Purified water supply system

Abstract

To allow a cartridge to be used for a long period of time.SOLUTION: A purified water application system 100 of the present invention includes: water purification cartridges 11, 12 that reduce dissolved substances in raw water and discharge purified water; flow paths 13, 14, 15, 16 formed to wash the water purification cartridges 11, 12; respective electric valves 21; a server 50 that determines whether or not washing is necessary; and a microcomputer 22 that controls each of the electric valves 21 based on a determination result of the server 50.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a water purification supply system that purifies raw water such as tap water and groundwater and supplies it as water for general households and businesses.

Background Art

[0002] Since the water purification effect of a water purifier gradually decreases as its usage period and usage amount increase, the water purification cartridge is replaced after being used for a certain period. Also, if an inappropriate water purification cartridge is used for the water purifier, the water purifier cannot obtain a predetermined water purification effect, so it is necessary to use a water purification cartridge suitable for the water purifier.

[0003] Patent Document 1 describes a technique related to a notification method for notifying the replacement of a water purification cartridge. The notification method acquires analysis information for each water quality item at each water purification plant through the Internet, compares the acquired analysis information with a reference value determined for each water quality item, and if there is analysis information exceeding the reference value, notifies the administrator of the water purification plant of the change of the water purification cartridge. According to the notification method, it is possible to notify the administrator of the water purifier of the change of the water purification cartridge with a reduced water purification effect based on the water quality analysis information.

[0004] Also, Patent Document 2 describes a water purifier consumable automatic ordering system. The automatic ordering system is a system that receives an order for a water purification cartridge and delivers a new water purification cartridge to the user of the water purifier, and includes a water purifier, a mobile communication device, and an EC server delivery. The water purifier detects the flow rate of purified water in the water purification mode and determines the replacement time of the water purification cartridge based on the integrated value obtained by integrating the detected flow rate. Then, when it is determined that the replacement time of the cartridge has arrived, the water purifier automatically transmits order information including the product name of the water purification cartridge to be purchased.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] According to the description of the above patent document, it is possible to appropriately replace the water purification cartridge suitable for the water purifier in use in a timely manner according to its water purification performance. Since a cost is incurred for the replacement of the water purification cartridge, there is also a need to use the cartridge for a longer time for water purification in order to reduce the cost. Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a water purification supply system that enables long-term use of the cartridge.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] To achieve the above object, the water purification supply system of the present invention includes a purification unit that reduces dissolved substances in raw water and discharges purified water, a cleaning unit that cleans the purification unit, a cleaning determination unit that determines the necessity of the cleaning, and a cleaning control unit that controls the cleaning unit based on the result of the cleaning determination unit.

[0008] The water purification supply system of the present invention further includes a detection unit that outputs an index value indicating the state of the raw water and / or the purified water, and the cleaning determination unit determines the necessity of the cleaning based on the index value.

[0009] The water purification supply system of the present invention further includes a calculation unit that calculates the usage fee of the purification unit based on the integrated value of the output flow rate, where the detection unit outputs the flow rate of the purified water.

[0010] The water purification supply system of the present invention further includes a primary-side water pressure sensor that outputs the water pressure on the primary side of the purification unit, and a secondary-side water pressure sensor that outputs the water pressure on the secondary side of the purification unit. The cleaning determination unit determines whether cleaning is necessary based on the difference between the water pressure on the primary side and the water pressure on the secondary side.

[0011] The water purification supply system of the present invention is further characterized by including an exchange determination unit that determines the replacement of the purification unit.

[0012] The water purification supply system of the present invention is further characterized in that the cleaning control unit controls to supply purified water to the secondary side of the purification unit and to discharge the water flowing out from the primary side of the cleaning unit.

[0013] The water purification supply system of the present invention includes a plurality of water purifiers and a server that can communicate with each of the water purifiers. Each of the water purifiers includes the purification unit, the cleaning unit, and the cleaning control unit, and the server includes the cleaning determination unit.

Advantages of the Invention

[0014] According to the water purification supply system of the present invention, it is possible to perform long-term use of the cartridge while performing cleaning and timely replacement as the filtering ability of the cartridge decreases.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0015]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0016] [First Embodiment] Hereinafter, based on the drawings, the purified water supply system according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0017] <Overall Configuration> As shown in FIG. 1, the purified water supply system 100 according to the present embodiment is a system that purifies raw water such as tap water and groundwater and provides it as water for general households. It includes a water purifier 10 installed in the user's home, an information terminal 30 owned by the user, and a server 50 that can communicate with the water purifier 10 and the information terminal 30 via an Internet communication line. In FIG. 1, one water purifier 10 and one information terminal 30 are shown. However, when the system is used by a plurality of users, the system includes a plurality of water purifiers 10 installed in each user's home, a plurality of information terminals 30 owned by each user, and a server 50 that can communicate with each water purifier 10 and each information terminal 30.

[0018] <Configuration of Information Terminal 30> The information terminal 30 is a known smart device such as a smartphone or a tablet, or a known personal computer, and includes a network module that functions as a communication unit for communicating with the server 50 via an Internet communication line, a display that functions as a display unit for displaying various information, and a CPU and a memory. The memory stores an application for registering the use of the present system and checking the usage status, and the CPU executes the application based on the user's operation.

