Flow path switching system

Abstract

To provide a flow path switching system that improves connection workability and saves a space.SOLUTION: A flow path switching system 1 used in a water purification system includes: a raw water channel having an inlet 2, an outlet 3, a branching section, and a junction section; and a raw water outgoing channel 7 and a purified water return channel 8 connected to a water purifier. The branching section is a portion where raw water flowing from the inlet 2 through the raw water channel is branched into the raw water outgoing channel 7. The junction section is a portion provided between the branching section of the raw water channel and the outlet 3, where purified water purified by the water purifier and flowed through the purified water return channel 8 is merged into the raw water channel, and further includes a first opening / closing valve 10 provided between the branching section and the junction section of the raw water channel, and a second opening / closing valve 11 provided on the raw water outgoing channel 7. The raw water channel, the raw water outgoing channel 7, the purified water return channel 8, the first opening / closing valve 10, and the second opening / closing valve 11 are connected and integrated without using other piping.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

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[0003]

[0001] The present invention relates to a flow path switching system used in a water purification system that supplies purified water as drinking water for general households or businesses, with tap water as the raw water.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, as water purifiers for purifying tap water, there are known faucet-connected water purifiers directly connected to the outlet of a tap water faucet, stationary water purifiers used by placing them on the kitchen, and under-sink water purifiers used by placing them under the kitchen sink. In all of them, since the total filtration volume that the filter cartridge for the water purifier can process is limited, the water purifier has a function of switching between the raw water discharge state and the purified water discharge state. The user can extend the life of the filter cartridge for the water purifier by setting it to the purified water discharge state only when obtaining purified water. And when the total filtration volume that the filter material can process is reached, the filter cartridge for the water purifier is replaced.

[0003] In the case of an under-sink water purifier, as a means for switching between the raw water discharge state and the purified water discharge state, a special hot and cold water mixing and composite faucet for a water purifier as in Patent Document 1 is often used. Alternatively, a single faucet for a water purifier may be provided separately from this faucet, and the two faucets for raw water use and purified water use may be used separately.

[0004] On the other hand, a water purification system that does not use a faucet for a water purifier has also been proposed. For example, Patent Document 2 discloses an under-sink water purification device that includes a raw water path composed of a water pipe, a purified water path attached to the water pipe, and a solenoid valve for switching to send water to either one, and controls the solenoid valve by operating an operation unit having a touch panel.

[0005] Furthermore, hot and cold water mixing faucets with an under-sink type water purifier connected to an existing faucet are disclosed in Patent Documents 3 and 4. Specifically, in the hot and cold water mixing faucet disclosed in Patent Document 3, a check valve, a T-type pipe joint, 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. The purified water outlet of the water purifier is connected to the T-type pipe joint via the check valve, and the raw water inlet of the water purifier is connected to the electric three-way valve. Similarly, the hot and cold water mixing faucet disclosed in Patent Document 4 also has a branched flow path in the raw water flow path, and a purified water path is provided in this branched flow path. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2016-142342 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2001-225062 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Registered Utility Model No. 3027934 Gazette [Patent Document 4] Japanese Patent Publication No. 7-171559 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0007] The hot and cold water mixing faucet devices described in Patent Documents 3 and 4 require workers to sequentially connect check valves, T-type pipe fittings, and electric three-way valves on-site, which takes a considerable amount of time. Therefore, improvements in connection efficiency are desired. Furthermore, in recent years, customer demand for more space around sinks has increased, making space-saving solutions also necessary.

[0008] In view of the above-mentioned problems, the present invention focuses on integrating a flow path switching component that is arranged in the raw water flow path for supplying water from the main valve for tap water to a faucet, and provides a flow path switching system that can improve connection workability and save space. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The flow path switching system of the present invention, which solves the aforementioned problems, is a flow path switching system used in a water purification system, A raw channel having an inlet, an outlet, a branching section and a confluence section, It is equipped with a supply line for raw water and a return line for purified water that are connected to the water purifier. The aforementioned branching section is the part that branches the raw water that has flowed from the inlet through the raw water channel to the raw water outflow channel. The aforementioned confluence section is provided between the branching section and the outlet of the raw water channel, and is the section where the purified water that has been purified by the water purifier and flowed through the purified water return channel is merged with the raw water channel. A first on / off valve is provided between the branch section and the confluence section of the original water channel, The system further includes a second on / off valve provided in the raw water supply path, The raw water channel, the raw water supply channel, the purified water return channel, the first shut-off valve, and the second shut-off valve are connected and integrated without the need for other piping. Occasionally, The inlet and outlet are positioned so that their respective central axes are parallel to each other. The outlet and the return path for water purification are positioned so that their respective central axes are coaxial.

[0010] The flow path switching system of the present invention, which solves the aforementioned problems, is a flow path switching system used in a water purification system, A raw channel having an inlet, an outlet and a confluence, The raw water supply line and the purified water return line connected to the water purifier, The raw water channel is provided with a three-way valve that branches the raw water flowing through the raw water channel from the inlet to the raw water supply channel, The aforementioned confluence section is provided between the three-way valve and the outlet of the raw water channel, and is the part that combines the purified water, which has been purified by the water purifier and flowed through the purified water return channel, with the raw water channel. The raw water channel, the raw water supply channel, the purified water return channel, and the three-way valve are connected and integrated without the need for other piping. Occasionally, The inlet and outlet are positioned so that their respective central axes are parallel to each other. The outlet and the return path for water purification are positioned so that their respective central axes are coaxial.

[0011] It is preferable that the forward path for raw water and the return path for purified water are positioned so that their respective central axes are parallel to each other.

