Water purification system

Abstract

To provide a water purification system capable of being easily installed in an already installed sink by making it possible to switch between raw water and purified water based on the output of a flow sensor in response to the operation of a faucet.SOLUTION: A water purification system 1 in which a water main 2 connected to a water pipe is branched into a main pipe 5 and a side pipe 6 with a water purifier 20 installed. A first battery valve 10 is installed in the main pipe 5 and a second battery valve 11 is installed in the side pipe 6, a flow sensor 17 is installed in the confluence pipe 7 where the main pipe 5 and the side pipe 6 join, and raw water or purified water is discharged from a faucet. In the purification system 1, the first and second battery valves 10 and 11 are controlled to be opened and closed based on the pattern of fluctuation of the output signal output from the flow sensor 17 according to the operation pattern of the faucet, enabling switching from a raw water mode to a purified water mode at the operator's discretion.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 an under-sink type water purifier that provides a side pipe with a water purifier interposed in a 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, a water purification device using the under-sink type water purifier that switches between raw water and purified water (that has passed through the water purifier in the side pipe) by operating a touch panel is disclosed.

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 in 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., which requires additional construction work, and thus 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 in 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] To achieve the above object, the water purification system according to claim 1 includes a raw water path connected to a water pipe, a branch portion that branches the raw water path into a raw water pipe and a purified water path with a water purifier interposed therebetween, a first solenoid valve provided in the raw water pipe, a second solenoid valve provided between the branch portion and the water purifier in the purified water path, a confluence portion that merges the raw water pipe and the purified water path branched by the branch portion, a faucet connected to the confluence portion and discharging raw water or purified water, a flow sensor provided in a path between the confluence portion and the faucet, and a control unit that controls the first solenoid valve and the second solenoid valve. In the water purification system, the control unit controls the opening and closing of the first solenoid valve and the second solenoid valve based on a pattern of fluctuations in an output signal output from the flow sensor according to an operation pattern of the faucet, and can be arbitrarily switched from a raw water mode to a purified water mode by an operator.

Advantages of the Invention

[0007] In the water purification system according to claim 1, the opening and closing of the first solenoid valve and the second solenoid valve are controlled based on a pattern of fluctuations in an output signal output from the flow sensor according to an operation pattern of the faucet, and can be arbitrarily switched from a raw water mode to a purified water mode by an operator. 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. Also, the cost of equipment and construction costs 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 water supply pipe 2 and a hot water supply pipe 3 are provided in parallel. The 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 "faucet"), and the hot water and water passing through the water supply pipe 2 and the hot water supply pipe 3 are discharged from the faucet as hot water, water, or warm water mixed thereof by the action of the mixing valve (hereinafter referred to as the "operation of the faucet").

[0011] The water supply pipe 2 for water 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), and a side pipe 6 with a water purifier 20 (composed of a filter 16 and a check valve 15) interposed therebetween. The main pipe 5 and the side pipe 6 are joined by a confluence pipe 7 formed 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 on 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, respectively, on the main pipe 5 and the side pipe 6. Further, a flow sensor 17 for measuring the flow rate of water is provided on the confluence pipe 7. Here, the installation of the check valve is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and if necessary, an appropriate number may be provided at an appropriate position as appropriate. Also, a third solenoid valve 12 (SV3) for opening and closing the hot water supply pipe 3 is provided on 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 device 31 composed of a CPU or the like. 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 are connected to the arithmetic device 31.

[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 device 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, in the water supply pipe 2 of the water purification system 1 according to the present invention, a control procedure for switching between raw water and water (hereinafter referred to as "purified water") that has passed through the side pipe 6 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 supply 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, the power supply of the water purification system 1 is turned on 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 electromagnetic valve 10 (SV1) to be "open" and the second electromagnetic valve 11 (SV2) to be "closed". In this case, as shown in FIG. 5(A), the control is performed such that the first electromagnetic valve 10 (SV1) becomes "open" after the second electromagnetic valve 11 (SV2) becomes "closed". Thereby, in the operation standby state, the 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 recognize that the water purification system 1 is in the raw water mode. Here, by closing the second electromagnetic valve 11 (SV2) and then opening the first electromagnetic 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 shortening of the life of the filter 16 can be suppressed.

[0018] In step S2, detection of the water purification mode is performed. In the present embodiment, an operation of the faucet is executed in which the faucet is closed for T0 seconds and then opened again. Then, as shown in (D) of FIG. 5, 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 "water purification mode switching signal"). That is, when the water purification 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 water purification mode, and thus proceeds to step S3. If not detected (N), the process remains in step S2 and waits for the detection of the water purification 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 water purification mode by operating the faucet.

