Cartridge for water purifier

Abstract

A cartridge for a water purifier according to the present invention has a raw water passage, a purified water outlet, a filter medium storage part, a filter medium storage lid that can be attached to and detached from the filter medium storage part, a hollow fiber membrane module, an adsorbent module that is filled with an adsorbent, and a hollow fiber membrane protection lid. The hollow fiber membrane module has: a hollow fiber membrane bundle in which a prescribed number of hollow fiber membranes are bundled and bent in the shape of an inverted letter "U"; a substantially tubular cylindrical case that accommodates the hollow fiber membrane bundle on the inner side thereof; and a potting member that seals and secures the lower-end-side inner surface of the cylindrical case, the lower-end side of the hollow fiber membrane bundle, and the lower-end sides of the hollow fiber membranes. The hollow fiber membrane protection lid has a cylindrical case fitting part that is fitted to the upper end of the cylindrical case, and a plurality of water inflow passages. The cylindrical case fitting part is fitted and fixed to the upper-end-side inner surface of the cylindrical case.

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 that removes free residual chlorine, mold odor, and trihalomethanes from tap water, and hollow fiber membranes that remove turbidity such as iron rust from tap water. Purified water filtered through these filter media 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 cartridge for water purifiers. 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 small water purification cartridge that can be incorporated into a water purification device, which has a water inlet and a water outlet, with an adsorbent and a hollow fiber membrane arranged in series along the way, making it possible to remove residual chlorine, red rust, etc. contained in tap water.

[0005] However, there was a risk that the high-speed water flowing in from the adsorbent unit filled with adsorbent would directly hit the hollow fiber membrane, bending the hollow fiber membrane and reducing the flow rate, or that the hollow fiber membrane would break and the water that had passed through the adsorbent unit would be discharged from the water purification cartridge without passing through the hollow fiber membrane.In addition, there was also a risk that the water flowing in from the adsorbent unit would form a localized flow and hit the adhesive that secures the hollow fiber membrane to the hollow fiber membrane case, causing the adhesive to peel off from the hollow fiber membrane case.

[0006] To address this issue, Patent Document 2 proposes a water purification cartridge with a structure in which an activated carbon section and a hollow fiber membrane section are arranged in series. This water purification cartridge has a separation section between the rear end of the activated carbon section and the front end of the hollow fiber membrane section, and a dispersion body is provided in this separation section, with dispersion ports formed in this dispersion body that radially disperse water that has passed through the activated carbon section. This configuration prevents water that has passed through the activated carbon section from directly hitting the hollow fiber membrane of the hollow fiber membrane section and bending it, resulting in a decrease in flow rate, or prevents the hollow fiber membrane from breaking, causing water that has passed through the activated carbon section to be discharged from the water purification cartridge without passing through the hollow fiber membrane.

[0007] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2002-346550 Japanese Patent Publication No. 2006-15199

[0008] However, in the technology of Patent Document 2, the dispersion body has multiple dispersion ports formed in the peripheral wall of a cylindrical section protruding from the center of the outflow side and having a diameter dimension that is very small compared to the outer diameter of the dispersion body, and since the structure disperses water that has passed through the activated carbon section radially, there is a risk that localized pressure loss will increase and the secondary water discharge flow rate will decrease.

[0009] Furthermore, there is a problem in that the manufacturing process is time-consuming because the outer periphery of the dispersion is fixed to the outer periphery of the cylindrical case to which the hollow fiber membrane is sealed and fixed by ultrasonic welding.

[0010] In view of the above problems, the present invention provides a water purifier cartridge that has a configuration in which an adsorbent module and a hollow fiber membrane module are arranged in series, but in which water that passes through the adsorbent module directly hits the hollow fiber membrane without bending, thereby maximizing the performance of the hollow fiber membrane, while achieving a sufficient secondary water discharge flow rate without increasing local pressure loss, and that can keep manufacturing costs low.

[0011] A water purifier cartridge that solves the above problem is 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, a hollow fiber membrane module, an adsorbent module filled with an adsorbent, and a hollow fiber membrane protective lid, wherein the hollow fiber membrane module has a hollow fiber membrane bundle formed by bundling a predetermined number of hollow fiber membranes and bending them into an inverted U shape, a substantially cylindrical cylindrical case that houses the hollow fiber membrane bundle inside, and a potting material that seals and fixes the inner surface of the lower end of the cylindrical case to the lower end side of the hollow fiber membrane bundle and the lower ends of the hollow fiber membranes together, and the hollow fiber membrane protective lid has a cylindrical case fitting portion that fits into the upper end of the cylindrical case, and multiple water inlet channels, and the cylindrical case fitting portion is fitted and fixed to the inner surface of the upper end of the cylindrical case.

