Flow path switching system

Abstract

To provide a flow passage switching system capable of detecting whether or not a valve for switching raw water and purified water is out of order.SOLUTION: A flow passage switching system includes a first open / close valve for flowing raw water and a second open / close valve for flowing purified water, and controls first to close the first open / close valve when switching to purified water, then open the second open / close valve if no water is flowing, and open the first open / close valve if water is flowing.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a flow path switching system used in a water purification system that uses tap water as raw water and supplies purified water as drinking water for general household or commercial use. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, water purifiers for purifying tap water include faucet-mounted water purifiers that connect directly to the tap outlet, freestanding water purifiers that are placed on kitchen countertops, and under-sink water purifiers that are placed under the kitchen sink. Because the filter media packed into the filter cartridges of these water purifiers can only process a limited amount of filtered water, the water purifiers have a function for switching between a raw water discharge state and a purified water discharge state. Users can extend the life of the filter cartridge by switching to the purified water discharge state only when they want to obtain purified water. Then, when the total amount of filtered water that the filter media can process is reached, the water purifier filter cartridge is replaced.

[0003] As a means for switching between a raw water discharge state and a purified water discharge state using an under-sink water purifier, Patent Document 1 discloses a purified water discharge device in which a check valve, a T-type pipe fitting, and an electric three-way valve are provided between the lower end of the water inlet pipe of the faucet body and a stop valve that opens and closes the raw water flow path to the water inlet pipe, and the purified water outlet of the water purifier is connected to the T-type pipe fitting via the check valve, and the raw water inlet of the water purifier is connected to the electric three-way valve.

[0004] Patent Document 2 discloses an under-sink water purifier that includes a raw water path made up of a water pipe, a purified water path attached to the water pipe, and a solenoid valve that switches whether water is sent to one of them, and that controls the solenoid valve by operating an operation unit with a touch panel. The water purifier in Patent Document 2 has built-in pressure and flow rate sensors, and if either of them detects an abnormality, the valve will operate and stop the water supply to the water purifier. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Registered Utility Model No. 3027934 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-225062 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] In the purified water discharge device of Patent Document 1, if the electric three-way valve malfunctions due to clogging with foreign matter or broken wiring, causing the valve to stop operating normally and stop at an intermediate position, a mixture of raw water and purified water will be discharged from the faucet. As a result, even though the user thinks they are drinking purified water, they may unknowingly drink purified water that has been contaminated with raw water. Alternatively, even though the user thinks they are discharging raw water, they may continue to use raw water that has been contaminated with purified water, unknowingly using the water purifier and shortening the filter replacement interval.

[0007] The water purification device in Patent Document 2 is equipped with a pressure / flow rate sensor in the flow path of the side pipe (on the water purifier side), and is designed to close the valve in the side pipe in the event of an abnormality. However, it does not disclose a method for detecting failure of the solenoid valve that switches between the raw water path and the purified water path.

[0008] In view of the above-mentioned problems, the present invention provides a flow path switching system that can determine whether a valve that switches between raw water and purified water has malfunctioned. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] A first flow path switching system of the present invention that solves the above problem is used in a water purification system, a raw water channel having an inlet and an outlet; a raw water outgoing path and a purified water returning path connected to the water purifier; a branching section provided in the raw water channel that branches the raw water flowing through the raw water channel from the inlet into the raw water outbound channel; a confluence section provided between the branching section of the raw water channel and the outlet, for confluence of purified water purified by a water purifier and flowing through the purified water return channel with the raw water channel; a first on-off valve provided between the branching portion and the joining portion of the raw water channel; a second on-off valve provided in the raw water outflow path; a sensor that is provided in the raw water channel between the inlet and the branching point or between the junction and the outlet, and that measures the state of water; a control unit that controls the first on-off valve and the second on-off valve, The control unit: When a command to switch to purified water is received, the first on-off valve is controlled to be closed, and the first on-off valve and the second on-off valve are kept in a closed state; Next, when a signal indicating that water is flowing is not received from the sensor within a first predetermined time, the second on-off valve is controlled to open, or when a signal indicating that water is flowing is received from the sensor within a first predetermined time, the first on-off valve is controlled to open.

