Filter cartridge for water purifier

Abstract

The filter cartridge for a water purifier of the present application has: a raw water passage; a purified water outlet; a filter material storage portion; a filter material storage cover capable of being attached to and detached from the filter material storage portion; a hollow fiber membrane assembly; an adsorbent material assembly filled with an adsorbent material; and a hollow fiber membrane protection cover. The hollow fiber membrane assembly has: a hollow fiber membrane bundle in which a prescribed number of hollow fiber membranes are bundled and bent into an inverted U shape; a substantially cylindrical cylindrical housing that houses the hollow fiber membrane bundle on the inside; and a pouring material that seals and fixes the lower end side inner surface of the cylindrical housing and the lower end side of the hollow fiber membrane bundle to each other. The hollow fiber membrane protection cover has a cylindrical housing fitting portion that fits with the upper end of the cylindrical housing, and a plurality of water inflow paths. The aforementioned cylindrical housing fitting portion is fitted and fixed to the upper end side inner surface of the cylindrical housing.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a filter cartridge for a water purifier used to filter tap water in a home kitchen or similar environment. Background Technology

[0002] In recent years, water purifiers for purifying tap water have become widely used in households. These purifiers contain various filter media, such as activated carbon to remove free residual chlorine, musty odors, and trihalomethanes from tap water, and hollow fiber membranes to remove turbidity such as rust. The purified water, after being filtered, becomes safe and palatable, contributing to the user's health.

[0003] In most cases, various filter media are filled into the internal space of water purifier filter cartridges, which can be disassembled and installed relative to the water purifier. Since the amount of filtered water that filter media can handle is limited, water purifier filter cartridges are usually replaced periodically to continue using the water purifier.

[0004] Patent document 1 proposes a small water purification filter cartridge, which has a water inlet and a water outlet, and adsorbent material and hollow fiber membrane are arranged in series along the way. It is installed in a water purification device that can remove residual chlorine, rust and other substances contained in tap water.

[0005] However, there are concerns that the high-speed water flow from the adsorbent material unit, filled with adsorbent material, directly impacts the hollow fiber membrane, causing the membrane to bend and reduce flow, or causing the membrane to break, resulting in water from the adsorbent material unit draining from the water filter cartridge without passing through the membrane. Additionally, there are concerns that the water flowing from the adsorbent material unit creates localized flows that impact the adhesive holding the hollow fiber membrane to the membrane shell, causing the adhesive to peel off from the membrane shell.

[0006] To address this problem, Patent Document 2 proposes a water filter cartridge with an activated carbon section and a hollow fiber membrane section arranged in series. In this water filter cartridge, a spacer is provided between the rear end of the activated carbon section and the front end of the hollow fiber membrane section, and a dispersion body is provided in this spacer. This dispersion body forms dispersion ports that radially disperse water passing through the activated carbon section. This configuration prevents the following situations: water passing through the activated carbon section directly impacts the hollow fiber membrane of the hollow fiber membrane section, causing it to bend and reducing the flow rate; or the hollow fiber membrane breaks, causing water passing through the activated carbon section to drain from the water filter cartridge without passing through the hollow fiber membrane.

[0007] Existing technical documents Patent documents Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2002-346550 Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2006-15199 Summary of the Invention

[0008] The problem that the invention aims to solve However, in the technology of Patent Document 2, as far as the dispersion is concerned, since it is a structure in which multiple dispersion ports are formed on the peripheral wall of a cylindrical part with a very small radial dimension relative to the outer diameter of the dispersion part that is protruding from the center on the outflow side, and water passing through the activated carbon part is dispersed radially, there is a risk of localized high pressure loss and reduced drainage flow on the secondary side.

[0009] In addition, there is a problem that the manufacturing process is laborious in order to fix the outer periphery of the dispersion to the outer periphery of the cylindrical shell that is sealed and fixed with hollow fiber membrane by ultrasonic welding.

[0010] In view of the above-mentioned problems, the present invention provides a filter element for a water purifier, which, while having an adsorption material component and a hollow fiber membrane component arranged in series, maximizes the performance of the hollow fiber membrane without the water passing through the adsorption material component directly impacting the hollow fiber membrane and causing it to bend, and does not increase local pressure loss, can obtain sufficient secondary-side drainage flow, and can keep manufacturing costs at a low level.

