JP7140239B2 - Filter cartridge for water purifier - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a filter cartridge used in a water purifier that purifies tap water.

Conventional water purifiers that purify tap water include faucet-connected water purifiers that are directly connected to the outlet of tap water, stationary water purifiers that are placed on top of the kitchen, and undersinks that are placed inside the kitchen. type (or built-in type) water purifiers and the like are known. Since the total amount of filtered water that can be treated by the filter media filled in the water purifier filter cartridge is limited, the user continues to use the water purifier while periodically exchanging the water purifier filter cartridge.

Undersink water purifiers are larger than faucet direct water purifiers and stationary water purifiers, and can be used for a long period of time because they can process a large amount of filtered water. Since the water purifier is not placed near the faucet or sink in the kitchen, it does not interfere with work.

As an undersink type water purifier, for example, as disclosed in Patent Document 1, one having a raw water inlet and a purified water outlet and using a hose having a one-touch joint attached to its tip is connected is known. The user places the water purifier cartridge on the bottom of the space under the sink, and connects the raw water supply hose and the purified water discharge hose. Purified water can be easily obtained by operating the faucet in the kitchen.

However, this type of water purifier is usually installed in the back of the sink storage part, and in order to remove the water purifier, it is necessary to take out the items stored in front, which is a problem that it takes time and effort to replace. there were. In addition, when replacing the cartridge, when the one-touch joint is removed from the cartridge and attached to the new cartridge, there is a problem that the one-touch joint is attached to the raw water inlet and purified water outlet by mistake.

On the other hand, for example, as in Patent Document 2, it is composed of a holder having a raw water inlet and a purified water outlet, and a filtration cartridge having a raw water inlet and a purified water outlet detachably attached to this holder. 1, a rotatable filtration cartridge fixing means is provided, a raw water inlet pipe is connected to the raw water inlet port, and a purified water outlet pipe is connected to the purified water outlet port. Since the holder is directly connected to the cartridge, there is no need for a water pipe such as a hose, and there is no need to connect a hose when replacing the cartridge.

In addition, in the water purifier of Patent Document 1, since the adsorbent part is arranged radially outside the hollow fiber membrane bundle, the outer diameter of the cartridge becomes large as a result, and there is a problem that the storage space under the kitchen cannot be secured. there were.

On the other hand, there is a cartridge for a water purifier in which molded activated carbon and hollow fiber membranes are coaxially arranged in this order from the downstream side, as disclosed in Patent Document 3, for example. With this structure, it is possible to reduce the outer diameter of the cartridge while securing the filter medium volume for securing the necessary filtering capacity.

JP 2007-275814 A WO 1999/00645 WO2015/199161

[First issue]
However, in the holder proposed in Patent Document 2, when the other ends of the raw water introduction pipe and the purified water outlet pipe are connected to the faucet for the water purifier, the raw water inlet pipe and the purified water outlet pipe are twisted, and the twist is caused by the purified water. There is a risk that the leak will be transmitted to the device faucet and cause water leakage from the connection part with the water purifier faucet. In addition, water leakage may occur when high water pressure is applied to the connecting portions of the raw water inlet pipe and the raw water inlet, and the purified water outlet pipe and the purified water outlet.

Therefore, in the present invention, by making the raw water inlet pipe and the purified water outlet pipe rotatable, the twist generated when connecting the water purifier faucet, the raw water inlet pipe, and the purified water outlet pipe is released, and the connection with the water purifier faucet is performed. Purified water that prevents water leakage from the parts and prevents water leakage even when high water pressure is applied by pressing and fixing the mouth fittings and hose body composed of the raw water inlet pipe and purified water outlet pipe with fastening members. provide utensils.

[Second issue]
In addition, the molded activated carbon used in the cartridge proposed in Patent Document 3 requires the addition of a binder other than activated carbon when molding the activated carbon, and the amount of activated carbon is reduced in order to mold into a predetermined volume. put away. By using a powder filter medium instead of molded activated carbon, the filter medium occupied by the binder contributes to filtration, and the filtration capacity can be improved. The pressure loss in water increases, and a predetermined filtration flow rate cannot be secured.

Therefore, the present invention provides a filter cartridge for a water purifier that can secure the required filtering capacity in a compact shape and that does not reduce the storage space under the kitchen sink when installed in the storage space under the kitchen sink. .

[Means for solving the first problem]
(1-1) The water purifier of the present invention for solving the first problem has a filter cartridge containing a filter medium and a water purifier filter head to which the filter cartridge is detachable,
The water purifier filter head is
a filter head connecting portion that connects the filter cartridge;
a raw water introduction pipe arranged at the filter head connecting portion for introducing raw water into the filter cartridge;
and a purified water lead-out pipe arranged at the filter head connecting portion for leading out the purified water purified by the filter cartridge,
The raw water inlet pipe and the purified water outlet pipe, respectively,
A mouth metal fitting composed of a cylindrical head and a cylindrical nipple portion extending from the head, and having a flow path formed in the center portion passing through the head and the nipple portion;
a hose body inserted into the nipple;
and a fastening member that is attached to the outer periphery of the hose body and presses and fixes the hose body to the nipple portion,
The head of the mouth fitting of the raw water inlet pipe and the head of the mouth fitting of the purified water outlet pipe are respectively arranged in two circular insertion recesses formed in the filter head connecting portion, and are removed from the insertion recess by fixing means. By being fixed so as not to come off, the raw water inlet pipe and the purified water outlet pipe are each fixed rotatably with respect to the filter head.

(1-2) In the water purifier of the present invention, each of the mouth fitting of the raw water introduction pipe and the mouth fitting of the purified water outlet pipe has a larger outer diameter of the head than the outer diameter of the nipple,
The fixing means includes a fixing plate formed with one or two openings large enough for the nipple portion to pass through but not for the head portion, and a fixing member for fixing the fixing plate to the filter head connecting portion. and
The filter head is arranged such that the fixed plate allows the portions of the raw water inlet pipe and the purified water outlet pipe, other than the head portion, to pass through the opening of the fixed plate, and the head portions are arranged in the insertion recess. It is preferable that the raw water inlet pipe and the purified water outlet pipe are rotatably fixed to the filter head by being fixed to the connecting portion by a fixing member.

[Means for solving the second problem]
(2-1) The water purifier filter cartridge of the present invention for solving the second problem comprises a cylindrical filter body provided with a raw water inlet and a purified water outlet,
A cylindrical powder filter medium module containing a powder filter medium and a cylindrical hollow fiber membrane module containing a hollow fiber membrane, which are coaxially housed in the filter body,
A filter cartridge for a water purifier having a structure in which water entering from the raw water inlet passes through the interior of the powder filter medium module and the interior of the hollow fiber membrane module in this order and exits from the purified water outlet,
The powder filter medium module is
an outer cylinder through which water does not pass through the powder filter medium;
an inner cylinder that is disposed inside the outer cylinder and allows water to pass through without passing the powder filter medium;
An opening that is liquid-tightly connected to one end of the outer cylinder and one end of the inner cylinder, closes a space between one end of the outer cylinder and one end of the inner cylinder, and communicates with a space on the inner diameter side of the inner cylinder. the formed upper inner cover;
a bottom lid liquid-tightly connected to the other end of the outer cylinder and the other end of the inner cylinder, and closing a space between one end of the outer cylinder and one end of the inner cylinder and a space on the inner diameter side of the inner cylinder; ,
The powder filter medium stored in a space surrounded by the outer cylinder, the inner cylinder, the upper inner lid and the bottom lid,
One end of the hollow fiber membrane module is liquid-tightly connected to the purified water discharge port, and the other end is liquid-tightly connected to the upper inner lid of the powder filter medium module directly or via another member. ,
When the powder filter media are arranged in order of particle diameter, the particle diameter D90 at which the cumulative number is 90%, the particle diameter D10 at which the cumulative number is 10%, and the particles at which the cumulative number is 50% The diameter D50 satisfies 0.5≦(D90−D10)/D50≦0.9.

