Water purifying device

Abstract

The present application provides a kind of water purification device, although with communication part and management part, but also can inhibit the rise of manufacturing cost caused by substrate number.In the water purification device that water is sprayed by passing consumable filter cartridge, it also has characteristics in the following aspects: install communication part and management part on one substrate, the communication part carries out wireless communication between the RF tag of the consumable filter cartridge, the management part carries out the management of the consumable filter cartridge based on the information obtained by the above communication.In addition, the communication part is arranged near the edge of the substrate, the communication part is arranged at the corner of the substrate, and the display part for displaying the management information related to the consumable filter cartridge generated by the management part is arranged on the substrate.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to water purification devices. Background Technology

[0002] Water is one of the most important substances for human survival, and the quality of the water we consume in daily life can be said to affect our health.

[0003] Therefore, it is extremely important to consume water with as little impurities as possible (hereinafter referred to as impurities) in daily life, i.e., clean water, in order to achieve a healthy daily life.

[0004] Therefore, in the past, water purification devices, which introduce water supplied by tap water into the device and then discharge purified water, have been widely used in various places such as ordinary households and restaurants.

[0005] Furthermore, by removing as many impurities as possible from the water purifier specifically designed for water purification in such a water purification device, water suitable for daily consumption can be produced.

[0006] In addition, the water purification device also has the function of water electrolysis and is a device that can generate electrolyzed water, namely an electrolyzed water generator. In addition to removing impurities, it also adds components (electrolysis auxiliary components) to the purified water to promote the electrolysis of water, thus generating water with better functionality.

[0007] In addition, in water purification devices such as water purifiers and electrolyzed water generators that have water purification and electrolysis functions, the filters, activated carbon and other filter materials required for water purification, or the electrolysis auxiliary components, which are equivalent to so-called consumables, are generally in the form of filter cartridges, which can be replaced by the user.

[0008] Therefore, users can appropriately replace consumable filter cartridges based on the degree of deterioration of various filter materials, the reduction of electrolytic auxiliary components, and other consumable consumption levels, such as based on notifications from the water purification system.

[0009] Of course, in order to fully utilize the original function of the water purifier, it is preferable to use the new consumable filter cartridge recommended by the water purifier manufacturer (hereinafter also referred to as genuine filter cartridge).

[0010] However, in reality, the same consumable filter cartridges supplied to the market by third parties (hereinafter also referred to as non-genuine filter cartridges) are called interchangeable products, among which there are also products with questionable or inferior effects on water purification and other performance required by the consumable filter cartridges.

[0011] Therefore, a water purification device is known in the past, which is equipped with a communication unit in the main body of the water purification device for communicating with an RF tag. On the other hand, by equipping the purifying filter cartridge with an RF tag that stores inherent information (ID information) that can be identified as a purifying filter cartridge, an RFID system is formed (for example, see Patent Document 1).

[0012] According to such a water purification device, it attempts to obtain ID information between itself and the consumable filter cartridge installed via an RFID system. If the ID information can be obtained, it is determined to be a genuine filter cartridge and performs normal operation. However, if the ID information cannot be obtained, as a device equipped with a non-genuine filter cartridge, it can notify or warn the user via a display unit to draw their attention.

[0013] Existing technical documents

[0014] Patent documents

[0015] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-051891 Summary of the Invention

[0016] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0017] Furthermore, in the aforementioned conventional water purification devices, the board on which the communication unit is installed and the board on which the management unit for managing consumable filter cartridges is installed are separate units. Because two boards are used, the manufacturing cost increases.

[0018] The present invention addresses this issue by providing a water purification device that, despite having a communication unit and a management unit, can suppress the increase in manufacturing costs caused by the number of substrates.

[0019] Solution for solving the problem

[0020] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, in the water purification device of the present invention, (1) in the water purification device that sprays water that has passed through the consumable filter cartridge, a communication unit and a management unit are mounted on a substrate. The communication unit communicates wirelessly with the RF tag of the consumable filter cartridge, and the management unit manages the consumable filter cartridge based on the information obtained through the communication.

[0021] In addition, the water purification device of the present invention also has the following features.

[0022] (2) The communication unit is disposed near the edge of the substrate.

[0023] (3) The communication unit is disposed at the corner of the substrate.

[0024] (4) A display unit that displays management information related to the above-mentioned consumable filter cartridge generated by the above-mentioned management department is disposed on the above-mentioned substrate.

[0025] (5) The substrate is disposed approximately vertically within the housing of the water purification device, the display unit is disposed in the upper half of the substrate in a region that is longer than the vertical direction, and the communication unit is disposed in the lower half of the substrate.

[0026] (6) It is configured to be able to install multiple consumable filter cartridges, and the communication unit and each of the multiple consumable filter cartridges having an RF tag are provided on the substrate.

[0027] (7) The substrate is arranged approximately vertically in the housing of the water purification device. Two of the multiple consumable filter cartridges can be installed. One of the communication units is arranged in the area at each end of the substrate when the length in the left-right direction is divided into four parts, so that it corresponds to each of the RF tags of the two consumable filter cartridges.

[0028] (8) The communication unit is arranged in the lower half of the region of the substrate, which is longer than the vertical direction. On the other hand, the power supply unit that supplies power to the management unit and / or the display unit that displays management information related to the consumable filter cartridge generated by the management unit are arranged in the upper half of the region.

[0029] (9) One of the communication units is disposed in the lower half of the substrate, which is longer than the vertical direction, and the other of the communication units is disposed in the upper half of the substrate.

[0030] (10) The plurality of consumable filter cartridges that can be installed are three. The substrate is arranged approximately vertically in the housing of the water purification device. The left and right positions of the communication section are such that one is arranged in each of the two ends of the area when the substrate is divided into four equal parts in the left and right direction. The remaining communication sections between the communication sections are arranged in a position where all the communication sections are approximately equally spaced. Furthermore, the vertical position of each of the communication sections is such that they are staggered near the upper and lower edges, separated by an imaginary line extending in the left and right direction that divides the substrate into two equal parts in the vertical direction. This position corresponds to each of the RF tags provided by the consumable filter cartridge.

[0031] (11) The above-mentioned consumable filter cartridges are alternately arranged on the front and back sides, separated by the above-mentioned substrate.

[0032] In addition, in the electrolyzed water generator of the present invention, (12) in the water purification device described in (1) above, there is also an electrolyzing cell for electrolyzing water, and an electrolytic power conversion unit for converting electricity into a state suitable for supplying to the electrolyzing cell and a display unit for displaying management information related to the consumable filter cartridge generated by the management unit are disposed on the substrate.

[0033] In addition, the electrolyzed water generator of the present invention has the following features: (13) the electrolysis power conversion unit is disposed near a corner of the substrate, and the communication unit is disposed near a corner diagonally opposite to the corner where the electrolysis power conversion unit is disposed.

[0034] In another embodiment of the electrolyzed water generator of the present invention, (14) the water purification device described in (1) above also includes an electrolytic cell for electrolyzing water. The substrate is configured with a display section on which management information related to the consumable filter cartridge generated by the management unit is displayed, thus becoming a display section configuration substrate. On the other hand, an electrolytic power conversion section for converting electricity into a state suitable for supplying to the electrolytic cell is configured on a second substrate different from the display section configuration substrate. The second substrate is configured to overlap with the display section configuration substrate.

[0035] In addition, this other type of water electrolysis generator also has the following characteristics.

[0036] (15) The communication unit on the display unit is disposed at a position that does not overlap with the second substrate.

[0037] (16) The communication section on the display section is disposed at the corner of the electrolytic power conversion section in the opposite direction.

[0038] (17) A voltage conversion transformer for supplying the power to the electrolytic power conversion unit is disposed in one half of the housing space, and the communication unit is disposed in the area of ​​the display unit mounting board disposed in the other half of the housing space.

[0039] (18) A voltage conversion transformer for the power supplied to the electrolytic power conversion unit is located near the bottom of one half of the space inside the box.

[0040] (19) A power conversion transformer for the control system that supplies power to the substrate of the display unit is disposed in one half of the space inside the housing.

[0041] (20) The power conversion transformer of the above-mentioned control system is disposed on the second base plate in the area of ​​one half of the space inside the box.

[0042] (21) The connection of the cable between the display unit mounting substrate and the second substrate and / or the connection of the cable between the second substrate and the electrolytic cell is performed in one half of the space inside the housing.

[0043] (22) The housing includes: a water circulation system configuration space for housing the piping through which supplied water passes and is directed to the spray nozzle, the electrolytic cell, and the consumable filter cartridge; and an electrical system configuration space for housing the display panel mounting board and the second board. The water circulation system configuration space includes a filter cartridge storage space for housing the installed consumable filter cartridge, and a remaining space for housing the other parts.

[0044] The communication unit and the RF tag of the consumable filter cartridge housed in the filter cartridge storage space are respectively disposed on the display unit mounting substrate. The electrical system configuration space and the water circulation system configuration space are divided by the substrate cover, and the filter cartridge storage space and the remaining space in the water circulation system configuration space are divided by the rear cover, so that the substrate cover and the rear cover are located between the communication unit and the RF tag.

