Water purification device

Abstract

The invention provides a water purification device. The water purification device (1) is provided with: a filter unit (10) for removing an object to be treated from water to be treated containing the object to be treated by means of a filter medium (19) to generate purified water; an ozone generation unit (7) that generates ozone gas by electrolysis of water; a purge water generation unit (9) that mixes ozone gas into the water to be treated or purified water to generate purge water; and a control unit (3) for conveying washing water to the filter unit (10) during washing of the filter medium.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] Previously, physical filtration using activated carbon or sand as filter media was known as a water treatment method for removing impurities from water. In water treatment devices using filter media, impurities, especially organic matter, tend to accumulate inside the filter media, thus requiring regular cleaning to remove the organic matter to the outside.

[0003] However, because small-molecule organic matter is adsorbed into the micropores of the filter media, it is difficult to remove even after cleaning. Furthermore, in home water treatment systems, the accumulation time of organic matter in the filter media can be prolonged when the system is not cleaned due to prolonged periods of absence from home. When the accumulation time is extended, the adsorbed and accumulated organic matter acts as a nutrient source, leading to the growth and reproduction of bacteria such as Legionella in the filter media, potentially infecting humans. To decompose such organic matter in treated or purified water or to eliminate existing bacteria, ozone-based decomposition and sterilization methods are known.

[0004] Existing technical documents

[0005] Patent documents

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Publication No. 6-59474

[0007] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 9-75917 Summary of the Invention

[0008] In the water treatment system disclosed in Patent Document 1, the decomposition and sterilization of organic matter are achieved by combining an ozone supply device, an ozone treatment device, and a water treatment device. However, the ozone supply device disclosed in Patent Document 1 supplies ozone via discharge, thus the device tends to be larger in size. Furthermore, after decomposing and sterilizing organic matter using ozone supply, the ozone contained in the wash water needs to be removed in order to use it as purified water. To remove ozone, in addition to the ozone treatment device, a time balancing tank is also required, thus the overall water treatment system tends to become even larger.

[0009] Furthermore, in ozone treatment devices with time-balanced tanks, the ozone-containing water is temporarily stored before ozone removal, thus requiring time before it can be used as purified water. Therefore, there is a problem that purified water cannot be used immediately. In addition, there is the following problem: when using large quantities of purified water, a time-balanced tank is needed, leading to a further increase in the overall size of the device.

[0010] This invention provides a small water purification device that can instantly utilize purified water.

[0011] The water purification apparatus of the present invention includes: a filtration unit that removes the substance to be treated from treated water containing the substance to be treated using a filter medium to generate purified water; an ozone generating unit that generates ozone gas by electrolysis of water; a cleaning water generating unit that mixes ozone gas into the treated water or purified water to generate cleaning water; and a control unit that supplies cleaning water to the filtration unit during the cleaning of the filter medium.

[0012] According to the present invention, a small water purification device is provided that can immediately utilize purified water. Attached Figure Description

[0013] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the water purification device 1 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0014] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the filtering mode involved in Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0015] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the backwashing mode of the treated water according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0016] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the ozone water backwashing mode according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the water purification device 101 according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the filtering mode involved in Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the filter media deployment mode and the treated water cleaning mode according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the ozone water cleaning mode according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the water purification device 201 according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 10 This is a block diagram illustrating the structure of the control unit 203 according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 11 This is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the water purification device 201 according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 12This is a schematic diagram of the filtering mode involved in Embodiment 3 of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the water cleaning mode according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of the ozone water cleaning mode according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 15 This is a block diagram illustrating the structure of the water purification device 201 according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 16 This is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the water purification device 201 according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 17 This is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the water purification device 201 according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 18 This is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the water purification device 201 according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0031] Hereinafter, various embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, the following embodiments are merely examples embodying the present invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, the figures described in each embodiment are schematic diagrams, and the ratios of the size and thickness of each component in the figures may not reflect actual dimensional ratios.

[0032] (Implementation Method 1)

[0033] (Overall structure)

[0034] Reference Figure 1 The water purification device 1 according to Embodiment 1 will be described. Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the water purification device 1 according to Embodiment 1.

[0035] Water purification device 1 Figure 1As shown, this is a device for purifying treated water containing impurities such as organic matter or bacteria, which is transported from a water treatment plant or other facility via a tap water pipeline 2, making it usable for domestic use. The water purification device 1 purifies the treated water and cleans the filter media by executing three modes: a filtration mode, a treated water backwash mode, and an ozone water backwash mode. Details of each mode will be described later. The treated water backwash mode and the ozone water backwash mode are collectively referred to as the backwash mode. The water purification device 1 includes an inlet 21, a control unit 3, an ozone generation unit 7, a cleaning water generation unit 9, a filtration unit 10, a measuring unit 20, a purified water outlet 27, and a backwash outlet 29.

[0036] The inlet 21 is an opening that introduces the treated water, which is pumped from outside the water purification device 1 (e.g., a water treatment plant) through the tap water pipe 2, into the water purification device 1. The inlet 21 is provided in the housing that constitutes the water purification device 1 and is connected to the inlet pipe 22 described later.

[0037] When executing the filtration mode, the treated water backwash mode, and the ozone water backwash mode, the control unit 3 controls the switching of the flow path of the treated water circulating in the water purification device 1. The specific flow path switching performed by the control unit 3 during each mode execution will be described later. In the control unit 3, the hardware can be implemented using components and mechanical devices, primarily a computer's CPU (Central Processing Unit). The software can be implemented using computer programs, etc. Therefore, these functional modules can be implemented in various forms through a combination of hardware and software. The control unit 3 is connected via wired or wireless means to each of the ozone generator 7, the cleaning water generator 9, the upstream switching valve 5, the constant flow valve 24, the three-way valve 25, the switching valve 11, and the measuring unit 20, controlling the operation of each structure.

[0038] The ozone generating unit 7 is a device that introduces the water to be treated into its interior and generates ozone gas by electrolyzing the water using electrodes. The ozone generating unit 7 is connected to the second water supply pipe 23b, which will be described later, and a cleaning water generating unit 9 is provided downstream of the ozone generating unit 7.

[0039] The cleaning water generation unit 9 is a device that generates cleaning water by mixing the water to be treated with ozone gas generated in the ozone generation unit 7. Alternatively, instead of the water to be treated, the ozone gas can be mixed with purified water generated in the filtration unit 10 (described later) to generate cleaning water in the cleaning water generation unit 9. In this case, piping or the like is provided to supply the generated purified water to the cleaning water generation unit 9.

[0040] The filtration unit 10 uses the filter medium 19 installed inside the filtration unit 10 to capture organic matter or bacteria and other substances contained in the water to be treated, and then separates and removes the substances to be treated, thereby generating purified water. The filtration unit 10 is connected to the third water supply pipe 23c, the water guide pipe 15, the purified water discharge pipe 26, and the backwash discharge pipe 28, respectively.

[0041] The switching valve 11 and the one-end side opening 13 are located vertically above the filter section 10, and the water guide pipe 15 and the filter medium 19 are located inside the filter section 10.

[0042] The switching valve 11 is a valve that switches the destination of water flowing into the filter section 10 and water being discharged from the filter section 10 according to the operating mode of the water purification device 1. The switching valve 11 is connected to the third water supply pipe 23c, the side opening 13 at one end, the guide pipe 15, the purified water discharge pipe 26, and the backwash discharge pipe 28, respectively. The switching valve 11 is communicatively connected to the control unit 3 via wireless or wired means, and switches the water delivery destination according to the signal from the control unit 3.

[0043] One-end opening 13 is connected to the end of the third water supply pipe 23c during the filtration mode by switching the water delivery destination via the switching valve 11, allowing the treated water flowing through the third water supply pipe 23c to be introduced into the filter section 10. Furthermore, one-end opening 13 is also connected to the end of the backwash discharge pipe 28 during the treated water backwash mode and the ozone water backwash mode by switching the water delivery destination via the switching valve 11, allowing water from the filter section 10 to be conveyed to the backwash discharge pipe 28. One-end opening 13 corresponds to the other-end opening 17 (described later) and is located vertically above the other-end opening 17.

[0044] The filter media 19 is a substance that captures organic matter or bacteria contained in the treated water. Activated carbon, filter sand, zeolite, or ceramics can be used as the filter media 19. The filter media 19 is disposed below the filter section 10, and a space exists above the filter media 19 within the filter section 10. This space improves backwashing efficiency during backwashing.

[0045] The water guide pipe 15 is installed inside the filter section 10, connecting the upper and lower parts of the filter section 10, and has an opening 17 at its lower end. During filtration mode, the treated water flowing into the filter section 10 is transported from the upper to the lower part of the filter section 10 via the water guide pipe 15. During treated water backwashing mode and ozone water backwashing mode, the water used for cleaning the filter media 19 in the filter section 10 is transported from the lower to the upper part of the filter section 10 via the water guide pipe 15 and then discharged outside the filter section 10.

[0046] The other end opening 17 is embedded in the filter medium 19 and is located vertically below the first end opening 13. The other end opening 17 is an opening for supplying water from the water pipe 15 into the filter section 10 or for supplying water from the filter section 10 into the water pipe 15.

[0047] The lower part of the water guide pipe 15, including the opening 17 at the other end, is submerged in the filter medium 19. On the other hand, the upper part of the water guide pipe 15 is not submerged in the filter medium 19 and is connected to the switching valve 11. That is, the water guide pipe 15 is a pipe that supplies water from the switching valve 11 to the filter medium 19 located in the lower part of the filter section 10, or supplies water from the filter section 10 from the lower part of the filter section 10 to the switching valve 11.

[0048] The measuring unit 20 is a device installed on the purified water discharge pipe 26 (described later) to measure the water quality of the purified water generated in the filtration unit 10. For example, a COD (Chemical Oxygen Demand) meter can be used as the measuring unit 20.

[0049] The purified water outlet 27 is an opening through which the treated water filtered by the water purification device 1 is taken out as purified water (treated water) to the outside of the water purification device 1. The purified water outlet 27 is provided in the housing constituting the water purification device 1 and is connected to the purified water discharge pipe 26 described later.

[0050] The backwash outlet 29 is an opening that discharges the treated water or cleaning water used for cleaning the filter section 10 to the outside of the water purification device 1. The backwash outlet 29 is an opening provided in the housing of the water purification device 1 and is connected to the backwash discharge pipe 28.

[0051] (Flow paths and valves)

[0052] The water purification device 1 consists of an inlet pipe 22, a first water supply pipe 23a, a second water supply pipe 23b, a third water supply pipe 23c, a clean water discharge pipe 26, and a backwash discharge pipe 28.

[0053] The inlet pipe 22 is connected to the inlet 21 and the upstream switching valve 5, and supplies the treated water introduced from the inlet 21 into the water purification device 1 to the upstream switching valve 5.

[0054] The upstream switching valve 5 is a valve that switches the water delivery destination, allowing water to be supplied from the inlet pipe 22 to either the first water delivery pipe 23a or the second water delivery pipe 23b. For example, a three-way electric valve can be used as the upstream switching valve 5. The upstream switching valve 5 is communicatively connected to the control unit 3 via wireless or wired means, and switches the water delivery destination based on signals from the control unit 3.

[0055] The upstream switching valve 5 is connected to the filter section 10 by the first water supply pipe 23a, the second water supply pipe 23b, and the third water supply pipe 23c.

[0056] The first water supply pipe 23a is a pipe that connects the upstream switching valve 5 to the branch point B described later, and is used when executing the filtration mode and the backwash mode of the treated water.

[0057] The second water supply pipe 23b is a pipe connecting the upstream switching valve 5 to the branch point B described later, and is used when performing the ozone water backwash mode. A constant flow valve 24, an ozone generator 7, and a cleaning water generator 9 are installed on the second water supply pipe 23b.

[0058] The constant flow valve 24 is a valve that keeps the flow rate of the treated water supplied to the ozone generating unit 7 at a fixed flow rate when the ozone water backwash mode is activated, and is connected to the second water supply pipe 23b.

[0059] The third water supply pipe 23c is a pipe that connects the branch point B (described later) to the side opening 13 of the filter section 10, and is used when performing the filtration mode, the treated water backwash mode, and the ozone water backwash mode.

[0060] The downstream end of the inflow pipe 22, the upstream end of the first water supply pipe 23a, and the upstream end of the second water supply pipe 23b are connected respectively, and the connection point is branch point A. An upstream switching valve 5 is installed at branch point A.

[0061] The downstream end of the first water supply pipe 23a, the downstream end of the second water supply pipe 23b, and the upstream end of the third water supply pipe 23c are connected at a branch point B. A three-way valve 25 is installed at branch point B.

[0062] The three-way valve 25 is used to switch the water supply source, allowing water to be supplied from either the first water supply pipe 23a or the second water supply pipe 23b to the third water supply pipe 23c. The three-way valve 25 is communicatively connected to the control unit 3 via wireless or wired means, and switches the water supply destination according to signals from the control unit 3.

[0063] The purified water discharge pipe 26 is connected to the switching valve 11 and the purified water outlet 27, and is used to transport the treated water, after organic matter or bacteria have been removed in the filtration section 10, to the purified water outlet 27. A measuring section 20 is provided on the purified water discharge pipe 26.

