JP2004188391A - Water purifier - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a water purifier which can surely show a cartridge exchange time, and automatically switches from a purified water circuit to a tap water circuit when reaching the cartridge exchange time, thereby ensuring the safety of water quality. <P>SOLUTION: This water purifier has cartridges 10A, 10B. When reaching the cartridge exchange time, an alarm lamp is lit, and at the same time valve switching of three-way switching valves Va2, Vb2 is carried out to automatically switch from purified water passages 45A, 45B to tap water passages 46A, 46B. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a household water purifier including a plurality of cartridges provided for each room.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In recent years, the sterilization of tap water has reduced the taste of drinking water. In addition, from the viewpoint of hygiene (for example, atopy can be prevented by washing the skin with purified water, etc.), the demand for a water purifier that filters tap water is increasing.
By the way, the water purifier has a cartridge filled with a filter medium inside, and the filtration performance of the filter medium gradually decreases due to the repeated extraction of the purified water, so that the filter medium is periodically replaced to maintain the performance. There is a need. In such a case, conventionally, a water purifier provided with an annunciator for notifying the replacement time of the filter medium has been proposed (for example, see Patent Document 1).
[0003]
[Patent Document 1]
JP-A-10-43746 (FIG. 1)
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the water purifier described in Patent Literature 1, tap water is supplied through the filter medium even when the filter medium replacement time has been reached. Therefore, when it is time to replace the filter medium, a waiting period until the cartridge is replaced by a cartridge replacement contractor and replaced with a new cartridge, or if the replacement order is forgotten, etc., the filter medium with reduced filtration performance is replaced. Will continue to use. In such a case, water stays in the cartridge due to a decrease in the filtering performance of the filter medium, and the quality of the water is rather deteriorated rather than tap water. And other sanitary problems may occur.
[0005]
An object of the present invention is to provide a water purifier that can reliably know the cartridge replacement time, and automatically switches from a water purification circuit to a tap water circuit when the cartridge replacement time is reached, thereby ensuring the safety of water quality. It is to be.
[0006]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to solve the above problems, the invention according to claim 1 of the present invention includes a plurality of cartridges provided corresponding to each room and a water purifier main body to which the plurality of cartridges are detachably mounted. The plurality of cartridges are water purifiers filled with different types of filter media for each room, and for each of the plurality of cartridges, tap water supplied to an inlet of a water purifier main body is passed through the filter media. A purified water passage that leads to the outlet of the water purifier; a tap water passage that directly guides the tap water supplied to the inlet to the outlet of the water purifier without passing through a filter medium; a purified water passage and a tap water passage. A first water passage switching means for selectively switching any one of the above, a first measuring means for measuring a replacement time of the cartridge, and a first notifying means for warning the replacement time of the cartridge. Cartridge by measuring means When replacement timing of di is measured, together with the first informing means is activated, a first water passage switching means and performing switching control on the tap water flow passage from Josuidori waterways.
[0007]
With the above configuration, when the cartridge replacement time has been reached, the user is notified by the first notification means. Therefore, the user can surely know the cartridge replacement time, and can quickly take measures such as ordering cartridge replacement.
In addition, when the cartridge replacement time is reached, the water is automatically switched from the purified water passage to the tap water passage. Therefore, it is possible to avoid a situation in which the purification performance of the filter medium is reduced and purified water whose quality is rather deteriorated than tap water is used.
[0008]
The invention according to claim 2 is the water purifier according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of cartridges corresponding to each room are provided for each room, and the plurality of water purification passages are provided for each room. The pipeline network is configured so that tap water is individually supplied to the provided cartridges. The pipeline network includes one of a plurality of cartridges provided for each of the rooms. Then, a pipe network switching means for switching the path of the pipe network is provided so that tap water is filtered only through the filter medium in the selected cartridge, and further, the switching time of the cartridge is measured. A second measuring means is provided, and when the switching time of the cartridge is measured by the second measuring means, the pipeline network switching means operates to switch a plurality of cartridges provided for each room in a predetermined order. Characterized in that it is.
[0009]
According to the above configuration, when a plurality of cartridges are mounted, the cartridges can be used individually and sequentially at predetermined intervals.
[0010]
The invention according to claim 3 is the water purifier according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of cartridges corresponding to the respective rooms are provided for each room, and the purified water passage is provided with tap water in each of the rooms. A plurality of cartridges are arranged in series so as to sequentially pass through a plurality of cartridges provided for each room, and a plurality of cartridges are configured in a pipeline network. And a second notifying means for alarming the cartridge mounting position replacement timing. When the cartridge mounting position replacement timing is measured by the second measuring means, the second notification means is activated. It is characterized by doing.
[0011]
As described above, when the cartridge mounting position replacement time can be known by the second notification means, the user can replace the cartridge mounting position. As a result, the purifying ability of the whole water purifier can be averaged, and it is possible to prevent the purifying ability of one cartridge from being extremely lowered.
