Faucet-mounted water purifier

Abstract

To provide a faucet direct-coupled type water purifier with reduced vibration of rotation axis on rotation of a water wheel of a flow rate detection part, not generating noise during use hence being capable to be used comfortably by users, and capable of stabilizing detection accuracy of a flow rate.SOLUTION: The invention relates to a faucet direct-coupled type water purifier assembled with a flow rate detection part installed in a channel, wherein the flow rate detection part has a rotatable water wheel having a water wheel axis, the water wheel axis is supported by an upstream bearing member on an upstream side of the channel, is supported by a downstream bearing member on a downstream side of the channel. When observing the water wheel axis from the upstream side of channel, central angles corresponding to arcs of portions not supported by the upstream side bearing member among arcs of the water wheel axis are respectively 120 degree or under.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a faucet-mounted water purifier that is attached to a faucet in a home or the like. [Background technology]

[0002] Faucet-mounted water purifiers are known, equipped with replaceable filtration cartridges filled with filter media such as hollow fiber membranes and activated carbon, which are attached to household faucets to filter tap water. Because the flow rate of the filtration cartridge can decrease if iron rust or other substances contained in tap water clog the hollow fiber membrane, or the adsorption performance of the activated carbon can decrease if a large amount of organic matter contained in tap water is adsorbed, users must periodically replace the filtration cartridge with a new one to continue using it. If the replacement interval is appropriate, users can always enjoy delicious purified water.

[0003] If iron rust or other substances clog the hollow fiber membrane and cause a decrease in flow rate, users will easily notice it. However, if a large amount of organic matter is adsorbed and the activated carbon's adsorption performance decreases, users will find it difficult to notice because there is almost no change in taste or color. The decrease in activated carbon's adsorption performance is correlated with the total amount of filtered water that has passed through, so it is possible to measure and accumulate the filtration flow rate. However, since the amount of filtered water used changes daily, measurement is complicated and troublesome. For this reason, water purifiers with flow meters are known. Among water purifiers with flow meters, faucet-mounted types are known to measure the flow rate by rotating a water wheel integrated with a magnet using the water flow, and then detecting the changing magnetic field with a magnetic switch to measure the flow rate.

[0004] Furthermore, various structures have been proposed to keep the water turbine in place to prevent it from falling off from its designated position and making it impossible to detect the flow rate. For example, Patent Document 1 proposes a water purifier equipped with a flow meter in which the water turbine is supported on the downstream side of the flow path and a stopper installed on the upstream side of the water turbine restricts the water turbine's movement upstream, thereby preventing the water turbine from coming off without impeding its rotation. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-178245 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] However, the flowmeter disclosed in Patent Document 1 supports a water turbine with a bottomed hole in a cantilever manner by fitting it onto a shaft attached to a support member on the downstream side, which makes the water turbine shaft prone to vibration, resulting in a decrease in the accuracy of flow rate measurement.In addition, because the water turbine shaft is prone to vibration, the water turbine comes into contact with the pipeline wall, generating abnormal noise during use.

[0007] In view of the above problems, the present invention provides a faucet-mounted water purifier that reduces the vibration of the rotating shaft when the water wheel of the flow rate detection unit rotates, does not generate abnormal noise during use, allows the user to use it comfortably, and stabilizes the accuracy of flow rate detection. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The present invention, which solves the above problems, is a faucet-mounted water purifier that is supported and fixed to a faucet and includes a flow path switching valve having a raw water inlet that receives raw water, a filtration cartridge that purifies the raw water, a purified water outlet that discharges purified water, a raw water pipe that connects the flow path switching valve to the filtration cartridge, a purified water pipe that connects the filtration cartridge to the purified water outlet, and a flow rate detection unit installed in the raw water pipe or the purified water pipe, the flow rate detection unit includes a cylindrical portion, blades fixed to the periphery of the cylindrical portion, a magnet fixed inside the cylindrical portion, a rotatable water wheel having a water wheel shaft passing through the cylindrical portion, and a magnetic switch; a portion of the water turbine shaft protruding upstream of the flow path beyond the cylindrical portion is supported by an upstream support member, a portion of the water turbine shaft protruding downstream of the flow path beyond the cylindrical portion is inserted into and supported by a bottomed hole of a downstream support member fixed to the raw water pipeline or the purified water pipeline and having a bottomed hole; When the water turbine shaft is observed from the upstream side of the flow path, the central angles corresponding to the arcs of the water turbine shaft that are not supported by the upstream support member are all 120 degrees or less.

[0009] In the faucet-mounted water purifier of the present invention, it is preferable that the upstream support member is integrated with the raw water pipeline or the purified water pipeline.

[0010] In the faucet-mounted water purifier of the present invention, it is preferable that the waterwheel shaft is made of metal, the cylindrical portion and the blades are made of resin, and a plurality of the blades are provided on the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion.