[0064] The backwash discharge pipe 28 is connected to the switching valve 11 and the backwash discharge port 29, and is a pipe that transports the treated water or cleaning water used for cleaning the filter section 10 to the backwash discharge port 29. The above describes the structure of the water purification device 1.

[0065] Next, the operation of water purification device 1 will be explained.

[0066] First, refer to Figure 2 The operation of the water purification device 1 when it performs the filtration mode is explained. Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the execution of the filtering mode involved in Implementation Method 1.

[0067] In the water purification device 1, during filtration mode, the control unit 3 controls the flow path switching. The upstream switching valve 5 connects the inlet pipe 22 and the first water supply pipe 23a, the three-way valve 25 connects the first water supply pipe 23a and the third water supply pipe 23c, and the switching valve 11 connects the third water supply pipe 23c and the one-end opening 13. Thus, the water containing impurities flows from the outside of the water purification device 1 into its interior, sequentially passing through the inlet 21, inlet pipe 22, upstream switching valve 5, first water supply pipe 23a, three-way valve 25, third water supply pipe 23c, and switching valve 11. In other words, the inlet pipe 22, first water supply pipe 23a, third water supply pipe 23c, and switching valve 11 form a purification flow path, through which the water being treated circulates. After passing through the switching valve 11, the water flows into the filter section 10 from the one-end opening 13 and then through the filter medium 19 installed within the filter section 10. At this time, impurities in the water being treated are adsorbed by the filter medium 19, thereby filtering the water. The purified water generated by filtering the water flows through the purified water discharge pipe 26 and is sent to the outside of the water purification device 1 from the purified water discharge outlet 27.

[0068] If the execution time of the filtration mode exceeds a certain time (e.g., 4 hours) or the water volume processed exceeds a fixed water volume (e.g., 7000L), the control unit 3 ends the filtration mode and executes the backwash mode of the treated water.

[0069] Next, refer to Figure 3 The operation of the water purification device 1 when performing the backwash mode of the treated water is explained. Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the backwashing mode of the treated water involved in Implementation Method 1.

[0070] In the water purification device 1, during the backwashing mode of the treated water, the control unit 3 controls the flow path switching. The upstream switching valve 5 connects the inlet pipe 22 and the first water supply pipe 23a, the three-way valve 25 connects the first water supply pipe 23a and the third water supply pipe 23c, and the switching valve 11 connects the third water supply pipe 23c and the guide pipe 15. Thus, the treated water flows from the outside of the water purification device 1 into its interior, sequentially passing through the inlet 21, inlet pipe 22, upstream switching valve 5, first water supply pipe 23a, three-way valve 25, third water supply pipe 23c, switching valve 11, and guide pipe 15. In other words, the inlet pipe 22, first water supply pipe 23a, third water supply pipe 23c, and guide pipe 15 form a cleaning flow path, in which the treated water circulates. After flowing through the water guide pipe 15, the treated water enters the filter section 10 through the opening 17 at the other end and flows through the filter medium 19 installed inside the filter section 10. In other words, the treated water flows into the filter section 10 from the end opposite to the side where the filtration mode is executed. The incoming treated water passes through the pores of the filter medium 19 and between the filter medium 19, thereby removing the treated material adsorbed between the pores of the filter medium 19 and between the filter medium 19. Thus, the treated water flowing in from the lower part of the filter section 10 cleans the filter medium 19 inside the filter section 10 while being transported to the upper part of the filter section 10, and is then transported to the backwash discharge pipe 28 via the switching valve 11. Afterwards, the treated water flows through the backwash discharge pipe 28 and is discharged from the backwash discharge port 29 to the outside of the water purification device 1.

[0071] If the execution time of the treated water backwash mode exceeds a certain time (e.g., 2 minutes), the control unit 3 ends the treated water backwash mode and executes the ozone water backwash mode.

[0072] Next, refer to Figure 4 The operation of water purification device 1 when it performs ozone water backwash mode is explained. Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the ozone water backwashing mode implemented in Implementation Method 1.

[0073] In the water purification device 1, under ozone water backwashing mode, the control unit 3 controls the flow path switching. The upstream switching valve 5 connects the inlet pipe 22 and the second water supply pipe 23b, the three-way valve 25 connects the second water supply pipe 23b and the third water supply pipe 23c, and the switching valve 11 connects the third water supply pipe 23c and the guide pipe 15. Thus, the treated water flows from outside the water purification device 1 into its interior, passing through the inlet 21, inlet pipe 22, upstream switching valve 5, second water supply pipe 23b, and constant flow valve 24, before flowing into the ozone generation unit 7. The treated water flowing into the ozone generation unit 7 is electrolyzed by a pair of electrodes (anode and cathode) installed inside the ozone generation unit 7. This electrolysis generates ozone gas. After the treated water containing ozone gas flows into the cleaning water generation unit 9, the ozone gas dissolves in the treated water, becoming ozone-containing cleaning water. The cleaning water generated in the cleaning water generation unit 9 flows sequentially through the three-way valve 25, the third water supply pipe 23c, the switching valve 11, and the guide pipe 15. After flowing through the guide pipe 15, the cleaning water flows into the filter unit 10 from the other end opening 17 and then through the filter medium 19 installed inside the filter unit 10. That is, it flows into the filter unit 10 from the side opposite to the end into which the treated water flows during the filtration mode. The flowing cleaning water passes through the pores of the filter medium 19 and between the filter medium 19, thereby removing the treated matter adsorbed between the pores of the filter medium 19 and between the filter medium 19, and sterilizing it with ozone. Thus, the cleaning water flowing in from the lower part of the filter unit 10 cleans the filter medium 19 inside the filter unit 10 while being transported to the upper part of the filter unit 10, and is transported to the backwash discharge pipe 28 via the switching valve 11. Afterwards, the cleaning water flows through the backwash discharge pipe 28 and is discharged to the outside of the water purification device 1 from the backwash discharge outlet 29.

[0074] If the ozone water backwashing mode is executed for a certain period of time (e.g., 3 minutes), the control unit 3 will end the ozone water backwashing mode and execute the filtration mode or enter a standby state waiting to execute the filtration mode.

[0075] In summary, in the water purification device 1, the filtration mode, the treated water backwash mode, and the ozone water backwash mode are executed cyclically. In other words, the generation of purified water by the filtration unit 10 and the regeneration of the filtration unit 10 are executed cyclically.

[0076] Furthermore, during the operation of the water purification device 1, in most cases, the total flow rate of treated water or cleaning water flowing into the filter section 10 in both the treated water backwash mode and the ozone water backwash mode is less than the flow rate of treated water flowing into the filter section 10 in the filtration mode. In other words, the flow rate of water flowing into the filter section 10 during the regeneration of the filter media 19 is less than the flow rate of water flowing into the filter section 10 during the generation of purified water. However, depending on the operating environment of the water purification device 1, there are also cases where the flow rate of water flowing into the filter section 10 in the filtration mode is greater than or equal to the total flow rate of water flowing into the filter section 10 in both the treated water backwash mode and the ozone water backwash mode. In addition, the ozone water backwash mode is performed in such a way that the total volume of ozone water flowing into the filter section 10 in the ozone water backwash mode is at least the same as the volume of the filter media 19.

[0077] The water purification device 1 according to Embodiment 1 can achieve the following effects.

[0078] (1) The water purification device 1 includes: a filter section 10 that uses a filter medium 19 to remove the substance being treated from the treated water containing the substance being treated to generate clean water; an ozone generating section 7 that generates ozone gas by electrolysis of water; a cleaning water generating section that mixes ozone gas into the treated water or clean water to generate cleaning water; and a control section 3 that supplies cleaning water to the filter section 10 when the filter medium 19 is being cleaned.

[0079] With this structure, when backwashing the filter section 10, the filter medium 19 is cleaned with ozone water, thus enabling the decomposition and sterilization of organic matter accumulated in the filter medium 19. Furthermore, the water purification device 1 of the present invention generates ozone through the electrolysis of water, thus enabling ozone generation in a more compact device than a discharge-type ozone generator, thereby achieving device miniaturization.

[0080] (2) In the water purification device 1, the control unit 3 supplies the water to be treated to the filter unit 10 before supplying the cleaning water. As a result, after the treated material accumulated in the filter medium 19 is discharged to the outside of the water purification device 1 using the treated water, the filter unit 10 can be cleaned with the cleaning water. Therefore, the decomposition and sterilization of organic matter can be carried out efficiently.

[0081] (3) The water purification device 1 includes: a purification flow path for supplying treated water to an end-side opening 13 provided at one end of the filter section 10; and a cleaning flow path for supplying treated water to an end-side opening 17 provided at the other end corresponding to one end of the filter section 10. When the water purification device 1 generates purified water through the filter section 10, it supplies treated water to the filter section 10 via the purification flow path from the end-side opening 13. When regenerating the filter medium 19, it supplies treated water to the filter section 10 via the cleaning flow path from the other end-side opening 17. With this structure, the mixing of purified water generated in the filtration mode and backwash wastewater generated in the backwash mode can be suppressed, thus obtaining purified water free of impurities.

[0082] (4) The water purification device 1 includes: a purification flow path for supplying treated water to an end-side opening 13 provided at one end of the filter section 10; and a cleaning flow path for supplying treated water to an end-side opening 17 provided at the other end corresponding to one end of the filter section 10. When the water purification device 1 generates purified water through the filter section 10, it supplies treated water to the filter section 10 via the purification flow path from the end-side opening. When regenerating the filter medium 19, it supplies cleaning water to the filter section 10 via the cleaning flow path from the other-side opening 17. With this structure, the mixing of purified water generated in the filtration mode and cleaning water generated in the ozone water backwashing mode can be suppressed, thus obtaining purified water that can suppress the health hazards caused by ozone.

[0083] (5) In the water purification device 1, one end opening 13 is located vertically above the filter section 10, and the other end opening 17 is located vertically below the one end opening 13. With this structure, when the filtration mode is executed, the treated water is filtered by gravity, thus improving the purification efficiency of the treated water. Furthermore, when the treated water backwash mode and the ozone water backwash mode are executed, the buoyancy of the treated water delivered from below and the cleaning water delivered from below can be used to efficiently clean the treated substances accumulated in the filter medium 19, thereby allowing them to be discharged to the outside of the water purification device 1.

[0084] (6) In the water purification device 1, when regenerating the filter medium 19, cleaning water with a volume at least the same as that of the filter medium 19 is introduced into the filter section 10. With this structure, the treated material accumulated in the filter medium 19 can be efficiently discharged to the outside of the water purification device 1. Furthermore, if ozone water is used, the organic matter accumulated in the filter medium 19 can be decomposed and sterilized simultaneously, thus enabling backwashing to be performed efficiently with minimal waste of time and water.

[0085] Furthermore, in Embodiment 1, a cleaning water generating unit 9 is provided downstream of the ozone generating unit 7, but this is not a limitation. For example, a housing integrating the ozone generating unit 7 and the cleaning water generating unit 9 may be provided. Inside the housing, a plate-shaped anode, a plate-shaped cathode, and a conductive membrane disposed between the anode and cathode are provided from the upstream side to the downstream side. In this case, the water to be treated flows into the housing, and electrolysis of the water to be treated is performed through the anode and cathode. Then, inside the housing, ozone gas generated by the electrolysis of the water to be treated on the upstream side is rapidly mixed with the water to be treated. As a result, cleaning water containing a high concentration of ozone gas can be generated as it approaches the downstream side of the housing.

[0086] The water purification device involved in this invention can be applied to point-of-use (POU) or point-of-entry (POE) water purification devices, etc.

[0087] (Implementation Method 2)

[0088] Previously, physical filtration using activated carbon or sand as filter media was known as a water treatment method for removing impurities from water. In water purification devices using filter media, impurities, especially organic matter, tend to accumulate inside the filter media, thus requiring regular cleaning to remove the organic matter to the outside.

[0089] However, because small-molecule organic matter is adsorbed into the micropores of the filter media, it is difficult to remove even after cleaning. Furthermore, in home water treatment systems, the accumulation time of organic matter in the filter media can be prolonged when the system is not cleaned due to prolonged periods of absence from home. When the accumulation time is extended, the adsorbed and accumulated organic matter acts as a nutrient source, leading to the growth and reproduction of bacteria such as Legionella in the filter media, potentially infecting humans. To decompose such organic matter in the treated water or eliminate existing bacteria, ozone decomposition and sterilization methods are known.

[0090] In the purification system disclosed in Patent Document 1, the decomposition and sterilization of organic matter can be achieved by combining an ozone supply device, an ozone treatment device, and a filtration device. However, the problem that bacteria can easily proliferate inside the filtration device when it is used infrequently, when the flow rate of the cleaning water inside the filtration device is low, or when the filtration device is not properly maintained, has not yet been solved.

[0091] Therefore, the present invention provides a water purification device capable of inhibiting the growth of bacteria within the filter section.

[0092] The water purification device of the present invention includes: a filtration unit that uses a filter medium to remove the substance being treated from treated water containing the substance to generate purified water; an ozone generating unit that generates ozone gas through water electrolysis; a cleaning water generating unit that generates ozone water by mixing ozone gas into the treated water or purified water; and a control unit that controls the execution of a filtration mode for generating purified water from the treated water and a cleaning mode for cleaning the filter medium. Before the ozone water cleaning mode, which constitutes the cleaning mode and supplies ozone water to the filtration unit, is executed, a filter medium unfolding mode is executed for a certain period of time or more. In this filter medium unfolding mode, the treated water is supplied to the filtration unit from a direction opposite to the direction of water supply in the filtration mode, thereby unfolding the compressed filter medium.