(2-2) In the water purifier filter cartridge of the present invention, the raw water receiving port and the purified water discharge port are provided at one end of the filter body,
connecting the gap between the filter main body and the outer cylinder of the powder filter medium module, the gap between the filter main body and the upper inner cover of the powder filter medium module, and the gap between the filter main body and the hollow fiber membrane module It is preferable that a water passage communicating with the raw water receiving port is formed.

(2-3) Further, in the filter cartridge for a water purifier of the present invention, the bottom cover of the powder filter medium module is located on the other side opposite to one end of the filter body provided with the raw water inlet and the purified water outlet. It is preferable that it also serves as a lid that closes the end.

According to the water purifier of the present invention, since the raw water inlet pipe and the purified water outlet pipe are rotatably fixed, the twist generated when connecting the water faucet for the water purifier with the raw water inlet pipe and the purified water outlet pipe is relieved. It is possible to prevent water leakage from the connection part with the water purifier faucet.

In addition, according to the preferred embodiment of the water purifier of the present invention, by pressing and fixing the mouth fittings and the hose body formed on the raw water inlet pipe and the purified water outlet pipe with the fastening member, even when high water pressure is applied, the water is Leakage can be prevented.

Further, according to the water purifier of the preferred embodiment of the present invention, since the fixing plate and the filter head connecting portion are firmly fixed by the fixing member, the fixing plate cannot be removed unless using a tool or the like. can be prevented from being accidentally disassembled.

According to the filter cartridge for a water purifier of the present invention, since water is passed radially from the outside to the inside of the cylindrical powder filter medium portion, pressure loss during water passage is reduced. Since the width of the particle size distribution is below a certain level, it is possible to reduce the pressure loss caused by passing water.

According to the preferred embodiment of the water purifier cartridge of the present invention, both the raw water receiving port and the purified water discharge port are provided at one end of the filter body, so that the pipe connecting the raw water receiving port and the purified water discharge port is arranged in one place. Since it is collected, it is possible to secure the space under the sink.

Further, according to the water purifier cartridge of the preferred aspect of the present invention, the bottom lid of the powder filter medium module also serves as a lid for closing the filter main body, so the number of parts can be reduced.

It is a perspective view which shows an example of the water purifier in this invention. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of a filter cartridge used in a water purifier according to the present invention; FIG. It is a sectional view showing an example of a water purifier in the present invention. It is a sectional view showing an example of the filter head for water purifiers used for the water purifier in the present invention. It is a perspective view which shows an example of the filter head for water purifiers used for the water purifier in this invention. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing an example of a filter head connecting portion used in the water purifier of the present invention; 1 is a perspective view showing an example of a raw water inlet pipe and a purified water outlet pipe used in the water purifier of the present invention; FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of a filter head fixing plate used in a water purifier according to the present invention; FIG. It is a sectional view showing an example of the filter head for water purifiers used for the water purifier in the present invention. It is a left view which shows an example of the filter head for water purifiers used for the water purifier in this invention. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing an example of a movable shaft used in the water purifier of the present invention; FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a filter cartridge used in the water purifier of the present invention; FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a filter cartridge used in the water purifier of the present invention; It is sectional drawing (FIG. A) and perspective view (FIG. B) which show an example of the ring case used for the water purifier in this invention. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of a current plate used in a water purifier according to the present invention; FIG. It is sectional drawing (FIG. A) and perspective view (FIG. B) which show an example of the upper inner cover used for the water purifier in this invention. It is sectional drawing (FIG. A) and perspective view (FIG. B) which show an example of the bottom cover used for the water purifier in this invention. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a hollow fiber membrane module used in a water purifier according to the present invention; FIG. It is sectional drawing (FIG. A) and perspective view (FIG. B) which show an example of the connection cap used for the water purifier in this invention.

One embodiment of the water purifier of the present invention will be described based on the drawings.
As shown in FIG. 1, this water purifier 1 includes a filter cartridge 2 containing a filter medium, a raw water inlet pipe 7 and a purified water outlet pipe 8, and is composed of a water purifier filter head 3 to which the filter cartridge 2 is detachable. ing.

Next, each member which comprises the filter head 3 for water purifiers is demonstrated.
As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the water purifier filter head 3 includes a raw water inlet pipe 7, a purified water outlet pipe 8, a filter head connecting portion 5, a filter head fixing plate 4 disposed on the upper surface of the filter head connecting portion 5, and a lower surface. and a flange 6 arranged in the

Next, each member constituting the raw water inlet pipe 7 and the purified water outlet pipe 8 will be described.
As shown in FIG. 7, the raw water inlet pipe 7 is composed of a fitting 11, a fastening member 15 and a hose body 16. As shown in FIG. The mouth fitting 11 is composed of a cylindrical head portion 14 and a cylindrical nipple portion 13 extending from the head portion 14, and a flow path passing through the head portion 14 and the nipple portion 13 is formed in the center. there is Then, the hose body 16 is inserted into the nipple portion 13, and the fastening member 15 attached to the outer periphery of the hose body 16 is pressed and fixed, whereby the hose body 16 is fixed between the nipple portion 13 and the fastening member 15. .

The fastening member 15 that presses and fixes the hose body 16 may be any material as long as it does not allow water to leak or the hose to come off due to water pressure when the piping hose is connected and water is passed. Examples of such fastening members include crimping sleeves, hose clamps, binding bands, and the like that are crimped and fixed.

The material of the fastening member 15 may be inexpensive resin such as polypropylene, polyacetal, polyethylene, nylon, or polycarbonate, but from the viewpoint of strength, metal such as stainless steel, brass, or bronze is preferable.

As with the raw water inlet pipe 7 , the purified water outlet pipe 8 is composed of a fitting 11 , a crimping sleeve 15 and a hose body 16 . The mouth fitting 11 is composed of a cylindrical head portion 14 and a cylindrical nipple portion 13 extending from the head portion 14, and a flow path passing through the head portion 14 and the nipple portion 13 is formed in the center. there is Then, the hose body 16 is inserted into the nipple portion 13, and the crimping sleeve 15 attached to the outer periphery of the hose body 16 is crimped so that the hose body 16 is fixed between the nipple portion 13 and the crimping sleeve 15. be. That is, it is preferable that the raw water inlet pipe 7 and the purified water outlet pipe 8 are firmly fixed even when high water pressure or external force is applied.

From the viewpoint of strength, the metal fitting 11 is preferably made of metal such as stainless steel, brass, or bronze.

The filter head connecting portion 5 shown in FIGS. 1, 4, 5, and 6 is a bottomed double cylinder having a first cylindrical portion 233 and a second cylindrical portion 234, and the space of the first cylindrical portion 233 is raw water. The space of the second cylindrical portion 234 of the inlet pipe 7 communicates with the purified water outlet pipe 8 . A pair of partially enlarged diameter portions 235 and 236, which are part of a bayonet mechanism to be described later, are provided on the inner peripheral side of the first circumferential portion 233. On the outer side of the first cylindrical portion 233, a A number of ribs 237 are provided.

A bottomed cylindrical portion 226 of the filter head connecting portion 5 on the raw water inlet pipe 7 side incorporates a check valve 213 that opens the flow path when the filter cartridge 2 is attached.
A bottomed cylindrical portion 226 on the purified water outlet pipe 8 side of the filter head connecting portion 5 incorporates a check valve 214 for preventing reverse flow of water.

When the filter cartridge 2 is removed from the water purifier filter head 3, the check valves 213 and 214 attached to the raw water inlet pipe 7 and the purified water outlet pipe 8 of the water purifier filter head 3 close the flow path. Prevents water from backflowing or leaking.

The filter head fixing plate 4 shown in FIGS. 4 and 8 is provided with openings 17 and 18 through which the straight tube portion 222 of the fitting 11 is passed.

The mouthpiece 11 of the raw water introduction pipe 7 is arranged in the insertion recess 220 of the filter head connecting portion 5 , and the straight pipe portion 222 of the mouthpiece 11 passes through the opening 17 of the filter head fixing plate 4 . Similarly, the purified water lead-out pipe 8 has the fitting 11 arranged in the insertion recess 220 of the filter head connecting portion 5 , and the straight pipe portion 222 of the fitting 11 passes through the opening 18 of the filter head fixing plate 4 .

