Water purifier clamp

Abstract

The present disclosure aims to provide a water purifier jig capable of dealing with different sizes of rotary discs and having good workability. The water purifier jig is used for rotating a rotary member of a water purifier, and comprises a pair of holding portions arranged on both sides of a line segment extending along a radial direction centered on a center axis in a circumferential direction centered on the center axis, and a curved portion curvedly extending in the circumferential direction and connecting end portions of the pair of holding portions on a radially inner side to each other. The curved portion has a clamping portion having an inner circumferential surface on the radially inner side and elastically deformed according to a size of a gap between the pair of holding portions to change a distance of the clamping portion in a direction orthogonal to the center axis and the line segment, and a plurality of engaging portions arranged at intervals in the circumferential direction and formed by grooves recessed from the end portions on the radially inner side to a radially outer side and engaging with the rotary member in the circumferential direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to clamps for water purifiers. Background Technology

[0002] Water purifiers, which purify supplied water, include, for example, water filters connected to a faucet and pre-filters located on the water supply side of the water filter. Water filters primarily remove dissolved components from the water. Pre-filters primarily remove solid components from the water.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a pre-filter for a water purifier that selectively switches between multiple patterns that differ along the path from the inlet to the outlet using a switching mechanism. For example, a rotating disc capable of rotating relative to the main body of the water purifier can be used as the switching mechanism.

[0004] In the main body of the water purifier, the filter is housed, for example, in a cylindrical housing. The housing is secured to the valve seat, for example, by screwing an external thread formed on the housing into an internal thread formed on the valve seat. When the filter is removed for cleaning or other reasons, the housing is rotated to detach it from the valve seat. A rotating clamp for the water purifier is used when rotating the disc and when rotating the housing.

[0005] Patent Document 1: Chinese Invention Patent Application Publication No. 105688477

[0006] When the size of the spool varies depending on the machine model, a fixture needs to be prepared according to the size of the spool. For example, if a fixture with a spool assembly on one side of the long side and a housing assembly on the other side of the long side is used, the handle orientation needs to be changed, which reduces workability. Utility Model Content

[0007] This disclosure was made with the above-mentioned aspects in mind, with the aim of providing a water purifier clamp that can handle rotating discs of different sizes and is easy to operate.

[0008] The first aspect of this disclosure is a clamp for a water purifier, which rotates a rotating component of the water purifier. The clamp comprises: a pair of gripping portions extending along a line segment extending radially about a central axis, and disposed on both sides of the central axis circumferentially, separated by the line segment; and a bending portion extending in a circumferential direction and connecting the radially inner ends of the pair of gripping portions to each other. The bending portion has: a clamping portion having an inner circumferential surface located radially inner, and elastically deformable according to the size of the gap between the pair of gripping portions, causing the distance of the clamping portion to change in a direction orthogonal to the central axis and the line segment; and engaging portions having a plurality of spaced-apart portions in the circumferential direction, formed by grooves recessed from the radially inner end toward the radially outer end, and engaging with the rotating component in the circumferential direction. Attached Figure Description

[0009] Figure 1 This is an exploded perspective view of the clamp for the water purifier and the water purifier disclosed herein.

[0010] Figure 2 This is a 3D view of a water purifier without its casing components.

[0011] Figure 3 This is a three-dimensional view of the water purifier clamp as seen from below.

[0012] Figure 4 This is a diagram showing a water purifier clamp mounted on a rotary table.

[0013] Figure 5 This is a longitudinal sectional view of a water purifier clamp mounted on a rotary table.

[0014] Figure 6 This is a diagram showing a water purifier clamp mounted on a rotary table.

[0015] Figure 7 This is a diagram showing a water purifier clamp mounted on the casing. Detailed Implementation

[0016] The following is for reference Figures 1-7 Embodiments of the clamp for a water purifier according to this disclosure will be described. The following embodiments illustrate one aspect of this disclosure and are not intended to limit the disclosure; any modifications can be made within the scope of the technical concept of this disclosure. Furthermore, in the following drawings, the actual construction differs from the scale shown in each construction for ease of understanding.

[0017] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the water purifier clamp 60 is used to rotate the water purifier 1's disc 30 and housing 13A circumferentially about the central axis J. The disc 30 and housing 13A are rotating components R.