[0019] <Configuration of the water purifier 10> As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the water purifier 10 is typically a stationary water purifier, the primary side of which is connected to the branch tap 2 via the hose 1, and the secondary side of which is connected to the water purification faucet 4 via the hose 3. The water purifier 10 includes a pair of water purification cartridges 11, 12 provided inside the main body of the water purifier 10. The water purification cartridges 11, 12 incorporate filter media and function as purification units that exhibit the water purification performance of the water purifier 10. Here, as filter media, materials such as activated carbon, woven fabric, non-woven fabric, membranes (MF membrane, UF membrane, RO membrane), ion exchange resin, etc. (JIS S 3241) used for removing dissolved substances in water by filtration, adsorption, etc. can be used, and in this embodiment, a hollow fiber membrane is used.

[0020] Here, inside the main body of the water purifier 10, three flow paths 13, 14, 15 (hereinafter referred to as "the first flow path 13", "the second flow path 14", and "the third flow path 15") are provided on the primary side of the pair of water purification cartridges 11, 12. The first flow path 13 is a flow path that supplies raw water to the primary side ports 11a, 12a (hereinafter referred to as "the primary side ports 11a, 12a") of the pair of water purification cartridges 11, 12, and is branched and formed from the raw water supply port 17 (connection port with the hose to which the raw water is supplied) to the primary side ports 11a, 12a of each water purification cartridge 11, 12. The second flow path 14 is a flow path that discharges the washing water (described later) that has flowed backward inside one of the water purification cartridges 11, and is formed from the primary side port 11a of one of the water purification cartridges 11 to the discharge port 18. The third flow path 15 is a flow path that discharges the washing water (described later) that has flowed backward inside the other water purification cartridge 12, and is formed from the primary side port 12a of the other water purification cartridge 12 to the discharge port 19.

[0021] Also, inside the main body of the water purifier 10, one flow path 16 (hereinafter referred to as "the fourth flow path 16") is provided on the secondary side of the pair of water purification cartridges 11, 12. The fourth flow path 16 is a flow path through which the purified water (treated water obtained by passing the raw water through the water purification cartridges 11, 12 in the forward flow) flows out to the water purification faucet 4, and is formed by the confluence from the secondary side ports 11b, 12b (hereinafter referred to as "the secondary side ports 11b, 12b") of each water purification cartridge 11, 12 to the outlet 20 of the water purifier 10.

[0022] In the first flow path 13, an electric valve 21A for controlling the supply of raw water is provided between the branch point and one of the water purification cartridges 11. Also, in the first flow path 13, an electric valve 21B for controlling the supply of raw water is provided between the branch point and the other water purification cartridge 12. Further, in the second flow path 14, an electric valve 21C for controlling the discharge of washing water is provided. Also, in the third flow path 15, an electric valve 21D for controlling the discharge of washing water is provided. Also, in the fourth flow path 16, an electric valve 21E for controlling the outflow of purified water is provided between the confluence point and the purified water outlet 20. As shown in FIG. 3, these plurality of electric valves 21 have their inputs electrically connected to the output of the microcomputer 22 and perform opening and closing operations based on the control signal output from the microcomputer 22. The electric valves 21A and 21B function as an inflow path opening / closing unit 144 (FIG. 6) for opening and closing the inflow paths of raw water to the water purification cartridges 11 and 12. Also, the electric valves 21C and 21D function as a drainage path opening / closing unit 146 (FIG. 6) for opening and closing the drainage paths of washing water from the water purification cartridges 11 and 12. Also, the electric valve 21E functions as an outflow path opening / closing unit 145 (FIG. 6) for opening and closing the outflow paths of purified water from the water purification cartridges 11 and 12. Also, the microcomputer 22 functions as a flow path control unit 143 (FIG. 6) for controlling the flow paths 13, 14, 15, and 16 via the electric valves.

[0023] Also, as shown in FIG. 2, the water purifier 10 is provided with a flow meter 23. This flow meter 23 functions as a detection unit 110 (FIG. 6) for detecting the flow rate of purified water and is provided between the confluence point in the fourth flow path 16 and the purified water outlet 20. The flow meter 23 of the present embodiment outputs an analog signal corresponding to the flow rate of purified water. As shown in FIG. 3, the output of the flow meter 23 is input to the microcomputer 22 via an analog-to-digital conversion circuit 24 (hereinafter referred to as "ADC24"). When the flow meter 23 outputs a digital signal indicating the flow rate, the ADC24 is omitted and the output of the flow meter 23 is directly input to the microcomputer 22.

[0024] The water purifier 10 is equipped with a microcomputer 22 having a CPU and a memory inside the main body of the water purifier 10. A control program for controlling the water purifier 10 is pre-stored in the memory, and the CPU executes the control program. Also, a water purifier ID uniquely assigned to each water purifier 10 is stored in the memory.

[0025] The water purifier 10 is equipped with a network module 25 connected so as to be able to communicate with the microcomputer 22. The network module 25 is provided inside the main body of the water purifier 10, and by wirelessly connecting to a router provided indoors where the water purifier 10 is installed, it transmits and receives information to and from the server 50 via an Internet communication line. Note that the network module 25 may be a module that transmits and receives information via the Internet communication line by wirelessly connecting to a base station provided by a communications carrier. The network module 25 transmits the information input from the microcomputer 22 to the server 50 and inputs the information received from the server 50 to the microcomputer 22.

[0026] The water purifier 10 configured as described above is installed in the user's home and communicates with the server 50 via an Internet communication line.

[0027] <Configuration of Server 50> The server 50 controls and manages the water purifiers 10 of each user, and is equipped with a network module, a CPU, and a memory.