[0012]
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the water purifier according to the second aspect, wherein the flow rate sensor is provided in the purified water flow passage, and detects a usage amount of the purified water, and integrates the usage amount detected by the flow rate sensor. Integrated value storage means for storing and storing, and means for determining whether or not the integrated value of the purified water usage amount has reached a predetermined value at predetermined time intervals. When a predetermined value is reached, switching to a predetermined cartridge is automatically performed.
[0013]
According to the above configuration, even if the purified water usage amount extremely exceeds the normal water usage amount, the cartridge is automatically switched, so that the safety of the water quality can be maintained.
[0014]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an external configuration of a water purifier according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a cartridge mounted on the water purifier, and FIG. 3 shows a detached state of the cartridge. It is a perspective view, and FIG. 4 is a system diagram which shows the outline of the piping of the water supply pipe from a water purifier. The water purifier 1 is installed on a site in a home. As shown in FIG. 4, the water purifier 1 is connected to a domestic water supply pipe 2 drawn into the premises from a main water pipe. The water purifier 1 includes a plurality of (two in this embodiment) cartridges 10A and 10B provided corresponding to each room, and a water purifier main body to which the cartridges 10A and 10B are detachably mounted. 11 is provided. As shown in FIG. 2, each of the cartridges 10A and 10B has a filter medium tank 12 filled with a filter medium, and an outer case 13 for storing the filter medium tank 12. The filter medium tank 12 is made of, for example, aluminum, and the outer case 13 is made of, for example, a synthetic resin. As described above, each of the cartridges 10A and 10B is for exclusive use of purified water supply for each room, and the filter medium filled in each cartridge so that purified water having different components can be supplied to each room is provided for each cartridge. Is different. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, a cartridge 10A supplies purified water (mineral water) to which mineral components are added to the kitchen 3, and a cartridge 10B supplies purified water from which chlorine components have been removed to the bathroom 5. It is.
[0015]
As shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, nozzles 15a and 15b projecting downward are formed at the bottom of the filter medium tank 12 of the cartridge 10A. The nozzles 15a and 15b are inserted through insertion holes 16a and 16b formed on the upper surface of the water purifier main body 11, and are fixed to one ends of the transport pipes 18a and 18b by pipe joints 19a and 19b. A seal member 20a for preventing water leakage is interposed between the nozzle 15a and the transport pipe 18a, and a seal member 20b for preventing water leakage is provided between the nozzle 15b and the transport pipe 18b. It is interposed. The transport pipe 18a is a tap water supply pipe that supplies tap water into the filter medium tank 12, and the transport pipe 18b is a purified water discharge pipe that discharges purified water filtered in the filter medium tank 12. The filter medium 17A in the filter medium tank 12 is housed in a mesh case 22 around which a nonwoven fabric is wound.
[0016]
As shown in FIG. 6, an engagement hole 31 is formed on one side surface 30a of the cartridge 10A. Although only the engagement hole 31 formed on one side surface 30a is illustrated in FIG. 6, a similar engagement hole 31 is formed on the other side surface 30b (see FIG. 3) of the cartridge. ing. A lock lever 33 engageable with the engagement hole 31 is formed on one side surface 32 a of the water purifier main body 11. The lock lever 33 is supported by the water purifier main body 11 so as to be rotatable around a horizontal axis 34. Although only the lock lever 33 formed on one side surface 32a is illustrated in FIG. 6, a similar lock lever 33 is also provided on the other side surface 32b (see FIG. 3) of the water purifier main body 11. Is formed. A lock member 35 is formed on the upper surface of the water purifier main body 11. The lock member 35 has a main body 35a and an engaging portion 35b protruding on both sides at the upper part of the main body 35a, and is disposed at a portion that becomes a boundary between the two cartridges 10. The engaging portion 35b of the lock member 35 is a side surface on the side facing each other when the two cartridges 10A and 10B are mounted (corresponding to the left side surface in the right cartridge 10A in FIG. 3, and the left side surface in FIG. 3). (Equivalent to the right side surface of the cartridge 10B). The other cartridge 10B has the same configuration as the cartridge 10A.
[0017]
When the cartridge 10A is mounted, the transport pipes 18a, 18b and the nozzles 15a, 15b are fixed by inserting the nozzles 15a, 15b into the insertion holes 20, 20b and tightening the pipe joints 19a, 19b in this state. Next, the cartridge 10A is brought into contact with the water purifier by engaging the engagement portion 35b of the lock member 35 with the engagement hole 31 on the other side of the cartridge and engaging the lock lever 33 with the engagement hole 31 on one side of the cartridge. It is fixed to the main body 11. The other cartridge 10B can be fixed to the water purifier main body 11 by performing the same operation.