[0018] [Water purifier 1]

[0019] The water purifier 1 has a main body 10 and a rotating disc 30.

[0020] The main body 10 of the water purifier is cylindrical, extending vertically with the central axis J as the center. The main body 10 of the water purifier includes a valve seat 11, a valve core 12, a filter element 13, a first cover component 14, a second cover component 15, a third cover component 16, a switching component 17, and a drain handle 18.

[0021] As an example, the valve seat 11 is formed of a metal material. The valve seat 11 has a water inlet 21 and a water outlet 22. A water supply pipe, for example, for supplying tap water, is connected to the water inlet 21. A water outlet pipe is connected to the water outlet 22. The water outlet 22, for example, allows water that has passed through the filter element 13 to flow out.

[0022] Hereinafter, the direction in which the water inlet 21 and the water outlet 22 are arranged relative to the central axis J is called the left-right direction, the side with the water inlet 21 is called the left side, and the side with the water outlet 22 is called the right side. The direction orthogonal to the left-right direction and the up-down direction is called the opposing direction opposite to the operator. In the opposing direction, at the installation location, the side opposite to the operator when the water flow is from left to right is called the front side, and the side opposite to the operator when the water flow is from right to left is called the back side.

[0023] As an example, the valve core 12 is formed of resin material. The valve core 12 is liquid-tightly fitted with the valve seat 11 in a manner that allows it to rotate circumferentially around the central axis J.

[0024] As an example, the switching member 17 is formed of resin material. The switching member 17 is mounted on the upper side of the valve core 12. The switching member 17 is fixed relative to the valve core 12 in a state where it cannot rotate relative to the valve core 12. By rotating the switching member 17 around the central axis J, the valve core 12 can be rotated in an integrated state.

[0025] The filter element 13 is disposed on the lower side of the valve seat 11 and the valve core 12. The filter element 13 has a housing 13A, a filter (filter element) 13B, and a drain section 13C.

[0026] As an example, housing 13A is formed of resin material. Housing 13A is formed into a cylindrical shape extending in the vertical direction. Housing 13A has an opening at the upper end. Housing 13A has external threads at the upper end and is fixed to valve seat 11 from the lower side by screwing into the internal threads formed in valve seat 11.

[0027] like Figure 2As shown, the housing 13A has ribs 13D that project radially outward from the outer periphery. The ribs 13D are disposed on the upper side of the housing 13A. Multiple ribs 13D are spaced apart in the circumferential direction. Four ribs 13D are spaced 90 degrees apart in the circumferential direction.

[0028] Filter 13B primarily removes solid components from the water. Filter 13B extends vertically about the central axis J. Filter 13B is disposed inside housing 13A in a radially separate manner from housing 13A. The lower end of filter 13B is connected to the lower end of housing 13A and drain section 13C.

[0029] The drain section 13C is connected to the filter 13B from below. The drain section 13C has a drain passage extending vertically around the central axis J. A drainage pipe can be connected to the lower end of the drain section 13C. Water discharged from the drain passage is discharged through the drainage pipe.

[0030] The drain handle 18 is positioned opposite the operator in a location where water flows from left to right. In frontal view, the drain handle 18 is circular. The drain handle 18 is rotatable about an axis extending in the opposite direction. When rotated, the drain handle 18 can switch between opening and closing the drain path.

[0031] As an example, the first cover member 14 is formed of resin material. The first cover member 14 is formed in a cylindrical shape and covers the upper side of the water purifier body 10 from the radial outer side. With the upper side of the switching member 17 exposed, the first cover member 14 covers the valve seat 11 and valve core 12 from the radial outer side. The outer diameter of the first cover member 14 is the same as the outer diameter of the rotary disc 30. The water inlet 21 and the water outlet 22 protrude radially outward from the first cover member 14.

[0032] The first cover member 14 has an index section 14A located near the upper end of its outer peripheral surface. If the center position of the water inlet 21 is set to 0 degrees in the circumferential direction, the index section 14A is respectively positioned at a 90-degree counterclockwise direction corresponding to one side of the circumferential direction and at a 90-degree clockwise direction corresponding to the other side of the circumferential direction when viewed from the main view. As an example, the index section 14A is formed in a dot shape.