The filter head fixing plate 4 is fixed to the filter head connection portion 5 with a plurality of fixing members 227 while pressing the head end face 223 of the head 14 of the mouth fitting 11 . As a result, the filter head fixing plate 4 axially fixes the fitting 11 to the insertion recess 220 of the filter head connecting portion 5 to prevent the fitting 11 from coming off. allows movement.

The fixing member 227 for fixing the filter head fixing plate 4 to the filter head connecting portion 5 may be a push rivet, a snap rivet, a snap lock, or a snap lock that does not require tools, other than tapping screws used for plastic or wooden boards. may In addition, the fixing member 227 is arranged as a claw on either the filter head fixing plate 4 or the filter head connecting portion 5, and the other is formed with an opening, and the claw is inserted into the opening to fix. good too.
The material of the fixing member 227 may be inexpensive resin such as polypropylene, polyacetal, polyethylene, nylon, or polycarbonate, but from the viewpoint of strength, metal such as stainless steel, brass, or bronze is preferable.

As a matter of course, the straight tube portion 222 of the fitting 11 is located inside the openings 17 and 18 of the filter head fixing plate 4 and inside the outer peripheral surface of the head 14 of the fitting 11. 18 is a size through which the head 14 does not penetrate but the straight tube portion 222 penetrates. If the openings 17 and 18 are circular, the relationship is: the outer diameter of the head 14 > the diameter of the openings 17 and 18 > the outer diameter of the straight tube portion 222 .

4 and 8, the fitting 11 has a straight pipe portion 222 between the nipple portion 13 and the head portion 14, the outer diameter of which is larger than that of the nipple portion 13 and smaller than that of the head portion 14. However, a form without the straight tube portion 222 may be used. In this case, when fixing the raw water inlet pipe 7 and the purified water outlet pipe 8 to the filter head connection part 5, it is sufficient that the nipple part 13 passes through the openings 17 and 18 of the filter head fixing plate 4. The sizes of 17 and 18 may be such that the head portion 14 does not penetrate but the nipple portion 13 penetrates. If the openings 17 and 18 are circular, the outer diameter of the head portion 14>the diameter of the openings 17 and 18>the outer diameter of the nipple portion 13 is sufficient.

The opening 17 (18) may be circular, angular, or elliptical, as long as the opening 17 (18) passes through the metal fitting 11 except for the head portion 14 and presses the head end surface 223 of the head portion 14. , U-shape, and the like. Above all, if it is the same circular shape as the head end face 223, it is preferable from the viewpoint of strength because the contact area with the head end face 223 can be secured by minimizing the opening. Two openings 17 and 18 are formed in one filter head fixing plate 4, but using two filter head fixing plates 4 in which only one opening 17 (18) is formed, each of the raw water The inlet pipe 7 and the purified water outlet pipe 8 may be fixed separately.

The filter head fixing plate 4 may be made of resin such as ABS resin, polycarbonate, polystyrene, or polypropylene, but is preferably made of metal such as stainless steel, brass, or bronze from the viewpoint of strength.

Although it is advantageous for the filter head fixing plate 4 to have a large thickness in order to ensure pressure resistance, the cost increases as a matter of course when the plate thickness is increased. 5 to 3.0 mm is preferred.

An O-ring 228 is arranged between the inner peripheral surface of the insertion recess 220 of the filter head connecting portion 5 and the outer peripheral surface of the head portion 14 when the head 14 of the fitting 11 is attached to the filter head connecting portion 5. As a result, the mouth fitting 11 and the filter head connecting portion 5 are liquid-tightly coupled, and the liquid-tightness is ensured.

The filter head connecting portion 5 may be made of metal such as stainless steel, brass, or bronze, or resin such as ABS resin, polycarbonate, polystyrene, or polypropylene. There are advantages in terms of manufacturing costs.

With the above structure, the raw water inlet pipe 7 and the purified water outlet pipe 8 can be made rotatable. As a result, the twist generated when connecting the water purifier faucet, the raw water inlet pipe 7 and the purified water outlet pipe 8 can be released, and water leakage from the connection portion with the water purifier faucet can be prevented.

Since the filter head fixing plate 4 and the filter head connecting portion 5 are firmly fixed by the tapping screws 227, water leakage can be prevented even when the water purifier 1 is subjected to high water pressure. Moreover, since the tapping screw 227 cannot be removed without using a tool or the like, it is possible to prevent the user from erroneously disassembling the device.

The flange 6 shown in FIG. 5 has a ring shape and is fixed to the filter head connection portion 5 with a plurality of self-tapping screws 227 . Partially enlarged diameter portions 230 and 231, which are part of a bayonet mechanism described later, are provided on the inner peripheral side of the ring shape so that a pair of protrusions 91 and 92 provided on the filter cartridge 2 described later can pass through. It's becoming

The material of the flange 6 may be metal such as stainless steel, brass, or bronze, or resin such as ABS resin, polycarbonate, polystyrene, or polypropylene. There are advantages in terms of cost.

The filter cartridge 2 shown in FIGS. 2, 12, and 13 is attached to and connected to the water purifier filter head 3 so as to be detachable by rotating by a bayonet mechanism, and the water purifier 1 is constructed. More specifically, at least two protrusions 91 and 92 are provided on the outer circumference of the filter body 82 of the filter cartridge 2, and pass through the enlarged diameter portions 230 and 231 of the flange 6 to engage and rotate. As a result, coupling is achieved by a bayonet mechanism. When the filter cartridge 2 is to be removed, it is done by rotating it in the direction opposite to that when it is connected.

Since the filter cartridge 2 is attached to and detached from the water purifier filter head 3 by the bayonet mechanism, the attachment and detachment operation is simple and easy.

5, 9, 10, and 11, in the closed space 232 between the inner surface of the filter head connecting portion 5 and the flange 6, the movable shaft 215 is placed between the inner surface of the filter head connecting portion 5 and the flange 6. A spring 216 is provided between the filter head connecting portion 5 and the movable shaft 215 . When the filter cartridge 2 is rotated for attachment to the water purifier filter head 3, the protrusion 217 of the filter main body 82 of the filter cartridge 2 comes into contact with the inclined portion 218 of the movable shaft 215, and the movable shaft 215 is moved. The shaft 215 is arranged so as to be movable upward, to climb over the convex portion 217 , and to engage the movable shaft 215 and the convex portion 217 . By this ride (engagement), a feeling of attachment of the filter cartridge 2 by the bayonet mechanism can be obtained.

The feeling of wearing allows the user to know that the attachment is complete, and to perform the attachment without error (so as not to leak water). Further, when the convex portion 217 is located on the lower outer periphery of the water purifier filter head 3, the user can visually recognize it, so that the wearing feeling and the completion of wearing can be visually confirmed more reliably.

When the filter cartridge 2 is removed from the water purifier filter head 3, it is removed by reversing the mounting procedure. After moving the protruding portion 219 of the movable shaft 215 upward, the user rotates the filter cartridge 2 in the direction opposite to that at the time of coupling to complete the removal. By arranging the spring 216, the user cannot remove the filter cartridge 2 unless he/she is conscious of the removal operation, so that the user's unintended removal or dropout of the filter cartridge 2 can be prevented.

The material of the movable shaft 215 may be metal such as stainless steel, brass, or bronze, or resin such as ABS resin, polycarbonate, polystyrene, or polypropylene. There are advantages in terms of quality and manufacturing costs.

The filter cartridge 2 shown in FIGS. 2, 3, 12, and 13 has a raw water receiving port 86 and a purified water discharge port 88 on the upper end side, a filter body 82 with an open bottom end, and a filter body 82 that closes the opening at the bottom end. A storage space is formed together with the bottom lid 201 . The hollow fiber membrane module 38 containing the hollow fiber membrane bundle 105, the ring case 208 containing the ion exchanger 203, and the powder filter medium module 249 containing the powder filter medium 102 are contained in this storage space. From the side, the powder filter medium module 249, the ring case 208, and the hollow fiber membrane module 38 are coaxially arranged in this order and connected in a liquid-tight manner. The filter cartridge 2, as shown in FIG. It can be used as a part to purify raw water and discharge it as purified water.