[0045] Invention Effects

[0046] According to the water purification device of the present invention, a water purifier and an electrolyzed water generator can be provided that, despite having a communication unit and a management unit, can also suppress the increase in manufacturing costs caused by the number of substrates. Attached Figure Description

[0047] Figure 1 This is a block diagram showing the structure of the water purifier according to the first embodiment.

[0048] Figure 2 This is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration structure of piping and substrates centered around the filter cartridge.

[0049] Figure 3 This is an explanatory diagram showing the positional relationship between the filter cartridge and the control board.

[0050] Figure 4 This is a block diagram showing the structure of the water purifier according to the second embodiment.

[0051] Figure 5 This is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration structure of piping and substrates centered around the filter cartridge.

[0052] Figure 6 This is an explanatory diagram showing the positional relationship between the filter cartridge and the control board.

[0053] Figure 7 This is an explanatory diagram showing the control board of the water purifier according to the third embodiment.

[0054] Figure 8 This is an explanatory diagram showing the control board of the water purifier according to the fourth embodiment.

[0055] Figure 9 This is an explanatory diagram showing the structure of the water purifier according to the fifth embodiment.

[0056] Figure 10 This is a block diagram showing the structure of the water electrolysis generator according to the sixth embodiment.

[0057] Figure 11 This is an explanatory diagram showing the appearance of an electrolyzed water generator.

[0058] Figure 12 This is an explanatory diagram showing the appearance of the filter cartridge.

[0059] Figure 13 This is an explanatory diagram showing the structure of an electrolyzed water generator.

[0060] Figure 14 This is an explanatory diagram showing the internal structure of an electrolyzed water generator.

[0061] Figure 15 This is a cross-sectional view of an electrolyzed water generator.

[0062] Figure 16 This is a block diagram showing the main electrical structure of the water electrolysis generator.

[0063] Figure 17 This is a flowchart illustrating the operation of an electrolyzed water generator.

[0064] Figure 18 It is an explanatory diagram showing the various structures of the filter cartridge.

[0065] Figure 19 It is an explanatory diagram showing the various structures of the filter cartridge. Detailed Implementation

[0066] The present invention provides a water purification device that sprays water through a filter cartridge containing consumables such as filter material and electrolysis aid. Although the device has a communication unit for wireless communication with an RF tag on the consumable filter cartridge and a management unit for managing the consumable filter cartridge based on information obtained through communication, it can also suppress the increase in manufacturing costs caused by the number of substrates.

[0067] A water purification device is a device that purifies and sprays supplied water. It may also have other functions, such as electrolysis of water or dissolving predetermined components in water. In other words, a water purification device includes a water purifier specifically designed for water purification (which may also have other functions) and an electrolyzed water generator that electrolyzes and sprays purified water (which may also have a mode that sprays purified water without electrolysis).

[0068] A consumable filter cartridge is a filter cartridge that houses the consumables of a water purification device. Consumables refer at least to the filter materials required for water purification, but also include consumables necessary to achieve the additional functions of the water purification device, such as electrolysis promoters, pH adjusters, and gas cylinders used to increase the concentration of a predetermined gas dissolved in water such as hydrogen water.

[0069] Additionally, if further explanation is provided, consumables, while essential for using a water purification device, can also be understood as having weakened or damaged functions over time, or even enhanced to the point of being unsuitable for use, depending on the circumstances. As time passes and the water purification device is used, it changes from its initial state to a state where it is no longer suitable for use.

[0070] The water purification device of this embodiment will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0071] [First Implementation]

[0072] The water purification device of this first embodiment is a water purifier A1 specifically designed for water purification. Figure 1 It is a block diagram representing its structure.

[0073] like Figure 1 As shown, the internal structure of the water purifier A1 is roughly divided into: a water circulation system structure 11 that processes the supplied water while it flows through; and an electrical system structure 12 that controls or manages the necessary electricity during the water circulation or processing in the water circulation system structure 11. They are housed in a generally box-shaped enclosure 13.

[0074] The water supply system structure 11 is formed by connecting the water supply port 14 to the water spray pipe connection port 15 and the water supply pipe 16. A hollow fiber membrane filter cartridge 17 and a flow sensor 18 are sandwiched in the middle of the water supply pipe 16.

[0075] Water inlet 14 is the receiving port for water (raw water) used as the raw material for water purification, such as tap water. In this embodiment, raw water is received from tap water pipe 20 via faucet 21. Faucet 21 is equipped with a branch plug 22, which connects to one end of water supply hose 23, and the other end of water supply hose 23 is connected to water inlet 14. The raw water supplied through water inlet 14 is supplied to hollow fiber membrane filter cartridge 17 via raw water supply pipe 24.

[0076] Hollow fiber membrane filter cartridge 17 is a consumable filter cartridge used to generate filtered water by filtering raw water through a hollow fiber membrane, which is equipped with a filter material inside as a consumable. Raw water supplied through the raw water supply pipe 24 is introduced from the inlet 17a, filtered by the hollow fiber membrane, and then discharged from the outlet 17b.

[0077] In addition, the hollow fiber membrane filter cartridge 17 is a consumable filter cartridge that can be replaced by the user of the water purifier A1. There are alternative pure or impure hollow fiber membrane filter cartridges available on the market.

[0078] In addition, Figure 1 In this embodiment, the hollow fiber membrane filter cartridge 17 installed in the water circulation system structure 11 is a genuine filter cartridge and is equipped with an RF tag 17c. The RF tag 17c stores inherent information (ID information) that identifies it as a genuine filter cartridge, enabling wireless communication with the communication unit described later, and performing actions corresponding to whether the assembled filter cartridge is genuine or not. Furthermore, this operation is the same as in the sixth embodiment described in the supplementary explanation, therefore, the description is omitted here.

[0079] Filtered water flowing out from outlet 17b is supplied to flow sensor 18 via filtered water supply pipe 25. Flow sensor 18 is configured to measure the flow rate; for example, a propeller is provided in the center of flow sensor 18, and the flow rate is measured by the number of rotations of the propeller. Flow sensor 18 is electrically connected to electrical system structure 12 and outputs an electrical signal (flow signal) corresponding to the flow rate of filtered water. In electrical system structure 12, the flow rate of filtered water is calculated based on this electrical signal, especially the amount of water flowing through the consumable filter cartridge sandwiched in water circulation system structure 11 (in this first embodiment, the amount of water flowing through hollow fiber membrane filter cartridge 17).

[0080] The filtered water, after passing through the flow sensor 18, is further delivered to the spray pipe connection port 15 via the filtered water supply pipe 25. A spray pipe 26 is connected to the spray pipe connection port 15 to spray the filtered water as clean water.

[0081] The electrical system structure 12 is the part that controls and manages the electricity required for water circulation and treatment in the water circulation system structure 11, and operates by power supplied from commercial power sources via power cables.

[0082] The electrical system structure 12 includes a control unit 30 for overall control of the water purifier A1. The control unit 30 calculates the water flow rate of the hollow fiber membrane filter cartridge 17 based on the flow signal output from the flow sensor 18, manages the hollow fiber membrane filter cartridge 17 based on the water flow rate, or displays various information about the hollow fiber membrane filter cartridge 17 to the user (such as cumulative water flow rate and replacement schedule). In other words, a management unit for filter cartridge management and a display unit for displaying various information are mounted on the substrate on which the control unit 30 is installed.

[0083] Additionally, the electrical system structure 12 includes a communication unit 31. This communication unit 31, together with the RF tag 17c on the hollow fiber membrane filter cartridge 17, constitutes an RFID system. It reads the ID information stored in the RF tag 17c on the hollow fiber membrane filter cartridge 17 and writes various information from the RF tag 17c via wireless communication. Furthermore, in Figure 1 In this embodiment, the communication unit 31 is shown in a position away from the control unit 30, but as explained therein, in this embodiment, the communication unit 31 is mounted on the same substrate as the substrate on which the control unit 30 is mounted.

[0084] Figure 2 This is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of piping and substrate structures centered around the hollow fiber membrane filter cartridge 17 within the housing 13 of the water purifier A1. (See diagram for example.) Figure 2 As shown in (a), the hollow fiber membrane filter cartridge 17 is vertically arranged downward from the piping housing 35, which houses the raw water supply pipe 24 and the filtered water supply pipe 25, and the substrate housing 36 is arranged close to the side of the hollow fiber membrane filter cartridge 17.

[0085] In addition, such as Figure 2 As shown in (b), a substrate (control substrate 37) in which the control unit 30, communication unit 31, etc. are mounted is disposed inside the substrate housing 36.

[0086] Here, if the positional relationship between the hollow fiber membrane filter cartridge 17 and the control substrate 37 is further explained, then as follows: Figure 3 (a) As shown in the middle shadow line, the hollow fiber membrane filter cartridge 17 is equipped with an RF label 17c on its side.

[0087] On the other hand, such as Figure 3 As shown in (b), the control board 37 is equipped with a communication unit 31 that communicates wirelessly with the RF tag 17c of the hollow fiber membrane filter cartridge 17, a management unit 38 that manages the hollow fiber membrane filter cartridge 17 based on the information obtained through the communication, which is part of the control unit 30, and a display unit 39 that notifies the user of predetermined information.

