Cartridge for water purifier

Abstract

A cartridge for a water purifier according to the present invention includes: a raw water passage; a purified water outlet; a filter medium storage part; a filter medium storage lid attachable to and detachable from the filter medium storage part; and an adsorbent module filled with an adsorbent. The adsorbent module includes a bottomed and substantially cylindrical adsorbent container, a substantially disk-shaped adsorbent container lid, and a granular or powdery adsorbent. A plurality of downstream-side radial ribs are formed on the bottom surface of the adsorbent container, a water-permeable and circular adsorbent-holding member is fixed to the downstream-side radial ribs, a plurality of upstream-side radial ribs are formed on the adsorbent container lid, and a water-permeable and circular adsorbent leakage prevention member is fixed to the upstream-side radial ribs.

Description

Water purifier cartridges

[0001] The present invention relates to a cartridge for a water purifier that filters tap water in a home kitchen or the like.

[0002] In recent years, water purifiers that purify tap water have become widely used in homes. Water purifiers contain various filter media, such as activated carbon, which removes free residual chlorine, mold odor, and trihalomethanes from tap water, and hollow fiber membranes, which remove turbidity such as iron rust from tap water. Purified water filtered through these filters is safe and delicious, contributing to the health of users.

[0003] In most cases, various types of filter media are filled into the internal space of a removable water purifier cartridge. Because the amount of filtered water that a filter media can process is limited, it is common to continue using the water purifier by periodically replacing the cartridge.

[0004] Patent Document 1 proposes a water purifier cartridge in which activated carbon and a hollow fiber membrane module are fixed to a container having a raw water inlet and a purified water outlet. The activated carbon removes residual chlorine and trihalomethanes from tap water, and then the hollow fiber membrane removes minute contaminants from the water, resulting in high-quality purified water.

[0005] However, because the activated carbon filling section is irregularly shaped, the water flow becomes uneven, and the capacity of the activated carbon in areas with a lot of water decreases quickly, while the capacity of the activated carbon in areas with less water flow is not fully utilized, resulting in a shortened lifespan of the water purifier cartridge.

[0006] To address this issue, Patent Document 2 proposes a water purifier cartridge in which the activated carbon filling section (storage case) is cylindrical. The inlet and outlet of the filling section are arranged opposite each other, so the water flow is relatively even.

[0007] However, the diameter of the inlet is small compared to the diameter of the outlet, and there is a part where the cross section suddenly expands, making it difficult for water to flow through the activated carbon at the corner of the expanded part. As a result, the activated carbon at the corner does not perform to its full potential, and as a result, the problem of the lifespan of the water purifier cartridge is shortened remains unresolved.

[0008] In addition, filters are provided at both the inlet and outlet, meaning that the activated carbon filling section is made up of three molded parts, which increases the cost.

[0009] To address these issues, Patent Document 3 proposes a water purifier cartridge in which the activated carbon filling section (activated carbon unit) is cylindrical, with the inlet and outlet of the filling section facing each other and having the same diameter. This prevents the flow of water from becoming uneven in the activated carbon filling section, preventing the life of the water purifier cartridge from ending before the activated carbon in the corners is fully utilized.

[0010] Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 11-179348 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 7-132283 Japanese Unexamined Patent Application No. 6-154751

[0011] However, the technology of Patent Document 3 has a problem in that it imposes a significant design constraint in that the diameters of the inlet and outlet of the activated carbon filling portion must be matched.

[0012] Furthermore, filters are provided at both the inlet and outlet of the activated carbon packed section (activated carbon unit), which, like Patent Document 2, presents the problem of high costs.

[0013] To provide a water purifier cartridge that is long-lasting and inexpensive, and that does not have problems such as uneven water flow caused by an irregularly shaped adsorbent filling part such as activated carbon, or difficulty in water flowing to the adsorbent at the corners because the diameter of the inlet is smaller than the diameter of the outlet, and that does not have design restrictions that require the diameter of the inlet and outlet of the adsorbent filling part to match.

