JPH1043746A - Water purifier - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a water purifier capable of informing the exchanging time of a filter media to a user and safely and constantly generating fine water to be used. SOLUTION: This water purifier is provided with a filter 2, a raw water introducing passage 6 for introducing a raw water to the filter 2, a purified water discharge passage 7 for introducing a purified water extracted by the filter 2 to a faucet 4, a directing switch 9 for directing the extraction and the stoppage of the extraction of the purified water, a switching valve 12 interposed in the raw water introducing passage 7 and opening or closing basing on the direction of the directing switch 9, an alarm 13 for informing that the filter media of the filter 2 reaches the exchange time and a controller 14 for integrating the time or the frequency of the opening state of the directing switch 9 and actuating the alarm 13 when the integrated value reaches the setted value.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a water purifier for extracting raw water such as tap water through a filter medium of a filter, thereby removing water and harmful components.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In a water purifier, the filtering function of a filter medium gradually decreases due to repeated extraction of purified water, and it is necessary to periodically replace the filter medium with a new one in order to maintain its performance. For this reason, in conventional water purifiers, the internal state can be seen through the window provided in the filter, and the replacement time can be known based on the degree of discoloration of the filter medium. The pressure difference on the side is displayed, and when this pressure difference becomes equal to or greater than a set value, a replacement time is set.

However, in the above-mentioned conventional water purifier, the replacement of the filter medium is left to the user, and in any case, the user visually checks whether or not the replacement is necessary. For many years, it was used for a long time with the water purification function being lost due to forgetting, and the filter medium was often replaced only when the water quality was abnormal. In addition, even if the filtration function of the filter medium itself is sufficient, if a long period of time has passed without extraction of purified water, or if it is left for a long time from the installation of the water purifier to the start of use by the resident in new construction, etc., Since there was no renewal of the water in the filter, there were times when various bacteria grew and became unsanitary. Furthermore, especially in the winter season in cold regions, if the frequency of use of the water purifier is low, there is a problem that the filter, the curran, the piping, and the like are easily frozen.

[0004] A first object of the present invention is to provide a water purifier that allows a user to surely know when to replace a filter medium in view of the above circumstances, and that can always use delicious water with confidence. is there. A second object of the present invention is to provide a water purifier that does not become unsanitary even after a long non-use state and can contribute to prevention of freezing.

[0005]

In order to achieve the first object, the water purifier according to the first aspect of the present invention comprises: a) a filter containing a filter medium for filtering raw water to purify water; b. A) a raw water introduction path for introducing raw water into the filter, c) a purified water outlet path for guiding purified water extracted from the filter to a faucet, d) an instruction switch for instructing extraction and stop of extraction of purified water, and e) An on-off valve interposed in the raw water introduction path for opening and closing the introduction path based on the instruction from the instruction switch; f) an alarm for notifying that the filter medium of the filter has come to be replaced; and g) the instruction switch. And a control device that activates the alarm when the integrated value reaches a set value.

In the water purifier of the first aspect, the instruction switch is closed (ON) to extract purified water. The time or the number of times of the closed state is integrated by the control device, and the integrated value is used in advance to replace the filter medium. When the set value set as the time is reached, the alarm automatically operates to notify the user that the time for replacing the filter medium has been reached, so the user may perform the filter medium replacement based on this notification, It is not necessary to visually determine whether or not the filter medium needs to be replaced unlike the related art. In addition, the main stop system in which the open / close valve is provided in the raw water introduction path does not apply water pressure to the filter side when not in use, so that a filter having a low pressure resistance can be used.

According to the invention of claim 2, in the water purifier of claim 1, the control device sends an activation signal of the alarm every time the instruction switch is closed after the integrated value reaches the set value. Since it is set to output, even if the user does not notice the notification of the alarm for some reason or forgets to replace the filter medium despite noticing the notification, it will not The notification prompts the user to replace the filter medium.

