Water purifier

Abstract

To provide a safe water purifier capable of discharging turbid matter deposited on the outer surface of a hollow fiber membrane to the outside of the water purifier, dispensing with forming a flow passage for obtaining purified water and a flow passage for backwashing, reducing the water purifier production cost, and preventing the turbid matter deposited on the outer surface of the hollow fiber membrane from contaminating an adsorbent such as activated carbon.SOLUTION: The water purifier according to the present invention comprises a raw water inlet, a purified water outlet 12, a filter medium housing, a filter medium housing lid attachable to / detachable from the filter medium housing, and a hollow fiber membrane module with a plurality of hollow fiber membranes fixed to an outlet end of a cylindrical case by a potting material, with the filter medium housing provided with a module mounting unit 13 having a cylindrical opening, the module mounting unit comprising a first module fitting unit 14 and a second module fitting unit 15 of a smaller diameter and disposed closer to the purified water outlet relative to the first module fitting unit, the vicinity of the outlet end of the cylindrical case being enabled to be liquid-tightly fitted to the second module fitting unit, and the vicinity of the inlet end of the cylindrical case being enabled to be liquid-tightly fitted to the first module fitting unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a water purifier for filtering tap water in a home kitchen. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, water purifiers that purify tap water have become widely used in homes. Water purifiers contain various filter media, such as activated carbon, which removes free residual chlorine, mold odor, and trihalomethanes from tap water, and hollow fiber membranes, which remove turbidity such as iron rust from tap water. Purified water filtered through these filters is safe and delicious, contributing to the health of users.

[0003] In most cases, various types of filter media are filled into the internal space of a removable water purifier cartridge. Because the amount of filtered water that a filter media can process is limited, it is common to continue using the water purifier by periodically replacing the cartridge.

[0004] Patent Document 1 proposes a filtration cartridge in which a hollow fiber membrane module is fixed to a container with a raw water inlet and a purified water outlet, and a lid is welded to the opening of the container. This allows turbidity such as iron rust to be removed from tap water, resulting in high-quality purified water.

[0005] However, when water is passed through the hollow fiber membrane in apartment buildings with many iron pipes, or when water is passed through after waterworks construction work, the hollow fiber membrane becomes clogged, increasing pressure loss and reducing the purified water flow rate. To continue using the water purifier, it is necessary to replace the filtration cartridge with a new one, which is a huge expense.

[0006] To address this issue, Patent Document 2 proposes a water purifier that backwashes the hollow fiber membrane module. That is, by flowing water in the opposite direction to the direction in which water flows when purified water is obtained, the turbidity that has accumulated on the outer surface of the hollow fiber membrane can be discharged to the outside of the water purifier. Once the pressure loss of the hollow fiber membrane increases, it returns to normal to some extent, allowing the water purifier to continue to be used without immediately replacing the cartridge with a new one.

[0007] However, creating a flow path for obtaining purified water and a flow path for backwashing the hollow fiber membrane module, and also incorporating a valve structure to switch between the two flow paths, resulted in a significant increase in the number of parts, which increased the cost of manufacturing the water purifier, making it more expensive and difficult for users to purchase.

[0008] To address this issue, Patent Document 3 proposes a water purifier in which the raw water inlet and filtered water supply port of the water purifier cartridge are identical in shape. When obtaining purified water, the raw water inlet of the water purifier cartridge is connected to the raw water outlet of the water purifier, and when backwashing the hollow fiber membrane module, the filtered water supply port of the water purifier cartridge is connected to the raw water outlet of the water purifier. Backwashing the hollow fiber membrane allows turbidity accumulated on the outer surface of the hollow fiber membrane to be discharged to the outside of the water purifier. Once the pressure loss of the hollow fiber membrane increases, it returns to normal to some extent, allowing the water purifier to continue to be used without immediately replacing the cartridge with a new one.