[0088] in addition, Figure 3 (c) omitted Figure 2 (a) Figure 2 (b) The illustration of the piping housing 35 and the substrate housing 36 is an explanatory diagram showing the positional relationship between the hollow fiber membrane filter cartridge 17 and the control substrate 37. Figure 3 As shown in (c), the communication unit 31, which is mounted on the control board 37 together with the management unit 38, is disposed at the opposite position of the RF tag 17c, and is configured to enable communication between the communication unit 31 and the RF tag 17c.

[0089] Therefore, it is possible to communicate with the RF tag 17c disposed in the hollow fiber membrane filter cartridge 17 (hereinafter also referred to as RF communication) without the need for a separate substrate dedicated to the communication section, thus reducing the cost of manufacturing the water purifier A1.

[0090] Furthermore, the communication unit 31 on the control board 37 is located near the edge of the control board 37, and in particular, in this embodiment, it is disposed at the corner of the control board 37. Figure 3 (c) is near the lower left corner).

[0091] Therefore, even if there are parts on the same control board 37 that generate noise that would hinder RF communication (hereinafter referred to as noise sources), the influence of noise sources can be avoided as much as possible and RF communication can be carried out.

[0092] In addition, such as Figure 3 (b) Figure 3 As shown in (c), the communication unit 31 and the display unit 39 are arranged together on the control board 37. The display unit 39 displays to the user management information related to the hollow fiber membrane filter cartridge 17 generated by the management unit 38, such as the replacement period of the hollow fiber membrane filter cartridge 17, water flow rate, etc.

[0093] Therefore, there is no need to set up a separate substrate with the communication unit 31, which can minimize the increase in manufacturing costs caused by the number of substrates.

[0094] In addition, such as Figure 2 As shown in (b), the control board 37 is arranged approximately vertically inside the housing 13 of the water purifier A1, as... Figure 3 (b) and Figure 3 As shown in (c), the display unit 39 is disposed in the center of the vertical length of the control board 37, that is, in the area above the imaginary line H shown by the single-dot dashed line in the figure, while the communication unit 31 is disposed in the area below the vertical length.

[0095] Therefore, even if the display unit 39 uses a liquid crystal display or the like and could become a noise source, the communication unit 31 can be positioned at a distance from the display unit 39, minimizing the impact of noise on RF communication. Furthermore, in this first embodiment, the display unit 39 is mounted on the control board 37, but this is not a limitation; it can also be mounted on other boards positioned in a location with good visual visibility from the user's perspective, without compromising the purpose. The same applies to the embodiments described later.

[0096] [Second Implementation]

[0097] The water purification device in the second embodiment is the same as the water purifier A1 shown in the first embodiment, and is a water purifier A2 specifically for water purification. However, the number of consumable filter cartridges is increased to two, and the corresponding communication unit is also increased to two. Furthermore, in the following description, structures identical to those described previously are sometimes marked with the same symbols and their descriptions are omitted.

[0098] That is, in water purifier A2, if compared with the reference Figure 1 The above description compares water purifier A1, and then... Figure 4 As shown, the configuration is such that an activated carbon filter cartridge 41 is provided at the downstream end of the filtered water supply pipe 25 that constitutes the downstream flow path of the flow sensor 18, and the activated carbon treated water after being treated by the activated carbon filter cartridge 41 is sprayed out as purified water.

[0099] The activated carbon filter cartridge 41 is the same as the hollow fiber membrane filter cartridge 17. It is a consumable filter cartridge used to treat filtered water by using activated carbon as a filter material inside to generate activated carbon treated water. The filtered water supplied through the filtered water supply pipe 25 is introduced from the inlet 41a, and after being treated by the activated carbon through the adsorption of impurities and inclusions, it becomes activated carbon treated water and is then discharged from the outlet 41b.

[0100] In addition, both the activated carbon filter cartridge 41 and the hollow fiber membrane filter cartridge 17 are consumable filter cartridges that can be replaced by the user of the water purifier A2. There are alternative pure or impure activated carbon filter cartridges available on the market.

[0101] In addition, Figure 4 In this embodiment, the hollow fiber membrane filter cartridge 17 and the activated carbon filter cartridge 41 installed in the water circulation system structure 11 are both genuine filter cartridges and are equipped with RF tags 17c and 41c. The RF tags 17c and 41c store inherent information (ID information) that identifies them as genuine filter cartridges, and wireless communication is performed with the communication unit described later to determine whether the assembled filter cartridge is genuine or not. Furthermore, this operation is the same as in the sixth embodiment described in the supplementary explanation, therefore, the description is omitted here.

[0102] The activated carbon-treated water flowing out from outlet 41b reaches the spray pipe connection port 15 via activated carbon-treated water supply pipe 27. A spray pipe 26 is connected to the spray pipe connection port 15 to spray the activated carbon-treated water as purified water.

[0103] In addition, the electrical system structure 12 has a first communication unit 31a and a second communication unit 31b, which is different from the first embodiment.

[0104] The first communication unit 31a forms an RFID system with the RF tag 17c of the hollow fiber membrane filter cartridge 17, and the second communication unit 31b forms an RF tag 41c of the activated carbon filter cartridge 41, for writing and reading various information.

[0105] In addition, the control unit 30 calculates the water flow rate of the hollow fiber membrane filter cartridge 17 and the activated carbon filter cartridge 41 based on the flow rate signal output from the flow sensor 18, or manages each filter cartridge based on the water flow rate, or is equipped with a display unit 39 that displays various information about each filter cartridge (information on cumulative water flow rate, information on replacement period, etc.) to the user.

[0106] Figure 5 This is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of the piping and substrate structures centered around each filter cartridge within the housing 13 of the water purifier A2. (See diagram for example.) Figure 5 As shown in (a), the hollow fiber membrane filter cartridge 17 and the activated carbon filter cartridge 41 are vertically arranged downwards from the piping housing 35, which houses the raw water supply pipe 24, the filtered water supply pipe 25, and the activated carbon treated water supply pipe 27. Figure 5 As shown in (b), a control board 37 is provided in the substrate housing 36 located on the side of each filter cartridge.

[0107] Here, if the positional relationship between each filter cartridge and the control board 37 is further explained, it would be as follows: Figure 6 (a) As shown in the middle shadow line, RF tags 17c and RF tags 41c are provided on the side of the hollow fiber membrane filter cartridge 17 and the activated carbon filter cartridge 41.

[0108] On the other hand, such as Figure 6 As shown in (b), on the control board 37, there are a first communication unit 31a that communicates wirelessly with the RF tag 17c of the hollow fiber membrane filter cartridge 17, a second communication unit 31b that communicates wirelessly with the RF tag 41c of the activated carbon filter cartridge 41, a management unit 38 that manages the hollow fiber membrane filter cartridge 17 or the activated carbon filter cartridge 41 based on the information obtained through these RF communications, and a display unit 39 that displays predetermined information to the user and notifies them.

[0109] In addition, such as Figure 6 As shown in (c), the first communication unit 31a is disposed at the position opposite to the RF tag 17c, and the second communication unit 31b is disposed at the position opposite to the RF tag 41c, so that each communication unit 31 can communicate with the RF tag 17c and the RF tag 41c.

[0110] Therefore, two filter cartridges can be managed on a single substrate, enabling RF communication without the need for multiple dedicated communication substrates. This helps to suppress the increased cost of manufacturing the water purifier A2 due to the number of substrates. Similarly, even with three or more filter cartridges, multiple cartridges can be managed on a single substrate, further reducing costs.

[0111] Furthermore, the second embodiment uses two filter cartridges, but in this case, such as Figure 6 (b) Figure 6 As shown in (c), in the regions at both ends when the left and right length of the control substrate 37 is divided into four parts, here a communication unit 31 (first communication unit 31a, second communication unit 31b) is arranged in the left end region from the left edge to the imaginary line V1 in the left and right end regions from the imaginary line V3 to the right edge in the four parts of the left and right length divided by the imaginary lines V1, V2, V3 extending in the vertical direction of the substrate, so that it corresponds to each of the RF tags, namely RF tag 17c and RF tag 41c, of the two consumable filter cartridges, hollow silk membrane filter cartridge 17 and activated carbon filter cartridge 41.

[0112] Therefore, by ensuring the distance between the first communication unit 31a and the second communication unit 31b as far as possible on the control board 37, interference can be prevented between the RF communication between the first communication unit 31a and the RF tag 17c, and between the second communication unit 31b and the RF tag 41c.

[0113] Furthermore, if such interference can be prevented, it can minimize the adverse effects on the transmission and reception of these RFID systems, or prevent the installation of activated carbon filter cartridge 41 at the installation position of hollow fiber membrane filter cartridge 17, or the installation of hollow fiber membrane filter cartridge 17 at the installation position of activated carbon filter cartridge 41, i.e., the inverted state of the filter cartridge.

[0114] In particular, if the latter is further explained, consider the following situation: if there is a configuration structure in which the RF tag of the filter cartridge that should communicate with the second communication unit 31b exists in the communicable area of ​​the first communication unit 31a, then the RF tag 17c of the hollow silk membrane filter cartridge 17 configured in the inverted position responds to the preamble signal from the communication unit 31a and returns a predetermined signal, thereby failing to detect the error in the assembly position (mistakenly believing that it is assembled in the correct position). However, by adopting the above-described structure, mutual interference between the transmission and reception of each RFID system can be prevented, and a reliable judgment can be made on whether the RF tags configured in the corresponding positions of each communication unit 31 are appropriate, that is, whether there is a consumable filter cartridge of the wrong type installed, or whether a genuine filter cartridge is installed.