[0010] The first flow path switching system of the present invention includes a notification unit that emits sound, light, and / or vibration, It is preferable that, after the control unit has controlled the first on-off valve to close, when it does not receive a signal from the sensor within the first predetermined time period indicating that water is flowing, the control unit controls the notification unit to emit sound, light and / or vibration indicating that the system is normal.

[0011] The first flow path switching system of the present invention includes a notification unit that emits sound, light, and / or vibration, It is preferable that after the control unit controls the first on-off valve to close, when the control unit receives a signal from the sensor within the first predetermined time period indicating that water is flowing, the control unit controls the notification unit to emit sound, light and / or vibration indicating an abnormality.

[0012] The first flow path switching system of the present invention includes a notification unit that emits sound, light, and / or vibration, It is preferable that after the control unit controls the second opening / closing valve to open, the control unit controls the notification unit to emit sound, light and / or vibration indicating that water is being discarded until a second predetermined time has elapsed or until the flow rate measured by the sensor reaches a predetermined integrated value.

[0013] The first flow path switching system of the present invention includes a notification unit that emits sound, light, and / or vibration, It is preferable that after the control unit controls the second on-off valve to be opened, the control unit controls the notification unit to emit sound, light and / or vibration to indicate that the device is available for use after a second predetermined time has elapsed or after the flow rate measured by the sensor has reached a predetermined integrated value.

[0014] In the first flow path switching system of the present invention, it is preferable that the second predetermined time period or the predetermined integrated value is adjustable.

[0015] The second flow path switching system of the present invention that solves the above problem is used in a water purification system, a raw water channel having an inlet and an outlet; a raw water outgoing path and a purified water returning path connected to the water purifier; a branching section provided in the raw water channel that branches the raw water flowing through the raw water channel from the inlet into the raw water outbound channel; a confluence section provided between the branching section of the raw water channel and the outlet, for confluence of purified water purified by a water purifier and flowing through the purified water return channel with the raw water channel; a first on-off valve provided between the branching portion and the joining portion of the raw water channel; a second on-off valve provided in the raw water outbound line; a control unit that controls the first on-off valve and the second on-off valve, The control unit: When a command to switch to purified water is received, the first on-off valve is controlled to be closed, and the first on-off valve and the second on-off valve are kept in a closed state; Next, after a first predetermined time has elapsed, the second on-off valve is controlled to be opened.

[0016] The second flow path switching system of the present invention includes a sensor that is provided in the raw water channel between the inlet and the branching section or between the junction and the outlet, and that measures a state of water; a notification unit that emits sound, light, and / or vibration; It is preferable that, after the control unit has controlled the first on-off valve to close, when it does not receive a signal from the sensor within the first predetermined time period indicating that water is flowing, the control unit controls the notification unit to emit sound, light and / or vibration indicating that the system is normal.

[0017] The second flow path switching system of the present invention includes a sensor that is provided in the raw water channel between the inlet and the branching section or between the junction and the outlet, and that measures a state of water; a notification unit that emits sound, light, and / or vibration; It is preferable that after the control unit controls the first on-off valve to close, when the control unit receives a signal from the sensor within the first predetermined time period indicating that water is flowing, the control unit controls the notification unit to emit sound, light and / or vibration indicating an abnormality.

[0018] The second flow path switching system of the present invention includes a sensor that is provided in the raw water channel between the inlet and the branching section or between the junction and the outlet, and that measures a state of water; A notification unit that emits sound, light, and / or vibration; It is preferable that, after the control unit controls the second opening / closing valve to open, the control unit controls the notification unit to emit sound, light and / or vibration indicating that water is being discarded until a second predetermined time has elapsed or until the flow rate measured by the sensor reaches a predetermined integrated value.

[0019] The second flow path switching system of the present invention includes a sensor that is provided in the raw water channel between the inlet and the branching section or between the junction and the outlet, and that measures a state of water; A notification unit that emits sound, light, and / or vibration; It is preferable that after the control unit controls the second on-off valve to be opened, the control unit controls the notification unit to emit sound, light and / or vibration to indicate that the device is available for use after a second predetermined time has elapsed or after the flow rate measured by the sensor has reached a predetermined integrated value.