[0011] In the faucet-mounted water purifier of the present invention, it is preferable that a plurality of the upstream support members are arranged radially about the central axis of the raw water pipeline or the purified water pipeline. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] In the faucet-mounted water purifier of the present invention, the water wheel shaft of the water wheel that constitutes the flow path detection unit is supported by support members on both the upstream and downstream sides, so the water wheel shaft rotates stably without vibration, allowing for accurate flow rate detection. Furthermore, because the water wheel blades do not come into contact with the pipe wall, the noise generated by the rotation of the water wheel can be reduced. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] 1 is a front view of a water purifier showing an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] 1 is a top view of a water purifier according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a right side view of the water purifier according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 3 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view taken along line AA of the water purifier shown in FIG. 2. [Figure 5] 3 is a longitudinal BB cross-sectional view of the water purifier shown in FIG. 2. [Figure 6] 1 is a cross-sectional view of a filtration cartridge of a water purifier showing an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7]1 is a perspective view of a valve body used in a water purifier according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] 3 is a longitudinal cross section of the water purifier shown in FIG. 2 taken along the line EE. [Figure 9] FIG. 3 is a CC longitudinal sectional view of the water purifier shown in FIG. 2. [Figure 10] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a power supply unit 101 used in a water purifier according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is an enlarged view of part A of the water purifier shown in FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a flow rate detection unit 102 used in a water purifier according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] 1 is a right side view of a flow path switching valve body 13 of a water purifier showing an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 14] FIG. 2 is a front view of a control unit 104 of the water purifier showing an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] 1 is an illustration showing the switching states of a water purifier according to an embodiment of the present invention, namely, "purified water," "raw water straight," and "raw water shower." [Figure 16] 3 is an enlarged view of a control unit in the DD cross section of the water purifier shown in FIG. 2. FIG. [Figure 17] 1 is a perspective view of a downstream support member of a water purifier showing an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 18] 1 is a view showing a raw water pipe, a purified water pipe, and an upstream support member provided in the purified water pipe of a water purifier according to an embodiment of the present invention, viewed from the downstream side of the purified water pipe. [Figure 19] FIG. 10 is a view showing the state in which the water turbine shaft is supported by the upstream support member, observed from the upstream side, in one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 20] FIG. 10 is a view of another embodiment of the present invention, in which the water turbine shaft is supported by the upstream support, as viewed from the downstream side. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings, taking as an example a water purifier that can be attached to a faucet in a home kitchen or the like.

[0015] FIG. 1 is a front view of a water purifier according to an embodiment of the present invention. The water purifier of the present invention is composed of a main body 2 incorporating a flow path switching valve, a filter cartridge 3 containing a filter medium, and the like, as shown in FIG. 6. The main body 2 is provided with a lever 5, and by operating the lever 5, raw water flowing in from a faucet 4 through a raw water inlet can be selectively discharged as shower water (raw water shower), as straight water (raw water straight), or supplied to the filter cartridge 3. The raw water supplied to the filter cartridge 3 is filtered by an adsorbent such as activated carbon or a hollow fiber membrane, and then discharged as purified water from a purified water outlet.

[0016] First, the main body 2 will be described. Fig. 2 is a top view of a water purifier according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 3 is a right side view of a water purifier according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 4 is a vertical cross section taken along line AA in Fig. 2, and Fig. 5 is a vertical cross section taken along line BB in Fig. 2.

[0017] As shown in Figures 2 to 5, the main body 2 is composed of a flow path switching valve main body 13 having three valve bodies 11a, 11b, and 11c and a valve shaft 12, a lower body 16 having a raw water shower port 14, a raw water straight port 15, and a purified water outlet 19, an upper body 17 having an opening from which the flow path switching valve main body 13 protrudes on the upper surface, a lever 5 for performing the switching operation, a cartridge cap 91 for fixing the filtration cartridge 3, and an electrical part for accumulating the flow rate and displaying the result.

[0018] A ring-shaped gasket 36 is attached to the flow path switching valve body 13, and an attachment nut 38 is screwed onto the flow path switching valve body 13 via an adapter 37 attached to the tip of the faucet 4, thereby attaching the main body 2 to the faucet 4.

[0019] The interior of flow path switching valve body 13 is divided into an upper chamber 23 and a lower chamber 24 by a partition plate 22 having three water passages 21a, 21b, and 21c. Three valve bodies 11a, 11b, and 11c are arranged in upper chamber 23 so as to correspond to the three water passages 21a, 21b, and 21c.

[0020] Figure 7 is a perspective view of a valve body used in a water purifier according to one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Figure 7, valve bodies 11a, 11b, and 11c are each composed of valves 58a, 58b, and 58c and valve seals 57a, 57b, and 57c. When valve seal 57a of valve body 11a is pressed against partition plate 22, water passage 21a is closed. The same applies to valve bodies 11b and 11c.

[0021] The valve shaft 12 is inserted so that the valve bodies 11a, 11b, and 11c move up and down in response to the rotation of the valve shaft 12. The lower chamber 24 is provided with a flow path 31a leading from the water passage 21a to a raw water supply port 26 (see FIG. 9) that supplies raw water to the filtration cartridge 3, a flow path 31b leading from the water passage 21b to the raw water straight port 15, and a flow path 31c leading from the water passage 21c to the raw water shower port 14.

[0022] As shown in Figure 4, valve stem 12 is provided with valve stem cam portions 27a, 27b, and 27c at positions facing water passages 21a, 21b, and 21c. These valve stem cam portions 27a, 27b, and 27c are provided at intervals of 60° around the circumference of valve stem 12, and by rotating valve stem 12 by 60°, they can be selectively directed upward, pushing up one of valve cam portions 47a, 47b, and 47c provided on valves 58a, 58b, and 58c to open the water passage. The two valve bodies that are not pushed up are pushed down by the corresponding valve stem cam portions, closing the water passage.