[0028] The network module is connected by wire to a router provided at the installation location of the server 50, and transmits and receives information to and from the water purifier 10 and the information terminal 30 via an Internet communication line, and is electrically connected so as to be able to communicate with the CPU.

[0029] The memory of server 50 stores a program for managing and controlling water purifier 10, and the CPU of server 50 executes the program. Also, a database that functions as a storage unit 130 for storing information for managing water purifier 10 is provided in the memory of server 50. As shown in FIG. 4, the database includes a user master table for storing user personal information, a management table for managing the usage status of water purifier 10, and a history table for storing past usage history.

[0030] The user master table is a table that functions as a user information storage unit for storing user information, and records are provided for each user. Here, the user information includes a user ID and the personal information of the user associated with the user ID. The user ID is identification information for identifying a user of this system. In this embodiment, the email address of the email used by the user is registered in the user ID field. Personal information typically includes the user's name, the user's address, and the user's phone number. The name is registered in the name field. The address is registered in the address field. The phone number is registered in the phone number field. The initial registration of each piece of information into the user master table is, for example, when the user applies to use this system, server 50 sends a form including input items related to the above fields to the user's information terminal 30. Then, when the CPU of server 50 receives the input information (user information) of the form from the user's information terminal 30, it newly generates a record and registers the user information corresponding to each field of the record.

[0031] The management table is a table that functions as a management information storage unit for storing management information, and records are provided for each water purifier 10. Here, the management information is information for managing the water purifier 10, and includes a water purifier ID, a user ID associated with the water purifier ID, usage amounts (first usage amount and second usage amount), and the number of water purification times. The water purifier ID is identification information uniquely assigned to each of the water purifiers 10 and is registered in the water purifier ID field. The user ID is the user ID of the user who uses the water purifier 10 and is registered in the user ID field. The first usage amount is information indicating the usage amount of the water purifier 10 and is used to determine the necessity of cleaning. Hereinafter, the first usage amount is also referred to as the "cleaning determination usage amount". The first usage amount is a value obtained by integrating the flow rate received from the water purifier 10, and this value is cleared each time a cleaning command described later is sent to the water purifier 10. The first usage amount is registered in the first usage amount field. The second usage amount is the total monthly usage amount of the water purifier 10 (hereinafter, also referred to as the "monthly total usage amount"), and is information serving as the basis for billing the user for usage fees. The second usage amount is a value obtained by integrating the flow rate received from the water purifier 10, and this value is cleared each time a fee billing process described later is executed. The second usage amount is registered in the second usage amount field. The number of cleaning times is information indicating the number of times the water purification cartridges 11, 12 have been cleaned and is registered in the number of cleaning times field. The initial registration of the management information in the management table can be performed, for example, based on the input items of a form when the user applies for using this system.

[0032] The history table functions as a usage history storage unit that stores the usage history of the water purifier 10. Here, the usage history refers to the total amount of purified water used by the user in past years and months (hereinafter, also referred to as the "third usage amount"), and records are provided for each year, month, and user. Specifically, the usage history includes the year and month, user ID, and third usage amount. The year and month identify the year and month and are registered in the year and month field. The user ID identifies the user and is registered in the user ID field. The third usage amount is the total amount of purified water used by the user in past years and months and is registered in the third usage amount field. The history table generates records corresponding to the number of users on the closing date of each month. Then, the year and month of the closing date are stored in the year and month field of the generated record. Also, the user ID stored in the management table and the second usage amount corresponding to the user ID are stored in the user ID field and the third usage amount field of each generated record.

[0033] <System Flow> The water purification supply system 100 of the present embodiment configured as described above cleans the water purification cartridges 11 and 12 and bills for the charges based on the usage amount of the water purifier 10. Hereinafter, the system flow will be mainly described with reference to FIG. 5.

[0034] As shown in FIG. 5, the water purifier 10 operates in a water purification mode and a cleaning mode. The water purification mode is a mode in which purified water is generated from raw water and the purified water is supplied to the water purification faucet 4. The microcomputer 22 of the water purifier 10 executes a water purification control process s11, a daily usage amount calculation process s12, and a usage amount transmission process s13.

[0035] The purified water control process s11 is a process of generating purified water by controlling each electric valve 21 provided in the flow path. As shown in Fig. 2(a), the microcomputer 22 inputs a control signal to each electric valve 21 so as to open the electric valve 21A, open the electric valve 21B, close the electric valve 21C, close the electric valve 21D, and open the electric valve 21E. By executing this purified water control process s11, the raw water supplied from the supply port 17 is passed through the first flow path 13 to the pair of purified water cartridges 11, 12. As the raw water flows through the pair of purified water cartridges 11, 12 in the forward flow, the dissolved substances in the raw water are reduced by the filter medium, and purified water is generated. The purified water flows through the fourth flow path 16 and flows out from the outlet 20. At this time, since the purified water passes through the flow meter 23, the flow rate of the purified water is detected by the flow meter 23.