[0018]
When the cartridge 10A is removed, the lock lever 33 and the engagement hole 31 and the lock member 35 and the engagement hole 31 are disengaged from each other, and then the pipe joints 19a and 19b are loosened, so that the transport pipes 18a and 18b are connected. The fixed state with the nozzles 15a and 15b is released. In this state, if the cartridge 10A is pulled out, the cartridge 10A can be removed from the water purifier main body 11. By performing the same operation for the other cartridge 10B, it can be removed from the water purifier main body 11.
[0019]
In addition, on the front cover 11a of the water purifier main body 11, first alarm lamps 40A and 40B, start keys 41A and 41B, and reset keys 42A as notification means for notifying a user of a cartridge replacement time in relation to the cartridges 10A and 10B. , 42B, etc., and water stopcocks 43A, 43B are provided. The start keys 41A and 41B and the reset keys 42A and 42B are keys for setting the water purifier to an initial state in relation to each cartridge as described later. The water stopcocks 43A and 43B are used for opening and closing the manual on-off valves Va1 and Vb1 (see FIG. 7).
[0020]
Each of the cartridges 10A and 10B is provided with a memory chip 10a (which has been disclosed by the applicant of the present application in Japanese Patent Application No. 2002-192704) for storing history management data. The history management data stored in the memory chip 10a includes data necessary for determining the reusability such as a shipping date, a material, the number of reuses, a replacement time, a deterioration index, and management data such as a lot number and a user name. It is. As a result, as disclosed in Japanese Patent Application No. 2002-192704, the cartridge can be appropriately reused when the cartridge is replaced.
[0021]
FIG. 7 is a piping diagram of the water purifier. A piping network 43A related to the cartridge 10A is provided between the inlet 60 and the outlet 61A of the water purifier, and a pipe network 43A related to the cartridge 10B between the inlet 60 and the outlet 61B of the water purifier. A piping network 43B is provided. The piping network 43A is composed of two systems of a purified water passage 45A and a tap water passage 46A, and the piping network 43B is composed of two systems of a purified water passage 45B and a tap water passage 46B. The water purification water passages 45A and 45B are water passages that guide purified water that has passed through the filter medium and that has been filtered to the outlet of the water purifier. The tap water water passages 46A and 46B flow through the water purifier without filtering the filtration medium. A waterway leading to the exit. The purified water passage 45A is composed of a path that follows the inlet 60 → the branch pipe 70A → the transport pipe 18a on the cartridge 10A side → the filter medium 17A in the cartridge 10A → the transport pipe 18b on the cartridge 10A → the outlet 61A. The tap water passage 46A is composed of a path that follows the inlet 60 → the branch pipe 70A → the transport pipe 18a on the cartridge 10A side → the bypass pipe 71A → the transport pipe 18b on the cartridge 10A → the outlet 61A. The bypass pipe 71A has one end connected to the three-way switching valve Va2 and the other end connected to a junction 72A on the transport pipe 18b.
[0022]
Further, the purified water passage 45B includes a path that follows the inlet 60 → the branch pipe 70B → the transport pipe 18a on the cartridge 10B side → the filter medium 17B in the cartridge 10A → the transport pipe 18b on the cartridge 10B → the outlet 61B. The tap water passage 46B is composed of a path that follows the inlet 60 → the branch pipe 70B → the transport pipe 18a on the cartridge 10B side → the bypass pipe 71B → the transport pipe 18b on the cartridge 10B → the outlet 61B. The bypass pipe 71B has one end connected to the three-way switching valve Vb2 and the other end connected to a junction 72B on the transport pipe 18b.
[0023]
A manual opening / closing valve Va1 and an electromagnetic three-way switching valve Va2 are provided in this order on the cartridge 10A-side transport pipe 18a extending from the inlet 60 of the water purifier to the cartridge 10A toward the downstream side. The opening and closing of the on-off valve Va1 is performed by manually operating the water stopcock 41A. The three-way switching valve Va2 is a switching valve for selecting either the purified water passage 45A or the tap water passage 46A. A manual opening / closing valve Vb1 and an electromagnetic three-way switching valve Vb2 are provided in this order on the cartridge 10B side transport pipe 18a extending from the water inlet 60 to the cartridge 10B toward the downstream side. The opening and closing of the on-off valve Vb1 is performed by manually operating the water stopcock 41B. The three-way switching valve Vb2 is a switching valve for selecting one of the purified water passage 45B and the tap water passage 46B.