[0115] Furthermore, in this second embodiment, at the center of the vertical length of the control substrate 37, i.e. Figure 6 (b) Figure 6 In (c), a communication unit 31 (first communication unit 31a, second communication unit 31b) is arranged in the area below the imaginary line H shown by a single-dot dashed line. On the other hand, a power supply unit 42 that supplies power to the management unit 38 and a display unit 39 that displays management information related to each filter cartridge generated by the management unit 38 are arranged in the upper half of the area.

[0116] Therefore, by positioning the communication unit 31 at a distance from noise sources such as the liquid crystal display of the display unit 39 or the switching elements and transformers of the power supply unit 42, the impact of noise on RF communication can be minimized.

[0117] Furthermore, the RF tag does not necessarily have to be directly opposite the communication unit 31; any configuration structure that includes an appropriate RF tag within the communicable area of ​​each communication unit 31 is acceptable.

[0118] For example, in this second embodiment, such as Figure 6 As shown in (c), the projection position of each RF tag on the control board 37 is set to a position that is not included in the arrangement position of the communication unit 31 (first communication unit 31a, second communication unit 31b), as shown by the area indicated by the shadow lines.

[0119] On the other hand, if we observe the positional relationship between each filter cartridge and the control board 37 from above, then... Figure 6 As shown in (d), an RF tag 17c is disposed within the communicable area 43a of the first communication unit 31a, and an RF tag 41c is disposed within the communicable area 43b of the second communication unit 31b. In the following description, although the entire projection area of ​​the RF tag on the substrate is not included in the configuration area of ​​the communication unit corresponding to the RF tag, the configuration position of such an RF tag within the communicable area (wherein, except for positions that overlap with the communicable areas of other communication units) is referred to as the offset position.

[0120] Furthermore, with this structure, although the arrangement distance between the first communication unit 31a and the second communication unit 31b, which should be arranged on the control substrate 37, can be maximized, stable RF communication can still be achieved. That is, it is also possible to make the following structure: in order to maximize the distance between the multiple communication units, the RF tags are deliberately placed at offset positions to achieve stable RF communication. However, it goes without saying that if there is sufficient flexibility in the substrate design, a structure in which some or all of the RF tags are arranged in the directly opposite positions of each communication unit can also be made.

[0121] [Third Implementation Method]

[0122] The water purification device in the third embodiment is the same as the water purifiers A1 and A2 described so far. It is a water purifier A3 specifically for water purification. In particular, like the water purifier A2, it has two consumable filter cartridges, but the two corresponding communication units are arranged in different positions on the substrate.

[0123] Figure 7 This is an explanatory diagram showing the control board 37 of the water purifier A3. (Refer to previous references) Figure 6 (b) The control board 37 of the water purifier A2 described herein is the same. The control board 37 of the water purifier A3 also includes a control unit 30, a first communication unit 31a corresponding to the RF tag 17c of the hollow fiber membrane filter cartridge 17, and a second communication unit 31b corresponding to the RF tag 41c of the activated carbon filter cartridge 41. However, the first communication unit 31a is arranged in the lower half of the region below the imaginary line H, and the second communication unit 31b is arranged in the upper half of the region.

[0124] Furthermore, if such a structure is adopted, the arrangement distance between the first communication unit 31a and the second communication unit 31b on the roughly rectangular control board 37 can be increased, thereby suppressing the risk of interference as much as possible.

[0125] In addition, in this third embodiment, the control unit 30 is positioned in the center when viewed from the front of the control board 37, that is, the area occupied by the control unit 30 is positioned near the intersection of the imaginary line V2 and the imaginary line H, and the communication unit is positioned at a distance from the noise source, so as to minimize the impact of noise on RF communication.

[0126] Therefore, the water purifier A3 according to this third embodiment can achieve more stable RF communication.

[0127] [Fourth Implementation Method]

[0128] The water purification device of the fourth embodiment is the same as the water purifiers A1 to A3 described so far. It is a water purifier A4 specifically for water purification. In particular, like the water purifier A3, the two communication units (first communication unit 31a and second communication unit 31b) are arranged near the diagonal corners on the substrate. This is common. However, the structure is different in that the consumable filter cartridge corresponding to one of the communication units is arranged on one side of the substrate, and the consumable filter cartridge corresponding to the other communication unit is arranged on the other side of the substrate.

[0129] Figure 8 This is an explanatory diagram showing the control board 37 of water purifier A4. Figure 8 (b) is an explanatory diagram of the positional relationship between each filter cartridge and the control board 37 from above.

[0130] like Figure 8 As shown in (a), the control board 37 of the water purifier A4 adopts the same as... Figure 7 The control board 37 of the water purifier A3 shown has a roughly the same structure, but the first communication unit 31a is mounted on the inside of the paper across the control board 37, while the second communication unit 31b is mounted on the front side of the paper.

[0131] In addition, such as Figure 8 As shown in (b), the positional relationship between each communication unit and each consumable filter cartridge is as follows: For the first communication unit 31a, which is disposed on one side of the control substrate 37, i.e. the side above the paper surface, the hollow fiber membrane filter cartridge 17 is similarly disposed in the communication area 43a on one side (the side opposite to one side of the control substrate 37); For the second communication unit 31b, which is disposed on the other side of the control substrate 37, i.e. the side below the paper surface, the activated carbon filter cartridge 41 is similarly disposed in the communication area 43b on the other side (the side opposite to the other side of the control substrate 37). With the control substrate 37 as the boundary, each consumable filter cartridge is disposed differently on one side and the other side.

[0132] Therefore, it can prevent mutual interference between the transmission and reception of each RFID system, and can reliably determine whether the RF tags configured in the corresponding positions of each communication unit 31 are appropriate, that is, whether there are incorrect types of consumable filter cartridges installed, or whether genuine filter cartridges are installed.

[0133] [Fifth Implementation Method]

[0134] The water purification device of the fifth embodiment is the same as the water purifiers A1 to A4 described so far. It is a water purifier A5 specifically for the function of purifying water. In particular, it has multiple communication units, just like the water purifier A3. This is common, but the water purifier A3 has two communication units. In contrast, the water purifier A5 has more communication units. Specifically, as an example, it has three communication units, which makes the structure different.

[0135] That is, in water purifier A5, if compared with the reference Figure 4 Compared to the previous water purifier A2, the description is as follows: Figure 9 As shown in (a), the configuration is such that a sintered coral filter cartridge 43 is provided at the downstream end of the activated carbon treatment water supply pipe 27 that constitutes the downstream flow path of the activated carbon filter cartridge 41, and the sintered coral treatment water treated by the sintered coral filter cartridge 43 is sprayed out as purified water.

[0136] The sintered coral filter cartridge 43 is a filter cartridge used to treat activated carbon-treated water by using sintered coral, which is an additive material inside, as a consumable component, to generate sintered coral-treated water. Like the hollow fiber membrane filter cartridge 17 and the activated carbon filter cartridge 41, it is a consumable filter cartridge. Filtered water supplied through the activated carbon-treated water supply pipe 27 is introduced through the inlet 43a, and after being treated with the natural calcium components dissolved from the sintered coral to become sintered coral-treated water, it is discharged through the outlet 43b.

[0137] In addition, the sintered coral filter cartridge 43, hollow fiber membrane filter cartridge 17, and activated carbon filter cartridge 41 are all consumable filter cartridges that can be replaced by the user of the water purifier A5. There are alternative pure or impure sintered coral filter cartridges available on the market.

[0138] In addition, Figure 9 In (a), the hollow fiber membrane filter cartridge 17, activated carbon filter cartridge 41, and sintered coral filter cartridge 43 installed in the water circulation system structure 11 are all genuine filter cartridges, equipped with RF tags 17c, 41c, and 43c. The RF tags 17c, 41c, and 43c store inherent information (ID information) that identifies them as genuine filter cartridges, enabling wireless communication with the communication unit described later, and performing actions corresponding to whether the assembled filter cartridge is genuine or not. Furthermore, this operation is the same as in the sixth embodiment described in the supplementary explanation, therefore, the description is omitted here.

[0139] The activated carbon-treated water flowing out from outlet 43b reaches the spray pipe connection 15 via the sintered coral treatment water supply pipe 28. A spray pipe 26 is connected to the spray pipe connection 15 to spray the sintered coral treatment water as purified water.

[0140] In addition, the electrical system structure unit 12 includes a third communication unit 31c in addition to the first communication unit 31a and the second communication unit 31b, which is different from the second embodiment.

[0141] The first communication unit 31a forms an RFID system with the RF tag 17c of the hollow fiber membrane filter cartridge 17, the second communication unit 31b forms an RF tag 41c of the activated carbon filter cartridge 41, and the third communication unit 31c forms an RF tag 43c of the sintered coral filter cartridge 43, thereby enabling the writing and reading of various information.

[0142] In addition, the control unit 30 calculates the water flow of the hollow fiber membrane filter cartridge 17, the activated carbon filter cartridge 41, and the sintered coral filter cartridge 43 based on the flow signal output from the flow sensor 18, or manages each filter cartridge based on the water flow, or is equipped with a display unit 39 that displays various information about each filter cartridge (information on cumulative water flow, information on replacement period, etc.) to the user.