[0014] A water purifier cartridge that solves the above problems is: (1) a water purifier cartridge having a raw water passage, a purified water outlet, a filter media storage section, a filter media storage lid that is detachable from the filter media storage section, and an adsorbent module filled with an adsorbent, wherein the adsorbent module is composed of a bottomed, substantially cylindrical adsorbent container, a substantially disk-shaped adsorbent container lid, and granular or powdered adsorbent, wherein a plurality of downstream radial ribs are formed on the bottom surface of the adsorbent container, and a water-permeable, circular adsorbent holding member is fixed to the downstream radial ribs, and a plurality of upstream radial ribs are formed on the adsorbent container lid, and a water-permeable, circular adsorbent leakage prevention member is fixed to the upstream radial ribs.

[0015] (2) In the water purifier cartridge of the present invention, it is preferable that the materials of the adsorbent container and the adsorbent container lid are polyolefin, and the adsorbent holding member and the adsorbent leakage prevention member are nonwoven fabrics containing polyolefin.

[0016] According to the water purifier cartridge of the present invention, the adsorbent module comprises a bottomed, generally cylindrical adsorbent container, a generally disk-shaped adsorbent container lid, and granular or powdered adsorbent. The bottom of the adsorbent container is formed with a plurality of downstream radial ribs, to which circular, water-permeable adsorbent holding members are fixed. The adsorbent container lid is formed with a plurality of upstream radial ribs, to which circular, water-permeable adsorbent leakage prevention members are fixed. This allows the adsorbent-filled section to be generally cylindrical, preventing uneven water flow. The space formed by the downstream radial ribs prevents the diameter of the inlet from being smaller than the diameter of the outlet, preventing water from flowing poorly into the adsorbent at the corners. There is no design constraint requiring the diameters of the inlet and outlet of the adsorbent-filled section to match, resulting in a long life and low cost. Furthermore, in a preferred embodiment of the water purifier of the present invention, the adsorbent container and the adsorbent container lid are made of polyolefin, and the adsorbent holding member and the adsorbent leakage prevention member are made of nonwoven fabric containing polyolefin. This makes it easy and reliable to ultrasonically weld the adsorbent container and the nonwoven fabric, the adsorbent container lid and the nonwoven fabric, and the adsorbent container and the adsorbent container lid, thereby reducing manufacturing costs.

[0017] FIG. 1 is a longitudinal sectional view of a cartridge for a water purifier according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view of a faucet-mounted water purifier in which a cartridge for a water purifier according to one embodiment of the present invention is connected to a main body switch. FIG. 3 is a sectional perspective view of a cartridge body of a cartridge for a water purifier according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an adsorbent module of a cartridge for a water purifier according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an adsorbent module of a cartridge for a water purifier according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an adsorbent container of a cartridge for a water purifier according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a longitudinal sectional view of a cartridge for a water purifier when backwashing a hollow fiber membrane module according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a cartridge for a water purifier according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a longitudinal sectional view of a cartridge for a water purifier according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] An embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0019] Fig. 1 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a water purifier cartridge according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 2 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a faucet-mounted water purifier in which a water purifier cartridge according to an embodiment of the present invention is connected to a main body switch.

[0020] Each of the components constituting the water purifier cartridge 1 will be described.

[0021] The water purifier cartridge 1 comprises a cylindrical cartridge body (filter medium storage section) 2 having an open top and a closed bottom, and a lid (filter medium storage lid) 3 fixed to the open top of the cartridge body 2. The water purifier cartridge 1 houses a hollow fiber membrane module 20 and an adsorbent module 30 in the internal space formed by the cartridge body 2 and the lid 3.

[0022] A bayonet mechanism is used to attach the lid 3 to the cartridge body 2, and the lid 3 can be easily fixed by rotating it 63° to align it with the opening of the cartridge body 2. A screw mechanism may be used instead of the bayonet mechanism. An O-ring 7 is disposed on the cartridge body 2, and is compressed radially by the lid 3, thereby maintaining a liquid-tight seal between the cartridge body 2 and the lid 3.