[0019] In step S3, it is confirmed whether the amount of water flowing in the water service pipe 2 is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount. When water flows through the water service pipe 2, a clock signal is output from the flow sensor 17 as the output signal as shown in (B) of FIG. 5. The frequency (Hz) of the clock signal becomes higher as the amount of water flowing through the water service 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 confirming 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 (D) of FIG. 5, 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 in the water service pipe 2 will temporarily decrease, so the control unit 30 may erroneously detect, for example, the closing of a faucet or the like. Therefore, 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 in the water service pipe 2 to be equal to or more than a predetermined amount.

[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". Thereby, the operator can be made 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 identify 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, if the amount of water flowing in the water service pipe 2 is maintained at a predetermined amount 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 "Pip". Thereby, the operator can be made to recognize that the water discharged from the faucet is potable purified water.

[0023] In step S7, if the amount of water flowing in the water service pipe 2 is less than or equal to a predetermined amount (N), the faucet may be closed or there may be a problem in the water service pipe 2. In this case, the process proceeds to step S12, and the water purification system 1 is returned (switched) from the purified water mode to the raw water mode.

[0024] In step S10, it is confirmed again whether the amount of water flowing in the water supply pipe 2 is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount. Similar to the case of step S7 above, when the amount of water flowing in the water supply pipe 2 is equal to or less than the predetermined amount (N), since the faucet is "closed" or there may be a problem in the water supply pipe 2, the process proceeds to step S12, and the water purification system 1 is set to return (switch) from the water purification mode to the raw water mode.

[0025] If, in step S10, the amount of water flowing in the water supply pipe 2 exceeds the predetermined amount, it is determined that the purified water is being normally discharged from the faucet.

[0026] In step S11, if the purified water is continuously discharged 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 water purification mode to the raw water mode. In step S14, the control unit 30 causes the buzzer 33 to emit a buzzer sound "beep". Thereby, the operator is made aware that the water purification system 1 is in the raw water mode. When the water purification system 1 is switched to the raw water mode, the process returns to step S2 and enters the detection state of the water purification mode. In this way, by limiting the continuous discharge time of the water purification mode, excessive use of the water purification 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 of the water purification mode may be determined. By setting T2 seconds as the available time (life time) of the filter 16, in step S11, the life of the filter 16 is determined. When the life is reached, by making the buzzer sound from the buzzer 33 in step S14 different from others, for example, "pipipipie", 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 in the purified water mode to stop the discharge, as described above, steps S12 to S14 are performed 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, by operating the faucet in a simple operation pattern, the raw water mode and the purified water mode can be switched. 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 work on the operation part on the upper surface or side surface of the sink, so the water purification system can be easily installed in an existing sink or faucet. In addition, 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 (G) and (H) of FIG. 6, 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 is controlled by the control unit 30. Thereby, it is possible to prevent purified water and hot water from being discharged from the faucet at the same time, and to prevent an accident in which hot water is mixed into the purified water.

[0031] Here, the water purification system 1 is an example of a water purification 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 part, the confluence 19 is an example of a confluence part, 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 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 as long as such embodiments do not deviate from the spirit of the present invention, they are all included within the scope of the present invention.

[0033] In the above embodiment, the water purification system 1 identifies whether it is in the raw water mode or the purified water mode by the buzzer sound of the buzzer 33. 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 made possible by a vibration signal (vibration pattern). This enables even hearing-impaired persons to make the identification. 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 embodiment, and various patterns of buzzer sounds can be adopted. Appropriate buzzer sounds may be emitted as appropriate according to various states even in cases other than those shown in the above embodiment. Further, for example, during the purified water mode, a buzzer sound may be continuously emitted 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 embodiment from the raw water mode to the purified water mode is an example and is not limited to this. Of course, other operation patterns may be adopted.

[0037] In addition, in the above-described embodiment, a solenoid valve is employed for opening and closing the main pipe 5 or the like, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, a battery valve or the like may be employed. As a result, a battery can be used as the power source, eliminating the need for electrical work compared to the case of using a commercial power source.

[0038] Moreover, 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 cold water supply pipe 2.

