JP2003039062A - Water purifier - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a water purifier where a filter cartridge replacing time can be easily seen and a switching state can be easily checked. SOLUTION: This water purifier is provided with a raw water inflow port connected with a faucet to receive raw water, a filter cartridge for purifying the raw water, a purified water outflow port for discharging the purified water, a lever, of which the both ends are supported, a flow passage switching valve, which is operated by rotating the lever and switches whether the raw water flowing in through the raw water inflow port is discharged or is supplied to the filter cartridge, a switching state display part for displaying a flow passage switching state, and a replacing time display part for displaying a displacing time of the filter cartridge. The replacing time display part is a liquid crystal display, and the switching state display part is in close vicinity to the liquid crystal display.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a water purifier having means for indicating the life of a filtration cartridge.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as a water purifier for indicating to a user the replacement time of a filtration cartridge, for example, Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. Hei 10 (1999) -96952
No. 118641 gazette, the flow rate of the stock solution or the filtrate flowing through the filtration cartridge is measured, and light is emitted when the integrated flow rate obtained by integrating the flow rates reaches a preset life reaching flow rate. Diode (hereinafter, LE
It is known to turn on D). User is LED
By turning on, it was possible to know that the filtration cartridge reached the end of its life and needed to be replaced.

However, this water purifier has an L
Since ED is used, it is difficult to display various information. If you add LEDs to display various information,
There is a problem in that a display for explaining what each LED means is further required.

[0004]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In view of the above problems, an object of the present invention is to provide a water purifier in which the replacement time of the filtration cartridge can be easily seen and the switching state can be easily confirmed.

[0005]

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a raw water inlet connected to a faucet for receiving raw water, a filtration cartridge for purifying raw water, and a purified water outlet for discharging purified water. A lever whose both ends are supported, a flow path switching valve that is operated by rotating the lever, and that switches between discharging the raw water flowing through the raw water inlet as it is or supplying it to the filtration cartridge, and switching the flow path. It has a switching status display section that shows the status and a replacement time display section that displays the replacement time of the filtration cartridge. The replacement time display section is a liquid crystal display, and the switching status display section is close to the liquid crystal display. It is characterized by vessels.

[0006] Here, it is preferable that a power source for an electronic circuit for determining the replacement time of the filtration cartridge is provided, and a coin-type or button-type lithium battery is provided as a power source. Further, it is preferable that a reset button for returning the display on the liquid crystal display to the initial display is provided, and that the faucet is directly connected to and supported by the faucet.

[0007]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings, taking a water purifier attached to a faucet such as a kitchen at home as an example.

As shown in FIGS. 1 to 6, the water purifier of the present invention comprises a main body 2 having a switching valve built therein, a filter cartridge 3 containing a filter medium, and the like. The main body 2 is provided with a lever 5, and by operating the lever 5, the raw water flowing from the faucet 4 through the raw water inlet can be discharged as shower water as it is (raw water shower), or it can be stored as it is. -Discharge as raw water (straight water straight) or supply to the filtration cartridge 3 is selected and switched. The raw water supplied to the filtration cartridge 3 is filtered by an adsorbent such as activated carbon or a hollow fiber membrane, and is discharged as purified water from the purified water outlet.

First, the main body 2 will be described.

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the main body 2 includes a switching valve main body 13 having three balls 11a, 11b and 11c forming a switching valve and a valve shaft 12, and a raw water shower. Mouth 1
4, a raw water straightening port 15, a purified water outlet 19, a lower body 16, an upper body 17 having an opening through which the switching valve body 13 projects to the upper surface, a valve operating portion 18 for performing a switching operation, The filter cartridge 3 is composed of a cartridge cap 91 for fixing the filtration cartridge 3 and an electric component section for integrating the flow rate and displaying the result.

A ring-shaped packing 36 is attached to the switching valve main body 13, and a mounting nut 38 is screwed onto the switching valve main body 13 via an adapter 37 screwed into the male screw portion of the faucet 4, and the main body portion 2 Is attached to the faucet 4.

The switching valve body 13 has three water passages 2 inside.
By the partition plate 22 which opened 1a, 21b, 21c,
It is divided into an upper chamber 23 and a lower chamber 24.

In the upper chamber 23, there are three balls 11a, 1
1b and 11c are three water passages 21a, 21b and 21c
It is arranged to correspond to. The lower portion of the ball 11a projects into the lower chamber 24 when the ball 11a is fitted in the water passage 21a and the water passage 21a is closed. The same applies to the balls 11b and 11c.