[0009] The water purifier does not require a flow path for obtaining purified water and a flow path for backwashing the hollow fiber membrane module, nor does it require a valve structure to switch between the two flow paths. This reduces the number of parts and keeps the cost of manufacturing the water purifier low. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0010] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-210458 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Utility Model Application Publication No. 10-241 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 8-89948 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0011] However, in the technology of Patent Document 3, during backwashing in which tap water flows in from the filtrate water supply port of the water purifier cartridge, the suspended matter deposited on the outer surface of the hollow fiber membrane is discharged through the activated carbon, which may contaminate the activated carbon.

[0012] Furthermore, because tap water passes through the hollow fiber membrane and activated carbon even during backwashing, users may mistakenly use the device as a water purifier and drink the turbidity that has accumulated on the outer surface of the hollow fiber membrane.

[0013] In view of the above problems, the present invention provides a safe water purifier that can discharge turbidity accumulated on the outer surface of a hollow fiber membrane to the outside of the water purifier, does not require the formation of a flow path for obtaining purified water and a flow path for backwashing, can keep the cost of manufacturing the water purifier low, and does not have the possibility of turbidity accumulated on the outer surface of the hollow fiber membrane contaminating an adsorbent such as activated carbon. [Means for solving the problem]

[0014] The water purifier that solves the above problems is (1) A raw water inlet, a purified water outlet, a filter medium storage section, and a filter medium storage cover that can be attached and detached to the filter medium storage section; a hollow fiber membrane module in which a plurality of hollow fiber membranes are fixed to one end of a cylindrical case with a potting material; a module mounting portion having a cylindrical opening is disposed in the filter medium storage portion; the module mounting portion has a first module fitting portion and a second module fitting portion that is smaller in diameter than the first module fitting portion and closer to the purified water outlet, a portion of the cylindrical case near the outlet end thereof can be fitted in a liquid-tight manner with the second module fitting portion; The vicinity of the inlet end of the cylindrical case is capable of fitting liquid-tightly with the first module fitting portion.

[0015] (2) The water purifier of the present invention has an adsorbent module in which an adsorbent is filled in the filter medium storage section, a portion of the cylindrical case near the inlet end being fitted in the first module fitting portion in a liquid-tight manner; When the adsorbent module is attached to the outlet end of the cylindrical case, It is preferable that the filter media housing cover cannot be attached to the filter media housing portion.

[0016] (3) In the water purifier of the present invention, it is preferable that the filter medium storage cover has an air vent mechanism. [Effects of the Invention]

[0017] According to the water purifier of the present invention, the first module fitting portion of the module mounting portion can be fitted liquid-tightly with the vicinity of the inlet end of the cylindrical case, and by passing water through this fitted state, turbidity that has accumulated on the outer surface of the hollow fiber membrane can be discharged to the outside of the water purifier. In addition, there is no need to form a flow path for obtaining purified water and a flow path for backwashing, which allows the cost of manufacturing the water purifier to be kept low.

[0018] Furthermore, in a preferred embodiment of the water purifier of the present invention, the filter medium housing has an adsorbent module filled with an adsorbent, and when the vicinity of the inlet end of the cylindrical case is liquid-tightly fitted into the first module fitting section and the adsorbent module is attached to the outlet end of the cylindrical case, the filter medium housing lid cannot be attached to the filter medium housing, and water cannot pass through in this backwashed state. This prevents a user from accidentally using the water purifier in this backwashed state and drinking the turbidity that has accumulated on the outer surface of the hollow fiber membrane.

[0019] Furthermore, in a preferred embodiment of the water purifier of the present invention, the filter medium storage cover has an air vent mechanism, so that air accumulated in the filter medium storage section can be vented during backwashing with the vicinity of the inlet end of the cylindrical case liquid-tightly fitted into the first module fitting section. That is, when the air vent mechanism is opened and water flow begins, the air accumulated in the filter medium storage section is discharged to the outside through the air vent mechanism. Backwashing can be performed efficiently without waiting for the air to be vented from the hollow fiber membrane. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0020] [Figure 1]1 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a cartridge for a water purifier according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 1 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a faucet-mounted water purifier in which a water purifier cartridge according to an embodiment of the present invention is connected to a main body switch. [Figure 3] 1 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a cartridge body of a cartridge for a water purifier according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an adsorbent module of a cartridge for a water purifier according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an adsorbent module of a cartridge for a water purifier according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an adsorbent container of a cartridge for a water purifier according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a cartridge for a water purifier when backwashing a hollow fiber membrane module according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a cartridge for a water purifier according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] FIG. 4 is a longitudinal sectional view of a water purifier cartridge according to a second embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0021] An embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0022] Fig. 1 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a water purifier cartridge according to one embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 2 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a faucet-mounted water purifier in which a water purifier cartridge according to one embodiment of the present invention is connected to a main body switch.