[0011] Methods for solving problems The water purifier filter cartridge that solves the above-mentioned problems includes: a raw water passage; a purified water outlet; a filter media storage section; a filter media storage cover that can be installed and removed relative to the aforementioned filter media storage section; a hollow fiber membrane assembly; an adsorbent material assembly filled with adsorbent material; and a hollow fiber membrane protective cover, wherein, The aforementioned hollow fiber membrane assembly comprises: a hollow fiber membrane bundle formed by bundling and bending a predetermined number of hollow fiber membranes into an inverted U-shape; a generally cylindrical shell that houses the hollow fiber membrane bundle on its inner side; and a potting material for sealing and fixing the lower end inner surface of the aforementioned cylindrical shell, the lower end of the aforementioned hollow fiber membrane bundle, and the lower end of the aforementioned hollow fiber membrane to each other. The aforementioned hollow fiber membrane protective cover has a cylindrical shell fitting portion that fits into the upper end of the aforementioned cylindrical shell and multiple water inflow channels. The aforementioned cylindrical shell fitting part is fitted and fixed to the inner surface of the upper end side of the aforementioned cylindrical shell.

[0012] Invention Effects According to the filter cartridge for water purifiers of the present invention, a hollow fiber membrane protective cover is fitted and fixed to the upper end of the generally cylindrical shell constituting the hollow fiber membrane assembly erected in series with the aforementioned adsorption material assembly. The hollow fiber membrane protective cover, having multiple water inflow paths, prevents water passing through the adsorption material assembly from directly impacting the hollow fibers of the hollow fiber membrane assembly. Therefore, the performance of the hollow fiber membrane can be maximized without bending or breaking, and sufficient purified water flow can be obtained without increasing local pressure loss. Attached Figure Description

[0013] [ Figure 1 [This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a filter element for a water purifier according to an embodiment of the present invention.]

[0014] [ Figure 2 [This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a faucet-connected water purifier, which is formed by connecting a filter element and a main body switch according to an embodiment of the present invention.]

[0015] [ Figure 3 [This is a three-dimensional cross-sectional view of the filter element body of a water purifier filter element according to an embodiment of the present invention.]

[0016] [ Figure 4 [This is a perspective view of the adsorption material assembly of a filter cartridge for a water purifier according to an embodiment of the present invention.]

[0017] [ Figure 5 [This is a perspective view of the adsorption material assembly of a filter cartridge for a water purifier according to an embodiment of the present invention.]

[0018] [ Figure 6 [This is a perspective view of the adsorption material container of a water purifier filter element according to an embodiment of the present invention.]

[0019] [ Figure 7 This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a water purifier filter element during backwashing of a hollow fiber membrane module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] [ Figure 8 [This is a perspective view of a filter element for a water purifier according to another embodiment of the present invention.]

[0021] [ Figure 9 [This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a filter element for a water purifier according to another embodiment of the present invention.]

[0022] [ Figure 10 [This is a perspective view of a hollow fiber membrane protective cover for a water purifier filter element according to an embodiment of the present invention.]

[0023] [ Figure 11 ]for Figure 9 An enlarged view of part A.

[0024] [ Figure 12 ]for Figure 11 Enlarged view of the hollow fiber membrane protective cover. Detailed Implementation

[0025] Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0026] Figure 1This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a filter element for a water purifier according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a faucet-connected water purifier, which is formed by connecting a filter cartridge and a main body switch according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] The components that make up filter element 1 for a water purifier will be described.

[0028] The water purifier filter cartridge 1 comprises: a bottomed cylindrical filter cartridge body (filter media storage part) 2 with an open top, and a cover (filter media storage cover) 3 fixed to the open top of the filter cartridge body 2. The water purifier filter cartridge 1 houses a hollow fiber membrane assembly 20 and an adsorbent material assembly 30 in the internal space formed by the filter cartridge body 2 and the cover 3.

[0029] The installation of the cover 3 onto the filter element body 2 uses a bayonet mechanism, which allows for easy fixing by aligning the cover 3 with the opening of the filter element body 2 and rotating it 63°. A screw mechanism can also be used instead of a bayonet mechanism. An O-ring 7 is provided in the filter element body 2, which is flattened radially by the cover 3 to maintain a liquid seal between the filter element body 2 and the cover 3.

[0030] Figure 3 This is a three-dimensional cross-sectional view of the filter element body 2 of the filter element 1 for a water purifier. The filter element body 2 has a raw water passage 11 on its side near the lower end, and a purified water outlet 12 in the center of the lower end face. On the inner surface of the lower end of the filter element body 2, a cylindrical component mounting part 13 is provided to surround the purified water outlet 12 for inserting the end of the hollow fiber membrane assembly 20 with the opening. That is, the component mounting part 13 is a component with a cylindrical opening for mounting the hollow fiber membrane assembly 20. On the raw water passage 11, a bayonet mechanism for connecting to the main body switch 4 is provided around the inlet opening.