The valve shaft 12 is rotatably inserted in the cylindrical lower chamber 24, and O-rings 25a, 25b, 25c arranged at predetermined positions of the valve shaft 12 are provided in the lower chamber 24. It is watertightly engaged with the wall surface. By this, the lower chamber 24 is divided into three, and the filtration cartridge 3 is provided from the water passage 21a.
A raw water supply port 26 (see FIG. 6) for supplying raw water to the raw water, and a raw water straightening port 15 from the water passage 21b.
From the flow passage 31b leading to the water passage 21c to the raw water shower
A flow path 31c communicating with the mouth 14 is formed.

Further, as shown in FIG. 4, the valve shaft 12 is provided at a position facing the water passages 21a, 21b and 21c.
Cam portions 27a, 27b, 27c are provided. The cam portions 27a, 27b, 27c are provided so as to be displaced by 60 ° in the circumferential direction of the valve shaft 12, for example.
By selectively turning upwards by 60 degrees,
The water passage can be opened by pushing up the lower portion of the ball protruding into the lower chamber 24. That is, whether the water passages 21a, 21b, 21c are opened by rotating the valve shaft 12 by a predetermined angle by the valve operating unit 18 described later, and the raw water flowing in from the faucet 4 is discharged as shower water as it is. It is possible to select whether to discharge the water as it is as straight water or supply it to the filtration cartridge 3.

As the balls 11a, 11b, 11c, metal spheres as a core body covered with rubber are used. However, the shape of the valve body is not limited to a spherical shape, and may be a conical shape or a cylindrical shape. It can be shaped. The ball 11 provided in the upper chamber 23 is provided to improve the sealing property when the water passage is closed.
A, 11b, 11c may be biased from above by a spring or the like toward the water passage.

As shown in FIGS. 6 and 10, the switching valve body 1
A raw water supply port 26 for supplying raw water to the filtration cartridge 3 and a purified water inlet 29 for receiving purified water from the filtration cartridge 3 are provided on the rear side of the side of the filter cartridge 3. The raw water supply port 26 communicates with the flow path 31a, and the purified water receiving port 29 communicates with the purified water outlet 19 via the purified water supply passage 30. The purified water supply passage 30 is provided with a turbine 122 and a turbine support member 123 of the flow rate detection unit 102, which will be described later, and the turbine 122 is rotated by passing the purified water.

Next, the filtration cartridge 3 will be briefly described.

As shown in the transverse sectional view of FIG. 7, the filtration cartridge 3 supplies the purified water to the bottom of the container 61, the raw water inlet 62 for receiving the raw water from the raw water supply port 26, and the purified water inlet 29. A purified water supply port 63 is provided. An O-ring 7 is provided on each of the raw water inlet 62 and the purified water inlet 63.
3, 74 are provided, the raw water supply port 26 and the purified water receiving port 29.
Water is prevented from leaking to the outside when connected to.

A cylindrical protrusion 61a is formed on the inner bottom surface of the container 61.
Is formed, and the lower end of the cylindrical body 64 of the hollow fiber membrane module is fitted and erected on the cylindrical protrusion 61a via an O-ring 65. A ring-shaped filter 66 is provided on the upper and lower portions of the outer periphery of the cylindrical body 64 in order to hold an adsorbent layer 70 for treating the raw water passing between the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical body 64 and the inner wall surface of the container 61. , 67 are fixed.

A hollow fiber membrane bundle 68, in which a plurality of hollow fiber membranes are bundled and bent in an inverted U shape, is housed inside the cylindrical body 64. Both ends of the hollow fiber membrane are sealed and fixed (potting) by a curable resin 69 (sealant) filled between the hollow fibers and between the hollow fibers and the cylindrical body 64 at the lower part of the cylindrical body 64. ing. Since the potting portion of each hollow fiber membrane is partially cut and removed before it is fitted into the container 61, the end is open toward the purified water supply port 63.

An adsorbent layer 70 made of activated carbon, zeolite, ion exchange resin, chelate resin or the like is provided between the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical body 64 and the inner wall surface of the container 61.

An upper portion of the container 61 is opened so that the hollow fiber membrane bundle 68 and the adsorbent can be easily filled, and a transparent cap 71 is fitted and ultrasonically welded so that the dirt inside can be confirmed.

As shown in FIG. 6, the filtration cartridge 3 constructed as described above is loaded into the main body portion 2, and the cartridge cap 91 is covered with the filtration cartridge 3 so as to cover the lower body. 16 and the upper body 17 are screwed and fixed, and serve to fix the filter cartridge 3 at a predetermined position. The cartridge cap 91 is provided with an opening / closing cap 92. When the opening / closing cap 92 is opened, the degree of contamination of the hollow fiber membrane can be confirmed through the opening 93 of the cartridge cap and the transparent cap 71 of the filtering section. It is like this.