[0008] In the invention of claim 3, in order to achieve the second object, in the water purifier of claim 1 or 2,
The control device is configured to open the instruction switch (OFF).
Is set so that the on-off valve is temporarily opened when the continuation time has reached a predetermined time. Therefore, even if the purified water extraction is not performed for a long time, the on-off valve is automatically opened after a predetermined time, and the raw water is introduced into the filter from the raw water introduction passage and drained from the purified water outlet. And
Therefore, the water in the filter is always renewed within a certain time.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the water purifier of the first to third aspects, the instruction switch is a proximity switch that is opened and closed by an operation lever or a push button, and the on-off valve is configured by an electromagnetic valve. Therefore, when the user operates the operation lever and the push button, the proximity switch is closed, and the control device receives a command signal of purified water extraction,
Based on the command signal, the control device outputs a signal for operating the solenoid of the solenoid valve, and the opening of the solenoid valve extracts purified water.

[0010]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A water purifier according to one embodiment of the present invention will be specifically described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a vertical sectional front view showing an installed state of the water purifier, and FIG. 2 is a schematic view showing an operation principle of the water purifier.

In the water purifier (1), a control mechanism (3) is provided below a vertical cylindrical case (1a) containing a filter (2), and is disposed above the case (1a). A faucet (4) is rotatably mounted on a mounting plate (20) via an operation unit (5) at the base, and a raw water introduction pipe (6) branched from a water pipe (21) is connected to a control mechanism (3). ) Is connected to the filter (2), and the purified water outlet pipe (7) extending from the filter (2) is connected to the faucet (4).
(30) is a control panel provided on the front surface of the control mechanism (3), (8a) is a water stopcock inserted into a water pipe (20), and (8b) is a raw water introduction pipe (6). It is a water tap for water purifier inserted in the base.

The support portion (5) has a built-in proximity switch (9) and an operation lever (10) for opening and closing the proximity switch. The proximity switch (9) is normally open (OFF) but becomes closed (ON) when the operation lever (10) is switched to the purified water extraction position, and is of a magnetic type or a high frequency oscillation type. Various operation types such as molds are employed. (11) is a lead wire of the proximity switch (9) derived from the control mechanism (3).

As shown in the lower virtual frame in FIG. 2, the control mechanism (3) includes an energized open solenoid valve (12) inserted in the raw water introduction pipe (6), and a filter medium. A buzzer (13) that emits a sound to notify the replacement time, and a control device (14) that controls the operation of the solenoid valve (12) and the buzzer (13) are built in. The control device (1
4) a function of opening the electromagnetic valve (12) based on the operation of the proximity switch (9), and a filter medium (2a) based on the number or time of the closed state (ON) of the proximity switch (9).
And a function of notifying the time of replacement of the filter, and an automatic water flow function of updating the water in the filter (2) at predetermined time intervals by setting a timer. A micro-circuit having a control circuit for controlling these functions is provided. Has a built-in computer.

In the water purifier (1) having the above structure, when water is not used, as shown in FIG. 2, since the solenoid valve (9) is in a closed state for blocking the flow of the raw water introduction pipe (6), the tap water is not supplied. Raw water (tap water) from the pipe (21) does not flow into the filter (2). However, when the user operates the operation lever (10) to switch to the purified water extraction position, the proximity switch (9) closes (ON), whereby a command signal for purified water extraction is given to the control device (14), and the control device A signal for opening the solenoid valve (12) is output from (14), the solenoid valve (12) is displaced to the open position by energization of the solenoid, and the raw water is filtered through the conductive raw water introduction pipe (6). 2), passes through the filter medium (2a), is extracted as purified water, and flows out of the faucet (4) through the purified water outlet pipe (7).

The extraction of the purified water is performed by the control device (12).
According to the control program, the continuous extraction method for maintaining the open position of the solenoid valve (12) while the operation lever (10) is at the purified water extraction position, and the electromagnetic control when the operation lever (10) is switched to the purified water extraction position. Any of the quantitative extraction methods in which the valve (12) is opened for a fixed time can be set.