[0093] According to the present invention, a water purification device is provided that can inhibit the growth of bacteria in the filter section.

[0094] Hereinafter, various embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, the following embodiments are merely examples embodying the present invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, the figures described in each embodiment are schematic diagrams, and the ratios of the size and thickness of each component in the figures may not reflect actual dimensional ratios.

[0095] (Implementation Method 2)

[0096] (Overall structure)

[0097] Reference Figure 5 The water purification device 101 according to Embodiment 2 will be described. Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the water purification device 101 according to Embodiment 2.

[0098] Water purification device 101 Figure 5 As shown, this is a device for purifying water containing impurities such as organic matter or bacteria, which is transported from a water treatment plant or other facility via a tap water pipe 102, so that it can be used as domestic water. The water purification device 101 purifies the treated water and cleans the filter media by executing various modes: a filtration mode, a filter media deployment mode, a treated water cleaning mode, and an ozone water cleaning mode. Details of each mode will be described later. The filter media deployment mode, treated water cleaning mode, and ozone water cleaning mode are collectively referred to as the cleaning mode. The water purification device 101 includes an inlet 121, a control unit 103, an ozone generation unit 107, an ozone water generation unit 109, a filtration unit 110, a measuring unit 120, a purified water outlet 127, and a backwash outlet 129.

[0099] The inlet 121 is an opening that introduces the treated water, which is pumped from the outside of the water purification device 101 (e.g., a water treatment plant) through the tap water pipe 102, into the interior of the water purification device 101. The inlet 121 is provided in the housing that constitutes the water purification device 101 and is connected to the inlet pipe 122 described later.

[0100] When executing the filtration mode, filter media deployment mode, treated water cleaning mode, and ozone water cleaning mode, the control unit 103 controls the switching of the flow path of the treated water circulating inside the water purification device 101. The specific flow path switching performed by the control unit 103 during each mode execution will be described later. In the control unit 103, the hardware can be implemented by components and mechanical devices, primarily a computer's CPU (Central Processing Unit). The software can be implemented through computer programs, etc. Therefore, these functional modules can be implemented in various forms through a combination of hardware and software. The control unit 103 is connected via wired or wireless means to each of the ozone generator 107, ozone water generator 109, upstream switching valve 105, constant flow valve 124, three-way valve 125, switching valve 111, and measuring unit 120, controlling the operation of each structure.

[0101] The ozone generating unit 107 is a device that introduces the water to be treated into its interior and generates ozone gas by electrolyzing the water using electrodes. The ozone generating unit 107 is connected to the second water supply pipe 123b, which will be described later, and an ozone water generating unit 109 is provided on the downstream side of the ozone generating unit 107.

[0102] The ozone water generation unit 109 is an apparatus that generates ozone water by mixing the water to be treated with ozone gas generated in the ozone generation unit 107. In the ozone water generation unit 109, ozone gas can also be mixed with purified water generated in the filtration unit 110 (described later) instead of the water to be treated, thereby generating ozone water. In this case, piping or the like is provided to supply the generated purified water to the ozone water generation unit 109.

[0103] The filtration unit 110 uses a filter medium 119 installed inside the filtration unit 110 to capture organic matter or bacteria and other substances contained in the water to be treated, and then separates and removes the substances to be treated, thereby generating purified water. The filtration unit 110 is connected to the third water supply pipe 123c, the water guide pipe 115, the purified water discharge pipe 126, and the backwash discharge pipe 128, respectively.

[0104] The switching valve 111 and the one-end side opening 113 are located vertically above the filter section 110, and the water guide pipe 115 and the filter medium 119 are located inside the filter section 110.

[0105] The switching valve 111 is a valve that switches the destination of water flowing into the filter section 110 and water being discharged from the filter section 110 according to the operating mode of the water purification device 101. The switching valve 111 is connected to the third water supply pipe 123c, the one-end side opening 113, the guide pipe 115, the purified water discharge pipe 126, and the backwash discharge pipe 128, respectively. The switching valve 111 is communicatively connected to the control unit 103 via wireless or wired means, and switches the water delivery destination according to the signal from the control unit 103.

[0106] One-end opening 113 is connected to the end of the third water supply pipe 123c during the filtration mode by switching the water delivery destination via the switching valve 111, allowing water to be supplied into the filter section 110 through the third water supply pipe 123c. Furthermore, one-end opening 113 is also connected to the end of the backwash discharge pipe 128 during the treated water cleaning mode and the ozone water cleaning mode by switching the water delivery destination via the switching valve 111, for supplying water from the filter section 110 to the backwash discharge pipe 128. One-end opening 113 corresponds to the other-end opening 117 (described later) and is located vertically above the other-end opening 117.

[0107] Filter media 119 is a substance that captures organic matter or bacteria contained in the treated water; for example, activated carbon or filter sand can be used as filter media 119. Filter media 119 is disposed below filter section 110, and gaps exist between the particles of filter media 119. The proportion of these gaps is called porosity. The porosity of filter media 119 is the percentage of gaps per unit volume of filter media 119. In other words, porosity is the proportion of gaps in the portion of filter media 119 occupied within filter section 110 (the space 130 from the bottom surface of filter media 119 to the top surface of filter media 119). Furthermore, filter media 119 does not fill to the very top of filter section 110; a space 131 exists above filter media 119. The porosity of filter section 110 is the percentage of the volume of the space 131 above filter media 119 to the total volume of filter section 110. In addition, space 131 refers to the part not occupied by filter medium 119, which is the space from the top surface of filter medium 119 to the top surface of filter section 110.

[0108] In the cleaning mode of Embodiment 2, since water is supplied to the filter section 110 from the side opposite to that during the filtration mode, the filter medium 119, which was compressed during the filtration mode, is expanded. Therefore, by providing the space 131 above the filter medium 119, the filter medium 119 is easily expanded, and the backwashing efficiency in the cleaning mode is improved. When the cleaning mode is executed, compared with the end of the filtration mode, the porosity of the filter medium 119 increases, and the gap ratio of the filter section 110 decreases.

[0109] The water guide pipe 115 is installed inside the filter section 110, connecting the upper and lower parts of the filter section 110, and has an opening 117 at its lower end. During filtration mode, the water to be treated flowing into the filter section 110 is transported from the upper to the lower part of the filter section 110 via the water guide pipe 115. During filter media deployment mode, treated water cleaning mode, and ozone water cleaning mode, the water used for cleaning the filter media 119 in the filter section 110 is transported from the lower to the upper part of the filter section 110 via the water guide pipe 115 and then discharged to the outside of the filter section 110.

[0110] The other end opening 117 is embedded in the filter medium 119 and is located vertically below the first end opening 113. The other end opening 117 is an opening for supplying water from the water pipe 115 into the filter section 110 or for supplying water from the filter section 110 into the water pipe 115.

[0111] The lower portion of the water guide pipe 115, including the opening 117 at the other end, is submerged in the filter medium 119. On the other hand, the upper portion of the water guide pipe 115 is not submerged in the filter medium 119 and is connected to the switching valve 111. In other words, the water guide pipe 115 is a pipe that supplies water from the switching valve 111 to the filter medium 119 located in the lower portion of the filter section 110, or supplies water from the filter section 110 from the lower portion of the filter section 110 to the switching valve 111.

[0112] The measuring unit 120 is a device installed on the purified water discharge pipe 126 (described later) to measure the water quality of the purified water generated in the filtration unit 110. For example, a COD (Chemical Oxygen Demand) meter can be used as the measuring unit 120.

[0113] The purified water outlet 127 is an opening for taking out the treated water filtered by the water purification device 101 as purified water (treated water) to the outside of the water purification device 101. The purified water outlet 127 is provided in the housing constituting the water purification device 101 and is connected to the purified water discharge pipe 126 described later.

[0114] The backwash outlet 129 is an opening that discharges the treated water or ozone water used for cleaning the filter section 110 to the outside of the water purification device 101. The backwash outlet 129 is an opening provided in the housing of the water purification device 101 and is connected to the backwash discharge pipe 128.

[0115] (Flow paths and valves)

[0116] The water purification device 101 consists of an inlet pipe 122, a first water supply pipe 123a, a second water supply pipe 123b, a third water supply pipe 123c, a clean water discharge pipe 126, and a backwash discharge pipe 128.

[0117] The inlet pipe 122 is connected to the inlet 121 and the upstream switching valve 105, and supplies the treated water introduced from the inlet 121 into the water purification device 101 to the upstream switching valve 105.

[0118] The upstream switching valve 105 is a valve that switches the water delivery destination so that water from the inlet pipe 122 is supplied to either the first water delivery pipe 123a or the second water delivery pipe 123b. For example, a three-way electric valve can be used as the upstream switching valve 105. The upstream switching valve 105 is communicatively connected to the control unit 103 via wireless or wired means, and switches the water delivery destination according to signals from the control unit 103.

[0119] The upstream switching valve 105 to the filter section 110 is connected by a first water supply pipe 123a, a second water supply pipe 123b, and a third water supply pipe 123c.

[0120] The first water supply pipe 123a is a pipe that connects the upstream switching valve 105 to the branch point 10B described later, and is used when executing the filtration mode, the filter media deployment mode, and the treated water cleaning mode.

[0121] The second water supply pipe 123b is a pipe connecting the upstream switching valve 105 to the branch point 10B (described later), and is used when performing the ozone water cleaning mode. A constant flow valve 124, an ozone generator 107, and an ozone water generator 109 are installed on the second water supply pipe 123b.

[0122] The constant flow valve 124 is a valve that stabilizes the flow rate of the treated water supplied to the ozone generating unit 107 to a fixed flow rate when the ozone water cleaning mode is activated, and is connected to the second water supply pipe 123b.

[0123] The third water supply pipe 123c is a pipe that connects the branch point 10B (described later) to the side opening 113 of the filter section 110, and is used when executing the filtration mode, the filter media deployment mode, the treated water cleaning mode, and the ozone water cleaning mode.

[0124] The downstream end of the inflow pipe 122, the upstream end of the first water supply pipe 123a, and the upstream end of the second water supply pipe 123b are connected respectively, and the connection point is the branch point 10A. An upstream switching valve 105 is installed at the branch point 10A.

[0125] The downstream end of the first water supply pipe 123a, the downstream end of the second water supply pipe 123b, and the upstream end of the third water supply pipe 123c are connected at a branch point 10B. A three-way valve 125 is installed at the branch point 10B.

[0126] The three-way valve 125 is used to switch the water supply source so that water is supplied from either the first water supply pipe 123a or the second water supply pipe 123b to the third water supply pipe 123c. The three-way valve 125 is communicatively connected to the control unit 103 via wireless or wired means, and switches the water supply destination according to the signal from the control unit 103.

[0127] The purified water discharge pipe 126 is connected to the switching valve 111 and the purified water outlet 127, and is used to transport the treated water, after organic matter or bacteria have been removed in the filtration section 110, to the purified water outlet 127. A measuring section 120 is provided on the purified water discharge pipe 126.

[0128] The backwash discharge pipe 128 is connected to the switching valve 111 and the backwash discharge port 129, and is a pipe that delivers the treated water or ozone water used for cleaning the filter section 110 to the backwash discharge port 129.

[0129] The above describes the structure of the water purification device 101.

[0130] Next, the operation of the water purification device 101 will be explained.

[0131] First, refer to Figure 6 The operation of the water purification device 101 when it executes the filtration mode is explained. Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the execution of the filtering mode involved in Implementation Method 2.

[0132] In the water purification device 101, during filtration mode, the control unit 103 controls the flow path switching. The upstream switching valve 105 connects the inlet pipe 122 and the first water supply pipe 123a; the three-way valve 125 connects the first water supply pipe 123a and the third water supply pipe 123c; and the switching valve 111 connects the third water supply pipe 123c and the one-end opening 113. Thus, the water containing impurities flows from the outside of the water purification device 101 into its interior, sequentially passing through the inlet 121, inlet pipe 122, upstream switching valve 105, first water supply pipe 123a, three-way valve 125, third water supply pipe 123c, and switching valve 111. In other words, the inlet pipe 122, first water supply pipe 123a, third water supply pipe 123c, and switching valve 111 form a purification flow path, through which the water being treated flows. The water to be treated, after passing through the switching valve 111, flows into the filter section 110 through one end opening 113 and passes through the filter medium 119 disposed within the filter section 110. At this time, impurities in the water to be treated are adsorbed by the filter medium 119, thereby filtering the water. Since the water to be treated flows into the filter section 110 from above, the filter medium 119 is gradually compressed by the water to be treated as the filtration cycle progresses. As a result, at the end of the filtration cycle, compared to the beginning of the filtration cycle, the porosity of the filter medium 119 decreases (for example, by 20% compared to the beginning of the filtration cycle), while the porosity of the filter section 110 increases (for example, by 10% compared to the beginning of the filtration cycle). The purified water generated by filtering the water to be treated flows through the purified water discharge pipe 126 and is discharged to the outside of the water purification device 101 from the purified water discharge outlet 127. Furthermore, at the beginning of the filtration cycle, the porosity of the filter medium 119 is, for example, 40%, and the porosity of the filter section 110 is, for example, 20%.