Next, the valve operating portion 18 for rotating the valve shaft 12 will be described with reference to FIGS.

As shown in FIG. 6, the valve operating portion 18 is rotatably supported by the lever 5 whose both ends are supported and the switching valve body 13, and rotates about the same axis as the lever 5. Drive shaft 4
1 and one end is fixed to the lower body 16 and the other end is a lever 5
It is composed of a torsion coil spring 44 fixed to. When the lever 5 is pushed down in the direction of arrow A as shown in FIG. 3, the lever 5 rotates counterclockwise (when viewed from the right side in FIG. 6) until it abuts on the operation stopper 43, and the lever 5 operates. When the operation is stopped and the finger is released in the state of being in contact with −43, the torsion coil spring 44 rotates clockwise to return to the initial position.

FIG. 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along the line CC in FIG. 5, showing a connecting portion between the lever 5 and the drive shaft 41. As shown in FIG. 8, the ratchet pawl member 47 fitted into one end of the drive shaft 41 has a ratchet tooth 48 of the lever 5.
And ratchet mechanism. Lever-5
6 is rotated counterclockwise from the initial position (when viewed from the right side in FIG. 6), the drive shaft 41 is rotated integrally with the lever 5 by 40 ° in the counterclockwise direction, and the lever 5 is rotated. The drive shaft 41 does not rotate when it rotates clockwise and returns to the initial position.

As shown in FIG. 6 and FIG. 9 which is a schematic sectional view taken along the line DD in FIG. 6, a spur gear 45 is attached to the drive shaft 41.
Is provided and meshes with a spur gear 46 provided on the valve shaft 12. Since the gear ratio of the spur gears 45 and 46 is 3: 2, when the spur gear 45 rotates 40 °, the spur gear 46 becomes 60 °.
Rotate. That is, when the lever 5 is operated once, the drive shaft 41 rotates 40 ° and the valve shaft 12 rotates 60 °. Here, there is no problem even if the spur gear is a helical gear or a helical gear. Although the gear ratio is 3: 2, the gear ratio is not limited to this and may be 2: 1 or 3: 1. When the number of teeth of the spur gear 45 is larger than that of the spur gear 46, the rotation angle of the valve shaft 12 becomes larger than the rotation angle of the drive shaft 41. That is, even if the operating angle of the lever 5 is made small, the rotation angle of the valve shaft 12 can be made sufficiently large. As described above, when the gear is used, the lever operation angle can be easily set by selecting the gear ratio, and the flow path can be switched surely and accurately.

Then, on the drive shaft 41, as shown in FIG. 5, the display ring 51 is printed with three letters, "purified water", "straight" and "shower" indicating the switching state at every 40 °. Is fixed. Any of the characters "purified water", "straight" and "shower" printed on the display ring 51 can be seen from the opening 81 of the upper body 17, and the switching state can be easily confirmed. The display showing the switching state may be characters or illustrations alone or a combination thereof. Then, the transparent member 82 is provided in the opening 81.
By attaching the, the water is prevented from entering the inside of the main body 2 and the display ring 51 is prevented from getting dirty when washing dishes.

Next, the electrical equipment (electronic circuit) for integrating the flow rates and displaying the results will be described.

As shown in FIG. 6 and FIG.
Power supply unit 101, flow rate detection unit 102, filtration cartridge identification unit 103, control unit 104, liquid crystal display 105
Etc.

As shown in the exploded perspective view of FIG. 11, the power source section 101 is mainly a battery holder 115 provided in the main body section 2.
, Coin type lithium manganese dioxide battery 111 (hereinafter referred to as battery 111), anode metal fitting 113 and cathode metal fitting 1
14 and a removable battery cover -1 for fixing the battery in a watertight manner
It is composed of 12 and the like.

The battery cover 112 is a cylindrical battery mounting portion 1
16 and an O-ring 117 on the outer periphery of the battery 16 to prevent water from entering the battery mounting portion 116 when the battery cover 112 is mounted on the battery holder 115 by the bayonet mechanism. Cylindrical battery mounting part 11
Since the notch 118 is provided in 6, the battery can be easily removed by hooking a finger. Further, a recess 119 for inserting and turning a coin is provided on the surface of the battery cover 112, and characters and an illustration indicating the battery standard and the rotation direction for opening and closing are engraved around the recess 119. Therefore, the user is responsible for battery specifications and battery cover-1.
After confirming the rotation direction of 12, the battery cover 112 can be removed from the battery holder 115 using a coin and the battery can be replaced.