Providing both the raw water receiving port 86 and the purified water discharge port 88 on the upper end side of the filter body 82 is preferable because the filter cartridge 2 can be made compact. However, if the size of the filter cartridge 2 is not a concern, the raw water receiving port 86 may be provided on the lower end side of the filter cartridge 2 and the purified water discharge port 88 may be provided on the upper end side of the filter cartridge 2 .

The hollow fiber membrane module 38 is composed of a hollow fiber membrane case 103 , a hollow fiber membrane bundle 105 and a casting material 106 . The hollow fiber membrane bundle 105 is housed in the hollow fiber membrane case 103 by sealing and fixing with a casting material 106 on the downstream side of the hollow fiber membrane case 103 .

The ion exchanger 203 is housed in a ring case 208 containing the ion exchanger 203 . A rectifying plate 202 that produces a rectifying effect on the ion exchanger 203 is attached to an upper inner cover 207 to be described later, and is arranged upstream of the ion exchanger 203 .

The powder filter medium module 249 is composed of the powder filter medium 102 , inner cylinder 206 , outer cylinder 205 , upper inner lid 207 and bottom lid 201 . The powder filter medium 102 is housed in a substantially cylindrical housing space surrounded by an inner cylinder 206 , an outer cylinder 205 , an upper inner lid 207 and a bottom lid 201 . As shown in FIG. 12, the raw water entering from the raw water receiving port 86 passes through the tubular gap formed between the inner wall surface 239 of the filter body 82 and the outer peripheral surface of the hollow fiber membrane case 103 and the outer peripheral surface of the outer cylinder 205. 238, it passes through the outer cylinder 205, the powder filter medium 102, and the inner cylinder 206 in this order in the radial direction, and the rectifying plate 202, the ion exchanger 203, It is filtered by the hollow fiber membrane 105 and discharged as purified water from the purified water outlet 88 .

Arranging the raw water receiving port 86 coaxially outside the purified water discharge port 88 is the most effective, rational, and preferred form for making the filter cartridge 2 compact.

Arranging the hollow fiber membrane module 38, the ring case 208, and the powder filter medium module 249 coaxially is the most effective, rational, and preferred form for making the filter cartridge 2 compact. If the ion exchange action is not required, the ring case 208 may be omitted, and the hollow fiber membrane module 38 and the powder filter medium module 249 may be coaxially arranged and liquid-tightly connected.

Next, each member constituting the filter cartridge 2 will be described.
The outer cylinder 205 is composed of a support frame 34 made of synthetic resin and a filter material 36 . A plurality of grid-like openings 35 are provided on the peripheral surface of the support frame 34 of the outer cylinder 205 , and the peripheral surface of the support frame is made of polyethylene terephthalate, polypropylene, or the like so as to cover the openings 35 . A filter material 36 made of synthetic fibers such as polyethylene and nylon is fixed.

Since the filter material 36 has a filtering function that allows the water to be treated to pass through while preventing the powdery filter material 102 facing it from leaking, the opening of the filter material 36 is smaller than the particle size of the powdery filter material 102. It is a thing. Moreover, in order to reduce the pressure loss caused by the passage of water, it is preferable that the opening ratio of the filter material 36 is as large as the strength allows. Similarly, the aperture ratio of the opening 35 of the support frame 34 is preferably as large as the strength permits.

As described above, the outer cylinder 205 is composed of a cylindrical support frame 34 having a plurality of openings 35 on its wall surface, and a filter material 36 fixed to the support frame 34 and covering the openings 35. The strength of the outer cylinder 205 is improved, the outer cylinder 205 is deformed by the water pressure generated in the water purification process, and the layer thickness of the powder filter medium 102 (adsorbent layer) is reduced. It is possible to suppress deterioration in the filtration performance of the water purification cartridge due to a reduction in the distance between the layers and insufficient adsorption processing of the raw water in the adsorbent layer.

Furthermore, in order to effectively utilize the entirety of the powdery filter medium 102 housed in the approximately cylindrical housing space, the area where the opening 35 exists substantially coincides with the area where the facing powdery filter medium 102 exists. It is preferable to let The filter material 36 covering the opening of the opening 35 may be a thin sheet such as a non-woven fabric or a woven fabric such as a mesh. .

As a method for fixing the filter material 36 to the support frame 34 of the outer cylinder 205, the method of integrally molding the filter material 36 when the outer cylinder 205 is molded is preferable in that it can be firmly attached.

When the filter material 36 is integrally molded, if the filter material 36 is positioned on the outer peripheral surface of the support frame 34 , the powder filter material 102 filled and accommodated inside the outer cylinder 205 in the radial direction is as large as the thickness of the support frame 34 . You can only increase the filling amount. Furthermore, by providing ribs and projections on the outside of the support frame 34 to sandwich the filter material 36, the strength can be improved so that the filter material 36 does not separate from the support frame 34 due to water pressure. Moreover, if it is a rib, it can also contribute to the strength improvement of the support frame 34, and it is preferable.

Moreover, as a fixing method, it is also possible to attach with an adhesive, heat-seal, ultrasonic-seal, or pressure-bond. With these methods, it is possible to change the mesh size and basis weight of the filter material according to the particle size of the powder filter medium 102 to be used, and it is possible to create a plurality of types of outer cylinders with one type of support frame. Since the shape of the mold for the support frame is also simple, the cost of the product can be reduced, which is preferable. In the case of these fixing methods, the filter material 36 can be easily fixed by positioning it on the outer peripheral surface of the support frame 34, and the water pressure can be dispersed and held by both the filter material 36 and the support frame 34, so that peeling and the like can be prevented. Problems are less likely to occur, and it is also preferable in terms of strength.

Among these fixing methods, thermal welding or ultrasonic welding is preferable in order to maintain fixing strength with the support frame 34 . Ultrasonic welding is preferably used because the amount of energy to be applied can be adjusted according to the material of the selected filter material 36 and the filter material 36 can be fixed to the support frame 34 with a certain strength or more.

Specifically, a sheet-like polyolefin nonwoven fabric as the filter material 36 is wound so as to cover the outer peripheral surface of the support frame (of the outer cylinder), and the entire circumference of both ends in the axial direction of the nonwoven fabric in a cylindrical shape is There is a fixed form in which the powder filter medium 102 is sealed by ultrasonic welding to the outer peripheral surface of the support frame (cylinder), and also to the seams in the axial direction of the nonwoven fabric wound in a cylindrical shape. preferable. Although this fixed form is simple in that the ultrasonic welding part is a minimum area, it exhibits a certain effect that the powder filter medium 102 does not leak.

As a matter of course, the outer cylinder 205 is located inside the filter main body 82 and positioned radially outside of the inner cylinder 206 , so there is a relationship of filter main body 82 diameter>outer cylinder 205 diameter>inner cylinder 206 diameter.
An O-ring 229 is attached to the annular groove of the lower end opening 212 of the outer cylinder 205 . Since it is connected to the bottom lid 201 via the outer cylinder 205, purified water and raw water (unpurified tap water) are not mixed.

The inner cylinder 206 has a cylindrical shape, and the opening is adjusted so that the powder filter medium 102 does not pass through but water passes through it. Those having an opening of 20 to 50 μm can be preferably used. A nonwoven fabric made of polyolefin heat-fusible fibers is used as a raw material, and the nonwoven fabric is formed into a cylindrical shape by winding the nonwoven fabric multiple times around a heated shaft, and the resulting nonwoven fabric is cut into a predetermined length. However, it is not limited to this. It may be formed by melting an olefinic material such as polypropylene into a cylindrical shape by blow molding. A nonwoven fabric or a mesh cloth may be welded or adhered to a cylindrical resin molded body having an opening on the outer peripheral surface. good too. The inner cylinder 206 is preferably non-woven fabric. Since the inner cylinder is made of non-woven fabric, the thickness of the inner cylinder is reduced compared to the case where the inner cylinder has a mesh member fixed to the inner peripheral surface of the inner case having a side opening, and the size of the water purifier cartridge is reduced. is the same, more powder filter media 102 can be packed.