[0031] The component mounting section 13 has a first component fitting section 14 and a second component fitting section 15 with a smaller diameter than the first component fitting section 14 and closer to the purified water outlet.

[0032] The hollow fiber membrane module 20 is formed by housing a hollow fiber membrane bundle 21, which is formed by bundling a specified number of hollow fiber membranes into an inverted U-shape, inside a generally cylindrical shell 22. The lower inner surface of the cylindrical shell 22, the lower end of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 21, and the lower end of the hollow fiber membrane are sealed and fixed together using a potting material such as polyurethane or epoxy resin. The lower end face of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 21 is open, facing the purified water outlet 12. Hydrophilicized polysulfone can be used as the material for the hollow fiber membrane. Multiple hollow fiber membranes of different materials can also be combined. As long as a hydrophobic polyethylene or polypropylene hollow fiber membrane is inserted, air mixed in with the water can be efficiently expelled. The hollow fiber membrane bundle 21 is bent into an inverted U-shape, but it can also be a straight hollow fiber membrane bundle whose upper opening is sealed by adhesive or heat fusion.

[0033] The cylindrical shell 22 is made of ABS resin, but AS resin, polystyrene, etc., can also be used appropriately. The area near the outlet end 22b of the cylindrical shell 22 is liquid-tightly fitted with the second component fitting portion 15. The area near the inlet end (adsorbent material assembly mounting portion) 22a can fit with the outlet end 31b of the adsorbent material container 31 (described later), and can also fit liquid-tightly with the aforementioned first component fitting portion 14. An eaves 23 is provided on the outer periphery near the inlet end (adsorbent material assembly mounting portion) 22a.

[0034] Figure 4 and Figure 5 This is a perspective view of the adsorbent material assembly 30 of the filter cartridge 1 for a water purifier. The adsorbent material assembly 30 consists of a bottomed, generally cylindrical adsorbent material container 31, a generally disc-shaped adsorbent material container cover 32, and granular or powdered adsorbent material 33 (see [reference]). Figure 1 The container 31 is open at the top, and an adsorbent container lid 32 is mounted on the top opening of the adsorbent container 31. The materials for both the adsorbent container 31 and the lid 32 are preferably polyolefins. Ultrasonic welding of the adsorbent container 31 and the lid 32 is easy and reliable, and the materials are inexpensive, thus reducing manufacturing costs. ABS resin and polystyrene can also be used.

[0035] Figure 10 This is a perspective view of a hollow fiber membrane protective cover for a water purifier filter cartridge. The hollow fiber membrane protective cover 61 has: a disc-shaped cover body 67, a cylindrical shell fitting part 64, a plurality of slits 62 provided in the cylindrical shell fitting part 64, a cylindrical shell anti-sagging part 63, a water inflow passage 65, and a hollow fiber membrane protective cover chamfered part 66.

[0036] The cylindrical shell fitting portion 64 is a cylindrical part integrally formed with the cover body 67, and fits into the upper end of the cylindrical shell 22 of the hollow fiber membrane assembly 20. When the hollow fiber membrane protective cover 61 is installed on the hollow fiber membrane assembly 20, due to the aforementioned slit 62, the cylindrical shell fitting portion 64 deforms appropriately, so that the hollow fiber membrane protective cover 61 can be installed on the upper inner surface of the cylindrical shell 22 without applying excessive force.

[0037] The water inflow path 65 is a through hole that extends through the cover body 67 in the thickness direction, and multiple such holes are provided in the cover body 67. The cross-sectional area of ​​the water inflow path 65 of the aforementioned hollow fiber membrane protective cover 61 is preferably 30% to 70% of the cross-sectional area of ​​the upper inner surface of the aforementioned cylindrical shell 22. Therefore, the pressure loss caused by the passage through the hollow fiber membrane protective cover 61 will not be excessive, and water flowing from the adsorbent material assembly 30 into the hollow fiber membrane bundle 21 can obtain a sufficient flow rate of purified water.

[0038] Figure 11 for Figure 9 Enlarged view of part A, Figure 12 This is an enlarged view showing only the aforementioned hollow fiber membrane protective cover 61. Preferably, the chamfered portion 66 of the aforementioned hollow fiber membrane protective cover 61 has the same inclination angle as the chamfered portion 24 of the upper end of the cylindrical shell 22. Therefore, even when the user replaces the hollow fiber membrane assembly 20, the hollow fiber membrane protective cover 61 is not easily detached from the hollow fiber membrane assembly 20, which reduces the possibility of the user directly contacting the hollow fiber membrane and protects the hollow fiber membrane.