The anode metal fitting 113 and the cathode metal fitting 114 provided in the battery holder 115 are respectively connected to the control unit 104 shown in FIG. 6 by lead wires, and the electric power from the battery 111 is supplied to the control unit 104. It The lead wire is fixed to the battery holder 115 via a rubber cap 120, and the rubber cap 120 allows water to flow along the lead wire so that the anode metal fitting 113, the cathode metal fitting 114, and further the battery mounting portion 116 are inside. To prevent it from entering.

The battery may be a primary battery or a secondary battery, and may be a lithium battery such as a lithium manganese dioxide battery which can stably supply electric power at a relatively high voltage for a long period of time, an alkaline dry battery, a manganese dry battery, Silver oxide battery,
A zinc air battery or the like may be used. Further, the shape is preferably a small battery such as a button type or a coin type which is lightweight and does not require a large installation space. In the case of a small battery, the main body does not become significantly large or the weight does not increase significantly.
It does not significantly increase the cost.

The flow rate detector 102 is shown in FIG. 10 and FIG.
As shown in FIG. 14, mainly, a water turbine 122 in which a magnet 121 is embedded, a water wheel support member 123 that rotatably supports the water wheel 122, a magnetic switch 124 that opens and closes according to the rotation of the magnet, and a magnetic switch 124. And a magnetic switch holder 125 for supporting and fixing.

The water turbine 122 comprises a cylindrical shaft portion 131 and two blades 132 and 133 formed on the shaft portion 131. A rotary shaft hole 134 into which the shaft 126 of the water turbine support member 123 is inserted is formed at one end of the shaft portion 131. A magnet mounting hole 135, in which the magnet 121 is embedded, is provided at the other end.

The magnet 121 is inserted into the magnet mounting hole 135 so that the straight line connecting the N pole and the S pole and the rotation axis of the water wheel 122 are perpendicular to each other to prevent the magnet 121 from falling off and prevent rusting due to water contact. Therefore, the opening of the magnet mounting hole 135 is covered with a plug member and adhered or welded. In order to prevent the magnet 121 from falling off and rusting, the magnet 121 is attached to the magnet mounting hole 13
It is also preferable to seal the opening of the magnet mounting hole 135 with the curable resin 136 (sealing material) after inserting the magnet mounting hole 135 into the magnet 5. As the curable resin, a polyurethane resin having higher safety is preferable, but an epoxy resin, another sealing material, or an adhesive may be used. In order to prevent the rust of the magnet 121, it is also preferable to coat the magnet itself. Also,
The magnet 121 may be a rare earth magnet having a strong magnetic force, or a ferrite magnet or the like.

As shown in FIG. 10, the water turbine 122 has a water wheel support member 123 so as to be rotatable in the purified water supply passage 30.
Is axially supported from the downstream side. The water turbine 122 may be of an axial flow type whose rotation axis is parallel to the water supply direction of the purified water, or may be orthogonal. Further, although the number of blades of the water turbine is two, it may be one or three or more. Further, although the water turbine is provided in the purified water supply passage 30 on the downstream side of the filtration cartridge 3, it may be provided on the upstream side. in this case,
It is preferable to provide a pre-filter further upstream so that dust or the like is not caught on the water wheel 122.

As shown in FIG. 14, the magnetic switch 124 is inserted into a magnetic switch holder 125 and sealed and fixed by a curable resin 137 (sealing material). Two terminals of the magnetic switch 124 are connected to the control unit 104 shown in FIG. 10 by a lead wire, and a pulse signal generated by opening / closing the magnetic switch 124 is transmitted to the control unit 104. Magnetic switch holder 125 accommodating the magnetic switch 124
Is in contact with the outer periphery of the purified water supply passage 30, as shown in FIG.
Moreover, it is fixed near the water wheel 122.

The flow rate detecting unit 102 thus configured
The water turbine 122 rotates by flowing purified water, the magnet 121 embedded in the water turbine 122 rotates, and the magnetic field changes accordingly. The magnetic switch 124 is opened and closed twice by one rotation of the magnet 121, and as a result, pulse signals for two cycles are transmitted and transmitted to the control unit 104.

Next, the control section 104 and the liquid crystal display 105 will be described with reference to FIGS.