[0024]
The switching of these three-way switching valves Va2 and Vb2 is controlled by a control circuit 62 implemented by a microcomputer or the like. The three-way switching valve Va2 is switched to the purified water passage 45A in a normal state where power is not supplied, and is switched to the tap water passage 46A (bypass pipe 71A) when electricity is supplied. The three-way switching valve Vb2 is configured to be switched to the purified water passage 45B in a normal state where power is not supplied, and to be switched to the tap water passage 46B (bypass pipe 71B) when electricity is supplied. In FIG. 7, Va3 and Vb3 are check valves for preventing tap water from flowing from the tap water passages 46A and 46B to the purified water passages 45A and 45B, respectively, and Va4 and Vb4 are respectively purified water passages. This is a check valve for preventing purified water from flowing into the tap water passages 46A, 46B from 45A, 45B.
[0025]
FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the water purifier. In FIG. 8, Ta1 is a first timer as first measuring means for measuring a replacement time of the cartridge 10A (in this embodiment, one year after the start of use of the water purifier), and Tb1 is a replacement time of the cartridge 10B. It is a first timer as first measuring means for measuring the time (in this embodiment, one year after the start of use of the water purifier). When the cartridge replacement timing detection signals from the first timers Ta1 and Tb1 are given to the control circuit 62, the control circuit 62 turns on the first alarm lamps 40A and 40B and energizes the three-way switching valves Va2 and Vb2 to supply water. Control is performed so as to switch to the water passages 46A and 46B. In the present embodiment, the replacement period of the cartridges 10A and 10B is the same period (one year), but may be different periods.
[0026]
When the outputs of the start keys 41A and 41B and the reset keys 42A and 42B are given to the control circuit 62, the control circuit 62 initializes the timers Ta1 and Tb1 and the three-way switching valves Va2 and Vb2. In FIG. 8, reference numeral 65 denotes a ROM storing a control program and the like, and 66 denotes a RAM.
[0027]
Next, the operation of the water purifier having the above configuration will be described. First, when the water purifier is installed in the home, the start keys 41A and 41B are pressed. As a result, the control circuit 62 sets the cartridge replacement time in the first timers Ta1 and Tb1. In an initial state where the water purifier is not used, the three-way switching valves Va2 and Vb2 are switched to the purified water passages 45A and 45B. That is, the cartridges 10A and 10B are in a usable state. After installing the water purifier, the water stop valves 43A and 43B are manually operated to open the on-off valves Va1 and Vb1.
[0028]
In such a state, a filtration process using the cartridges 10A and 10B is performed. When one year has elapsed in such a state of use, a cartridge replacement time detection signal is provided to the control circuit 62 from the first timers Ta1 and Tb1. As a result, the control circuit 62 turns on the first alarm lamps 40A and 40B. This makes it possible to reliably inform the user of the cartridge replacement time.
[0029]
In addition, the control circuit 62 turns on the first alarm lamps 40A and 40B, energizes the three-way switching valves Va2 and Vb2, and switches the three-way switching valves Va2 and Vb2 to the tap water passages 46A and 46B. Thereby, the safety of the drinking water during the cartridge replacement standby is ensured. Because, if you continue to use the cartridge after the expiration date, water quality may deteriorate rather than tap water and a hygiene problem may occur, so by using tap water until a new cartridge is replaced, This is because it is possible to prevent the above-mentioned hygiene problems from occurring. In addition, if there is a user's replacement order, the replacement cartridge will be delivered in a relatively short time and the replacement system can be replaced with a new cartridge. is not.
[0030]
Note that an alarm buzzer may be used instead of the first alarm lamps 40A and 40B. When the replacement time of the cartridges 10A and 10B is different, the method of sounding the alarm buzzer is changed, for example, the difference in the level of the alarm sound, the difference between the intermittent sound and the continuous sound, and so on. What is necessary is just to make it identify. The location of the first alarm lamps 40A and 40B is not limited to the water purifier. For example, an alarm lamp may be installed in the home, a transmitter may be provided in the water purifier, and the alarm lamp may be turned on via the transmitter.
[0031]
Next, the cartridges 10A and 10B are replaced with new cartridges. The cartridge replacement operation is performed as follows. First, the water stopcocks 43A and 43B are operated to close the on-off valves Va1 and Vb1. Next, the locked state of the lock lever and the lock member is released. Next, the front cover of the water purifier body is opened, and the pipe joint is loosened. Then, remove the cartridge from the water purifier main body. Then, a new cartridge is mounted on the water purifier main body, the pipe joint is tightened, and then the stopcock is operated to open the on-off valves Va1 and Vb1.
[0032]
Next, the reset keys 42A and 42B are pressed. As a result, the first timers Ta1 and Tb1 are set again, and the energization of the three-way switching valves Va2 and Vb2 is stopped, and the three-way switching valves Va2 and Vb2 are switched from the tap water passages 46A and 46B to the purified water passages 45A and 45A. It is switched to the 45B side. As a result, the cartridges 10A and 10B are again enabled.