[0020] In the second flow path switching system of the present invention, it is preferable that the second predetermined time period or the predetermined integrated value is adjustable. [Effects of the Invention]

[0021] According to the flow path switching system of the present invention, after switching from raw water to purified water, the on-off valve can be closed to temporarily stop the flow of either raw water or purified water, allowing confirmation of water stoppage. If the on-off valve does not close and stop the water flow due to a malfunction of the on-off valve, the water discharge flow rate will not change, allowing the user to visually determine the abnormality. Furthermore, if a sensor that detects the state of the water in the piping is installed in the flow path switching system and linked to the control unit, it is possible to not switch to purified water or to issue a notification indicating an abnormality if the water is not stopped. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0022] [Figure 1] 1 is a flow path configuration diagram showing an example of the connection between the flow path switching system of the present invention and a water purifier, a water faucet, a water supply source, and a hot water supply source. [Figure 2] 1 is an example of a hot and cold water mixer faucet connected to the flow path switching system of the present invention. [Figure 3] 1 is an example of a hot and cold water mixer tap operating lever connected to the flow path switching system of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0023] [First flow path switching system] An embodiment of the first flow path switching system of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a flow path configuration diagram showing an example of a water purification system combining a first flow path switching system 1 of the present invention with a water purifier 16, and the connection between a faucet body 20, a water supply source 17, and a hot water supply source 18. Flow path switching system 1 is provided with a raw water channel 4 connecting an inlet 2 and an outlet 3. Raw water channel 4 is provided with a branching section 5 that branches raw water flowing from inlet 2 into a raw water outflow channel 7. A junction section 6 where a purified water return channel 8 joins is provided between branching section 5 and outlet 3. A first on-off valve 10 that opens and closes the flow path under the control of a control unit 9 is provided between branching section 5 and junction 6. The raw water outflow channel 7 is provided with a second on-off valve 11 that opens and closes under the control of the control unit 9, and a pressure regulating valve 12 that prevents the water pressure in the piping from rising above a predetermined pressure. The pressure regulating valve 12 may be a pressure regulating valve with a fixed pressure setting, for example, 0.2 MPa or 0.1 MPa, or a pressure regulating valve that can be set to any pressure.

[0024] If solenoid valves are used for the first on-off valve 10 and the second on-off valve 11, their fast response allows for quick opening and closing of the flow path, suppressing unnecessary changes in flow rate. Furthermore, if motor-operated valves that rotate using electricity are used for the first on-off valve 10 and the second on-off valve 11, the opening diameter can be made larger, resulting in a large flow rate and low pressure loss. Alternatively, air-driven valves that open and close using air pressure may be used for the first on-off valve 10 and the second on-off valve 11. In the initial state, the first on-off valve 10 is open, and the second on-off valve 11 is closed.

[0025] A stop valve 14 is provided at the inlet 2. Normally, it is always open, but can be closed if an abnormality such as a water leak occurs downstream or if the occupant will be away for an extended period of time. The stop valve 14 can also be used in place of an existing stop valve. Removing the existing stop valve will provide more installation space and make installation easier. The stop valve 14 is structured so that it does not get in the way if it is turned with a flathead screwdriver. However, it is also acceptable to use a type that closes by gripping and turning the handle.

[0026] A check valve 15 is provided in the purified water return line 8, preventing water from flowing from the junction 6 in the direction of the purified water return line 8. This check valve 15 and the pressure regulating valve 12 prevent the water purifier from being subjected to high water pressure for a long period of time, preventing damage to the water purifier and preventing water leakage from the water purifier.

[0027] A sensor 13 for measuring the condition of water flowing through the raw water channel 4 is provided between the confluence 6 and the outlet 3. In this embodiment, a flow sensor 13 is provided to measure the water flow rate. The flow sensor 13 sends a pulse signal with a frequency corresponding to the flow rate of water flowing through the raw water channel 4 and the purified water return channel 8 to the control unit 9, and the first on-off valve 10 and the second on-off valve 11 are opened and closed based on the results of calculations performed on the pulse signal. Note that when the first on-off valve 10 and the second on-off valve are closed, the remaining water may cause the water wheel or other components inside the flow sensor 13 to rotate by inertia, which may result in poor response in flow rate detection. Therefore, the flow sensor 13 may be provided between the inlet 2 and the branch 5, and the configuration of the flow sensor 13 in this case may be the same as above. A first flow sensor may be provided between the branch 5 and the confluence 6, and a second flow sensor may be provided in the raw water outward channel 7 or the purified water return channel 8, and the respective signals may be sent to the control unit 9 for calculations.