The thickness of the inner cylinder 206 made of non-woven fabric is preferably 0.5 to 2 mm. If the thickness is less than 0.5 mm, the problem of sinking occurs due to water flow resistance and pressure loss of the powder filter medium 102 when water flows. If the thickness exceeds 2 mm, it protrudes to the outer diameter side, reducing the filling amount of the powder filter medium 102 . If the thickness is 0.5 to 2 mm, it will not collapse, and the filling amount of the powder filter medium 102 will not be inappropriately reduced.

A downstream end (one end) of the inner cylinder 206 is fixed by fitting to an inner rib 240 of an upper inner lid 207, which will be described later. The fit is such that the powder filter medium 102 does not leak and the axial centering work described later can be performed.

An upstream end (one end) of the inner cylinder 206 is fixed to an inner rib 209 of the bottom lid 201 by fitting. The fit is such that the powder filter medium 102 does not leak and the axial centering work described later can be performed.

As shown in FIGS. 16A and 16B, the upper inner cover 207 has a disk shape with an opening 32 in the center, and has an outer rib 33 at a portion connected to the outer cylinder 205 and a rib 33 at a portion connected to the inner cylinder 206. , an inner rib 240 is erected. The outer rib 33 has a thickness of 0.3 to 2.0 mm and a height of 1 to 4 mm, and serves to align the central axes of the outer cylinder 205 and the upper inner lid 207 . The inner diameter of the outer rib 33 is substantially the same as the outer diameter of the outer cylinder 205, and also serves to prevent the powder filter medium 102 from protruding to the outside and leaking.

An opening 32 is provided on the inner diameter side of the inner rib 240 . The inner diameter of the inner rib 240 is substantially the same as the outer diameter of the inner cylinder 206, and the inner cylinder 206 is fixed to the inner rib 240 by fitting. The fit is such that the powder filter medium 102 does not leak and the axial centering work described later can be performed. As a result, the inner diameter channel 22 of the inner cylinder 206 and the opening 32 communicate with each other. That is, a flow path from the powder filter medium 102 to the current plate 202 is secured.

It is preferable that the upper inner cover 207 is transparent, because the condition inside the upper inner cover 207 can be checked to see if there is any abnormality during assembly.

A plurality of protrusions 243 are arranged on the outer peripheral surface of the outer rib 33 . Since the central axis of the upper inner lid 207 and the central axis of the filter body 82 can be easily aligned, this is preferable in terms of improving assembly workability.

The material of the upper inner lid 207 may be metal such as stainless steel, brass, or bronze, or resin such as ABS resin, polycarbonate, polystyrene, or polypropylene. There are advantages in terms of manufacturing costs.

As shown in FIGS. 17A and 17B, the bottom lid 201 is cylindrical with a bottom, and after the outer cylinder 205 and inner cylinder 206 are inserted, the filter body 82 is fastened using screws and O-rings. be. Fixing of the filter body 82 may be welding. Welding eliminates the need for a seal member such as an O-ring, resulting in lower manufacturing costs. Although ultrasonic welding, rotary welding, vibration welding, and the like are not particularly limited, rotary welding is preferable because the welding area can be widened and the pressure resistance of the filter cartridge is increased.

A large number of ribs 245 are provided on the bottom surface of the bottom lid 201 to improve strength.

The material of the bottom lid 201 may be metal such as stainless steel, brass, or bronze, or resin such as ABS resin, polycarbonate, polystyrene, or polypropylene. There are advantages in terms of manufacturing costs.

Next, the powder filter medium 102 will be explained. As shown in FIG. 13, the powder filter medium 102 is housed in a substantially cylindrical housing space formed by the inner cylinder 206, the outer cylinder 205, the upper inner lid 207, and the bottom lid 201 described above. In terms of the manufacturing process, before the upper inner cover 207 is fitted to the inner cylinder 206 and the outer cylinder 205, the powder filter medium 102 is filled from the portion between the upper part of the inner cylinder 206 and the upper part of the outer cylinder 205. After completion of filling, the upper inner lid 207 is fitted to the upper outer wall surface of the inner cylinder 206 and the upper outer wall surface of the outer cylinder 205 so as to seal the powder filter medium 102 . In addition, it is a preferable method to increase the packing density of the powder filter medium by vibrating, sucking, and exhausting the powder filter medium 102 at the time of filling, in order to improve the filtering capacity of the water purification cartridge.

As the powdery filter medium 102, granular or powdery activated carbon made from coconut shells, wood, coal, etc., or granular or powdery ion exchanger suitable for removing heavy metals such as lead in raw water, such as titanium silicic acid. Salts, aluminosilicates such as zeolite, ion exchange resins, etc., can be appropriately combined and filled before use.

In addition, since the bottom lid 201 also serves as a lid that closes the powder filter medium 102 and one end of the filter main body 82, the powder filter medium 102 can be filled up to the surface of the bottom lid 201. This is preferable because it does not require a separate member for closing one end.

As the powder filter medium 102, those having an average particle size in the range of approximately 30 to 900 μm can be used, and are selected and used according to the type, application, and performance of the water purification cartridge. Since the surface area increases when the particle size is reduced, the adsorption capacity and ion exchange capacity of the powder filter medium can be increased, and the packing density of the powder filter medium can also be improved. The particle size of the powder filter medium is measured using a laser diffraction particle size distribution analyzer (manufactured by Shimadzu Corporation, Model SALD-3100). diameter) is taken as the average particle size.

In the conventional filter media such as activated carbon for compacts, the volume ratio of the binder for molding occupies about 30 to 20%, and this portion does not contribute to filtration. The volume that was previously used can be filled with activated carbon or an ion exchanger, and the increased filter media contributes to filtration, so the filtration capacity can be greatly improved.

In general, when the particle size is reduced, pressure loss increases when water flows through the powder filter medium portion, and it may not be possible to secure a predetermined filtration flow rate. However, in the present invention, in correspondence with the shape of the elongated substantially cylindrical inner cylinder 206 as described above, the overall shape of the substantially cylindrical accommodation space and the powder filter medium 102 accommodated therein (the powder filter medium part) shape) is longer in the axial direction and has a cylindrical shape longer than its radial length (thickness). Since water is passed radially from the outside to the inside of the cylindrical powder filter medium, the cross-sectional area of the water passage is much wider than when water is passed in the axial direction. The flow rate of water flow is reduced, and even if a powder filter medium with a small particle size is densely packed, pressure loss during water flow can be sufficiently reduced, and a predetermined filtration flow rate can be achieved.

The axial length/radial length of the cylindrical powder filter medium portion is determined by a numerical value exceeding 1 according to the required pressure loss and the like, but is preferably 2 or more. In addition, the absolute value of the radial length is the minimum required to prevent short cuts of water flow at the interface between the powder filter medium and the upper end of the accommodation space and the lower end of the accommodation space, and from the filtration principle of the powder filter medium. Although it is determined in consideration of the value and the like, it is usually about 5 mm or more in practical use.

As described above, in the present invention, even if a powder filter medium having a small particle size is packed at a high density in the powder filter medium portion, the pressure loss caused by the passage of water can be sufficiently reduced. If it is set to a certain value or less, the pressure loss can be further reduced. When the width of the particle size distribution is wide, the particle size difference between the powder filter medium particles with a small particle size and the powder filter medium particles with a large particle size becomes large. In that case, the powder filter media particles with a small particle size enter between the powder filter media particles with a larger particle size, increasing the density of the powder filter media as a whole, clogging the powder filter media part, and It is presumed that this obstructs the flow of water and becomes a major factor in the increase in pressure loss. By setting the width of the particle size distribution to be equal to or less than the average particle size, it is presumed that the effect of reducing the pressure loss is produced because the powder filter medium particles with small particle sizes are removed. Therefore, when the powder filter media are arranged in order of particle size, the particle diameter D90 at which the cumulative volume is 90%, the particle diameter D10 at which the cumulative volume is 10%, and the particle diameter D10 at which the cumulative volume is 50% The particle diameter D50 preferably satisfies 0.5≦(D90−D10)/D50≦0.9. More preferably, 0.6≦(D90−D10)/D50≦0.8.