[0023] 3 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the cartridge body 2 of the water purifier cartridge 1. The cartridge body 2 has a raw water passage 11 on the side near the bottom end and a purified water outlet 12 in the center of the bottom end face. A cylindrical module mounting portion 13 is provided on the inner surface of the lower end of the cartridge body 2, surrounding the purified water outlet 12, into which the end of the hollow fiber membrane module 20 having an opening is fitted. In other words, the module mounting portion 13 has a cylindrical opening and is a member for mounting the hollow fiber membrane module 20. A bayonet mechanism for connecting to the main body switch 4 is provided around the inlet opening of the raw water passage 11.

[0024] The module mounting portion 13 has a first module fitting portion 14 and a second module fitting portion 15 that has a smaller diameter than the first module fitting portion 14 and is closer to the purified water outlet.

[0025] The hollow fiber membrane module 20 comprises a hollow fiber membrane bundle 21, which is a bundle of a predetermined number of hollow fiber membranes bent into an inverted U shape, housed inside a substantially cylindrical case 22. The inner surface of the lower end of the cylindrical case 22, the lower end of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 21, and the lower ends of the hollow fiber membranes are sealed and fixed with a potting material such as polyurethane or epoxy resin. The lower end of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 21 is open and faces the purified water outlet 12. Hydrophilized polysulfone is preferably used as the hollow fiber membrane material. Multiple types of hollow fiber membranes made from different materials may also be combined. Hydrophobic polyethylene or polypropylene hollow fiber membranes can be used to efficiently remove air from the water. While the hollow fiber membrane bundle 21 is bent into an inverted U shape, it may also be a straight hollow fiber membrane bundle whose upper opening is sealed with an adhesive or heat fusion.

[0026] The cylindrical case 22 is made of ABS resin, although AS resin, polystyrene, etc. are also suitable. The vicinity of the outlet end 22b of the cylindrical case 22 is fitted liquid-tight with the second module fitting portion 15. The vicinity of the inlet end (adsorbent module mounting portion) 22a can be fitted with the outlet end 31b of the adsorbent container 31 described below, and can also be fitted liquid-tight with the first module fitting portion 14. A flange portion 23 is provided on the outer periphery near the inlet end (adsorbent module mounting portion) 22a.

[0027] 4 and 5 are perspective views of the adsorbent module 30 of the water purifier cartridge 1. The adsorbent module 30 is composed of a bottomed, substantially cylindrical adsorbent container 31, a substantially disk-shaped adsorbent container lid 32, and granular or powder adsorbent 33 (see FIG. 1). The adsorbent container 31 is open at the top, and the adsorbent container lid 32 is attached to the top opening of the adsorbent container 31. Polyolefin is preferably used as the material for the adsorbent container 31 and the adsorbent container lid 32. Ultrasonic welding of the adsorbent container 31 and the adsorbent container lid 32 is easy and reliable, and is an inexpensive material, so manufacturing costs can be reduced. ABS resin or polystyrene can also be used.

[0028] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the adsorbent container 31 of the water purifier cartridge 1. A plurality of downstream radial ribs 34 are integrally formed on the bottom surface of the adsorbent container 31, and a circular, water-permeable downstream nonwoven fabric (adsorbent holding member) 35 (see FIG. 1 ) is fixed to the downstream radial ribs 34. As shown in FIG. 5 , a plurality of upstream radial ribs 36 are integrally formed on the adsorbent container lid 32. That is, the adsorbent container lid 32 has a plurality of upstream radial ribs 36, and openings are formed between adjacent upstream radial ribs 36, allowing water to flow through these openings into the adsorbent container 31 to which the adsorbent container lid 32 is attached. As shown in FIG. 1 , a circular, water-permeable upstream nonwoven fabric (adsorbent leakage prevention member) 37 is fixed to the plurality of upstream radial ribs 36.