[0143] Figure 9(b) is an explanatory diagram showing the control board 37 of the water purifier A5. The control board 37 of the water purifier A5 is arranged approximately vertically inside the housing of the water purification device, and three first communication units 31a to third communication units 31c are provided on the board.

[0144] Furthermore, if we describe the configuration of these first communication units 31a to third communication units 31c, the left and right positions of each communication unit are configured such that one communication unit 31 (first communication unit 31a, third communication unit 31c) is arranged in the regions at both ends when the left and right length of the control board 37 is divided into four parts, that is, in the left end region from the left edge to the left end region of the imaginary line V1 and the right end region from the imaginary line V3 to the right edge of the left and right length after being divided into four parts by imaginary lines V1, V2, and V3. This makes all the remaining communication units between the first communication unit 31a and the third communication unit 31c in a position that is approximately equally spaced. In this fifth embodiment, the second communication unit 31b is in a position that is approximately equally spaced.

[0145] In addition, the vertical (up-down) positions of each communication unit are staggered near the upper and lower edges by an imaginary line H indicated by a single-dot dashed line, and correspond to the RF tags on each filter cartridge.

[0146] Therefore, by ensuring the distance between the three or more communication units on the control board 37 as much as possible, mutual interference of RF communication between each communication unit and the RF tag can be prevented. Furthermore, as a variation of this fifth embodiment, similar to the fourth embodiment described above, it goes without saying that the consumable filter cartridges can also be arranged differently on one side and the other side, with the control board 37 as the boundary.

[0147] [Sixth Implementation Method]

[0148] The water purification device of the sixth embodiment is a continuous electrolyzed water generator A6. This continuous electrolyzed water generator A6 continuously electrolyzes raw water flowing in from tap water or the like, and sprays out the resulting electrolyzed water, such as alkaline water. The electrolyzed water generator A6 has a hollow fiber membrane filter cartridge 17 in the water supply system structure 11. Electrolyzed water is generated by electrolyzing the filtered water (purified water) filtered by the hollow fiber membrane filter cartridge 17. This is one aspect of the water purification device of the present invention.

[0149] like Figure 10 As shown, the electrolyzed water generator A6 of this sixth embodiment receives raw water supplied from the tap water pipe 20 via the faucet 21 and branch plug 22 from the water supply port 14, performs water purification and electrolysis treatment through the water pipe 16, and sprays electrolyzed water from the spray pipe 26.

[0150] The housing 13 of the water electrolysis generator A6 includes: a hollow fiber membrane filter cartridge 17; a flow sensor 18 for measuring the flow rate of the filtered water (purified water) filtered by the hollow fiber membrane filter cartridge 17; a salt addition cartridge 44a for adding salt to the filtered water; a calcium addition cartridge 44b for adding calcium to the filtered water; a flow path switching unit 45 for switching which flow path the water passing through the flow sensor 18 should be directed to either the salt addition cartridge 44a or the calcium addition cartridge 44b; an electrolysis cell 46 having multiple plate-shaped electrode sections 46a, 46b, and 46c for electrolyzing the water that has passed through the salt addition cartridge 44a or the calcium addition cartridge 44b; an electrolyzed water flow path 47a for flowing the electrolyzed water for use; and a discharge flow path 47b for discharging unused water. The electrolyzed water reaching the electrolyzed water flow path 47a is sprayed out as purified water via a spray pipe 26 connected to a spray pipe connection port 15.

[0151] Figure 11 This is an explanatory diagram showing the appearance of the water electrolysis generator A6. Figure 11 (a) indicates the view from the upper right, facing the front of the water electrolysis generator A6. Figure 11 (b) shows the view of the back of the water electrolysis generator A6 from a right-side upper angle. Furthermore, in Figure 11 In (b), to show the assembled state of the hollow fiber membrane filter cartridge 17, the cartridge was shown after being removed. Figure 11 (a) shows the state of the filter cartridge cover 48.

[0152] like Figure 11 As shown in (a), the front of the water electrolyzer A6 is equipped with a display unit 39 and an operation unit 47. The display unit 39 displays information about the electrolyzed water being sprayed, the working status of each part of the device, especially the cumulative water flow to the hollow fiber membrane filter cartridge 17, and notifications of replacement time, etc. The operation unit 47 has multiple switches for indicating the start-up, stop, and generation of various types of electrolyzed water of the water electrolyzer A6, and accepts user operation input.

[0153] Additionally, as a component of the housing 13 constituting the water electrolysis generator A6, a removable filter cartridge cover 48 is provided from the right side to the right rear side. This filter cartridge cover 48 is... Figure 11 (b) shows the cover of the filter cartridge storage space S1, which houses the hollow fiber membrane filter cartridge 17 and can be assembled.

[0154] Figure 12 This is an explanatory diagram showing the appearance of the hollow fiber membrane filter cartridge 17. (See diagram for example.) Figure 12 As shown, an RF tag 17c is provided at a predetermined position on the main body of the hollow fiber membrane filter cartridge 17, enabling RF communication with the communication unit 31 built into the substrate of the water electrolysis generator A6.

[0155] Figure 13This is an explanatory diagram showing the structure of the water electrolysis generator A6. Figure 13 (a) is a diagram showing the back of the water electrolysis generator A6 from a top left angle. Figure 13 (b) is an exploded perspective view showing the main components other than the water circulation system structure 11 among the components constituting the water electrolysis generator A6. (See diagram below.) Figure 13 As shown, the water electrolysis generator A6 includes an operation panel 50, a front panel 51, a display panel mounting base 52, an electrolysis base plate 53, a base plate cover 54, a rear cover 55, and a filter cartridge cover 48 from its front side to its back side.

[0156] In addition, a bottom shell 57 is provided at the bottom of the water electrolysis generator A6, and an electrolysis transformer 58 is provided on the bottom shell 57 for voltage conversion of the power supplied to the electrolysis power conversion unit described later.

[0157] Figure 14 This is an explanatory diagram showing the internal structure of the water electrolyzer A6 as viewed from the rear side after removing the filter cartridge cover 48, rear cover 55, and substrate cover 54, especially the configuration of the display unit mounting substrate 52, the electrolysis substrate 53, and the configuration of the installed circuit components.

[0158] like Figure 14 As shown, the electrolytic substrate 53 and the display unit mounting substrate 52 are disposed on the inner side of the front panel 51 in a state of partial overlap in the front-back direction (front-back direction).

[0159] Front panel 51 is the front panel that constitutes the front of housing 13, that is, the front panel of the electrolyzed water generator A6, such as Figure 11 As shown in (a), an exposure hole 39a is formed above the center of the left-right direction. The exposure hole 39a is used to expose the display part 39 so that it can be observed and confirmed by the user.

[0160] The display unit mounting substrate 52 is a generally rectangular substrate with partial cutouts. It houses a control unit 30 primarily for overall control of the water electrolysis generator A6. In addition to a communication unit 31 for wireless communication with the RF tag 17c on the hollow fiber membrane filter cartridge 17, and a management unit 38 for managing the RF tag 17c based on information obtained through communication, a display unit 39 is also mounted. This display unit 39 displays management information related to the hollow fiber membrane filter cartridge 17 generated by the management unit. The display unit 39 is mounted on the back of the display unit mounting substrate 52, opposite the front panel 51, and the management information can be viewed and confirmed by the user through the aforementioned exposure hole 39a. Furthermore, the spiral pattern formed on the communication unit 31 is an antenna pattern for RF communication.

[0161] Electrolytic substrate 53 is in Figure 14The substrate, which is formed by cutting off the upper left or upper right corner of the electrolytic substrate 53 and protruding upwards, is roughly rectangular in shape. It is suitable for generating electricity from commercial power sources or the power required for the operation of the control unit 30.

[0162] An electrolytic power conversion unit 60 and a control system power conversion transformer 61 are mounted on the electrolytic substrate 53.

[0163] The electrolytic power conversion unit 60 is used to rectify, transform, and regulate the current of electricity obtained from commercial power sources, etc., and convert it into a state suitable for supplying to the electrolytic cell 46. In this sixth embodiment, a switching-based transformation is performed, which, although efficient and compact, is also a high-frequency noise source.

[0164] The power conversion transformer 61 for the control system is a transformer that converts (transforms) the power supplied to the display unit mounting board 52, which is equipped with various control system circuits. This power conversion transformer 61 for the control system is also one of the noise sources present in the water electrolysis generator A6.

[0165] In addition, multiple cables 62 are connected to the electrolytic substrate 53. These cables are used to receive power from a commercial power source or to supply power to the electrolytic cell 46, the display unit mounting substrate 52, and the electrolytic transformer 58. However, the connection ends of these cables 62 on the electrolytic substrate 53 side are all connected to the substrate of the electrolytic substrate 53 by a... Figure 14 The imaginary line V4, shown in the middle, is the imaginary plane that divides the space inside the housing 13 of the water electrolyzer A6 (the space inside the housing S2) to the left and right. The left half of the space (which becomes the left side of the space inside the housing S2L when viewed from the front of the water electrolyzer A6) is divided by the imaginary line V4 (imaginary plane).