[0133] If the execution time of the filtration mode exceeds a certain time (e.g., 10 hours), the control unit 103 terminates the filtration mode and executes the filter media deployment mode.

[0134] Next, refer to Figure 7 The operation of the water purification device 101 when executing the filter media deployment mode is explained. Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the filter media deployment mode executed according to Embodiment 2.

[0135] In the water purification device 101, under the filter media deployment mode, the upstream switching valve 105 connects the inlet pipe 122 and the first water supply pipe 123a, the three-way valve 125 connects the first water supply pipe 123a and the third water supply pipe 123c, and the switching valve 111 connects the third water supply pipe 123c and the guide pipe 115, all controlled by the control unit 103. Thus, the water to be treated flows from the outside of the water purification device 101 into its interior, sequentially passing through the inlet 121, inlet pipe 122, upstream switching valve 105, first water supply pipe 123a, three-way valve 125, third water supply pipe 123c, switching valve 111, and guide pipe 115. In other words, the inlet pipe 122, first water supply pipe 123a, third water supply pipe 123c, and guide pipe 115 form a cleaning flow path, in which the water to be treated circulates. After flowing through the water guide pipe 115, the treated water flows into the filter section 110 through the opening 117 at the other end of the filter section 110 and then flows through the filter medium 119 disposed within the filter section 110. In other words, the treated water flows into the filter section 110 from the end opposite to the side where the filtration mode is executed. The incoming treated water passes through the pores of the filter medium 119 and between the filter medium 119, thereby removing the treated material adsorbed between the pores of the filter medium 119 and between the filter medium 119. At this time, due to the flow rate of the treated water, the filter medium 119, which was compressed during the filtration mode execution, expands, thus increasing the porosity of the filter medium 119 (for example, by 20% compared to the end of the filtration mode) and decreasing the porosity of the filter section 110 (for example, by 10% compared to the end of the filtration mode). In this way, the water to be treated flowing in from the lower part of the filter section 110 cleans the filter medium 119 inside the filter section 110 while being transported to the upper part of the filter section 110, and then transported to the backwash discharge pipe 128 via the switching valve 111. After that, the water to be treated flows through the backwash discharge pipe 128 and is discharged from the backwash discharge outlet 129 to the outside of the water purification device 101.

[0136] If the execution time of the filter media deployment mode exceeds a certain time (e.g., 2 minutes), the control unit 103 terminates the filter media deployment mode and executes the ozone water cleaning mode. The certain time in the filter media deployment mode is the shorter of the following: the time from the start of the filter media deployment mode until the gap ratio of the filter section 110 reaches the gap ratio before the start of the filtration mode, and the time during which the porosity of the filter media 119 at the end of the filtration mode increases by more than 20% based on the porosity of the filter media 119. Specifically, when the volume compression of the filter media 119 in the filtration mode is small, the deployment rate of the filter media 119 can be small; therefore, it is sufficient to execute the filter media deployment mode until the gap ratio before the start of the filtration mode is reached. On the other hand, when the volume compression of the filter media 119 in the filtration mode is large, it takes time for the gap ratio of the filter section 110 to reach the gap ratio before the start of the filtration mode, and the drainage volume of the treated water also increases. Therefore, it is sufficient to execute the filter media deployment mode until the porosity of the filter media 119 at the end of the filtration mode increases by more than 20% based on the porosity of the filter media 119. Here, the increase in porosity is set to be more than 20% from the perspective of alleviating the volume compression of filter media 119, the cleaning effect of ozone water cleaning mode executed after filter media deployment mode, and the drainage volume in filter media deployment mode.

[0137] Next, refer to Figure 8 The operation of the water purification device 101 when it executes the ozone water cleaning mode is explained. Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the ozone water cleaning mode implemented in Implementation Method 2.

[0138] In the water purification device 101, under ozone water cleaning mode, the control unit 103 controls the flow path switching. The upstream switching valve 105 connects the inlet pipe 122 and the second water supply pipe 123b; the three-way valve 125 connects the second water supply pipe 123b and the third water supply pipe 123c; and the switching valve 111 connects the third water supply pipe 123c and the guide pipe 115. Thus, the water to be treated flows from outside the water purification device 101 into its interior, passing through the inlet 121, inlet pipe 122, upstream switching valve 105, second water supply pipe 123b, and constant flow valve 124, before flowing into the ozone generating unit 107. The water flowing into the ozone generating unit 107 is electrolyzed by a pair of electrodes (anode and cathode) installed inside the ozone generating unit 107. Ozone gas is generated through this electrolysis. After the treated water containing ozone gas flows into the ozone water generation unit 109, the ozone gas dissolves in the treated water, thus becoming ozone water containing ozone. The ozone water generated in the ozone water generation unit 109 flows sequentially through the three-way valve 125, the third water supply pipe 123c, the switching valve 111, and the guide pipe 115. After flowing through the guide pipe 115, the ozone water flows into the filter unit 110 from the other end opening 117, and flows through the filter media 119 installed in the filter unit 110. That is, the ozone water flows into the filter unit 110 from the end opposite to the side where the filtration mode is executed. In other words, the filter unit 110 is backwashed using ozone water. The flow rate of the flowing ozone water is less than the flow rate of the treated water in the filter media deployment mode (for example, 80% of the flow rate in the filter media deployment mode). The incoming ozone water passes through the pores of the filter medium 119 and between the filter medium 119, thereby removing the substances adsorbed between the pores of the filter medium 119 and between the filter medium 119, and performing ozone-based sterilization. At this time, the ozone water flows in the filter section 110 in the opposite direction to the filtration mode, and due to the flow rate of the ozone water, the filter medium 119 is expanded. Therefore, compared with the end of the filtration mode, the porosity of the filter medium 119 increases (for example, by 10%), and the porosity of the filter section 110 decreases (for example, by 5%). Thus, the ozone water flowing in from the lower part of the filter section 110 cleans the filter medium 119 inside the filter section 110 and is conveyed to the upper part of the filter section 110, and conveyed to the backwash discharge pipe 128 through the switching valve 111. Afterwards, the ozone water flows through the backwash discharge pipe 128 and is discharged from the backwash discharge port 129 to the outside of the water purification device 101.

[0139] If the ozone water cleaning mode is executed for a certain period of time (e.g., 2 minutes), the control unit 103 terminates the ozone water cleaning mode and executes the treated water cleaning mode.

[0140] Next, refer to Figure 7The operation of the water purification device 101 when it performs the water cleaning mode is explained. Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the water cleaning mode being processed according to Implementation Method 2.

[0141] In the water purification device 101, during the treated water cleaning mode, the control unit 103 controls the flow path switching. The upstream switching valve 105 connects the inlet pipe 122 and the first water supply pipe 123a; the three-way valve 125 connects the first water supply pipe 123a and the third water supply pipe 123c; and the switching valve 111 connects the third water supply pipe 123c and the guide pipe 115. Thus, the treated water flows from outside the water purification device 101 into its interior, sequentially passing through the inlet 121, inlet pipe 122, upstream switching valve 105, first water supply pipe 123a, three-way valve 125, third water supply pipe 123c, switching valve 111, and guide pipe 115. In other words, the inlet pipe 122, first water supply pipe 123a, third water supply pipe 123c, and guide pipe 115 form a cleaning flow path, through which the treated water circulates. The treated water, after passing through the water guide pipe 115, flows into the filter section 110 from the other end opening 117, passing through the filter medium 119 disposed within the filter section 110. In other words, the treated water flows into the filter section 110 from the end opposite to the side where the filtration mode is executed. In other words, the filter section 110 is backwashed using the treated water. The flow rate of the incoming treated water is greater than the flow rate of ozone water in the ozone water cleaning mode (e.g., 120% of the flow rate in the ozone water cleaning mode). The incoming treated water passes through the pores of the filter medium 119 and between the filter medium 119, thereby removing the treated material adsorbed between the pores of the filter medium 119 and between the filter medium 119. At this time, due to the flow rate of the treated water, the filter media 119 expands, thus increasing the porosity of the filter media 119 (e.g., by 20% compared to the ozone water cleaning mode) and decreasing the porosity of the filter section 110 (e.g., by 10% compared to the ozone water cleaning mode). Thus, the treated water flowing in from the lower part of the filter section 110 cleans the filter media 119 inside the filter section 110 while being transported to the upper part of the filter section 110 and conveyed to the backwash discharge pipe 128 via the switching valve 111. Afterwards, the treated water flows through the backwash discharge pipe 128 and is discharged from the backwash discharge port 129 to the outside of the water purification device 101.

[0142] If the execution time of the water being treated cleaning mode exceeds a certain time (e.g., 2 minutes), the control unit 103 will end the water being treated cleaning mode and execute the filtration mode or enter a standby state waiting to execute the filtration mode.

[0143] As described above, in the water purification device 101, the filtration mode, the filter media deployment mode, the ozone water cleaning mode, and the treated water cleaning mode are executed cyclically. In other words, the generation of purified water by the filter unit 110 and the regeneration of the filter unit 110 are executed cyclically.

[0144] Furthermore, during the operation of the water purification device 101, in most cases, the total flow rate of treated water or ozone water flowing into the filter section 110 in the filter media deployment mode, treated water cleaning mode, and ozone water cleaning mode is less than the flow rate of treated water flowing into the filter section 110 when the filtration mode is executed. In other words, the flow rate of water flowing into the filter section 110 during the regeneration of the filter media 119 is less than the flow rate of water flowing into the filter section 110 during the generation of purified water. However, depending on the usage environment of the water purification device 101, there are also cases where the flow rate of water flowing into the filter section 110 in the filtration mode is greater than or equal to the total flow rate of water flowing into the filter section 110 in the filter media deployment mode, treated water cleaning mode, and ozone water cleaning mode. In addition, the ozone water cleaning mode is executed in such a way that the volume of the total flow rate of ozone water flowing into the filter section 110 in the ozone water cleaning mode is at least the same as the volume of the filter media 119.

[0145] The water purification device 101 according to Embodiment 2 can achieve the following effects.

[0146] (1) The water purification device 101 includes: a filter section 110 that removes the substance to be treated from the water containing the substance to be treated using a filter medium 119 to generate purified water; an ozone generating section 107 that generates ozone gas by electrolysis of water; an ozone water generating section 109 that mixes ozone gas into the water to be treated or purified water to generate ozone water; and a control section 103 that supplies ozone water to the filter section 110 during the cleaning of the filter medium 119.

[0147] Based on this structure, when backwashing the filter section 110, the organic matter accumulated in the filter medium 119 can be decomposed and sterilized by using ozone-containing cleaning water, i.e., ozone water.

[0148] (2) In the water purification device 101, the control unit 103 supplies treated water to the filtration unit 110 before supplying ozone water. This allows the filter media 119, which is compressed in the filtration mode, to expand, making it easier for the filter media 119 to be cleaned with ozone water during the ozone water cleaning mode. Furthermore, after the treated matter accumulated in the filter media 119 is discharged outside the water purification device using the treated water, the filtration unit 110 can be cleaned with ozone water. This further suppresses the influence of the treated matter accumulated in the filter media 119 and cleans the filter media 119 with ozone water. Therefore, efficient decomposition and sterilization of organic matter are possible.

[0149] (3) In the water purification device 101, the control unit 103 supplies ozone water in the ozone water cleaning mode at a flow rate lower than that of the water being treated in the filter media unfolding mode. Therefore, after the filter media 119 unfolds, the filter section 110 can be cleaned with ozone water. Furthermore, by reducing the flow rate of the ozone water, the ozone concentration in the ozone water can be increased. Therefore, cleaning with high-concentration ozone water can efficiently decompose organic matter and remove bacteria, thereby further improving the sterilization effect.

[0150] (4) In the water purification device 101, the control unit 103 ensures that the flow rate of the treated water in the treated water cleaning mode is greater than the flow rate of the ozone water in the ozone water cleaning mode. By increasing the flow rate of the treated water, the filter medium 119 can be re-expanded, thus allowing the decomposition products of organic matter generated during the ozone water cleaning mode to be discharged outside the water purification device 101. Furthermore, since the residue of ozone water in the filter unit 110 can be suppressed, purified water that can suppress the health hazards caused by ozone can be obtained.

[0151] The present invention has been described above based on Embodiment 2. These Embodiment 2 are examples, and those skilled in the art should understand that various modifications may exist in the combination of the constituent elements or the processing procedures, and such modifications are also within the scope of the present invention.

[0152] In addition, in Embodiment 2, an ozone water generating unit 109 is provided downstream of the ozone generating unit 107, but this is not a limitation. For example, a housing integrating the ozone generating unit 107 and the ozone water generating unit 109 may be provided. A plate-shaped anode, a plate-shaped cathode, and a conductive membrane disposed between the anode and cathode are provided inside the housing from upstream to downstream. In this case, the water to be treated flows into the housing, and electrolysis of the water is performed through the anode and cathode. Then, within the housing, ozone gas generated by the electrolysis of the water to be treated upstream is rapidly mixed with the water. Thus, as the downstream side of the housing approaches, ozone water containing an increasingly higher concentration of ozone gas can be generated.

[0153] Furthermore, in Embodiment 2, although the flow rate relationship is specified for the filter media deployment mode, ozone water cleaning mode, and treated water cleaning mode, it can also be specified using flow rate, for example. Even in this case, the flow rate relationship between the modes specified in Embodiment 2 is the same as the flow rate relationship.