[0029] The downstream nonwoven fabric (adsorbent holding member) 35 and the upstream nonwoven fabric (adsorbent leakage prevention member) 37 function to prevent leakage of the granular adsorbent 33 while allowing the water to be treated to pass through, with mesh openings smaller than the particle size of the adsorbent 33. The upstream nonwoven fabric (adsorbent leakage prevention member) 37 and the downstream nonwoven fabric (adsorbent holding member) 35 are preferably nonwoven fabrics containing polyolefin. The upstream nonwoven fabric (adsorbent leakage prevention member) 37 is fixed to the upstream radial ribs 36 by ultrasonic welding, and the downstream nonwoven fabric (adsorbent holding member) 35 is fixed to the downstream radial ribs 34 by ultrasonic welding. Using the same polyolefin material for both fabrics facilitates and ensures ultrasonic welding. This significantly reduces manufacturing costs compared to a configuration in which a frame with radial ribs is injection molded, and the upstream and downstream nonwoven fabrics are ultrasonically welded to the frame before being fixed to the adsorbent container.

[0030] 1 , the bottom of the adsorbent container 31 has a reduced diameter portion, and the diameter near the outlet end 31b of the adsorbent container 31 is smaller than the inlet end 31a of the adsorbent container 31. However, the presence of spaces 38 formed by the downstream radial ribs 34 prevents the water flow from becoming uneven. That is, the bottom of the adsorbent container 31 has a plurality of downstream radial ribs 34, and spaces 38 communicating the inside and outside of the adsorbent container 31 are formed between adjacent downstream radial ribs 34, allowing water within the adsorbent container 31 to be discharged to the outside of the adsorbent container 31 through the spaces 38. The outlet end 31b of the adsorbent container 31 is fitted into the inlet end (adsorbent module mounting portion) 22a of the cylindrical case of the hollow fiber membrane module 20. That is, the inlet end (adsorbent module mounting portion) 22a is a portion for mounting the adsorbent module 30.

[0031] A plurality of centering ribs 41 are arranged on the outer periphery of the adsorbent container 31 and / or the adsorbent container lid 32 of the adsorbent module 30. The clearance between the inner circumferential surface of the lid 3 and the centering rib 41 is adjusted to 0.05 to 0.3 mm, and both the adsorbent container lid 32 and the centering rib 41 are inclined so that the clearance gradually decreases in the process of tightening the lid 3. Either one may be inclined.

[0032] Meanwhile, a height alignment rib 42 is disposed on the upper surface of the adsorbent container lid 32 of the adsorbent module 30. The clearance between the rear side of the upper surface of the lid body 3 and the height alignment rib 42 is adjusted to 0.2 to 0.5 mm. The height alignment rib may also be provided on the rear side of the upper surface of the lid body 3.

[0033] The adsorbent 33, consisting of granular activated carbon and granular zeolite, is filled in the space between the downstream nonwoven fabric (adsorbent holding member) 35 of the adsorbent container 31 and the upstream nonwoven fabric (adsorbent leakage prevention member) 37 of the adsorbent container lid 32. The activated carbon, made from coconut shells, contains 70% or more particles with particle sizes of 100 to 200 microns and has an iodine adsorption capacity of 1200 mg / g or more. This allows for a high adsorption capacity for organic matter in tap water while ensuring a sufficient purified water flow rate. Furthermore, reducing the particle size increases the surface area, thereby enhancing the adsorption capacity and ion exchange capacity.

[0034] The zeolite used is one that selectively adsorbs lead and has a particle size of 100 to 200 microns. Titanosilicate, which has a similar function, may also be used instead of zeolite.