[0039] The cylindrical shell anti-sinking portion 63 is an eave provided on the outer periphery of the cover body 67. The aforementioned cylindrical shell anti-sinking portion 63 of the hollow fiber membrane protective cover 61 abuts against the upper end of the cylindrical shell 22 constituting the aforementioned hollow fiber membrane assembly 20, thereby preventing the hollow fiber membrane protective cover 61 from falling off to the inner surface of the cylindrical shell 22. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the hollow fiber membrane protective cover 61 from contacting the hollow fiber membrane and protect the hollow fiber membrane.

[0040] Figure 6 This is a perspective view of the adsorbent material container 31 of the filter cartridge 1 for a water purifier. The bottom surface of the adsorbent material container 31 is formed integrally by multiple downstream radial ribs 34. A water-permeable, circular downstream non-woven fabric (adsorbent material holding component) 35 is fixed on the downstream radial ribs 34 (see...). Figure 1 ).like Figure 5As shown, the absorbent material container cover 32 is integrally formed from a plurality of upstream radial ribs 36. That is, the absorbent material container cover 32 has a plurality of upstream radial ribs 36, with openings between adjacent upstream radial ribs 36, allowing water to flow through these openings into the absorbent material container 31 to which the absorbent material container cover 32 is mounted. Figure 1 As shown, multiple upstream radial ribs 36 are fixed with water-permeable, circular upstream non-woven fabric (anti-absorption material leakage component) 37.

[0041] The downstream nonwoven fabric (adsorbent material holding component) 35 and the upstream nonwoven fabric (adsorbent material leakage prevention component) 37 have the function of preventing the granular adsorbent material 33 from leaking out and allowing the water to be treated to pass through, therefore their pore size is smaller than the particle size of the adsorbent material 33. The upstream nonwoven fabric (adsorbent material leakage prevention component) 37 and the downstream nonwoven fabric (adsorbent material holding component) 35 are preferably nonwoven fabrics containing polyolefin. The upstream nonwoven fabric (adsorbent material leakage prevention component) 37 is fixed to the upstream radial rib 36 by ultrasonic welding, and the downstream nonwoven fabric (adsorbent material holding component) 35 is fixed to the downstream radial rib 34 by ultrasonic welding. If all materials are the same polyolefin, ultrasonic welding is easy and reliable. Compared with the configuration of injection molding a frame component with radial ribs and then ultrasonically welding the upstream and downstream nonwoven fabrics to the frame component before fixing it to the adsorbent material container, manufacturing costs can be significantly reduced.

[0042] like Figure 1 As shown, the bottom of the adsorbent material container 31 has a narrowed section. The diameter near the outlet end 31b of the adsorbent material container 31 is smaller than that of the inlet end 31a of the adsorbent material container 31. However, the water flow does not deviate due to the space 38 formed by the downstream radial ribs 34. That is, the bottom of the adsorbent material container 31 has multiple downstream radial ribs 34, and a space 38 connecting the inside and outside of the adsorbent material container 31 is formed between adjacent downstream radial ribs 34, so that water inside the adsorbent material container 31 can be discharged to the outside of the adsorbent material container 31 through the space 38. The outlet end 31b of the adsorbent material container 31 is fitted into the inlet end (adsorbent material assembly mounting part) 22a of the cylindrical shell of the hollow fiber membrane assembly 20. That is, the inlet end (adsorbent material assembly mounting part) 22a is the part for mounting the adsorbent material assembly 30.

[0043] Multiple center-aligning ribs 41 are provided on the outer periphery of the adsorbent material container 31 and / or the adsorbent material container lid 32 of the adsorbent material assembly 30. The gap between the inner circumferential surface of the lid 3 and the multiple center-aligning ribs 41 is adjusted to 0.05 to 0.3 mm, and both the adsorbent material container lid 32 and the multiple center-aligning ribs 41 are inclined in such a way that the gap gradually decreases during the tightening of the lid 3. The inclination can be provided in either one.

[0044] On the other hand, a height alignment rib 42 is provided on the upper surface of the adsorption material container lid 32 of the adsorption material assembly 30. The gap between the inner side of the upper surface of the lid 3 and the height alignment rib 42 is adjusted to 0.2 to 0.5 mm. Alternatively, the height alignment rib can be provided on the inner side of the upper surface of the lid 3.