[0023] That is, by rotating the valve shaft 12 by a predetermined angle using the valve operating unit 18 described below, one of the water passages 21a, 21b, 21c can be opened, and the raw water flowing in from the faucet 4 can be selected to be discharged as shower water, as straight water, or supplied to the filtration cartridge 3.

[0024] 9 is a cross section taken along the line CC in FIG. 2. As shown in FIG. 9, a raw water supply port 26 for supplying raw water to the filtration cartridge 3 and a purified water receiving port 29 for receiving purified water from the filtration cartridge 3 are provided at the rear side of the flow path switching valve body 13. The raw water supply port 26 is connected to the flow path 31a via a raw water pipe 20, and the purified water receiving port 29 is connected to the purified water outlet 19 via a purified water pipe 30. A water wheel 122 and a downstream support member 123 of the flow rate detection unit 102 (described later) are provided in the purified water pipe 30, and the water wheel 122 rotates when purified water flows through the water wheel 122. A magnetic switch holder 125 of the flow rate detection unit 102 is disposed near the purified water pipe 30.

[0025] Next, a brief description will be given of the filtration cartridge 3. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the filtration cartridge 3 to be installed in a water purifier according to one embodiment of the present invention. The filtration cartridge 3 is provided at the bottom of a container 61 with a raw water receiving inlet 62 that receives raw water from the raw water supply inlet 26 and a purified water supply inlet 63 that supplies purified water to the purified water receiving inlet 29. O-rings 73 and 74 are provided at the raw water receiving inlet 62 and the purified water supply inlet 63, respectively, to prevent water leakage to the outside when connected to the raw water supply inlet 26 and the purified water receiving inlet 29. A cylindrical protrusion 61a is formed on the inner bottom surface of the container 61, and the lower end of a cylindrical body 64 of the hollow fiber membrane module is fitted into the cylindrical protrusion 61a via an O-ring 65. Ring-shaped filters 66 and 67 are fixed to the upper and lower outer peripheries of the cylindrical body 64 to hold an adsorbent layer 70 that treats raw water passing between the outer periphery of the cylindrical body 64 and the inner wall surface of the container 61.

[0026] A hollow fiber membrane bundle 68, which is formed by bundling multiple hollow fiber membranes and bending them into an inverted U-shape, is housed inside the cylindrical body 64. Both ends of the hollow fiber membranes are sealed (potted) at the bottom of the cylindrical body 64 with a curable resin 69 (sealant) filled between each hollow fiber and between the hollow fibers and the cylindrical body 64. Before inserting each hollow fiber membrane into the container 61, the potting is partially cut and removed, so that the ends open toward the purified water supply port 63.

[0027] Between the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical body 64 and the inner wall surface of the container 61, an adsorbent layer 70 made of activated carbon, zeolite, ion exchange resin, chelating resin or the like is disposed.

[0028] The top of the container 61 is open so that the hollow fiber membrane bundle 68 and the adsorbent can be easily filled in, and a transparent cap 71 is fitted in and ultrasonically welded so that the interior can be checked for dirt.

[0029] The filtration cartridge 3 configured as described above is loaded into the main body 2 as shown in Figure 8. A cartridge cap 91 is fixed to the lower body 16 and the upper body 17 in a position that covers the filtration cartridge 3, and serves to fix the filtration cartridge 3 in a predetermined position.

[0030] Next, the valve operating portion 18 that rotates the valve stem 12 will be described with reference to Figures 3 and 8. Figure 8 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view taken along line EE in Figure 2.

[0031] The valve operating part 18 connects a convex part provided on the shaft end of the lever 5 with a convex part provided on the shaft end of the valve shaft 12 via the lever connecting part 8, so that the valve shaft 12 rotates in response to the operation of the lever 5. A groove provided on the lever connecting part 8 is sandwiched between the upper body 17 and the lower body 16, allowing it to rotate about the axis of the valve shaft 12.

[0032] The spring 7 and steel balls 6a and 6b are inserted into a hole provided on the side surface of the cylinder near where the lever connecting portion 8 and the valve shaft 12 abut, with part of the steel ball 6b protruding from the hole portion 9.

[0033] FIG. 13 is a right side view of a flow path switching valve body 13 of a water purifier showing an embodiment of the present invention. The steel balls 6b fit into three recesses 10 provided in the flow path switching valve body 13 at the position where the valve stem 12 is inserted. When the lever 5 is rotated, the steel balls 6b move to adjacent recesses among the three recesses 10 of the flow path switching valve body 13, and the steel balls 6b are repelled by the elastic force of the spring 7 into the recesses 10, creating a clicking sensation that notifies the user that the switching operation has been performed. The number of steel balls may be one. Although a compression spring is used, a leaf spring mechanism may be used to reproduce the clicking sensation.