If (D90-D10)/D50 is less than 0.5, an additional step such as sieving is required during the production of the powdery filter medium, and the proportion of the powdery filter medium that is not used due to sieving increases, resulting in an increase in cost. In addition, when (D90-D10)/D50 exceeds 0.9, there is an increased chance that filter powder particles with a small particle size will enter between filter particles with a larger particle size. Increases pressure loss in water.

As shown in FIG. 13, it is preferable that an elastic member 210 is arranged between the powder filter medium 102 and the upper inner lid 207 . In this way, the elastic member 210 presses the powder filter medium 102 and the upper inner cover 207 and closely contacts them, so that no gap is formed between the filled powder filter medium 102 and the upper inner cover 207, allowing raw water to pass through. There is no danger of shortcutting the powder filter medium 102 when wet. As the elastic member, rubber such as silicone rubber having low hardness, synthetic resin sponge, foam, non-woven fabric, felt, or the like can be used.

In the above description, it is the most effective, rational, and preferred form to make the filter cartridge compact by arranging the substantially cylindrical members coaxially with the same central axis. .

Next, the ring case 208 shown in FIGS. 14A and 14B will be described. Since the ion exchanger 203 is arranged in the ring case 208 downstream of the powder filter medium 102, the raw water is rectified by the powder filter medium 102 and can uniformly contact the entire ion exchanger 203. , specific ions (heavy metal ions such as soluble lead, etc.) in the raw water are ion-exchanged and removed.

The ring case 208 has a substantially cylindrical shape composed of an open bottom surface 24 on the upstream side, an upper surface 25 having an opening 23 , an inner cylinder 26 and an outer cylinder 27 . The ring case 208 is preferably made of synthetic resin so that it can be manufactured at a low cost, and the ion exchanger 203 can be smoothly compressed and inserted and assembled. . As a synthetic resin material, polypropylene, ABS resin (acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene resin), polyacetal, polystyrene, AS resin (acrylonitrile-styrene resin), polycarbonate, acrylic resin, polyethylene, and the like can be used.

Further, the ratio (L/d) of the axial length (L) of the powder filter medium 102 to the body portion outer diameter (d) of the filter main body 82 is 1.0 to 4.0. is compact and achieves sufficient filtration capacity. If L/d is less than 1.0, the outer diameter of the body portion of the filter cartridge 2 becomes large and the filter cartridge 2 cannot be made compact. On the other hand, if L/d is larger than 4.0, the thickness of the powder filter medium 102 in the direction of flow of water is reduced as the outside diameter (d) of the body portion of the filter cartridge 2 is reduced, and sufficient filtering capacity cannot be obtained.

In order that the ion exchanger 203 can be inserted through the open portion of the bottom surface 24 of the ring case 208, the shape of the open portion is preferably ring-shaped, similar to the shape of the ion exchanger. It is desirable that the opening 23 of the upper surface 25 of the ring case 208 has an opening area as large as possible within the range of the strength of the ring case 208 to ensure the water flow area in the ion exchanger 203 . The shape of the opening 23 is preferably a plurality of fan-like shapes obtained by equally dividing the ring-shaped upper surface 25 so that water can flow uniformly. It's okay.

The lower outer peripheral surface of the outer cylinder 27 of the ring case 208 according to this embodiment and the inner peripheral surface of the outer rib 33 of the upper inner lid 207 are substantially the same, and the outer rib 33 is fixed to the ring case 208 by fitting. ing. As a result, purified water and raw water (unpurified tap water) are not mixed.

The upper outer peripheral surface of the outer cylinder 27 of the ring case 208 and the inner peripheral surface of the outer ribs 211 of the hollow fiber membrane case 103, which will be described later, are substantially the same, and the outer ribs 211 are fixed to the ring case 208 by fitting. there is As a result, purified water and raw water (unpurified tap water) are not mixed.

A flange portion 28 is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the outer cylinder 27 . This is preferable in that positioning can be performed when the ring case 208 and the upper inner lid 207 and the ring case 208 and the hollow fiber membrane case 103 are assembled.

The material of the ring case 208 may be metal such as stainless steel, brass, or bronze, or resin such as ABS resin, polycarbonate, polystyrene, or polypropylene. There are advantages in terms of cost.
The ion exchanger 203 preferably has a ring shape in which a long filter medium having ion exchange capacity is wound and laminated in layers. In particular, when the ion exchanger 203 is a ring-shaped piece manufactured by slicing a roll-laminated sheet-like long filter medium into a predetermined axial thickness in a cross section perpendicular to the axial direction, It is more preferable because it can be manufactured at low cost. Alternatively, for example, it may be ring-shaped, in which filter media having relatively short ion-exchange capacity, such as strips, are connected together and wound in layers. Alternatively, a fibrous filter medium having an ion-exchange capacity may be simply compression-molded into a ring-shaped predetermined shape.

Furthermore, the ion exchanger 203 can be easily manufactured in a ring shape wound and stacked in layers, and in order to easily maintain the shape, the ion exchanger ₂₀₃ in the ring case 208 is Preferably, the ratio t _a /d _o of the radial thickness t _a of 203 is such that it satisfies the relationship between 0.1 and 0.35.

The long filter medium having ion exchange ability is preferably a sheet made of ion exchange fibers, but may be a non-woven fabric, felt, or the like carrying an adsorbent having ion exchange ability. The ion-exchange fiber is a fiber in which a predetermined functional group is bonded to a styrene, acrylic, methacrylic acid, or phenol polymer matrix. In order to obtain higher performance, it is preferable to use an acrylic or methacrylic acid base. Certain functional groups include sulfonic acid, carboxylic acid, trimethylammonium, dimethylethanolammonium, dimethylamine, polyamine, iminodiacetic acid, aminocarboxylic acid, polycarboxylic acid, and the like. In order to obtain higher performance, sulfonic acid and carboxylic acid are preferred. As the adsorbent having ion exchange ability, it is preferable to use inorganic adsorbents such as aluminosilicates, calcium phosphate, calcium carbonate and titanosilicates, and organic adsorbents such as ion exchange resins and chelate resins. In order to obtain higher performance, it is preferable to use titanosilicates and aluminosilicates. A plurality of filter media may be mixed and used as the long filter media. For example, by using a sheet-like molded body obtained by mixing ion exchange fiber and fibrous activated carbon, a cartridge having excellent heavy metal removal performance and improved removal performance of trihalomethane, musty odor, etc. can be obtained.

The current plate 202 shown in FIG. 15 will be described. The purified water purified by the powder filter medium 102 passes through the inner cylinder 206, touches the inner cylinder plane 248 of the ring case 208, flows in the radial direction, passes through the bottom surface 24 of the upper inner lid 207, and enters the ion exchanger 203. reach. Here, the rectifying plate 202 is provided with a plurality of opening holes 247 arranged on the upper surface 246, so that an appropriate pressure loss is applied to the inflowing purified water, so that it can flow more uniformly until it reaches the ion exchanger 203, and the ion exchange The filtering ability of the body 203 can be improved.

The opening hole 247 preferably has a hole diameter of Φ0.5 to Φ3.0 and an opening ratio of 15 to 25% with respect to the upper surface 246, considering the balance between the uniform flow of the inflowing purified water and the pressure loss.

The material of the rectifying plate 202 may be metal such as stainless steel, brass, or bronze, or resin such as ABS resin, polycarbonate, polystyrene, or polypropylene. and manufacturing cost advantages.
The filter body 82 shown in FIGS. 2 and 12 is provided with a raw water receiving port 86 at the tip, and on the outer periphery in order from the vicinity of the tip, a small diameter O-ring 87, a purified water discharge port 88, a large diameter O-ring 89, and a bayonet mechanism. A pair of protrusions 91 and 92 are provided.

The expanded diameter side of the filter body 82 is open, and the inside has a double cylindrical shape, and a connection cap 104 to be described later is inserted into the inner cylinder 93 . The inner peripheral side of the inner cylinder 93 communicates with the purified water discharge port 88 , and the outer peripheral side of the inner cylinder 93 communicates with the raw water receiving port 86 .

The material of the filter body 82 may be metal such as stainless steel, brass, or bronze, or resin such as ABS resin, polycarbonate, polystyrene, or polypropylene. There are advantages in terms of manufacturing costs.

