Purified water providing system and purified water providing method

Abstract

[Problem] To enable the long-term use of a cartridge. [Solution] A water purification application system 100 according to the present invention is characterized by comprising: water purification cartridges 11, 12 that reduce dissolved substances in raw water and flow out purified water; flow paths 13, 14, 15, 16 and respective electric valves 21 that are formed so as to clean the water purification cartridges 11, 12; a server 50 that determines whether the cleaning is necessary; and a microcomputer 22 that controls each of the electric valves 21 on the basis of the determined result of the server 50.

Description

Purified water provision system and purified water provision method

[0001] The present invention relates to a purified water supply system and method for purifying raw water such as tap water or groundwater and supplying it as water for general household or commercial use.

[0002] The water purification effect of a water purifier gradually decreases as the period of use and the amount of use increase, so the water purification cartridge must be replaced after a certain period of use. Also, if an inappropriate water purification cartridge is used for a water purifier, the water purifier will not achieve the desired water purification effect, so it is necessary to use a water purification cartridge that is suitable for the water purifier.

[0003] Patent Document 1 describes a technology related to a notification method for notifying users to replace water purification cartridges. This notification method acquires analytical information for each water quality item at each water purification plant via the Internet, compares the acquired analytical information with standard values ​​established for each water quality item, and if any analytical information exceeds the standard values, notifies the water purification plant manager to replace the water purification cartridge. This notification method can notify the water purifier manager to replace a water purification cartridge whose water purification effect has decreased based on the water quality analytical information.

[0004] Patent Document 2 also describes an automatic ordering system for consumables for water purifiers. The automatic ordering system receives orders for water purification cartridges and delivers new water purification cartridges to water purifier users. It includes a water purifier, a mobile communication device, and an EC server device. The water purifier detects the flow rate of purified water in water purification mode and determines when to replace the water purification cartridge based on the integrated value of the detected flow rate. When the water purifier determines that it is time to replace the cartridge, it automatically transmits order information including the product name of the water purification cartridge to be purchased.

[0005] JP 2003-145143 A JP 2019-30831 A

[0006] According to the above-mentioned patent document, it is possible to replace a water purification cartridge suitable for a water purifier in use at an appropriate time depending on its water purification performance. Because replacing the water purification cartridge incurs costs, there is also a need to use the cartridge for a longer period of time to reduce these costs. Therefore, the present invention aims to provide a purified water providing system and a purified water providing method that enable the cartridge to be used for a long period of time.

[0007] In order to achieve the above-mentioned objective, the purified water providing system of the present invention is characterized by comprising a purification unit that reduces dissolved substances in raw water and discharges purified water, a cleaning unit that cleans the purification unit, a cleaning determination unit that determines whether cleaning is necessary, and a cleaning control unit that controls the cleaning unit based on the result of the cleaning determination unit.

[0008] The purified water providing system of the present invention also includes a detection unit that outputs an index value indicating the state of the raw water and / or the purified water, and the cleaning determination unit determines whether or not cleaning is necessary based on the index value.

[0009] The purified water provision system of the present invention is further characterized in that the detection unit outputs the flow rate of the purified water, and is equipped with a calculation unit that calculates the usage fee of the purification unit based on the integrated value of the output flow rate.

[0010] The purified water providing system of the present invention is further characterized in that the detection unit includes a primary side water pressure sensor that outputs the water pressure on the primary side of the purification unit, and a secondary side water pressure sensor that outputs the water pressure on the secondary side of the purification unit, and the cleaning determination unit determines whether or not cleaning is necessary based on the difference between the water pressure on the primary side and the water pressure on the secondary side.

[0011] The purified water providing system of the present invention is also characterized by including a replacement determination unit that determines whether or not the purification unit should be replaced.

[0012] The purified water providing system of the present invention is also characterized in that the cleaning control unit controls the supply of purified water to the secondary side of the purification unit and controls the discharge of water that has flowed out from the primary side of the cleaning unit.

[0013] The purified water provision system of the present invention comprises a plurality of water purifiers and a server capable of communicating with each of the water purifiers, each of the water purifiers comprising the purification unit, the cleaning unit, and the cleaning control unit, and the server comprising the cleaning determination unit.

[0014] According to the present invention, the cartridge can be used for a long period of time while being cleaned and replaced as the filtering capacity of the cartridge decreases.

[0015] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a purified water providing system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. With respect to the first embodiment, (a) is a schematic diagram showing the state of the flow path of the water purifier in a water purification mode, (b) is a schematic diagram showing the state of the flow path of the water purifier in a first cleaning mode, and (c) is a schematic diagram showing the state of the flow path of the water purifier in a second cleaning mode. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the hardware of the water purifier according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the contents of a database of a water purification server according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a flow diagram of the purified water providing system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram of the purified water providing system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a conceptual diagram of a water purifier in a purified water providing system according to a second embodiment, and (b) is a diagram showing the hardware of the water purifier. FIG. 7 is a flow diagram of the purified water providing system according to the second embodiment.

[0016] First Embodiment A purified water providing system and a purified water providing method according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0017] <Overall Configuration> As shown in Fig. 1, the purified water providing system 100 according to this embodiment is a system that purifies raw water such as tap water or groundwater and provides it as water for general households, and includes a water purifier 10 installed in a user's home, an information terminal 30 owned by the user, and a server 50 that can communicate with the water purifier 10 and the information terminal 30 via an internet communication line. Although Fig. 1 shows one water purifier 10 and one information terminal 30, if the system is used by multiple users, the system will include multiple water purifiers 10 installed in each user's home, multiple information terminals 30 owned by each user, and a server 50 that can communicate with each water purifier 10 and each information terminal 30.

