WO2003086596A1

WO2003086596A1 - Carbonated water manufacturing device, water purifier with the device, and stationary water purifier

Info

Publication number: WO2003086596A1
Application number: PCT/JP2003/004626
Authority: WO
Inventors: Motoshige Mizuno; Kazushi Odani; Kiyoshi Kato
Original assignee: Ngk Insulators, Ltd.
Priority date: 2002-04-12
Filing date: 2003-04-11
Publication date: 2003-10-23
Also published as: CN1646212A; AU2003236106A1; KR100583580B1; KR20040108730A; CN1327943C

Abstract

A carbonated water manufacturing device (10), comprising a carbon dioxide gas supply part (1) having a carbon dioxide gas flow passage (11) and supplying carbon dioxide gas (A) via. the carbon dioxide gas flow passage (11) and a mixing part (2) having a water flow passage (21) and mixing, in the water flow passage (21), the carbon dioxide gas (A) supplied from the carbon dioxide gas supply part (1) with water (B) continuously passing through the water flow passage (21) to manufacture carbonated water (C), wherein the carbon dioxide gas supply part (1) is detachably fixed to the mixing part (2), whereby carbonated water with a proper density of carbonic acid or drinking water with refreshing taste and increased throat passing taste can be rapidly supplied by the device of simple structure with an excellent maintainability and a reduced cost.

Description

Specification

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a carbonated water producing apparatus, a water purifier equipped therewith, and a stationary water purifier.

The present invention relates to a carbonated water producing apparatus and a water purifier provided with the apparatus. More specifically, it is possible to accurately and quickly control the carbonated water carbonate concentration, and to quickly supply carbonated water with an appropriate carbonate concentration or refreshing flavor, throat over, and drinking water with improved taste. The present invention relates to an inexpensive carbonated water producing apparatus having a simple structure, having excellent maintainability, and an inexpensive water purifier provided with the apparatus.

The present invention also provides a stationary water purifier for obtaining purified water from raw water such as tap water through a water purification mechanism (water purification element) including a filtering member such as a ceramic filter or a hollow fiber filter and an adsorption member such as activated carbon. In particular, it relates to an easy-to-use, stationary water purifier that can move the position of the water discharge pipe (filling nozzle) (the supply position of purified water) both horizontally and vertically. Background art

Carbonated water is used as a carbonated source of various carbonated beverages by supplying it to various carbonated beverage dispensers. In addition, by dissolving a predetermined amount of carbon dioxide in household drinking water (for example, a carbon dioxide concentration of 3 to 30 ppm), a refreshing flavor and a throat are imparted, and the taste of drinking water is improved. It is known.

As an apparatus for producing such carbonated water, various kinds of carbonated beverage dispensers, for example, the apparatus is configured as an in-line type carbonator, and pipes low-temperature drinking water to be pumped and carbon dioxide supplied from a carbon dioxide cylinder. There has been proposed a method in which gas-liquid mixing is performed directly in a road to convert the mixture into carbonated water (Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-348250). In addition, as a household carbon dioxide added water producing apparatus, for example, a water flow path and a water flow control section of a water pressure responsive gas supply valve in a water flow path, a pressure reducing valve in a carbon dioxide gas flow path, and a carbon dioxide gas flow control. One in which a gas supply section and a water pressure responsive gas supply valve are arranged has been proposed (Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 9-253636).

However, each of the above carbonated water producing apparatuses is composed of a complicated structure. Therefore, it is difficult to set and control the amount of carbon dioxide gas to be supplied, and it is not always satisfactory in terms of reliability and speed in setting the carbon dioxide concentration, and the configuration of the entire device is large and complicated. There was a problem that it had to be expensive. Another problem is that it is difficult to replace easily contaminated components (for example, components of a mixing section that mixes carbon dioxide and water). Furthermore, when used in water purifiers, for example, household water purifiers, the configuration of the carbon dioxide concentration cannot be changed, so that not only can the carbon dioxide concentration not be set according to the user's preference. However, there was a problem that it was difficult to check the operation and the like, and the usability was not good.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and it is possible to accurately and quickly control the concentration of carbonated water in carbonated water, so that the carbonated water or refreshing flavor corresponding to the user's taste, The primary objective is to provide an inexpensive carbonated water producing apparatus that can supply drinking water with improved palatability quickly, has a simple structure, is excellent in maintainability, and is inexpensive. Aim.