A hollow fiber membrane bundle 105 formed by bundling hollow fiber membranes and bending them into an inverted U shape is sealed and fixed with a casting material 106 in the central opening 125 of the hollow fiber membrane case 103 shown in FIGS. A casting material 106 is filled between the hollow fiber membranes and between the hollow fiber membranes and the hollow fiber membrane case 103, and fixed by solidifying. The hollow fiber membrane 105 is opened toward the connection cap 104 by partially cutting and removing the casting material 106 before connecting the hollow fiber membrane case 103 and the connection cap 104 which will be described later. A part of the inner peripheral surface of the hollow fiber membrane case 103 is preferably subjected to texturing. The casting material 106 is prevented from being separated from the hollow fiber membrane case 103, and a load due to water pressure is applied to the casting material 106 when water is passed through. is caught, the casting material 106 does not peel off or drop off from the hollow fiber membrane case 103 .

As the material of the hollow fiber membrane casing 103, an amorphous resin having good affinity with the adhesive is preferable, and ABS resin and polystyrene are preferable in terms of safety.

Hydrophilized polysulfone hollow fiber membranes are used as the hollow fiber membrane bundle 105 . Polysulfone is excellent in biological properties, heat resistance, chemical resistance, etc., and is suitable for use in water purifiers. Hollow fiber membranes of polyacrylonitrile, polyphenylenesulfone, polyethersulfone, polyethylene, and polypropylene may be used in addition to polysulfone. A plurality of types of hollow fiber membranes made of different materials may be combined. If a hydrophobic polyethylene or polypropylene hollow fiber membrane is inserted, air mixed in water can be efficiently discharged. The hollow fiber membrane has a pore size of 0.1 to 0.3 μm, which is most suitable for trapping turbidity in tap water. The hollow fiber membrane has an outer diameter of φ300 to 600 μm, an inner diameter of φ180 to 340 μm, a thickness of 50 to 150 μm, and has sufficient strength. It is not cut during the manufacturing process of bending into a U shape or the process of pushing into the hollow fiber membrane case 103 .

Since the cross-sectional area of only the hollow fiber membranes of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 105 is set to 45 to 55% of the cross-sectional area of the opening 125 of the hollow fiber membrane case 103, it has a high turbidity filtration ability and can be used for a long time. can be done. If it is less than 45%, the membrane area of the hollow fiber membrane will become small, and if it exceeds 55%, the turbidity will not be able to reach the inside of the dense hollow fiber membrane bundle. can no longer be used. Since the outer diameter of the hollow fiber membrane is φ300 to 600 μm, which is strong and sufficiently thin, a sufficiently large membrane area can be secured in a small casing. This is also a factor in exhibiting high turbidity filtering ability.

The casting material (potting material) 106 is a two-liquid mixing type in which a main agent having fluidity and a curing agent are mixed and cured, and polyurethane, epoxy resin, or the like can be used as appropriate. They may be solidified by a centrifugal method, a stationary method, or the like.

The hollow fiber membrane case 103 is provided with a collar portion that engages with a connection cap 104, which will be described later, on the outer peripheral side of the end portion that is sealed and fixed by the casting material 106. As shown in FIG.

The connection cap 104 shown in FIGS. 13, 19(A), and (B) has a large cylinder 131 and a small cylinder 132, and a first connecting portion with the hollow fiber membrane case 103 on the inner peripheral side of one end of the large cylinder 131. 135 , and on the outer peripheral side of one end of the small cylinder 132 , there is a second connecting portion 134 with the inner cylinder 93 of the filter main body 82 . The inner circumference of the first connecting portion 135 engages with the outer circumference of the collar portion provided on the hollow fiber membrane case 103 without play. In the engaged state, the connection cap 104 and the hollow fiber membrane case 103 are welded by applying the horn of an ultrasonic welding machine from the connection cap 104 side and applying vibration energy while applying pressure. The welding method may be any method such as a butt joint method, a step joint method, a share joint method, a bead joint method, etc., and is not particularly limited. The connection cap 104 and the hollow fiber membrane case 103 may be connected by fitting instead of ultrasonic welding. An elastic member such as an O-ring may be interposed between the connection cap 104 and the hollow fiber membrane case 103 .

An O-ring 136 is attached to the annular groove of the second connecting portion 134 of the small cylinder 132 . Since the connection cap 104 is connected to the filter body 82 via the O-ring 136, purified water and raw water (unpurified tap water) are not mixed.

As the material of the connection cap 104, the same material as the hollow fiber membrane case 103 is used when connecting to the hollow fiber membrane case 103 by ultrasonic welding. ABS resin, AS resin, polyacetal, polycarbonate, and polystyrene, which have high dimensional accuracy in molding, can be used. When connecting with the hollow fiber membrane case 103 by fitting, relatively soft polyethylene or polypropylene is used. If polyethylene or polypropylene is used, it is easy to forcibly remove the mold for the undercut portion, and the mold manufacturing cost is low. Since it is relatively soft, it is easy to fit in manufacturing and improves productivity.

A protrusion 244 is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the large cylinder 131 . Since the center axis of the connection cap 104 and the center axis of the filter body 82 can be easily aligned, this is preferable in terms of improving assembly workability.

The connection cap 104 is made of the same material as the hollow fiber membrane case 103 when connecting to the hollow fiber membrane case 103 by ultrasonic welding. ABS resin, polyacetal, polycarbonate, and polystyrene, which have high dimensional accuracy in molding, can be used. When connecting with the hollow fiber membrane case 103 by fitting, relatively soft polyethylene or polypropylene is used. If polyethylene or polypropylene is used, it is easy to forcibly remove the mold for the undercut portion, and the mold manufacturing cost is low. Since it is relatively soft, it is easy to fit in manufacturing and improves productivity.

Next, installation of the water purifier 1 will be described. The installation location of the water purifier 1 of the present invention is not particularly limited, but if it is used as an undersink type water purifier that is installed under the kitchen sink, it is effective in solving the conventional problems.

The raw water inlet pipe 7 and purified water outlet pipe 8 of the water purifier filter head 3 are connected to a kitchen water purifier faucet (not shown). When the water purifier faucet is opened by, for example, turning a lever, tap water is supplied to the raw water introduction pipe 7 from a valve mechanism built into the water purifier faucet. Purified water purified by the water purifier 1 returns to the water purifier faucet from the purified water lead-out pipe 8 and is directly discharged from the outlet of the water purifier faucet without passing through the valve mechanism. That is, the water purifier 1 is provided downstream from the valve mechanism incorporated in the faucet for water purifier, and water pressure is not applied to the water purifier 1 when the water is stopped. It is a so-called type II water purifier. However, the water purifier 1 of the present invention is not limited to type II. The water purifier 1 may be used as a so-called I-type water purifier in which water pressure is applied to the water purifier 1 when water is stopped.

Next, purification of tap water by the water purifier 1 will be described. In the water purifier of the present invention, as shown by arrows in FIGS. 3 and 12, when a faucet for a water purifier (not shown) is opened, raw water flows into the raw water introduction pipe 7 of the filter head 3 for the water purifier, and the filter cartridge 2 into the raw water receiving port 86 of the filter body 82 . Here, when the filter cartridge 2 is not attached to the water purifier filter head 3, the check valve 213 and the check valve 214 close the flow path. can be prevented.

When a water purifier faucet (not shown) is opened by, for example, turning a lever, tap water flows through the raw water flow path 224 of the filter head connecting portion 5 of the water purifier filter head 3 and into the raw water receiving port of the filter cartridge 2. Flow into 86. It flows uniformly from the outer diameter side to the inner diameter side of the cylindrical powder filter medium 102, decomposes free residual chlorine in the tap water, and simultaneously adsorbs and removes volatile organic substances in the tap water. Next, the water reaches the inner cylinder 206 inside the cylindrical powder filter medium 102 , flows upward, passes through the straightening plate 202 , and reaches the ion exchanger 203 . Water flows from the lower side to the upper side of the ion exchanger 203 to remove the lead component. Next, water flows from the outer diameter side to the inner diameter side of the hollow fiber membrane 105, and turbidity and bacteria in the water are captured by the hollow fiber membrane. The purified water that has passed through the hollow fiber membrane 105 is discharged from the purified water discharge port 88 of the filter cartridge 2, and is directly discharged from the discharge port of the water purifier faucet through the purified water flow path 225 of the filter head connecting portion 5. A user can obtain delicious and safe purified water.