[0034] Figure 15 is an illustration of "purified water," "straight raw water," and "shower raw water" showing the switching states of a water purifier showing an embodiment of the present invention. A "purified water" illustration 171a, a "straight raw water" illustration 171b, and a "shower raw water" illustration 171c showing the switching states as shown in Figure 15 are printed on the upper body 17. The indication of the switching state may be text only, or both text and illustrations.

[0035] Next, we will explain the electrical unit that integrates the flow rate and displays the results. The electrical unit is composed of a power supply unit 101 shown in Fig. 4, a flow rate detection unit 102, a control unit 104, and a reset unit 153 shown in Fig. 9.

[0036] 10 is an exploded perspective view of a power supply unit 101 used in a water purifier according to one embodiment of the present invention. The power supply unit 101 is composed of a battery holder 115 sandwiched between the upper body 17 and the lower body 16, a coin-type manganese dioxide lithium battery 111 (hereinafter referred to as battery 111), an anode metal fitting 113, a cathode metal fitting 114, and a removable battery cover 112 that secures the battery in a watertight manner.

[0037] Battery cover 112 has a cylindrical battery attachment section 116 and an O-ring 117 around its periphery, which prevents water from entering battery attachment section 116 when battery cover 112 is attached to battery holder 115 via a bayonet mechanism. Cylindrical battery attachment section 116 has a notch 118, which allows users to easily insert a finger into and remove the battery. The surface of battery cover 112 also has a recess 119 for inserting and turning a coin, with letters and illustrations engraved around the recess indicating the battery specifications and the direction of rotation for opening and closing. Therefore, after confirming the battery specifications and the direction of rotation of battery cover 112, users can use a coin to remove battery cover 112 from battery holder 115 and replace the battery.

[0038] The anode metal fitting 113 and cathode metal fitting 114 mounted inside the battery holder 115 are each connected by lead wires to the control unit 104 shown in Figure 9, and power from the battery 111 is supplied to the control unit 104. The lead wires and battery holder 115 are sealed with silicone rubber to prevent water from seeping down the lead wires into the anode metal fitting 113, cathode metal fitting 114, and even the battery mounting section 116. As long as the anode metal fitting 113, cathode metal fitting 114, and the exposed core wires of the lead wires can be waterproofed, urethane resin potting or sealing with a rubber cap may be used instead of silicone rubber.

[0039] The battery may be a primary or secondary battery, and may be a lithium battery such as a manganese dioxide lithium battery, which can supply power stably for a long period of time at a relatively high voltage, or an alkaline battery, a manganese battery, a silver oxide battery, or a zinc-air battery. Furthermore, small batteries such as button or coin types are preferred because they are lightweight and do not require a large installation space. Small batteries do not significantly increase the size or weight of the main body, and do not result in a significant increase in cost.

[0040] Fig. 11 is an enlarged view of part 102 in Fig. 9. Fig. 12 is an exploded perspective view of flow rate detection unit 102 used in a water purifier according to one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Figs. 11 and 12, flow rate detection unit 102 is composed of a water wheel 122 containing a magnet 121, a magnetic switch 124 that is energized in response to the rotation of water wheel 122 and the magnet, and a magnetic switch holder 125 that supports and fixes magnetic switch 124. Water wheel 122 is rotatably supported on an upstream support member 133 on the upstream side, and rotatably supported on a downstream support member 123 on the downstream side.

[0041] As shown in Figures 9 and 11, the upstream support member 133 is integral with the purified water pipeline 30. By molding the upstream support member 133 integrally with the pipeline, there is no need to prepare a separate member for the pipeline, which reduces manufacturing costs and improves assembly. As shown in Figures 11 and 12, the downstream support member 123 is fitted into and fixed in the purified water pipeline 30.

[0042] As shown in Figures 11 and 12, the waterwheel 122 has a cylindrical resin tubular section 131 with multiple resin blades 132 formed around its outer periphery. A magnet 121 and a metal waterwheel shaft 126 are fixed coaxially with the tubular section 131. The magnet 121 is integrally molded within the tubular section 131 to prevent contact with water. To prevent the magnet 121 from falling off or rusting, it is preferable to insert the magnet 121 into a magnet mounting hole provided in the molded waterwheel component and then weld the opening of the magnet mounting hole with a resin lid or seal it with a curable resin (sealant). Polyurethane resin is preferred as the curable resin because of its higher safety, but epoxy resin, other sealants, and adhesives may also be used. Coating the magnet itself is also preferable to prevent rusting of the magnet 121. In addition to rare earth magnets with strong magnetic force, ferrite magnets and other magnets may also be used for the magnet 121. The water wheel 122 is rotatably supported by the upstream support member 133 at a portion of the water wheel shaft 126 that protrudes upstream beyond the tubular portion 131, and is rotatably supported by the downstream support member 123 at a portion of the water wheel shaft 126 that protrudes downstream beyond the tubular portion 131. By making the water wheel shaft 126 out of metal, sliding properties with the upstream support member 133 and downstream support member 123 are improved compared to when it is made of resin, allowing the water wheel 122 to rotate smoothly.

[0043] As shown in Figure 11, the metal shaft 126 of the water wheel 122 is inserted into a blind hole 128 in the downstream support member 123, preventing the water wheel 122 from shifting downstream. As shown in Figure 17, the outer circumferential surface of the downstream support member 123 is provided with a plurality of ribs 127 extending in the axial direction. When the downstream support member 123 is inserted into the purified water pipeline 30, the ribs 127 deform slightly, thereby firmly fixing the downstream support member 123 to the purified water pipeline 30.

