Direct-connection water purifier

Abstract

A water purifier (1) with a direct connection to a faucet has a flow switching valve (13) having a raw water inlet (28) for receiving raw water, a filtration cartridge (3) for purifying raw water, a water purification outlet (19) for discharging purified water, a raw water pipe (20) connecting the flow switching valve to the filtration cartridge, and a water purification pipe (30) connecting the filtration cartridge to the water purification outlet, and a flow rate detection unit (102) is installed in the water purification pipe, and the water purification pipe is positioned above the raw water pipe.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a water purifier that is directly connected to a faucet and used by attaching it to a faucet in a home or similar setting. Background Technology

[0002] Direct-connection water purifiers are known for filtering tap water by attaching them to faucets in homes and other locations, equipped with replaceable filtration cartridges filled with filter media such as hollow fiber membranes or activated carbon. Since the flow rate of the filtration cartridge can decrease when iron rust contained in the tap water clogs the hollow fiber membrane, or the adsorption performance of the activated carbon can deteriorate when large amounts of organic matter are adsorbed, users must periodically replace the cartridge with a new one to continue using the device. If the replacement schedule is appropriate, users can always drink safe and delicious purified water, which is beneficial for their health. Prior art literature

[0003] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2001-179244 Japanese Patent Publication No. 2005-111476 Japanese Patent Publication No. 2002-292365 The problem to be solved

[0004] Users can easily notice a decrease in flow rate caused by clogging of the hollow fiber membrane, but it is difficult for them to notice when the adsorption performance of activated carbon deteriorates due to the adsorption of large amounts of organic matter, as there is almost no change in taste or color. Since the decrease in activated carbon's adsorption performance is correlated with the total amount of filtered water passing through, it would be beneficial to measure and accumulate the filtration flow rate; however, because the amount of filtered water used changes daily, measurement is cumbersome and inconvenient.

[0005] In this regard, Patent Document 1 proposes a water purifier directly connected to a faucet that measures and accumulates the flow rate of tap water flowing into a filtration cartridge and displays a result for the user to see when a predetermined total amount of filtered water is reached. Even if there is no change in the taste or color of the purified water, the user can determine when to replace the filtration cartridge by looking at the display without having to perform cumbersome measurements. There is no risk of drinking purified water that has not been sufficiently filtered due to reduced adsorption performance.

[0006] [Task 1]

[0007] However, since the flow detection unit is installed upstream of the filter cartridge, water and other liquids in the tap water flow into the flow detection unit. Consequently, there was a problem in that the water gets stuck in the rotating blade containing the magnet of the flow detection unit (hereinafter referred to as the magnet-containing rotating blade) and does not rotate, making it impossible to measure the flow rate.

[0008] Regarding this, Patent Document 2 proposes a water purifier that is directly connected to a faucet and equipped with a flow rate detection unit on the downstream side of a filtration cartridge. Since purified water from which iron or other impurities have been removed flows into the flow rate detection unit, there is no case where iron or impurities get stuck in the magnet-embedded rotating blades and prevent rotation. Therefore, the filtration flow rate can be accurately measured and accumulated, and the time to replace the filtration cartridge can be indicated.

[0009] However, when assembling a water purifier directly connected to the faucet, there was a problem in that the flow detection unit had to be placed near the water purification pipe in a secluded area below the raw water pipe, which required a lot of manual labor and reduced assembly efficiency.

[0010] In consideration of the above-mentioned problem, the present invention provides a water purifier directly connected to a faucet that prevents water from flowing into the flow detection unit and making measurement impossible, has good assembly efficiency, has a small width dimension, and can notify the user of the time to replace the filter cartridge.

[0011] [Task 2]

[0012] In addition, the water purifier directly connected to the faucet disclosed in Patent Document 1 has a large inclination with respect to the vertical axis direction of the liquid crystal display and a surface that is in a lying position, so the liquid crystal display portion of the water purifier protrudes significantly forward of the faucet. Consequently, there is a problem in that when a user washes a dish or cup under the water purifier, the water purifier is obstructed and the handle becomes difficult to see.

[0013] Regarding this, Patent Document 3 proposes a water purifier directly connected to a faucet in which the surface of the liquid crystal display is fixed in an upright position. That is, the surface of the liquid crystal display is inclined at 0 degrees with respect to the vertical axis direction. Since the liquid crystal display does not protrude significantly forward from the faucet, there is no case where the water purifier obstructs the view of the handle when the user washes dishes or cups under the water purifier.

[0014] However, the user has to look down at the surface of the liquid crystal display from a considerably high angle, making it difficult to see the displayed segments. There is a problem in that it is inconvenient because in order to determine when to replace the filter cartridge, one must bend over and bring their eye level close to the height of the liquid crystal display.

[0015] In light of the above problem, the present invention provides a water purifier directly connected to a faucet that prevents the handle from being difficult to see when a user washes a dish or cup under the faucet-connected water purifier, and eliminates the need to bend over to bring the eye level close to the height of the liquid crystal display, thereby allowing the user to easily determine when to replace the filter cartridge. means of solving the problem

[0016] [Means for solving the first task]

[0017] (1-1) The faucet-direct type water purifier of the present invention, which solves the above-mentioned first problem, is:

[0018] A water purifier having a raw water inlet for receiving raw water, a flow path switching valve for switching the flow path of the received raw water, a filtration cartridge for purifying raw water, a purified water outlet for discharging purified water, a raw water pipe connecting the flow path switching valve to the filtration cartridge, and a purified water pipe connecting the filtration cartridge to the purified water outlet, and a water purifier that is supported and fixed to a faucet.