On the other hand, when the control device (14) receives a command signal for water purification based on the closed state of the proximity switch (9), the control device (14) starts a built-in timer, and in the quantitative extraction method, the proximity switch (9). 9) the number of closed states,
In the continuous extraction method, the time in the closed state is integrated, and when these integrated values (corresponding to the purified water extraction amount) reach the number of times or the time previously defined as the life of the filter medium (2a) of the filter (2). Then, the buzzer (13) is operated. Then, after the notification of the first replacement time, until the filter medium replacement is performed,
Each time water is extracted, a buzzer (1
3) is activated.

Therefore, the user is informed by the sound of the buzzer (13) that the time for replacing the filter medium (2a) has been reached, and as in the prior art, the user himself visually confirms the need to replace the filter medium. There is no need to judge. Even if the sound of the buzzer (13) is missed or the user forgets to replace the filter medium after hearing the sound, the replacement time is notified by the buzzer (13) again each time the purified water is extracted. It does not lead to a situation that would continue to be used without replacing the filter media and cause deterioration of water quality.

When the filter medium is replaced, the integrated data by the control device (14) is deleted, and the integration is newly started from the time of the replacement. The update of the integration may be performed by a user's switch operation or an automatic switch operation accompanying the attachment / detachment of the filter (2) at the time of filter medium replacement. In addition, the filter medium exchange is performed by using the filter medium (2a).
Either a method of replacing only the filter or a method of replacing the entire filter (2) may be used.

On the other hand, the automatic water-flowing function of the control device (13) starts the above-mentioned timer based on the close signal of the proximity switch (9) every time when the purified water is extracted. When water extraction is not performed, the electromagnetic valve (12) is temporarily opened. As a result of this opening operation, the raw water flows into the filter (2) through the raw water introduction pipe (6), and the water remaining in the filter (2) before that passes through the purified water discharge pipe (7). Since the water flows out of the faucet (4), the water in the filter (2) is renewed, and propagation of various bacteria due to long-term retention of water in the filter (2) is prevented.

The temporary open state of the solenoid valve (12) is set so as to continue for a time necessary for the water in the filter (2) to be completely renewed, and the set time of the timer is set to the filter medium. It is appropriately determined according to the type of (2a), the capacity of the filter (2), and the like. Further, after the opening operation of the solenoid valve (12), and when the next water extraction is performed within the set time, the timer returns to the starting state and newly measures the non-extraction time of the purified water. become. In addition, it is desirable that the flow of water caused by the opening of the solenoid valve (12) with the elapse of the set time of the timer be set so as to be added to the integration for the filter medium replacement by the control device (14).

On the other hand, in this water purifier (1), a filter (2) is provided by a solenoid valve (12) inserted in a raw water introduction pipe (6).
In the non-extraction state of the purified water, the tap water pressure is not applied to the filter (2) because of the main stop method that allows water to flow and stop on the upstream side of the filter. There is an advantage that a simple one can be used.

In the present invention, extraction and purification of purified water
As an instruction switch for instructing the stop of the extraction, instead of the proximity switch (9) as in the above-described embodiment, an optical sensor that performs a switching operation by shutting off an optical path when a hand is brought close or a change in reflectance, or touches a required part with a hand Accordingly, a device using a touch sensor or the like that performs a switching operation can also be adopted. Also, as the opening / closing operation means of the proximity switch (9), other means such as a push button may be employed instead of the operation lever (10) as in the embodiment. Thus, in a water purifier, a configuration using a proximity switch that requires some switching operation with an operation lever (10) or a push button at the time of extracting purified water is more convenient than a configuration using an optical sensor or a touch sensor. Is good.

Further, in the embodiment, the buzzer (13) is used as an alarm for notifying the replacement time of the filter medium. However, instead of this, another signal sound or a sound such as a human voice by recording or synthesizing is emitted. It is also possible to use an alarm which gives a light indication such as lighting or blinking of an alarm lamp. Further, as the on-off valve inserted into the raw water introduction pipe (6), an automatic on-off valve other than the illustrated solenoid valve can be used. The filter media (2
a) may have a function of releasing various ions considered to be good for water and good health, in addition to the original filtration function for removing khaki and harmful components. There are no particular restrictions.