[0154] Furthermore, in Embodiment 2, although the time for each of the filter media deployment mode, ozone water cleaning mode, and treated water cleaning mode is specified, this is only an example. For example, different times may be specified. This is because the time required to obtain the effect of each mode can vary depending on factors such as the shape of the filter section 110, the type of filter media 119, and the flow rate in each mode.

[0155] The water purification device involved in this invention can be applied to point-of-use (POU) or point-of-entry (POE) water purification devices, etc.

[0156] Previously, physical filtration using activated carbon or sand as the filter medium was known as a water treatment method for removing impurities from water (see, for example, Patent Document 2). In water purification devices using filter media, impurities, especially organic matter, tend to accumulate inside the filter media, thus requiring regular cleaning to remove the organic matter to the outside.

[0157] However, because small-molecule organic matter is adsorbed into the micropores of the filter media, it is difficult to remove even after cleaning. Furthermore, in the case of household water purification devices, the accumulation time of organic matter in the filter media can be prolonged due to prolonged periods away from home and lack of cleaning. When the accumulation time of organic matter is extended, the adsorbed and accumulated organic matter becomes a nutrient source, allowing bacteria such as Legionella to proliferate and multiply in the filter media, potentially infecting humans. To decompose such organic matter in the treated water or eliminate already multiplied bacteria, methods utilizing ozone for decomposition and sterilization are known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0158] Patent Document 2 discloses a highly efficient backwashing method for a water purification device utilizing activated carbon in its water treatment system. As described, while backwashing is an effective method for restoring the filter media of the water purification device, the friction during backwashing can cause wear on the filter media, which is one reason for the reduced lifespan of the filter media.

[0159] Furthermore, in the water treatment system disclosed in Patent Document 1, the decomposition and sterilization of organic matter are achieved by combining an ozone supply device and a water purification device. On the other hand, it is known that the strong oxidation and decomposition reactions caused by ozone not only affect organic matter but also the filter media. Especially in water treatment systems using activated carbon, the filter media may be damaged by oxidation and decomposition reactions, leading to a reduction in the lifespan of the filter media.

[0160] This invention reduces the wear and damage to the filter media caused by cleaning the filter media in water purification devices, thereby contributing to a longer lifespan of the filter media and a reduction in replacement frequency.

[0161] The water purification apparatus of the present invention includes: a filtration unit that removes the substance to be treated from treated water containing the substance to be treated using a filter medium to generate purified water; a concentration measuring unit that measures the concentration of the substance to be treated in the purified water; an ozone water generating unit that generates ozone water by mixing ozone gas into the treated water or the purified water; and a control unit including: a storage unit that stores a reference value for the concentration of the substance to be treated; a substance comparison unit that compares the measured concentration of the substance to be treated in the purified water with the reference value for the concentration of the substance to be treated; a determination unit that determines that cleaning of the filter medium is required when the concentration of the substance to be treated in the purified water generated in the filtration mode of generating purified water from the treated water is higher than or equal to the reference value for the concentration of the substance to be treated; and a cleaning execution unit that executes a cleaning mode for cleaning the filter medium when the determination unit determines that cleaning is required.

[0162] According to the present invention, a water purification device can be provided that reduces wear and damage to the filter media caused by filter media cleaning, thereby contributing to a longer lifespan of the filter media and a reduction in replacement frequency.

[0163] Hereinafter, various embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, the following embodiments are merely examples embodying the present invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, the figures described in each embodiment are schematic diagrams, and the ratios of the size and thickness of each component in the figures may not reflect actual size ratios.

[0164] (Implementation Method 3)

[0165] (Overall structure)

[0166] Reference Figure 9 and Figure 10 The water purification device 201 according to Embodiment 3 will be described. Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the water purification device 201 according to Embodiment 3. Figure 10 This is a block diagram illustrating the structure of the control unit 203 according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention.

[0167] Water purification device 201 is a device that purifies water containing impurities such as organic matter or bacteria, which is transported from water treatment plants and other sources through tap water pipes 202, making it usable for domestic use. Water purification device 201 purifies the treated water and cleans the filter media by executing three modes: filtration mode, treated water cleaning mode, and ozone water cleaning mode. Details of each mode will be described later. The treated water cleaning mode and the ozone water cleaning mode are collectively referred to as the cleaning mode. Water purification device 201... Figure 9As shown, it has an inlet 221, an ozone generating unit 207, an ozone water generating unit 209, a filtration unit 210, a concentration measuring unit 220, a purified water outlet 227, a backwash outlet 229, and a control unit 203.

[0168] Inlet 221 is an opening that introduces the treated water, which is pumped from the outside of the water purification device 201 such as a water treatment plant through the tap water pipe 202, into the water purification device 201. Inlet 221 is provided in the housing of the water purification device 201 and is connected to the inlet pipe 222 described later.

[0169] The ozone generating unit 207 is a device that introduces the water to be treated into its interior and generates ozone gas by electrolyzing the water using electrodes. The ozone generating unit 207 is connected to the second water supply pipe 223b, which will be described later, and an ozone water generating unit 209 is provided on the downstream side of the ozone generating unit 207.

[0170] The ozone water generation unit 209 is a device that generates cleaning water (ozonated water) by mixing the water to be treated with ozone gas generated in the ozone generation unit 207. Alternatively, instead of the water to be treated, ozone gas can be mixed with purified water generated in the filtration unit 210 (described later) to generate cleaning water in the ozone water generation unit 209. In this case, piping or the like is provided to supply the generated purified water to the ozone water generation unit 209.

[0171] The filtration unit 210 uses a filter medium 219 disposed inside the filtration unit 210 to capture organic matter or bacteria and other substances contained in the treated water, thereby separating and removing these substances to produce purified water. The filtration unit 210 is connected to the third water supply pipe 223c, the water guide pipe 215, the purified water discharge pipe 226, and the backwash discharge pipe 228, respectively. Furthermore, purified water refers to water from the treated water after organic matter or bacteria and other substances have been separated and removed.

[0172] A switching valve 211 and a side opening 213 are provided at the vertical top of the filter section 210. A water guide pipe 215 and a filter medium 219 are provided inside the filter section 210.

[0173] The switching valve 211 is a valve that switches the destination of water flowing into and out of the filter section 210 according to the operating mode of the water purification device 201. The switching valve 211 is connected to the third water supply pipe 223c, the side opening 213, the guide pipe 215, the purified water discharge pipe 226, and the backwash discharge pipe 228, respectively. The switching valve 211 is communicatively connected to the control unit 203 via wireless or wired means, and switches the water delivery destination according to the signal from the control unit 203.

[0174] One-end opening 213 is connected to the end of the third water supply pipe 223c via a water delivery destination switch made by switching valve 211 during filtration mode, allowing the treated water flowing through the third water supply pipe 223c to be introduced into the filter section 210. Furthermore, one-end opening 213 is also connected to the end of the backwash discharge pipe 228 via a water delivery destination switch made by switching valve 211 during treated water cleaning mode and ozone water cleaning mode, allowing water from the filter section 210 to be conveyed to the backwash discharge pipe 228. One-end opening 213 corresponds to the other-end opening 217 described later and is located vertically above the other-end opening 217.

[0175] The filter medium 219 is a substance that captures organic matter or bacteria contained in the treated water; for example, activated carbon or filter sand can be used. In Embodiment 3, both activated carbon and filter sand are used as the filter medium 219. The filter medium 219 is disposed below the filter section 210, and a space exists above the filter medium 219 within the filter section 210. By providing this space, the cleaning efficiency in the cleaning mode is improved.

[0176] The water guide pipe 215 is installed inside the filter section 210, connecting the upper and lower parts of the filter section 210, and has an opening 217 at its lower end. During filtration mode, the water to be treated flowing into the filter section 210 is transported from the upper to the lower part of the filter section 210 via the water guide pipe 215. During the treated water cleaning mode and the ozone water cleaning mode, the water used for cleaning the filter media 219 in the filter section 210 is transported from the lower to the upper part of the filter section 210 via the water guide pipe 215 and then discharged to the outside of the filter section 210.

[0177] The other end opening 217 is embedded in the filter medium 219 and is located vertically below the first end opening 213. The other end opening 217 is an opening for supplying water from the water pipe 215 into the filter section 210 or for supplying water from the filter section 210 into the water pipe 215.

[0178] The lower part of the water guide pipe 215, including the opening 217 at the other end, is submerged in the filter medium 219, while the upper part of the water guide pipe 215 is not submerged in the filter medium 219 and is connected to the switching valve 211. That is, the water guide pipe 215 is a pipe that supplies water from the switching valve 211 to the filter medium 219 located in the lower part of the filter section 210, or supplies water from the filter section 210 from the lower part of the filter section 210 to the switching valve 211.

[0179] The concentration measuring unit 220 is installed along the path of the purified water discharge pipe 226 (described later) and is a device for measuring the water quality of the purified water generated in the filtration unit 210. For example, a COD (Chemical Oxygen Demand) meter can be used as the concentration measuring unit 220.

[0180] The purified water outlet 227 is an opening through which the treated water filtered by the water purification device 201 is taken out as purified water (treated water) to the outside of the water purification device 201. The purified water outlet 227 is provided in the housing constituting the water purification device 201 and is connected to the purified water discharge pipe 226 described later.

[0181] The backwash outlet 229 is an opening that discharges the treated water or cleaning water used for cleaning the filter unit 210 to the outside of the water purification device 201. The backwash outlet 229 is an opening provided in the housing of the water purification device 201 and is connected to the backwash discharge pipe 228. Furthermore, the cleaning water refers to water containing ozone gas.

[0182] (Flow paths and valves)

[0183] The water purification device 201 consists of an inlet pipe 222, a first water supply pipe 223a, a second water supply pipe 223b, a third water supply pipe 223c, a purified water discharge pipe 226, and a backwash discharge pipe 228.

[0184] The inlet pipe 222 is connected to the inlet 221 and the upstream switching valve 205, and supplies the treated water introduced from the inlet 221 into the water purification device 201 to the upstream switching valve 205.

[0185] The upstream switching valve 205 is a valve that switches the water delivery destination, allowing water to be supplied from the inlet pipe 222 to either the first water delivery pipe 223a or the second water delivery pipe 223b. For example, a three-way electric valve can be used as the upstream switching valve 205. The upstream switching valve 205 is communicatively connected to the control unit 203 via wireless or wired means, and switches the water delivery destination based on signals from the control unit 203.

[0186] The upstream switching valve 205 to the filter section 210 is connected by a first water supply pipe 223a, a second water supply pipe 223b, and a third water supply pipe 223c.

[0187] The first water supply pipe 223a is a pipe that connects the upstream switching valve 205 to the branch point 20B described later, and is used when performing the filtration mode and the treated water cleaning mode.

[0188] The second water supply pipe 223b is a pipe connecting the upstream switching valve 205 to the branch point 20B (described later), and is used when performing the ozone water cleaning mode. A constant flow valve 224, an ozone generator 207, and an ozone water generator 209 are installed on the second water supply pipe 223b.

[0189] The constant flow valve 224 is a valve that stabilizes the flow rate of the treated water supplied to the ozone generating unit 207 to a fixed flow rate when the ozone water cleaning mode is activated, and is connected to the second water supply pipe 223b.

[0190] The third water supply pipe 223c is a pipe that connects the branch point 20B (described later) to the end opening 213 of the filter section 210, and is used when performing the filtration mode, the treated water cleaning mode, and the ozone water cleaning mode.

[0191] The downstream end of the inflow pipe 222, the upstream end of the first water supply pipe 223a, and the upstream end of the second water supply pipe 223b are connected respectively, and the connection point is the branch point 20A. An upstream switching valve 205 is installed at the branch point 20A.

[0192] The downstream end of the first water supply pipe 223a, the downstream end of the second water supply pipe 223b, and the upstream end of the third water supply pipe 223c are connected at a branch point 20B. A three-way valve 225 is installed at the branch point 20B.

[0193] The three-way valve 225 is a valve that switches the water supply source, allowing water to be supplied from either the first water supply pipe 223a or the second water supply pipe 223b to the third water supply pipe 223c. The three-way valve 225 is communicatively connected to the control unit 203 via wireless or wired means, and switches the water supply destination according to signals from the control unit 203.

[0194] The purified water discharge pipe 226 is connected to the switching valve 211 and the purified water outlet 227, and is used to transport the treated water, after organic matter or bacteria have been removed in the filtration unit 210, to the purified water outlet 227. A concentration measuring unit 220 is installed along the path of the purified water discharge pipe 226.

[0195] The backwash discharge pipe 228 is connected to the switching valve 211 and the backwash discharge port 229, and is a pipe that delivers the treated water or cleaning water used for cleaning the filter section 210 to the backwash discharge port 229.

[0196] When executing the filtration mode, the treated water cleaning mode, and the ozone water cleaning mode, the control unit 203 controls the switching of the flow path of the treated water circulating in the water purification device 201. The specific flow path switching performed by the control unit 203 during each mode execution will be described later. The hardware of the control unit 203 can be implemented using components and mechanical devices, primarily a computer's CPU (Central Processing Unit). The software can be implemented using computer programs, etc. Therefore, these functional modules can be implemented in various forms through a combination of hardware and software. More specifically, the control unit 203 connects to each of the ozone generator 207, the ozone water generator 209, the upstream switching valve 205, the constant flow valve 224, the three-way valve 225, the switching valve 211, and the concentration measurement unit 220 via wired or wireless means, controlling the operation of each structure. The control unit 203, as described above... Figure 10 As shown, it includes a storage unit 203b, a work-to-be comparison unit 203c, a judgment unit 203d, a count unit 203e, and a cleaning execution unit 203f.

