Water purification system

Abstract

To provide a water purification system that can be easily installed in an already installed sink by switching between raw water and purified water based on the output of a flow sensor corresponding to the operation of a faucet.SOLUTION: A water purification system comprises: a flow sensor that can switch between a raw water mode in which raw water is discharged from a faucet and a purified water mode in which purified water is discharged from the faucet, and measures a flow rate of the raw water or the purified water discharged from the faucet; and a control part that outputs a signal to switch from the raw water mode to the purified water mode based on an output signal output from the flow sensor. The control part is capable of outputting a signal to switch from the raw water mode to the purified water mode corresponding to an operator's option of the faucet based on a pattern of fluctuation of the output signal output from the flow sensor corresponding to an operation pattern of the faucet.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The technology disclosed in the present application relates to a water purification system that purifies water such as tap water and groundwater and supplies it as drinking water for general households or businesses.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, many water purification systems have been proposed that are connected to a water pipe to purify household water. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a countertop type water purifier that provides a side pipe with a water purifier interposed in the water pipe, and electromagnetic valves for opening and closing the flow of raw water are provided in the water pipe and the side pipe, respectively. By controlling the electromagnetic valves, raw water and purified water (that has passed through the water purifier in the side pipe) can be switched by operating a touch panel.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] For example, when installing a water purification device using the under-sink type water purifier disclosed in Patent Document 1 on an already installed sink, it is necessary to install a touch panel for switching between raw water (tap water) and purified water on the upper surface or side surface of the sink, etc. Therefore, additional construction work is required, and there is a problem that the water purification device cannot be easily installed.

[0005] The technology disclosed in the present application aims to provide a water purification system that can be easily installed on an already installed sink by providing a flow sensor upstream of the faucet and making it possible to switch between raw water and purified water based on the output of the flow sensor according to the operation of the faucet.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] In order to achieve the above object, the water purification system according to claim 1 is switchable between a raw water mode in which raw water is discharged from the faucet and a purified water mode in which purified water is discharged from the faucet, and measures the flow rate of raw water or purified water discharged from the faucet. A flow sensor, and a control unit that outputs a signal for switching from the raw water mode to the purified water mode based on an output signal output from the flow sensor, wherein the control unit is based on a pattern of variation of the output signal output from the flow sensor according to the operation pattern of the faucet. Based on this, it is possible to output a signal for switching from the raw water mode to the purified water mode according to the discretion of the operator of the faucet.

Advantages of the Invention

[0007] In the water purification system according to claim 1, the control unit can output a signal for switching from the raw water mode to the purified water mode according to the discretion of the operator of the faucet based on the pattern of variation of the output signal output from the flow sensor according to the operation pattern of the faucet. Therefore, since it does not require an operation touch panel as disclosed in Patent Document 1, for example, when installing a water purification system under a sink, it is not necessary to perform additional processing on the upper surface or side surface of the sink for the operation part. Therefore, the water purification system can be easily installed in an existing sink, faucet, etc. In addition, the equipment cost and construction cost can be suppressed.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] First, a water purification system 1 which is an embodiment according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0010] FIG. 1 is a block diagram for explaining the configuration of the water purification system 1 according to the present invention. In the water purification system 1, a cold water supply pipe 2 and a hot water supply pipe 3 are provided in parallel. The cold water supply pipe 2 and the hot water supply pipe 3 are connected to a mixing valve (not shown) provided inside a faucet (hereinafter referred to as a "tap"), and the hot water and cold water passing through the cold water supply pipe 2 and the hot water supply pipe 3 are discharged from the tap as hot water, cold water, or warm water mixed therefrom by the action of the mixing valve (hereinafter referred to as the "operation of the tap").