[0036] The daily usage calculation process s12 is a process of calculating the daily usage (outflow amount) of purified water, and includes a flow rate acquisition process, an integration process, and a time confirmation process. The flow rate acquisition process is a process of acquiring the flow rate of the purified water detected by the flow meter 23. The microcomputer 22 acquires the value output from the ADC 24. The integration process is a process of integrating the acquired flow rate. The microcomputer 22 calculates a new integrated value by adding the flow rate acquired in the above flow rate acquisition process to the integrated value temporarily stored in the memory. Then, the microcomputer 22 stores the newly calculated integrated value in the memory. The time confirmation process is a process of confirming whether a predetermined period has elapsed. The microcomputer 22 counts down the counter set to 24 hours and checks whether the value of the counter has become 0. If the value of the counter is not 0 (no), the predetermined period (24 hours) has not elapsed, so the process proceeds to the reception confirmation process s21. On the other hand, if the value of the counter becomes 0 (yes), the predetermined time (24 hours) has elapsed, so the usage amount transmission process s13 is executed. In this way, the microcomputer 22 functions as a daily usage calculation unit 121 (Fig. 6) that calculates the daily usage amount of purified water.

[0037] The usage transmission process s13 is a process of transmitting the usage amount of purified water using the network module 25. The microcomputer 22 transmits the integrated value stored in the memory, that is, the daily usage amount, to the server 50 together with the water purifier ID stored in the memory. In this way, the microcomputer 22 and the network module 25 function as a transmission unit (not shown) for transmitting the daily usage amount.

[0038] As described above, in the purified water mode, purified water is generated from raw water, the daily usage amount of purified water is calculated, and the usage amount is transmitted to the server 50.

[0039] When the CPU of the server 50 receives the daily usage amount and the water purifier ID from the water purifier 10 (s21: yes), it executes the usage amount calculation process s22. The usage amount calculation process s22 is a process of calculating the above first usage amount (washing determination usage amount) and the second usage amount (monthly total usage amount). Specifically, the CPU of the server 50 extracts the first usage amount and the second usage amount corresponding to the received water purifier ID from the management table. Next, the CPU adds the usage amount received from the water purifier 10 to each of the extracted first usage amount and second usage amount and updates the first usage amount and the second usage amount. Next, the CPU stores the updated first usage amount and second usage amount in the first usage amount and the second usage amount corresponding to the water purifier ID in the management table. In this way, the server 50 functions as a receiving unit (not shown) for receiving the daily usage amount from the water purifier 10. Further, the server 50 functions as a first usage amount calculation unit 122 (FIG. 6) for calculating the first usage amount and a second usage amount calculation unit 123 (FIG. 6) for calculating the second usage amount based on the information obtained from the water purifier 10.

[0040] After the CPU of the server 50 executes the usage calculation process s22, it executes the cleaning determination process s23. The cleaning determination process s23 is a process for determining the necessity (necessity of cleaning) of cleaning the water purification cartridges 11 and 12. Specifically, the CPU compares the first usage amount (cleaning determination usage amount) calculated (stored in the management table) in the usage amount calculation process s22 with a reference value. The reference value is determined based on the correlation between the usage amount of the water purification cartridges 11 and 12 and their water purification performance. When the water purification performance drops to a predetermined level, the usage amount of the water purification cartridges 11 and 12 is determined as the reference value. As a result of the comparison, if the first usage amount (cleaning determination usage amount) is less than the reference value, it is assumed that the water purification performance of the water purification cartridges 11 and 12 has not dropped to the predetermined level, so it is determined that the cleaning of the water purification cartridges 11 and 12 is unnecessary. On the other hand, as a result of the comparison, if the first usage amount (cleaning determination usage amount) exceeds the reference value, it is assumed that the water purification performance of the water purification cartridges 11 and 12 has dropped to the predetermined level, so it is determined that the cleaning of the water purification cartridges is necessary. In this way, the server 50 functions as a cleaning determination unit 141 (FIG. 6) for determining the necessity of cleaning the water purification cartridges.

[0041] When the CPU of the server 50 determines that cleaning is unnecessary in the cleaning determination process (s23: unnecessary), it executes the closing date determination process s27 described later.

[0042] On the other hand, when the CPU of the server 50 determines that cleaning is necessary in the cleaning determination process s23 (s23: necessary), it executes the replacement determination process s24. The replacement determination process s24 is a process for determining the necessity (necessity of replacement) of replacing the water purification cartridges 11 and 12. Specifically, the CPU extracts the number of cleaning times corresponding to the received water purifier ID from the management table. When the number of cleaning times is less than the reference value, it is determined that the replacement of the water purification cartridges 11 and 12 is unnecessary. On the other hand, when the number of cleaning times is equal to or more than the reference value, it is determined that the replacement of the water purification cartridges 11 and 12 is necessary. In this way, the server 50 functions as a replacement determination unit 151 (FIG. 6) for determining the necessity of replacing the water purification cartridges 11 and 12.

[0043] When the CPU of the server 50 determines that replacement is necessary in the replacement determination process s24 (s24: necessary), it executes the notification process s26. The notification process s26 is a process of notifying the user (the user's information terminal 30) that replacement of the water purification cartridges 11 and 12 is necessary. For example, a message prompting replacement of the water purification cartridges 11 and 12 is sent to the user's email address. In this way, the server 50 functions as a notification unit 152 (Fig. 6) for notifying the necessity of replacing the water purification cartridges 11 and 12. When the CPU of the server 50 executes the notification process s26, it executes the cleaning instruction process s25.