[0045] The space between the downstream nonwoven fabric (adsorbent material holding component) 35 of the adsorbent material container 31 and the upstream nonwoven fabric (adsorbent material leakage prevention component) 37 of the adsorbent material container lid 32 is filled with granular activated carbon and granular zeolite as adsorbent material 33. As for the activated carbon, if coconut shell is used as the raw material, containing more than 70% activated carbon with a particle size of 100-200 micrometers and an iodine adsorption capacity of more than 1200 mg / g, the ability to adsorb organic matter in tap water can be maintained at a high level, and sufficient purified water flow can be ensured. Further reducing the particle size increases the surface area, thereby improving adsorption capacity and ion exchange capacity.

[0046] As a zeolite, a zeolite with a particle size of 100–200 micrometers that selectively adsorbs lead is used. Titanium silicates with the same function can also be used instead of zeolites.

[0047] In the manufacturing process, the hollow fiber membrane module 20 and the adsorbent material module 30 can be assembled and erected in series. In this case, sometimes the hollow fiber membrane module 20 and the adsorbent material module 30 become misaligned; or the adsorbent material module 30 is not sufficiently embedded in the hollow fiber membrane module 20, resulting in the height of the adsorbent material module 30 being too high, exceeding the specified height. Even in such cases, in the water purifier filter cartridge 1, during the process of closing and tightening the cover 3, the center alignment rib 41 and the height alignment rib 42 abut against the inner surface of the cover 3, thereby correcting the misalignment or excessive height, and aligning it to its original position. Users of the purchased water purifier also experience the same process when replacing the water purifier filter cartridge. Even if users unfamiliar with installation cannot accurately assemble and erect the hollow fiber membrane module 20 and the adsorbent material module 30, they can still correct it to its original position during the process of closing and tightening the cover 3, thus maximizing the performance of the water purifier.

[0048] The use of the water purifier filter element 1 configured as described above will be explained.

[0049] Raw water (tap water) entering from the raw water inlet 8 of the main switch 4 flows into the interior of the filter cartridge 1 of the water purifier through the raw water passage 11, and is guided to rise unbiasedly through the cylindrical gap 5 ensured by the center alignment rib 41. Then, the raw water (tap water) is guided to the disc-shaped gap 6 ensured by the height alignment rib 42, and the flow direction is changed unbiasedly.

[0050] Raw water flows into the interior of the adsorbent material assembly 30 through the upstream nonwoven fabric (leakage prevention component) 37 of the adsorbent material container cover 32. It flows unbiasedly through and contacts the granular activated carbon and granular zeolite filled in a generally cylindrical shape, removing free residual chlorine, musty odor, trihalomethanes, lead, etc. Next, the water flows through the downstream nonwoven fabric (adsorbent material holding component) 35 of the adsorbent material container 31, narrows at the space 38 formed by multiple downstream radial ribs 34, and exits from the outlet end 31b of the adsorbent material container 31. Furthermore, the water flows through the water inflow path 65 of the hollow fiber membrane protective cover 61, entering the hollow fiber membrane assembly 20 from the inlet end (adsorbent material assembly mounting part) 22a of the cylindrical shell. Then, turbidity is removed by the hollow fiber membrane bundle 21 to become purified water, which is discharged from the purified water outlet 12.

[0051] Since the filter media can only process a limited amount of filtered water, users need to replace the filter media regularly to continue using the water purifier. The replacement of the hollow fiber membrane module 20 and the adsorption material module 30, which serve as the filter media, will be explained.

[0052] Remove the cover 3 from the upper opening of the filter cartridge body 2, which is fixed to the filter cartridge 1 of the water purifier via a bayonet mechanism. Next, remove the adsorbent material assembly 30 from the hollow fiber membrane assembly 20, and then remove the hollow fiber membrane assembly 20 from the second assembly fitting portion 15 of the assembly mounting portion 13 of the filter cartridge body 2. Next, insert the outlet end 22b of the new hollow fiber membrane assembly 20 into the second assembly fitting portion 15. Next, insert the outlet end 31b of the new adsorbent material assembly 30 into the inlet end (adsorbent material assembly mounting portion) 22a of the hollow fiber membrane assembly 20. All components can be manually inserted and adjusted to a leak-proof size.

[0053] Next, cover the filter cartridge body 2 with the cover 3 and tighten it. At this time, sometimes the hollow fiber membrane assembly 20 and the adsorbent material assembly 30 become misaligned; or the adsorbent material assembly 30 is not sufficiently embedded in the hollow fiber membrane assembly 20, resulting in the height of the adsorbent material assembly 30 being too high, exceeding the specified height. Even in such cases, in the water purifier filter cartridge 1, during the process of covering the filter cartridge body 2 with the cover 3 and tightening it, the center alignment rib 41 and the height alignment rib 42 abut against the inner surface of the cover 3, thereby correcting the misalignment or excessive height, and aligning it with its original position.