[0166] Furthermore, within the internal space S2 of the water electrolysis generator A6, an electrolysis transformer 58 is installed on the bottom shell 57 and on the side of the internal space S2L. This electrolysis transformer 58 is a voltage conversion transformer for the power supplied to the electrolysis power conversion unit 60, and like the previous control system power conversion transformer 61, it is also one of the noise sources present in the water electrolysis generator A6.

[0167] Furthermore, the water electrolyzer A6 equipped with these structures has the following features. Specifically, in the water electrolyzer A6, which is a water purification device comprising a display unit mounting board 52 (where a communication unit 31 and a management unit 38 are mounted) and an electrolysis cell 46, a display unit 39 is mounted on the display unit mounting board 52, and an electrolysis power conversion unit 60 is mounted on the electrolysis board 53, which is a separate second board. Figure 14As shown, the display unit is arranged with substrate 52 and electrolysis substrate 53 overlapping, thus making the electrolyzed water generator A6 itself compact.

[0168] In addition, such as Figure 14 As shown, when viewed from the front-back direction of the water electrolysis generator A6, the communication unit 31 mounted on the display unit mounting substrate 52 is positioned in a position that does not overlap with the electrolysis substrate 53, which can prevent the electrolysis substrate 53, which has many noise sources, from obstructing RF communication as much as possible.

[0169] In addition, the communication unit 31 on the display unit mounting substrate 52 is positioned at the diagonal corner of the electrolytic power conversion unit 60 with the projection shape of the two overlapping substrates when viewed from the front-back direction, thus reducing the impact of switching noise from the electrolytic power conversion unit 60.

[0170] Furthermore, although the switching elements of the electrolytic power conversion unit 60, which employs a switching method, generate a relatively large amount of heat, the RF communication control IC (not shown) located in the communication unit 31 is positioned as far away from the electrolytic power conversion unit 60 as possible. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the RF communication control IC from malfunctioning due to temperature changes, enabling more stable RF communication.

[0171] In addition, the electrolytic transformer 58 is arranged in one half of the internal space S2 (internal space S2L), while the communication unit 31 is arranged in the area of ​​the display unit mounting substrate 52 that is arranged in the other half of the internal space S2 (internal space S2R).

[0172] Therefore, it can suppress the impact of noise from the electrolytic transformer 58 on RF communication as much as possible. In addition, it can prevent the RF communication control IC from malfunctioning due to the heat generated by the electrolytic transformer 58, and enable more stable RF communication.

[0173] Furthermore, the electrolysis transformer 58 is located near the bottom of one half of the inner space S2 (inner space S2L), and in this embodiment, it is mounted on the bottom shell 57. Therefore, the center of gravity of the water electrolysis generator A6 can be lowered as much as possible, making it less prone to tipping over, thus improving the product's tipping stability.

[0174] Furthermore, the power conversion transformer 61 for the control system is disposed in one half of the internal space S2 (internal space S2L). Therefore, the noise generated by the power conversion transformer 61 for the control system can be suppressed as much as possible from affecting RF communication. In addition, the RF communication control IC can be prevented from malfunctioning due to the heat generated by the power conversion transformer 61 for the control system, thus enabling more stable RF communication.

[0175] Furthermore, the power conversion transformer 61 for the control system is mounted on the electrolytic substrate 53 in one half of the internal space of the enclosure (internal space S2L). Therefore, the wiring connecting the electrolytic substrate 53 and the power conversion transformer 61 for the control system can be shortened, noise generated from the wiring connecting the two can be suppressed, and the product itself can be made more compact.

[0176] Furthermore, the connection of the cable between the display unit mounting substrate 52 and the electrolytic substrate 53, and the connection of the cable 62 between the electrolytic substrate 53 and the electrolytic cell 46, are performed in one half of the internal space S2 (internal space S2L). Therefore, the impact of noise from the cable 62 on RF communication can be suppressed as much as possible.

[0177] Furthermore, as a feature of the water electrolysis generator A6 of this sixth embodiment, the following aspects can be listed: the RF communication between the communication unit 31 and the RF tag 17c disposed in the hollow fiber membrane filter cartridge 17 is performed in a state of passing through multiple covers.

[0178] Figure 15 This is a cross-sectional view showing the installation position of the communication section 31 of the electrolyzed water generator A6, cut along a plane including the front-back direction and the left-right direction.

[0179] In the electrolyzed water generator A6, the internal space S2 was previously described as being divided into two spaces, internal space S2L and internal space S2R. However, as another method of division, if we consider the function of the components and other components arranged in each space, the internal space S2 can be roughly divided into a water system configuration space S3a and an electrical system configuration space S3b.

[0180] like Figure 15 As shown in (a), the water system configuration space S3a and the electrical system configuration space S3b are spaces divided by the substrate cover 54. In the water system configuration space S3a, components of the water system, such as the water pipe 16, the electrolytic cell 46, and the hollow fiber membrane filter cartridge 17, are mainly configured. On the other hand, in the electrical system configuration space S3b, components of the electrical system, such as the display unit configuration substrate 52 and the electrolytic substrate 53, are mainly configured. Furthermore, although the components configured in each space are not strictly distinguished, for example, electrically driven components such as solenoid valves are also present in the water system configuration space S3a.

[0181] In addition, the water circulation system configuration space S3a is roughly divided into filter cartridge storage space S1 and remaining space S4.

[0182] The filter cartridge storage space S1 and the remaining space S4 are spaces divided by the rear cover 55. The filter cartridge storage space S1 is used to store and install the hollow fiber membrane filter cartridge 17, and the remaining space S4 is used to store other water circulation system components.

[0183] Furthermore, in the water electrolysis generator A6 with such a structure, the following structure is adopted, such as... Figure 15 As shown in the enlarged view in (b), the communication unit 31 is also provided on the display unit mounting substrate 52 corresponding to the RF tag 17c of the hollow silk membrane filter cartridge 17 housed in the filter cartridge housing space S1. The electrical system mounting space S3b and the water circulation system mounting space S3a are divided by the substrate cover 54, and the filter cartridge housing space S1 and the remaining space S4 in the water circulation system mounting space S3a are divided by the rear cover 55, so that the substrate cover 54 and the rear cover 55 are located between the communication unit 31 and the RF tag 17c.

[0184] Therefore, even if water leaks from the electrolytic cell 46, water pipe 16, hollow fiber membrane filter cartridge 17, etc., it is difficult to keep water in the communication section 31, thus preventing malfunctions as much as possible.

[0185] Next, the electrical structure of the water electrolysis generator A6 will be further explained. Figure 16 This is a block diagram representing the main structure of the electrical structure of the water electrolysis generator A6.

[0186] The water electrolysis generator A6 includes an electrolysis transformer 58, an electrolysis substrate 53, an electrolysis cell 46, and a display unit mounting substrate 52. The electrolysis substrate 53 is equipped with an electrolysis power conversion unit 60 and a control system power conversion transformer 61. The display unit mounting substrate 52 is equipped with a communication unit 31 and a display unit 39.

[0187] Electrolytic transformer 58 is, for example, a transformer used to step down the AC voltage input from commercial power supply 65 to approximately AC 30-40V. The power stepped down by electrolytic transformer 58 is supplied to electrolytic power conversion unit 60.

[0188] The electrolytic power conversion unit 60 is used to perform full-wave rectification and convert the power into a state suitable for supplying to the electrolytic cell 46 via a switch. The electrolytic power conversion unit 60 is connected to the electrolytic cell 46 and supplies power to it.

[0189] The electrolytic cell 46 has multiple plate-shaped electrode sections 46a, 46b, and 46c, which are used for electrolyzing water that has passed through the salt addition container 44a or the calcium addition container 44b. The electrolyzed water received by the electrolytic cell 46 is sprayed out as purified water, i.e., electrolyzed water, through the spray pipe 26. In addition, the electrolytic cell 46 is electrically connected to the display unit mounting substrate 52, and can send signals to the display unit mounting substrate 52 regarding the current value flowing during electrolysis.

[0190] The power conversion transformer 61 for the control system is, for example, a transformer used to step down the AC voltage input from the commercial power supply 65 to approximately AC 12V. Furthermore, in the electrolytic substrate 53, the power transformed by the power conversion transformer 61 for the control system is rectified or smoothed over a full wave to supply power for driving the ICs, solenoid valves, etc., on the display unit mounting substrate 52.

[0191] The communication unit 31 and display unit 39, which are mounted on the display unit mounting board 52, are described as described above, and therefore their description is omitted. Furthermore, the electrolytic transformer 58 and the power conversion transformer 61 for the control system are not limited to... Figure 14 The transformer shown in the diagram also includes transformers for switching purposes that are directly mounted on the circuit board used in switching power supplies.

[0192] Next, the operation implemented by the control unit 30 equipped on the display unit mounting board 52 of the water electrolysis generator A6 will be described. Figure 17 This is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the water electrolysis generator A6. The control unit 30 is equipped with a CPU, ROM, RAM, etc. The CPU executes a predetermined program while referring to the ROM and RAM, thereby managing the hollow fiber membrane filter cartridge 17 described below. Furthermore, this filter cartridge management process is performed as part of the overall control process of the water electrolysis generator A6 performed by the control unit 30, but its description is omitted here.