[0018] <Configuration of Information Terminal 30> The information terminal 30 is a known smart device such as a smartphone or tablet, or a known personal computer, and includes a network module that functions as a communication unit that communicates with the server 50 via an internet communication line, a display that functions as a display unit that displays various information, a CPU, and memory. The memory stores an application for registering to use the system and checking the usage status, and the CPU executes the application based on the user's operation.

[0019] <Configuration of Water Purifier 10> As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the water purifier 10 is typically a freestanding water purifier, with its primary side connected to a branch stop 2 via a hose 1 and its secondary side connected to a water purification faucet 4 via a hose 3. The water purifier 10 includes a pair of water purification cartridges 11, 12 provided within the main body of the water purifier 10. The water purification cartridges 11, 12 contain built-in filter media and function as a purification unit that exhibits the water purification performance of the water purifier 10. The filter media can be activated carbon, woven fabric, nonwoven fabric, membranes (MF membranes, UF membranes, RO membranes), ion exchange resins, and other materials (JIS S 3241) used for the purpose of removing dissolved substances from water by filtration, adsorption, or the like, and in this embodiment, a hollow fiber membrane is used.

[0020] Here, within the main body of the water purifier 10, three flow paths 13, 14, 15 (hereinafter referred to as the "first flow path 13," "second flow path 14," and "third flow path 15") are provided on the primary side of the pair of water purification cartridges 11, 12. The first flow path 13 is a flow path that supplies raw water to the primary side ports 11a, 12a (hereinafter referred to as the "primary side ports 11a, 12a") of the pair of water purification cartridges 11, 12, and is formed by branching from a raw water supply port 17 (a connection port with a hose through which raw water is supplied) to the primary side ports 11a, 12a of each water purification cartridge 11, 12. The second flow path 14 is a flow path that discharges flush water (described below) that has been caused to flow backward within one of the water purification cartridges 11, and is formed from the primary side port 11a of one of the water purification cartridges 11 to a discharge port 18. The third flow path 15 is a flow path for discharging cleaning water (described later) that has been caused to flow back through the other water purification cartridge 12, and is formed from the primary side port 12a of the other water purification cartridge 12 to the discharge port 19.

[0021] Furthermore, within the main body of the water purifier 10, one flow path 16 (hereinafter referred to as the “fourth flow path 16”) is provided on the secondary side of the pair of water purification cartridges 11, 12. The fourth flow path 16 is a flow path through which purified water (treated water obtained by passing raw water through the water purification cartridges 11, 12 (forward flow)) flows out to the water purification faucet 4, and is formed by merging the secondary side ports 11b, 12b of each water purification cartridge 11, 12 (hereinafter referred to as the “secondary side ports 11b, 12b”) to the outlet 20 of the water purifier 10.

[0022] In the first flow path 13, an electric valve 21A is provided between the branch point and one of the water purification cartridges 11 to control the supply of raw water. In the first flow path 13, an electric valve 21B is provided between the branch point and the other water purification cartridge 12 to control the supply of raw water. In the second flow path 14, an electric valve 21C is provided to control the discharge of flush water. In the third flow path 15, an electric valve 21D is provided to control the discharge of flush water. In the fourth flow path 16, an electric valve 21E is provided between the junction and the purified water outlet 20 to control the discharge of purified water. As shown in FIG. 3 , the inputs of these multiple electric valves 21 are electrically connected to the output of a microcomputer 22, and they open and close based on control signals output from the microcomputer 22. The electric valves 21A and 21B function as a water inlet flow path opening / closing unit 144 ( FIG. 6 ) that opens and closes the raw water inlet flow paths for the water purification cartridges 11 and 12. Furthermore, the motorized valves 21C and 21D function as a drainage flow path opening / closing unit 146 (FIG. 6) that opens and closes the drainage flow path of flush water from the water purification cartridges 11 and 12. Furthermore, the motorized valve 21E functions as an outflow flow path opening / closing unit 145 (FIG. 6) that opens and closes the outflow flow path of purified water from the water purification cartridges 11 and 12. Furthermore, the microcomputer 22 functions as a flow path control unit 143 (FIG. 6) that controls the flow paths 13, 14, 15, and 16 via the motorized valves.

[0023] As shown in Fig. 2, the water purifier 10 is also provided with a flow meter 23. This flow meter 23 functions as a detection unit 110 (Fig. 6) that detects the flow rate of the purified water, and is provided between the junction in the fourth flow path 16 and the purified water outlet 20. The flow meter 23 in this embodiment outputs an analog signal corresponding to the flow rate of the purified water, and as shown in Fig. 3, the output of the flow meter 23 is input to the microcomputer 22 via an analog-to-digital conversion circuit 24 (hereinafter referred to as "ADC 24"). Note that if the flow meter 23 outputs a digital signal indicating the flow rate, the ADC 24 is omitted, and the output of the flow meter 23 is input directly to the microcomputer 22.

[0024] The water purifier 10 includes a microcomputer 22 having a CPU and memory within the main body of the water purifier 10. A control program for controlling the water purifier 10 is pre-stored in the memory, and the CPU executes the control program. The memory also stores a water purifier ID that is uniquely assigned to each water purifier 10.