[0019] A flow detection unit is installed in the above water purification pipeline, and

[0020] The above water purification pipe is positioned above the raw water pipe while the water purifier is fixedly supported on the faucet.

[0021] (1-2) The faucet-direct type water purifier of the present invention, which solves the above-mentioned first problem, has a flow rate detection unit that has a rotatable water wheel and a magnetic switch that outputs a signal according to the rotation of the water wheel, and

[0022] The above water wheel has a resin tube, a wing, and a magnet fixed inside the tube, and is positioned inside the water purification pipe, and

[0023] It is preferable that the above magnetic switch be positioned in the water purification pipe at a location above the water purification pipe while the water purifier is fixedly supported on the faucet.

[0024] [Means for solving the second task]

[0025] (2-1) The faucet-direct type water purifier of the present invention, which solves the second problem above, is a water purifier that is supported and fixed to a faucet and is equipped with a liquid crystal display,

[0026] The surface of the liquid crystal display is tilted at an angle of 20 degrees or more and 40 degrees or less with respect to the vertical axis direction while the water purifier is supported and fixed to the faucet, and

[0027] The segments and backlight of the above liquid crystal display can be illuminated simultaneously.

[0028] (2-2) In the water purifier with a faucet connection type that solves the second problem above, it is preferable that the backlight can light up in at least two colors. Effects of the invention

[0029] [Effect of the invention solving the first problem]

[0030] The faucet-direct type water purifier of the present invention, which solves the above-mentioned first problem, has a raw water pipe connecting from a flow switching valve to a filtration cartridge and a purified water pipe connecting from the filtration cartridge to a purified water outlet. Since a flow rate detection unit is installed in the purified water pipe, purified water from which iron or other impurities have been removed flows into the flow rate detection unit. As a result, since no defect occurs where iron or impurities get stuck in the magnet-embedded rotating blade and prevent rotation, the filtration flow rate can be accurately measured and accumulated, and the time for replacing the filtration cartridge can be indicated.

[0031] In addition, since the purified water pipeline is positioned above the raw water pipeline, there is no need to place the flow detection unit near the pipeline in a secluded area, allowing it to be placed close to the handle. As a result, manufacturing costs can be reduced without requiring excessive manual labor for assembly or compromising assembly efficiency.

[0032] In addition, the preferred form of the faucet-direct type water purifier of the present invention, which solves the first problem above, has a flow rate detection unit having a rotatable water wheel and a magnetic switch, and the water wheel has a resin tube, a blade, and a magnet fixed inside the tube, and the water wheel is positioned inside the water purification pipe and the magnetic switch is positioned above the water purification pipe, so there is no case where the width dimension increases by positioning the magnetic switch on the outside of the water purification pipe. As a result, when the user of the water purifier washes dishes, the handle is difficult to hide in the water purifier, so the handle becomes easily visible.

[0033] [Effect of the invention solving the second problem]

[0034] The water purifier with a direct connection to the faucet according to the present invention, which solves the second problem above, has a surface of the liquid crystal display tilted at an angle of 20 degrees or more and 40 degrees or less with respect to the vertical axis direction, so the liquid crystal display portion of the water purifier does not protrude significantly forward of the faucet, and there is no case where the handle is obstructed when the user washes dishes or cups under the water purifier. In addition, since the segments of the liquid crystal display and the backlight can be illuminated simultaneously, the user can determine the time to replace the filter cartridge by checking the method of backlight illumination, even if the displayed segments are not visible when looking down at the liquid crystal display from above.

[0035] In addition, the faucet-direct type water purifier of the present invention, which solves the second problem above, has a backlight that can light up in at least two colors, so the user can more easily determine when to replace the filter cartridge by checking the color of the backlight. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0036] FIG. 1 is a front view of a water purifier according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a top view of a water purifier according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a right side view of a water purifier according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the water purifier shown in Figure 2. Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the BB of the water purifier shown in Figure 2. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a filtration cartridge of a water purifier according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a valve body used in a water purifier according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of the EE of the water purifier shown in Figure 2. Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of the CC water purifier shown in Figure 2. FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of a power supply unit (101) used in a water purifier according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is an enlarged view of the part indicated by reference numeral 102 in FIG. 9. FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view of a flow rate detection unit (102) used in a water purifier according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 13 is a right side view of the main body (13) of the flow path switching valve of a water purifier according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 14 is a front view of a control unit (104) of a water purifier according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 15 is an illustration of “purified water,” “raw water straight,” and “raw water shower” showing the switching states of a water purifier according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 16 is an enlarged view of the control unit (104) in the cross-sectional view of the water purifier DD shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a water wheel support member (123) of a water purifier according to one embodiment of the present invention. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0037] Below, a preferred embodiment of the present invention is described with reference to the drawings, using a water purifier attached to a faucet in a home kitchen as an example.

[0038] FIG. 1 is a front view of a water purifier according to one embodiment of the present invention. The water purifier (1) of this embodiment is composed of a main body (2) having a flow switching valve built inside, and a filter cartridge (3) containing a filter material shown in FIG. 6. A lever (5) is installed in the main body (2), and by operating the lever (5), the user selects and switches whether to discharge raw water, which is introduced from the faucet (4) through the raw water inlet, as shower water (raw water shower), as straight water (raw water straight), or to supply it to the filter cartridge (3). The raw water supplied to the filter cartridge (3) is filtered by an adsorbent such as activated carbon or a hollow fiber membrane, and is discharged as purified water from the purified water outlet.

[0039] First, the main body (2) will be described. FIG. 2 is a top view of a water purifier according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a right side view of a water purifier according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a longitudinal section of AA in FIG. 2, and FIG. 5 is a longitudinal section of BB in FIG. 2.