[0028] The sensor 13 may also be a pressure sensor that measures the pressure of the water flowing through the raw water channel 4. Even when a pressure sensor is used, the pressure sensor may be installed either between the confluence 6 and the outlet 3 or between the inlet 2 and the branching section 5.

[0029] The sensor 13 is not limited to the above-mentioned flow sensor or pressure sensor, but may be any sensor that can determine whether water is flowing in the raw water channel 4, and may also be a sensor that uses a float or a sensor that detects sound or vibration.

[0030] 2 and 3 show an example of a hot and cold water mixer faucet connected to the flow path switching system of the present invention. The hot and cold water mixer faucet 20 includes an outlet 21, an operating lever 22, and a hot and cold water mixing valve 23 that determines the hot and cold water mixing ratio and opening degree based on the operation of the operating lever 22. As shown in FIG. 2, the opening degree of the valve, i.e., the flow rate, is determined based on the vertical angle of the operating lever 22. As shown in FIG. 3, the hot and cold water mixing ratio of the valve, i.e., the water temperature, is determined based on the horizontal angle. The hot and cold water mixer faucet 20 is connected to a water supply source 17 and a hot water supply source 18 via the flow path switching system 1 of the present invention. That is, the water supply source 17 is connected to the inlet 2 of the flow path switching system 1, and the outlet 3 of the flow path switching system 1 is connected to the hot and cold water mixing valve 23 of the hot and cold water mixer faucet 20.

[0031] Next, we will briefly explain the operation of discharging purified water using the flow path switching system 1 and hot and cold water mixer faucet of the present invention. First, the operating lever 22 of the faucet body 20 is operated to discharge tap water from the outlet 21. Because the first on-off valve 10 is open and the second on-off valve 11 is closed and remains in its initial state, raw water passes through the raw water channel 4 and is discharged from the outlet 21. The control unit 9 determines that water is flowing by receiving a signal corresponding to the water volume from the sensor 13. Next, a special operation is performed in which the operating lever 22 is pushed down once and then pushed up within three seconds. At this time, the sensor 13 sends a signal to the control unit 9 reflecting that the water stop state has continued for less than three seconds and water has resumed flowing. The control unit 9 interprets this signal as a signal to switch to purified water (hereinafter referred to as the purified water switching signal) and proceeds to the switchover control to purified water described below. On the other hand, if the water stop state continues for more than three seconds, the switchover to purified water does not occur even if water is passed again, and raw water continues to flow from the outlet 21. This set time of "3 seconds" can be changed as appropriate. Note that instead of the purified water switching signal being sent from the sensor 13 linked to the lever operation, a purified water switching button or the like may be provided and the purified water switching signal may be sent to the control unit 9 from the purified water switching button or the like.

[0032] When the control unit 9 receives the purified water switch signal, it first issues a command to close the first on-off valve 10, which is open, in order to close the first on-off valve 10 and the second on-off valve 11. If the first on-off valve 10 and the second on-off valve 11 are normal, both on-off valves are closed and water is stopped. However, if there is an abnormality in either on-off valve and the valve is open, water will not be discharged and water will continue to be discharged from the outlet 21. The user can check whether the water is temporarily stopped or continues to be discharged, and determine whether both on-off valves are normal or whether one of the on-off valves is abnormal. Note that when the control unit 9 receives the purified water switch signal, it may also issue a command to close the second on-off valve 11 as a precaution.