[0011] The cold water supply pipe 2 is composed of an inflow pipe 4 into which tap water (hereinafter referred to as "raw water") flows, a main pipe 5 branched by a diverter 18 connected to the inflow pipe 4 (through which the raw water passes), a side pipe 6 with a water purifier 20 (composed of a filter 16 and a check valve 15) interposed therebetween, and a confluence pipe 7 in which the main pipe 5 and the side pipe 6 merge by a confluence device 19. A first solenoid valve 10 (SV1) for opening and closing the main pipe 5 and a second solenoid valve 11 (SV2) for opening and closing the side pipe 6 are provided in the main pipe 5 and the side pipe 6, respectively. Also, check valves 14 and 13 are provided on the downstream sides of the first solenoid valve 10 and the second solenoid valve 11 in the main pipe 5 and the side pipe 6, respectively. Further, a flow sensor 17 for measuring the flow rate of water is provided in the confluence pipe 7. Here, the installation of the check valves is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and if necessary, an appropriate number may be provided at appropriate positions as appropriate. Also, a third solenoid valve 12 (SV3) for opening and closing the hot water supply pipe 3 is provided in the hot water supply pipe 3.

[0012] Next, the control unit 30 of the water purification system 1 according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 2.

[0013] FIG. 2 is a block diagram for explaining the control unit 30 of the water purification system 1 according to the present invention. The control unit 30 is provided with an arithmetic unit 31 composed of a CPU or the like. The arithmetic unit 31 is connected to a reset 32 (for inputting a reset signal), a buzzer 33, a vibrator 34, a setting switch 35, a memory 36, a first solenoid valve drive circuit 37, a second solenoid valve drive circuit 38, a third solenoid valve drive circuit 39, and a flow sensor circuit 40.

[0014] The first solenoid valve drive circuit 37, the second solenoid valve drive circuit 38, and the third solenoid valve drive circuit 39 are circuits for driving and controlling the first solenoid valve 10, the second solenoid valve 11, and the third solenoid valve 12, respectively. In the present embodiment, as described below, the output signal of the flow sensor 17 is input to the arithmetic unit 31 via the flow sensor circuit 40, and based on the input output signal of the flow sensor 17, the first solenoid valve 10, the second solenoid valve 11, and the third solenoid valve 12 are controlled to open and close via the first solenoid valve drive circuit 37, the second solenoid valve drive circuit 38, and the third solenoid valve drive circuit 39.

[0015] Next, the control procedure for switching between raw water and water (hereinafter referred to as "purified water") that has passed through the side pipe 6 in the water conduit pipe 2 of the water purification system 1 according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 6.

[0016] FIGS. 3 and 4 are control flowcharts for switching between raw water and purified water by the control unit 30 in the water conduit pipe 2 of the water purification system 1, and FIGS. 5 and 6 are timing charts in the control flow of the control unit 30 of the water purification system 1.

[0017] First, turn on the power of the water purification system 1 at step S0. Then, at step S1, the water purification system 1 enters the operation standby state. In the operation standby state, the control unit 30 controls the first solenoid valve 10 (SV1) to be "open" and the second solenoid valve 11 (SV2) to be "closed". In this case, as shown in Fig. 5(A), after the second solenoid valve 11 (SV2) is "closed", the first solenoid valve 10 (SV1) is controlled to be "open". Thereby, in the operation standby state, raw water flows through the main pipe 5. (Hereinafter, this state is referred to as the "raw water mode", and the state where purified water is discharged from the faucet is referred to as the "purified water mode".) When the water purification system 1 enters the raw water mode, the control unit 30 causes the buzzer 33 to emit a buzzer sound "pee". Thereby, the operator can be made to recognize that the water purification system 1 is in the raw water mode. Here, by closing the second solenoid valve 11 (SV2) and then opening the first solenoid valve 10 (SV1), the inflow of raw water into the water purifier 20 can be suppressed. Therefore, excessive use of the filter 16 can be suppressed, and the shortening of the life of the filter 16 can be suppressed.