[0025] The water purifier 10 includes a network module 25 connected to the microcomputer 22 so as to be able to communicate with the microcomputer 22. The network module 25 is provided within the main body of the water purifier 10, and transmits and receives information to and from the server 50 via an internet communication line by wirelessly connecting to a router provided indoors where the water purifier 10 is installed. The network module 25 may also be a module that transmits and receives information via the internet communication line by wirelessly connecting to a base station provided by a telecommunications carrier. The network module 25 transmits information input from the microcomputer 22 to the server 50, and inputs information received from the server 50 to the microcomputer 22.

[0026] The water purifier 10 configured as described above is installed in a user's home and communicates with the server 50 via an internet communication line.

[0027] <Configuration of Server 50> The server 50 controls and manages the water purifier 10 of each user, and includes a network module, a CPU, and a memory.

[0028] The network module is wired to a router installed at the location where the server 50 is installed, and sends and receives information to the water purifier 10 and the information terminal 30 via an Internet communication line, and is electrically connected so as to be able to communicate with the CPU.

[0029] A program for managing and controlling the water purifier 10 is stored in the memory of the server 50, and the CPU of the server 50 executes the program. The memory of the server 50 also has a database that functions as a storage unit 130 that stores information for managing the water purifier 10. As shown in Fig. 4, the database includes a user master table that stores personal information of users, a management table that manages the usage status of the water purifier 10, and a history table that stores past usage history.

[0030] The user master table functions as a user information storage unit that stores user information, and a record is provided for each user. Here, user information includes a user ID and the user's personal information associated with the user ID. The user ID is identification information for identifying a user of the system. In this embodiment, the email address used by the user is registered in the user ID field. The personal information typically includes the user's name, address, and telephone number. The name is registered in the name field. The address is registered in the address field. The telephone number is registered in the telephone number field. For example, when a user applies to use the system, the server 50 sends a form containing input items for each of the above fields to the user's information terminal 30. Then, upon receiving input information (user information) from the form from the user's information terminal 30, the CPU of the server 50 creates a new record and registers user information corresponding to each field of the record.

[0031] The management table functions as a management information storage unit that stores management information, and a record is provided for each water purifier 10. Here, the management information is information for managing the water purifier 10, and includes a water purifier ID, a user ID associated with the water purifier ID, a usage amount (first usage amount and second usage amount), and the number of times water has been purified. The water purifier ID is identification information uniquely assigned to each water purifier 10 and is registered in the water purifier ID field. The user ID is the user ID of the user who uses the water purifier 10 and is registered in the user ID field. The first usage amount is information indicating the usage amount of the water purifier 10 and is used to determine whether or not cleaning is necessary. Hereinafter, the first usage amount is also referred to as the "cleaning determination usage amount." The first usage amount is a value obtained by accumulating the flow rate received from the water purifier 10, and this value is cleared each time a cleaning command (described below) is sent to the water purifier 10. The first usage amount is registered in the first usage amount field. The second usage amount is the total monthly usage amount of the water purifier 10 (hereinafter also referred to as "total monthly usage amount") and is information that serves as the basis for billing the user for usage fees. The second usage amount is an accumulated value of the flow rate received from the water purifier 10, and this value is cleared each time the billing process described below is executed. The second usage amount is registered in the second usage amount field. The number of washes is information indicating the number of times the water purification cartridges 11, 12 have been washed and is registered in the number of washes field. The initial registration of management information in the management table can be performed, for example, based on the input items in the form when the user applies to use this system.

[0032] The history table functions as a usage history storage unit that stores the usage history of the water purifier 10. Here, the usage history refers to the user's total purified water usage for past years and months (hereinafter also referred to as "third usage"), and a record is provided for each year and month and user. Specifically, the usage history includes the year and month, user ID, and third usage. The year and month identify the year and month and are registered in the year and month field. The user ID identifies the user and is registered in the user ID field. The third usage is the user's total purified water usage for past years and months and is registered in the third usage field. In the history table, records corresponding to the number of users are generated on the closing day of each month. The year and month of the closing day are stored in the year and month field of the generated record. Furthermore, the user ID field and third usage field of each generated record store the user ID stored in the management table and the second usage corresponding to the user ID.

[0033] <System Flow> The purified water providing system 100 of this embodiment configured as described above cleans the water purification cartridges 11, 12 and charges a fee based on the amount of water used in the water purifier 10. The system flow will be described below mainly with reference to FIG.

[0034] 5, the water purifier 10 operates in a water purification mode and a cleaning mode. In the water purification mode, purified water is produced from raw water and supplied to the water purification faucet 4. The microcomputer 22 of the water purifier 10 executes a water purification control process s11, a daily usage calculation process s12, and a usage transmission process s13.

[0035] The water purification control process s11 is a process for producing purified water by controlling each motorized valve 21 provided in the flow path. As shown in FIG. 2( a), the microcomputer 22 inputs control signals to each motorized valve 21 to open motorized valve 21A, open motorized valve 21B, close motorized valve 21C, close motorized valve 21D, and open motorized valve 21E. By executing this water purification control process s11, raw water supplied from the supply port 17 is passed through the pair of water purification cartridges 11, 12 via the first flow path 13. As the raw water flows forward through the pair of water purification cartridges 11, 12, dissolved substances in the raw water are reduced by the filter media, producing purified water. The purified water flows through the fourth flow path 16 and outflows from the outlet 20. At this time, the purified water passes through the flow meter 23, which detects the flow rate of the purified water.