Advantages of the Invention

[0012] According to the switching system of the present invention that solves the above problems, the workability of connecting to the faucet body can be improved, it can also be connected to an existing faucet body, and space saving can be achieved.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0013] [Figure 1] It is a flow path configuration diagram showing an example of the connection between the flow path switching system of the embodiment of the present invention and a water purifier, a faucet, a water supply source, and a hot water supply source. [Figure 2] It is a perspective view of the flow path switching system of an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] It is a longitudinal sectional view of the flow path switching system of FIG. 2, FIG. 3(a) is a sectional view taken along line A-A of FIG. 2, and FIG. 3(b) is a sectional view taken along line B-B of FIG. 3(a). [Figure 4] It is an example of a water purifier connected to the flow path switching system of the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] It is an example of a hot and cold water mixing faucet connected to the flow path switching system of the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] It is an example of a hot and cold water mixing faucet operation lever connected to the flow path switching system of the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] It is a control unit block diagram of the flow path switching system of the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] It is a flowchart of the flow path switching system of the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] It is a time chart of the operation of the flow path switching system of the embodiment of the present invention until purified water is discharged. [Figure 10] It is a time chart of the operation of switching the flow path switching system of the embodiment of the present invention from the purified water mode to the raw water mode. [Figure 11] It is a time chart of the operation of the flow path switching system of the embodiment of the present invention when raw water is used. [Figure 12]This is a perspective view of a flow path switching system in another embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0014] An embodiment of the flow path switching system according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0015] Figure 1 is a flow path configuration diagram showing an example of a water purification system combining the flow path switching system 1 and a water purifier 16 according to the present invention, and its connection to a hot and cold water mixing faucet 20, a water supply source 17, and a hot water supply source 18. The flow path switching system 1 is provided with a raw water channel 4 connecting an inlet 2 and an outlet 3, and the raw water channel 4 is provided with a branching section 5 that branches the raw water flowing from the inlet 2 into a raw water supply channel 7. Between the branching section 5 and the outlet 3, there is a junction section 6 into which the purified water return channel 8 joins, and between the branching section 5 and the junction section 6, there is a first on-off valve 10 that opens and closes the flow path based on the control of the control unit 9. The raw water supply channel 7 is provided with a second on-off valve 11 that opens and closes based on 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. As the pressure regulating valve 12, a pressure regulating valve with a fixed pressure setting, for example, 0.2 MPa or 0.1 MPa, may be used, or a pressure regulating valve that allows the pressure setting to be arbitrarily set may be used.

[0016] Figure 2 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the flow path switching system 1 in the present invention, and Figure 3 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view, where Figure 3(a) is the AA cross-sectional view of Figure 2 and Figure 3(b) is the BB cross-sectional view of Figure 3(a). The raw water channel 4, which communicates with the inlet 2 and the outlet 3, passes through a straight pipe forward channel 30 that bends approximately 90 degrees downstream of the inlet, a U-turn channel 31, and a straight pipe return channel 32 after the U-turn, before bending approximately 90 degrees to reach the outlet 3. A raw water forward channel 7 branches downward from the branching section 5 of the straight pipe forward channel 30, and a second on-off valve 11 is provided immediately after the branch, followed by a pressure regulating valve 12. A purified water return channel 8 joins from above at the confluence section 6 of the straight pipe return channel 32. A first on-off valve 10 is provided in the U-turn channel 31 downstream of the branching section 5, and its drive unit is located outside the straight pipe forward channel 30 and the straight pipe return channel 32. This arrangement allows for a shorter distance between the straight pipe supply path 30 and the straight pipe return path 32, and a shorter distance between the inlet 2 and the outlet 3. When installing under a kitchen sink, a large distance between the inlet 2 and outlet 3 of the flow path switching system 1 makes connection difficult, but providing a U-turn path 31 to reduce the distance makes installation easier.

[0017] The straight pipe supply path 30 and the straight pipe return path 32 have a coaxial double-pipe structure, and at the unit division section 33 upstream of the branching section 5 and downstream of the confluence section 6, the straight pipe supply path 30 and the straight pipe return path 32 can be separated in an integrated state. That is, it can be divided into a first flow path switching unit 34 having an inlet 2 and an outlet 3, and a second flow path switching unit 35 having a branching section 5 and a confluence section 6. Because it can be divided into a first flow path switching unit 34 and a second flow path switching unit 35, installation is made easy because the inlet 2 of the first flow path switching unit 34 is connected to the water supply source 17 and the outlet 3 to the hot and cold water mixing faucet 20, the second flow path switching unit 35 is connected to the water purifier 16 outside the sink, and then the division section is connected inside the sink.

[0018] The components of the first flow path switching unit 34 and the second flow path switching unit 35 are preferably manufactured by injection molding. Injection molding allows for the integral formation of complex flow paths, thus enabling miniaturization. Using, for example, polyphenylene sulfide with 40% glass fiber as the injection molding material results in high mechanical strength and chemical resistance, preventing damage from repeated water pressure loads or corrosion from kitchen oils and detergents. However, the material is not limited to polyphenylene sulfide; modified polyphenylene ether, olefin resins such as polyethylene, and rigid resin materials such as silicone resin, vinyl acetate resin, and rigid polyvinyl chloride resin can be used, as long as the function can be maintained over the long term.

[0019] The inlet 2 of the first flow path switching unit 34 has a cylindrical inlet connecting member 36 with a pipe thread at one end and an O-ring at the other end. For installation, the pipe thread of the inlet connecting member 36 is screwed fully into the water supply source 17, and then the other end with the O-ring is inserted into the first flow path switching unit 34, allowing for quick and reliable installation.