The control unit 104 mainly includes a circuit board 151 provided with a CPU, a transparent board holder 152 for housing the circuit board 151, and the circuit board 151 for holding the circuit board 151.
2, and a substrate frame 153 that is supported and fixed to the substrate 2.
The CPU receives power supply from the power supply unit 101, performs calculation based on the pulse signal from the flow rate detection unit 102 and the signal from the filtration cartridge identification unit 103, and the liquid crystal display 1
The output signal is sent to 05. Circuit board 15
1, a reset button 154 is provided, and the reset flow button 154 can be pressed from the outside to reset the accumulated flow rate data and the like. A switch rubber 156 for preventing water from entering the circuit board 151 is arranged above the reset button 154.
The reset button is preferably operated indirectly by 56.

Since the liquid crystal display 105 is directly supported and fixed to the circuit board 151 and is located in the upper front part of the main body 2, it is close to the display ring 51 indicating the switching state, and Is easy to see during use.
The liquid crystal display 105 can be arranged at a position distant from the circuit board and connected by a lead wire or the like.
Signals can be reliably transmitted by directly supporting and fixing them to 51. In addition, in order to prevent the circuit board 151 from malfunctioning due to the intrusion of water from the outside, the circuit board 151 and the liquid crystal display 105 are inserted into the board holder 152 through the openings and fixed by the board frame 153. Then, open the opening with curable resin 1
It is preferable to perform waterproofing by sealing with 55 (sealing material). By performing waterproofing in this manner, it is not necessary to individually perform waterproofing on each component, and it is possible to simplify the manufacturing process and reduce the manufacturing cost. Curable resin 155
For this, a two-liquid type polyurethane resin or epoxy resin may be used.

In the liquid crystal display 105, as shown in FIG. 17, a frame 167 and three blocks A provided therein,
Filter cartridge exchange display element 161 consisting of B and C
A battery replacement display element 162 and a cartridge type display element 163, which are turned on and off,
Flashes to indicate cartridge life, battery life, and cartridge type. The filtration cartridge replacement display element 161, the battery replacement display element 162, and the cartridge type display element 163 may be provided independently, but by providing them collectively in one liquid crystal display as in the present embodiment, You can save space,
It is also preferable because the user can read a large amount of information at a glance.

Next, the filtration cartridge identifying portion 103 in FIG. 10 will be described with reference to the schematic longitudinal sectional view of FIG.

The filtration cartridge identifying section 103 is mainly composed of
A rubber switch 143 to which the conductive member 142 is closely attached, and an identification substrate 141 having two contacts with the conductive member 142.
And an identification unit housing 144 that houses them.

The two contacts of the identification board 141 are connected to the control unit 104 by lead wires, and the opening / closing of the two contacts is transmitted to the control unit 104.

The rubber switch 143 is housed in the identification portion housing 144 so as to overlap the identification substrate 141. The rubber switch 143 is passed through the switch operation hole 145 by the projection 72 provided on the bottom of the filtration cartridge 3.
When is pressed, the conductive member 142 comes into contact with the two contacts of the identification substrate 141, and the circuit is closed so that a current flows. Protrusion 72 by removing the filtration cartridge
When is released, the rubber switch 143 returns to its initial state due to elasticity, and the contact opens. If no protrusions are provided on the bottom of the filtration cartridge, the contacts will remain open. That is, the opening / closing signal of this contact makes it possible to discriminate between the filtration cartridge having a projection on the bottom and the cartridge having no projection. The rubber switch 143 is
It also serves to prevent water from entering from the switch operation hole 145 to the side of the identification substrate 141.

Instead of the protrusions, a mechanism may be employed which distinguishes between a cartridge having a recess at the bottom and a cartridge having no recess. Further, a plurality of switch operation holes, rubber switches and identification boards may be provided to enable identification of three or more types of cartridges. Furthermore, instead of the protrusion and the rubber switch, a bar code and a bar cord drill
A combination of magnets and a combination of a magnet and a magnetic switch may be used.

Subsequently, the water purifier 1 configured as described above
The action of will be described.

FIG. 4 shows a state in which raw water is discharged from the raw water shower port 14. When the faucet is opened, raw water flows in from the raw water inlet 28, and after the momentum is relaxed by the water flow relaxation member 39, the cam portion 27c pushes up the ball 11c and passes through the open water passage 21c. And is discharged from the raw water shower port 14. At this time, the letters “shower” written on the display ring 51 can be seen from the opening 81.