On the other hand, in the above-described embodiment, the faucet (4) has been described as an example in which the faucet (4) is exclusively used for extracting purified water. The outlet and the above-mentioned purified water outlet (7) are merged, and one faucet (4) is shared for discharging raw water and purified water.
The switching between raw water derivation and stop may be performed by a water stopcock provided on the raw water derivation road side. Further, on the raw water side, the outlet path of the hot water and the cold water may be joined via a mixing water stopcock so that hot water, cold water, and purified water can be selected to collect water.

[0025]

According to the water purifier according to the first aspect of the present invention,
When the filter media replacement time is reached, the alarm is automatically activated to notify the user that the filter media replacement time has come, so the user only needs to replace the filter media based on this notification. Since it is not necessary for the user himself to visually check each time water is extracted and determine whether or not the filter media needs to be replaced, the user may forget to check it and use it for a long time with the water purification function lost, resulting in abnormal water quality. It is possible to avoid the situation of coming. In addition, since this water purifier is simple in structure, and is a main stop system in which water is supplied and stopped upstream of the filter, there is an advantage that an inexpensive filter having low pressure resistance can be used as the filter. .

According to the second aspect of the present invention, as the above-mentioned water purifier, after the alarm is activated at the time of replacing the filter medium,
Even if the user does not notice the alarm from the alarm for some reason or forgets to replace the filter medium despite noticing the notification, it may notify the user every time subsequent extraction of purified water and prompt the user to change the filter medium. It is possible to provide a filter which can be used without any change of the filter medium without any concern of deteriorating water quality.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, the water purifier automatically introduces raw water into the filter after a lapse of a predetermined time even if a state without extraction of purified water continues for a long time. The water in the vessel is always renewed within a certain period of time, thereby preventing the propagation of various bacteria due to the long-term stagnation of the water in the filter, and providing a very sanitary one.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided, as the above-mentioned water purifier, a water purifier which is excellent particularly in operability and reliability of operation of extraction of purified water, has very simple design specifications and can be manufactured at low cost.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a vertical sectional front view showing an installed state of a water purifier according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic view showing the operation principle of the water purifier.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Water purifier 2 ... Filter 2a ... Filter medium 3 ... Control mechanism part 4 ... Faucet 5 ... Holding part 6 ... Raw water introduction pipe (raw water introduction path) 7 ...・ Water purification pipe (purification path) 9 ・ ・ ・ Proximity switch (instruction switch) 10 ・ ・ ・ Operation lever 11 ・ ・ ・ Lead wire 12 ・ ・ ・ Electromagnetic valve (open / close valve) 13 ・ ・ ・ Buzzer (alarm) 14 ・ ・ ・ Control device 21 ・ ・ ・ Water pipe

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. a) a filter containing a filter medium for filtering and purifying raw water, b) a raw water introduction passage for introducing raw water into the filter, and c) a purified water extracted from the filter to a tap. D) an instruction switch for instructing extraction / stop of extraction of purified water; e) an open / close valve interposed in the raw water introduction path and opening and closing the introduction path based on an instruction from the instruction switch; f) A) an alarm for notifying that the filter medium of the filter has reached its replacement time; and g) integrating the time or the number of times the indication switch is closed, and when the integrated value reaches a set value, the alarm is activated. A water purifier comprising a control device to be activated. 2. The control device according to claim 1, wherein the control device is configured to output an operation signal of an alarm every time the instruction switch is closed after the integrated value reaches a set value. Water purifier. 3. The control device according to claim 1, wherein the control device is configured to temporarily open the on-off valve when a continuation time in the open state of the instruction switch reaches a predetermined time. Water purifier. 4. The water purifier according to claim 1, wherein the instruction switch is a proximity switch that is opened and closed by an operation lever or a push button, and the on-off valve is an electromagnetic valve.