On the other hand, water purifiers currently on the market are roughly classified into two types: a type in which the water purification mechanism is attached to a water tap, and a stationary type in which the water purification mechanism is mounted at a position away from the faucet. The water purifier of the type that is attached to the faucet is a water purifier body that has a cartridge with a built-in water purification mechanism and a switching cock that switches between tapping water into the straight plate and discharging purified water. Since it is directly attached to the faucet, the size of the cartridge with a built-in water purification mechanism is limited due to the strength of the water tap and handling, so the water purification capacity is small and it is used exclusively for household use. On the other hand, the stationary type requires a switching cock to switch between the case where the raw water from the tap is supplied straight to the tap and the case where the purified water is obtained. It can be used to increase the water purification capacity as appropriate, so it is used for homes and businesses that use large amounts of purified water.

In this stationary type water purifier, the obtained purified water is returned to the tap and the purified water is discharged at this position, and a water discharge pipe is attached to the water purifier itself to discharge the purified water. There is one that discharges purified water from a water pipe, and it is used by appropriately selecting it according to the user's preference. In particular, in the case of the latter stationary water purifier having a water discharge pipe, the water purifier itself is large and heavy and cannot be easily moved. Rotation in a horizontal plane has been performed as a center of movement. For example, an example is described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H11-47731. Hereinafter, this known stationary water purifier will be described with reference to FIGS. 13 and 14. FIG.

The stationary type water purifier 200 described in the above-mentioned Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 11-747731 has a flow path switch 204 directly connected to a faucet 202 such as a water supply, and purifies raw water. Water purifier body 206, and a hose 208 that connects and connects the flow path switcher and the water purifier body and guides raw water to the water purifier body. Is connected to the faucet 202 via the nut 210.

The lower end of the flow path switch 204 is a raw water outlet, and the rear end is a water supply port. The hose 208 is connected to this water supply port. Accommodates a flow path switching valve (not shown), and operates the flow path switching valve by a lever 2 12 provided on the side of the flow path switch 204 to feed raw water from the faucet 202 to the raw water outlet. The state can be switched between a state in which the water is discharged as it is and a state in which the water is guided to the water purifier main body 206 via the hose 208.

As shown in Fig. 14, the water purifier body 206 has a bottomed cylindrical outer frame 2 14 and an upper lid 2 18 that supports the filter unit 2 16 and fits into the outer frame 2 14. The outer frame 2 14 has an upper end opened, and a disc-shaped bottom plate 222 fixed to the lower end. Then, one end of an L-shaped water inlet nozzle 2 24 provided with a water passage in the center of the lower end is attached to an opening hole 2 26 formed in the bottom of the outer frame 214 in a watertight manner, and a bottom plate is provided. A hose 208 is rotatably supported by 222 and a hose 208 is connected to a water inlet 222 provided at the other end of the water nozzle 222.

The upper lid 2 18 has a filter unit 2 16 attached to the lower end thereof via a filter support plate 230, and is detachably attached to the outer frame 2 14. The filter support plate 230 has an L-shaped water outlet 232 extending radially from the center of the upper end, and a short cylindrical projection 234 opened at the center of the lower end. The upper water outlet 2 36 of the filter unit 2 16 can be attached to and detached from the inner peripheral surface of the projection 2 3 4. Are linked. Further, the lower water inlet 2 388 of the filter unit 2 16 is detachably connected to the outer peripheral surface of the water nozzle 224.

Further, one end of an L-shaped connecting nozzle 240 having a water purification channel is provided so as to project upward from a semicircular opening 242 formed in the upper outer peripheral surface of the upper lid 218, and The other end of the connecting nozzle 240 is connected to the water inlet 23 of the filter support plate, and a part of the connecting nozzle 240 protruding from the opening 242 is provided on the inner surface of the upper lid. The rest is bulging on the outer surface of the upper lid.