[0020] Using solenoid valves for the first on-off valve 10 and the second on-off valve 11 allows for quick opening and closing of the flow path due to their fast response, thereby suppressing unnecessary flow rate changes. Furthermore, using electrically operated valves for the first on-off valve 10 and the second on-off valve 11 allows for a larger opening and closing diameter, resulting in high flow rates and low pressure loss. Additionally, using three-way valves instead of the first on-off valve 10 and the second on-off valve 11 saves space. Alternatively, air-driven valves that open and close using pneumatic 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.

[0021] A shut-off valve 14 is provided between the inlet 2 of the first flow path switching unit 34 and the unit division section 33. Normally, it is kept open, but it can be closed in the event of a water leak or other abnormality downstream, or when the user will be away for an extended period. The shut-off valve 14 may also be used as a replacement for an existing shut-off valve. Removing the existing shut-off valve would provide more installation space and make installation easier. For the structure of the shut-off valve 14, a type that can be closed by turning it with a flathead screwdriver would be less obtrusive. However, a type that can be closed by gripping and turning a handle is also acceptable.

[0022] A check valve 15 is provided in the return water channel 8 for purified water, preventing water from flowing from the confluence 6 towards the return water channel 8. This check valve 15 and the aforementioned pressure regulating valve 12 prevent high water pressure from being applied to the water purifier for extended periods, thereby preventing damage to the water purifier and preventing water leakage from the water purifier.

[0023] Between the confluence 6 and the outlet 3, a sensor 13 is provided to measure the state of the water flowing in the raw channel 4. In this embodiment, a flow sensor 13 is provided to measure the water flow rate. The flow sensor 13 consists of a circular cross-section turbine channel 37, a rotating shaft 38 provided in the center of the turbine channel, a turbine 39 with a built-in magnet (not shown), and a Hall IC (not shown) that detects changes in the magnetic field and converts them into a voltage. The voltage output from the Hall IC is a pulse signal. The flow sensor 13 sends a pulse signal with a frequency corresponding to the water flow rate in the raw channel 4 to the control unit 9, and based on the result of processing this signal, the first on-off valve 10 and the second on-off valve 11 are opened and closed. The magnetic sensor for detecting the magnetic field is not limited to a Hall IC; a reed switch may also be used. The flow sensor 13 may also be provided between the inlet 2 and the branch 5, and the configuration of the flow sensor 13 in that case may be the same as described above. A first flow sensor may be installed between the branching section 5 and the merging section 6, and a second flow sensor may be installed in the raw water supply path 7 or the purified water return path 8, with the signals from each being sent to the control unit 9 for calculation processing.

[0024] Furthermore, a pressure sensor can be used as sensor 13 to measure the pressure of the water flowing in the raw water channel 4. For example, in this embodiment, the hot and cold water mixing valve 23 located downstream of the outlet 3 controls the flow of water, so when the hot and cold water mixing valve 23 is opened, water flows out from the outlet 21, and the water pressure in the raw water channel 4 decreases. When the hot and cold water mixing valve 23 is closed, the water pressure from the water supply source 17 increases the water pressure in the raw water channel 4. In this way, by measuring the water pressure in the raw water channel 4, it is possible to determine whether water is flowing in the raw water channel 4 or not. Even when using a pressure sensor, the pressure sensor may be installed either between the confluence 6 and the outlet 3, or between the inlet 2 and the branching 5.

[0025] The sensor 13 is not limited to the flow sensor or pressure sensor mentioned above; any sensor that can determine whether water is flowing in the raw water channel 4 is acceptable, including a float sensor or a sensor that detects sound or vibration.

[0026] Figure 12 is a perspective view of a flow path switching system 1' according to another embodiment of the present invention. The difference between the flow path switching system 1 in Figures 2 and 3 and this flow path switching system 1' is the position of the inlet, outlet, and purified water return path, and the fact that the entire flow path switching system is not a divided structure.

[0027] In the flow path switching system 1', the inlet 2' and outlet 3' are positioned so that their central axes are not coaxial, but rather two parallel axes. By positioning them so that their central axes are two parallel axes, the distance from inlet 2' to outlet 3' can be shortened compared to a position where their central axes are coaxial. Existing piping under sinks is often short in length, and if the distance from inlet to outlet is long, it is difficult to install a flow path switching system by replacing the existing piping. However, with this flow path switching system 1', the distance from inlet 2' to outlet 3' is short, so it can be easily installed. Note that the "distance from inlet 2' to outlet 3'" referred to here is the vertical distance in Figure 12, and not the shortest distance from inlet 2' to outlet 3' (the diagonal distance in Figure 12) or the length of the flow path within the piping from inlet 2' to outlet 3'.

[0028] The flow path switching system 1' has the outlet 3' and the return path 8' for purified water positioned so that their respective central axes are coaxial. By arranging them coaxially, it is possible to reduce the pressure loss in the piping when discharging purified water, and the flow rate of purified water is improved.

[0029] Furthermore, unlike the flow path switching system 1 shown in Figures 2 and 3, the flow path switching system 1' cannot be divided into a first flow path switching unit 34 and a second flow path switching unit 35; the entire system is integrated. Because it cannot be divided into a first flow path switching unit and a second flow path switching unit, the aforementioned advantages cannot be enjoyed, but instead, the number of components can be reduced, thereby lowering manufacturing costs.

[0030] Figure 4 shows an example of a water purifier connected to the flow path switching system of the present invention. The water purifier 16 has a raw water inlet 41 and a purified water outlet 42. The raw water inlet 41 is connected to the raw water supply path 7 of the flow path switching system 1, and the purified water outlet 42 is connected to the purified water return path 8 of the flow path switching system 1. The water purifier 16 consists of a water purifier body equipped with a raw water inlet 41 and a purified water outlet 42, and a water purifier cartridge containing filter media. As the filter media to be stored in the water purifier cartridge, a combination of activated carbon, ion exchanger, and filter membrane can be used. If a water purifier is used in which the water purifier body and the water purifier cartridge are connected by a bayonet mechanism, and the water purifier cartridge can be replaced with a single touch, it is convenient as the water purifier cartridge can be replaced easily in a short time. If a small water purifier that can be mounted on the wall under the sink is used, it is convenient as it does not get in the way of storage under the sink.