[0035] In the manufacturing process, the hollow fiber membrane module 20 and the adsorbent module 30 are assembled in series and erected. During this process, the hollow fiber membrane module 20 or the adsorbent module 30 may become tilted, or the adsorbent module 30 may not be properly fitted into the hollow fiber membrane module 20, resulting in the adsorbent module 30 being too high. Even in such cases, the center alignment rib 41 and the height alignment rib 42 of the water purifier cartridge 1 come into contact with the inner surface of the lid 3 during the process of fitting and tightening the lid 3, thereby correcting the tilted or overly high position and adjusting it to its original position. The same applies when a user who has purchased a water purifier replaces the water purifier cartridge. Even if a user who is unfamiliar with assembly fails to accurately assemble and erect the hollow fiber membrane module 20 and the adsorbent module 30, the position is corrected to its original position during the process of fitting and tightening the lid 3, thereby enabling the water purifier to perform at its best.

[0036] The use of the water purifier cartridge 1 configured as above will now be described.

[0037] Raw water (tap water) entering from the raw water inlet 8 of the main body switch 4 flows into the inside of the water purifier cartridge 1 through the raw water passage 11, and is guided into the cylindrical gap 5 secured by the center alignment rib 41, where it rises without deviation. The raw water (tap water) is then guided into the disk-shaped gap 6 secured by the height alignment rib 42, where it changes direction without deviation.

[0038] The raw water passes through the upstream nonwoven fabric (adsorbent leakage prevention member) 37 of the adsorbent container lid 32 and flows into the adsorbent module 30. The water flows evenly and comes into contact with the granular activated carbon and granular zeolite packed in a roughly cylindrical shape, removing free residual chlorine, mold odor, trihalomethanes, lead, and other contaminants from the raw water. The water then passes through the downstream nonwoven fabric (adsorbent holding member) 35 of the adsorbent container 31, contracts in the space 38 formed by the multiple downstream radial ribs 34, and exits the adsorbent container 31 from the outlet end 31b. The water then flows into the hollow fiber membrane module 20 through the inlet end (adsorbent module mounting portion) 22a of the cylindrical case. The hollow fiber membrane bundle 21 then removes suspended solids, turning the water into purified water, which is then discharged from the purified water outlet 12.

[0039] Since the amount of filtered water that can be treated by a filter medium is limited, users must periodically replace the filter medium while continuing to use the water purifier. The replacement of the hollow fiber membrane module 20 and adsorbent module 30, which are the filter medium, will now be described.

[0040] The lid 3, which is fixed to the upper opening of the cartridge body 2 of the water purifier cartridge 1 by a bayonet mechanism, is removed. Next, the adsorbent module 30 is removed from the hollow fiber membrane module 20, and then the hollow fiber membrane module 20 is removed from the second module fitting portion 15 of the module mounting portion 13 of the cartridge body 2. Next, the outlet end 22b of a new hollow fiber membrane module 20 is fitted into the second module fitting portion 15. Next, the outlet end 31b of the new adsorbent module 30 is fitted into the inlet end (adsorbent module mounting portion) 22a of the hollow fiber membrane module 20. Both modules can be fitted manually, and the dimensions are adjusted to prevent water leakage.

[0041] Next, the lid 3 is placed on the cartridge body 2 and tightened. At this time, the hollow fiber membrane module 20 or the adsorbent module 30 may become tilted, or the adsorbent module 30 may not be properly fitted into the hollow fiber membrane module 20, causing the adsorbent module 30 to be higher than a predetermined height. Even in such cases, in the water purifier cartridge 1, the center alignment rib 41 and height alignment rib 42 come into contact with the inner surface of the lid 3 during the process of placing the lid 3 on the cartridge body 2 and tightening it, thereby correcting the tilted or excessively high state and adjusting it to its original position.

[0042] When a water faucet is opened and raw water (tap water) flows into the raw water passage 11 of the water purifier cartridge 1, the air inside the water purifier cartridge 1 is pushed out and purified water is then discharged from the purified water outlet 12.