[0018] At step S2, detection of the purified water mode is performed. In the present embodiment, a faucet operation of closing the faucet for T0 seconds and then opening it again is executed. Then, as shown in Fig. 5(D), after the output signal of the flow sensor 17 becomes "OFF" for T0 seconds, the output signal is output again (hereinafter, this is referred to as the "purified water mode switching signal"). That is, when the purified water mode switching signal is detected (Y), the control unit 30 controls the first solenoid valve 10 (SV1) and the second solenoid valve 11 (SV2) so as to switch the water purification system 1 from the raw water mode to the purified water mode, and proceeds to step S3. If not detected (N), the process remains at step S2 and waits for the detection of the purified water mode switching signal. In this way, in the water purification system 1 according to the present invention, the mode is switched from the raw water mode to the purified water mode by operating the faucet.

[0019] In step S3, it is checked whether the amount of water flowing in the water supply pipe 2 is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount. When water flows through the water supply pipe 2, a clock signal is output from the flow sensor 17 as an output signal as shown in Fig. 5(B). The frequency (Hz) of the clock signal becomes higher as the amount of water flowing through the water supply pipe 2 increases. Therefore, in step S3, it is determined whether the output signal of the flow sensor 17 is greater than A1 Hz (which is a threshold value for checking whether the amount of water is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount). If it is greater (Y), it is determined that the flow rate is appropriate, and the process proceeds to step S4. If it is A1 Hz or less (N), the process remains in step S3 and waits until the output signal of the flow sensor 17 exceeds A1 Hz.

[0020] In steps S4 and S5, the water purification system 1 is switched from the raw water mode to the purified water mode. As shown in Fig. 5(D), first, in step S4, the second solenoid valve 11 (SV2) is opened, and then, in step S5, the control unit 30 controls the first solenoid valve 10 (SV1) to be closed. Here, if the second solenoid valve 11 (SV2) is opened after the first solenoid valve 10 (SV1) is closed, or if the closing of the first solenoid valve 10 (SV1) and the opening of the second solenoid valve 11 (SV2) are performed simultaneously, the amount of water flowing through the water supply pipe 2 will temporarily decrease. Therefore, there is a risk that the control unit 30 may misdetect, for example, the closing of the faucet. For this reason, by controlling the first solenoid valve 10 (SV1) and the second solenoid valve 11 (SV2) in the above procedure, the water purification system 1 can be switched from the raw water mode to the purified water mode while maintaining the amount of water flowing through the water supply pipe 2 at a predetermined level or more.

[0021] When the water purification system 1 is switched from the raw water mode to the purified water mode, in step S6, the control unit 30 causes the buzzer 33 to emit a buzzer sound "Pit". This allows the operator to recognize that the water purification system 1 has been switched from the raw water mode to the purified water mode. That is, the buzzer sound from the buzzer 33 can be used to distinguish whether the water discharged from the faucet is raw water or purified water.

[0022] In steps S7 and S8, after switching to the purified water mode, when the amount of water flowing through the water supply pipe 2 maintains a certain level or more ( "Y" in step S7) and exceeds T1 seconds ( "Y" in step S8), it is determined that the water flowing out of the faucet is potable purified water. In step S9, the control unit 30 causes the buzzer 33 to emit a buzzer sound "Pippi". This enables the operator to recognize that the water discharged from the faucet is potable purified water.

[0023] In step S7, when the amount of water flowing through the water supply pipe 2 is below a certain level (N), it is possible that the faucet is "closed" or there is a problem with the water supply pipe 2. In this case, the process proceeds to step S12 to return (switch) the purified water system 1 from the purified water mode to the raw water mode.

[0024] In step S10, it is confirmed again whether the amount of water flowing through the water supply pipe 2 is equal to or more than a certain amount. Similar to the case of step S7 above, when the amount of water flowing through the water supply pipe 2 is below a certain level (N), it is possible that the faucet is "closed" or there is a problem with the water supply pipe 2. Therefore, the process proceeds to step S12 to return (switch) the purified water system 1 from the purified water mode to the raw water mode.

[0025] In step S10, when the amount of water flowing through the water supply pipe 2 exceeds a certain amount, it is determined that purified water is being normally discharged from the faucet.