[0033]
(Embodiment 2)
FIG. 9 is a simplified front view showing an external configuration of a water purifier according to Embodiment 2, FIG. 10 is a piping diagram of a water purifier according to Embodiment 2, and FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the electric constitution of such a water purifier. In the first embodiment, one cartridge is provided for each room. However, in the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9, two cartridges are provided for each room. That is, the cartridges 10A1 and 10A2 are provided in relation to the kitchen 3, and the cartridges 10B1 and 10B2 are provided in relation to the bathroom 5. Then, the cartridges 10A1 and 10B1 are used for the first half year, and when the half year has elapsed, the purified water passage is automatically switched to select the cartridges 10A2 and 10B2, and the cartridges 10A2 and 10B2 are used for the next half year. ing.
[0034]
As shown in FIG. 10, the piping system of the water purifier according to the second embodiment includes a three-way switching valve for individually selecting the two cartridges 10A1 and 10A2 between the three-way switching valve Va2 and the cartridge 10A1. Va5 is provided, and a three-way switching valve Vb5 for individually selecting the two cartridges 10B1 and 10B2 is provided between the three-way switching valve Vb2 and the cartridge 10B1.
[0035]
Further, the purified water passage 45A is an individual purified water passage 45A1 that guides purified water to the outlet 61A of the water purifier through the filter medium 17A1 of the cartridge 10A1 and an individual purified water that is guided to the outlet 61A of the purifier through the filter medium 17A2 of the cartridge 10A2. It is composed of two systems of the purified water passage 45A2. The individual purified water passage 45A1 comprises a path that follows the inlet 60 → the branch pipe 70A → the transport pipe 18a on the cartridge 10A1 side → the filter medium 17A1 in the cartridge 10A1 → the transport pipe 18b on the cartridge 10A1 → the outlet 61A. The individual purified water passage 45A2 is composed of a path that follows the inlet 60 → the branch pipe 70A → the transport pipe 18a on the cartridge 10A2 side → the filter medium 17A2 in the cartridge 10A2 → the transport pipe 18b on the cartridge 10A2 → the outlet 61A.
[0036]
Similarly, the purified water passage 45B guides purified water to the outlet 61B of the water purifier via the filter medium 17B1 of the cartridge 10B1 and the purified water to the outlet 61B of the water purifier via the filter medium 17B2 of the cartridge 10B2. It is composed of two systems of the individual purified water passage 45B2. The individual purified water passage 45B1 comprises a path that follows the inlet 60 → the branch pipe 70B → the transport pipe 18a on the cartridge 10B1 side → the filter medium 17B1 in the cartridge 10B1 → the transport pipe 18b on the cartridge 10B1 → the outlet 61B. The individual purified water passage 45B2 includes a route that follows the inlet 60 → the branch pipe 70B → the transport pipe 18a on the cartridge 10B2 side → the filter medium 17B2 in the cartridge 10B2 → the transport pipe 18b on the cartridge 10B2 → the outlet 61B. Va6, Va7; Vb6, Vb7 are check valves.
[0037]
FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the water purifier. In the second embodiment, in addition to the first timers Ta1 and Tb1, second timers Ta2 and Tb2 as second measuring means are provided. The second timers Ta2 and Tb2 are timers for measuring a switching time (half a year from the start of use of the cartridges 10A1 and 10B1) from the cartridges 10A1 and 10B1 to the cartridges 10A2 and 10B2. When the cartridge switching timing detection signal is supplied from the second timers Ta2 and Tb2 to the control circuit 62, the control circuit 62 controls the three-way switching valves Va5 and Vb5 to energize and switch from the cartridges 10A1 and 10B1 to the cartridges 10A2 and 10B2. Do. When the cartridge replacement time (half a year from the start of use of the cartridges 10A2 and 10B2) is measured by the first timers Ta1 and Tb1, the alarm lamps 40A and 40B are turned on, and the three-way The switching valves Va2 and Vb2 are energized to switch to the tap water passages 46A and 46B.
[0038]
Next, the operation of the water purifier having the above configuration will be described. First, when the water purifier is installed in the home, the start keys 41A and 41B are pressed. Thereby, the first timers Ta1, Tb1 and the second timers Ta2, Tb2 are set. In this initial state, the three-way switching valves Va2 and Vb2 are switched to the purified water passages 45A and 45B, and the three-way switching valves Va5 and Vb5 are switched to the individual purified water passages 45A1 and 45B1. That is, the cartridges 10A1 and 10B1 are in a usable state. After installing the water purifier, the stopcock is manually operated to open the on-off valves Va1 and Vb1.
[0039]
In such a state, a filtration process using the cartridges 10A1 and 10B1 is performed. When half a year has elapsed in such a use state, a cartridge switching timing detection signal is provided to the control circuit 62 from the second timers Ta2 and Tb2. Thus, the control circuit 62 energizes the three-way switching valves Va5 and Vb5, and switches the three-way switching valves Va5 and Vb5 to the individual purified water passage side. As a result, the cartridges 10A2 and 10B2 are selected. Then, for the next six months, a filtration process using the cartridges 10A2 and 10B2 is performed.