[0033] As an example, the second cover member 15 is formed of resin material. The second cover member 15 is formed in a cylindrical shape and covers the portion of the water purifier body 10 that is lower than the first cover member 14 from the radially outer side. The second cover member 15 covers the filter element 13 from all sides from the radially outer side. The outer diameter of the second cover member 15 is the same as the outer diameter of the first cover member 14.

[0034] As an example, the third cover member 16 is formed of resin material. The third cover member 16 is formed in a cylindrical shape and covers the portion of the water purifier body 10 that is lower than the second cover member 15 from the radially outer side. The third cover member 16 covers the drain section 13C from the radially outer side. The outer diameter of the third cover member 16 is the same as the outer diameter of the second cover member 15.

[0035] The outer diameters of the rotary disc 30, the first cover component 14, the second cover component 15, and the third cover component 16 are the same. Since the outer diameters of the rotary disc 30, the first cover component 14, the second cover component 15, and the third cover component 16 are the same, the aesthetics of the water purifier 1 can be improved.

[0036] A rotating disc 30 is disposed on the main body 10 of the water purifier. The rotating disc 30 is disposed on the switching member 17. The rotating disc 30 is circumferentially rotatable relative to the main body 10 of the water purifier. The rotating disc 30 can select from multiple modes that cause water introduced from the water inlet 21 to exit through different paths, depending on its circumferential position relative to the main body 10 of the water purifier.

[0037] One of the multiple modes is the mode that follows the path of water introduced from the inlet 21 passing through the gap between the housing 13A and the filter 13B and then exiting from the outlet 22 via the filter 13B.

[0038] Another of the multiple modes is the mode that follows the path in which water introduced from the inlet 21 passes through the interior of the filter 13B, then through the gap between the housing 13A and the filter 13B, and drains from the drain section 13C which is opened by the operation of the drain handle 18.

[0039] Another of the multiple modes is the mode that follows the path where water introduced by the inlet 21 exits from the outlet 22 without passing through the filter 13B.

[0040] The rotating disk 30 has a top wall portion 31 and a side wall portion 32.

[0041] The top wall portion 31 is formed in the shape of a circular plate and is located at the top of the spinning disk 30. The side wall portion 32 is formed in the shape of a cylinder extending downward from the outer edge of the top wall portion 31. The side wall portion 32 has a knurled portion 32a on the upper side of its outer peripheral surface. The knurled portion 32a is formed all around the circumference. By forming the knurled portion 32a on the outer peripheral surface of the side wall portion 32, the frictional resistance when gripping the outer peripheral surface with fingers or tools to rotate the spinning disk 30 is increased, making it easier to rotate the spinning disk 30.

[0042] The sidewall portion 32 has a marking portion M on its outer peripheral surface, located below the knurled portion 32a. The marking portion M is marked with information related to multiple modes that cause water introduced by the water inlet portion 21 to exit via different paths. Multiple marking portions M are arranged at circumferential intervals.

[0043] [Water purifier clamp 60]

[0044] As an example, the clamp 60 for the water purifier is formed of a resin material. The resin material is, for example, a rigid resin such as polypropylene. Figure 3 As shown, the water purifier clamp 60 has a bent portion 62 and a pair of holding portions 61.

[0045] A pair of grips 61 extend along a line segment L that extends radially around the central axis J. The pair of grips 61 are arranged with a gap between them on both sides of the central axis and separated by the line segment L.

[0046] The curved portion 62 extends in a circumferential direction centered on the central axis J. The curved portion 62 connects the radially inner ends of a pair of grip portions 61 to each other. The radial position of the point where the pair of grip portions 61 and the curved portion 62 intersect along line segment L is radially outer than the central axis J.

[0047] The curved portion 62 has a peripheral wall portion 63 and a protruding wall portion 64. The peripheral wall portion 63 has an inner peripheral surface 65 and is formed in an arc shape centered on the central axis J. The peripheral wall portion 63 with the inner peripheral surface 65 constitutes the clamping portion 70. The clamping portion 70 elastically deforms according to the size of the gap between the pair of clamping portions 61. By forming elastic deformation, the clamping portion 70 changes the distance L2 in a direction orthogonal to both the central axis J and the line segment L.