[0031] Figures 5 and 6 show an example of a hot and cold water mixing faucet connected to a flow path switching system according to an embodiment of the present invention. The hot and cold water mixing faucet 20 includes a discharge port 21, an operating lever 22, and a hot and cold water mixing on / off 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 Figure 5, 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 Figure 6, 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 mixing faucet 20 is connected to a water supply source 17 via the flow path switching system 1 and is also connected to a hot water supply source 18. 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 on / off valve 23 of the hot and cold water mixing faucet 20.

[0032] Next, the procedure for installing the flow path switching system 1 of the embodiment of the present invention in addition to an already installed hot and cold water mixing faucet will be described. Remove the piping extending from the hot and cold water mixing faucet 20 and connected to the water supply source 17, and screw in the inlet connection member 36 fully. At this time, the existing shut-off valve of the water supply source 17 may also be removed. Next, screw the piping of the hot and cold water mixing faucet 20, which was removed from the water supply source 17, fully into the first flow path switching unit 34, and then insert the end of the inlet connection member 36 with the O-ring attached into the first flow path switching unit 34 and secure it with the quick fastener 40 to prevent it from coming loose. When screwing it in, you can screw it in fully without worrying about the mounting angle, so there is no need to worry about water leakage. Finally, attach the second flow path switching unit 35 to the first flow path switching unit 34. Since several parts are unitized and assembled in order, installation can be done quickly and reliably. The pressure regulating valve 12 and its raw water supply connection member 52 are rotatable relative to the branch section 5, making piping easier to route. Making the purified water return connection member 53 rotatable relative to the junction 6 would further simplify piping routing. As long as the connection can be maintained without leakage over the long term, the connection method is not limited and can be arbitrarily adopted, such as coupler connection type or clip connection type.

[0033] Next, the operation of discharging purified water using the flow path switching system 1 and hot and cold water mixing faucet according to an embodiment of the present invention will be briefly described. When the operating lever 22 of the hot and cold water mixing faucet 20 is turned to the right until it stops and then pushed up, the hot and cold water mixing valve 23 opens and tap water is discharged from the outlet 21. The first valve 10 is open and the second valve 11 is closed, remaining in the initial state, so tap water flows directly into the raw water channel 4. When a signal corresponding to the water volume is sent from the sensor 13 to the control unit 9, the control unit 9 determines from the signal that water is flowing. Subsequently, a special operation is performed in which the operating lever 22 is pushed down once and then pushed up within 3 seconds. When this is done, the sensor 13 sends a signal corresponding to a special flow rate change caused by stopping the water and then restarting it within 3 seconds to the control unit 9. The control unit 9 determines from the signal that the water has been stopped and then restarted within 3 seconds. Then, the control unit 9 opens the second valve 11 and then closes the first valve 10. As a result, tap water that had passed through the raw water channel 4 was now coming out of the outlet 21 as is. However, the tap water now passes through the branching section 5 and the raw water supply path 7 to the water purifier 16, and the purified water, purified by the water purifier 16, passes through the purified water return path 8 and the confluence section 6 before coming out of the outlet 21. Finally, when the operating lever 22 is pushed down, the hot and cold water mixing valve 23 closes and the purified water from the outlet 21 stops. At this point, the signal from the sensor 13 to the control unit 9 is either interrupted or only a signal corresponding to a small water volume is received from the sensor 13. The control unit 9 then determines that the water has been stopped and immediately closes the second valve 11 and opens the first valve 10 to return to the initial state.

[0034] In this manner, the control unit 9 determines whether to open or close the operating lever 22 based on the signal from the sensor 13, and controls the opening and closing of the first on-off valve 10 and the second on-off valve 11 according to that determination.

[0035] Furthermore, by providing an on-off valve between the hot water supply source 18 and the hot and cold water mixing valve 23, a system can be installed that closes the hot water side on-off valve when purified water is being discharged, thereby preventing hot water from mixing with purified water.

[0036] Next, the control unit 9 of the flow path switching system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described. Figure 7 is a block diagram illustrating the control unit 9. The control unit 9 is equipped with a calculation device consisting of a CPU 43 and the like, and the calculation device is connected to a reset switch 44, a notification unit 45, a setting switch 46, a memory 47, a first on-off valve drive circuit 48, a second on-off valve drive circuit 49, a sensor circuit 50, and a power supply 51. The output signal of the sensor 13 is input to the CPU 43 via the sensor circuit 50, and the first on-off valve 10 and the second on-off valve 11 are opened and closed via the first on-off valve drive circuit 48 and the second on-off valve drive circuit 49 based on the calculation result.

[0037] In this embodiment, a flow sensor 13 is provided as the sensor 13 for measuring the flow rate of water. The flow sensor 13 has a Hall IC (not shown) that detects changes in the magnetic field and converts them into a voltage, and the voltage output from the Hall IC becomes a pulse signal. The frequency of the pulse signal increases as the water flow rate increases.

[0038] The reset switch 44 is a switch for resetting the accumulated time and accumulated flow rate. When the accumulated time after the reset reaches a predetermined time, or when the accumulated flow rate reaches a predetermined flow rate, the notification unit 45 emits a sound, light, or vibration prompting the user to replace the water purifier 16. When the user replaces the water purifier 16 and operates the reset switch 44, the accumulated time and accumulated flow rate are reset, and the accumulation of accumulated time, i.e., the time during which water is judged to be flowing, and the accumulation of accumulated flow rate, i.e., the accumulation of signals corresponding to the flow rate, are started anew.