Here, by operating the lever 5 shown in FIG. 1,
When it is rotated until it hits the operation stopper 43, the drive shaft 41 connected to the lever 5 via the ratchet mechanism shown in FIG. 8 rotates 40 °. Spur gears 45-4 at the same time
The rotation is transmitted to 6, and the valve shaft 12 rotates exactly 60 °. Then, the cam 27b of the valve shaft 12 is replaced with the cam 27b.
Faces upward, the water passage 21c is closed and the water passage 21b is opened. As a result, the raw water passes through the water passage 21c and is discharged from the raw water straightening port 15. At this time, the characters "straight" written on the display ring 51 can be seen from the opening 81.

Next, when the finger is released from the lever 5, the torsion coil spring 44 causes the lever 5 to rotate in the reverse direction, returns to the initial position, and stops. At this time, the drive shaft 41 connected via the ratchet mechanism does not rotate, and neither the valve shaft 12 nor the display ring 51 rotates.

When the lever 5 is pushed down again, similarly, the valve shaft 12 rotates exactly 60 °, the water passage 21b is closed and the water passage 21a is opened. As a result, the raw water passes through the water passage 21a and flows to the raw water supply port 26. Then, it flows into the filtration cartridge 3 from the raw water inlet 62 shown in FIG. 7, and is filtered by an adsorbent such as activated carbon and a hollow fiber membrane. The filtered water flows from the purified water supply port 63 to the purified water receiving port 29,
The water passes through the purified water supply passage 30 and is discharged from the purified water outlet 19 (see FIG. 10). At this time, the letters “purified water” written on the display ring 51 can be seen from the opening 81, and the water turbine 122 is rotated by the purified water flowing through the purified water supply passage 30, and the flow rate detection unit 102 causes the control unit 104 to output a pulse signal. Is transmitted, and the cycle of the pulse signal is integrated as the flow rate of purified water.

Then, the remaining life of the filtration cartridge is displayed on the filtration cartridge replacement display element 161 of the liquid crystal display 105 according to the integrated flow rate of the purified water. That is, in the filter cartridge exchange display element 161, as shown in FIG. 17, the frame 167 and all of the blocks A, B, and C are lit at the start of use of the filter cartridge, but correspond to the integrated flow rate of purified water. When the integrated count number of the pulses to be reached reaches the preset first set value, the block A164 is turned off, and when it reaches the second set value, the block B165 is reached.
Turns off. Further, when the flow rate approaches the cumulative flow rate at which the filtration cartridge must be replaced (third set value), the block C166 is turned off and the frame 167 blinks,
Prompt the user to replace the filtration cartridge. User replaces with new filtration cartridge and reset button 154
When is pressed, the integrated count number returns to zero, and the filter cartridge replacement display element 161 also returns to the initial display.

The liquid crystal display 105 blinks the battery replacement display element 162 when the voltage of the battery drops below a preset value to prompt the user to replace the battery. Therefore, the user does not need to memorize the battery start time and the battery life described in the instruction manual. Therefore, the battery cannot be replaced because the battery life is forgotten, and the accumulated flow rate data will not be lost while the filtration cartridge is used, and the battery can be replaced at an appropriate time. When the user replaces the battery with a new battery, the battery replacement display element 162 is automatically turned off.
In addition, when the power consumption is almost constant regardless of the usage situation, the integrated flow rate of the purified water, the integrated value of the purified water passage time,
It is okay to decide the timing of switching from off to on based on the accumulated value of the time when purified water is not passed. The battery replacement display element 162 is configured to be turned off at the beginning of use of the battery and blinking when the life of the battery is approaching. However, it is displayed stepwise like the replacement display of the filtration cartridge. You may.

Further, the liquid crystal display 105 displays the type of the cartridge mounted by turning on / off the cartridge type display element 163 based on the signal from the above-mentioned filtration cartridge identifying section 103. To do. For example, when a cartridge with a protrusion on the bottom and a high removal rate of organic substances (hereinafter referred to as a high-removal cartridge) is attached, it lights up, and when a standard cartridge without protrusions on the bottom is attached. Turn off the light. Here, when the lives of the cartridges are different, the first to third set values relating to the filter cartridge replacement display are stored respectively for the high removal cartridge and the standard cartridge, It is automatically selected based on the signal from the filtering cartridge identifying unit 103. As a result, the remaining cartridge life is displayed according to the type of cartridge, so even if the user does not have to remember the type of cartridge being used, the filtration capacity, and the start time of use, the filtration cartridge can be used at an appropriate time. Can be exchanged.