[0044] 11, the magnetic switch 124 is inserted into the magnetic switch holder 125 and sealed with a hardening resin 137 (sealing material). The magnetic switch 124 is connected to the control unit 104 by a lead wire, and a pulse signal generated by the magnetic switch 124 is transmitted to the control unit 104. The magnetic switch holder 125 containing the magnetic switch 124 is fixed so as to abut against the upper outer circumferential side surface of the purified water pipeline 30 and to be positioned near the water wheel 122.

[0045] 18 is a view of the raw water pipeline 20 and the purified water pipeline 30 as seen from the downstream side of the purified water pipeline 30. In this embodiment, the upstream support member 133 is molded integrally with the purified water pipeline 30, and therefore the upstream support member 133 can also be seen inside the purified water pipeline 30.

[0046] Figure 19 shows the water turbine axle 126 supported by the upstream support member 133, as viewed from the upstream side of the purified water pipeline. Angles a and b in the figure are the central angles of the arc of the water turbine axle 126 that is not supported by the upstream support member 133 when the water turbine axle 126 is viewed from the upstream side of the flow path (hereinafter simply referred to as the central angle of the arc). In this embodiment, both central angles a and b of the arc are 120 degrees or less. Because both central angles a and b of the arc are 120 degrees or less, the water turbine axle 126 will not come off the upstream support member 133. In theory, if the central angle of the arc is less than 180 degrees, the water turbine axle 126 will not come off the upstream support member 133, but by setting the central angle to 120 degrees or less, the water turbine axle 126 will be supported more stably. The water turbine 122, together with the downstream support member 123, has the water turbine shaft 126 supported on both the upstream and downstream sides, preventing vibration and enabling stable rotation.

[0047] When the water turbine 122 is rotating, the upstream support member 133 supports the water turbine shaft 126 without interfering with the blades 132 and the tubular portion 131 of the water turbine 122, and therefore does not impede the rotation of the water turbine 122. Even if the water turbine 122 moves upstream when the water turbine 122 is not rotating, the upstream support member 133 restricts the movement of the water turbine 122 and prevents it from falling off.

[0048] In the embodiment shown in Figure 19, a pair of upstream support members 133 are provided symmetrically about the central axis of the purified water pipeline 30, but since the upstream support members 133 also have the effect of straightening the purified water flowing into the water turbine 122, multiple upstream support members 133 may be arranged radially about the central axis of the purified water pipeline 30 as long as the flow rate is not reduced.

[0049] FIG. 20 shows an upstream support member 133 in another embodiment of the present invention, observed from the downstream side of the purified water pipeline 30. In the actual configuration shown in (A), three upstream support members 133 are arranged radially, and an arc-shaped recess that supports the water turbine axle 126 is formed at the tip of each upstream support member 133. When the water turbine axle 126 is supported by these three upstream support members 133, the central angles a, b, and c of the arc of the portion not supported by the upstream support members 133 are all 120 degrees or less. By arranging the upstream support members 133 radially with respect to the central axis of the purified water pipeline 30, the water turbine 122 rotates more stably due to the flow straightening effect. In the embodiment shown in (B), the upstream support member 133 is arranged across the purified water pipeline 30, and a hole is formed in the center through which the water turbine axle 126 is inserted. In the embodiment shown in (C), the upstream support member 133 is erected from one point on the purified water pipeline 30, and a hole is formed at the tip through which the water turbine axle is inserted. When the water turbine axle 126 is supported by the upstream support members 133 in (B) and (C), the entire circumference of the water turbine axle 126 is supported, so the central angle of the arc of the part not supported by the upstream support members 133 is 0 degrees. In the embodiment in (D), two upstream support members 133 are arranged in parallel, and an arc-shaped recess that supports the water turbine axle 126 is formed at the tip of each upstream support member 133. Even when the water turbine axle 126 is supported by these two upstream support members 133, the central angles a and b of the arc of the part not supported by the upstream support members 133 are both 120 degrees or less. In any of the embodiments in (A) to (D), the central angles of the arc of the water turbine axle 126 that is not supported by the upstream support members 133 are all 120 degrees or less, so the water turbine axle 126 will not come off the upstream support members 133.

[0050] Furthermore, when the water turbine shaft 126 is supported by multiple upstream support members 133, the positions of the upstream support members 133 in the flow direction of the flow channel do not need to be the same, and the positions may be different as long as the water turbine shaft 126 can be supported without coming off. However, it is preferable that the positions of the upstream support members 133 in the flow direction of the flow channel are the same, as this allows for stable support of the water turbine shaft 126.

[0051] In the flow rate detection unit 102 configured as described above, the flow of purified water causes the water wheel 122 to rotate, which in turn rotates the magnet 121 integrated with the water wheel 122, causing the magnetic field to change accordingly. When the magnet 121 makes one rotation, the magnetic switch 124 emits a pulse signal for two cycles, which is transmitted to the control unit 104. A reed switch or a hall sensor may be used as the magnetic switch.