[0023] Each member constituting the water purifier cartridge 1 will be described.

[0024] The water purifier cartridge 1 has an internal space formed by a cylindrical cartridge body (filter material storage section) 2 with an open top and a closed bottom, and a lid body (filter material storage lid) 3 fixed to the top opening of the cartridge body 2, in which a hollow fiber membrane module 20 and an adsorbent module 30 are stored.

[0025] A bayonet mechanism is used to attach the lid 3 to the cartridge body 2, and the lid 3 can be easily fixed by rotating it 63° to align it with the opening of the cartridge body 2. A screw mechanism may be used instead of the bayonet mechanism. An O-ring 7 is disposed on the cartridge body 2, and is compressed radially by the lid 3, keeping the cartridge body 2 and the lid 3 liquid-tight.

[0026] 3 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the cartridge body 2 of the water purifier cartridge 1. The cartridge body 2 has a raw water passage 11 on the side near the bottom end and a purified water outlet 12 in the center of the bottom end face. A cylindrical module mounting portion 13 is provided on the inner surface of the bottom end of the cartridge body 2 so as to surround the purified water outlet 12, into which the end of the hollow fiber membrane module 20 having the opening of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 21 is fitted. A bayonet mechanism for connecting to the main body switch 4 is provided around the inlet opening of the raw water passage 11.

[0027] The module mounting portion 13 has a first module fitting portion 14 and a second module fitting portion 15 that has a smaller diameter than the first module fitting portion 14 and is closer to the purified water outlet.

[0028] The hollow fiber membrane module 20 comprises a hollow fiber membrane bundle 21, which is a bundle of a predetermined number of hollow fiber membranes bent into an inverted U shape, housed inside a substantially cylindrical case 22. The inner surface of the lower end of the cylindrical case 22, the lower end of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 21, and the lower ends of the hollow fiber membranes themselves are sealed with a potting material such as polyurethane or epoxy resin. The lower end of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 21 is open and faces the purified water outlet 12. Hydrophilized polysulfone is preferably used as the hollow fiber membrane material. Multiple types of hollow fiber membranes made from different materials may also be combined. Hydrophobic polyethylene or polypropylene hollow fiber membranes can be used to efficiently remove air from the water. While the hollow fiber membrane bundle 21 is bent into an inverted U shape, it may also be a straight hollow fiber membrane bundle whose upper opening is sealed with an adhesive or heat fusion.

[0029] The cylindrical case 22 is made of ABS resin, although AS resin, polystyrene, etc. are also suitable. The vicinity of the outlet end 22b of the cylindrical case 22 is fitted liquid-tight with the second module fitting portion 15. The vicinity of the inlet end (adsorbent module mounting portion) 22a can be fitted with the outlet end 31b of the adsorbent container 31 described below, and can also be fitted liquid-tight with the first module fitting portion 14. A flange portion 23 is provided on the outer periphery near the inlet end (adsorbent module mounting portion) 22a.

[0030] 4 and 5 are perspective views of the adsorbent module 30 of the water purifier cartridge 1. The adsorbent module 30 is composed of a bottomed, substantially cylindrical adsorbent container 31, a substantially disk-shaped adsorbent container lid 32, and granular or powdered adsorbent 33. The adsorbent container 31 and adsorbent container lid 32 are preferably made of polyolefin. Ultrasonic welding of the adsorbent container 31 and adsorbent container lid 32 is easy and reliable, and since this is an inexpensive material, manufacturing costs can be kept down. ABS resin or polystyrene can also be used.