[0197] Storage unit 203b stores the reference value for the concentration of the substance being treated. Furthermore, the reference value for the concentration of the substance being treated can be set with reference to water quality reference values ​​corresponding to the target substance. For example, as a water quality reference value for organic matter in Japan, the total organic carbon (TOC) content is specified to be 3 mg / L or less. If this value is used as the reference value for the concentration of the substance being treated, purified water that meets water quality standards can be continuously provided. Although a reference value is described here, even if the reference value is not a specific numerical value but is expressed as a range, that range can be considered as the reference value.

[0198] The treatment comparison unit 203c compares the concentration of the treatment substance measured by the concentration measurement unit 220 with the reference value of the treatment substance concentration stored in the storage unit 203b. The comparison result is sent to the judgment unit 203d.

[0199] The determination unit 203d determines whether a cleaning state is required based on whether the concentration of the treated substance in the purified water generated in the filtration mode is above or below a reference value. Specifically, if the concentration of the treated substance in the purified water is above the reference value, the determination unit 203d determines that the filter media 219 needs to be cleaned.

[0200] The number of times the measurement unit 203e measures the number of times the judgment unit 203d determines that the state needs to be cleaned.

[0201] The cleaning execution unit 203f executes a cleaning mode when it determines that a cleaning state is required, based on information from the frequency measurement unit 203e. Specifically, if the number of times the cleaning state is determined to be required is less than a predetermined number, the cleaning execution unit 203f executes the treated water cleaning mode; if the number of times the cleaning state is determined to be required is more than the predetermined number, the cleaning execution unit 203f executes the ozone water cleaning mode.

[0202] The above describes the structure of the water purification device 201.

[0203] Next, the operation of the water purification device 201 will be explained.

[0204] First, refer to Figure 11 and Figure 12 The filtration and cleaning modes of the water purification device 201 are explained. Figure 11 This is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the water purification device 201 according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the water purification device 201 according to Embodiment 3 in the filtration mode.

[0205] The water purification device 201 performs a filtration mode for filtering the water to be treated and a cleaning mode for cleaning the filter media 219. The cleaning modes include: a treated water cleaning mode in which the treated water is fed into the filter section 210 from the opposite direction to the raw water conveyance direction in the filtration mode; and an ozone water cleaning mode in which ozone water is fed into the filter section 210.

[0206] First, such as Figure 11 As shown, when the water purification device 201 is started, the filtration mode begins (step S001). In the water purification device 201, in the filtration mode, the control unit 203 controls the flow path switching. The upstream switching valve 205 connects the inflow pipe 222 and the first water supply pipe 223a, the three-way valve 225 connects the first water supply pipe 223a and the third water supply pipe 223c, and the switching valve 211 connects the third water supply pipe 223c and the one-end opening 213. Thus, as... Figure 12As indicated by the arrow, the water containing impurities flows from the outside of the water purification device 201 into its interior, sequentially passing through the inlet 221, inlet pipe 222, upstream switching valve 205, first water supply pipe 223a, three-way valve 225, third water supply pipe 223c, and switching valve 211. In other words, the inlet pipe 222, first water supply pipe 223a, third water supply pipe 223c, and switching valve 211 form a purification flow path, through which the water being treated flows. After passing through the switching valve 211, the water flows into the filter section 210 from one end opening 213, passing through the filter medium 219 installed in the filter section 210. At this time, impurities in the water being treated are adsorbed onto the filter medium 219, thereby filtering the water. The purified water generated by the filtration of the water flows through the purified water discharge pipe 226 and is discharged from the purified water discharge outlet 227 out of the water purification device 201.

[0207] When this filtration mode is executed, the concentration measurement unit 220 measures the concentration of the substance to be treated in the purified water generated in the filtration unit 210 (step S002). The measured concentration information of the substance to be treated is sent to the substance comparison unit 203c.

[0208] In the processed object comparison unit 203c, the processed object concentration information received from the concentration measurement unit is compared with the reference value of the processed object concentration stored in the storage unit 203b (step S003). Based on the comparison result, if the processed object concentration is lower than the reference value (NO in step S003), the filtration mode continues to be executed. On the other hand, if the processed object concentration is higher than the reference value (YES in step S003), the determination unit 203d determines that the filter medium 219 needs to be cleaned (step S004).

[0209] The frequency measurement unit 203e measures the number of times a process is determined to be in a state requiring cleaning.

[0210] If the number of times the cleaning state is determined to be less than the specified number (No in step S005), the cleaning execution unit 203f ends the filtration mode (step S007a) and executes the treated water cleaning mode (step S008a). The specified number is an integer of 2 or more.

[0211] Here, refer to Figure 13 The operation of the water purification device 201 when it executes the water cleaning mode is explained. Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the execution of the water cleaning mode described in Implementation Method 3.

[0212] In the water purification device 201, during the treated water cleaning mode, the control unit 203 controls the flow path switching. The upstream switching valve 205 connects the inflow pipe 222 and the first water supply pipe 223a; the three-way valve 225 connects the first water supply pipe 223a and the third water supply pipe 223c; and the switching valve 211 connects the third water supply pipe 223c and the guide pipe 215. Thus, as... Figure 13 As indicated by the arrow, the water to be treated flows from outside the water purification device 201 into the water purification device 201, sequentially passing through the inlet 221, inlet pipe 222, upstream switching valve 205, first water supply pipe 223a, three-way valve 225, third water supply pipe 223c, switching valve 211, and guide pipe 215. In other words, the inlet pipe 222, first water supply pipe 223a, third water supply pipe 223c, and guide pipe 215 form a cleaning flow path, in which the water to be treated flows. After passing through the guide pipe 215, the water to be treated flows into the filter section 210 from the other end opening 217, passing through the filter medium 219 installed inside the filter section 210. That is, the water to be treated flows into the filter section 210 from the end opposite to the side where the filtration mode is executed. The treated water flows in and passes through the pores of the filter medium 219 and between the filter medium 219, thereby removing the treated material adsorbed between the pores and between the filter medium 219. Thus, the treated water flowing in from the lower part of the filter section 210 cleans the filter medium 219 inside the filter section 210 while being conveyed to the upper part of the filter section 210, and then conveyed to the backwash discharge pipe 228 via the switching valve 211. Afterwards, the treated water flows through the backwash discharge pipe 228 and is discharged from the backwash discharge port 229 to the outside of the water purification device 201.

[0213] return Figure 11 If the execution time of the water being treated cleaning mode is less than a certain time (e.g., 10 minutes) (No in step S009a), the water being treated cleaning mode continues to be executed. On the other hand, if the execution time of the water being treated cleaning mode is more than a certain time (Yes in step S009a), the execution of the cleaning mode ends, and the filtration mode is executed or the system enters a standby state waiting for the filtration mode to be executed.

[0214] On the other hand, if the number of times the state of needing cleaning is determined to be exceeded (as in step S005), the number of times the state of needing cleaning is determined by the number of times the metering unit 203e is reset (step S006). Then, the cleaning execution unit 203f ends the filtration mode (step S007b) and executes the ozone water cleaning mode (step S008b).

[0215] Here, refer to Figure 14 The operation of the water purification device 201 when executing the ozone water cleaning mode is explained. Figure 14This is a schematic diagram illustrating the ozone water cleaning mode implemented in Implementation Method 3.

[0216] In the water purification device 201, under ozone water cleaning mode, the control unit 203 controls the flow path switching. The upstream switching valve 205 connects the inflow pipe 222 and the second water supply pipe 223b; the three-way valve 225 connects the second water supply pipe 223b and the third water supply pipe 223c; and the switching valve 211 connects the third water supply pipe 223c and the guide pipe 215. Thus, as... Figure 14 As indicated by the arrow, the water to be treated flows into the water purification device 201 from outside, passing through inlet 221, inlet pipe 222, upstream switching valve 205, second water supply pipe 223b, and constant flow valve 224, before flowing into ozone generation unit 207. The water to be treated flowing into ozone generation unit 207 is electrolyzed by a pair of electrodes (anode and cathode) provided inside ozone generation unit 207. Ozone gas is generated through this electrolysis. The water to be treated containing ozone gas flows into ozone water generation unit 209, where the ozone gas dissolves, thus becoming ozone-containing cleaning water. The cleaning water generated by ozone water generation unit 209 flows sequentially through three-way valve 225, third water supply pipe 223c, switching valve 211, and guide pipe 215. The cleaning water flowing through guide pipe 215 flows into filter unit 210 from the other end opening 217, passing through filter media 219 provided inside filter unit 210. In other words, cleaning water flows into the filter section 210 from the end opposite to the side where the filtration mode is executed. The flowing cleaning water passes through the pores of the filter medium 219 and between the filter medium 219, thereby removing the treated matter adsorbed between the pores of the filter medium 219 and between the filter medium 219, and performing ozone-based sterilization. Thus, the cleaning water flowing in from the lower part of the filter section 210 cleans the filter medium 219 inside the filter section 210 while being conveyed to the upper part of the filter section 210, and conveyed to the backwash discharge pipe 228 via the switching valve 211. Afterwards, the cleaning water flows through the backwash discharge pipe 228 and is discharged from the backwash discharge port 229 to the outside of the water purification device 201.

[0217] return Figure 11 If the execution time of the ozone water cleaning mode is less than a certain time (e.g., 2 minutes) (No in step S009b), the ozone water cleaning mode continues to be executed. On the other hand, if the execution time of the ozone water cleaning mode is more than a certain time (Yes in step S009b), the execution of the cleaning mode ends, and the filtration mode is executed or the system enters a standby state waiting for the filtration mode to be executed.

[0218] As described above, in the water purification device 201, the filtration mode, the treated water cleaning mode, and the ozone water cleaning mode are executed cyclically. In other words, the generation of purified water by the filtration unit 210 and the regeneration of the filtration unit 210 are executed cyclically.

[0219] In addition, in the case of daily use of the water purification device 201 in a typical household, the standard frequency for executing the ozone water cleaning mode is about once every few days to once a week. This frequency is effective in inhibiting bacterial growth. For example, if the system determines that cleaning is needed about once a day, simply setting the specified number of times to 3 to 7 times will meet the recorded conditions.

[0220] In summary, the water purification device 201 according to Embodiment 3 can achieve the following effects.

[0221] (1) The water purification device 201 includes: a filter section 210 that uses a filter medium 219 to remove the substance from the treated water containing the substance to generate purified water; a concentration measuring section 220 that measures the concentration of the substance in the purified water; and a control section 3 that controls the execution of a filtration mode for generating purified water from the treated water and a cleaning mode for cleaning the filter medium 19. The cleaning water generation unit is an ozone water generation unit that mixes ozone gas into the treated water or purified water to generate ozone water. The control unit 203 also includes: a storage unit 203b that stores a reference value for the concentration of the substance being treated; a substance comparison unit 203c that compares the measured concentration of the substance being treated in the purified water with the reference value for the concentration of the substance being treated; a determination unit 203d that determines that cleaning of the filter medium 219 is required when the concentration of the substance being treated in the purified water generated in the filtration mode of generating purified water from the treated water is above the reference value for the concentration of the substance being treated; and a cleaning execution unit 203f that executes the cleaning mode when the determination unit 203d determines that cleaning is required.

[0222] Based on this structure, the concentration of the substance to be treated in the purified water is used to determine when cleaning is required, thus allowing the filter media 219 to be used continuously until it is permeated. Furthermore, by cleaning the filter media 219 based on the concentration of the substance to be treated in the purified water, the cleaning frequency of the filter media 219 can be maintained at an appropriate level. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the introduction of substances exceeding a reference value into the purified water due to insufficient cleaning of the filter media 219, and also to prevent wear of the filter media 219 caused by over-cleaning.

[0223] In other words, the water purification device 201 can reduce the wear and damage of the filter media 219 caused by filter media cleaning, thereby helping to extend the life of the filter media 219 and reduce the replacement frequency.

[0224] (2) The water purification device 201 includes: an ozone generating unit 207 that generates ozone gas by electrolysis of water; and an ozone water generating unit 209 that generates ozone water by mixing ozone gas into the treated water or purified water. The cleaning modes include: a treated water cleaning mode in which the treated water is fed to the filtration unit 210 from the opposite direction to the direction of the raw water in the filtration mode; and an ozone water cleaning mode in which ozone water is fed to the filtration unit 210. In addition, the control unit 203 includes a frequency measuring unit 203e that measures the number of times the state of needing cleaning is determined. The cleaning execution unit 203f executes the treated water cleaning mode when the number of times the state of needing cleaning is determined is less than a predetermined number, and executes the ozone water cleaning mode when the number of times the state of needing cleaning is determined is more than a predetermined number.

[0225] Since ozone degrades the filter media 219, using ozone water every time the treated water cleaning mode is executed could drastically shorten its lifespan. However, in the structure of Embodiment 3 of the present invention, the ozone water cleaning mode is not executed every time during the cleaning mode, thus allowing for the flow of ozone water at an optimal frequency. Therefore, it is possible to reduce bacterial growth on the filter media 219 while simultaneously extending its lifespan and reducing the frequency of replacement.