[0040]
Next, when half a year has elapsed using the cartridges 10A2 and 10B2, a cartridge replacement timing detection signal is provided to the control circuit 62 from the first timers Ta1 and Tb1. As a result, the control circuit 62 turns on the alarm lamps 40A and 40B. This makes it possible to reliably inform the user of the cartridge replacement time. The control circuit 62 simultaneously turns on the alarm lamps 40A and 40B, energizes the three-way switching valves Va2 and Vb2, and switches the three-way switching valves Va2 and Vb2 to the tap water passages 46A and 46B. As a result, the safety of the drinking water during the cartridge replacement standby is ensured as in the first embodiment.
[0041]
Next, the cartridges 10A1, 10A2; 10B1, 10B2 are replaced with new cartridges. The cartridge replacement operation is the same as in the first embodiment. After the new cartridge is mounted on the water purifier main body, the water stopcock is operated to open the on-off valves Va1 and Vb1.
[0042]
Next, the reset keys 42A and 42B are pressed. As a result, the first timers Ta1, Tb1 and the second timers Ta2, Tb2 are set again, the energization to the three-way switching valves Va2, Vb2; Va5, Vb5 is stopped, and the three-way switching valves Va2, Vb2 The water passages 46A, 46B are switched to the purified water passages 45A, 45B, and the three-way switching valves Va5, Vb5 are switched from the individual purified water passages 45A2, 45B2 to the individual purified water passages 45A1, 45B1. As a result, the cartridges 10A1 and 10B1 are again enabled.
[0043]
Further, in the above embodiment, the case where the number of cartridges corresponding to each room is two has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this, and three or more cartridges corresponding to each room are mounted. Such a configuration may be used. When the number of families is large, the amount of purified water used increases, so that the cleaning capacity of one cartridge falls below the allowable value earlier than six months, which is the normal usage period. Then, before the cartridge replacement period (one year), for example, the purifying ability of the cartridges 10A2 and 10B2 of the last use may fall below the allowable value. In such a case, since the first timers Ta1 and Tb1 are set to one year, there is no notification by an alarm lamp before one year, and the water is not automatically switched from the purified water passage to the tap water passage. Accordingly, there is a problem in hygiene due to the deterioration of water quality due to the use of the filter medium having reduced purification ability. Therefore, if the number of cartridges is installed according to the number of families, even if the amount of purified water used increases, the cartridges are installed in an amount corresponding to that, so the final use before the cartridge replacement time (1 year) Can be prevented. The cartridge switching time is approximately every M / N years, where N is the number of mounted cartridges and M is the replacement period of the cartridge. For example, in a configuration using three cartridges, the interval is set to 1/3 year (4 months).
[0044]
(Embodiment 3)
FIG. 12 is a piping diagram of a water purifier according to the third embodiment, and FIG. 13 is a block diagram illustrating an electrical configuration of the water purifier according to the third embodiment. The third embodiment is similar to the second embodiment, and corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description will be omitted. In the third embodiment, the cartridge 10A1 and the cartridge 10A2 are connected in series by piping, the cartridge 10B1 and the cartridge 10B2 are connected in series by piping, and the purified water filtered by the cartridge 10A1 is guided to the cartridge 10A2 for further filtration. Further, the purified water filtered by the cartridge 10B1 is guided to the cartridge 10B2 for further filtration. The water purifier of the third embodiment is provided with second alarm lamps 50A and 50B as second notification means.
[0045]
In the third embodiment, when the second timers Ta2 and Tb2 measure the cartridge switching timing (corresponding to the cartridge mounting position replacement timing in the present embodiment), the control circuit 62 does not perform the cartridge switching control. Instead, the second alarm lamps 50A and 50B are turned on. Thereby, the user exchanges the mounting positions of the cartridge 10A1 and the cartridge 10A2. This is because, when comparing the cartridge 10A1 and the cartridge 10A2, it is considered that the purification ability of the cartridge 10A1 located on the upstream side of the purified water passage is lower, so if the positions of the cartridge 10A1 and the cartridge 10A2 are exchanged, This is because the reduction in the purifying ability can be averaged for the entire cartridge. When the cartridge replacement period (one year from the start of use of the water purifier) has elapsed, the same processing as in the second embodiment, that is, the first alarm lamp is turned on, and the apparatus is automatically switched to the tap water passage.
[0046]
Further, in the above example, the case where two cartridges are mounted in each room has been described, but three or more cartridges may be mounted. In the case of such three or more cartridges, the mounting positions are exchanged so that the cartridge positions circulate. For example, if three cartridges 10A1, 10A2, and 10A3; 10B1, 10B2, and 10B3 are mounted, the positions of the cartridges are exchanged in the order of FIGS. 14A, 14B, and 14C. I do. As a result, the reduction in the purifying ability can be averaged for the entire cartridge.