[0193] In the filter cartridge management process, the control unit 30 first performs an impregnation determination process (step S11) on the hollow fiber membrane filter cartridge 17 assembled in the filter cartridge storage space S1. Specifically, RF communication is performed between the hollow fiber membrane filter cartridge 17 and the RF tag 17c, and the information inherent in the genuine product is read from the RF tag 17c.

[0194] Next, the control unit 30 determines whether the hollow fiber membrane filter cartridge 17 is genuine, that is, whether the information inherent to genuine products has been read through RF communication (step S12). Here, if the information inherent to genuine products has not been read (step S12: no), the control unit 30 moves the process to step S13.

[0195] In step S13, the control unit 30 displays information to the user via the display unit 39 that promotes the use of the pure water filter cartridge, such as "Please use the pure water filter cartridge.", and returns the process to the routine before the branch. Additionally, at this time, the control unit 30 can control the water electrolysis generator A6 to either generate electrolyzed water (purified water) or to prevent it from doing so.

[0196] On the other hand, in step S12, if the information inherent to a genuine product is read (step S12: yes), that is, if it is confirmed that the assembled hollow fiber membrane filter cartridge 17 is a genuine product, the process moves to step S14.

[0197] In step S14, the control unit 30 reads various historical information from the RF tag 17c, such as cumulative water flow and cumulative water flow time.

[0198] Next, the control unit 30 performs a process of comparing the various historical information read out with predetermined values ​​stored in RAM and ROM, i.e., the threshold values ​​that become the filter cartridge replacement targets (step S15).

[0199] Next, the control unit 30 determines whether the comparison results and the values ​​of various history information exceed predetermined values ​​(step S16). Here, if it is determined that the predetermined values ​​have been exceeded (step S16: yes), the control unit 30 moves the processing to step S17.

[0200] In step S17, the control unit 30 displays information to the user via the display unit 39, such as "Please replace the filter cartridge.", and returns the process to the previous routine. Additionally, at this time, the control unit 30 can control the electrolyzed water generator A6 to generate electrolyzed water (purified water), or it can control it to not generate it.

[0201] On the other hand, in step S16, if it is determined that the predetermined value has not been exceeded (step S16: no), the control unit 30 will move the processing to step S18.

[0202] In step S18, as the user flows water and electrolyzes the water in the electrolyzed water generator A6, the control unit 30 counts the water flow time and water flow volume based on the flow signal sent from the flow sensor 18.

[0203] Next, when the user stops the water flow and electrolysis of the water electrolyzer A6, the control unit 30 performs RF communication with the RF tag 17c to write and update various historical information stored in the RF tag 17c, such as the cumulative water flow and cumulative water flow time (step S19). If this step S19 is completed, the control unit 30 will return to the routine before the branch.

[0204] Furthermore, based on the A6 electrolyzed water generator with such a structure, by determining the authenticity of genuine products, it can detect non-genuine filter cartridges supplied to the market as exchangeable products by third parties. For filter cartridges with questionable effects on water purification and other consumable filter cartridges, or non-genuine filter cartridges that may contain inferior products, it can warn and stop the user from using them.

[0205] Furthermore, technologies for so-called IoT can be appropriately adopted for these processes. For example, it is possible to make a structure that can connect the water electrolysis generator A6 to the Internet, and to make a structure that allows users to order pre-ordered filter cartridges via the touch panel used in the display unit 39.

[0206] Alternatively, a structure capable of communicating with smartphones can be adopted. For example, an application installed on the smartphone can be used to check current data usage, usage time, or monitor the progression of usage. Furthermore, the smartphone can be used to remind users to purchase new filter cartridges or to place orders for new cartridges before a predetermined replacement target is reached.

[0207] In addition to the aforementioned history information, the information written to the RF tag 17c by the water electrolysis generator A6 can also include more information. For example, it can store the measurement results of conductivity, pH, etc., in cases where there is a water conductivity sensor or pH sensor.

[0208] Additionally, the water electrolyzer A6 can be equipped with a mechanism for determining the installation location, such as GPS (Global Positioning System). For example, based on location information obtained from GPS, it is possible to perform treatments corresponding to the properties and pH characteristics of the water in that area.

[0209] Furthermore, if various information is stored in the RF tags of consumable filter cartridges, then when water purifiers or filter cartridge retailers recycle used filter cartridges, they can obtain information such as the user's usage status even when the stored data is read and the product is placed in the user's home. This can be beneficial for future product development and improvement of existing product defects.

[0210] [Seventh Implementation Method]

[0211] The seventh embodiment relates to a filter cartridge installed in a water purification device according to the first to sixth embodiments, and in particular to a protective structure for RF tags. Figure 18 This is an explanatory diagram showing various structures of an ion water filter cartridge, which is used as a consumable filter cartridge.

[0212] Figure 18 (a) shows an ion water filter cartridge 71, which is a typical cylindrical filter cartridge with an inlet 71a and an outlet 71b on the bottom surface. In addition, an RF label 71c is provided on the main body of the ion water filter cartridge 71, but the RF label 71c is located in a recess 71d formed in the main body, which is at a lower position in the radial direction compared with the overall curved surface of the main body.

[0213] in addition, Figure 18 (b) The ion water filter cartridge 72 shown has the following structure: an inlet 72a is formed on the bottom surface and an outlet 72b is formed on the top surface. This is different from the structure of the ion water filter cartridge 71, but the RF label 72c is disposed in the recess 72d, which is the same.

[0214] Furthermore, based on these ion water filter cartridges 71 and 72, such as Figure 18 As shown in (c), even when the main body is placed in contact with a plane such as a workbench, the RF tags 71c and 72c will not come into contact with the plane, thus preventing damage to the RF tags.

[0215] In particular, the IC is built into the RF tag, which requires careful handling. On the other hand, the filter cartridge is cylindrical and tends to roll easily. If the RF tag is placed on the main body, it is assumed that the RF tag will be damaged due to contact with the ground. However, by making it this way, the built-in IC can be properly protected.

[0216] Furthermore, such a recess can be provided not only in the main body but also on the top surface. That is, it can also be provided as follows: Figure 18 As shown in (d), an inlet 73a and an outlet 73b are provided on one side (the bottom surface in this case), and a recess 73d is formed on the other side (the top surface in this case) to accommodate an RF tag 73c. ​​Furthermore, according to this structure of the ion water filter cartridge 73, compared with the ion water filter cartridges 71 and 72, since the RF tag 73c is provided on a surface different from the rolling surface, damage to the RF tag can be further avoided.

[0217] Furthermore, the aforementioned ion water filter cartridges 71, 72, and 73 are examples, and of course, they can be universally applied to the aforementioned consumable filter cartridges.

[0218] [Eighth Implementation Method]

[0219] The eighth embodiment, like the seventh embodiment, relates to the protection structure of the RF tag. Figure 19 This is an illustration of various structures for the protection of RF tags in a composite filter cartridge, which is used as a consumable filter cartridge, combining two segmented filter cartridges, such as a hollow fiber membrane segmented filter cartridge and an activated carbon segmented filter cartridge.

[0220] Figure 19(a) is a composite filter cartridge 80 that combines a hollow fiber membrane segmented filter cartridge 81 and an activated carbon segmented filter cartridge 82. An inlet 80a is formed on the bottom surface of the hollow fiber membrane segmented filter cartridge 81, and an outlet 80b is formed on the top surface of the activated carbon segmented filter cartridge 82. Furthermore, a watertight joint structure is provided between the top surface of the hollow fiber membrane segmented filter cartridge 81 and the bottom surface of the activated carbon segmented filter cartridge 82, creating a structure that allows for the separation and combination of the hollow fiber membrane segmented filter cartridge 81 and the activated carbon segmented filter cartridge 82.

[0221] In addition, a joint flange 80e is formed at the joint between the hollow fiber membrane segmented filter cartridge 81 and the activated carbon segmented filter cartridge 82. The joint flange 80e protrudes outward in the radial direction compared with the circumferential surface of the main body of the hollow fiber membrane segmented filter cartridge 81 and the activated carbon segmented filter cartridge 82.

[0222] In addition, an RF tag 81c is provided in the recess 81d of the main body of the hollow fiber membrane segmented filter cartridge 81. The recess 81d is located on the surface of the main body in the axial direction closer to the connector flange 80e than the bottom surface.

[0223] Furthermore, based on the composite filter cartridge 80 with such a structure, since the joint flange portion 80e has high strength, it can perform stable RF communication without being affected by the deformation or expansion of the composite filter cartridge 80 caused by water pressure during water flow.

[0224] Figure 19 (b) is a filter cartridge with a structure substantially the same as the composite filter cartridge 80. It is a composite filter cartridge 83 with a structure that combines a hollow fiber membrane segmented filter cartridge 84 and an activated carbon segmented filter cartridge 85. It has an inlet 83a, an outlet 83b, and a connector flange 83e. An RF label 84c is provided on the main body of the hollow fiber membrane segmented filter cartridge 84, but an additional mark 81f replaces the recess 81d.

[0225] Furthermore, based on this structure, when the RF tag 84c is attached by pasting, the operator during the manufacture of the filter cartridge can easily identify the pasting location, thereby improving workability.