[0031] 6 is a perspective view of the adsorbent container 31 of the water purifier cartridge 1. A plurality of downstream radial ribs 34 are formed integrally on the bottom surface of the adsorbent container 31, and a circular, water-permeable downstream nonwoven fabric (adsorbent holding member) 35 is fixed to the downstream radial ribs 34. A plurality of upstream radial ribs 36 are formed integrally on the adsorbent container lid 32, and a circular, water-permeable upstream nonwoven fabric (adsorbent leakage prevention member) 37 is fixed to the upstream radial ribs 36.

[0032] The downstream nonwoven fabric (adsorbent holding member) 35 and the upstream nonwoven fabric (adsorbent leakage prevention member) 37 function to prevent leakage of the granular adsorbent 33 while allowing the water to be treated to pass through. The mesh size is smaller than the particle size of the adsorbent 33. The upstream nonwoven fabric (adsorbent leakage prevention member) 37 and the downstream nonwoven fabric (adsorbent holding member) 35 are preferably made of nonwoven fabric containing polyolefin. The upstream nonwoven fabric (adsorbent leakage prevention member) 37 is fixed to the upstream radial ribs 36 by ultrasonic welding, and the downstream nonwoven fabric (adsorbent holding member) 35 is fixed to the downstream radial ribs 34 by ultrasonic welding. Using the same polyolefin material for both fabrics facilitates and ensures ultrasonic welding. This significantly reduces manufacturing costs compared to a configuration in which a frame with radial ribs is injection-molded, and the upstream and downstream nonwoven fabrics are ultrasonically welded to the frame before being fixed to the adsorbent container.

[0033] The adsorbent container 31 has a reduced diameter section at its bottom, and the diameter near the outlet end 31b of the adsorbent container 31 is smaller than that of the inlet end 31a of the adsorbent container 31, but the space 38 formed by the downstream radial ribs 34 prevents the water flow from becoming biased. The outlet end 31b of the adsorbent container 31 is fitted into the inlet end (adsorbent module mounting portion) 22a of the cylindrical case of the hollow fiber membrane module 20.

[0034] A plurality of centering ribs 41 are arranged on the outer periphery of the adsorbent container 31 and / or adsorbent container lid 32 of the adsorbent module 30. The clearance between the inner circumferential surface of the lid 3 and the centering rib 41 is adjusted to 0.05 to 0.3 mm, and both the adsorbent container lid 32 and the centering rib 41 are inclined so that the clearance gradually decreases as the lid 3 is tightened. Either one may be inclined.

[0035] Meanwhile, a height alignment rib 42 is disposed on the upper surface of the adsorbent container lid 32 of the adsorbent module 30. The clearance between the rear side of the upper surface of the lid 3 and the height alignment rib 42 is adjusted to 0.2 to 0.5 mm. The height alignment rib may also be provided on the rear side of the upper surface of the lid 3.

[0036] The adsorbent 33 is made of granular activated carbon and granular zeolite, and is filled in the space between the downstream nonwoven fabric (adsorbent holding member) 35 of the adsorbent container 31 and the upstream nonwoven fabric (adsorbent leakage prevention member) 37 of the adsorbent container lid 32. The activated carbon used is made from coconut shells, contains 70% or more of particles with a diameter of 100 to 200 microns, and has an iodine adsorption capacity of 1200 mg / g or more. It has a high ability to adsorb organic matter in tap water. Furthermore, reducing the particle size increases the surface area, which improves the adsorption capacity and ion exchange capacity.

[0037] The zeolite used is one that selectively adsorbs lead and has a particle size of 100 to 200 microns. Titanosilicate, which has a similar function, may also be used instead of zeolite.

[0038] In the manufacturing process, the hollow fiber membrane module 20 and the adsorbent module 30 are assembled in series and erected. Even if the hollow fiber membrane module 20 or the adsorbent module 30 is tilted or if the adsorbent module 30 is not properly fitted into the hollow fiber membrane module 20, causing the adsorbent module 30 to be higher than a predetermined height, the centering rib 41 and the height adjusting rib 42 come into contact with the inner surface of the lid 3 during the process of fitting and tightening the lid 3, thereby correcting the tilted or overly high state and adjusting it to its original position. The same applies when a user who has purchased a water purifier replaces the cartridge for the water purifier. Even if a user who is unfamiliar with assembly fails to accurately assemble and erect the hollow fiber membrane module 20 and the adsorbent module 30, the original position is corrected during the process of fitting and tightening the lid 3, allowing the water purifier to perform at its best.