[0033] After controlling the first on-off valve to close, the control unit 9 keeps the first on-off valve 10 and the second on-off valve 11 closed for a certain period of time to confirm that the water supply is stopped. Thereafter, the control unit 9 performs normal control or abnormal control in response to a signal from the sensor 13. In normal control, if the control unit 9 does not receive a signal from the sensor 13 indicating that water is flowing within a first predetermined time, the control unit 9 determines that both on-off valves are normal and controls the second on-off valve 11 to open, causing purified water to be discharged from the outlet 21. In other words, the control unit 9 switches to purified water. In abnormal control, if the control unit 9 receives a signal from the sensor 13 indicating that water is flowing within a first predetermined time, the control unit 9 determines that one of the on-off valves is abnormal and controls the first on-off valve 10 to open, causing raw water to continue to be discharged from the outlet 21. In other words, the control unit 9 does not switch to purified water. Hereinafter, the first predetermined time set aside for a signal from sensor 13 indicating that water is flowing will be referred to as the "determination time." It is desirable to maintain both on-off valves closed until the water flow settles down so that the signal from sensor 13 can reliably confirm that the water flow has been stopped. The faster the flow rate when first on-off valve 10 is closed, the longer it takes for the water flow to settle down. Therefore, it is desirable to set the time for both on-off valves to be closed according to the flow rate and pressure. Therefore, it is desirable to delay the start of the determination time, rather than immediately after the first on-off valve is closed, to allow time for the water flow to settle down. The start and end timings of the determination time may be appropriately set according to the flow path switching system 1 used. Taking into account the time it takes for the water flow to settle down and the user experience, it is desirable to start the determination 0.1 seconds or more after the first on-off valve is closed and to end the determination within 2 seconds.

[0034] Thereafter, if the operating lever 22 is pressed down while purified water is being discharged, the hot and cold water mixing valve 23 closes and purified water from the outlet 21 stops. After that, the signal from the sensor 13 to the control unit 9 stops, or the control unit 9 receives only a signal corresponding to a small amount of water from the sensor 13, so the control unit 9 determines that the water has been stopped and immediately closes the second on-off valve 11 and opens the first on-off valve 10, returning to the initial state. Note that instead of a signal sent from the sensor 13, a raw water switching button or the like may be provided to send a command to the control unit 9 directly to return to the initial state.

[0035] The flow path switching system 1 may further include a notification unit (not shown). After performing control to close the first on-off valve, the control unit 9 performs normal control or abnormal control in response to a signal from the sensor 13. At this time, the control unit 9 may send a signal indicating normality or abnormality to the notification unit. In normal control, the control unit 9 controls to open the second on-off valve 11 and issues a signal indicating normality to the notification unit. When the notification unit receives a signal indicating normality from the control unit 9, it emits sound, light, or vibration indicating normality. These sound, light, and vibration may be emitted all at once. On the other hand, in abnormal control, the control unit 9 controls to open the first on-off valve 10 and issues a signal indicating abnormality to the notification unit. When the notification unit receives a signal indicating abnormality from the control unit 9, it emits sound, light, or vibration indicating abnormality. These sound, light, and vibration may be emitted all at once. In this way, the sound, light, and vibration emitted by the notification unit allow the user to reliably recognize whether both on-off valves are normal or whether one of the on-off valves is abnormal.

[0036] The notification unit may be used as a means for notifying the user that raw water is being mixed in from outlet 21 after the faucet has normally switched to purified water until the raw water that had been accumulating in the faucet has finished discharging. The control unit 9 may measure the time after the switch to purified water, and control the notification unit to emit sound, light, and vibration to indicate that water is being discarded until a second predetermined time has elapsed. Alternatively, the control unit 9 may integrate the flow rate through sensor 13 after the switch to purified water, and control the notification unit to emit sound, light, and vibration to indicate that water is being discarded until a predetermined integrated value is reached.

[0037] The notification unit may be used as a means for notifying the user that, after the faucet has switched to purified water normally, raw water that had been stagnating in the faucet has finished being discharged and purified water without any raw water mixed in is being discharged from outlet 21. The control unit 9 may measure the time after the switch to purified water, and after a second predetermined time has elapsed, the control unit may control the notification unit to emit sound, light, or vibration to indicate that the water is available for use. Alternatively, the control unit 9 may integrate the flow rate through sensor 13 after the switch to purified water, and after a predetermined integrated value is reached, the control unit may control the notification unit to emit sound, light, or vibration to indicate that the water is available for use.

[0038] The control unit may control the notification unit to emit both a sound indicating that the water is being discarded and a sound indicating that the water is available for use, or it may control the notification unit to emit only one of the sounds.

[0039] Since the amount of raw water remaining in the faucet varies depending on the faucet, the user may be able to change the second predetermined time period or the predetermined integrated value.

[0040] In addition, the notification unit emits a sound indicating that the water is being discarded or that the water is available for use after the water has been switched to purified water normally, so the sound indicating normality may be used instead of the sound indicating that the water is being discarded or that the water is available for use.