[0226] Figure 19 (c) is a filter cartridge with a structure substantially the same as the composite filter cartridge 80, a composite filter cartridge 86 used in combination with a hollow fiber membrane segmented filter cartridge 87 and an activated carbon segmented filter cartridge 88, having an inlet 86a, an outlet 86b, and a connector flange 86e. An RF tag 87c is provided on the main body of the hollow fiber membrane segmented filter cartridge 87, but... Figure 19 (c) As shown in the figure below, a portion of the circumferential curved surface of the hollow fiber membrane segmented filter cartridge 87 is made into a flat surface 87g to replace the recess 81d, and an RF label 87c is placed on the flat surface 87g.

[0227] In addition, an inlet flange 86f is formed at the bottom periphery of the curved surface of the main body of the hollow fiber membrane filter cartridge 87. The inlet flange 86f protrudes outward in the radial direction compared to the periphery of the main body. An outlet flange 86g is formed at the top periphery of the curved surface of the main body of the activated carbon filter cartridge 88. The outlet flange 86g protrudes outward in the radial direction compared to the periphery of the main body.

[0228] Furthermore, based on this structure, when the RF label 87c is affixed, the operator during filter cartridge manufacturing can easily identify the affixing position, improving workability. Additionally, since the RF label 87c can be affixed to a flat surface, the load on the RF label 87c caused by deflection is reduced compared to affixing it to a curved surface. Moreover, because the main bodies of the hollow fiber membrane segmented filter cartridge 81 and the activated carbon segmented filter cartridge 82 are relatively concave due to the inlet-side flange 86f and the outlet-side flange 86g, even if the composite filter cartridge 86 is placed upside down on a flat surface such as a workbench, the RF label 87c will not come into contact with the surface, minimizing damage to the RF label 87c.

[0229] Figure 19 (d) is a filter cartridge with a structure substantially the same as the composite filter cartridge 86. It is a composite filter cartridge 89 with a structure that combines a hollow fiber membrane segmented filter cartridge 90 and an activated carbon segmented filter cartridge 91. It has an inlet 89a, an outlet 89b, and a connector flange 89e. In the main body of the hollow fiber membrane segmented filter cartridge 90, an RF label 90c is provided on a plane 90g. It has an inlet side flange 89f and an outlet side flange 89g. However, a portion of the curved surface of the activated carbon segmented filter cartridge 91 is also made into a plane 91g, and an RF label 91c is provided on this plane 91g.

[0230] Furthermore, based on this structure, since RF tags are placed on both segmented filter cartridges, the consumables for each segmented filter cartridge are different, allowing for independent management even when replacing them individually. In addition, in this case, each RF tag should be placed in a location where RF communication waves do not interfere with each other. Furthermore, in this eighth embodiment, each composite filter cartridge has an inlet on one end face and an outlet on the other end face; of course, it can also be... Figure 18 As shown in (a), an inlet and an outlet are provided on one or the other end face.

[0231] As described above, the water purification device according to this embodiment can provide a water purifier and an electrolyzed water generator. The water purifier and the electrolyzed water generator have a communication unit that communicates wirelessly with the RF tag on the consumable filter cartridge and a management unit that manages the consumable filter cartridge based on the information obtained from the communication on a single substrate. Therefore, even though it has a communication unit and a management unit, it is possible to suppress the increase in manufacturing costs caused by the number of substrates.

[0232] Finally, the above descriptions of the embodiments are examples of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. Therefore, even in addition to the embodiments described above, various modifications can be made according to the design, etc., as long as they do not depart from the technical spirit of the present invention.

[0233] For example, in the water electrolysis generator A6 described in the sixth embodiment, the display unit mounting substrate 52 and the electrolysis substrate 53 are made of different substrates, but they can also be made of a single substrate.

[0234] That is, in an electrolyzed water generator that is a water purification device, which includes a substrate with a communication unit 31 and a management unit 38 and an electrolyzer 46, the following structure can also be made: an electrolysis power conversion unit 60 that converts electricity into a state suitable for supplying to the electrolyzer 46 and a display unit 39 that displays management information related to the hollow fiber membrane filter cartridge 17 generated by the management unit 38 are disposed on the substrate.

[0235] In addition, in this case, the electrolytic power conversion unit 60 is disposed near one corner of the substrate, and the communication unit 31 is disposed near a corner diagonally opposite to the corner where the electrolytic power conversion unit 60 is disposed, thereby reducing the impact of switching noise caused by the electrolytic power conversion unit 60.

[0236] Furthermore, the water purification device is not limited to the device that performs the functions of a water purifier and an electrolyzed water generator as described in the above embodiments; the water purification device of the present invention includes a structure that introduces supplied water into the device and discharges purified water. However, the applicant's assertion of this application does not preclude the limitation of the manner in which the water purification device is designed.

[0237] In addition, there is no particular limit to the number of communication units and consumable filter cartridges equipped in water purification devices such as water purifiers and electrolyzed water generators. They can have one, two, three, or even more communication units and consumable filter cartridges, depending on the situation.

[0238] Furthermore, the water purification device of the present invention can contribute to Goal 6 of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) (to provide safe water and sanitation facilities to the world).

[0239] Symbol Explanation

[0240] 17—Hollow fiber membrane filter cartridge, 17c—RF tag, 18—Flow sensor, 31—Communication section, 37—Control board, 38—Management section, 39—Display section, 41—Activated carbon filter cartridge, 42—Power supply section, 43—Sintered coral filter cartridge, 46—Electrolysis cell, 47—Operation section, 52—Display section configuration board, 53—Electrolysis board, 54—Board cover, 55—Rear cover, 57—Bottom shell, 58—Electrolysis transformer, 60—Electrolysis power conversion section, 61—Control system power conversion transformer, 62—Cable, A1~A5—Water purifier, A6—Electrolyzed water generator, S1—Filter cartridge storage space, S2—Internal space of the housing, S2L—Internal space of the housing, S2R—Internal space of the housing, S3a—Water circulation system configuration space, S3b—Electrical system configuration space, S4—Remaining space.

Claims

1. A water electrolysis generator that sprays out water that has passed through a consumable filter cartridge, characterized in that, have: The communication unit communicates wirelessly with the RF tag on the aforementioned consumable filter cartridge; The management department manages the aforementioned consumable filter cartridges based on the information obtained through the aforementioned communications; and An electrolytic cell, which electrolyzes water. The aforementioned communication unit and the aforementioned management unit are mounted on a single baseboard. The aforementioned substrate, upon which a display unit is disposed to display management information related to the aforementioned consumable filter cartridge generated by the aforementioned management unit, becomes a display unit mounting substrate. On the other hand... An electrolytic power conversion unit that converts electricity into a state suitable for supplying to the electrolytic cell is disposed on a second substrate, which is different from the display unit mounting substrate, and the second substrate is disposed overlapping the display unit mounting substrate.

2. The water electrolysis generator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The communication section on the display section configuration substrate is positioned in a location that does not overlap with the second substrate.

3. The water electrolysis generator according to claim 2, characterized in that, The communication section on the display section mounting substrate is located at the diagonal corner of the electrolytic power conversion section.

4. The water electrolysis generator according to claim 3, characterized in that, A voltage conversion transformer for supplying power to the electrolytic power conversion unit is disposed in one half of the housing space, while the communication unit is disposed in the area of ​​the display unit mounting substrate disposed in the other half of the housing space.

5. The water electrolysis generator according to claim 4, characterized in that, The voltage conversion transformer for supplying the power to the electrolytic power conversion unit is located near the bottom of one half of the internal space of the tank.

6. The water electrolysis generator according to claim 5, characterized in that, A power conversion transformer for the control system that supplies power to the substrate of the aforementioned display section is disposed in one half of the space inside the aforementioned housing.

7. The water electrolysis generator according to claim 6, characterized in that, The power conversion transformer for the aforementioned control system is disposed on the second base plate in the area of ​​one half of the space inside the enclosure.

8. The water electrolysis generator according to claim 7, characterized in that, The connection of the cable between the display unit mounting substrate and the second substrate and / or the connection of the cable between the second substrate and the electrolytic cell is performed in one half of the space inside the housing.

9. A water electrolysis generator that sprays out water that has passed through a consumable filter cartridge, characterized in that, have: The communication unit communicates wirelessly with the RF tag on the aforementioned consumable filter cartridge; The management department manages the aforementioned consumable filter cartridges based on the information obtained through the aforementioned communications; and An electrolytic cell, which electrolyzes water. The aforementioned communication unit and the aforementioned management unit are mounted on a single baseboard. The enclosure includes: a water supply system space for housing the piping that allows supplied water to pass through and be directed to the spray nozzle, the aforementioned electrolytic cell, and the aforementioned consumable filter cartridge; and an electrical system space for housing the aforementioned substrate. The aforementioned water system configuration includes a filter cartridge storage space for accommodating the installed filter cartridges, as well as remaining space for accommodating other components. The communication unit and the RF tag of the consumable filter cartridge housed in the filter cartridge storage space are respectively disposed on the substrate. The electrical system configuration space and the water circulation system configuration space are divided by the substrate cover, and the filter cartridge storage space and the remaining space in the water circulation system configuration space are divided by the rear cover, so that the substrate cover and the rear cover are located between the communication unit and the RF tag.

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