[0054] If the tap is turned on and raw water (tap water) flows into the raw water passage 11 of the water purifier filter cartridge 1, the air inside the water purifier filter cartridge 1 will be squeezed out and the purified water will be discharged from the purified water outlet 12.

[0055] Next, the backwashing of the hollow fiber membrane module 20 will be explained. Figure 7 This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a water purifier filter cartridge during backwashing of a hollow fiber membrane module. The hollow fiber membrane bundle 21 removes turbidity from the raw water (tap water) to produce purified water, which is discharged from the purified water outlet 12. Gradually, turbidity accumulates in the hollow fiber membrane bundle 21, increasing pressure loss and reducing the purified water flow rate. When the flow rate decreases significantly, by allowing tap water to flow from the outlet end 22b of the hollow fiber membrane module 20 to the inlet end (adsorbent material assembly mounting section) 22a, the accumulated turbidity can be discharged (backwashing), restoring the pressure loss to a low state. Turbidity accumulating on the surface of the hollow fiber membrane does not contaminate the adsorbent material.

[0056] Remove the cover 3 from the upper opening of the filter cartridge body 2, which is fixed to the filter cartridge 1 of the water purifier via a bayonet mechanism. Next, remove the adsorbent material assembly 30 from the hollow fiber membrane assembly 20, and then remove the hollow fiber membrane assembly 20 from the second assembly fitting portion 15 of the assembly mounting portion 13 of the filter cartridge body 2. Turn the removed hollow fiber membrane assembly 20 upside down and install the inlet end (adsorbent material assembly mounting portion) 22a of the hollow fiber membrane assembly 20 into the first assembly fitting portion 14 of the assembly mounting portion 13. The first assembly fitting portion 14 has a larger diameter than the second assembly fitting portion 15 and is farther from the purified water outlet 12; therefore, the installation position of the hollow fiber membrane assembly 20 during backwashing must be higher than its installation position during use. The outer periphery 23 near the inlet end (adsorbent material assembly mounting portion) 22a abuts against the upper surface of the assembly mounting portion 13, thereby accurately determining the installation position of the hollow fiber membrane assembly.

[0057] Without installing the adsorbent material assembly 30, the cover 3 is fixed to the upper opening of the filter element body 2, and then tap water is turned on to allow raw water (tap water) to flow into the raw water passage 11 of the water purifier filter element 1. In this way, the raw water flows from the outlet end 22b of the hollow fiber membrane assembly 20 to the inlet end (adsorbent material assembly mounting part) 22a, and the turbidity accumulated in the hollow fiber membrane assembly 20 is discharged from the purified water outlet 12. Thus, backwashing can be easily performed by flipping the hollow fiber membrane assembly 20 up and down, eliminating the need for separate flow paths for purified water and backwashing, thereby keeping the cost of manufacturing the water purifier low.

[0058] If the inlet end (adsorbent material assembly mounting part) 22a of the hollow fiber membrane module 20 is installed on the first assembly fitting part 14 of the assembly mounting part 13, the installation position of the hollow fiber membrane module 20 during backwashing will inevitably be higher than the installation position during use. If the adsorbent material assembly 30 is incorrectly installed on the outlet end 22b of the hollow fiber membrane module 20, the installation position of the adsorbent material assembly 30 will also be higher than the position during use, making it impossible to tighten the cover 3 onto the filter element body 2. That is, it can also prevent users from accidentally using the water purifier in the backwashing state and drinking the turbidity accumulated on the outer surface of the hollow fiber membrane.

[0059] The outer diameter of the hollow fiber membrane protective cover 61 is smaller than the inner diameter of the second component fitting part 15, so it will not hinder the backwashing process. The opening area of ​​the water inflow path 65 of the hollow fiber membrane protective cover 61 is larger than the turbidity, so it will not hinder the backwashing process.

[0060] like Figure 8 3D diagram and Figure 9 As shown in the longitudinal section view, an exhaust mechanism 51 is provided on the cover 3. When raw water (tap water) flows in from the raw water passage 11, the exhaust mechanism 51 is opened to release the air inside the cover 3, which can save the time of squeezing out the air and perform backwashing efficiently.

[0061] Here, the features of the water purifier filter element according to the above embodiments of the present invention are briefly summarized and listed below.

