, adsorption | suction part 20 is used. Any electric heating means may be used as long as it can be heated. For example, an electric heater (not shown) may be wound around the water tank 10 and the adsorption unit 20 may be heated by energizing the electric heater.
[0037]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the inventions of claim 1 and claim 6 , since there is an air vent mode for discharging the air in the adsorbing section after the cleaning mode, when the water purification mode is subsequently changed, the air is purified in this water purification mode. Will not be supplied. Moreover, in the cleaning mode, by repeating the water supply and drainage for the set number of times, there is no reattachment of desorbed organic matter, dead bacteria, etc. in the adsorption part.
[0038]
According to the second aspect of the present invention, since the cleaning / air venting mode is collectively performed, cleaning and air venting can be performed in a short time.
[0039]
According to the invention of claim 3 , the raw water mixed with the residual air in the air vent mode and flowing into the air introduction valve is discharged through the drain pipe. In the invention of claim 4 , the raw water mixed in the residual air is discharged. All flows into the drain pipe, and raw water does not leak out through one branch pipe.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a water purification and sterilization apparatus according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a control circuit of the water purification and sterilization apparatus according to a first embodiment. Control flowchart 1
[Fig. 4] Fig. 4 is a control flowchart 2 of the water purification sterilizer according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 5 is a time chart showing the control of the water purification sterilization apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a circuit diagram showing the main part of the water purification sterilization apparatus according to the second embodiment. Control flow chart of sterilizer [FIG. 8] Time chart showing control of water purification sterilizer according to the third embodiment [Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Water tank, 13a ... Water supply valve, 14a ... Drain valve, 15a ... Air introduction valve, 15b, 15c ... Branch pipe, 20 ... Adsorption part.

Claims (6)

The timer means includes a purified water mode for generating purified water by passing raw water through the adsorbed portion of the conductive activated carbon, and a regeneration mode for restoring the adsorption function of the adsorbed portion by electrically heating the adsorbed portion and sterilizing bacteria. In the purified water sterilizer to be performed at a predetermined interval,
An air inlet pipe having an air introduction valve is connected to the outlet that guides the raw water that has passed through the adsorption section to a faucet or the like,
The playback mode is
Drainage mode to drain the water contained in the adsorption part;
A desorption mode in which the adsorption unit is electrically heated after the drainage mode to desorb organic substances, bacteria, and the like from the adsorption unit;
A cleaning mode for cleaning the adsorption unit by repeatedly supplying and draining raw water to the adsorption unit after the desorption mode;
After the cleaning mode, with the air introduction valve opened, the raw water is supplied into the adsorbing unit, and the air venting mode for discharging the air in the adsorbing unit through the air introducing pipe open to the atmosphere.
A purified water sterilizer characterized by that. The timer means includes a purified water mode for generating purified water by passing raw water through the adsorbed portion of the conductive activated carbon, and a regeneration mode for restoring the adsorption function of the adsorbed portion by electrically heating the adsorbed portion and sterilizing bacteria. In the purified water sterilizer that performs at a predetermined interval by
An air inlet pipe having an air introduction valve is connected to the outlet that guides the raw water that has passed through the adsorption section to a faucet or the like,
The playback mode is
Drainage mode to drain the water contained in the adsorption part;
A desorption mode in which the adsorption unit is electrically heated after the drainage mode to desorb organic substances, bacteria, and the like from the adsorption unit;
After the desorption mode, the raw water is supplied to the adsorption unit with the air introduction valve opened, and the overflow and air are discharged from the adsorption unit through an air introduction pipe open to the atmosphere to clean and release the adsorption unit. Has a cleaning / bleeding mode
A purified water sterilizer characterized by that. A pair of bifurcated branch pipes are connected to the inlet of the air introduction valve, one branch pipe is opened to the atmosphere, and the other branch pipe is connected to a drain pipe for draining the raw water of the adsorption part.
The purified water sterilizer according to claim 1 or 2. The one branch pipe is provided with a check valve for regulating the outflow of raw water.
The water purification sterilizer according to claim 3. The adsorbing part generates heat by electric heating.
The purified water sterilizer according to claim 1 or 2. In the air vent mode, after the supply of raw water to the adsorbing portion is completed, the air introduction valve is closed after a predetermined time has elapsed.
The purified water sterilizer according to claim 1.

Images