[0012] According to the water purifier cartridge of the present invention, a hollow fiber membrane protective lid is fitted and fixed to the upper end of a substantially cylindrical case constituting the hollow fiber membrane module, which is installed in series with the adsorbent module. The hollow fiber membrane protective lid, which has multiple water inlet channels, prevents water that has passed through the adsorbent module from directly hitting the hollow fibers of the hollow fiber membrane module. This allows the hollow fiber membrane to maximize its performance without bending or breaking, while also achieving a sufficient purified water flow rate without increasing local pressure loss.

[0013] 11. A longitudinal sectional view of a cartridge for a water purifier according to one embodiment of the present invention. 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. A sectional perspective view of a cartridge body of a cartridge for a water purifier according to one embodiment of the present invention. A perspective view of an adsorbent module of a cartridge for a water purifier according to one embodiment of the present invention. A perspective view of an adsorbent module of a cartridge for a water purifier according to one embodiment of the present invention. A perspective view of an adsorbent container of a cartridge for a water purifier according to one embodiment of the present invention. 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. A perspective view of a cartridge for a water purifier according to another embodiment of the present invention. A longitudinal sectional view of a cartridge for a water purifier according to another embodiment of the present invention. A perspective view of a hollow fiber membrane protective lid of a cartridge for a water purifier according to one embodiment of the present invention. An enlarged view of part A of FIG. 9. An enlarged view of the hollow fiber membrane protective lid of FIG. 11.

[0014] An embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0015] 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-connected water purifier in which a water purifier cartridge according to an embodiment of the present invention is connected to a main body switch.

[0016] Each of the components constituting the water purifier cartridge 1 will be described.

[0017] 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.

[0018] 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.

[0019] 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.

[0020] 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.

[0021] 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.

[0022] 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.

[0023] 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.

[0024] 10 is a perspective view of a hollow fiber membrane protective lid for a water purifier cartridge. The hollow fiber membrane protective lid 61 has a disk-shaped lid body 67, a cylindrical case fitting portion 64, multiple slits 62 provided in the cylindrical case fitting portion 64, a cylindrical case drop prevention portion 63, a water inlet channel 65, and a hollow fiber membrane protective lid chamfer portion 66.

[0025] The cylindrical case fitting portion 64 is a cylindrical portion integrally molded with the lid body 67, and is fitted to the upper end of the cylindrical case 22 of the hollow fiber membrane module 20. When the hollow fiber membrane protective lid 61 is attached to the hollow fiber membrane module 20, the presence of the slits 62 allows the cylindrical case fitting portion 64 to deform appropriately, so that the hollow fiber membrane protective lid 61 can be attached to the inner surface of the upper end side of the cylindrical case 22 without applying excessive force.

[0026] The water inlet channels 65 are through-holes that penetrate the lid body 67 in the thickness direction, and a plurality of them are provided in the lid body 67. It is preferable that the cross-sectional area of ​​the water inlet channels 65 of the hollow fiber membrane protective lid 61 is 30% to 70% of the cross-sectional area of ​​the inner surface on the upper end side of the cylindrical case 22. This prevents excessive pressure loss due to passing through the hollow fiber membrane protective lid 61, and allows water that has passed through the adsorbent module 30 to flow into the hollow fiber membrane bundle 21, thereby obtaining a sufficient purified water flow rate.

[0027] Fig. 11 is an enlarged view of part A in Fig. 9, and Fig. 12 is an enlarged view showing only the hollow fiber membrane protective lid 61. It is preferable that the inclination angle of the hollow fiber membrane protective lid chamfer 66 of the hollow fiber membrane protective lid 61 is the same as that of the cylindrical case chamfer 24 at the upper end of the cylindrical case 22. This makes it difficult for a user to remove the hollow fiber membrane protective lid 61 from the hollow fiber membrane module 20 when replacing the hollow fiber membrane module 20, reducing the possibility that the user will directly touch the hollow fiber membranes and protecting the hollow fiber membranes.

[0028] The cylindrical case drop prevention portion 63 is a flange portion provided on the outer periphery of the lid main body 67. The cylindrical case drop prevention portion 63 of the hollow fiber membrane protective lid 61 abuts against the upper end of the cylindrical case 22 that constitutes the hollow fiber membrane module 20, thereby preventing the hollow fiber membrane protective lid 61 from falling off to the inner surface of the cylindrical case 22. This prevents the hollow fiber membrane protective lid 61 from coming into contact with the hollow fiber membranes, thereby protecting the hollow fiber membranes.