[0041] [Second flow path switching system] The second flow path switching system of the present invention is the same as the first flow path switching system except for the control by the control unit when switching to purified water, and therefore will be described using the same reference numerals as in the first flow path switching system. However, for convenience, "'" is added to the reference numerals. In the second flow path switching system 1', when the control unit 9' receives a signal to switch to purified water, it controls the first on-off valve 10' to close, and then keeps both on-off valves closed for a certain period of time to confirm that the water is stopped. After that, when the first predetermined period of time has elapsed, the control unit 9' controls the second on-off valve 11' to open, regardless of whether both on-off valves are normal or abnormal, so that purified water is discharged from the outlet 21. In other words, the control unit 9' always controls the switch to purified water.

[0042] In the second flow path switching system 1', the control unit 9' does not need to determine whether both on-off valves are normal or whether one of the on-off valves is abnormal, so the sensor 13' may not be provided. The user determines whether the valve is normal or abnormal by observing whether the water stops flowing or whether the water continues to flow. In an embodiment without the sensor 13', a separate button or the like must be provided to switch between raw water and purified water.

[0043] The second flow path switching system 1′ may also be provided with a notification unit, similar to the first flow path switching system 1. The operation of the notification unit is the same as in the first flow path switching system 1. By providing the notification unit, the user can reliably know whether both on-off valves are normal, whether one of the on-off valves is abnormal, whether water is being discarded, or whether the discharged water is purified water that has not been mixed with raw water. [Example]

[0044] The first flow path switching system of the present invention was connected to a single-type shower mixer tap KM5021TEC (hot and cold water mixer tap) for a sink manufactured by KVK Corporation, an under-sink water purifier SK88 manufactured by Toray Industries, Inc., a water supply source, and a hot water supply source.

[0045] When the single lever was turned to the right until it stopped and then pushed up, raw water came out of the faucet outlet. When the single lever was pushed down once and then pushed up 1.5 seconds later, raw water came out for a moment, then stopped for 0.7 seconds. A beep sound then sounded, indicating that the system had switched to purified water, and the components and flow rate of the water confirmed that purified water was being discharged.

[0046] In addition, the first shut-off valve (raw water shut-off valve) was disconnected while it was open, and the following water purification switching operation was performed again. First, when the single lever was turned all the way to the right and then pushed up, raw water was dispensed from the faucet outlet. When the single lever was pushed down once and then pushed up after 1.5 seconds, raw water continued to dispense. After 0.7 seconds, a beeping sound was heard to indicate an abnormality. After that, while water was being dispensed, the water purifier cartridge was removed and it was confirmed that no water was flowing into the purifier. In other words, when an abnormality occurred, the faucet did not switch to purified water and raw water was still dispensed. [Explanation of symbols]

[0047] 1. Flow path switching system 2 Inlet 3 Outlet 4. Raw Waterway 5 Branch 6 Confluence 7 Raw Water Outbound 8 Return route for purified water 9 Control Unit 10 First shut-off valve 11 Second shut-off valve 12 Pressure Regulating Valve 13 Sensor (flow sensor) 14 Stop valve 15 Check valve 16. Water Purifier 17 Water sources 18 Hot water supply source 20 Faucet body 21 Outlet 22 Faucet lever 23 Hot and cold water mixing valve

Claims

1. A flow path switching system used in a water purification system, a raw water channel having an inlet and an outlet; a raw water outgoing path and a purified water returning path connected to the water purifier; a branching section provided in the raw water channel that branches the raw water flowing through the raw water channel from the inlet into the raw water outbound channel; a confluence section provided between the branching section and the outlet of the raw water channel, for confluence of purified water purified by a water purifier and flowing through the purified water return channel with the raw water channel; a first on-off valve provided between the branching portion and the joining portion of the raw water channel; a second on-off valve provided in the raw water outflow path; a sensor that is provided in the raw water channel between the inlet and the branching section or between the confluence and the outlet, and that measures the state of water; a control unit that controls the first on-off valve and the second on-off valve, The control unit When a command to switch to purified water is received, control is performed to close the first on-off valve, and the first on-off valve and the second on-off valve are kept in a closed state; Next, when a signal indicating that water is flowing is not received from the sensor within a first predetermined time, the second on-off valve is controlled to open, or when a signal indicating that water is flowing is received from the sensor within a first predetermined time, the first on-off valve is controlled to open. Flow path switching system.