[0039] The use of the water purifier cartridge 1 configured as above will now be described.

[0040] Raw water (tap water) entering from the raw water inlet 8 of the main body switch 4 flows into the inside of the water purifier cartridge 1 through the raw water passage 11, is guided to the cylindrical gap 5 secured by the center alignment rib 41, rises without deviation, and is then guided to the disk-shaped gap 6 secured by the height alignment rib 42, where the direction of the flow changes without deviation.

[0041] The raw water passes through the upstream nonwoven fabric (adsorbent leakage prevention member) 37 of the adsorbent container lid 32 and flows into the adsorbent module 30. The water flows evenly and comes into contact with the granular activated carbon and granular zeolite packed in a roughly cylindrical shape, removing free residual chlorine, mold odor, trihalomethanes, lead, and other contaminants from the raw water. The water then passes through the downstream nonwoven fabric (adsorbent holding member) 35 of the adsorbent container 31, contracts in the space 38 formed by the multiple downstream radial ribs 34, exits the adsorbent container 31 through the outlet end 31b, and enters the hollow fiber membrane module 20 through the inlet end (adsorbent module mounting portion) 22a of the cylindrical case. The hollow fiber membrane bundle 21 then removes suspended solids, turning the water into purified water, which is then discharged from the purified water outlet 12.

[0042] Because the amount of filtered water that a filter medium can process is limited, users must periodically replace the filter medium while continuing to use the water purifier. The replacement of the hollow fiber membrane module 20 and adsorbent module 30, which are the filter medium, will be described below.

[0043] The lid 3, which is fixed to the upper opening of the cartridge body 2 of the water purifier cartridge 1 by a bayonet mechanism, is removed. Next, the adsorbent module 30 is removed from the hollow fiber membrane module 20, and then the hollow fiber membrane module 20 is removed from the second module fitting portion 15 of the module mounting portion 13 of the cartridge body 2. Next, the outlet end 22b of a new hollow fiber membrane module 20 is fitted into the second module fitting portion 15. Next, the outlet end 31b of the new adsorbent module 30 is fitted into the inlet end (adsorbent module mounting portion) 22a of the hollow fiber membrane module 20. Both modules can be fitted manually, and the dimensions have been adjusted to prevent water leakage.

[0044] Next, the lid 3 is placed on the cartridge body 2 and tightened onto the cartridge body 2. Even if the hollow fiber membrane module 20 or the adsorbent module 30 is tilted, or if the adsorbent module 30 is not properly fitted into the hollow fiber membrane module 20 and the height of the adsorbent module 30 is higher than a predetermined height, the center alignment rib 41 and height adjustment rib 42 come into contact with the inner surface of the lid 3 during the process of placing the lid 3 on the cartridge body 2 and tightening it onto the cartridge body 2, thereby correcting the tilted or excessively high state and ensuring that the module is in the correct position.

[0045] When a water faucet is opened and raw water (tap water) flows into the raw water passage 11 of the water purifier cartridge 1, purified water is discharged from the purified water outlet 12 after the air inside the water purifier cartridge 1 is pushed out.

[0046] Next, backwashing of the hollow fiber membrane module 20 will be described. Figure 7 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a water purifier cartridge when backwashing a hollow fiber membrane module. The hollow fiber membrane bundle 21 removes turbidity from raw water (tap water) to produce purified water, which is then discharged from the purified water outlet 12. However, turbidity gradually accumulates in the hollow fiber membrane bundle 21, increasing pressure loss and reducing the flow rate of the purified water. When the flow rate reduction becomes significant, the accumulated turbidity can be flushed out (backwashed) by flowing tap water from the outlet end 22b of the hollow fiber membrane module 20 to the inlet end (adsorbent module mounting portion) 22a, thereby reducing the pressure loss and restoring the pressure loss. The turbidity accumulated on the outer surface of the hollow fiber membranes does not contaminate the adsorbent activated carbon.