[0040] As shown in FIGS. 2 to 5, the main body (2) is equipped with a lower body (16), an upper body (17), a lever (5) for performing switching operations, a cartridge cap (91) for fixing a filter cartridge (3), and an electrical unit for accumulating the flow rate and displaying the result. The lower body (16) is equipped with a flow switching valve main body (13) having three valve bodies (11a, 11b, 11c) and a valve shaft (12), a raw water shower port (14), a raw water straight port (15), and a purified water outlet (19). The upper body (17) is equipped with an opening through which the flow switching valve main body (13) protrudes upward.

[0041] A ring-shaped packing (36) is mounted on the Euro switching valve body (13), and the main body (2) is attached to the faucet (4) by screwing an attachment nut (38) onto the Euro switching valve body (13) via an adapter (37) attached to the tip of the faucet (4).

[0042] The interior of the Euro switching valve body (13) is divided into an upper chamber (23) and a lower chamber (24) by a partition plate (22) that opens three water passages (21a, 21b, 21c). In the upper chamber (23), three valve bodies (11a, 11b, 11c) are arranged to correspond to the three water passages (21a, 21b, 21c).

[0043] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a valve body used in a water purifier according to one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 7, the valve bodies (11a, 11b, 11c) are each composed of a valve (58a, 58b, 58c) and a valve seal (57a, 57b, 57c). By pressing the valve seal (57a) of the valve body (11a) against the partition plate (22), the water passage (21a) is closed. The same applies to the valve bodies (11b, 11c).

[0044] The valve shaft (12) is inserted and attached so that the valve body (11a, 11b, 11c) moves up and down in response to its rotation. In the lower chamber (24), a flow path (31a) leading to a raw water supply port (26) (see FIG. 9) that supplies raw water to a filter cartridge (3) from a water passage (21a), a flow path (31b) leading to a raw water straight port (15) from a water passage (21b), and a flow path (31c) leading to a raw water shower port (14) from a water passage (21c) are installed.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 4, valve shaft cams (27a, 27b, 27c) are installed on the valve shaft (12) at positions facing the water passages (21a, 21b, 21c). These valve shaft cams (27a, 27b, 27c) are installed offset, for example, by 40° in the circumferential direction of the valve shaft (12), and by rotating the valve shaft (12) by 40°, one of the valve cams (47a, 47b, 47c) installed on the valves (58a, 58b, 58c) can be selectively pushed upward to open the water passages. Two valve bodies that cannot be pushed up are pushed down by the corresponding valve shaft cams to close the water passages.

[0046] That is, by rotating the valve shaft (12) at a predetermined angle by the valve operating part (18) described later, one of the water passages (21a, 21b, 21c) can be opened, and the raw water flowing in from the faucet (4) can be selected to be discharged as shower water, discharged as straight water, or supplied to the filter cartridge (3).

[0047] The valve body (11a, 11b, 11c) uses a valve body equipped with an umbrella-shaped rubber valve seal, but the shape of the valve seal is not limited to this and may be conical or cylindrical.

[0048] FIG. 9 is a cross-section of the CC in FIG. 2. As shown in FIG. 9, a raw water supply port (26) for supplying raw water to a filtration cartridge (3) and a purified water inlet port (29) for receiving purified water from the filtration cartridge (3) are formed at the rear side of the Euro switching valve body (13). The raw water supply port (26) is connected to the flow path (31a) via the raw water pipe (20), and the purified water inlet port (29) is connected to the purified water outlet port (19) via the purified water pipe (30). In the purified water pipe (30), a water wheel (122) and a water wheel support member (123) of the flow rate detection unit (102), which will be described later, are installed, and the water wheel (122) is configured to rotate by the passage of purified water. The purified water pipe (30) is located above the raw water pipe (20). The magnetic switch holder (125) of the flow rate detection unit (102) is positioned on the upper side of the water purification pipe (30). Here, "upward" refers to the vertically upward direction when the water purifier (1) is supported and fixed to the faucet.

[0049] Next, the filtration cartridge (3) will be briefly described. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a filtration cartridge (3) mounted on a water purifier according to one embodiment of the present invention. The filtration cartridge (3) has a raw water inlet (62) for receiving raw water from a raw water supply port (26) and a purified water supply port (63) for supplying purified water to a purified water inlet port (29) formed at the bottom of the container (61). An O-ring (73, 74) is installed at the raw water inlet port (62) and the purified water supply port (63), respectively, to prevent water from leaking out when connected to the raw water supply port (26) and the purified water inlet port (29). A cylindrical protrusion (61a) is formed on the inner bottom surface of the container (61), and the lower end of the cylindrical body (64) of the hollow fiber membrane module is inserted into the cylindrical protrusion (61a) with an O-ring (65) interposed and installed upright. And, ring-shaped filters (66, 67) are fixed to the upper and lower outer periphery of this cylinder (64) to maintain an adsorbent layer (70) that treats raw water passing between the outer surface of the cylinder (64) and the inner wall surface of the container (61).

[0050] Inside the cylinder (64), a hollow fiber membrane bundle (68) is stored, in which multiple hollow fiber membranes are bundled together and folded and bent into an inverted U-shape. Both ends of the hollow fiber membrane are sealed and fixed at the bottom of the cylinder (64) by a curable resin (69) (sealing agent) filled between each hollow fiber and between the hollow fiber and the cylinder (64). Since the potting portion of each hollow fiber membrane is partially cut off before being inserted into the container (61), the end is open toward the water supply port (63).