[0226] (Implementation Method 4)

[0227] The water purification device 201b according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention differs from that of Embodiment 3 in that it changes the timing of the cleaning mode based on the value of the element. Otherwise, its structure is the same as that of the water purification device 201 according to Embodiment 3. Hereinafter, details already described in Embodiment 3 will be omitted, and the differences from Embodiment 3 will be mainly explained. Specifically, regarding the structure of the water purification device 201b, its basic device structure is the same as that described in Embodiment 3, but the structure of the control unit 203 and the processing of the control unit 203 are different. This point will be explained below.

[0228] use Figure 15 The control unit 203x of the water purification device 201b will be described.

[0229] The water purification device 201b includes a control unit 203x. When executing the filtration mode, the treated water cleaning mode, and the ozone water cleaning mode, the control unit 203x controls the switching of the flow path of the treated water circulating within the water purification device 201b. In addition to the storage unit 203b, the treated object comparison unit 203c, the judgment unit 203d, the number of times measurement unit 203e, and the cleaning execution unit 203f of the control unit 203 in Embodiment 3, the control unit 203x also includes an element determination unit 203g, an element storage unit 203h, an element comparison unit 203i, and a number of times change unit 203n.

[0230] The element determination unit 203g determines the values ​​of elements of the water being treated. As elements, it is suitable to set factors that affect bacterial growth within the filter media 219, such as water temperature. Regarding methods for determining element values, examples include: automatically measuring the element using a measuring unit; manually inputting values ​​using an input unit; and obtaining information from a server via a network. Furthermore, for example, when the element is water temperature, a method that estimates based on the ambient air temperature can also be used, and appropriate determination methods can be set according to the required element.

[0231] The element storage unit 203h stores the reference value of the element as the element reference value. For example, when water temperature is selected as the element, it is preferable to set 20°C to 30°C, which is a temperature at which bacteria can easily multiply, as the element reference value.

[0232] The element comparison unit 203i compares the element values ​​determined by the element determination unit 203g with the element reference values ​​stored in the element storage unit 203h. The comparison result is then sent to the number of changes unit 203n.

[0233] The frequency change unit 203n sets a first or second specified number of times to replace the specified number of times based on the comparison result of the element comparison unit 203i and the specified number of times. Specifically, when water temperature is selected as an element, if the water temperature is higher than the element reference value, the frequency change unit 203n sets a number of times less than the specified number of times as the first specified number of times. On the other hand, if the water temperature is lower than the element reference value, the frequency change unit 203n sets a number of times more than the specified number of times as the second specified number of times. The information of the set first or second specified number of times is sent to the frequency measurement unit 203e. When the number of times measured by the frequency measurement unit 203e reaches the first or second specified number of times, the ozone water cleaning mode is executed. In addition, the first specified number of times is set within a range where the number of times remains unchanged at 0.

[0234] The above describes the structure of the water purification device 201b.

[0235] Next, the operation of the water purification device 201b will be explained.

[0236] Reference Figure 16 The filtration and cleaning modes of the water purification device 201b are explained. Figure 16 This is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the water purification device 201b according to Embodiment 4.

[0237] First, when the water purification device 201b is started, the filtration mode begins (step S201).

[0238] When the filtration mode is executed, the concentration measurement unit 220 measures the concentration of the substance to be treated in the purified water generated in the filtration unit 210 (step S202). The measured concentration information of the substance to be treated is sent to the substance comparison unit 203c.

[0239] In the processed substance comparison unit 203c, the processed substance concentration information received from the concentration measurement unit is compared with the reference value of the processed substance concentration stored in the storage unit 203b (step S203). If the result of the comparison is that the processed substance concentration is lower than the reference value (no in step S203), the filtration mode continues to be executed. On the other hand, if the processed substance concentration is higher than the reference value (yes in step S203), the determination unit 203d determines that the filter medium 219 needs to be cleaned (step S204).

[0240] The frequency measurement unit 203e measures the number of times a process is determined to be in a state requiring cleaning.

[0241] Here, the element determination unit 203g determines the values ​​of the elements of the water being treated (step S211). As elements, it is appropriate to set factors that affect the bacterial growth within the filter medium 219, such as water temperature.

[0242] The element storage unit 203h stores the reference value of the element as the element reference value. For example, when water temperature is selected as the element, it is preferable to set 20°C to 30°C, which is a temperature at which bacteria can easily multiply, as the element reference value.

[0243] The element comparison unit 203i compares the element value determined by the element determination unit 203g with the element reference value stored in the element storage unit 203h (step S212). The comparison result is sent to the number of changes unit 203n.

[0244] The frequency change unit 203n sets a first or second specified number of times to replace the specified number of times based on the comparison result of the element comparison unit 203i and the specified number of times (step S213). Specifically, when water temperature is selected as an element, if the water temperature is higher than the element reference value, the frequency change unit 203n sets a number of times less than the specified number of times as the first specified number of times. On the other hand, if the water temperature is lower than the element reference value, the frequency change unit 203n sets a number of times more than the specified number of times as the second specified number of times. The information of the determined first or second specified number of times is sent to the frequency measurement unit 203e. In addition, the first specified number of times is set within the range where the number of times remains unchanged at 0.

[0245] If the number of times measured by the number of times unit 203e is less than the determined first or second predetermined number of times (No in step 205), the cleaning execution unit 203f ends the filtration mode (step S207a) and executes the treated water cleaning mode (step S208a). If the execution time of the treated water cleaning mode is less than a certain time (e.g., 10 minutes) (No in step S209a), the treated water cleaning mode continues to be executed. On the other hand, if the execution time of the treated water cleaning mode is a certain time (e.g., 10 minutes) or more (Yes in step S209a), the execution of the cleaning mode ends, and the filtration mode is executed or the system enters a standby state waiting for the filtration mode to be executed.

[0246] On the other hand, if the number of times measured by the number of times unit 203e is more than or equal to the first predetermined number or the second predetermined number (yes in step S205), the number of times measured by the number of times unit 203e is determined to be in a cleaning state is reset (step S206). Then, the cleaning execution unit 203f ends the filtration mode (step S207b) and executes the ozone water cleaning mode (step S208b).

[0247] If the execution time of the ozone water cleaning mode is less than a certain time (e.g., 2 minutes) (No in step S209b), the ozone water cleaning mode continues to be executed. On the other hand, if the execution time of the ozone water cleaning mode is more than a certain time (e.g., 2 minutes) (Yes in step S209b), the execution of the cleaning mode ends, and the system switches to the filtration mode or enters a standby state waiting for the filtration mode to be executed. Furthermore, the ozone water cleaning mode is executed in such a way that the total volume of ozone water flowing through the filter unit 210 during the ozone water cleaning mode execution is the same as or greater than the volume of the filter medium 219.

[0248] As described above, in the water purification device 201b, the filtration mode, the treated water cleaning mode, and the ozone water cleaning mode are executed cyclically. In other words, the generation of purified water by the filtration unit 210 and the regeneration of the filtration unit 210 are executed cyclically.

[0249] In summary, the water purification device 201b according to Embodiment 4 can achieve the following effects.

[0250] (3) The water purification device 201b includes an element determination unit 203g that determines the value of the element of the water to be treated, and the control unit 203x further includes an element storage unit 203h that stores the reference value of the element as the element reference value; and an element comparison unit 203i that compares the determined value of the element with the element reference value, and changes the execution timing of the cleaning mode according to the comparison result of the value of the element and the element reference value when the filtration mode is executed.

[0251] This structure allows the frequency of ozone water cleaning to be adjusted based on specified factors such as water temperature. Therefore, in environments where bacteria easily multiply on the filter media 219, ozone water is used frequently for sterilization; in environments where bacteria are less likely to multiply on the filter media 219, the frequency of ozone water flow is reduced, thereby suppressing the deterioration of the filter media 219. Specifically, in the water purification device 201b, the factor is the temperature of the treated water. When the water temperature is higher than a reference value, the ozone water cleaning mode is executed after a first predetermined number of times (less than a specified number of times). Thus, in seasons with higher water temperatures, such as summer, bacterial growth becomes more active, but by using the described operating method, the frequency of ozone cleaning is increased, thereby suppressing bacterial growth. Furthermore, in the water purification device 201b, the factor is the temperature of the treated water. When the water temperature is lower than a reference value, the ozone water cleaning mode is not executed even after a predetermined number of times; instead, it is executed after a second predetermined number of times (more than a specified number of times). Therefore, in winter and other seasons with lower water temperatures, bacterial growth slows down, thus reducing the frequency of ozone cleaning and inhibiting the deterioration of filter media 219.

[0252] (Implementation Method 5)

[0253] The water purification device 201c according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention performs an ozone water cleaning mode before performing the filtration mode based on the water flow rate during a predetermined period, which differs from Embodiment 3. Otherwise, its structure is the same as that of the water purification device 201 according to Embodiment 3. Hereinafter, details already described in Embodiment 3 will be omitted, and the differences from Embodiment 3 will be mainly explained. Specifically, the basic device structure of the water purification device 201c is the same as that described in Embodiment 201, but the structure and processing of the control unit are different. This will be explained below.

[0254] use Figure 17 The control unit 203y of the water purification device 201c will be described.

[0255] The water purification device 201c includes a control unit 203y. When executing the filtration mode, the treated water cleaning mode, and the ozone water cleaning mode, the control unit 203y controls the switching of the flow path of the treated water circulating within the water purification device 201c. In addition to the storage unit 203b, the treated object comparison unit 203c, the judgment unit 203d, the number of times metering unit 203e, and the cleaning execution unit 203f of the control unit 203 in Embodiment 3, the control unit 203y also includes a water volume measurement unit 203j, a water flow accumulation unit 203p, a water flow storage unit 203k, and a water flow comparison unit 203m.

[0256] The water flow measurement unit 203j measures the flow rate of the treated water to the filtration unit 210. Information about the measured flow rate is sent to the flow rate accumulation unit 203p.

[0257] The water flow accumulation unit 203p accumulates the water flow measured by the water flow measurement unit 203j for each specified period (e.g., several days to 1 week) and calculates it as the cumulative water flow.

[0258] The water flow storage unit 203k stores a reference value for the water flow within a specified period as the water flow reference value. This specified period is the same as the specified period in the water flow accumulation unit 203p. As the water flow reference value, it is preferably a water volume that is not completely replaced by the total amount of water accumulated in the water purification device 201c, for example, about 0L to 50L for a household water purification device.

[0259] The flow rate comparison unit 203m compares the cumulative flow rate calculated by the flow rate accumulation unit 203p with the flow rate reference value stored by the flow rate storage unit 203k.

[0260] The above describes the structure of the water purification device 201c.

[0261] Next, the operation of the water purification device 201c will be explained.

[0262] Reference Figure 18 The filtration and cleaning modes of the water purification device 201c are explained. Figure 18 This is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the water purification device 201c according to Embodiment 5.

[0263] First, when the water purification device 201c is started, the water volume measuring unit 203j measures the flow rate of the water to be treated to the filter unit 210 (step S311).

[0264] The measured water flow is accumulated by the water flow accumulation unit 203p, and the water flow within the specified period is calculated as the cumulative water flow (step S312).

[0265] The calculated cumulative water flow is compared with the water flow reference value stored in the water flow comparison unit 203m and the water flow storage unit 203k for a specified period (step S313). If the cumulative water flow for each specified period is greater than or equal to the water flow reference value (yes in step S313), the water purification device 201c enters a standby state for executing the filtration mode (step S316).

[0266] On the other hand, if the cumulative water flow during each specified period is lower than the water flow reference value (No in step S313), the cleaning execution unit 203f starts the ozone water cleaning mode (step S314).

[0267] If the execution time of the ozone water cleaning mode is less than a certain time (e.g., 2 minutes) (No in step S315), the ozone water cleaning mode continues. On the other hand, if the execution time of the ozone water cleaning mode is more than a certain time (e.g., 2 minutes) (Yes in step S315), the execution of the cleaning mode ends, and the water purification device 201c enters a standby state for executing the filtration mode (step S316). Thereafter, the filtration mode is started as needed. The process after the filtration mode starts is the same as that shown in Embodiment 3, therefore, the description is omitted.

[0268] As described above, in the water purification device 201c, an ozone water cleaning mode is executed before the start of the filtration mode, based on the water flow rate for each specified period.

[0269] In summary, the water purification device 201c according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention can achieve the following effects.

[0270] (4) The water purification device 201c includes a water flow measuring unit 203j that measures the flow rate of the treated water to the filter unit 210. The control unit 203y includes a water flow storage unit 203k that stores a reference value of the water flow rate within a specified period as a water flow reference value; and a water flow comparison unit 203m that compares the measured water flow rate with the water flow reference value. If the water flow rate in each specified period is lower than the water flow reference value, an ozone water cleaning mode is executed before the filtration mode is executed. When the water purification device 201c is not used for a specified period and water remains in the device, bacteria may sometimes multiply in the filter medium 219 due to the stagnant water. However, by adopting the structure according to Embodiment 5, even if the water purification device 201c is not used for a specified time, the filter medium 219 can be sterilized based on ozone by executing the ozone water cleaning mode before the filtration mode is executed. Therefore, the possibility of bacteria multiplying in the purified water can be suppressed, thereby obtaining clean purified water.