[0047] The cover 3, which is secured to the upper opening of the cartridge body 2 of the water purifier cartridge 1 by a bayonet mechanism, is removed. Next, the adsorbent module 30 is removed from the hollow fiber membrane module 20, and then the hollow fiber membrane module 20 is removed from the second module fitting portion 15 of the module mounting portion 13 of the cartridge body 2. The removed hollow fiber membrane module 20 is turned upside down, and the inlet end (adsorbent module mounting portion) 22a of the hollow fiber membrane module 20 is attached to the first module fitting portion 14 of the module mounting portion 13. Because the first module fitting portion 14 has a larger diameter than the second module fitting portion 15 and is farther from the purified water outlet 12, the attachment position of the hollow fiber membrane module 20 during backwashing is necessarily higher than the attachment position during use. The flange portion 23 on the outer periphery near the inlet end (adsorbent module mounting portion) 22a abuts against the upper end surface of the module mounting portion 13, accurately determining the attachment position of the hollow fiber membrane module.

[0048] Without attaching the adsorbent module 30, when the lid 3 is fixed to the upper opening of the cartridge body 2 and the water faucet is opened to allow raw water (tap water) to flow through the raw water passage 11 of the water purifier cartridge 1, the raw water flows from the outlet end 22b of the hollow fiber membrane module 20 in the direction of the inlet end (adsorbent module mounting portion) 22a, and turbidity that has accumulated in the hollow fiber membrane module 20 is discharged from the purified water outlet 12. In this way, backwashing can be easily performed by turning the hollow fiber membrane module 20 upside down, and there is no need to form a flow path for obtaining purified water and a flow path for backwashing, which helps keep the cost of manufacturing the water purifier low.

[0049] When the inlet end (adsorbent module mounting portion) 22a of the hollow fiber membrane module 20 is attached to the first module fitting portion 14 of the module mounting portion 13, the mounting position of the hollow fiber membrane module 20 during backwashing is necessarily higher than the mounting position during use. If the adsorbent module 30 is mistakenly attached to the outlet end 22b of the hollow fiber membrane module 20, the mounting position of the adsorbent module 30 will also be higher than during use, making it impossible to tighten the lid 3 to the cartridge body 2. In other words, it is possible to prevent a user from accidentally using the device as a water purifier while in the backwashing state and drinking turbidity that has accumulated on the outer surface of the hollow fiber membrane.

[0050] As shown in the oblique view of Figure 8 and the longitudinal cross-sectional view of Figure 9, an air vent mechanism 51 is provided in the lid body 3, and when raw water (tap water) is introduced from the raw water passage 11, the air vent mechanism 51 is opened to vent the air inside the lid body 3, thereby eliminating the time required to push out the air and allowing for efficient backwashing. [Example]

[0051] Example 1 A module mounting section was provided on the bottomed cylindrical cartridge body (filter material storage section) to surround the purified water outlet, and the inner diameter of the first module fitting section of the module mounting section was 32.2 mm, and the inner diameter of the second module fitting section closer to the purified water outlet was 31.2 mm.

[0052] In a hollow fiber membrane module in which the inner surface of the lower end of the cylindrical case, the lower end of the hollow fiber membrane bundle, and the lower ends of the hollow fiber membranes were sealed and fixed with potting material, the outer diameter of the outlet end of the cylindrical case was 31 mm, and the outer diameter of the inlet end was 32.2 mm.

[0053] In the adsorbent module, which is composed of a bottomed, approximately cylindrical adsorbent container, an approximately disk-shaped adsorbent container lid, and granular or powdered adsorbent, the inner diameter of the outlet end of the adsorbent container was set to 32.2 mm.

[0054] The outlet end of the cylindrical case of the hollow fiber membrane module was fitted into the second module fitting part of the module mounting part of the cartridge body (filter medium housing part), and the outlet end of the adsorbent container was fitted into the inlet end of the cylindrical case of the hollow fiber membrane module, and then the lid (filter medium housing lid) was fixed to the cartridge body (filter medium housing part). When raw water (tap water) was passed through in this state, it came into contact with the granular activated carbon and granular zeolite, removing free residual chlorine, mold odor, trihalomethanes, lead, etc. from the raw water. Next, the hollow fiber membrane bundle removed turbidity, resulting in purified water, which was discharged from the purified water outlet.