[0051] And, between the outer surface of the cylinder (64) and the inner wall surface of the container (61), an adsorbent layer (70) made of activated carbon, zeolite, ion exchange resin, chelate resin, etc. is disposed.

[0052] The upper part of the container (61) is open so that the hollow fiber membrane (68) and the adsorbent can be easily filled, and a transparent cap (71) is fitted and ultrasonically welded so that internal contamination can be checked.

[0053] The filter cartridge (3) configured as described above is loaded into the main body (2) as shown in FIG. 8. The cartridge cap (91) is fixed to the lower body (16) and the upper body (17) at a position where it covers the filter cartridge (3), and serves to fix the filter cartridge (3) in a predetermined position.

[0054] Next, using FIGS. 3 and FIGS. 8, a valve operating part (18) that rotates the valve shaft (12) will be described. FIGS. 8 is a cross-sectional view of EE in FIGS. 2.

[0055] The valve operating part (18) is connected to the convex portion formed on the shaft end of the lever (5) and the convex portion formed on the shaft end of the valve shaft (12) via the lever connecting part (8), and the valve shaft (12) is configured to rotate according to the operation of the lever (5). The groove formed in the lever connecting part (8) is fitted into the upper body (17) and the lower body (16), so that it can rotate about the axis of the valve shaft (12).

[0056] In the valve shaft (12), a spring (7) and a steel ball (6a, 6b) are inserted into a hole formed on the cylindrical side near where the lever connection part (8) and the valve shaft (12) come into contact, with a part of the steel ball (6b) coming out of the hole part (9).

[0057] FIG. 13 is a right side view of a water purifier's flow switching valve body (13) showing an embodiment of the present invention. A steel ball (6b) is housed in three recesses (10) provided at the location where the valve shaft (12) of the flow switching valve body (13) is inserted. When the steel ball (6b) moves to an adjacent recess among the three recesses (10) of the flow switching valve body (13) by rotational operation of the lever (5), the steel ball (6b) is bounced back into the recess (10) by the elastic force of the spring (7), thereby causing a click sensation and notifying the user that a switching operation has been performed. The number of steel balls may be one. Additionally, although a compression spring is used, a plate spring mechanism may be used to reproduce the click sensation.

[0058] FIG. 15 is an illustration of "purified water," "raw water straight," and "raw water shower" indicating the switching states of a water purifier representing an embodiment of the present invention. On the upper body (17), an illustration of "purified water" (171a), an illustration of "raw water straight" (171b), and an illustration of "raw water shower" (171c) indicating the switching states as in FIG. 15 are printed. The indication of the switching state may be text only, or both text and illustration.

[0059] Next, an electrical unit that accumulates the flow rate and displays the result will be described. The electrical unit is composed of a power supply unit (101) shown in FIG. 4, a flow rate detection unit (102) shown in FIG. 9, a control unit (104), a reset unit (153), etc.

[0060] FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of a power supply unit (101) used in a water purifier according to one embodiment of the present invention. The power supply unit (101) is composed of a battery holder (115) that is fitted into an upper body (17) and a lower body (16), a coin-type manganese dioxide lithium battery (111) (hereinafter, battery (111)), a positive electrode fitting (113) and a negative electrode fitting (114), and a battery cover (112) which is a detachable material that secures the battery watertightly.

[0061] The battery cover (112) has a cylindrical battery mounting portion (116) and an O-ring (117) on its outer circumference, so as to prevent water from entering the battery mounting portion (116) when the battery cover (112) is mounted to the battery holder (115) by a bayonet mechanism. A notch (118) is formed in the cylindrical battery mounting portion (116), so that the battery can be easily removed by hooking a finger. In addition, a recess (119) is formed on the surface of the battery cover (112) for inserting and rotating a coin, and around it, characters or illustrations indicating the battery specifications and the rotation direction for opening and closing are engraved. Therefore, after confirming the battery specifications and the rotation direction of the battery cover (112), the user can use a coin to detach the battery cover (112) from the battery holder (115) and replace the battery.

[0062] The positive electrode (113) and negative electrode (114) installed within the battery holder (115) are each connected to the control unit (104) shown in FIG. 9 by lead wires, and power from the battery (111) is supplied to the control unit (104). The lead wires and the battery holder (115) are sealed by silicone rubber, preventing water from entering the positive electrode (113), negative electrode (114), and battery mounting unit (116) along the lead wires. As long as the exposed core wires of the positive electrode (113), negative electrode (114), and lead wires can be waterproofed, it is acceptable to use potting made of urethane resin instead of silicone rubber, or sealing made of a rubber cap.

[0063] The battery may be a primary or secondary battery, and in addition to lithium batteries such as lithium manganese dioxide batteries capable of stably supplying power for a long period at a relatively high voltage, it may also be an alkaline battery, manganese battery, silver oxide battery, air-zinc battery, etc. Furthermore, a small battery such as a button type or coin type that is lightweight and does not require a large installation space is preferred. In the case of a small battery, the main body does not become significantly larger or significantly heavier, nor does it cause a substantial increase in cost.

[0064] FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view of a flow rate detection unit (102) used in a water purifier according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0065] As shown in FIG. 9 and FIG. 11, which is an enlarged view of the part indicated by reference numeral 102 in FIG. 9, the flow rate detection unit (102) is composed of a water turbine (122) containing a magnet (121), a water turbine support member (123) that rotatably supports the water turbine (122), a magnetic switch (124) through which current is conducted according to the rotation of the magnet, and a magnetic switch holder (125) that supports and fixes the magnetic switch (124).