[0048] A protruding wall portion 64 extends radially inward from the upper end of the peripheral wall portion 63. Viewed from above, the protruding wall portion 64 is an arc shape extending circumferentially around the central axis J. The protruding wall portion 64 has an engaging portion 71. The engaging portion 71 is formed in the protruding wall portion 64. The engaging portion 71 is formed by a groove recessed radially outward from the radially inward end of the protruding wall portion 64. The engaging portion 71 extends through the protruding wall portion 64 in the direction along the central axis J. Multiple engaging portions 71 are spaced apart circumferentially. Three engaging portions 71 are spaced at 90-degree intervals.

[0049] At least the inner peripheral surface 65 is formed by a covering portion 72. The covering portion 72 is formed by a soft elastic material such as rubber. At least the inner peripheral surface 65 is formed by a soft elastic material. The covering portion 72 forms the inner peripheral surface 65 and covers the lower surface of the protruding wall portion 64.

[0050] [Rotation of disc 30]

[0051] In the water purifier clamp 60, after the pair of holding parts 61 are opened in the direction of separation, as... Figure 4 As shown, the assembly is performed such that the inner circumferential surface 65 contacts the outer circumferential surface of the sidewall portion 32 of the disc 30 from the radially outer side. Figure 5 As shown, the rotary disk 30 causes the outer peripheral surface of the sidewall portion 32 to contact the covering portion 72 forming the inner peripheral surface 65 from the radial inside, and causes the top wall portion 31 to contact the covering portion 72 on the lower surface of the covered protruding wall portion 64 from the bottom.

[0052] Operators through such Figure 4 As shown by the hollow arrow, the pair of handles 61 are held in a direction that brings them closer together, and the clamping part 70 clamps the outer peripheral surface of the rotary disc 30 from both sides. By pressing the water purifier clamp 60 downward while clamping the outer peripheral surface of the rotary disc 30 from both sides, the operator can make the cover 72 strongly contact the top wall 31. By rotating the water purifier clamp 60 circumferentially while the cover 72 is in contact with the outer peripheral surface and top wall 31 of the rotary disc 30, the rotary disc 30 can be rotated to a circumferential position corresponding to the desired pattern.

[0053] Since the positions of the gripping parts 61 and the contact points between the cover 72 and the rotating disk 30 are separate, a larger force can be easily applied to rotate the rotating disk 30 using the lever principle. In the water purifier clamp 60, the cover 72, made of a soft and elastic material, contacts the rotating disk 30, thus increasing the friction and effectively imparting torque to the rotating disk 30.

[0054] In making Figure 4 As shown, when the rotating disk 30 of different sizes rotates, such as Figure 6 As shown, after separating the pair of gripping portions 61 by a greater distance and elastically deforming the bent portion 62, the inner circumferential surface 65 can be assembled in such a way that it contacts the outer circumferential surface of the side wall portion 32 of the disc 30 from the radially outer side. Even if only a partial contact is formed between the inner circumferential surface 65 and the outer circumferential surface of the disc 30 due to the radius of curvature of the inner circumferential surface 65 during elastic deformation, the disc 30 can still be rotated by the clamping portion 70 clamping the outer circumferential surface of the disc 30 at positions defining a distance L2 on both sides.

[0055] [Rotation of shell 13A]

[0056] In the water purifier clamp 60, after the pair of gripping parts 61 are opened in a direction of separation, the pair of gripping parts 61 are brought closer and moved from the radially outer side of the housing 13A. The pair of gripping parts 61 are brought closer together at the position where the rib 13D of the housing 13A faces the engaging part 71, thereby... Figure 7 As shown, the three ribs 13D are inserted into the grooves of the engaging part 71.

[0057] If a pair of holding parts 61 are held and rotated circumferentially while the rib 13D is inserted into the groove of the engaging part 71, the housing 13A will rotate by engaging the engaging part 71 circumferentially with the rib 13D. By rotating the housing 13A, the external thread disengages from the internal thread formed on the valve seat 11, and the housing 13A can be removed from the valve seat 11.

[0058] In the water purifier clamp 60 of the embodiment, the bending part 62 has a clamping part 70 and a locking part 71, so it can easily handle different sized rotary discs 30, and can rotate the housing 13A without changing the orientation of the handle, thus improving workability.

[0059] In the clamp 60 for water purifiers, the inner circumferential surface 65 is formed of a soft and elastic material, thus increasing the frictional force between it and the rotating disk 30, which can effectively rotate the rotating disk 30.