[0047]
(Embodiment 4)
FIG. 15 is a piping diagram of a water purifier according to Embodiment 4, and FIG. 16 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration thereof. The fourth embodiment is similar to the second embodiment and corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals. The cartridge switching / exchange process of the fourth embodiment is basically the same as that of the second embodiment. However, in the fourth embodiment, a flow rate sensor for detecting the amount of water used for purified water is provided, and before the first half year (the cartridge switching time), the integrated value of the amount of water used when the cartridges 10A1 and 10B1 are used reaches a predetermined reference value. When it reaches, the cartridge is automatically switched to the cartridges 10A2 and 10B2, and before the next half year (cartridge replacement time), when the integrated value of the amount of water used when using the cartridges 10A2 and 10B2 reaches the predetermined reference value, The first alarm lamps 40A and 40B are turned on, and are switched from the purified water passages 45A and 45B to the tap water passages 46A and 46B.
[0048]
A specific configuration will be described with reference to FIGS. Between the on-off valves Va1 and Vb1 and the three-way switching valves Va2 and Vb2 on the transport pipe 18a, flow sensors 80A and 80B for detecting the amount of purified water used are provided. The integrated value of the purified water usage amount up to the present is stored in the RAM 66, and when the outputs of the flow sensors 80A and 80B are given to the control circuit 62, the outputs of the flow sensors 80A and 80B are added to the integrated value of the RAM 66, The integrated value in the RAM 66 is updated. The ROM 65 stores a predetermined reference value M of the used flow rate. The reference value M is a value corresponding to the flow rate used until the purifying ability of the cartridges 10A1 and 10B1 (or the cartridges 10A2 and 10B2) becomes equal to or less than the allowable value. The process of determining whether or not the integrated value has reached the reference value M is performed every predetermined period W (one day in this embodiment).
[0049]
Next, the cartridge switching / exchanging process of the water purifier having the above configuration will be described. In the following description, only the processing different from the second embodiment will be described, and the description of the processing common to the second embodiment will be omitted. Further, only the cartridges 10A1 and 10A2 will be described for convenience of description. First, during a period in which the cartridge 10A1 is used, the control circuit 62 performs a process for determining whether or not the integrated value has reached the reference value M every day. When the integrated flow rate reaches the reference value M before the cartridge switching time (half a year) elapses, the control circuit 62 energizes the three-way switching valve Va3. Thus, the three-way switching valve Va5 is switched from the individual purified water passage 45A1 to the individual purified water passage 45A2. That is, the mode is switched to the cartridge 10A2, and the cartridge 10A2 becomes available. This avoids using the cartridge 10A1 whose purifying ability is equal to or less than the allowable value.
[0050]
Next, during a period in which the cartridge 10A2 is used, the control circuit 62 performs a process of determining whether or not the integrated flow rate has reached the reference value M every day. The integrated value data in the RAM 66 has been cleared to "0" when the cartridge 10A2 is switched. Therefore, the integrated value data in the RAM 66 relates to the flow rate used only by the cartridge 10A2. When the integrated value reaches the reference value M before the cartridge replacement time (one year from the start of use of the water purifier), the control circuit 62 turns on the alarm lamp 40A and energizes the three-way switching valve Va2. The three-way switching valve Va2 is switched from the purified water passage 45A to the tap water passage 46A. This allows the user to know that the cartridge replacement time has been reached even before the normal cartridge replacement time (one year from the start of use of the water purifier), and to use the cartridge with extremely low purification ability. Can be prevented. Note that the cartridges 10B1 and 10B2 also perform the same operation as the above-described operation regarding the cartridges 10A1 and 10A2. In this manner, in the present embodiment, the safety of the water quality can be maintained even if the used water amount of the purified water extremely exceeds the planned used water amount.
[0051]
(Other matters)
(1) The water purifier of the present invention is not limited to the water purifier of the first embodiment, but can be applied to various types of water purifiers. For example, even if a discharge pipe is provided at the center of the filter medium tank, the filter medium is stored between the filter medium tank inner wall and the discharge pipe, and a gap is provided between the tank inner wall and the filter medium. Good. In such a type, tap water flowing from the bottom surface of the filter medium tank is guided to the upper part of the filter medium tank through a gap between the tank inner wall and the filter medium, and is filtered on the way. The purified water is discharged from the upper opening of the discharge pipe to the outside of the filter medium tank through the inside of the discharge pipe.
[0052]
(2) The piping network in the water purifier of the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and may include switching between a purified water passage and a tap water passage, or individual switching of one of a plurality of cartridges. Includes all possible piping networks.
[0053]
(3) In the above example, although the lamp is used as the first and second alarm means, a buzzer may be used. Moreover, you may make it use a lamp and a buzzer together.