[0066] As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the water wheel (122) is formed by forming a plurality of wings (132) on the outer circumference of a cylindrical tube (131) made of resin, and a magnet (121) and a metal shaft (126) are fixed on the same axis as the tube (131). The magnet (121) is integrally molded so that it is contained within the tube (131) so as not to be caught. To prevent the magnet (121) from falling off and rusting, it is also desirable to insert the magnet (121) into a magnet attachment hole installed in the molded product of the water wheel, and then weld the opening of the magnet attachment hole to a resin lid or seal it with a curable resin (sealing agent). As for the curable resin, polyurethane, which has higher stability, is preferred, but epoxy resin, other sealing agents, or adhesives may also be used. To prevent the magnet (121) from rusting, it is also desirable to coat the magnet itself. In addition, for the magnet (121), in addition to rare earth magnets with strong magnetic force, ferrite magnets, etc. may be used.

[0067] As shown in FIG. 9, the water turbine (122) is supported from the downstream side by a water turbine support member (123) so that it can rotate within the water purification pipe (30). A metal shaft (126) of the water turbine (122) is inserted into a hole in the bottom of the water turbine support member (123) so that the water turbine (122) does not deviate to the downstream side. As shown in FIG. 17, a plurality of ribs (127) extending in the axial direction are installed on the outer surface of the water turbine support member (123), so that when inserted into the water purification pipe (30), the ribs (127) are slightly deformed to securely fix the water turbine. The rotation axis of the water turbine (122) may be an axial type parallel to the direction of water transmission or orthogonal.

[0068] As shown in FIG. 11, the magnetic switch (124) is inserted into the magnetic switch holder (125) and is sealed and fixed by a curable resin (137) (sealing material). The magnetic switch (124) is connected to the control unit (104) by a lead wire, and a pulse signal generated from the magnetic switch (124) is transmitted to the control unit (104). The magnetic switch holder (125) that accommodates the magnetic switch (124) is fixed so as to be in contact with the upper side of the outer circumference of the water purification pipe (30) and also positioned near the water turbine (122).

[0069] In order to prevent the water turbine (122) from moving away from a predetermined position in the water purification pipe (30), a pair of ribs (133) of the water purification pipe (30) upstream of the water turbine (122) support the tube (131). Since the ribs (133) support the tube (131) rather than the wings (132), they do not interfere with the rotation of the water turbine. The ribs (133) also have the effect of rectifying the purified water flowing into the water turbine (122). In this embodiment, a pair of ribs (133) are installed, but it is preferable to arrange multiple ribs in a radial shape with respect to the axis of the water purification pipe (30) within a range where the flow rate does not decrease.

[0070] In the flow rate detection unit (102) configured in this manner, the water wheel (122) rotates as purified water flows, and the magnet (121) integrated with the water wheel (122) rotates, thereby changing the magnetic field. When the magnet (121) rotates once, the magnetic switch (124) emits a pulse signal for two cycles, which is transmitted to the control unit (104). As the magnetic switch, a reed switch or a Hall sensor may be used.

[0071] Since the flow rate detection unit (102) is positioned downstream of the filter cartridge (3), there is no inflow of water, and there is no case where water gets stuck on the multiple blades (132) of the water wheel (122) and stops rotating. As a result, the flow rate of purified water can be accurately measured and accumulated, and the time to replace the filter cartridge (3) can be indicated.

[0072] In addition, since the magnetic switch holder (125) of the flow rate detection unit (102) is positioned on the upper side of the outer circumference of the water purification pipe (30), the width dimension of the water purifier (1) is not increased by positioning the magnetic switch holder on the outer side in the lateral direction of the water purification pipe. As a result, when the user of the water purifier washes dishes, the handle is not hidden from the water purifier, so the handle becomes easily visible.

[0073] In addition, since the water purification pipe (30) is positioned above the raw water pipe (20), there is no need to position the flow detection unit (102) around the pipe in a secluded area. Since the flow detection unit (102) can be positioned in the water purification pipe (30) close to the handle, the manufacturing cost can be reduced without requiring a lot of effort for assembly or reducing assembly efficiency.

[0074] Next, the control unit (104) and the liquid crystal display (105) will be described. FIG. 16 is an enlarged view of the control unit (104) of the DD cross-sectional view of the water purifier shown in FIG. 2.

[0075] The control unit (104) is equipped with a circuit board (151) on which a CPU is installed and a transparent board holder (152) that accommodates the circuit board (151). The CPU receives power from the power supply unit (101), performs calculations based on a signal from a pulse signal from the flow rate detection unit (102), and sends an output signal to the liquid crystal display (105).

[0076] This liquid crystal display (105) can be placed at a location away from the circuit board and connected with lead wires, but it can reliably transmit signals by being directly supported and fixed to the circuit board (151).

[0077] In addition, to prevent water from entering from the outside and causing the circuit board (151) to malfunction, it is preferable to perform waterproofing by sealing the opening with a curable resin (156) (sealing material) while the circuit board (151) and the liquid crystal display (105) are fixed to the board holder (152) through the opening. Alternatively, waterproofing may be performed by welding and fixing the board holder (152) using a lid. By performing waterproofing in this manner, there is no need to perform waterproofing on each component individually, and it is possible to simplify the manufacturing process and reduce manufacturing costs. As the curable resin, it is preferable to use a two-component mixed type polyurethane or epoxy resin.