[0052] In the above embodiment, the flow path detection unit 102 is disposed in the purified water pipeline 30 downstream of the filtration cartridge 3. By disposing the flow rate detection unit 102 in the purified water pipeline 30, iron rust will not get caught on the multiple blades 132 of the water wheel 122, preventing them from rotating, and the purified water flow rate can be accurately measured and accumulated to indicate when it is time to replace the filtration cartridge 3. However, in an environment with clean water quality where iron rust or the like will not get caught on the blades 132, the flow path detection unit 102 may be disposed in the raw water pipeline 20 upstream of the filtration cartridge 3.

[0053] Next, a description will be given of the control unit 104 and the liquid crystal display 105. Fig. 16 is an enlarged view of the control unit 104 in the DD cross section of the water purifier shown in Fig. 2.

[0054] The control unit 104 is composed of a circuit board 151 on which a CPU is mounted, and a transparent board holder 152 that houses the circuit board 151. The CPU receives power from the power supply unit 101, performs calculations based on pulse signals from the flow rate detection unit 102, and sends output signals to the liquid crystal display 105.

[0055] This liquid crystal display 105 can be placed at a position away from the circuit board and connected with lead wires or the like, but signals can be transmitted more reliably if it is supported and fixed directly to the circuit board 151.

[0056] Furthermore, to prevent water from entering from the outside and causing malfunction of the circuit board 151, it is preferable to waterproof the circuit board 151 and the liquid crystal display 105 by fixing the circuit board 151 and the liquid crystal display 105 to the board holder 152 through the opening and sealing the opening with a curable resin 155 (sealant). Alternatively, a lid may be used to fix the circuit board 151 and the liquid crystal display 105 to the board holder 152 by welding. By waterproofing in this way, it is not necessary to waterproof each component individually, which simplifies the manufacturing process and reduces manufacturing costs. As the curable resin, a two-component mixed polyurethane resin, epoxy resin, or the like may be used.

[0057] The liquid crystal display 105 is supported and fixed on a circuit board 151 and is located at the upper front portion of the main body 2 .

[0058] Figure 14 is a front view of a control unit 104 of a water purifier showing an embodiment of the present invention. The liquid crystal display 105 has a filtration cartridge replacement indicator element 161 that displays a four-digit number using 23 segments, and a battery replacement indicator element 162 that can be turned on, blinking, or off. Furthermore, three-color LEDs 168 provided in two locations can turn on, blink, or off the backlight, and the color of the backlight can also be changed. Even if the user cannot instantly read the four-digit number, they can know when it is time to replace the filtration cartridge by looking at the lighting / blinking state and color of the backlight.

[0059] The reset unit 153 is composed of a reset button 154 and a reset button case 155 for preventing water from entering the reset button. As shown in FIG. 2, the tip of the reset button 154 protrudes from the upper rear surface of the side of the water purifier 1, and the user can reset the integrated flow rate data by pressing the reset button 154. Furthermore, the integrated flow rate at which the filtration cartridge must be replaced can be selected depending on the type of filtration cartridge 3 used. The reset button case 155 is made of elastomer, but it may also be made of ABS resin or sealed with polyurethane resin. Next, the operation of the water purifier 1 configured as above will be described.

[0060] 4 shows the state in which raw water is being discharged from the raw water shower port 14. When the faucet is opened, raw water flows in from the raw water inlet 28, has its force reduced by the water flow reduction member 39, passes through the water passage 21c which is opened when the valve stem cam portion 27c pushes up the valve body 11c, and is then discharged from the raw water shower port 14. At this time, the lever 5 is in the position indicated by the "raw water shower" illustration 71c on the upper body 17.

[0061] When the lever 5 is rotated until the steel ball 6b on the valve stem 12 is fitted into a recess provided in the flow path switching valve body 13 by the spring 7, the valve stem cam 27b faces upward instead of the valve stem cam 27c on the valve stem 12, closing the water passage 21c and opening the water passage 21b. As a result, the raw water passes through the water passage 21c and is discharged from the raw water straight port 15. At this time, the lever 5 is in the position indicated by the "raw water straight" illustration 71b on the upper body 17.

[0062] When lever 5 is rotated in the direction opposite to the raw water straight-through direction, valve shaft 12 similarly rotates, closing water passage 21b and opening water passage 21a. As a result, raw water passes through water passage 21a and flows into raw water supply port 26. It then flows into raw water receiving port 62 of filtration cartridge 3 and is filtered by an adsorbent such as activated carbon and a hollow fiber membrane. The filtered water flows from purified water supply port 63 to purified water receiving port 29, passes through purified water pipe 30, and is discharged from purified water outlet 19. At this time, lever 5 is in the position indicated by "purified water" illustration 71a on upper body 17.

[0063] The purified water flowing through the purified water pipe 30 rotates the water wheel 122, and a pulse signal is sent by the flow rate detection unit 102 to the control unit 104, and the period of this pulse signal is accumulated as the purified water flow rate. The remaining life of the filtration cartridge is displayed on the LCD display 105 according to this accumulated purified water flow rate. The filtration cartridge replacement display element 161 displays the value obtained by subtracting the accumulated amount of purified water from the flow rate selected when the filtration cartridge was first used each time purified water is started. At the same time, the backlight is lit for a predetermined period of time in the initial lighting / flashing condition. For example, it is lit blue for 7 consecutive seconds.