[0271] Furthermore, during the operation of the water purification device 201c, in most cases, the total flow rate of treated water or cleaning water flowing into the filter section 210 in both the treated water cleaning mode and the ozone water cleaning mode is lower than the flow rate of treated water flowing into the filter section 210 in the filtration mode. In other words, the flow rate of water flowing into the filter section 210 during the regeneration of the filter media 219 is lower than the flow rate of water flowing into the filter section 210 during the generation of purified water. However, depending on the operating environment of the water purification device 201c, there are also cases where the flow rate of water flowing into the filter section 210 in the filtration mode is higher than the total flow rate of water flowing into the filter section 210 in both the treated water cleaning mode and the ozone water cleaning mode.

[0272] The present invention has been described above based on various embodiments. These embodiments are examples, and those skilled in the art should understand that various modifications may exist in the combination of the constituent elements or processing procedures, and such modifications also fall within the scope of the present invention.

[0273] Furthermore, while water temperature is used as a factor in Embodiment 4, it is not limited to this. For example, the flow rate of water flowing into the filter section 210 can be used as a factor. In this case, a water meter capable of measuring the flow rate of the filter section 210 is provided, and for example, the average daily usage of 1000L in a typical household is set as the factor reference value, based on which a first predetermined number of times or a second predetermined number of times is set. Specifically, when the flow rate of the treated water per reference time is greater than the factor reference value, the first predetermined number of times is set, and when the number of times it is determined that the cleaning state needs to be reached is less than the predetermined number of times, the ozone water cleaning mode is executed. In a water purification device, the greater the flow rate, the greater the amount of treated matter captured by the filter media 219, which may promote the growth of bacteria that use the treated matter as a nutrient source. However, by using the above method, when the flow rate is large, the ozone water cleaning mode can be executed at a higher frequency than usual, thereby inhibiting the growth of bacteria that use the treated matter as a nutrient source. On the other hand, when the inflow of treated water per reference time is less than the element reference value, a second predetermined number of times is set, and the ozone water cleaning mode is executed when the number of times the cleaning state is determined to be more than the predetermined number of times. In the water purification device, when the inflow of water is low, the amount of treated matter adhering to the filter media 219 is also low, thus slowing down the reproduction of bacteria that use the treated matter as a nutrient source. By adopting the above operating method, the number of ozone water cleaning modes can be suppressed under such circumstances, thereby suppressing the deterioration of the filter media 219. In addition, the actual number of times the first and second predetermined numbers are used can be set differently depending on the water temperature and the water flow rate. Furthermore, regarding the method for setting the element reference value, the usage frequency of the water purification device 201c can be measured, and a fixed frequency can be used as the element reference value.

[0274] In embodiment 5, although the water volume measuring unit 203j is a structure inside the control unit 203y, it is not limited to this. For example, it can also be installed outside the control unit 203 as a water volume meter.

[0275] The water purification device involved in this invention can be applied to point-of-use (POU) or point-of-entry (POE) water purification devices, etc.

[0276] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0277] 1. Water purification device

[0278] 2. Water supply pipes

[0279] 3. Control Department

[0280] 5. Upstream switching valve

[0281] 7. Ozone Generating Unit

[0282] 9. Cleaning Water Generation Section

[0283] 10 Filtration Section

[0284] 11 Switching valve

[0285] 13. One end has a side opening.

[0286] 15 Water pipes

[0287] 17. Opening at the other end

[0288] 19 Filter Media

[0289] 20 Measurement Department

[0290] 21 Inlet

[0291] 22 Inflow pipe

[0292] 23a First water supply pipe

[0293] 23b Second water supply pipe

[0294] 23c Third water supply pipe

[0295] 24 Constant Flow Valve

[0296] 25 Three-way valve

[0297] 26. Clean water discharge pipe

[0298] 27. Clean water discharge outlet

[0299] 28 Backwash discharge pipe

[0300] 29 Backwash outlet

[0301] Branch point A

[0302] B branch point

[0303] 101 Water Purification Device

[0304] 102 Water pipes

[0305] 103 Control Department

[0306] 105 Upstream switching valve

[0307] 107 Ozone Generating Unit

[0308] 109 Ozone Water Generation Unit

[0309] 110 Filtration Section

[0310] 111 Switching valve

[0311] 113 One end side opening

[0312] 115 water pipe

[0313] 117 The other end has an opening.

[0314] 119 Filter Media

[0315] 120 Measurement Department

[0316] 121 Inlet

[0317] 122 Inflow pipe

[0318] 123a First water supply pipe

[0319] 123b Second water supply pipe

[0320] 123c Third water supply pipe

[0321] 124 constant flow valve

[0322] 125 Three-way valve

[0323] 126 Clean water discharge pipe

[0324] 127 Clean water outlet

[0325] 128 Backwash Discharge Pipe

[0326] 129 Backwash outlet

[0327] 130 Space

[0328] 131 Space

[0329] 10A branch point

[0330] 10B branch point

[0331] 201 Water Purification Device

[0332] 201b Water purification device

[0333] 201c Water Purification Device

[0334] 202 Water pipes

[0335] 203 Control Department

[0336] 203x Control Department

[0337] 203y Control Department

[0338] 203b Storage Unit

[0339] 203c Comparison Section of Processed Items

[0340] 203d Judgment Department

[0341] 203e Frequency Measurement Department

[0342] 203F Cleaning Execution Department

[0343] 203g Element Determination Department

[0344] 203h Element Storage Department

[0345] 203i Element Comparison Department

[0346] 203j Water Measurement Department

[0347] 203k water flow storage unit

[0348] 203m water flow comparison section

[0349] 203n Number of Changes Department

[0350] 203p cumulative water flow

[0351] 205 Upstream switching valve

[0352] 207 Ozone Generating Unit

[0353] 209 Ozone Water Generation Unit

[0354] 210 Filtration Section

[0355] 211 Switching valve

[0356] 213 One end side opening

[0357] 215 water pipe

[0358] 217 The other end has an opening.

[0359] 219 Filter Media

[0360] 220 Concentration Measurement Section

[0361] 221 Inlet

[0362] 222 Inflow pipe

[0363] 223a First water supply pipe

[0364] 223b Second water supply pipe

[0365] 223c Third water supply pipe

[0366] 224 constant flow valve

[0367] 225 Three-way valve

[0368] 226 Clean water discharge pipe

[0369] 227 Clean water discharge outlet

[0370] 228 Backwash Discharge Pipe

[0371] 229 Backwash outlet

[0372] 20A branch point

[0373] 20B Branch point.

Claims

1. A water purification device, characterized in that, include: A filter section that uses a filter medium to remove the substances being treated from water containing the substances being treated, thereby generating purified water; Ozone generator that produces ozone gas through the electrolysis of water; A cleaning water generating unit that mixes the ozone gas into the treated water or the purified water to generate cleaning water; and A control unit that supplies cleaning water to the filtration section during the cleaning of the filter medium.

2. The water purification device as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The control unit supplies the water to be treated to the filtration unit before the cleaning water is supplied.

3. The water purification device as described in claim 2, characterized in that, Also includes: A purification flow path is provided to deliver the water to be treated to an opening located at one end of the filter section. and A cleaning flow path is provided to deliver the treated water to an opening located on the other end side corresponding to one end side of the filter section. When the purified water is generated by the filtration unit, the control unit delivers the treated water to the filtration unit through the purification flow path from one end opening. When the filter medium is regenerated, the control unit delivers the treated water to the filtration unit through the cleaning flow path from the other end opening.

4. The water purification device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: A purification flow path is provided to deliver the water to be treated to an opening located at one end of the filter section. and A cleaning flow path is provided to deliver the treated water to an opening located on the other end side corresponding to one end side of the filter section. When the purified water is generated by the filtration unit, the control unit delivers the treated water to the filtration unit through the purification flow path from one end opening. When the filter medium is regenerated, the control unit delivers the cleaning water to the filtration unit through the cleaning flow path from the other end opening.

5. The water purification device as described in claim 3 or 4, characterized in that: The one-end side opening is located above the vertical section of the filter. The other end opening is located vertically below the first end opening.

6. The water purification device as described in claim 1, characterized in that: During the regeneration of the filter medium, the control unit introduces cleaning water into the filter section with a volume at least equal to that of the filter medium.

7. The water purification device as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The cleaning water generating unit is an ozone water generating unit that mixes the ozone gas into the treated water or the purified water to generate ozone water. The control unit controls the execution of a filtration mode that generates purified water from the treated water and a cleaning mode that cleans the filter media. Before executing the ozone water cleaning mode that constitutes the cleaning mode and supplies ozone water to the filtration unit, a filter media unfolding mode is executed for a certain period of time or more. In the filter media unfolding mode, the treated water is supplied to the filtration unit from the opposite direction of the water supply direction in the filtration mode, causing the compressed filter media to expand.

8. The water purification device as described in claim 7, characterized in that: The specified time is the shorter of the following: the time from the start of the filter media deployment mode until the gap ratio of the filter section reaches the gap ratio before the start of the filtration mode, and the time during which the gap ratio increases by more than 20% based on the gap ratio of the occupied portion of the filter media at the end of the filtration mode.

9. The water purification device as described in claim 7, characterized in that: After executing the ozone water cleaning mode, the control unit executes the treated water cleaning mode, which constitutes the cleaning mode, by supplying the treated water to the filter unit.

10. The water purification device as described in claim 7, characterized in that: The flow rate of ozone water in the ozone water cleaning mode is less than the flow rate of the water being treated in the filter media deployment mode.

11. The water purification device as described in claim 10, characterized in that: After executing the ozone water cleaning mode, the control unit executes a treated water cleaning mode in which the treated water is fed to the filter unit from the opposite direction. The flow rate of the treated water in this treated water cleaning mode is greater than the flow rate of the ozone water in the ozone water cleaning mode.

12. The water purification device as described in claim 1, characterized in that: Includes a concentration measuring unit for measuring the concentration of the substances being treated in the purified water. The cleaning water generating unit is an ozone water generating unit that mixes the ozone gas with the treated water or the purified water to generate ozone water. The control unit includes: A storage unit that stores reference values ​​for the concentration of the substance being processed; A treatment comparison unit that compares the measured concentration of the treated substance in the purified water with a reference value of the concentration of the treated substance; A cleaning determination unit determines that the filter media needs to be cleaned when the concentration of the treated substance in the purified water generated from the treated water is above a reference value for the concentration of the treated substance; and When the determination unit determines that the state requires cleaning, a cleaning execution unit executes a cleaning mode to clean the filter media. Furthermore, the control unit controls the execution of the filtration mode and the cleaning mode.

13. The water purification device as described in claim 12, characterized in that: The cleaning mode has the following characteristics: A treated water cleaning mode in which the treated water is fed to the filter unit from the opposite direction of the water supply direction in the filtration mode. and Ozone water cleaning mode, which supplies ozone water to the filtration unit. The control unit also includes a frequency measurement unit that measures the number of times the state is determined to be in the cleaning state. If the cleaning execution unit determines that the number of times the cleaning state needs to be cleaned is less than a predetermined number, it executes the treated water cleaning mode; if the number of times the cleaning state needs to be cleaned is more than a predetermined number, it executes the ozone water cleaning mode.

14. The water purification device as described in claim 13, characterized in that: The control unit also includes: An element determination unit that determines the values ​​of the elements in the water being treated; A feature storage unit that stores the reference values ​​of the features as feature reference values; and An element comparison unit that compares the determined values ​​of the elements in the water to be treated with the reference values ​​of those elements. The timing of the cleaning mode execution is adjusted based on the comparison between the value of the element in the water being treated and the baseline value of the element during the execution of the filtration mode.

15. The water purification device as described in claim 14, characterized in that: The element is the water temperature of the water being treated. When the water temperature of the water being treated is greater than the reference value of the element, the ozone water cleaning mode is executed when a first predetermined number of times, which is less than the predetermined number of times, is reached.

16. The water purification device as described in claim 14, characterized in that: The element is the water temperature of the water being treated. If the water temperature of the water being treated is lower than the reference value of the element, the ozone water cleaning mode will not be executed even if the specified number of times is reached. Instead, the ozone water cleaning mode will be executed when the specified number of times is reached, which is a second specified number of times, which is more than the specified number of times.

17. The water purification device as described in claim 14, characterized in that: The element is the inflow volume of the treated water. When the inflow volume of the treated water per reference time is greater than the reference value of the element, the ozone water cleaning mode is executed when a first predetermined number of times, which is less than the predetermined number of times, is reached.

18. The water purification device as described in claim 14, characterized in that: The element is the inflow volume of the treated water. If the inflow volume of the treated water per reference time is less than the reference value of the element, the ozone water cleaning mode will not be executed even if the specified number of times is reached. Instead, the ozone water cleaning mode will be executed when the second specified number of times, which is more than the specified number of times, is reached.

19. The water purification device as described in claim 13, characterized in that: It also includes a water flow measuring unit that measures the flow rate of the treated water to the filter unit. The control unit includes: A water flow storage unit that stores a reference value for the water flow rate during a specified period as a water flow reference value; and A flow rate comparison unit that compares the measured flow rate with the flow rate reference value. If the water flow rate is lower than the water flow reference value during each specified period, the ozone water cleaning mode shall be performed before the filtration mode is performed.

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