[0036] The daily usage calculation process s12 calculates the amount of purified water used (outflow) per day and includes a flow rate acquisition process, an integration process, and a time confirmation process. The flow rate acquisition process acquires the purified water flow rate detected by the flow meter 23, and the microcomputer 22 acquires the value output from the ADC 24. The integration process integrates the acquired flow rate. The microcomputer 22 adds the flow rate acquired in the flow rate acquisition process to an integrated value temporarily stored in memory to calculate a new integrated value. The microcomputer 22 then stores the newly calculated integrated value in memory. The time confirmation process confirms whether a predetermined period has elapsed. The microcomputer 22 counts down a counter set to 24 hours and confirms whether the counter value has reached 0. If the counter value is not 0 (No), the predetermined period (24 hours) has not elapsed, and the process proceeds to the reception confirmation process s21. On the other hand, if the counter value reaches 0 (yes), the predetermined time (24 hours) has elapsed, and the usage amount transmission process S13 is executed. In this way, the microcomputer 22 functions as a daily usage amount calculation unit 121 (FIG. 6) that calculates the amount of purified water used per day.

[0037] The usage amount transmission process s13 is a process for transmitting the usage amount of purified water using the network module 25, and the microcomputer 22 transmits the integrated value stored in the memory, i.e., the usage amount per day, together with the water purifier ID stored in the memory, to the server 50. In this way, the microcomputer 22 and the network module 25 function as a transmission unit (not shown) that transmits the usage amount per day.

[0038] As described above, in the purified water mode, purified water is produced from raw water, and the amount of purified water used per day is calculated and transmitted to the server 50 .

[0039] When the CPU of the server 50 receives the daily usage amount and the water purifier ID from the water purifier 10 (s21: yes), it executes a usage amount calculation process s22. The usage amount calculation process s22 is a process for calculating the first usage amount (the usage amount for cleaning determination) and the second usage amount (the total monthly usage amount). Specifically, the CPU of the server 50 extracts the first usage amount and the second usage amount corresponding to the received water purifier ID from the management table. Next, the CPU updates the first usage amount and the second usage amount by adding the usage amount received from the water purifier 10 to the extracted first usage amount and the second usage amount. Next, the CPU stores the updated first usage amount and the second usage amount as the first usage amount and the second usage amount corresponding to the water purifier ID in the management table. In this way, the server 50 functions as a receiver (not shown) that receives the daily usage amount from the water purifier 10. In addition, the server 50 functions as a first usage amount calculation unit 122 (Figure 6) that calculates the first usage amount based on information obtained from the water purifier 10, and a second usage amount calculation unit 123 (Figure 6) that calculates the second usage amount.

[0040] The CPU of the server 50 executes the usage calculation process s22 and then executes the cleaning determination process s23. The cleaning determination process s23 is a process for determining whether or not cleaning of the water purification cartridges 11, 12 is necessary. Specifically, the CPU compares the first usage (cleaning determination usage) calculated in the usage calculation process s22 (stored in the management table) with a reference value. The reference value is determined based on the correlation between the usage of the water purification cartridges 11, 12 and their water purification performance. The reference value is the usage of the water purification cartridges 11, 12 when the water purification performance has decreased to a predetermined level. If the comparison results in the first usage (cleaning determination usage) being less than the reference value, it is assumed that the water purification performance of the water purification cartridges 11, 12 has not decreased to the predetermined level, and therefore it is determined that cleaning of the water purification cartridges 11, 12 is unnecessary. On the other hand, if the comparison result indicates that the first usage amount (cleaning determination usage amount) exceeds the reference value, it is assumed that the water purification performance of the water purification cartridges 11, 12 has declined to a predetermined level, and it is determined that cleaning of the water purification cartridges is necessary. In this way, the server 50 functions as a cleaning determination unit 141 (FIG. 6) that determines whether or not cleaning of the water purification cartridges is necessary.

[0041] When the CPU of the server 50 determines in the cleaning determination process that cleaning is not required (s23: not required), it executes the closing date determination process s27 described later.

[0042] On the other hand, if the CPU of the server 50 determines in the cleaning determination process s23 that cleaning is necessary (s23: necessary), it executes the replacement determination process s24. The replacement determination process s24 is a process for determining the necessity (necessity) of replacing the water purification cartridges 11, 12. Specifically, the CPU extracts the number of cleanings corresponding to the received water purifier ID from the management table. If the number of cleanings is less than the reference value, it determines that replacement of the water purification cartridges 11, 12 is unnecessary. On the other hand, if the number of cleanings is equal to or greater than the reference value, it determines that replacement of the water purification cartridges 11, 12 is necessary. In this way, the server 50 functions as a replacement determination unit 151 (FIG. 6) that determines whether replacement of the water purification cartridges 11, 12 is necessary.

[0043] If the CPU of the server 50 determines in the replacement determination process s24 that replacement is necessary (s24: necessary), it executes a notification process s26. The notification process s26 is a process for notifying the user (user's information terminal 30) that replacement of the water purification cartridges 11, 12 is necessary, and for example, a message urging the user to replace the water purification cartridges 11, 12 is sent to the user's email address. In this way, the server 50 functions as a notification unit 152 ( FIG. 6 ) that notifies the user that replacement of the water purification cartridges 11, 12 is necessary. After executing the notification process s26, the CPU of the server 50 executes a cleaning command process s25.