[0026] In step S11, when the purified water continuously discharges from the faucet for more than a predetermined time T2 seconds, as shown in (F) of FIG. 6, after closing the second solenoid valve 11 (SV2) in step S12, the first solenoid valve 10 (SV1) is opened in step S13 to switch the water purification system 1 from the purified water mode to the raw water mode. In step S14, the control unit 30 makes the buzzer 33 emit a buzzer sound "pee". Thereby, the operator is made to recognize that the water purification system 1 is in the raw water mode. When the water purification system 1 switches to the raw water mode, it returns to step S2 and enters the detection state of the purified water mode. In this way, by limiting the continuous discharge time of the purified water mode, excessive use of the purified water mode is prevented, and the shortening of the life of the filter 16 in the water purifier 20 is suppressed.

[0027] Also, in step S11, the integrated time of the use time in the purified water mode may be determined. By setting T2 seconds as the available time (life time) of the filter 16, the life of the filter 16 is determined in step S11. When the life is reached, a buzzer sound different from others, for example, "pipipipie", is emitted from the buzzer 33 in step S14, so that the operator can be informed of the life of the filter 16 and the replacement of the filter 16 can be promoted.

[0028] As shown in (E) of FIG. 6, when the faucet is closed to stop the discharge in the purified water mode, steps S12 to S14 are performed as described above to switch the water purification system 1 from the purified water mode to the raw water mode.

[0029] As described above, in the water purification system 1 according to the present invention, the raw water mode and the purified water mode can be switched by operating the faucet in a simple operation pattern. Therefore, an operation touch panel as disclosed in Patent Document 1 is not required. As a result, for example, when installing the water purification system under the sink, it is not necessary to perform additional processing on the upper surface or side surface of the sink for the operation part, so the water purification system can be easily installed on the existing sink, faucet, etc. Also, the equipment cost and construction cost can be suppressed.

[0030] Next, the control of the third electromagnetic valve 12 (SV3) provided in the hot water supply pipe 3 will be described. As shown in FIGS. 6(G) and 6(H), the third electromagnetic valve 12 (SV3) and the second electromagnetic valve 11 (SV2) are exclusively controlled to open and close. That is, when the second electromagnetic valve 11 (SV2) is "open", the third electromagnetic valve 12 (SV3) is "closed" (FIG. 6(G)), and when the second electromagnetic valve 11 (SV2) is "closed", the third electromagnetic valve 12 (SV3) is "open" (FIG. 6(H)), and it is controlled by the control unit 30. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the purified water and hot water from being discharged from the faucet at the same time, and it is possible to prevent an accident in which hot water is mixed into the purified water.

[0031] Here, the purified water system 1 is an example of a purified water system, the water supply pipe 2 is an example of a raw water path, the main pipe 5 is an example of a raw water channel, the side pipe 6 is an example of a purified water path, the diverter 18 is an example of a branch portion, the confluence 19 is an example of a confluence portion, the first electromagnetic valve 10 (SV1) is an example of a first electromagnetic valve, the second electromagnetic valve 11 (SV2) is an example of a second electromagnetic valve, the third electromagnetic valve 12 (SV3) is an example of a third electromagnetic valve, the water purifier 20 is an example of a water purifier, the flow sensor 17 is an example of a flow sensor, the control unit 30 is an example of a control unit, and the buzzer 33 is an example of a buzzer.

[0032] As described above in detail, the embodiments of the present invention are merely illustrative, and the present invention is not to be construed as being limited in any way by the specific descriptions in these embodiments. It can be implemented in various modified, corrected, and improved forms based on the knowledge of those skilled in the art. It should be understood that any such embodiments are included within the scope of the present invention as long as they do not depart from the spirit of the present invention.

[0033] In the above-described embodiment, the buzzer sound of the buzzer 33 is used to identify whether the water purification system 1 is in the raw water mode or the purified water mode. However, the identification method is not limited to this. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, a vibrator 34 may be provided, and identification may be possible by a vibration signal (vibration pattern). This enables even hearing-impaired persons to identify. Also, both the buzzer sound and the vibration signal may be used in combination. In this case, reliable identification is possible even in an environment where the voice is difficult to hear. The identification means is not limited to the buzzer sound or the vibration signal, and may be made visually identifiable by an LED or the like.