The liquid crystal display 105 is turned off when the filtration cartridge 3 is not used. That is, the CPU of the circuit board 151 detects that the flow of purified water is stopped and the pulse signal from the flow rate detection unit 102 is stopped (the magnetic switch 124 remains open or closed for a certain period of time or more). Switching to the sleep mode, the liquid crystal display 105 is turned off. This switching greatly reduces the power consumption of the battery and allows the battery to be used for a long time.
Immediately after the battery is replaced and the reset button is operated, the sleep mode is released for a certain period of time and the liquid crystal display 105 is turned on. This is to confirm that the user has correctly installed the battery and has correctly reset the data.

The present invention can be modified as follows. (1) In the above-described embodiment, the filter cartridge replacement display element 161 has a system in which the blocks are turned off in stages, but a system in which the blocks are turned on in stages may be used. Further, a method of displaying the integrated flow rate by a numerical value, or a subtraction type or an addition type may be used. (2) Although the liquid crystal display 105 is used in the display unit in the above-described embodiment, if a buzzer or a speaker is provided and a dial tone or a voice is simultaneously emitted, the user can further understand. (3) In the above-described embodiment, the reset button 154 is provided in the control unit 104 to manually reset it. However, like the filtration cartridge identifying unit 103, the reset button 154 is reset near the mounting portion of the filtration cartridge 3. A method of providing a button and detecting the attachment / detachment of the filtration cartridge 3 to reset the filtration cartridge 3 may be used. (4) In the above-described embodiment, the filtration cartridge identifying unit 1
Although the type of the filtration cartridge is identified by 03, an input button for manually inputting the type of the filtration cartridge may be provided. Further, if the reset button is kept pressed for a certain period of time or more to input the type of cartridge, that is, the input button and the reset button are combined, the manufacturing cost can be suppressed. (5) In the above-described embodiment, the battery cover 112 is attached to the battery holder 115 by the bayonet mechanism, but a screw fastening mechanism or a slide mechanism may be used. (6) In the above-described embodiment, the flow rate is detected using the magnetic switch 124, but a method using a reduction gear mechanism and electrical contacts, a method using a member such as a diaphragm that is deformed by water passage and electrical contacts, or the like is adopted. You may. (7) In the above-described embodiment, the ratchet mechanism is used and the switching operation is performed by the vertical movement of the lever 5. However, the switching state may be switched according to the stop position of the lever. (8) In the above-described embodiment, the switching valve uses a ball as the valve body, but a switching valve that opens and closes the flow path with a rotating shaft equipped with a rubber packing or an O ring may be used. (9) The above-described embodiment is a water purifier that is supported and fixed to a faucet, but is a stationary water purifier in which a filtration cartridge is placed near a sink, an under-sink water purifier in which a filtration cartridge is placed below the sink, It can also be implemented as a pitcher-type water purifier used without being connected to a faucet. It can also be implemented as an alkali ion water conditioner or a mineral generator.

[0061]

The water purifier of the present invention comprises a raw water inlet connected to a faucet for receiving raw water, a filtration cartridge for purifying the raw water, a purified water outlet for discharging the purified water, and levers having both ends supported. , Operated by turning the lever,
A flow path switching valve that switches between discharging the raw water that has flowed in through the raw water inlet as it is or supplying it to the filtration cartridge, a switching status display section that shows the switching status of the flow path, and a replacement that displays the replacement time of the filtration cartridge. The replacement time display unit is a liquid crystal display, the switching status display unit is close to the liquid crystal display, the switching status can be easily confirmed, and the replacement time of the filtration cartridge is also easy to see.
Further, since the display unit is a liquid crystal display, various information can be visually represented by characters and illustrations, which can be very easy for the user to understand. Also,
It is not necessary to add a display element like an LED in proportion to the number of pieces of information, and there is no increase in cost due to the addition.

When a coin-shaped or button-shaped battery, which is small and lightweight, is used as a power source, a large installation space is not required, and the main body is remarkably large due to the installation space of the battery. The weight does not increase remarkably by changing the battery or installing the battery. There is no significant cost increase due to the battery installation. When a lithium battery is used as a power source, electric power can be stably supplied at a relatively high voltage for a long period of time.

Further, when the faucet direct connection type water purifier is provided so that the tap water can directly flow from the faucet, it is smaller and less obtrusive than the stationary type in which the filtration cartridge is installed near the sink. Moreover, since the water purifier directly connected to the faucet is provided with the display portion, the user can easily see the display, and the display prompts the user to replace the filtration cartridge or the power source at an appropriate time.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a front view of a water purifier showing an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a top view of the water purifier shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a right side view of the water purifier shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a vertical sectional view taken along the line AA of the water purifier shown in FIG.

5 is a vertical cross-sectional view taken along the line BB of the water purifier shown in FIG.