[0044] On the other hand, if the CPU of the server 50 determines in the replacement determination process s24 that replacement is not necessary (s24: not necessary) or after executing the notification process s26, the CPU of the server 50 executes the flushing command process s25. The flushing command process s25 is a process for instructing the water purifier 10 to flush the water purification cartridges 11, 12, and the CPU of the server 50 transmits a flushing command to the water purifier 10 that transmitted the usage amount and counts up the value in the number of flushes field corresponding to the water purifier ID. In this way, the server 50 functions as a flushing command unit 142 ( FIG. 6 ) that issues a flushing command to the water purifier 10. After executing the flushing command process s25, the CPU of the server 50 executes the closing date determination process s27, which will be described later.

[0045] When the water purifier 10 receives the flushing command (s14: yes), it transitions from the water purification mode to the flushing mode. The flushing mode is a mode for flushing the pair of water purification cartridges 11, 12, and the microcomputer 22 of the water purifier 10 executes a first flushing control process s15 and a second flushing control process s16.

[0046] The first flushing control process s15 controls the flow paths to flush one of the water purification cartridges 11. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2B, control signals are input to each of the electric valves 21 to close the electric valve 21A, open the electric valve 21B, open the electric valve 21C, close the electric valve 21D, and close the electric valve 21E. By executing this first flushing control process s15, raw water supplied from the supply port 17 passes through one side of the first flow path 13 and is passed through the other water purification cartridge 12. The purified water (flushing water) generated by flowing forward through the other water purification cartridge 12 flows through the fourth flow path 16 toward the one water purification cartridge 11 and enters the one water purification cartridge 11 through the secondary side port 11b. The flushing water then flows backward through the one water purification cartridge 11 and flows out of the primary side port 11a of the one water purification cartridge 11. At this time, dissolved substances adhering to the filter media of one of the water purification cartridges 11 pass through the second flow path 14 together with the cleaning water and are discharged from the outlet 18. In this way, each flow path controlled by the first cleaning control process functions as a cleaning unit that cleans one of the water purification cartridges 11 by causing the purified water produced by the other water purification cartridge 12 to flow back from the secondary side to the primary side of the one of the water purification cartridges 11. In addition, the electric valve 21 that functions as a flow path opening / closing unit and the microcomputer 22 that functions as the flow path control unit 143 function as a cleaning control unit (FIG. 6) that controls the cleaning unit.

[0047] The second flushing control process s16 controls the flow paths to flush the other water purification cartridge 12. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2(c), control signals are input to each electric valve 21 to open electric valve 21A, close electric valve 21B, close electric valve 21C, open electric valve 21D, and close electric valve 21E. By executing this second flushing control process s16, raw water supplied from the supply port 17 passes through one side of the first flow path 13 and enters one water purification cartridge 11. The purified water (flushing water) generated by flowing forward through one water purification cartridge 11 flows through the fourth flow path 16 toward the other water purification cartridge 12 and enters the other water purification cartridge 12 through the secondary side port 12b. The flushing water then flows backward through the second water purification cartridge 12 and flows out of the primary side port 12a of the second water purification cartridge 12. At this time, dissolved substances adhering to the filter media of the second water purification cartridge pass through the third flow path 15 together with the cleaning water and are discharged from the outlet 19. In this way, each flow path controlled by the second cleaning control process functions as a cleaning unit that cleans the other water purification cartridge 12 by causing the purified water produced by one water purification cartridge 11 to flow back from the secondary side to the primary side of the other water purification cartridge 12.

[0048] After executing the first cleaning control process s15 and the second cleaning control process s16, the microcomputer 22 executes the water purification control process s11.

[0049] As described above, when the CPU of the server 50 determines in the cleaning determination process s23 that cleaning is not required (s23: not required), when the notification process s26 is executed, or when the cleaning command process s25 is executed, the CPU of the server 50 executes the closing date determination process s27. The closing date determination process s27 is a process for determining whether the day on which the process is being executed is the closing date, and the CPU of the server 50 acquires the date and checks whether the acquired date matches the specified closing date. If the result of the check is that it is not the closing date (s27: no), the process returns to the receiving process s21. On the other hand, if it is the closing date (s27: yes), the CPU of the server 50 executes the fee billing process s28.

[0050] The billing process s28 calculates the usage fee for the water purification cartridges 11, 12 and bills the user. This process is executed on the monthly closing date. The method for calculating the usage fee is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, a pay-as-you-go system in which the billing fee varies depending on the amount of purified water used per month, a flat-rate system in which a fixed monthly fee is charged, or a system in which only a basic fee is charged when usage is less than a specified amount and an excess fee and a basic fee are charged when usage exceeds the specified amount. In this way, the server 50 functions as a billing unit 160 (Figure 6) that determines the closing date, calculates the usage fee for the water purification cartridges 11, 12, and bills the user for the usage fee. Note that this billing process does not have to be executed on the monthly closing date, but may be executed periodically, such as on the closing date every other month. After executing the billing process s28, the CPU of the server 50 returns to the receiving process s21.

[0051] In the purified water providing system 100 of this embodiment, when the amount of water used by the water purifier 10 reaches a predetermined amount, the pair of water purification cartridges 11, 12 are cleaned based on a cleaning command from the server 50. This extends the usable life of the water purification cartridges 11, 12 and prevents an increase in running costs associated with replacing the water purification cartridges 11, 12.

[0052] Furthermore, the purified water providing system 100 of this embodiment periodically executes the fee billing process s28, thereby ensuring profits for the manufacturers of the water purification cartridges 11, 12. In other words, by appropriately determining the fee calculation standard, it is possible to ensure profits for the providers of the water purification cartridges 11, 12 while preventing the above-mentioned increase in running costs for users.