[0034] Also, the buzzer sound is not limited to that shown in the above-described embodiment, and various patterns of buzzer sounds can be adopted, and appropriate buzzer sounds may be generated as appropriate according to various states even in cases other than that shown in the above-described embodiment. Further, for example, in the purified water mode, a buzzer sound may be continuously generated such as "Pit, Pit, Pit,...". In this case, the purified water mode can be recognized more accurately.

[0035] Also, a speaker may be adopted instead of the buzzer 33. In this case, each state of the water purification system can be identified by a melody, and the water purification system can be used comfortably without a sense of discomfort.

[0036] Also, the operation pattern of the karan for switching the water purification system 1 shown in the above-described embodiment from the raw water mode to the purified water mode is an example and is not limited thereto. Of course, other operation patterns may be adopted.

[0037] Also, in the above-described embodiment, an electromagnetic valve is adopted for opening and closing the main pipe 5 and the like, but it is not limited thereto. For example, a battery valve or the like may be adopted. Thereby, a battery can be adopted as the power source, and electrical work becomes unnecessary compared to the case of using a commercial power source.

[0038] Also, in the water purification system 1 shown in the above-described embodiment, the configuration includes the hot water supply pipe 3, but it may be configured with only the water supply pipe 2.

[0039] Describe the technical idea that can be grasped from the above embodiment. (1) A raw water path connected to a water pipe, A branch part that branches the raw water path into a raw water channel and a purified water channel with a water purifier interposed therebetween, A first electromagnetic valve provided in the raw water channel, A second electromagnetic valve provided between the branch part and the water purifier in the purified water channel, A confluence part that merges the raw water channel and the purified water channel branched by the branch part, A faucet connected to the confluence part, through which raw water or purified water flows out, A flow sensor provided in the path between the confluence part and the faucet, In a water purification system including a control part that controls the first electromagnetic valve and the second electromagnetic valve, The control part controls the opening and closing of the first electromagnetic valve and the second electromagnetic valve based on an output signal output from the flow sensor according to the operation of the faucet, and is characterized in that raw water and purified water can be switched.

[0040] (2) The control part is provided with a buzzer, and the buzzer sound enables identification of whether the water has been switched to raw water or purified water. The water purification system according to the technical idea (2).

[0041] (3) The control part is provided with a vibrator, and the vibration signal from the vibrator enables identification of whether the water has been switched to raw water or purified water. The water purification system according to the technical idea (1) or (2).

[0042] (4) In a water purification system including a hot water path connected to the faucet, The hot water path is provided with a third electromagnetic valve, The control part exclusively operates the second electromagnetic valve and the third electromagnetic valve. The water purification system according to any one of the technical ideas (1) to (3).

[0043] (5) The above-mentioned faucet operation is characterized in that the opening and closing of the faucet is carried out at a predetermined time interval to enable switching between raw water and purified water, and it is a water purification system according to any one of technical ideas (1) to (4).

[0044] (6) A raw water path connected to a water supply pipe, A branch portion that branches the raw water path into a raw water channel and a purified water channel with a water purifier interposed therebetween, A first electromagnetic valve provided in the raw water channel, A second electromagnetic valve provided between the branch portion and the water purifier in the purified water channel, A confluence portion that merges the raw water channel and the purified water channel branched by the branch portion, A faucet connected to the confluence portion and discharging raw water or purified water, A flow sensor provided in the path between the confluence portion and the faucet, In a water purification system including a control portion that controls the first electromagnetic valve and the second electromagnetic valve, the control portion controls the opening and closing of the first electromagnetic valve and the second electromagnetic valve based on an output signal output from the flow sensor according to the operation of the faucet, enabling switching between raw water and purified water, The control of the control portion includes control to close the first electromagnetic valve and open the second electromagnetic valve based on the output signal output from the flow sensor to switch from raw water to purified water. It is a water purification system characterized by this.