The base end of the L-shaped water discharge pipe 220 is connected to the leading end of the connection nozzle 240, and the water discharge pipe 220 rotates about the center axis a of the connection nozzle 240. And the tip of the water discharge pipe 220 is bent downward. Therefore, in the water purifier main body 206 of this type, since the tip of the water discharge pipe 220 can rotate within a predetermined angle range in the horizontal plane with the axis a as the rotation axis, the supply position of the purified water Can be changed in a wide range at the height where the tip of the water discharge pipe 220 is located. However, since the water discharge pipe 220 cannot be rotated around a vertical plane with one end thereof as a rotation center, When supplying purified water into a container with a high water supply position (height), it may be difficult to supply water. Conversely, when supplying purified water to a container with a low height, place this container on the floor. It is necessary to always support the container by hand because there is a risk of water splashing around the surrounding area.Furthermore, while the supply of purified water is stopped, the water discharge pipe 220 is rotated in the horizontal plane Then, the purified water remaining in the water discharge pipe 220 drops from the tip of the water discharge pipe 220, and the surrounding area Problems such that there is a possibility that the flooding was present.

The present inventors have made intensive studies to solve the problems of the above-described conventional water purifier main body, and as a result, the water discharge pipe itself is rotated in a vertical plane with one end thereof as a rotation center. It was found that there was no danger of leaking water even if the spout was moved while the supply of purified water was stopped.However, the spout was not only placed in the vertical plane but also in the horizontal plane. If the rotation mechanism is also rotatable, the rotation mechanism becomes a so-called articulated structure, and the structure becomes complicated, so that there is a high possibility of water leakage at that part, and the tip of the water discharge pipe is stopped at a desired position. It was difficult to adopt because it became difficult to fix. In the case of a desk thermos, electric pot, etc., the main body is made rotatable in a horizontal plane with its center axis as a rotation axis, so that the hot water supply nozzle can freely rotate 360 degrees in the horizontal plane. It is well-known that the configuration is such that when nothing is connected to the outside or when the external connection is flexible such as an electric cord, the electric cord Applicable because it can follow the movement of the electric pot, but when applied to a rigid water supply hose attached to the water purifier main body, the center axis of the water purifier main body is pivoted. The water supply hose also moves and comes into contact with the surrounding objects along with the rotation in the horizontal plane. , Apply as is It was difficult. In addition, the above-mentioned tabletop thermos, electric pot, etc. have a substantially circular cross-section when cut in a horizontal plane, but for stationary water purifiers whose cross-section is elliptical, the center axis as the rotation axis is Because it is difficult to specify (assume) it, no attempt has been made to rotate it in a horizontal plane.

Therefore, as a result of repeated experiments, the present inventors found that the rotation range in the horizontal plane actually required for the stationary water purifier is the same as the rotation range used in the well-known tabletop thermos or electric pot. In comparison, since a very narrow range is sufficient, if a configuration that rotates the water purifier body by a predetermined angle in a horizontal plane, which has not been conventionally used in a stationary water purifier, can be adopted, Even if the water supply hose moves, the movement can be reduced, so the water discharge pipe itself can be freely rotated only in the vertical plane, so that the position of the water discharge pipe can be set in the vertical direction. The present inventors have found that they can be easily moved in the horizontal direction and can be easily fixed at a desired position, and have completed the present invention.

That is, according to the present invention, in a stationary water purifier to which a cross-sectional shape cut in a horizontal plane is an elliptical shape and to which a rigid water supply hose is attached, when the water purifier main body is rotated in the horizontal plane. Even if the water supply hose moves, by controlling the movement of the water supply hose so that it does not increase within the normally required rotation range, the position of the tip of the water discharge pipe (purified water supply position) can be leveled. It can be moved not only in the vertical direction but also in the vertical direction, and has a simple configuration and is less likely to drool. A second object is to provide a user-friendly and stationary water purifier.

In the present invention, the fact that the cross-sectional shape cut in the horizontal plane is `` oval '' does not necessarily mean that it is an elliptical shape, and the cross-sectional shape cut in the horizontal plane has rounded corners of a rectangle. Shape (racing track shape).