[0053] Furthermore, the purified water providing system 100 of this embodiment can urge the user to replace the water purification cartridges 11, 12 by sending a notification to the information terminal 30 when the number of cleanings of the water purification cartridges 11, 12 reaches a predetermined number. This allows the user to properly replace a water purification cartridge with reduced water purification performance, thereby maintaining the water purification performance of the water purifier 10.

[0054] Second Embodiment

[0055] The purified water providing system according to the second embodiment is similar to the first embodiment in that it includes a water purifier 10a, an information terminal 30, and a server 50, but differs from the first embodiment in that it determines whether or not cartridge cleaning is required based on the water pressure difference detected in the water purifier 10a. The following description will focus on the configuration and flow that differ from the first embodiment, and will omit the description of the configuration and flow that are common to the first embodiment as appropriate.

[0056] 7, the water purifier of the second embodiment is equipped with water pressure sensors 26a, 26b, 26c, and 26d (hereinafter collectively referred to as "water pressure sensors 26") in the primary and secondary flow paths of each water purification cartridge 11, 12. Each of the water pressure sensors 26 functions as a detection unit 110 that detects the water pressure at its respective installation location, and is connected to the microcomputer 22 via an ADC 27.

[0057] The system flow of the purified water providing system will be described with reference to FIG.

[0058] The water purifier 10 of this embodiment includes a flow rate acquisition process s12a, a water pressure acquisition process s12b, and a transmission process s13a instead of the daily usage calculation process s12 and the usage transmission process s13 of the first embodiment. The flow rate acquisition process s12a is the same as the flow rate acquisition process of the first embodiment. The water pressure acquisition process s12b is a process for acquiring the water pressure detected by each water pressure sensor 26, and the microcomputer 22 acquires the value output from the ADC 27. The transmission process s13a is a process for transmitting the flow rate acquired in the diversion acquisition process s12a and the multiple water pressures acquired in the water pressure acquisition process s12b to the server 50 together with the water purifier ID.

[0059] In this embodiment, the server 50 executes a calculation process s22a instead of the usage calculation process s22 in the first embodiment. This calculation process includes a second usage (monthly usage) calculation process and a water pressure difference calculation process. The second usage calculation process calculates the second usage and is performed in the same manner as in the first embodiment. The water pressure difference calculation process calculates the difference in water pressure between the primary and secondary sides of each water purification cartridge 11, 12 based on the received water pressure values. Specifically, the water pressure difference in one water purification cartridge 11 is calculated by subtracting the water pressure detected by the secondary water pressure sensor 26b from the water pressure detected by the primary water pressure sensor 26a of that cartridge. Similarly, the water pressure difference in the other water purification cartridge 12 is calculated by subtracting the water pressure detected by the secondary water pressure sensor 26d from the water pressure detected by the primary water pressure sensor 26c of that cartridge.

[0060] Furthermore, the server 50 of this embodiment executes a cleaning determination process s23a based on a water pressure difference instead of the cleaning determination process s23 based on the amount of water used in the first embodiment. The cleaning determination process s23a compares the water pressure difference calculated in the water pressure difference calculation process with a reference value. The reference value is determined based on the correlation between the water pressure difference and the water purification performance of the water purification cartridges 11, 12, and the water pressure difference when the water purification performance has decreased to a predetermined level is determined as the reference value.

[0061] If the result of the above comparison shows that the water pressure difference does not exceed the reference value, it is assumed that the water purification performance of the water purification cartridges 11, 12 has not decreased to a predetermined level, and therefore it is determined that cleaning is not necessary. If it is determined that cleaning is not necessary (s23a: not necessary), the closing date determination process s27 is executed.

[0062] If the result of the above comparison shows that the water pressure difference exceeds the reference value, it is assumed that the water purification performance of the water purification cartridges 11, 12 has decreased to a predetermined level, and it is determined that cleaning is necessary. If it is determined that cleaning is necessary in this way (s23a: necessary), the replacement determination process s24 is executed.

[0063] In the purified water providing system 100 of this embodiment, when the water pressure difference detected in the water purifier 10 reaches a reference value, the pair of water purification cartridges 11, 12 are cleaned based on a cleaning command from the server 50. This extends the usable life of the water purification cartridges 11, 12 and prevents an increase in running costs associated with replacing the water purification cartridges 11, 12.

[0064] Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment and may be modified as follows.

[0065] <Variation 1> In the first and second embodiments, the server 50 may transmit a flushing command to the water purifier 10 based on the time. In this variation, the CPU of the server 50 acquires the current time in the cleaning determination process s23, s23a and checks whether the acquired current time is a predetermined time or whether the predetermined time has passed. The predetermined time is preferably, for example, nighttime when the user does not use purified water or a time when the user is absent. If the result of this check shows that the current time has not reached the predetermined time, it is determined that flushing is unnecessary. On the other hand, if the predetermined time is reached or the predetermined time has passed, it is determined that flushing is necessary. According to this variation, the water purification cartridges 11, 12 can be periodically flushed.

[0066] <Variant 2> In the first and second embodiments, the microcomputer 22 of the water purifier 10, 10a executes both the first cleaning control process s15 and the second cleaning control process s16 each time a cleaning command is received, but this is not limited to this configuration. For example, the microcomputer 22 may execute one of the cleaning control processes when a cleaning command is received for the water purifier 10, and execute the other cleaning control process when the next cleaning command is received.