[0064] When the cumulative pulse count corresponding to the cumulative purified water flow rate reaches the first preset value, the backlight that lights up each time purified water is used will change to the first lighting / flashing condition. For example, it will light up yellow or green for 7 seconds continuously. The displayed value will still be the purified water passing rate minus the flow rate selected when the filtration cartridge was first used.

[0065] Furthermore, when the second set value is reached, the backlight that lights up each time the water filter is first used changes to a second lighting / flashing condition. For example, it lights up red or pink for seven seconds continuously. When the user sees this, they know that it is time to replace the filter cartridge and prepare a new one. The filtered water passing volume will still be displayed as a value subtracted from the flow rate selected when the filter cartridge was first used.

[0066] When the value obtained by subtracting the cumulative amount of purified water from the flow rate selected when the filtration cartridge began to be used reaches zero and the filtration cartridge must be replaced, the third lighting / flashing condition is changed. For example, the backlight is turned off even when purified water is being used. When the user sees this, they will strongly sense that the filtration cartridge can no longer be used and will replace it.

[0067] In the above embodiment, a display method is shown in which the backlight can light up three colors, namely blue, yellow (or green), and red (or pink). However, even in an embodiment in which the backlight can light up only one color or two colors, the display can be divided into a first lighting / flashing condition, a second lighting / flashing condition, and a third lighting / flashing condition.

[0068] For example, in an embodiment where the backlight can only light up in two colors, blue and red, the following display may be used: When use begins, the backlight will light up in blue, and the first lighting / flashing condition will be blue and flashing at 2-second intervals. The second lighting / flashing condition will be red and flashing at 2-second intervals, and the third lighting / flashing condition will be red and lit continuously. When the backlight color changes from blue to flashing and then to red and lit continuously, the user will know that the filtration cartridge needs to be replaced.

[0069] Also, in an embodiment where the backlight can only light up in white, the following display can be used. When use begins, the white light flashes at 2-second intervals. The first lighting / flashing condition is white light flashing at 1.5-second intervals, and the second lighting / flashing condition is white light flashing at 1-second intervals. The third lighting / flashing condition is white light flashing continuously. The flashing intervals become shorter, and finally the light turns to a continuous light, which will make the user aware that the filtration cartridge needs to be replaced.

[0070] If the backlight can only light up in one color as described above, the user can check the usage status of the filtration cartridge. However, since a single color tends to leave a weak impression on the user, it is preferable that the backlight can light up in two or more colors.

[0071] When the user replaces the filtration cartridge with a new one and presses the reset button 154 for a long time, the integrated pulse count corresponding to the integrated flow rate returns to zero, and the filtration cartridge replacement display element 161 also returns to the initial display.

[0072] The LCD display 105 flashes the battery replacement indicator 162 when the battery voltage drops below a preset value, prompting the user to replace the battery. By flashing the battery replacement indicator 162 when the voltage drops below the threshold at which the color adjustment state of the three-color LED changes, it is possible to prevent misidentification due to a change from the original color. The user does not need to memorize the battery start date and the battery life listed in the instruction manual. This prevents the loss of accumulated flow data during use of the filtration cartridge due to forgetting the battery life, allowing the user to replace the battery at the appropriate time. The battery replacement indicator 162 is configured to be off when the battery is first used and flash when the battery is nearing the end of its life, but it may also display in stages, similar to the filtration cartridge replacement indicator described above.

[0073] The LCD display 105 turns off when purified water is not being used. Specifically, the CPU on the circuit board 151 detects that the flow of purified water has stopped and the pulse signal from the flow rate detector 102 has ceased, switching the device to sleep mode, turning off the LCD display 105, and turning off the backlight. When the lever 5 is rotated in the direction opposite the raw water shower, purified water passes through the purified water pipe 30 and is discharged from the purified water outlet 19, turning on the LCD display 105 and backlight. Three seconds later, when the faucet is turned off, the LCD display 105 and backlight immediately turn off. This switching significantly reduces battery power consumption and extends battery life. The sleep mode is canceled and the LCD display 105 remains lit for a certain period of time immediately after replacing the battery and operating the reset button. This allows the user to confirm that the battery was properly installed and the data was properly reset. [Example]

[0074] [Example 1] A raw water flow path connecting the raw water supply port that supplies raw water to the filtration cartridge and the raw water flow path of the flow path switching valve body is provided at the rear side of the flow path switching valve body.A purified water flow path connecting the purified water inlet that receives purified water from the filtration cartridge and the purified water outlet is provided.

[0075] The purified water pipeline is equipped with upstream and downstream support members that support the water wheel and water wheel shaft of the flow detection unit, ensuring stable rotation of the water wheel when purified water flows through it. As a result, the purified water flow rate can be accurately measured and accumulated, and the filter cartridge replacement time can be displayed. Furthermore, the water wheel does not interfere with the pipeline walls, eliminating abnormal noise. The volume of the water wheel's rotation averages approximately 40 dB, a level that is not bothersome regardless of the surrounding environment, allowing users to use the water purifier comfortably. By replacing the upstream member that supports the water wheel shaft with an upstream support member that is integrated into the pipeline, component manufacturing costs can be reduced, and by arranging the upstream support members radially, the rectified water flows to the water wheel, ensuring stable rotation.