[0029] 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.

[0030] 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.

[0031] 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 diameter near 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 between adjacent downstream radial ribs 34 connect the inside and outside of the adsorbent container 31. This allows water in 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.

[0032] 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.

[0033] 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.

[0034] 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.

[0035] 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.

[0036] 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.

[0037] The use of the water purifier cartridge 1 configured as above will now be described.

[0038] 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.

[0039] 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 downstream radial ribs 34, and exits the adsorbent container 31 from the outlet end 31b. The water then passes through the water inlet channel 65 of the hollow fiber membrane protective lid 61 and enters the hollow fiber membrane module 20 through the inlet end 22a of the cylindrical case (adsorbent module mounting portion). 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.

[0040] 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 be described below.

[0041] 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.

[0042] 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.

[0043] 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.

[0044] 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 restoring the system to a low pressure loss. The turbidity accumulated on the outer surface of the hollow fiber membranes does not contaminate the adsorbent.

[0045] 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.

[0046] 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.

[0047] 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.

[0048] Since the outer diameter of the hollow fiber membrane protective cover 61 is smaller than the inner diameter of the second module fitting portion 15, it does not interfere with backwashing, and since the opening area of ​​the water inlet channel 65 of the hollow fiber membrane protective cover 61 is larger than the turbidity, it does not interfere with backwashing.

[0049] 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.

[0050] Here, the features of the water purifier cartridge according to the embodiment of the present invention described above will be briefly summarized and listed below.

[0051] [1] A cartridge for a water purifier having a raw water passage, a purified water outlet, a filter medium storage section, a filter medium storage lid that is detachable from the filter medium storage section, a hollow fiber membrane module, an adsorbent module filled with an adsorbent, and a hollow fiber membrane protective lid, wherein the hollow fiber membrane module is provided in series after the adsorbent module, and the hollow fiber membrane module has a hollow fiber membrane bundle formed by bundling a predetermined number of hollow fiber membranes and bending them into an inverted U shape, a substantially cylindrical case that houses the hollow fiber membrane bundle inside, and a potting material that seals and fixes the inner surface of the lower end side of the cylindrical case to the lower end side of the hollow fiber membrane bundle and the lower ends of the hollow fiber membranes, and the hollow fiber membrane protective lid has a cylindrical case fitting part that fits into the upper end of the cylindrical case and a plurality of water inlet channels, and the cylindrical case fitting part is fitted and fixed to the inner surface of the upper end side of the cylindrical case.

[0052] According to the above configuration, a hollow fiber membrane protective lid is fitted and fixed to the upper end of a substantially cylindrical cylindrical case constituting the hollow fiber membrane module, which is installed in series with the adsorbent module. The hollow fiber membrane protective lid, which has multiple water inlet channels, prevents water that has passed through the adsorbent module from directly hitting the hollow fibers of the hollow fiber membrane module. This prevents the hollow fiber membranes from bending or breaking, allowing the hollow fiber membranes to maximize their performance, while also achieving a sufficient purified water flow rate without increasing local pressure loss. Furthermore, by fitting and fixing the hollow fiber membrane protective lid to the upper end of the cylindrical case, the lid can be fixed without using ultrasonic welding or adhesives, thereby reducing manufacturing costs.

[0053] [2] The cartridge for a water purifier according to [1], wherein the cross-sectional area of ​​the plurality of water inlet channels is 30% to 70% of the cross-sectional area of ​​the inner surface of the upper end of the cylindrical case.

[0054] According to the above configuration, there is no excessive pressure loss caused by passing through the hollow fiber membrane protective cover, and the water that has passed through the adsorbent module flows into the hollow fiber membrane, so a sufficient purified water flow rate can be obtained.

[0055] [3] The cartridge for a water purifier according to [1] or [2], wherein the hollow fiber membrane protective lid has a cylindrical case drop prevention portion that abuts against the upper end of the cylindrical case.

[0056] According to the above configuration, the cylindrical case drop prevention portion of the hollow fiber membrane protective lid abuts against the upper end of the cylindrical case that constitutes the hollow fiber membrane module, thereby preventing the hollow fiber membrane protective lid from falling off onto the inner surface of the cylindrical case, and therefore preventing the hollow fiber membrane protective lid from coming into contact with the hollow fiber membrane.

[0057] [4] The hollow fiber membrane module has a cylindrical case chamfered portion provided at the upper end of the cylindrical case, and the hollow fiber membrane protective lid has a hollow fiber membrane protective lid chamfered portion provided on the outer surface of the cylindrical case fall prevention portion, and the inclination angles of the surfaces of the cylindrical case chamfered portion and the hollow fiber membrane protective lid chamfered portion are the same. The cartridge for a water purifier described in [3].