[0067] <Variation 3> In the first embodiment, the server 50 may calculate the amount of purified water used per day. In this variation, the microcomputer 22 of the water purifier 10 executes the flow rate acquisition process and then executes a flow rate transmission process. The flow rate transmission process is a process in which the flow rate is transmitted to the server 50 each time a flow rate is acquired in the flow rate acquisition process. The CPU of the server 50 receives the flow rate from the water purifier 10 in a reception process s21. Then, the CPU of the server 50 accumulates the received flow rate in a usage amount calculation process s22. In this variation, the server 50 can collectively manage cleaning determination, replacement determination, and fee billing based on usage amount in real time.

[0068] <Modification 4> In the first embodiment, the server 50 calculates the first usage amount, but the water purifier 10 may calculate the first usage amount. Specifically, the microcomputer 22 stores the first usage amount in memory and updates the first usage amount by adding the usage amount calculated in the integration process to the first usage amount. The updated first usage amount is stored in memory each time.

[0069] <Modification 5> In the first and second embodiments, the microcomputer 22 of the water purifier 10, 10a may execute the replacement determination process s24 and the notification process s26. In this modification, the microcomputer 22 stores the number of flushes in its memory and counts up the number of flushes each time it receives a flush command from the server 50. The water purifier 10, 10a is provided with a replacement lamp electrically connected to the microcomputer 22, and the microcomputer 22 controls the illumination of the lamp when the number of flushes reaches a predetermined number.

[0070] <Variation 6> In the first and second embodiments, the replacement determination process s24 may determine whether replacement is necessary based on the expiration date of the water purification cartridge 11, 12. In this variation, an expiration date field is provided in the management table. This expiration date field stores the date by which the water purification cartridge can maintain a predetermined cleaning performance, i.e., the expiration date. In the replacement determination process s24, the CPU of the server 50 obtains the current date and compares it with the expiration date. If the comparison results in the current date being within the expiration date, the CPU of the server 50 determines that replacement is not necessary, and if the current date is beyond the expiration date, it determines that replacement is necessary.

[0071] <Variation 7> In the second embodiment, a water quality sensor may be used instead of the water pressure sensor 26. The water quality sensor functions as a detection unit 110 that detects the water quality of the raw water / purified water flowing through the flow path based on electrical conductivity, turbidity, etc., and is disposed in the primary and secondary flow paths of each water purification cartridge 11, 12. In this variation, the microcomputer 22 of the water purifier 10 executes a water quality acquisition process instead of the water pressure acquisition process s12b. In this water quality acquisition process, a value indicating the water quality (hereinafter referred to as the "water quality value") is acquired from each water quality sensor. Then, in a transmission process s13a, the water quality value is transmitted to the server 50 together with the flow rate.

[0072] The server 50 receives the water quality data in the reception process s21 and calculates the water quality difference in the calculation process s22a. The water quality difference is calculated by subtracting the water quality value of the water quality sensor located in the secondary flow path from the water quality value of the water quality sensor located in the primary flow path of each water purification cartridge 11, 12. The server 50 then compares the water quality difference with a reference value in the cleaning determination process s23a. If the comparison results in the water quality difference not exceeding the reference value, it is assumed that the cleaning performance of the water purification cartridges 11, 12 has not decreased to the predetermined standard, and it is determined that cleaning of the water purification cartridges 11, 12 is unnecessary (s23a: unnecessary). On the other hand, if the comparison results in the water quality difference exceeding the reference value, it is assumed that the cleaning performance of the water purification cartridges 11, 12 has decreased to the predetermined standard, and it is determined that cleaning of the water purification cartridges 11, 12 is necessary (s23a: necessary).

[0073] <Modification 8> In the second embodiment and Modification 7, the detection units 110 (water pressure sensors, water quality sensors) are provided in the primary flow path and the secondary flow path of each water purification cartridge 11, 12, but this is not limited to this embodiment. For example, the detection units 110 may be provided only in the secondary flow path of each water purification cartridge 11, 12. In this modification, the water purifier 10a acquires the value detected by the detection unit 110 and transmits the acquired value to the server 50. In the cleaning determination process s23a, the server 50 compares the value of the detection unit 110 received from the water purifier 10a with a reference value to determine whether cleaning is necessary.

[0074] <Modification 9> In Modification 8, the detection unit 110 is provided only in the secondary flow path of each water purification cartridge 11, 12. However, this is not limited to this embodiment, and the detection unit 110 may be provided only in the primary flow path of each water purification cartridge 11, 12. For example, a flow rate sensor may be provided in the primary flow path of each water purification cartridge 11, 12. The flow rate sensor functions as the detection unit 110 to detect the flow rate of raw water. In this modification, the water purifier 10a executes a flow rate acquisition process instead of the water pressure acquisition process s12a. The flow rate acquisition process acquires a value indicating the flow rate (hereinafter referred to as the "flow rate value") from each flow rate sensor. Then, in a transmission process s13a, the flow rate value is transmitted to the server 50 along with the flow rate. In a cleaning determination process s23a, the server 50 compares the flow rate value received from the water purifier 10a with a reference value to determine whether cleaning is required.

[0075] The flow velocity sensor may be composed of a flow meter and a water pressure sensor, and the flow velocity may be calculated from the flow rate detected by the flow meter and the water pressure detected by the water pressure sensor. In other words, the flow velocity may be calculated by multiplying the detected flow rate by the reciprocal of the detected water pressure.

[0076] <Variation 10> In the first embodiment, the second embodiment, and variations 7 to 9, a flow meter, a water pressure sensor, a water quality sensor, and a flow velocity sensor are used as the detection unit 110, but the detection unit 110 is not limited to these and may be anything that detects index values ​​that indicate the state of raw water or purified water.