[0078] The liquid crystal display (105) is positioned at the front upper part of the main body (2) while being supported and fixed to the circuit board (151). Additionally, the liquid crystal display (105) is installed so that its surface is inclined backward at an angle of 20 degrees or more and 40 degrees or less with respect to the vertical axis direction when the water purifier (1) is supported and fixed to the faucet. If the angle of inclination is 40 degrees or less, the liquid crystal display (105) does not protrude too far forward, so there is no case where the user has difficulty seeing the discharge status of the raw water shower due to the water purifier being obstructed. As a result, the surface of the dish becomes easier to see when washing dishes. Furthermore, although the user looks down at the liquid crystal display (105) from a considerably high position, if the angle of inclination is 20 degrees or more, there is no case where the display of the liquid crystal display (105) becomes difficult to see when looking down from above. In other words, the user does not need to deliberately bend over to look at the liquid crystal display (205) from a low position. In this way, if the angle of inclination is 20 degrees or more and 40 degrees or less, the discharge state of the raw water shower is easy to see, and the display of the liquid crystal display (105) is also relatively easy to see.

[0079] FIG. 14 is a front view of a control unit (104) of a water purifier showing an embodiment of the present invention. The liquid crystal display (105) can light up, flash, and turn off a filter cartridge replacement indicator (161) that displays a 4-digit number from 23 segments and a battery replacement indicator (162), and can also light up, flash, and turn off a backlight using 3-color LEDs (168) installed at two locations, and can change the color of the backlight. Even if the 4-digit number is not read at once, the user can know when to replace the filter cartridge by looking at the light-up / flashing state or color of the backlight.

[0080] In order to prevent lead wires extending from the electrical section from being caught in the upper body (17) and lower body (16) during assembly, a protrusion is formed on the upper part of the water purification pipe (30) of the Euro switching valve body (13). It is better if the circuit board holder (152) has a protrusion or catch for organizing lead wires extending from the power supply section (101), the flow rate detection section (102), and the reset section (153).

[0081] The reset unit (153) is composed of a reset button (154) and a reset button case (155) to prevent water from entering the reset button. As shown in FIG. 2, the tip of the reset button (154) is protruded from the upper rear side surface of the water purifier (1), and the user can reset the accumulated flow rate data by pressing the reset button (154). Additionally, depending on the type of filter cartridge (3) used, the accumulated flow rate at which the filter cartridge must be replaced can be selected. Although the reset button case (155) is made of elastomer, it may be made of ABS resin or sealed with polyurethane.

[0082] Next, the operation of the water purifier (1) configured as described above will be explained.

[0083] FIG. 4 shows the state in which raw water is discharged from the raw water shower port (14). When the faucet is opened, raw water flows in from the raw water inlet (28), and after its momentum is relieved by the water flow dampening member (39), the valve shaft cam portion (27c) pushes up the valve body (11c) to open the water passage (21c), through which it is discharged from the raw water shower port (14). At this time, the lever (5) comes to a position indicating the "raw water shower" illustration (71c) written on the upper body (17).

[0084] Here, when the lever (5) is rotated so that the steel ball (6b) provided on the valve shaft (12) is rotated by the spring (7) until it enters the concave portion formed in the flow switching valve body (13), the valve shaft cam portion (27b) instead of the valve shaft cam portion (27c) of the valve shaft (12) faces upward, closing the water passage (21c) and opening the water passage (21b). As a result, raw water passes through the water passage (21c) and is discharged from the raw water straight port (15). At this time, the lever (5) comes to a position indicating the "raw water straight" illustration (71b) written on the upper body (17).

[0085] When the lever (5) is rotated in the opposite direction of the raw water straight, the valve shaft (12) rotates in the same way, closing the water passage (21b) and opening the water passage (21a). As a result, raw water passes through the water passage (21a) and flows to the raw water supply port (26). Then, it flows in from the raw water inlet port (62) of the filter cartridge (3) and is filtered by an adsorbent such as activated carbon and a hollow fiber membrane. The filtered water flows from the purified water supply port (63) to the purified water inlet port (29), passes through the purified water pipe (30), and is discharged from the purified water outlet port (19). At this time, the lever (5) comes to a position indicating the "purified water" illustration (71a) written on the upper body (17).

[0086] The water wheel (122) rotates due to the water flowing in the water pipe (30), and a pulse signal is sent to the control unit (104) by the flow rate detection unit (102), and the pulse signal is accumulated as the flow rate of the water. Based on this accumulated flow rate of the water, the remaining life of the filter cartridge is displayed on the liquid crystal display (105). The filter cartridge replacement indicator (161) is configured to display the value obtained by subtracting the accumulated amount of water from the flow rate selected at the start of each water usage cycle. At the same time, the backlight is illuminated for a predetermined time under initial lighting and flashing conditions. For example, blue is illuminated continuously for 7 seconds. Blue signifies "proceeding" of the signal, and the user who sees it gains a sense of reassurance that the filter cartridge can be used.

[0087] When the accumulated count of pulses corresponding to the accumulated flow rate of the water reaches a preset first setting value, the backlight that lights up at the start of each water usage cycle is changed to the first lighting / blinking condition. For example, yellow or green lights up continuously for 7 seconds. Yellow signifies the signal "Please stop with caution," and users who see it are alerted to the warning. The display of the water passing amount minus the flow rate selected at the start of filter cartridge usage remains unchanged.

[0088] In addition, when the second setting value is reached, the backlight that lights up at the start of each water purification use is changed to the second lighting / flashing condition. For example, red or pink is lit continuously for 7 seconds. Red signifies "stop" of the signal, and upon seeing this, the user recognizes that the filter cartridge must be replaced and prepares a new filter cartridge. The display of the water purification pass-through amount minus the flow rate selected at the start of filter cartridge use remains unchanged.

[0089] When the value obtained by subtracting the accumulated amount of purified water from the selected flow rate at the start of filter cartridge use becomes zero and the filter cartridge must be replaced, the condition changes to the third lighting / blinking condition. For example, the backlight is turned off even when using purified water. Upon seeing this, the user strongly senses that the filter cartridge can no longer be used and replaces the filter cartridge.