[0039] The setting switch 46 is used to set a predetermined time and flow rate according to the model of the water purifier. Using a DIP switch for the setting switch 46 results in a compact and space-saving design, but it is not limited to DIP switches; any type of switch that allows for numerical input can be used to accommodate any water purifier, and a button switch is easy to operate.

[0040] The power supply 51 consists of four AA batteries connected in series (not shown). C-size batteries or D-size batteries may also be used, and coin-type lithium batteries may be used, but AA batteries are preferred due to their capacity and external dimensions. Existing battery boxes can be used as appropriate, but a battery box equipped with a gasket to prevent water and oil from entering from the outside is preferred. The control unit 9, connected to the power supply 51 by lead wires, has a function to measure voltage.

[0041] A transmitter may be installed in the control unit 9, and the calculation results may be notified to the user's smartphone using Wi-Fi (registered trademark) or Bluetooth (registered trademark). If the cumulative usage time and cumulative flow rate of the water purifier are transmitted and displayed on the smartphone, it is convenient for the user to prepare for replacing the water purifier with a new one. If the cumulative flow rate of raw water is transmitted and displayed on the smartphone along with an estimated result for water charges, it is convenient for the user to prepare for payment. If the battery voltage is transmitted and displayed on the smartphone along with the battery capacity, it is convenient for the user to prepare for replacing the battery with a new one. By visualizing the usage status through a designated cloud service, a more comfortable water purifier usage environment can be provided.

[0042] Figure 8 shows the control of the control unit 9 to switch from raw water mode to purified water mode. When the power to the flow path switching system 1 is turned ON in step S0, the flow path switching system 1 enters an operating standby state in step S1. In the operating standby state, the control unit 9 controls the first on-off valve 10 to be open and the second on-off valve 11 to be closed. In other words, in the operating standby state, raw water can be discharged from the hot and cold water mixing faucet 20. This state is called raw water mode. On the other hand, the state in which purified water can be discharged from the outlet 21 is called purified water mode.

[0043] Steps S2 to S5 detect the water purification mode. When the frequency of the pulse signal from sensor 13 in raw water mode exceeds a first threshold (step S2), it is determined that the operating lever 22 of the hot and cold water mixing faucet 20 is open and tap water is being discharged from the outlet 21. Subsequently, when the frequency of the pulse signal from sensor 13 falls below a second threshold (step S3), and then within a predetermined time (step S4) the frequency of the pulse signal from sensor 13 exceeds the first threshold again (step S5), it is determined that the operating lever 22 of the hot and cold water mixing faucet 20 has been closed and then opened again within a predetermined time. This operation in which the frequency of the pulse signal from sensor 13 exceeds the first threshold, then falls below a second threshold, and then exceeds the first threshold again within a predetermined time is called a water purification mode switching operation.

[0044] Preferably, the first threshold is set to a frequency corresponding to a flow rate in the range of 1 L / min to 2 L / min, and the second threshold is set to a frequency corresponding to a flow rate in the range of 0.5 L / min to less than 1 L / min. In this embodiment, the first threshold is set to 10 Hz, which corresponds to a flow rate in the range of 1 L / min to 2 L / min, and the second threshold is set to 5 Hz, which corresponds to a flow rate in the range of 0.5 L / min to less than 1 L / min. Furthermore, it is preferable to set the predetermined time within the range of 0.5 seconds to 3.0 seconds.

[0045] When this water purification mode switching operation is detected, the control unit 9 opens the second on-off valve 11 (step S6), and then closes the first on-off valve 10 (step S7). In step 3, if the pulse signal frequency does not fall below the second threshold (NO), in step 4, if the condition remains below the second threshold for a predetermined time (NO), or in step 5, if it does not rise above the first threshold (NO), the raw water mode is maintained.

[0046] If the first on-off valve 10 in step S7 is closed before the second on-off valve 11 in step S6 is opened, or if the first on-off valve 10 in step 7 and the second on-off valve 11 in step 6 are closed simultaneously, the flow rate may momentarily decrease and fall below the first threshold, potentially leading to a false detection that the operating lever 22 of the hot and cold water mixing faucet 20 has been closed to stop the water flow. However, as described above, by opening the second on-off valve 11 in step S6 first and closing the first on-off valve 10 in step S7 later, it is possible to switch from raw water mode to purified water mode without false detection.

[0047] When the flow path switching system 1 switches from raw water mode to purified water mode, the control unit 9 emits a long, intermittent beeping sound from the notification unit 45 in step S8 (notification 1). This allows the user to recognize that the flow path switching system 1 has switched from raw water mode to purified water mode. Then, the control unit 9 starts accumulating the cumulative time, i.e., the time during which water is judged to be flowing, and the cumulative flow rate, i.e., the cumulative signal corresponding to the flow rate (step S9).

[0048] Step 10 confirms that the pulse signal frequency remains above the first threshold, and when the cumulative time since switching to water purification mode exceeds the wastewater threshold (Step 11), the control unit 9 emits a short, intermittent beeping sound from the notification unit 45 in step S12 (Notification 2). This allows the user to recognize that the draining of stagnant water from the water purifier, i.e., the wastewater disposal, is complete and the purified water being discharged from the hot and cold water mixing faucet 20 is drinkable.

[0049] Here, instead of the cumulative time since switching to water purification mode, the cumulative flow rate since switching to water purification mode, i.e., the cumulative signal corresponding to the flow rate, may be used to send notification 2 from the notification unit 45 when it exceeds the wastewater threshold. Even if the opening degree of the operating lever 22 of the hot and cold water mixing faucet 20 changes, the stagnant water can be discharged to the minimum necessary extent, making it economical.