[0054]
【The invention's effect】
According to the configuration of the present invention as described above, the following effects can be obtained.
(1) When the cartridge replacement time has arrived, the user is notified by a notification means. Therefore, the user can surely know the cartridge replacement time, and can quickly take measures such as ordering cartridge replacement.
[0055]
(2) When the cartridge replacement time arrives, the water supply is automatically switched to the tap water passage. Therefore, it is possible to avoid a situation in which the purification performance of the filter medium is reduced and the purified water whose quality is deteriorated rather than the tap water is used.
[0056]
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an external configuration of a water purifier according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a cartridge of the water purifier according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a detachable state of a cartridge of the water purifier according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a system diagram showing an outline of a state of piping of the water purifier according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention into a house.
FIG. 5 is an enlarged exploded perspective view of a part of the water purifier according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a partial cross-sectional view of the water purifier according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a piping system diagram of the water purifier according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the water purifier according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
FIG. 9 is a simplified front view showing an external configuration of a water purifier according to Embodiment 2.
FIG. 10 is a piping diagram of a water purifier according to Embodiment 2.
FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of a water purifier according to Embodiment 2.
FIG. 12 is a piping diagram of a water purifier according to Embodiment 3.
FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of a water purifier according to Embodiment 3.
FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a cartridge replacement position at the time of cartridge replacement when three cartridges 10A1, 10A2, and 10A3; 10B1, 10B2, and 10B3 are mounted.
FIG. 15 is a piping diagram of a water purifier according to a fourth embodiment.
FIG. 16 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of a water purifier according to Embodiment 4.
[Explanation of symbols]
1: Water purifier
10A, 10B, 10A1, 10B1, 10A2, 10B2, 10A3, 10B3: cartridge
11: Water purifier body
12: Filter media tank
13: Case outside cartridge
17A, 17B: Filter media
40A, 40B: First alarm lamp
45A, 45B: Purified water channel
45A1, 45A2; 45B1, 45B2: Individual purified water passage
46A, 46B: Tap water channel
60: Outlet of water purifier
61A, 61B: Inlet for water purifier
62: Control circuit
80A, 80B: Flow sensor
Ta1, Tb1: first timer
Ta2, Tb2: second timer
Va1, Vb1: On-off valve
Va2, Vb2, Va5, Vb5: three-way switching valve

Claims (4)

A plurality of cartridges provided for each room, and a water purifier body to which the plurality of cartridges are detachably mounted, wherein the plurality of cartridges are filled with different types of filter media for each room. Water purifier,
For each of the plurality of cartridges,
A purified water passage that guides the tap water supplied to the inlet of the water purifier body to the outlet of the water purifier through the filter medium;
Tap water supplied to the inlet, a tap water passage that directly leads to the outlet of the water purifier without passing through a filter medium,
First water passage switching means for selectively switching any one of a purified water passage and a tap water passage;
First measuring means for measuring the replacement time of the cartridge;
First notification means for warning of cartridge replacement time;
Has,
When the replacement time of the cartridge is measured by the first measuring means, the first notifying means is operated, and the first water passage switching means performs switching control from the purified water passage to the tap water passage. And water purifier. A plurality of cartridges corresponding to each room are provided for each room,
The purified water flow path is configured with a pipeline network that is connected so that tap water is individually supplied to a plurality of cartridges provided for each of the rooms,
The pipeline network is configured such that any one of a plurality of cartridges provided for each of the rooms is selected, and the pipe network is configured such that tap water is filtered only through a filter medium in the selected cartridge. Pipe network switching means for switching the passage of the road network is provided,
Further, a second measuring means for measuring the switching time of the cartridge is provided,
2. The water purification device according to claim 1, wherein when the switching time of the cartridge is measured by the second measuring unit, the pipeline network switching unit operates to switch a plurality of cartridges provided for each of the rooms in a predetermined order. 3. vessel. A plurality of cartridges corresponding to each room are provided for each room,
The purified water passage is configured with a pipeline network in which a plurality of cartridges are connected in series so that tap water sequentially passes through a plurality of cartridges provided for each of the rooms,
Further, a second measuring means for measuring a replacement time of a mounting position of a plurality of cartridges provided for each of the rooms, and a second notification means for alarming the replacement time of the mounting position of the cartridge is provided,
2. The water purifier according to claim 1, wherein when the cartridge mounting position replacement time is measured by the second measurement unit, the second notification unit is activated. 3. A flow sensor that is interposed in the purified water passage and detects the amount of purified water used;
Integrated value storage means for integrating and storing the usage amount detected by the flow rate sensor,
Means for determining whether the integrated value of the purified water usage amount has reached a predetermined value for each predetermined period,
With
3. The water purifier according to claim 2, wherein switching to a predetermined cartridge is automatically performed when the integrated value of the water purification amount reaches a predetermined value before the cartridge switching time.

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