[0043] Next, backwashing of the hollow fiber membrane module 20 will be described. Figure 7 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a water purifier cartridge when backwashing a hollow fiber membrane module. The hollow fiber membrane bundle 21 removes turbidity from raw water (tap water) to produce purified water, which is then discharged from the purified water outlet 12. However, turbidity gradually accumulates in the hollow fiber membrane bundle 21, increasing pressure loss and reducing the flow rate of purified water. When the flow rate reduction becomes significant, the accumulated turbidity can be flushed out (backwashed) by flowing tap water from the outlet end 22b of the hollow fiber membrane module 20 to the inlet end (adsorbent module mounting portion) 22a, thereby reducing the pressure loss. The turbidity accumulated on the outer surface of the hollow fiber membranes does not contaminate the adsorbent activated carbon.

[0044] The cover 3, which is secured to the upper opening of the cartridge body 2 of the water purifier cartridge 1 by a bayonet mechanism, is removed. Next, the adsorbent module 30 is removed from the hollow fiber membrane module 20, and then the hollow fiber membrane module 20 is removed from the second module fitting portion 15 of the module mounting portion 13 of the cartridge body 2. The removed hollow fiber membrane module 20 is turned upside down, and the inlet end (adsorbent module mounting portion) 22a of the hollow fiber membrane module 20 is attached to the first module fitting portion 14 of the module mounting portion 13. Because the first module fitting portion 14 has a larger diameter than the second module fitting portion 15 and is farther from the purified water outlet 12, the mounting position of the hollow fiber membrane module 20 during backwashing is necessarily higher than the mounting position during use. The flange portion 23 on the outer periphery near the inlet end (adsorbent module mounting portion) 22a abuts against the upper end surface of the module mounting portion 13, accurately determining the mounting position of the hollow fiber membrane module.

[0045] Without attaching the adsorbent module 30, the lid 3 is fixed to the upper opening of the cartridge body 2, and then the water faucet is opened to allow raw water (tap water) to flow through the raw water passage 11 of the water purifier cartridge 1. Then, the raw water flows from the outlet end 22b of the hollow fiber membrane module 20 in the direction of the inlet end (adsorbent module mounting portion) 22a, and turbidity that has accumulated in the hollow fiber membrane module 20 is discharged from the purified water outlet 12. By turning the hollow fiber membrane module 20 upside down in this way, backwashing can be easily performed, and there is no need to form a flow path for obtaining purified water and a flow path for backwashing, which allows the cost of manufacturing the water purifier to be kept low.

[0046] When the inlet end (adsorbent module mounting portion) 22a of the hollow fiber membrane module 20 is attached to the first module fitting portion 14 of the module mounting portion 13, the mounting position of the hollow fiber membrane module 20 during backwashing is necessarily higher than the mounting position during use. If the adsorbent module 30 is mistakenly attached to the outlet end 22b of the hollow fiber membrane module 20, the mounting position of the adsorbent module 30 will also be higher than during use, making it impossible to tighten the lid 3 to the cartridge body 2. In other words, it is possible to prevent a user from accidentally using the device as a water purifier while in the backwashing state and drinking turbidity that has accumulated on the outer surface of the hollow fiber membrane.

[0047] As shown in the perspective view of Figure 8 and the longitudinal cross-sectional view of Figure 9, an air vent mechanism 51 is provided in the lid body 3, and when raw water (tap water) is introduced from the raw water passage 11, the air vent mechanism 51 is opened to vent the air inside the lid body 3, thereby eliminating the time required to push out the air and allowing for efficient backwashing.

[0048] Example 1 A water purifier cartridge contains a hollow fiber membrane module and an adsorbent module in an internal space formed by a cylindrical cartridge body (filter medium storage section) with an open top and a closed bottom, and a lid (filter medium storage lid) fixed to the open top of the cartridge body. The adsorbent module is composed of a bottomed, substantially cylindrical adsorbent container, a substantially disk-shaped adsorbent container lid, and granular adsorbent. Polypropylene was used as the material for the adsorbent container and the adsorbent container lid.