[0050] Notification 1 may be a melody with a musical scale, a continuous beep, vibration, or light, rather than an intermittent sound. Similarly, Notification 2 may be a melody different from Notification 1, a continuous sound with a different pitch, a vibration with a different frequency or amplitude, or light of a different color. Conventional notification methods can be appropriately selected, and sound, light, and vibration can be used in combination. Allowing users to select the notification method allows for customization to their preferences.

[0051] Knowing that the notification has switched from Notification 1 to Notification 2 allows users to accurately recognize that the discarded water has become potable purified water. This prevents them from drinking the discarded water or discarding potable purified water.

[0052] In purified water mode, when the frequency of the pulse signal from sensor 13 falls below the second threshold (step 14), the operating lever 22 of the hot and cold water mixing faucet 20 closes, and it is determined that the purified water flow from the outlet 21 has been stopped. The control unit 9 closes the second on-off valve 11 (step S15), and then opens the first on-off valve 10 (step S16). In other words, the flow path switching system 1 switches from purified water mode to raw water mode.

[0053] In steps 10 and 11, if the pulse signal frequency does not remain above the first threshold (NO), the control unit 9 closes the second on-off valve 11 (step S15), and then opens the first on-off valve 10 (step S16). In other words, the flow path switching system 1 switches from purified water mode to raw water mode.

[0054] Although not shown in Figure 8, the system may automatically switch to raw water mode when the cumulative time since switching to purified water mode exceeds a predetermined time. At this time, the second on-off valve 11 is closed, then the first on-off valve 10 is opened, and the transmission of notification 2 from the notification unit 45 is stopped. This allows the user to recognize that the flow path switching system 1 has switched to raw water mode. Adding this function prevents wasting purified water by leaving it running and unintentionally shortening the lifespan of the water purifier.

[0055] When the cumulative flow rate since the reset switch 44 was operated, i.e., the cumulative signal corresponding to the flow rate, exceeds the water purifier replacement threshold, the control unit 9 emits a sound, light, and vibration from the notification unit 45 that is different from notification 1 and notification 2 (notification 3). This allows the user to recognize that the water purifier has reached the end of its lifespan and needs to be replaced. The notification unit 45 may also emit a sound, light, and vibration if more than one year has passed since the reset switch 44 was operated. This prevents unsanitary conditions caused by extremely low usage frequency and prolonged use beyond what was anticipated.

[0056] When the control unit 9 detects that the voltage of the power supply 51 has fallen below the battery life threshold, the control unit 9 emits a sound, light, and vibration from the notification unit 45 that is different from notifications 1, 2, and 3 (notification 4). This allows the user to recognize that the battery has reached the end of its life and needs to be replaced.

[0057] Next, the operation of the flow path switching system 1 according to the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 9, 10, and 11.

[0058] Figure 9 is a time chart of the flow path switching system 1 in this embodiment, from the water shut-off state to the discharge of purified water. When the operating lever 22 of the hot and cold water mixing faucet 20 is closed (water shut-off state), the first on-off valve 10 is open and the second on-off valve 11 is closed. When the operating lever 22 of the hot and cold water mixing faucet 20 is turned to the right until it stops and then pushed up, the hot and cold water mixing on-off valve 23 opens and tap water is discharged from the outlet 21. Since the first on-off valve 10 is open and the second on-off valve 11 is closed, remaining in the initial state, tap water flows directly into the raw water channel 4. When a signal corresponding to the water volume is sent from the sensor 13 to the control unit 9, the control unit 9 determines that water is flowing based on that signal. Subsequently, a special operation is performed in which the operating lever 22 is pushed down once and then pushed up within 3 seconds. When this is done, the sensor 13 sends a signal to the control unit 9 corresponding to the special flow rate change caused by shutting off the water and then restarting the water flow within 3 seconds. The control unit 9 determines from the signal that water has been stopped and then restarted within 3 seconds. The control unit 9 then opens the second shut-off valve 11 and then closes the first shut-off valve 10. As a result, although tap water that had passed through the raw water channel 4 was coming out of the discharge port 21 as is, the tap water now passes through the branching section 5 and the raw water supply path 7 to the water purifier 16, and the purified water purified by the water purifier 16 passes through the purified water return path 8 and the junction section 6 before coming out of the discharge port 21.

[0059] Figure 10 is a time chart of the operation of switching the flow path switching system 1 from purified water mode to raw water mode in this embodiment. As shown in Figure 10, when the operating lever 22 is pressed down while purified water is being discharged, the hot and cold water mixing valve 23 closes and the purified water from the outlet 21 stops. As a result, the signal from the sensor 13 to the control unit 9 is interrupted, or only a signal corresponding to a small water volume is received from the sensor 13 to the control unit 9. Therefore, the control unit 9 determines that the water has been stopped and immediately closes the second valve 11 and opens the first valve 10 to return to the initial state.

[0060] Figure 11 is a time chart of the operation of the flow path switching system in this embodiment when raw water is used. As shown in Figure 11, when the operating lever 22 is pushed up, the hot and cold water mixing valve 23 opens and tap water is discharged from the outlet 21. The first valve 10 is open and the second valve 11 is closed, remaining in the initial state, so tap water flows directly into the raw water channel 4. When a signal corresponding to the water volume is sent from the sensor 13 to the control unit 9, the control unit 9 determines that water is flowing based on that signal. Subsequently, when the operating lever 22 is pushed down, the hot and cold water mixing valve 23 closes and the discharge of tap water from the outlet 21 stops. The signal from the sensor 13 also stops, so the control unit 9 determines that the water has been stopped. Since the special operation of pushing down the operating lever 22 once and then pushing it up within 3 seconds has not been performed, the control unit 9 determines that water has not been re-flowed within 3 seconds after the water was stopped, and the first valve 10 remains open and the second valve 11 remains closed.