6 is a cross-sectional view of the water purifier shown in FIG.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a filtration cartridge.

8 is a cross-sectional view of the connecting portion between the lever and the drive shaft in the water purifier shown in FIG.

9 is a cross-sectional view of the water purifier shown in FIG.

10 is a cross-sectional view of the water purifier shown in FIG. 4, taken along the line EE.

FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view of a power supply unit.

FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view of a flow rate measurement unit.

13 is a cross-sectional view of the water wheel and the water wheel support member in FIG.

14 is a cross-sectional view of the magnetic switch and the magnetic switch holder in FIG.

FIG. 15 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a filtration cartridge identifying portion.

16 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line FF of the control unit in the water purifier shown in FIG.

FIG. 17 is a schematic view of a liquid crystal display.

[Explanation of symbols]

1: Water purifier 2: Body part 3: Filtration cartridge 4: Faucet 5: Lever 11a: Ball 11b: Ball 11c: Ball 12: Valve shaft 13: Switching valve body 14: Raw water shower port 15: Raw water straight port 16 : Lower body 17: Upper body 18: Valve operating part 19: Purified water outlet 21a: Water passage 21b: Water passage 21c: Water passage 22: Partition plate 23: Upper chamber 24: Lower chamber 25a: O-ring 25b: O-ring 25c : O-ring 26: Raw water supply port 27a: Cam part 27b: Cam part 27c: Cam part 28: Raw water inlet 29: Purified water inlet 30: Purified water supply passage 31a: Flow passage 31b: Flow passage 31c: Flow passage 36: Packing 37: Adapter 38: Mounting Nut 39: Water Flow Relaxing Member 41: Drive Shaft 43: Operation Stopper 44: Torsion Co Le spring 45: Spur gear 46: Spur gear 47: Ratchet claw member 48: Ratchet tooth 51: Display ring 61: Container 61a: Cylindrical protrusion 62: Raw water inlet 63: Clean water supply port 64: Cylindrical body 65: O-ring 66 : Filter 67: Filter 68: Hollow fiber membrane bundle 69: Curable resin 70: Adsorbent layer 71: Transparent cap 72: Protrusion 73: O-ring 74: O-ring 81: Opening 82: Transparent member 91: Cartridge cap 92: Open / close cap 93: Opening 101: Power supply 102: Flow rate detector 103: Filtration cover
Trigger identification section 104: Control section 105: Liquid crystal display 111: Battery 112: Battery cover 113: Anode fitting 114: Cathode fitting 115: Battery holder 116: Battery mounting section 117: O-ring 118: Cutout 119: Recess 120: Rubber cap 121: Magnet 122: Turbine 123: Turbine support member 124: Magnetic switch 125: Magnetic switch holder 126: Shaft 131: Shaft 132: Blade 133: Blade 134: Rotating shaft hole 135: Magnet mounting hole 136: Curable resin 137: Curable resin 141: Identification board 142: Conductive member 143: Rubber switch 144: Identification section housing 145: Switch operation hole 151: Circuit board 152: Board holder 153: Board frame 154: Reset button 155: Curable resin 156: Switch rubber 161: Over Ca - cartridge replacement display device 162: Battery replacement display device 163: Ca - ridge type display device 164: Block A 165: Block B 166: Block C 167: Frame

   ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued front page    F-term (reference) 4D006 GA07 HA01 HA91 KA01 KB12                       MA01 PA01 PB06 PC52                 4D024 AA02 BA02 BB01 CA04 CA05                       CA13 DA04 DA05 DB05

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. A raw water inlet connected to a faucet for receiving raw water, a filtration cartridge for purifying raw water, a purified water outlet for discharging purified water, a lever supported at both ends thereof, and rotation of the lever. Operate the flow path switching valve that switches whether to discharge the raw water that has flowed in through the raw water inlet as it is or supply it to the filtration cartridge, the switching status display section that shows the switching status of the flow path, and the replacement time of the filtration cartridge. A water purifier comprising a replacement time display unit for displaying, the replacement time display unit being a liquid crystal display, and the switching state display unit being close to the liquid crystal display. 2. The water purifier according to claim 1, further comprising a power supply for an electronic circuit for determining when to replace the filtration cartridge. 3. The water purifier according to claim 2, comprising a coin-type or button-type lithium battery as a power source. 4. The water purifier according to claim 1, further comprising a reset button for returning the display on the liquid crystal display to the initial display. 5. A faucet direct connection type which is supported and fixed to the faucet,
The water purifier according to any one of claims 1 to 4.