[0049] Four downstream radial ribs were formed on the bottom surface of the adsorbent container, and a circular, water-permeable downstream nonwoven fabric (adsorbent holding member) was attached by ultrasonic welding. Four upstream radial ribs were also formed on the adsorbent container lid, and a circular, water-permeable upstream nonwoven fabric (adsorbent leakage prevention member) was attached by ultrasonic welding. Both the downstream nonwoven fabric (adsorbent holding member) and the upstream nonwoven fabric (adsorbent leakage prevention member) were made of materials that allowed water to pass through without leaking the granular adsorbent. Both nonwoven fabrics used core-sheath fibers of polypropylene and polyethylene. Manufacturing costs were significantly reduced compared to a configuration in which a frame material with radial ribs was injection molded, and the downstream nonwoven fabric was ultrasonically welded to the frame material before being attached to the adsorbent container.

[0050] The bottom of the adsorbent container has a tapered section, and although the diameter near the outlet end of the adsorbent container is smaller than the inlet end, the space formed by the downstream radial ribs prevents the water flow from becoming uneven. This prevents the water purifier cartridge from reaching the end of its lifespan before some of the adsorbent's capabilities are fully utilized.

[0051] Comparative Example 1: A water purifier cartridge similar to that described above was produced, except that no downstream radial ribs were provided on the bottom surface of the adsorbent container, and instead a downstream nonwoven fabric (adsorbent holding member) was fixed to an injection-molded frame by ultrasonic welding, and then dropped onto the bottom.

[0052] Compared to the diameter of the inlet, the diameter suddenly becomes smaller just after the downstream nonwoven fabric, making it difficult for water to flow through the absorbent material in the corner. This prevented the absorbent material in the corner from performing to its full potential, ultimately shortening the lifespan of the water purifier cartridge.

[0053] Moreover, the number of injection-molded components for the adsorbent unit increased to three, resulting in higher costs.

[0054] Although various embodiments have been described above with reference to the drawings, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to such examples. It is clear that a person skilled in the art can conceive of various modifications or alterations within the scope of the claims, and it is understood that these also naturally fall within the technical scope of the present invention. Furthermore, the components of the above-described embodiments may be combined in any manner without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0055] This application is based on a Japanese patent application (Patent Application No. 2024-033509) filed on March 6, 2024, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0056] DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Water purifier cartridge 2 Cartridge body (filter medium storage section) 3 Lid body (filter medium storage lid) 4 Body switch 5 Cylindrical gap 6 Disk-shaped gap 7 O-ring 8 Raw water inlet 11 Raw water passage 12 Purified water outlet 13 Module mounting section 14 First module fitting section 15 Second module fitting section 20 Hollow fiber membrane module 21 Hollow fiber membrane bundle 22 Cylindrical case 22a Inlet end (adsorbent module mounting section) 22b Outlet end 23 Flange section 30 Adsorbent module 31 Adsorbent container 31a Inlet end 31b Outlet end 32 Adsorbent container lid 33 Adsorbent 34 Downstream radial rib 35 Downstream nonwoven fabric (adsorbent holding member) 36 Upstream radial rib 37 Upstream nonwoven fabric (adsorbent leakage prevention member) 38 Space 41 Center alignment rib 42 Height alignment rib 51 Air vent mechanism

Claims

1. A water purifier cartridge having a raw water passage, a purified water outlet, a filter media storage section, a filter media storage lid that is detachable from the filter media storage section, and an adsorbent module filled with adsorbent, wherein the adsorbent module is composed of a bottomed, substantially cylindrical adsorbent container, a substantially disk-shaped adsorbent container lid, and granular or powdered adsorbent, wherein a plurality of downstream radial ribs are formed on the bottom surface of the adsorbent container, and a water-permeable, circular adsorbent holding member is fixed to the downstream radial ribs, and a plurality of upstream radial ribs are formed on the adsorbent container lid, and a water-permeable, circular adsorbent leakage prevention member is fixed to the upstream radial ribs.

2. A water purifier cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the adsorbent container and the adsorbent container lid are made of polyolefin, and the adsorbent holding member and the adsorbent leakage prevention member are made of nonwoven fabric containing polyolefin.

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