[0062] [1] A filter cartridge for a water purifier, comprising: a raw water passage; a purified water outlet; a filter media storage section; a filter media storage cover that can be installed and removed relative to the aforementioned filter media storage section; a hollow fiber membrane assembly; an adsorbent material assembly filled with adsorbent material; and a hollow fiber membrane protective cover, wherein, The aforementioned hollow fiber membrane modules are arranged in series at the rear end of the aforementioned adsorption material modules. The aforementioned hollow fiber membrane assembly comprises: a hollow fiber membrane bundle formed by bundling and bending a predetermined number of hollow fiber membranes into an inverted U-shape; a generally cylindrical shell that houses the aforementioned hollow fiber membrane bundle on its inner side; and a potting material for sealing and fixing the lower end inner surface of the aforementioned cylindrical shell, the lower end of the aforementioned hollow fiber membrane bundle, and the lower end of the aforementioned hollow fiber membrane to each other. The aforementioned hollow fiber membrane protective cover has a cylindrical shell fitting portion that fits into the upper end of the aforementioned cylindrical shell and multiple water inflow channels. The aforementioned cylindrical shell fitting part is fitted and fixed to the upper inner surface of the aforementioned cylindrical shell.

[0063] According to the above configuration, the hollow fiber membrane protective cover is fitted and fixed to the upper end of the generally cylindrical shell of the hollow fiber membrane assembly, which is erected in series with the aforementioned adsorbent material assembly. The hollow fiber membrane protective cover, having multiple water inflow paths, prevents water passing through the adsorbent material assembly from directly impacting the hollow fibers of the hollow fiber membrane assembly. Therefore, the hollow fiber membrane will not bend or break, maximizing its performance without increasing local pressure loss, and achieving sufficient purified water flow. Furthermore, by fitting and fixing the hollow fiber membrane protective cover to the upper end of the cylindrical shell, it can be fixed without the use of ultrasonic welding or adhesives, reducing manufacturing costs.

[0064] [2] The filter element for water purifier as described in [1], wherein the cross-sectional area of ​​the aforementioned plurality of water inflow paths is more than 30% and less than 70% of the cross-sectional area of ​​the inner surface of the upper end side of the aforementioned cylindrical shell.

[0065] Based on the above configuration, there will be no excessive pressure loss due to the hollow fiber membrane protective cover, and water flowing into the hollow fiber membrane through the adsorption material components can achieve a sufficient water purification flow.

[0066] [3] The filter cartridge for water purifiers as described in [1] or [2], wherein the aforementioned hollow fiber membrane protective cover has a cylindrical shell anti-sinking portion that abuts against the upper end of the aforementioned cylindrical shell.

[0067] According to the above configuration, by making the anti-sinking portion of the cylindrical shell of the hollow fiber membrane protective cover abut against the upper end of the cylindrical shell constituting the aforementioned hollow fiber membrane assembly, the hollow fiber membrane protective cover is prevented from falling off to the inner surface of the cylindrical shell, thereby preventing the hollow fiber membrane protective cover from contacting the hollow fiber membrane.

[0068] [4] The filter element for water purifiers as described in [3], wherein the aforementioned hollow fiber membrane assembly has a cylindrical shell chamfer portion provided at the upper end of the aforementioned cylindrical shell. The aforementioned hollow fiber membrane protective cover has a chamfered portion provided on the outer side of the aforementioned cylindrical shell anti-sinking portion. The chamfered portion of the aforementioned cylindrical shell has the same inclination angle as the chamfered portion of the aforementioned hollow fiber membrane protective cover.

[0069] Based on the above configuration, by aligning the chamfered portion of the upper end of the cylindrical shell with the chamfered portion of the hollow fiber membrane protective cover at the same angle, the protective cover is less likely to detach from the hollow fiber membrane assembly even when the user replaces the assembly. Therefore, the likelihood of direct contact between the user and the hollow fiber membrane is reduced, protecting the membrane. It should be noted that the user can replace the hollow fiber membrane assembly along with the protective cover.

[0070] Example <Example 1> An adsorption material assembly and a hollow fiber membrane assembly are connected in series inside the water purification filter cartridge.

[0071] The inner surface of the upper end of the cylindrical shell constituting the hollow fiber membrane assembly is fitted and fixed with the cylindrical shell fitting part of the hollow fiber membrane protective cover.

[0072] By making the anti-sinking part of the cylindrical shell of the hollow fiber membrane protective cover abut against the upper end of the cylindrical shell, the hollow fiber membrane protective cover will not sink into the inner surface of the cylindrical shell, and the hollow fiber membrane protective cover will not contact the hollow fiber membrane, thus protecting the hollow fiber membrane.