[0044] On the other hand, when the CPU of the server 50 determines that replacement is unnecessary in the replacement determination process s24 (s24: unnecessary), or after executing the notification process s26, it executes the cleaning instruction process s25. The cleaning instruction process s25 is a process of instructing the water purifier 10 to clean the water purification cartridges 11 and 12. The CPU of the server 50 sends a cleaning instruction to the water purifier 10 that is the source of the above usage amount, and increments the value of the cleaning count field corresponding to the water purifier ID. In this way, the server 50 functions as a cleaning instruction unit 142 (Fig. 6) for giving a cleaning instruction to the water purifier 10. When the CPU of the server 50 executes the cleaning instruction process s25, it executes the closing date determination process s27 described later.

[0045] When the water purifier 10 receives a cleaning instruction (s14: yes), it shifts from the water purification mode to the cleaning mode. The cleaning mode is a mode for cleaning a pair of water purification cartridges 11 and 12, and the microcomputer 22 of the water purifier 10 executes the first cleaning control process s15 and the second cleaning control process s16.

[0046] The first cleaning control process s15 is a process of controlling the flow path to clean one of the water purification cartridges 11. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2(b), control signals are input to each of the electric valves 21 so as to close the electric valve 21A, open the electric valve 21B, open the electric valve 21C, close the electric valve 21D, and close the electric valve 21E. By executing this first cleaning control process s15, the raw water supplied from the supply port 17 passes through one side of the first flow path 13 and is passed to the other water purification cartridge 12. Then, the purified water (cleaning water) generated by flowing through the other water purification cartridge 12 in the forward direction flows through the fourth flow path 16 toward one water purification cartridge 11 and flows into one water purification cartridge 11 from the secondary side port 11b. The cleaning water flows backward through one water purification cartridge 11 and flows out from the primary side port 11a of one water purification cartridge 11. At this time, the dissolved substances attached to the filter medium of one water purification cartridge 11 pass through the second flow path 14 together with the cleaning water and are discharged from the discharge port 18. Thus, each flow path controlled by the first cleaning control process functions as a cleaning unit that cleans one water purification cartridge 11 by causing the purified water generated by the other water purification cartridge 12 to flow backward from the secondary side to the primary side of one water purification cartridge 11. Further, the electric valve 21 that functions as a flow path opening / closing unit and the microcomputer 22 that functions as a flow path control unit 143 function as a cleaning control unit (FIG. 6) that controls the cleaning unit.

[0047] The second cleaning control process s16 is a process for controlling the flow path to clean the other water purification cartridge 12. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2(c), a control signal is input to each electric valve 21 so as to open the electric valve 21A, close the electric valve 21B, close the electric valve 21C, open the electric valve 21D, and close the electric valve 21E. By executing this second cleaning control process s16, the raw water supplied from the supply port 17 is passed through one side of the first flow path 13 to the one water purification cartridge 11. Then, the purified water (cleaning water) generated by flowing through the one water purification cartridge 11 in the forward direction flows through the fourth flow path 16 toward the other water purification cartridge 12 and flows into the other water purification cartridge 12 from the secondary side port 12b. The cleaning water flows backward through the second water purification cartridge 12 and flows out from the primary side port 12a of the second water purification cartridge 12. At this time, the dissolved substances attached to the filter material of the second water purification cartridge pass through the third flow path 15 together with the cleaning water and are discharged from the discharge port 19. Thus, each flow path controlled by the second cleaning control process functions as a cleaning unit that cleans the other water purification cartridge 12 by causing the purified water generated by the one water purification cartridge 11 to flow backward from the secondary side to the primary side of the other water purification cartridge 12.

[0048] When the microcomputer 22 executes the first cleaning control process s15 and the second cleaning control process s16, it executes the purified water control process s11.

[0049] As described above, when the CPU of the server 50 determines that cleaning is unnecessary in the cleaning determination process s23 (s23: unnecessary), when it executes the notification process s26, or when it executes the cleaning command process s25, it executes the closing date determination process s27. The closing date determination process s27 is a process for determining whether the day when the process is being executed is the closing date. The CPU of the server 50 acquires the date and checks whether the acquired date matches a predetermined closing date. As a result of the check, if it is not the closing date (s27: no), it returns to the reception process s21. On the other hand, if it is the closing date (s27: yes), the CPU of the server 50 executes the charge billing process s28.

[0050] The charge billing process s28 is a process of calculating the usage fees for the water purification cartridges 11 and 12 for the user and billing the user, and is executed on the closing day of each month. The calculation method of the usage fee is not particularly limited. For example, a metered system in which the billed amount varies according to the monthly water purification usage volume, a fixed-rate system in which a fixed billed amount is generated every month, a system in which only the basic fee is generated when the usage volume is less than a predetermined amount, and an excess fee and a basic fee corresponding to the excess amount are generated when the usage volume exceeds the predetermined amount can be adopted. In this way, the server 50 functions as a billing unit 160 (Fig. 6) that determines the closing day, calculates the usage fees for the water purification cartridges 11 and 12, and bills the user for the usage fees. Note that the charge billing process is not limited to the closing day of each month, and may be executed regularly, such as the closing day of every other month. When the CPU of the server 50 executes the charge billing process s28, it returns to the reception process s21 described above.

[0051] In the water purification supply system 100 of the present embodiment, when the usage volume of the water purifier 10 reaches a predetermined amount, a pair of water purification cartridges 11 and 12 are cleaned based on a cleaning instruction from the server 50. Therefore, the usable period of the water purification cartridges 11 and 12 can be extended, and an increase in the running cost associated with the replacement of the water purification cartridges 11 and 12 can be prevented.