[0055] The turbidity in the raw water (tap water) was captured by the hollow fiber membrane, causing an increase in pressure loss and a drop in flow rate to about half of the initial flow rate, so a backwashing operation was performed. The lid (filter media storage lid) was removed from the cartridge body (filter media storage section), and then the adsorbent module was removed from the hollow fiber membrane module. Next, the hollow fiber membrane module was removed from the module mounting section, turned upside down, and the inlet end of the hollow fiber membrane module's cylindrical case was fitted into the first module mounting section of the module mounting section. At this point, the flange near the inlet end of the cylindrical case was in contact with the module mounting section, accurately positioning the hollow fiber membrane module and making it 1.6 mm higher than before it was turned upside down. After attaching the adsorbent module, an attempt was made to attach the lid (filter media storage lid) to the cartridge body (filter media storage section), but the bayonet mechanism did not engage properly. With the adsorbent module removed, the lid (filter media storage lid) was fixed to the cartridge body (filter media storage section) and raw water (tap water) was passed through, and the turbidity captured by the hollow fiber membrane was discharged from the purified water outlet along with the water.When the top and bottom of the hollow fiber membrane module were returned to their original positions, the adsorbent module and lid (cartridge storage lid) were attached, and raw water (tap water) was passed through, the flow rate recovered to 85% of the initial flow rate.

[0056] <Comparative Example 1> The same water purifier cartridge as above was manufactured, except that the inner diameters of the first and second module mounting parts were the same, and no flange was provided at the inlet end of the cylindrical case.

[0057] The hollow fiber membrane module was turned upside down, the adsorption module and lid (filter media storage lid) were attached, and raw water (tap water) was passed through. This restored the flow rate, but the user mistakenly continued to use the module, resulting in the user drinking the turbidity. [Explanation of symbols]

[0058] 1 water purifier cartridge 2 Cartridge body (filter material storage section) 3 Lid (filter storage lid) 4 Main body switch 5 Cylindrical gap 6. Disk-shaped gap 7 O-ring 8 Raw water inlet 11 Raw water passage 12 Purified water outlet 13 Module mounting part 14 First module fitting portion 15 Second module mating part 20 Hollow fiber membrane module 21 Hollow fiber membrane bundle 22 Cylindrical case 22a Inlet end (adsorbent module mounting part) 22b Outlet end 23 Tsuba 30 Adsorbent Module 31 Adsorbent container 31a Inlet end 31b Outlet end 32 Adsorbent container lid 33 Adsorbent 34 Downstream Radial Rib 35 Downstream nonwoven fabric (adsorbent holding member) 36 Upstream Radial Rib 37 Upstream nonwoven fabric (adsorbent leakage prevention material) 38 Space 41 Centering rib 42 Height alignment rib 51 Air vent mechanism

Claims

1. A raw water inlet, a purified water outlet, a filter medium storage section, and a filter medium storage cover that is detachable from the filter medium storage section; A water purifier having a hollow fiber membrane module in which a plurality of hollow fiber membranes are fixed to an outlet end of a cylindrical case with a potting material, a module mounting portion having a cylindrical opening is disposed in the filter medium storage portion; the module mounting portion has a first module fitting portion and a second module fitting portion that is smaller in diameter than the first module fitting portion and closer to the purified water outlet, a vicinity of the outlet end of the cylindrical case can be fitted liquid-tightly with the second module fitting portion; The water purifier is characterized in that the vicinity of the inlet end of the cylindrical case can be fitted liquid-tightly with the first module fitting portion.

2. The filter medium storage section has an adsorbent module filled with an adsorbent, a portion of the cylindrical case near the inlet end being fluid-tightly fitted into the first module fitting portion; When the adsorbent module is attached to the outlet end of the cylindrical case, 2. The water purifier according to claim 1, wherein the filter medium storage cover cannot be attached to the filter medium storage unit.

3. 3. The water purifier according to claim 1, wherein the filter medium storage cover has an air vent mechanism.

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