[0061] As described above, by using the flow path switching system 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to switch between raw water mode and purified water mode with a simple operation of the operating lever of the hot and cold water mixing faucet. Unlike Patent Document 1, there is no need to purchase an expensive special hot and cold water mixing / combined faucet for water purifiers, and an under-sink water purifier can be installed in an existing faucet. There is no need to install an operating touch panel, push buttons, or run wiring as in Patent Document 2. There is no need to drill holes in the existing sink, and an under-sink water purifier can be easily installed.

[0062] While embodiments of the present invention have been described above, these are merely illustrative examples and should not be interpreted restrictively. The invention can be implemented in various modified, improved, and enhanced forms based on the knowledge of those skilled in the art. Such embodiments are included within the scope of the present invention as long as they are consistent with the spirit of the invention and include its features. [Examples]

[0063] <Example 1> The flow path switching system of the present invention is connected to a KVK KM5021TEC single-lever kitchen sink faucet with shower (hot and cold water mixer), a Toray SK88 under-sink water purifier, a water supply source, and a hot water supply source.

[0064] When the single lever was turned to the right until it stopped and then pushed up, tap water was forcefully discharged from the showerhead. When the single lever was pushed down once, and then pushed up again after 1.5 seconds, a long, intermittent beeping sound was heard, indicating that the flow path switching system had switched from raw water mode to purified water mode. During the switch, the flow rate decreased slightly to 3.5 L / min, but the water did not stop. After 15 seconds, the sound changed to a short, intermittent beeping sound, indicating that the draining of stagnant water from the water purifier, i.e., the discarding of the water, was complete, and the purified water was ready to drink. When the single lever was pushed down, the purified water from the showerhead stopped, and at the same time, the short, intermittent beeping sound also stopped.

[0065] <Example 2> The flow path switching system of the present invention is connected to a KVK K16NDSSE vertical swivel faucet (a single faucet without a hot and cold water mixing function), a Toray SK88 under-sink water purifier, a water supply source, and a hot water supply source. When I turned the rotary lever at the base of the faucet to the right, tap water gushed out of the spout. When I turned the rotary lever to the left until it stopped, and then turned it to the right after 1.5 seconds, I heard a long, intermittent beeping sound, indicating that the flow path switching system had switched from raw water mode to purified water mode. During the switch, the flow rate decreased slightly to 3.5 L / min, but the water did not stop completely. After 15 seconds, the sound changed to a short, intermittent beeping sound, indicating that the draining of the stagnant water in the water purifier, i.e., the discarding of the water, was complete, and that the purified water was now drinkable. When I turned the rotary lever to the left until it stopped, the purified water from the spout stopped, and at the same time, the short, intermittent beeping sound also stopped.

[0066] Although various embodiments have been described above with reference to the drawings, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to these examples. It is clear to those skilled in the art that various modifications or alterations can be conceived within the scope of the claims, and these will naturally also fall within the technical scope of the present invention. Furthermore, the components in the above embodiments may be combined arbitrarily without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0067] This application is based on a Japanese patent application (Patent Application No. 2019-203685) filed on November 11, 2019, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0068] The technical concepts that can be understood from the above embodiments are described below. (1) A flow path switching system used in a water purification system, A raw water channel having an inlet and an outlet, The raw water supply line and the purified water return line connected to the water purifier, A device is installed in the raw water channel, which divides the raw water that has flowed through the raw water channel from the inlet into the raw water outbound channel. The branching point, It is installed between the branching point and the outlet of the raw water channel, and is purified by a water purifier. A confluence section where the purified water flowing back through the aforementioned water purification return channel is merged with the raw water channel, A first on / off valve is provided between the branch section and the confluence section of the original water channel, A second on / off valve is provided in the raw water supply path, A sensor provided between the inlet and the branching point of the raw water channel, or between the confluence point and the outlet, which measures the state of the water flowing in the raw water channel, The system includes a control unit that controls the first on-off valve and the second on-off valve based on signals from the aforementioned sensor, A flow path switching system in which the control unit receives a signal from the sensor indicating that water is flowing in the raw water channel, then receives a signal indicating that water is not flowing in the raw water channel, and then, within a predetermined time, receives a signal indicating that water is flowing in the raw water channel again, performs control to open the second on-off valve and close the first on-off valve.

[0069] (2) A flow path switching system according to the technical concept of (1), wherein the sensor is a flow sensor that outputs a pulse signal with a frequency corresponding to the flow rate of water flowing in the raw water channel, the signal indicating that water is flowing in the raw water channel is a pulse signal with a frequency equal to or greater than a first threshold, and the signal indicating that water is not flowing in the raw water channel is a pulse signal with a frequency equal to or less than a second threshold.

[0070] (3) A flow path switching system according to technical concept (2), wherein the first threshold is set to a frequency corresponding to a flow rate in the range of 1 L / min or more and 2 L / min or less, and the second threshold is set to a frequency corresponding to a flow rate in the range of 0.5 L / min or more and less than 1 L / min.

[0071] (4) Further comprising a notification unit that emits sound, light and / or vibration, The control unit accumulates the usage amount based on the pulse signal from the flow sensor while the second on-off valve is open, and when this accumulated value exceeds the water purifier replacement threshold, it sends a signal to the notification unit prompting the replacement of the water purifier. A flow path switching system according to technical concept (2) or (3), wherein the notification unit emits sound, light and / or vibration to prompt the replacement of the water purifier when it receives a signal from the control unit prompting the replacement of the water purifier.