[0090] In the above embodiment, a display method was shown in which the backlight can illuminate three colors: blue, yellow (or green), and red (or pink). However, even in an embodiment where the backlight can illuminate only one color or two colors, the display of the first illumination / blinking condition, the second illumination / blinking condition, and the third illumination / blinking condition can be distributed.

[0091] For example, if the backlight is in an embodiment capable of illuminating only two colors, blue and red, the following indications may be provided. When use begins, the backlight is illuminated in blue, and the first illumination / flashing condition is to flash blue at 2-second intervals. The second illumination / flashing condition is to flash red at 2-second intervals, and the third illumination / flashing condition is to illuminate continuously in red. As the color of the backlight changes from blue illumination to flashing and then to continuous red illumination, it creates an image of a pedestrian signal, and the user strongly feels that the filter cartridge must be replaced.

[0092] In addition, if the backlight is an embodiment capable of illuminating only in white, the following indications may be provided. When use begins, it is white and flashes at 2-second intervals. The first illumination / flashing condition is white and flashes at 1.5-second intervals, and the second illumination / flashing condition is white and flashes at 1-second intervals. The third illumination / flashing condition is white and flashes continuously. As the flashing intervals shorten and eventually become continuous, the user strongly feels that the filter cartridge must be replaced.

[0093] As described above, if the backlight can only light up in a single color, the user can check the usage status of the filter cartridge. However, since a single color tends to make a faint impression on the user, it is desirable for the backlight to light up in two or more colors.

[0094] When the user replaces the filter cartridge with a new one and presses the reset button (154) for a long time, the accumulated count of pulses corresponding to the accumulated flow rate returns to zero, and the filter cartridge replacement indicator (161) also returns to the initial display.

[0095] The liquid crystal display (105) is configured to flash the battery replacement indicator (162) to prompt the user to replace the battery when the voltage of the battery drops below a preset value. By flashing the battery replacement indicator (162) when the voltage drops below the point at which the color adjustment state by the 3-color LED changes, it is possible to prevent misrecognition caused by the change from the original color. The user does not need to specifically remember the battery life specified in the instruction manual or the time when the battery is started to be used. Therefore, there is no case where the battery cannot be replaced because the battery life is forgotten, or where the data on the accumulated flow rate is lost during the use of the filter cartridge, so the battery can be replaced at an appropriate time. In addition, the battery replacement indicator (162) is configured to turn off when the battery is started to be used and to flash when the battery life is nearing its end, but it may also be displayed in stages, similar to the filter cartridge replacement indicator described above.

[0096] Also, the liquid crystal display (105) turns off when water is not being used. That is, the CPU of the circuit board (151) detects that the flow of water has stopped and the pulse signal from the flow rate detection unit (102) has stopped, and switches to sleeve mode, turning off the liquid crystal display (105) and the backlight. When the lever (5) is rotated in the opposite direction of the water shower, and the water passes through the water pipe (30) and is discharged from the water outlet (19), the liquid crystal display (105) and the backlight are turned on, and when the faucet is operated to stop the water flow after 3 seconds, the liquid crystal display (105) and the backlight are immediately turned off. This switching significantly reduces the power consumption of the battery, allowing the battery to be used for a long time. In addition, the sleeve mode is released for a certain period of time immediately after replacing the battery and immediately after operating the reset button, and the liquid crystal display (105) is turned on. This is to check whether the user has installed the battery immediately and whether the data can be reset correctly.

[0097] Examples

[0098] [Example 1]

[0099] A raw water flow path was installed on the rear side of the Euro switching valve body, connecting the raw water supply port, which supplies raw water to the filtration cartridge, with the raw water flow path of the Euro switching valve body. Above this, a purified water flow path was installed, connecting the purified water inlet port, which receives purified water from the filtration cartridge, with the purified water outlet port. Since the central axis of the raw water flow path and the central axis of the purified water flow path were made parallel, mold manufacturing was facilitated.

[0100] A water turbine and a turbine support member of the flow detection unit were installed in the water purification pipeline, allowing the turbine to rotate due to the flow of purified water. Since the flow detection unit was positioned downstream of the filtration cartridge, there was no inflow of water or debris, and there was no case where water got stuck on the turbine's multiple blades and prevented it from rotating. As a result, the flow rate of the purified water could be accurately measured and accumulated, and the replacement time for the filtration cartridge could be indicated.

[0101] Since the water purification pipe is positioned above the raw water flow path and the magnetic switch holder of the flow detection unit is placed on the upper side of the pipe, there is no need to insert fingers into a hidden area. Consequently, manufacturing costs are reduced without requiring excessive manual labor or compromising assembly efficiency. Furthermore, because the magnetic switch holder is not placed on the outer side of the pipe, the width of the water purifier does not increase, and the handle becomes more visible to the user when washing dishes.

[0102] The liquid crystal display was positioned at the upper front of the main body and installed upright at a 32-degree angle backward relative to the axis of the Euro switching valve main body. Since the liquid crystal display did not protrude directly forward and the discharge status of the raw water shower was not easily visible, there was no case where the surface of the dish was not visible when washing dishes.

[0103] At the start of each water purification use, the remaining life of the filter cartridge was displayed on the liquid crystal display, and the backlight was simultaneously turned on for 7 seconds. For a filter cartridge with a life of 600L, a blue backlight was turned on when the remaining life was 300 to 600L, a green backlight when the remaining life was 150 to 300L, and a pink backlight when the remaining life was 0 to 150L. Users who saw the pink backlight could recognize that the filter cartridge needed to be replaced soon.