[0045] (7) A raw water path connected to a water supply pipe, A branch portion that branches the raw water path into a raw water channel and a purified water channel with a water purifier interposed therebetween, A first electromagnetic valve provided in the raw water channel, A second electromagnetic valve provided between the branch portion and the water purifier in the purified water channel, A confluence portion that merges the raw water channel and the purified water channel branched by the branch portion, A faucet connected to the confluence portion and discharging raw water or purified water, A flow sensor provided in the path between the confluence portion and the faucet, In a water purification system including a control unit that controls the first electromagnetic valve and the second electromagnetic valve, the control unit controls the opening and closing of the first electromagnetic valve and the second electromagnetic valve based on an output signal output from the flow sensor according to an operation of the faucet, enabling switching between raw water and purified water. The control by the control unit includes control for switching from raw water to purified water by changing the first electromagnetic valve from an open state to a closed state and changing the second electromagnetic valve from a closed state to an open state based on the output signal output from the flow sensor. The control for switching from raw water to purified water by the control unit is based on a pattern in which, when raw water flows out of the faucet and an output signal is output from the flow sensor while the first electromagnetic valve is open and the second electromagnetic valve is closed, the output signal is interrupted once and then output again, changing the first electromagnetic valve from an open state to a closed state and changing the second electromagnetic valve from a closed state to an open state. A water purification system characterized by this.

[0046] (8) A raw water path connected to a water pipe, a branch portion that branches the raw water path into a raw water channel and a purified water channel with a water purifier interposed therebetween, a first electromagnetic valve provided in the raw water channel, a second electromagnetic valve provided between the branch portion and the water purifier in the purified water channel, a confluence portion that merges the raw water channel and the purified water channel branched by the branch portion, a faucet connected to the confluence portion and discharging raw water or purified water, a flow sensor provided in the path between the confluence portion and the faucet, In a water purification system including a control unit that controls the first electromagnetic valve and the second electromagnetic valve, The control unit controls the opening and closing of the first electromagnetic valve and the second electromagnetic valve based on the pattern of fluctuations in the output signal output from the flow sensor according to the operation pattern of the faucet, and the water purification system is characterized in that it can be arbitrarily switched by the operator from the raw water mode to the purified water mode.

[0047] (9) A raw water path connected to a water supply pipe, A branch part that branches the raw water path into a raw water channel and a purified water channel with a water purifier interposed therebetween, A first electromagnetic valve provided in the raw water channel, A second electromagnetic valve provided between the branch part and the water purifier in the purified water channel, A confluence part that merges the raw water channel and the purified water channel branched by the branch part, A faucet that is connected to the confluence part and discharges raw water or purified water, In a control unit used in a water purification system including a flow sensor provided in a path between the confluence part and the faucet, Based on the pattern of fluctuations in the output signal output from the flow sensor according to the operation pattern of the faucet, the opening and closing of the first electromagnetic valve and the second electromagnetic valve are controlled, and the water purification system can be arbitrarily switched by the operator from the raw water mode to the purified water mode.

Explanation of symbols

[0048] 1 ··· Water purification system 2 ··· Water supply pipe for water 3 ··· Water supply pipe for hot water 4 ··· Inflow pipe 5 ··· Main pipe 6 ··· Side pipe 7 ··· Confluence pipe 10 ··· First electromagnetic valve (SV1) 11 ··· Second electromagnetic valve (SV2) 12 ··· Third electromagnetic valve (SV3) 13, 14, 15 ··· Check valve 16 ··· Filter 17 ··· Flow sensor 18 ··· Shunt 19 ··· Confluence 20··Water purifier 30··Control unit 33··Buzzer

Claims

[Claim 1] A water purification system that can be switched between a raw water mode in which raw water is discharged from a faucet and a purified water mode in which purified water is discharged from the faucet, and includes a flow sensor that measures the flow rate of the raw water or purified water discharged from the faucet, and a control unit that outputs a signal for switching from the raw water mode to the purified water mode based on an output signal output from the flow sensor, The control unit of this water purification system is capable of outputting a signal to switch from raw water mode to purified water mode at the discretion of the operator of the faucet based on the pattern of fluctuation in the output signal output from the flow sensor, which corresponds to the operation pattern of the faucet.

Images