[0060] The preferred embodiments of this disclosure have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, but it is self-evident that this disclosure is not limited to such examples. The shapes, combinations, etc. of the structural components shown in the above examples are merely examples, and various modifications can be made based on design requirements, etc., without departing from the spirit of this disclosure.

[0061] For example, in the clamp 60 for a water purifier, a structure is illustrated as a rotating member that rotates the disc 30 and the housing 13A, but this structure is not limited to it. Rotating members that perform rotation after radially clamping the outer peripheral surface and rotation after circumferentially engaging with the protrusion are also widely applicable.

[0062] This disclosure includes the following methods.

[0063] [1] A clamp for a water purifier is a clamp for rotating a rotating member of a water purifier, comprising: a pair of holding portions extending along a line segment extending radially about a central axis and disposed on both sides of the line segment in the circumferential direction about the central axis; and a bending portion extending in the circumferential direction and connecting the radially inner ends of the pair of holding portions to each other, the bending portion having: a clamping portion having an inner circumferential surface located in the radially inner direction and elastically deformable according to the size of the gap between the pair of holding portions, so that the distance of the clamping portion in a direction orthogonal to the central axis and the line segment changes; and a locking portion having a plurality of spaced portions in the circumferential direction and formed by a groove recessed from the radially inner end to the radially outer side, and locking with the rotating member in the circumferential direction.

[0064] [2] In the clamp for water purifier described in [1] above, the curved portion has: a peripheral wall portion having the inner peripheral surface and being formed in an arc shape; and an arc-shaped protruding wall portion extending from the upper end of the peripheral wall portion toward the radial inner side, and the engaging portion being formed on the protruding wall portion.

[0065] [3] In the water purifier clamp described in [1] or [2] above, at least the inner circumferential surface is formed of a soft elastic material.

[0066] [4] In any of the above [1] to [3] water purifier clamps, the rotating member is a rotary disk, and the clamping part clamps the outer peripheral surface of the rotary disk from both sides in a direction orthogonal to the central axis and the line segment.

[0067] [5] In any of the above [1] to [4] water purifier clamps, the rotating member is a cylindrical housing that houses the filter and extends in the direction along the central axis. The housing has a plurality of ribs spaced apart in the circumferential direction that protrude radially outward from the outer circumferential surface. The engaging portion engages with the ribs in the circumferential direction.

[0068] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0069] 1...Water purifier; 10...Water purifier body; 13A...Shell; 13B...Filter; 13D...Rib; 30...Spindle; 60...Clamp for water purifier; 61...Holding part; 62...Bending part; 63...Peripheral wall part; 64...Protruding wall part; 65...Inner peripheral surface; 70...Clamping part; 71...Interlocking part; 72...Covered part; J...Central axis; L...Line segment; L2...Distance; R...Rotating component.

Claims

1. A clamp for a water purifier, characterized in that it rotates the rotating component of the water purifier. have: A pair of gripping portions extending along a line segment radially extending about a central axis, and disposed on both sides of the line segment in a circumferential direction centered on the central axis; and A curved portion, which extends in the circumferential direction and connects the radially inner ends of a pair of gripping portions to each other. The curved portion has: A clamping portion having an inner circumferential surface located radially inward, and elastically deformable according to the size of the gap between the pair of clamping portions, causing the distance of the clamping portion to vary in a direction orthogonal to the central axis and the line segment; and The engaging portion has a plurality of spaced-apart portions in the circumferential direction and is formed by grooves recessed from the radially inner end toward the radially outer end, and engages with the rotating member in the circumferential direction.

2. The clamp for a water purifier according to claim 1, characterized in that, The curved portion has: The peripheral wall portion, having the inner peripheral surface and formed in an arc shape; and An arc-shaped protruding wall portion extends radially inward from the upper end of the peripheral wall portion. The engaging portion is formed on the protruding wall portion.

3. The clamp for a water purifier according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, At least the inner circumferential surface is formed of a soft elastic material.

4. The clamp for a water purifier according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The rotating component is a rotating disk. The clamping part clamps the outer peripheral surface of the rotary disk from both sides in a direction orthogonal to the central axis and the line segment.

5. The clamp for a water purifier according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The rotating component is a cylindrical housing that houses the filter and extends along the central axis. The housing has a plurality of ribs spaced apart in the circumferential direction, which project outward from the outer circumferential surface in the radial direction. The engaging portion engages with the rib along the circumferential direction.

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