[0104] [Comparative Example 1]

[0105] A raw water flow path was installed at the rear of the Euro switching valve body, connecting the raw water supply port that supplies raw water to the filtration cartridge with the raw water flow path of the Euro switching valve body. A water turbine of the flow detection unit and a turbine support member were installed in this raw water pipeline, causing the turbine to rotate due to the passage of raw water. Although the flow rate of the raw water could be measured, instances frequently occurred where water got stuck on the turbine blades, preventing rotation.

[0106] [Comparative Example 2]

[0107] A raw water flow path was installed on the rear side of the Euro switching valve body, connecting the raw water supply port, which supplies raw water to the filtration cartridge, with the raw water flow path of the Euro switching valve body. Below this, a purified water flow path was installed, connecting the purified water inlet port, which receives purified water from the filtration cartridge, with the purified water outlet port. Since the central axis of the raw water flow path and the central axis of the purified water flow path were parallel, mold manufacturing was easy.

[0108] A water turbine and a water turbine support member of the flow detection unit were installed in the water purification pipe, and the water turbine was made to rotate by the flow of purified water. Since the magnetic switch holder had to be placed on the outside of the water purification pipe, the width of the water purifier increased. As a result, the handle was not visible when the user of the water purifier washed dishes. In addition, during assembly, it was necessary to insert fingers into a hidden place, which required a lot of manual labor and reduced assembly efficiency.

[0109] The liquid crystal display was positioned at the front upper part of the main body and installed upright at a 60-degree angle backward relative to the axis of the Euro switching valve main body. Although the liquid crystal display was easy to see, it protruded as a handle, making it difficult to see the discharge status of the raw water shower, and thus making it difficult to see the surface of the dish while washing dishes.

[0110] 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 obvious to those skilled in the art that various modifications or variations are conceivable within the scope described in the claims, and it is understood that such variations naturally fall within the technical scope of the present invention. Furthermore, the components of the above embodiments may be combined arbitrarily within the scope that does not deviate from the spirit of the invention.

[0111] In addition, the present application is based on the Japanese patent application filed on December 21, 2020 (JP 2020-211054) and the Japanese patent application filed on December 21, 2020 (JP 2020-211055), the contents of which are incorporated by reference in the present application. Explanation of the symbols

[0112] 1: Water purifier 2: Main body 3: Filter cartridge 4: Faucet 5: Lever 6a: Ganggu 6b: Ganggu 7: Spring 8: Lever connection part 9: Hole part 10: Concave part 11a: Valve body 11b: Valve body 11c: Valve body 12: Valve shaft 13: Euro switching valve body 14: Water showerhead 15: Enemy Straight Ball 16: Lower body 17: Upper body 18: Valve control unit 19: Water purification outlet 20: Raw water pipeline 21a: waterway 21b: waterway 21c: waterway 22: Partition board 23: Upper room 24: Lower room 26: Raw water supply port 27a: Valve shaft cam 27b: Valve shaft cam 27c: Valve shaft cam 28: Raw water inlet 29: Water purification inlet 30: Water purification pipeline 31a: Euro 31b: Euro 31c: Euro 36: Packing 37: Adapter 38: Attachment nut 39: Lack of water flow mitigation 47a: Valve cam 47b: Valve cam 47c: Valve cam 57a: Valve seal 57b: Valve seal 57c: Valve seal 58a: Valve 58b: Valve 58c: Valve 61: Courage 61a: Cylindrical projection 62: Enemy Inlet 63: Water supply outlet 64: Cylindrical body 65: O-ring 66: Ring-shaped filter 67: Ring-shaped filter 68: Inside the hollow fiber membrane 69: Curable resin 70: Adsorbent layer 73: O-ring 74: O-ring 91: Cartridge Cap 101: Power supply 102: Flow rate detection unit 104: Control unit 105: LCD display 111: Battery 112: Battery cover 113: Anode fitting 114: Cathode fitting 115: Battery holder 116: Battery mounting section 117: O-ring 118: Notch 119: Concave part 121: Magnet 122: Waterwheel 123: Waterwheel support member 124: Magnetic switch 125: Magnetic switch holder 126: Congratulations 127: Liv 131: Tongbu 132: Wings 137: Curable resin 151: Circuit board 152: Substrate holder 153: Reset section 154: Reset button 155: Reset button case 161: Filter cartridge replacement indicator element 162: Battery replacement indicator 171a: "Essence" Illustration 171b: "Enemy Straight" Illustration 171c: "Enemy Shower" illustration

Claims

Claim 1 A water purifier directly connected to a faucet, which is supported and fixed to a faucet, comprising a raw water inlet for receiving raw water, a flow switching valve for switching the flow path of the received raw water, a filtration cartridge for purifying raw water, a purified water outlet for discharging purified water, a raw water pipe connecting the flow switching valve to the filtration cartridge, and a purified water pipe connecting the filtration cartridge to the purified water outlet, wherein the water purifier is equipped with a main body having an electrical unit, and furthermore, a power supply unit is installed in the electrical unit, and a flow rate detection unit is installed in the purified water pipe, wherein the purified water pipe is positioned above the raw water pipe while the water purifier is supported and fixed to the faucet, wherein the flow rate detection unit has a rotatable water wheel and a magnetic switch that outputs a signal according to the rotation of the water wheel, wherein the water wheel has a resin tube, a blade, and a magnet fixed inside the tube, and is positioned inside the purified water pipe, and wherein the magnetic switch is positioned in the purified water pipe at a position above the purified water pipe while the water purifier is supported and fixed to the faucet Direct-connection water purifier. Claim 2 delete

Images