[0052] In addition, since the charge billing process s28 is regularly executed in the water purification supply system 100 of the present embodiment, it is possible to secure the revenue for the manufacturer of the water purification cartridges 11 and 12. That is, by appropriately determining the charge calculation criteria, it is possible to achieve both the securing of revenue for the provider of the water purification cartridges 11 and 12 and the prevention of an increase in the above-mentioned running cost for the user.

[0053] In addition, the water purification supply system 100 of the present embodiment can prompt the replacement of the water purification cartridge by transmitting a notification to the information terminal 30 when the number of cleaning times of the water purification cartridges 11 and 12 reaches a predetermined number of times. As a result, since the water purification cartridge with deteriorated water purification performance is appropriately replaced, the water purification performance of the water purifier 10 can be maintained.

[0054] [Second Embodiment]

[0055] The water purification supply system according to the second embodiment is the same as the first embodiment in that it includes a water purifier 10a, an information terminal 30, and a server 50, but is different from the first embodiment in that it determines the necessity of cartridge cleaning based on the water pressure difference detected in the water purifier 10a. Hereinafter, the description will focus on the configurations and flows different from those of the first embodiment, and the descriptions of the configurations and flows common to the first embodiment will be omitted as appropriate.

[0056] As shown in FIG. 7, the water purifier of the second embodiment includes water pressure sensors 26a, 26b, 26c, 26d (hereinafter collectively referred to as "water pressure sensor 26") on the primary and secondary flow paths of each water purification cartridge 11, 12. Each of the water pressure sensors 26 is a sensor that functions as a detection unit 110 for detecting the water pressure at each placement location, and is connected to the microcomputer 22 via the ADC 27.

[0057] The system flow of the above water purification supply system will be described with reference to FIG. 8.

[0058] The water purifier 10 of this embodiment includes a flow rate acquisition process s12a, a water pressure acquisition process s12b, and a transmission process s13a instead of the daily usage amount calculation process s12 and the usage amount transmission process s13 in the first embodiment. The flow rate acquisition process s12a is the same process as the flow rate acquisition process of the first embodiment. The water pressure acquisition process s12b is a process of acquiring the water pressure detected by each of the water pressure sensors 26, and the microcomputer 22 acquires the value output from the ADC 27. The transmission process 13a is a process of transmitting the flow rate acquired in the diversion acquisition process s12a and the plurality of water pressures acquired in the water pressure acquisition process s12b to the server 50 together with the water purifier ID.

[0059] Instead of the usage calculation process s22 in the first embodiment, the server 50 of this embodiment executes a calculation process s22a. The said calculation process includes a second usage (monthly usage) calculation process and a water pressure difference calculation process. The second usage calculation process is a process of calculating the second usage, and is calculated by the same process as in the first embodiment. The water pressure difference calculation process is a process of calculating the difference (water pressure difference) between the primary side and the secondary side water pressure for each of the water purification cartridges 11, 12 based on the received water pressure value. Specifically, the water pressure difference in one water purification cartridge 11 is calculated by subtracting the water pressure detected by the secondary side water pressure sensor 26b from the water pressure detected by the primary side water pressure sensor 26a of one water purification cartridge 11. Similarly, for the other water purification cartridge 12, the water pressure difference in the other water purification cartridge 12 is calculated by subtracting the water pressure detected by the secondary side water pressure sensor 26d from the water pressure detected by the primary side water pressure sensor 26c.

[0060] Also, instead of the cleaning determination process s23 based on the usage amount in the first embodiment, the server 50 of this embodiment executes a cleaning determination process s23a based on the water pressure difference. The said cleaning determination process s23a compares the water pressure difference calculated in the above water pressure difference calculation process with a reference value. The said reference value is determined based on the correlation between the water pressure difference and the water purification performance of the water purification cartridges 11, 12, and the water pressure difference when the water purification performance has dropped to a predetermined level is determined as the reference value.

[0061] As a result of the above comparison, when the water pressure difference does not exceed the reference value, it is assumed that the water purification performance of the water purification cartridges 11, 12 has not dropped to the predetermined level, so it is determined that cleaning is not necessary. When it is determined that cleaning is not necessary in this way (s23a: not necessary), the tightening date determination process s27 is executed.

[0062] As a result of the above comparison, when the water pressure difference exceeds the reference value, it is assumed that the water purification performance of the water purification cartridges 11, 12 has dropped to the predetermined level, so it is determined that cleaning is necessary. When it is determined that cleaning is necessary in this way (s23a: necessary), the replacement determination process s24 is executed.

[0063] When the water pressure difference of the water pressure detected in the water purifier 10 reaches the reference value, the pair of water purification cartridges 11 and 12 are cleaned based on the cleaning command from the server 50. Therefore, the usable period of the water purification cartridges 11 and 12 can be extended, and an increase in running costs associated with the replacement of the water purification cartridges 11 and 12 can be prevented.

[0064] As described above, the embodiments of the present invention have been described. However, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and may be in the following modified forms.

[0065] <Modification Example 1> In the first embodiment and the second embodiment, the server 50 may transmit a cleaning command to the water purifier 10 based on the time. In this modification, the CPU of the server 50 acquires the current time in the cleaning determination processes s23 and s23a, and checks whether the acquired current time is a predetermined time or whether the predetermined time has elapsed. The predetermined time is preferably, for example, at night when the user does not use purified water or at a time when the user is absent. As a result of the check, if the current time has not reached the predetermined time, it is determined that cleaning is unnecessary. On the other hand, if it is the predetermined time or if the predetermined time has elapsed, it is determined that cleaning is necessary. According to this modification, it becomes possible to clean the water purification cartridges 11 and 12 regularly.