Finally, replacement of the filter cartridge 2 of the water purifier 1 will be explained. When the filter cartridge 2 is rotated 90 degrees counterclockwise, the filter cartridge 2 is easily removed from the water purifier filter head 3 by the bayonet mechanism.

Next, an unused filter cartridge 2 is attached to the water purifier filter head 3 . When the tip of the unused filter cartridge 2 is inserted into the water purifier filter head 3 , the central axis 242 of the filter cartridge 2 is naturally aligned with the central axis 241 of the water purifier filter head 3 . When the unused filter cartridge 2 is rotated clockwise by 90 degrees after getting the feeling of reaching the water purifier filter head 3, the unused filter cartridge 2 can be surely attached to the filter cartridge connecting part 3. - 特許庁

The particle sizes shown in the examples were measured by using a laser diffraction particle size distribution analyzer (manufactured by Shimadzu Corporation, model [SALD-3100]) on a portion of a sample that was stirred in a small amount of pure water. The particle size distribution was measured after performing ultrasonic treatment for 1 minute in a state in which the particles were circulated from the sample tank to the cells while constantly stirring in the apparatus sample tank.

(Example 1)
Coconut shell activated carbon was used as a powder filter medium. The particle diameter D50 is 197 μm when the volume particle size distribution integrated value is 50%, the particle diameter D90 is 295 μm when the volume particle size distribution integrated value is 90%, and the volume particle size distribution integrated value is 10%. The particle diameter D10 was 141 µm. This activated carbon was filled in a filter cartridge having the structure shown in FIG. 3, and the pressure loss value (1) was measured when water was passed at the indicated flow rate of 3.5 L/min. After that, the pressure loss value (2) of the filter cartridge excluding the powder filter medium was measured, and the pressure loss value (3) of the powder filter medium portion was calculated by subtracting the pressure loss (2) from the pressure loss (1). . As a result, the pressure loss in the powder filter medium part was very small.

(Example 2)
As a powder filter medium, the particle diameter D50 where the integrated value by the volume particle size distribution is 50% is 211 μm, the particle diameter D90 where the integrated value by the volume particle size distribution is 90% is 319 μm, and the volume particle size distribution is The pressure loss was measured in the same manner as in Example 1, except that coconut shell activated carbon with a particle diameter D10 of 143 μm at which the integrated value was 10% was used. Although the pressure loss was higher than that of Example 1, there was no practical problem.

(Reference example 1)
As a powder filter medium, the particle diameter D50 where the integrated value by the volume particle size distribution is 50% is 199 μm, the particle diameter D90 where the integrated value by the volume particle size distribution is 90% is 319 μm, and the volume particle size distribution The pressure loss was measured in the same manner as in Example 1, except that coconut shell activated carbon with a particle diameter D10 of 116 μm at which the integrated value was 10% was used. The pressure loss exceeded 0.018 MPa.

Table 1 summarizes the conditions of the powder filter media of Examples 1 and 2 and Reference Example 1, and Table 2 summarizes the pressure loss values. If the pressure loss value (3) at the time of 3.5 L/min water flow through the powder filter medium is 0.018 MPa or less, there is no practical problem.

The present invention relates to a water purifier for purifying tap water, and more particularly to an undersink type water purifier installed in the space beside or below a sink. It can be applied in general. It is not limited to an undersink type water purifier.

1 Water Purifier 2 Filter Cartridge 3 Water Purifier Filter Head 4 Filter Head Fixing Plate 5 Filter Head Connection Portion 6 Flange 7 Raw Water Inlet Pipe 8 Purified Water Outlet Pipe 11 Mouth Metal 13 Nipple Part 14 Head 15 Fastening Member (Crimping Sleeve)
16 hose body 17 opening 18 opening 22 inner diameter channel 23 opening 24 bottom surface 25 top surface 26 inner cylinder 27 outer cylinder 28 flange 32 opening 33 outer rib 34 support frame 35 opening 36 filter material 38 hollow fiber membrane module 82 Filter body 86 Raw water receiving port 87 Small diameter O-ring 88 Purified water discharge port 89 Large diameter O-ring 91 Convex portion 92 Convex portion 93 Inner cylinder 102 Powder filter medium 103 Hollow fiber membrane case 104 Connection cap 105 Hollow fiber membrane 106 Casting material 125 Opening 131 Large cylinder 132 Small cylinder 134 Second connection part 135 First connection part 136 O-ring 201 Bottom cover 202 Current plate 203 Ion exchanger 204 Inner inner wall 205 Outer cylinder 206 Inner cylinder 207 Upper inner lid 208 Ring case 209 Inner rib 210 Elastic member 211 Outer rib 212 Lower end opening 213 Check valve 214 Check valve 215 Movable shaft 216 Spring 217 Convex portion 218 Inclined portion 219 Protruding portion 220 Insertion concave portion 221 Channel 222 Straight pipe portion 223 Head end face 224 Raw water channel 225 Purified water channel 226 bottomed cylindrical portion 227 fixing member (tapping screw)
228 O-ring 229 O-ring 230 Partially enlarged diameter portion 231 Partially enlarged diameter portion 232 Closed space 233 First cylindrical portion 234 Second cylindrical portion 235 Partially enlarged diameter portion 236 Partially enlarged diameter portion 237 Rib 238 Gap 239 Inner wall surface 240 Inner rib 241 Central axis 242 Central axis 243 Projection 244 Projection 245 Outer rib 246 Upper surface 247 Opening hole 248 Inner cylinder flat surface 249 Powder filter medium module

Claims (3)

a cylindrical filter body provided with a raw water receiving port and a purified water outlet;
A cylindrical powder filter medium module containing a powder filter medium and a cylindrical hollow fiber membrane module containing a hollow fiber membrane, which are coaxially housed in the filter body,
A filter cartridge for a water purifier having a structure in which water entering from the raw water inlet passes through the interior of the powder filter medium module and the interior of the hollow fiber membrane module in this order and exits from the purified water outlet,
The powder filter medium module is
an outer cylinder through which water does not pass through the powder filter medium;
an inner cylinder that is disposed inside the outer cylinder and allows water to pass through without passing the powder filter medium;
An opening that is liquid-tightly connected to one end of the outer cylinder and one end of the inner cylinder, closes a space between one end of the outer cylinder and one end of the inner cylinder, and communicates with a space on the inner diameter side of the inner cylinder. the formed upper inner cover;
a bottom lid liquid-tightly connected to the other end of the outer cylinder and the other end of the inner cylinder, and closing a space between one end of the outer cylinder and one end of the inner cylinder and a space on the inner diameter side of the inner cylinder; ,
The powder filter medium stored in a space surrounded by the outer cylinder, the inner cylinder, the upper inner lid and the bottom lid,
One end of the hollow fiber membrane module is liquid-tightly connected to the purified water discharge port, and the other end is liquid-tightly connected to the upper inner lid of the powder filter medium module directly or via another member. ,
When the powder filter media are arranged in order of particle diameter, the particle diameter D90 at which the cumulative number is 90%, the particle diameter D10 at which the cumulative number is 10%, and the particles at which the cumulative number is 50% diameter D50 satisfies 0.5≦(D90−D10)/D50≦0.9,
Filter cartridge for water purifier. The raw water inlet and the purified water outlet are provided at one end of the filter body,
connecting the gap between the filter main body and the outer cylinder of the powder filter medium module, the gap between the filter main body and the upper inner cover of the powder filter medium module, and the gap between the filter main body and the hollow fiber membrane module 2. A filter cartridge for a water purifier according to claim 1, wherein a water passage communicating with said raw water inlet is formed. Purified water according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the bottom lid of said powder filter medium module also serves as a lid closing the other end opposite to one end of said filter body provided with said raw water inlet and said purified water outlet. Dexterous filter cartridge.

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