2. a notification unit that emits sound, light, and / or vibration; The flow path switching system of claim 1, wherein the control unit controls the notification unit to emit sound, light and / or vibration indicating that the system is normal when the control unit does not receive a signal from the sensor indicating that water is flowing within the first predetermined time after controlling the first on-off valve to close.

3. a notification unit that emits sound, light, and / or vibration; 3. The flow path switching system of claim 1, wherein the control unit controls the notification unit to emit sound, light, and / or vibration indicating an abnormality when the control unit receives a signal from the sensor indicating that water is flowing within the first predetermined time after controlling the first on-off valve to close.

4. a notification unit that emits sound, light, and / or vibration; The flow path switching system of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the control unit controls the notification unit to emit sound, light and / or vibration indicating that water is being discarded until a second predetermined time has elapsed or until the flow rate measured by the sensor reaches a predetermined integrated value after controlling the second opening / closing valve to open.

5. a notification unit that emits sound, light, and / or vibration; The flow path switching system of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the control unit controls the second on-off valve to open, and then controls the notification unit to emit sound, light, and / or vibration to indicate that the system is available after a second predetermined time has elapsed or after the flow rate measured by the sensor has reached a predetermined integrated value.

6. 6. The flow path switching system according to claim 4, wherein the second predetermined time or the predetermined integrated value is adjustable.

7. A flow path switching system used in a water purification system, a raw water channel having an inlet and an outlet; a raw water outgoing path and a purified water returning path connected to the water purifier; a branching section provided in the raw water channel that branches the raw water flowing through the raw water channel from the inlet into the raw water outbound channel; a confluence section provided between the branching section and the outlet of the raw water channel, for confluence of purified water purified by a water purifier and flowing through the purified water return channel with the raw water channel; a first on-off valve provided between the branching portion and the joining portion of the raw water channel; a second on-off valve provided in the raw water outflow path; a control unit that controls the first on-off valve and the second on-off valve, The control unit When a command to switch to purified water is received, control is performed to close the first on-off valve, and the first on-off valve and the second on-off valve are kept in a closed state; Next, after a first predetermined time has elapsed, control is performed to open the second on-off valve. Flow path switching system.

8. a sensor that is provided in the raw water channel between the inlet and the branching section or between the confluence and the outlet, and that measures the state of water; a notification unit that emits sound, light, and / or vibration; The flow path switching system of claim 7, wherein the control unit controls the notification unit to emit sound, light and / or vibration indicating that the system is normal when the control unit does not receive a signal from the sensor indicating that water is flowing within the first predetermined time after controlling the first on-off valve to close.

9. a sensor that is provided in the raw water channel between the inlet and the branching section or between the confluence and the outlet, and that measures the state of water; a notification unit that emits sound, light, and / or vibration; 9. The flow path switching system of claim 7 or 8, wherein after the control unit has controlled the first on-off valve to close, when the control unit receives a signal from the sensor indicating that water is flowing within the first predetermined time, the control unit controls the notification unit to emit sound, light and / or vibration indicating an abnormality.

10. a sensor that is provided in the raw water channel between the inlet and the branching section or between the confluence and the outlet, and that measures the state of water; a notification unit that emits sound, light, and / or vibration; The flow path switching system of any of claims 7 to 9, wherein the control unit controls the notification unit to emit sound, light, and / or vibration indicating that water is being discarded until a second predetermined time has elapsed or until the flow rate measured by the sensor reaches a predetermined integrated value after controlling the second opening / closing valve to open.

11. a sensor that is provided in the raw water channel between the inlet and the branching section or between the confluence and the outlet, and that measures the state of water; a notification unit that emits sound, light, and / or vibration; The flow path switching system of any one of claims 7 to 10, wherein the control unit controls the second on-off valve to open, and then controls the notification unit to emit sound, light, and / or vibration to indicate that the system is available after a second predetermined time has elapsed or after the flow rate measured by the sensor has reached a predetermined integrated value.

12. 12. The flow path switching system according to claim 10, wherein the second predetermined time or the predetermined integrated value is adjustable.

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