[0072] (5) Further comprising a notification unit that emits sound, light and / or vibration, The control unit accumulates the amount of water used based on the pulse signal from the flow sensor between the closing and opening of the second on / off valve, and when this accumulated value exceeds the wastewater threshold, it sends a signal to the notification unit prompting the use of the water purifier. A flow path switching system according to any one of the technical ideas (2) to (4), wherein the notification unit emits sound, light and / or vibration to encourage the use of the water purifier when it receives a signal from the control unit to encourage the use of the water purifier.

[0073] (6) Further comprising a notification unit that emits sound, light and / or vibration, The control unit is equipped with a battery, and when the battery voltage exceeds a battery life threshold, it sends a signal to the notification unit prompting the battery to be replaced. A flow path switching system according to any one of the technical concepts (2) to (5), wherein the notification unit emits sound, light and / or vibration to prompt the replacement of the battery when it receives a signal from the control unit prompting the replacement of the battery.

[0074] (7) A water purifier comprising a flow path switching system according to any one of the technical concepts (1) to (6) and a raw water inlet and a purified water outlet, A water purification system in which the raw water supply path and the purified water return path of the flow path switching system are connected to the raw water inlet and the purified water outlet of the water purifier, respectively.

[0075] (8) The flow path switching system is The aforementioned raw water channel has a structure that allows it to be divided at the connecting section. It consists of a first channel switching unit including the portion of the original water channel having the inlet and outlet, and a second channel switching unit including the portion of the original water channel having the branch and confluence. The flow path switching system according to technical concept 1, wherein the first flow path switching unit and the second flow path switching unit are integrated by being connected at the connecting portion.

[0076] (9) The flow path switching system is The aforementioned raw water channel has a structure that allows it to be divided at the connecting section. It consists of a first channel switching unit including the portion of the raw water channel having the inlet and outlet, and a second channel switching unit including the portion of the raw water channel having the three-way valve and the confluence section. A flow path switching system of technical concept 2, wherein the first flow path switching unit and the second flow path switching unit are integrated by being connected at the connecting portion.

[0077] (10) A flow path switching system according to any of the technical concepts 1 to 3, wherein the raw water channel, the raw water supply channel, and the purified water return channel are molded from a hard resin material.

[0078] (11) A flow path switching system according to any of the technical concepts 1 to 3, wherein the source waterway has a straight pipe forward path after bending at approximately 90 degrees downstream of the inlet, a U-turn path following the straight pipe forward path, and a straight pipe return path following the U-turn path, and the straight pipe forward path and the straight pipe return path are double pipes that are approximately coaxial.

[0079] (12) A flow path switching system according to any of the technical concepts 1 to 3, wherein the outlet and the return path for purified water are in a positional relationship in which their respective central axes are coaxial. [Explanation of symbols]

[0080] 1.1' Flow path switching system 2, 2' inlet 3, 3' Outlet 4. Original waterway 5. Branching point 6. Confluence 7. Raw water supply route 8, 8' Return route for water purification 9. Control Unit 10. First shut-off valve 11. Second shut-off valve 12 Pressure Regulating Valve 13. Sensor (Flow Sensor) 14. Water shut-off valve 15. Check valve 16 Water purifier 17 Water sources 18 Hot water supply source 20 Hot water mixer tap 21 Discharge port 22 Operating levers 23. Hot and cold water mixing valve 30 Straight Pipe Outbound Route 31 U-turn 32 Straight pipe return route 33 Unit division section 34. First channel switching unit 35. Second channel switching unit 36 Inlet connection member 37 Water turbine channel 38 Rotation axis 39 Waterwheel 40 Quick Fasteners 41 Raw water inlet 42 Water purification outlet 43 CPU 44 Reset switch 45 Notification Department 46 Settings Switch 47 memory 48. First valve drive circuit 49. Second valve drive circuit 50 Sensor Circuit 51 Power supply 52 Raw water supply line connection member 53 Water purification return line connection member

Claims

1. A flow path switching system used in a water purification system, A raw channel having an inlet, an outlet, a branching section and a confluence section, It is equipped with a supply line for raw water and a return line for purified water that are connected to the water purifier. The aforementioned branching section is the part that branches the raw water that has flowed from the inlet through the raw water channel to the raw water outflow channel. The aforementioned confluence section is provided between the branching section and the outlet of the raw water channel, and is the section where the purified water that has been purified by the water purifier and flowed through the purified water return channel is merged with the raw water channel. A first on / off valve is provided between the branch section and the confluence section of the original water channel. The system further includes a second on / off valve provided in the raw water supply path, The raw water channel, the raw water supply channel, the purified water return channel, the first shut-off valve, and the second shut-off valve are connected and integrated without the need for other piping. The inlet and outlet are positioned so that their respective central axes are parallel to each other. The outlet and the return path for water purification are positioned so that their respective central axes are coaxial. Flow path switching system.

2. A flow path switching system used in a water purification system, A raw channel having an inlet, an outlet and a confluence, The raw water supply line and the purified water return line connected to the water purifier, The raw water channel is provided with a three-way valve that branches the raw water flowing through the raw water channel from the inlet to the raw water supply channel, The aforementioned confluence section is provided between the three-way valve and the outlet of the raw water channel, and is the part that combines the purified water, which has been purified by the water purifier and flowed through the purified water return channel, with the raw water channel. The raw water channel, the raw water supply channel, the purified water return channel, and the three-way valve are connected and integrated without the need for other piping. The inlet and outlet are positioned so that their respective central axes are parallel to each other. The outlet and the return path for water purification are positioned so that their respective central axes are coaxial. Flow path switching system.

3. The flow path switching system according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the forward path for raw water and the return path for purified water are in a positional relationship where their respective central axes are two parallel axes.

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