[0073] When the opening area of ​​the water inlet channel of the hollow fiber membrane protective cover is set to 35.7% of the inner surface of the upper side of the cylindrical shell, the flow rate of the water purification filter element is 91.2% compared with the case without the hollow fiber membrane protective cover, which is sufficient for the use of purified water.

[0074] With a hollow fiber membrane protective cover, water passing through the adsorbent material component will not directly impact the hollow fiber membrane, preventing the hollow fiber membrane from bending and reducing flow or breaking. This allows for purified water to be obtained without compromising the water purification performance of the hollow fiber membrane.

[0075] <Comparative Example 1> The same filter cartridge for the water purifier as described above is made. However, the hollow fiber membrane protective cover is not installed.

[0076] Water passing through the adsorbent material module directly impacts the hollow fiber membrane, causing the membrane to bend and reducing its flow rate. As a result, the hollow fiber membrane module has to be replaced before the performance of the adsorbent material module deteriorates.

[0077] Various embodiments have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, but it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to these examples. Those skilled in the art will obviously be able to conceive of various modifications or alterations within the scope of the claims, and these will also fall within the technical scope of the present invention. Furthermore, the constituent elements of the above embodiments can be arbitrarily combined without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0078] It should be noted that this application is based on Japanese patent application (Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-059313) filed on April 2, 2024, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0079] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures 1. Water purifier filter cartridge 2. Filter Cartridge Body (Filter Media Storage Section) 3. Cover (Filter Media Storage Cover) 4 Main body switcher 5. Cylindrical gap 6. Disc-shaped gaps 7 O-rings 8 Raw water inlet 11 Raw Water Access Road 12. Clean water outlet 13 Component Installation Department 14 First Component Fitting Part 15. Component 2 fitting part 20 Hollow fiber membrane modules 21 Hollow fiber membrane bundles 22 Cylindrical shell 22a Inlet end (adsorbent material assembly mounting section) 22b Export end 23. Eaves 24. Chamfered part of cylindrical shell 30 Adsorption Material Components 31 Adsorbent Material Container 31a Entry point 31b Export end 32 Adsorbent Material Container Lid 33 Adsorbent Materials 34 Downstream radial ribs 35. Downstream nonwoven fabric (adsorbent material holding component) 36. Upstream radial ribs 37. Upstream side non-woven fabric (component to prevent leakage of adsorption material) 38 Space 41. Center position aligned with ribs 42 Height position aligned ribs 51 Exhaust Mechanism 61 Hollow Fiber Membrane Protective Cover 62 Slits 63. Anti-sinking part of cylindrical shell 64. Cylindrical shell fitting part 65. Water flows into the road. 66. Chamfered corner of hollow fiber membrane protective cover 67. Cover the main body.

Claims

1. A filter element for a water purifier, comprising: a raw water passage; a purified water outlet; a filter media storage section; a filter media storage cover detachable from the filter media storage section; a hollow fiber membrane assembly; an adsorbent material assembly filled with adsorbent material; and a hollow fiber membrane protective cover, wherein, The hollow fiber membrane module is arranged in series at the rear end of the adsorption material module. The hollow fiber membrane assembly comprises: a hollow fiber membrane bundle formed by bundling and bending a specified number of hollow fiber membranes into an inverted U-shape; a generally cylindrical shell that houses the hollow fiber membrane bundle on its inner side; and a potting material that seals and fixes the lower inner surface of the cylindrical shell, the lower end of the hollow fiber membrane bundle, and the lower end of the hollow fiber membrane to each other. The hollow fiber membrane protective cover has a cylindrical shell fitting portion that fits into the upper end of the cylindrical shell and multiple water inflow channels. The cylindrical shell fitting part is fitted and fixed to the inner surface of the upper end side of the cylindrical shell.

2. The filter element for a water purifier as described in claim 1, wherein, The cross-sectional area of ​​the plurality of water inflow channels is more than 30% and less than 70% of the cross-sectional area of ​​the inner surface of the upper end side of the cylindrical shell.

3. The filter element for a water purifier as described in claim 1, wherein, The hollow fiber membrane protective cover has a cylindrical shell anti-sinking portion that abuts against the upper end of the cylindrical shell.

4. The filter element for a water purifier as described in claim 3, wherein, The hollow fiber membrane assembly has a chamfered portion of the cylindrical shell provided at the upper end of the cylindrical shell. The hollow fiber membrane protective cover has a chamfered portion provided on the outer side of the anti-sinking part of the cylindrical shell. The chamfered portion of the cylindrical shell and the chamfered portion of the hollow fiber membrane protective cover have the same inclination angle.

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