[0066] <Modification Example 2> In the first embodiment and the second embodiment, the microcomputer 22 of the water purifiers 10 and 10a executes both the first cleaning control process s15 and the second cleaning control process s16 every time a cleaning command is received. However, the present invention is not limited to this aspect. For example, when the microcomputer 22 receives a water purifier 10 cleaning command, it may execute one of the cleaning control processes, and when it receives the next cleaning command, it may execute the other cleaning control process.

[0067] <Modification Example 3> In the first embodiment, the server 50 may calculate the daily usage amount of purified water. In this modified aspect, after the microcomputer 22 of the water purifier 10 executes the above flow rate acquisition process, it executes a flow rate transmission process. The flow rate transmission process is a process of transmitting the flow rate to the server 50 every time the flow rate is acquired in the flow rate acquisition process. The CPU of the server 50 receives the flow rate from the water purifier 10 in the reception process s21. Then, the CPU of the server 50 integrates the received flow rate in the usage amount calculation process s22. In this modified aspect, in the server 50, it becomes possible to manage the cleaning determination, replacement determination, and charge billing based on the usage amount in real time in a batch.

[0068] <Modification Example 4> In the first embodiment, the server 50 calculates the first usage amount, but the water purifier 10 may calculate the first usage amount. Specifically, the microcomputer 22 stores the first usage amount in the memory, and adds the usage amount calculated in the integration process to the first usage amount to update the first usage amount. The updated first usage amount is stored in the memory each time.

[0069] <Modification Example 5> In the first and second embodiments, the microcomputer 22 of the water purifiers 10, 10a may execute the replacement determination process s24 and the notification process s26. In this modified aspect, the microcomputer 22 stores the number of cleaning times in its memory, and counts up the number of cleaning times every time a cleaning command is received from the server 50. Then, the water purifiers 10, 10a are provided with a replacement lamp electrically connected to the microcomputer 22, and when the number of cleaning times reaches a predetermined number, the microcomputer 22 controls the lighting of the lamp.

[0070] <Modification Example 6> In the first and second embodiments, the replacement determination process s24 may determine whether replacement is necessary based on the expiration dates of the water purification cartridges 11 and 12. In this modification, an expiration date field is provided in the management table. The expiration date field stores the expiration date, that is, the period during which the water purification cartridge can exhibit a predetermined cleaning capacity. Then, in the replacement determination process s24, the CPU of the server 50 acquires the current date and compares the acquired current date with the expiration date. If the current date is within the expiration date as a result of the comparison, the CPU of the server 50 determines that replacement is not necessary; if the current date exceeds the expiration date, the CPU determines that replacement is necessary.

[0071] <Modification Example 7> In the second embodiment, a water quality sensor may be used instead of the water pressure sensor 26. The water quality sensor is a sensor that functions as a detection unit 110 for detecting the water quality of raw water / purified water flowing through the flow path based on electrical conductivity, turbidity, etc., and is arranged in the primary and secondary flow paths of each water purification cartridge 11 and 12. In this modification, the microcomputer 22 of the water purifier 10 executes a water quality acquisition process instead of the water pressure acquisition process s12b. In the water quality acquisition process, a value indicating the water quality (hereinafter referred to as "water quality value") is acquired from each water quality sensor. Then, in the transmission process s13a, the water quality value is transmitted to the server 50 together with the flow rate.

[0072] Server 50 receives water quality in reception process s21 and calculates a water quality difference in calculation process s22a. The water quality difference is calculated by subtracting the water quality value of the water quality sensor arranged in the secondary side flow path from the water quality value of the water quality sensor arranged in the primary side flow path of each water purification cartridge 11, 12. Then, in cleaning determination process s23a, server 50 compares the water quality difference with a reference value. As a result of the comparison, if the water quality difference does not exceed the reference value, it is assumed that the cleaning ability of water purification cartridges 11, 12 has not decreased to a predetermined standard, so it is determined that cleaning of water purification cartridges 11, 12 is unnecessary (s23a: unnecessary). On the other hand, as a result of the comparison, if the water quality difference exceeds the reference value, it is assumed that the cleaning ability of water purification cartridges 11, 12 has decreased to a predetermined standard, so it is determined that cleaning of water purification cartridges 11, 12 is necessary (s23a: necessary).

[0073] <Modification Example 8> In the second embodiment and modification example 7, the detection unit 110 (water pressure sensor, water quality sensor) is provided in the primary side flow path and the secondary side flow path of each water purification cartridge 11, 12, but is not limited to this aspect. For example, the detection unit 110 may be provided only in the secondary side flow path of each water purification cartridge 11, 12. In this modified aspect, the water purifier 10a acquires the value detected by the detection unit 110 and transmits the acquired value to the server 50. In cleaning determination process s23a, server 50 compares the value of the detection unit 110 received from the water purifier 10a with a reference value to determine whether cleaning is necessary or not.