[0039] The technical idea grasped from the above-described embodiment will be described. (1) A raw water path connected to a water pipe, A branch portion that branches the raw water path into a raw water pipe and a purified water path with a water purifier interposed therebetween, A first solenoid valve provided in the raw water pipe, A second solenoid valve provided between the branch portion and the water purifier in the purified water path, A confluence portion that merges the raw water pipe and the purified water path 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 solenoid valve and the second solenoid valve, The control unit controls the opening and closing of the first solenoid valve and the second solenoid valve based on an output signal output from the flow sensor in response to the operation of the faucet, enabling switching between raw water and purified water. A water purification system characterized by this.

[0040] (2) The control unit is provided with a buzzer, and it is possible to identify whether the switching is to raw water or purified water by the buzzer sound. The water purification system according to the technical idea (2).

[0041] (3) The control unit is provided with a vibrator, and it is possible to identify whether the switching is to raw water or purified water by a vibration signal from the vibrator. The water purification system according to the technical idea (1) or (2).

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

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

[0044] (6) 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 solenoid valve provided in the raw water channel, a second solenoid 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 that is connected to the confluence portion and discharges raw water or purified water, a flow sensor provided in a path between the confluence portion and the faucet, In a water purification system including a control unit that controls the first solenoid valve and the second solenoid valve, the control unit controls the opening and closing of the first solenoid valve and the second solenoid valve based on an output signal output from the flow sensor in response to the operation of the faucet, enabling switching between raw water and purified water, The control of the control unit includes control to close the first solenoid valve and open the second solenoid valve based on an output signal output from the flow sensor to switch from raw water to purified water. A water purification system characterized by this.

[0045] (7) 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 path; a second electromagnetic valve provided between the branch portion and the water purifier in the purified water path; a confluence portion that joins the raw water path and the purified water path branched by the branch portion; a faucet that is connected to the confluence portion and discharges raw water or purified water; a flow sensor provided in a 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 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, and enables switching between raw water and purified water. The control of the control unit includes control for switching from raw water to purified water by closing the first electromagnetic valve from an open state and opening the second electromagnetic valve from a closed state based on an output signal output from the flow sensor. The control for switching from raw water to purified water by the control unit is characterized in that, when raw water flows out from 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, based on a pattern in which the output signal is interrupted once and then output again, the first electromagnetic valve is closed from an open state and the second electromagnetic valve is opened from a closed state.

[0046] (8) a raw water path connected to a water pipe, a branch portion that branches the raw water path into a raw water path and a purified water path with a water purifier interposed therebetween, a first electromagnetic valve provided in the raw water path, a second electromagnetic valve provided between the branch portion and the water purifier in the purified water path, a confluence portion that joins the raw water path and the purified water path branched by the branch portion, a faucet that is connected to the confluence portion and discharges raw water or purified water, A flow sensor provided in a path between the confluence section 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 a pattern of fluctuations in an output signal output from the flow sensor according to an operation pattern of the faucet, and is arbitrarily switchable by an operator from a raw water mode to a purified water mode. A water purification system characterized by this.

[0047] (9) A raw water path connected to a water supply pipe, A branch section 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 section and the water purifier in the purified water channel, A confluence section that joins the raw water channel and the purified water channel branched by the branch section, A faucet that is connected to the confluence section and through which raw water or purified water flows out, In a control unit used in a water purification system including a flow sensor provided in a path between the confluence section and the faucet, Based on a pattern of fluctuations in an output signal output from the flow sensor according to an 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 an operator from a raw water mode to a purified water mode. A control unit characterized by this.

Explanation of Signs

[0048] 1 ··· Water purification system 2 ··· Water supply pipe for water 3 ··· Hot water supply pipe 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 ··· Manifold 20 ··· Water purifier 30 ··· Control unit 33 ··· Buzzer

Claims

[Claim 1] A raw water route connected to a water pipe; A branching section that branches the raw water path into a raw water path and a purified water path through a water purifier; A first cell valve provided in the raw water channel; A second battery valve provided in the water purification channel between the branching portion and the water purifier; A junction section that joins the raw water channel and the purified water channel branched by the branch section; A faucet connected to the confluence and for discharging raw water or purified water; a flow sensor provided in a path between the junction and the faucet; A water purification system including a control unit that controls the first battery valve and the second battery valve, The control unit controls the opening and closing of the first battery valve and the second battery valve based on the pattern of fluctuation in the output signal output from the flow sensor in response to the operation pattern of the faucet, and is characterized in that the water purification system can be switched from raw water mode to purified water mode at the operator's discretion.

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