[0077] <Modification 11> In the cleaning determination process s23, s23a (cleaning determination unit 1441) of the first and second embodiments, the need for cleaning is determined using a reference value, but this is not limited to this embodiment, and the need for cleaning may also be determined using machine learning. In this modification, a trained model is generated in advance by performing supervised learning. The training data is the index value detected by the detection unit 110 as input data, and the need for cleaning for the index value is used as correct answer data. Then, in the cleaning determination process s23, s23a, the index value received from the water purifier 10, 10a is input to the trained model, and the need for cleaning is output from the trained model.

[0078] <Variation 12> In the first and second embodiments, the cleaning structure of the water purification cartridges 11 and 12 can be modified depending on the type of filter material. Here, cleaning the filter material in the present invention also includes regenerating the filter material. For example, it is known that applying heat to activated carbon removes substances adhering to the activated carbon, thereby regenerating the activated carbon. Therefore, when activated carbon is used as the filter material, a heater can be used as a cleaning unit that applies heat to the activated carbon to regenerate the activated carbon, and a microcomputer 22 can be used as a cleaning control unit that controls the heater based on a cleaning command. Furthermore, an electromagnetic wave irradiation device, a steam generator, a hot water generator, or the like can also be used as the cleaning unit that applies heat to the filter material to clean (regenerate) it. Other cleaning units that can clean filter material with reduced water purification performance and restore its water purification performance include, for example, a chemical supply unit that supplies chemicals (such as alkaline ionized water, acid, alkali, salt water, or surfactant) to the filter material, a vibration unit that applies vibration, or a bubble generator that generates and supplies bubbles to the filter material.

[0079] <Modification 13> In the first and second embodiments, the exchange determination process s24 and the notification process s26 are not essential processes, and these processes may be omitted.

[0080] <Modification 14> In the first and second embodiments, the closing date determination process s27 and the billing process s28 are not essential processes, and these processes may be omitted. For example, a water supply system may include the water vending machine having the water purifier 10, 10a and selling purified water produced by the water purifier 10, 10a, and the server 50. The water vending machine may sell purified water in an amount corresponding to a payment amount made by cash, smartphone payment, or prepaid card.

[0081] <Modification 15> The water purifiers 10 and 10a of the first and second embodiments may be used for commercial purposes such as in stores such as restaurants, factories, farms, and the like.

[0082] 100 Purified water providing system 10 Water purifier 11 Purified water cartridge 12 Purified water cartridge 21 Electric valve 22 Microcomputer 23 Flow meter 30 Mobile terminal 50 Server

Claims

1. A purified water providing system comprising: a purification unit that reduces dissolved substances in raw water and discharges purified water; a cleaning unit that cleans the purification unit; a cleaning determination unit that determines whether cleaning is necessary; and a cleaning control unit that controls the cleaning unit based on the result of the cleaning determination unit.

2. A purified water provision system comprising a water purifier and a server capable of communicating with the water purifier, wherein the water purifier comprises: the purification unit, the cleaning unit, the cleaning control unit, and a detection unit that outputs the flow rate of the purified water, and the server comprises: the cleaning determination unit, a cleaning command unit that commands the water purifier that has determined that cleaning is necessary to clean the purification unit, and a calculation unit that calculates the usage fee for the purification unit of the water purifier based on the integrated value of the flow rate of the water purifier, and the cleaning control unit controls the cleaning unit based on the command. The purified water provision system described in claim 1.

3. The purified water providing system according to claim 2, wherein the server is provided with a replacement determination unit that determines whether to replace the purification unit.

4. The purified water providing system of claim 2, wherein the cleaning control unit controls the supply of purified water to the secondary side of the purification unit and controls the discharge of water flowing out from the primary side of the cleaning unit.

5. The purified water providing system of claim 1, further comprising a detection unit which outputs an index value indicating the state of the raw water and / or the purified water, and the cleaning determination unit determines whether or not cleaning is necessary based on the index value.

6. The purified water providing system of claim 5, wherein the detection unit outputs the flow rate of the purified water, and the system is provided with a calculation unit that calculates the usage fee of the purification unit based on an integrated value of the output flow rate.

7. The purified water providing system described in claim 5, wherein the detection unit comprises: a primary side water pressure sensor that outputs the water pressure on the primary side of the purification unit; and a secondary side water pressure sensor that outputs the water pressure on the secondary side of the purification unit; and the cleaning determination unit determines whether or not cleaning is necessary based on the difference between the water pressure on the primary side and the water pressure on the secondary side.

8. The purified water providing system according to claim 1, further comprising a replacement determination unit that determines whether or not the purification unit needs to be replaced.

9. The purified water providing system of claim 1, wherein the cleaning control unit controls the supply of purified water to the secondary side of the purification unit and controls the discharge of water flowing out from the primary side of the cleaning unit.

10. The purified water providing system of claim 1, comprising: a plurality of water purifiers; and a server capable of communicating with each of the water purifiers, each of the water purifiers comprising the purification unit, the cleaning unit, and the cleaning control unit, and the server comprising the cleaning determination unit.

11. A method for providing purified water, comprising: a purification step in which a purification unit of a water purifier reduces dissolved substances in raw water and discharges purified water; a cleaning step in which a cleaning unit of the water purifier cleans the purification unit; a cleaning determination step in which a cleaning determination unit of a server capable of communicating with the water purifier determines whether or not cleaning is necessary; and a cleaning control step in which a cleaning control unit of the water purifier controls the cleaning unit based on the result of the cleaning determination step.

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