[0058] According to the above configuration, the chamfered portion of the cylindrical case at the top end of the cylindrical case and the chamfered portion of the hollow fiber membrane protective lid are at the same angle, making it difficult for a user to remove the hollow fiber membrane protective lid from the hollow fiber membrane module when replacing the hollow fiber membrane module. This reduces the possibility of the user coming into direct contact with the hollow fiber membranes, thereby protecting the hollow fiber membranes. Furthermore, the user can simply replace the hollow fiber membrane module together with the hollow fiber membrane protective lid.

[0059] Example 1 An adsorbent module and a hollow fiber membrane module were arranged in series inside a water purification cartridge.

[0060] The inner surface of the upper end side of the cylindrical case constituting the hollow fiber membrane module and the cylindrical case fitting portion of the hollow fiber membrane protective lid were fitted and fixed.

[0061] The hollow fiber membrane protective lid's cylindrical case drop prevention portion abuts against the upper end of the cylindrical case, preventing the hollow fiber membrane protective lid from dropping into the inner surface of the cylindrical case, and protecting the hollow fiber membrane without the hollow fiber membrane protective lid coming into contact with the hollow fiber membrane.

[0062] When the opening area of ​​the water inlet channel of the hollow fiber membrane protective lid was set to 35.7% of the inner surface of the upper end of the cylindrical case, the flow rate of the water purification cartridge was 91.2% compared to when the hollow fiber membrane protective lid was not installed, which was sufficient for using purified water.

[0063] The hollow fiber membrane protective cover prevents water that passes through the adsorbent module from directly hitting the hollow fiber membrane, preventing the hollow fiber membrane from bending and reducing the flow rate or breaking, and enabling purified water to be obtained without impairing the water purification performance of the hollow fiber membrane.

[0064] Comparative Example 1 A water purifier cartridge similar to that described above was produced, except that the hollow fiber membrane protective lid was not attached.

[0065] Water passing through the adsorbent module hits the hollow fiber membrane directly, bending the membrane and reducing the flow rate, forcing the hollow fiber membrane module to be replaced before the performance of the adsorbent module deteriorated.

[0066] Although various embodiments have been described above with reference to the drawings, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to 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.

[0067] This application is based on a Japanese patent application (Patent Application No. 2024-059313) filed on April 2, 2024, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0068] 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 24 Cylindrical case chamfered 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 61 Hollow fiber membrane protective lid 62 Slit 63 Cylindrical case drop prevention portion 64 Cylindrical case fitting portion 65 Water inflow channel 66 Hollow fiber membrane protective lid chamfered portion 67 Lid body

Claims

1. A cartridge for a water purifier having a raw water passage, a purified water outlet, a filter medium storage section, a filter medium storage lid that can be attached to and detached from the filter medium storage section, a hollow fiber membrane module, an adsorbent module filled with an adsorbent, and a hollow fiber membrane protective lid, wherein the hollow fiber membrane module is provided in series after the adsorbent module, and the hollow fiber membrane module has a hollow fiber membrane bundle formed by bundling a predetermined number of hollow fiber membranes and bending them into an inverted U shape, a substantially cylindrical case that houses the hollow fiber membrane bundle inside, and a potting material that seals and fixes the inner surface of the lower end of the cylindrical case to the lower end side of the hollow fiber membrane bundle and the lower ends of the hollow fiber membranes together, and the hollow fiber membrane protective lid has a cylindrical case fitting part that fits into the upper end of the cylindrical case and multiple water inlet channels, and the cylindrical case fitting part is fitted and fixed to the inner surface of the upper end of the cylindrical case.

2. The water purifier cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the cross-sectional area of ​​the plurality of water inlet channels is 30% to 70% of the cross-sectional area of ​​the inner surface of the upper end of the cylindrical case.

3. A water purifier cartridge as described in claim 1, wherein the hollow fiber membrane protective cover has a cylindrical case drop prevention portion that abuts against the upper end of the cylindrical case.

4. A water purifier cartridge as described in claim 3, wherein the hollow fiber membrane module has a cylindrical case chamfered portion provided at the upper end of the cylindrical case, the hollow fiber membrane protective lid has a hollow fiber membrane protective lid chamfered portion provided on the outer surface of the cylindrical case fall prevention portion, and the inclination angles of the surfaces of the cylindrical case chamfered portion and the hollow fiber membrane protective lid chamfered portion are the same.

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