[0076] At the start of each water purification run, the remaining life of the filtration cartridge was displayed on the LCD display, and the backlight was illuminated for 7 seconds. For a filtration cartridge with a lifespan of 600 L, the backlight was blue when the remaining life was 300 to 600 L, green when the remaining life was 150 to 300 L, and pink when the remaining life was 0 to 150 L. When users saw the pink backlight, they knew it was time to replace the filtration cartridge.

[0077] [Comparative Example 1] A purified water flow path connecting the filtration cartridge to the purified water outlet is provided behind the flow path switching valve body, and a water wheel and a water wheel support member of the flow rate detection unit are provided in the purified water pipeline.

[0078] The rotation of the water wheel is supported only on the downstream side by a water wheel support member, making it a cantilevered water wheel. The water wheel rotates when purified water flows through it. Although the flow rate of purified water could be measured, the cantilevered water wheel caused vibrations in the rotating shaft, reducing the accuracy of the flow rate and causing abnormal noise due to interference with the pipe wall. The sound produced by the rotation of the water wheel averaged about 60 dB, which could be annoying depending on the surrounding environment, and sensitive users often found it unpleasant to use. [Explanation of symbols]

[0079] 1: Water purifier 2: Main body 3: Filtration cartridge 4: Faucet 5: Lever 6a: steel ball 6b: Steel ball 7: Spring 8: Lever connection part 9: Hole 10: Recess 11a: Valve body 11b: Valve body 11c: Valve body 12 : Valve stem 13: Flow path switching valve body 14: Raw water shower outlet 15: Raw water straight outlet 16: Lower body 17: Upper body 18: Valve operating section 19: Purified water outlet 20: Raw water pipeline 21a: Canal 21b: Canal 21c: Canal 22: Partition board 23 : Upper chamber 24: Lower chamber 26: Raw water supply outlet 27a: Valve stem cam section 27b: Valve stem cam section 27c: Valve stem cam section 28: Raw water inlet 29: Purified water inlet 30: Purified water pipeline 31a: Channel 31b: Channel 31c: Channel 36: Packing 37: Adapter 38: Mounting nut 39: Water flow mitigation member 47a: Valve cam section 47b: Valve cam section 47c: Valve cam section 57a: Valve seal 57b: Valve seal 57c: Valve seal 58a: Valve 58b: Valve 58c: Valve 61 : Container 61a: Cylindrical protrusion 62: Raw water inlet 63: Purified water supply outlet 64: Cylinder 65: O-ring 66: Ring filter 67: Ring filter 68: Hollow fiber membrane bundle 69: Curing resin 70: Adsorbent layer 73: O-ring 74: O-ring 91: Cartridge cap 101: Power supply section 102: Flow rate detector 104: Control section 105: LCD display 111: Battery 112: Battery Cover 113: Anode fitting 114: Cathode bracket 115: Battery holder 116: Battery compartment 117: O-ring 118: Cutout 119: Recess 121: Magnet 122: Waterwheel 123: Downstream support member 124: Magnetic Switch 125: Magnetic switch holder 126: Water wheel shaft 127: Ribs 128: Bottomed hole 131: Cylinder part 132: Feather 133: Upstream support member 137: Curing resin 151: Circuit board 152: PCB holder 153: Reset section 154: Reset Button 155: Reset Button Case 161: Filtration cartridge replacement indicator 162: Battery replacement indicator 171a: "Purified Water" illustration 171b: "Gensui Straight" illustration 171c: "Gensui Shower" illustration

Claims

1. A faucet-mounted water purifier that is supported and fixed to a faucet, the faucet-mounted water purifier comprising: a flow path switching valve having a raw water inlet that receives raw water; a filtration cartridge that purifies the raw water; a purified water outlet that discharges purified water; a raw water pipeline that connects the flow path switching valve to the filtration cartridge; a purified water pipeline that connects the filtration cartridge to the purified water outlet; and a flow rate detection unit that is installed in the raw water pipeline or the purified water pipeline; the flow rate detection unit includes a cylindrical portion, blades fixed to the periphery of the cylindrical portion, a magnet fixed inside the cylindrical portion, a rotatable water wheel having a water wheel shaft passing through the cylindrical portion, and a magnetic switch; a portion of the water turbine shaft protruding upstream of the flow path beyond the cylindrical portion is supported by an upstream support member; The upstream support member is integral with the raw water pipeline or the purified water pipeline, a portion of the water turbine shaft protruding downstream of the flow path beyond the cylindrical portion is inserted into and supported by a bottomed hole of a downstream support member fixed to the raw water pipeline or the purified water pipeline, When the waterwheel shaft is observed from the upstream side of the flow path, the central angles of the arcs of the waterwheel shaft that are not supported by the upstream support member are all 120 degrees or less.

2. 2. The faucet-mounted water purifier according to claim 1, wherein the waterwheel shaft is made of metal, the cylindrical portion and the blades are made of resin, and a plurality of the blades are provided on the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion.

3. The faucet-mounted water purifier according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a plurality of the upstream support members are arranged radially about a central axis of the raw water pipeline or the purified water pipeline.

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