[0074] <Modification Example 9> In the above Modification Example 8, the detection unit 110 is provided only in the secondary-side flow path of each water purification cartridge 11, 12. However, the present invention is not limited to this aspect, and the detection unit 110 may be provided only in the primary-side flow path of the water purification cartridges 11, 12. For example, a flow velocity sensor can be provided in the primary-side flow path of each water purification cartridge 11, 12. The flow velocity sensor is a sensor that functions as a detection unit 110 for detecting the flow velocity of raw water. In this modification aspect, the water purifier 10a executes a flow velocity acquisition process instead of the water pressure acquisition process s12a. The flow velocity acquisition process acquires a value indicating the flow velocity (hereinafter referred to as "flow velocity value") from each flow velocity sensor. Then, in the transmission process s13a, the flow velocity value is transmitted to the server 50 together with the flow rate. The server 50 determines whether cleaning is required by comparing the flow velocity value received from the water purifier 10a with a reference value in the cleaning determination process s23a.

[0075] Note that the flow velocity sensor may be composed of a flow meter and a water pressure sensor, and the flow velocity may be calculated based on the flow rate detected by the flow meter and the water pressure detected by the water pressure sensor. That is, the flow velocity may be calculated by multiplying the detected flow rate by the reciprocal of the detected water pressure.

[0076] <Modification Example 10> In the first embodiment, the second embodiment, and Modification Examples 7 to 9, a flow meter, a water pressure sensor, a water quality sensor, and a flow velocity sensor are used as the detection unit 110. However, the detection unit 110 is not limited to these, and any device that can detect an index value indicating the state of raw water or purified water may be used.

[0077] <Modification Example 11> In the cleaning determination processes S23 and S23a (cleaning determination unit 1441) of the first and second embodiments, the necessity of cleaning is determined using a reference value. However, the present invention is not limited to this mode, and the necessity of cleaning may be determined using machine learning. In this modified mode, supervised learning is performed in advance to generate a learned model. The teacher data uses the index values detected by the detection unit 110 as input data, and the necessity of cleaning for the index values is used as correct answer data. Then, in the cleaning determination processes S23 and S23a, the index values received from the water purifiers 10 and 10a are input to the learned model, and the necessity of cleaning is output from the learned model.

[0078] <Modification Example 12> In the first and second embodiments, the cleaning structure can be changed according to the type of filter medium included in the water purification cartridges 11 and 12. Here, the cleaning of the filter medium in the present invention includes the regeneration of the filter medium. For example, it is known that by applying heat to activated carbon, substances adhering to the activated carbon are removed to regenerate the activated carbon. Therefore, when activated carbon is used as the filter medium, a heater that functions as a cleaning unit for applying heat to the activated carbon to regenerate the activated carbon, and a microcomputer 22 that functions as a cleaning control unit for controlling the heater based on a cleaning command can be employed. In addition, an electromagnetic wave irradiation device, a water vapor generation device, a hot water generation device, etc. can also be employed as a cleaning unit for applying heat to the filter medium for cleaning (regeneration). In addition, the cleaning unit only needs to be able to clean the filter medium with deteriorated water purification performance and restore the water purification performance. For example, a chemical solution supply unit having a function of supplying chemicals (alkaline ion water, acid, alkali, salt water, surfactant, etc.) to the filter medium, a vibration unit for applying vibration, a bubble generation unit for generating bubbles and supplying them to the filter medium, etc. may be used.

[0079] <Modification Example 13> In the first and second embodiments, the replacement determination process S24 and the notification process S26 are not essential processes, and the present invention may be implemented in a mode in which these processes are omitted.

[0080] <Modification Example 14> In the first and second embodiments, the closing date determination process s27 and the charge billing process s28 are not essential processes, and these processes may be omitted. For example, a water supply system including the water purifiers 10 and 10a and selling the purified water generated by the water purifiers 10 and 10a may sell an amount of purified water corresponding to the settlement amount by cash, smartphone settlement, or prepaid card.

[0081] <Modification Example 15> The water purifiers 10 and 10a of the first and second embodiments may be used for commercial purposes such as stores like restaurants, factories, and farms.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0082] 100 Water supply system 10 Water purifier 11 Water purification cartridge 12 Water purification cartridge 21 Electric valve 22 Microcomputer 23 Flow meter 30 Mobile terminal 50 Server

Claims

1. A purification unit that reduces dissolved substances in raw water and discharges purified water, a cleaning unit that cleans the purification unit, a cleaning determination unit that determines the necessity of the cleaning, a cleaning control unit that controls the cleaning unit based on the result of the cleaning determination unit, A purified water supply system comprising the above.

2. Comprising a detection unit that outputs an index value indicating the state of the raw water and / or the purified water, The cleaning determination unit determines the necessity of the cleaning based on the index value. The purified water supply system according to Claim 1.

3. The detection unit outputs the flow rate of the purified water, The purified water supply system according to Claim 2, comprising a calculation unit that calculates the usage fee of the purification unit based on the integrated value of the output flow rate.

4. The detection unit A primary side water pressure sensor that outputs the water pressure on the primary side of the purification unit, A secondary side water pressure sensor that outputs the water pressure on the secondary side of the purification unit, Comprising The cleaning determination unit determines the necessity of the cleaning based on the difference between the water pressure on the primary side and the water pressure on the secondary side. The purified water supply system according to Claim 2.

5. The purified water supply system according to Claim 1, comprising a replacement determination unit that determines the replacement of the purification unit.

6. The cleaning control unit Controls to supply purified water to the secondary side of the purification unit and controls to discharge the water flowing out from the primary side of the cleaning unit. The purified water supply system according to Claim 1.

7. A plurality of water purifiers, A server capable of communicating with each of the water purifiers, Comprising Each of the water purifiers comprises the purification unit, the cleaning unit, and the cleaning control unit, The server comprises the cleaning determination unit. The purified water supply system according to Claim 1.

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