Further, the present invention provides a stationary carbon water purifier of a carbon dioxide gas-added type capable of obtaining a refreshing flavor and a carbonated water of a throat throat by adding carbon dioxide to purified water while achieving the above object. That is the third purpose. Disclosure of the invention

The inventor of the present invention has conducted intensive studies to achieve the above-mentioned object, and as a result, the carbon dioxide gas supply unit and the mixing unit for mixing the carbon dioxide gas and water supplied from the carbon dioxide gas supply unit are fixed in a detachable manner. The inventors have found that the above-mentioned object can be achieved by adopting such a configuration, and have completed the present invention. That is, the present invention provides the following carbonated water producing apparatus and a water purifier provided with the same.

[1] A carbon dioxide gas flow path, a carbon dioxide gas supply unit for supplying carbon dioxide gas via the carbon dioxide gas flow path, and a water flow path. A carbonated water producing apparatus comprising: a mixing unit configured to mix the supplied carbon dioxide gas and water continuously passing through the water flow path to produce carbonated water, wherein the carbon dioxide gas supply unit, the mixing unit, A carbonated water producing apparatus characterized by being detachably fixed (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as a "first invention").

With such a configuration, it is possible to accurately and promptly control the carbonate concentration of carbonated water, and to improve the taste of carbonated water or a refreshing flavor and throat overtake corresponding to the user's taste. In addition to the quick supply of drinking water, it is easy to maintain and easy to use.

[2] The carbon dioxide gas supply unit and the mixing unit are fixed in a state where the respective central axes cross each other at an angle of 30 to 90 degrees in a cross section cut along a plane including the respective central axes. The carbonated water producing apparatus according to the above [1].

[3] The water flow path of the mixing section has a bent shape, The apparatus for producing carbonated water according to the above [1], wherein the water supply section and the mixing section having the bent water flow path are detachably fixed.

[4] The carbon dioxide gas supply unit is disposed above the mixing unit.

The apparatus for producing carbonated water according to any one of [1] to [3].

[5] A cross-sectional shape of the water flow path constituting the mixing section, cut along a plane including a central axis, is such that a predetermined length portion fixed to the carbon dioxide gas supply section is rectangular, and is downstream from the rectangular section. The carbonated water producing apparatus according to any one of the above [1] to [4], wherein the predetermined length portion is a tapered frustoconical shape.

[6] The above-described [1] to [1], wherein the carbon dioxide gas supply unit includes a porous plate, a check valve, and an orifice in the carbon dioxide gas channel in this order from the end face facing the water channel. 5] The apparatus for producing carbonated water according to any one of the above items.

[7] The carbonated water production according to [6], wherein the carbon dioxide gas supply unit further comprises an orifice filter on the upstream side of the orifice to which carbon dioxide gas is supplied.

[8] The carbonated water producing apparatus according to the above [6] or [7], wherein the porous plate constituting the carbon dioxide gas supply unit has a pore diameter of 10 to 50 μm.

[9] The apparatus for producing carbonated water according to any of [6] to [8], wherein the material of the porous plate is a sintered metal, ceramics, porous glass, or fluororesin.

[10] The shape of the check valve constituting the carbon dioxide gas supply unit allows the carbon dioxide gas passing through the carbon dioxide gas flow path to pass in the direction of the porous plate, and passes through the water flow path. The carbonated water producing apparatus according to any one of [6] to [9], wherein the apparatus has a shape of an umbrella having a function of preventing water from passing in the orifice direction.

[11] The apparatus for producing carbonated water according to any of [1] to [10], further comprising a structure for periodically supplying a predetermined amount of carbon dioxide to the carbon dioxide supply unit.

[1 2] A water purifier provided with the carbonated water producing apparatus according to any one of [1] to [11] (hereinafter referred to as “second invention”). is there) .

With such a configuration, an easy-to-use water purifier equipped with a carbonated water producing apparatus can be provided.

[13] Replacement for supplying carbon dioxide to the carbon dioxide supply unit of the carbonated water producing device A carbon dioxide gas supply container (gas cylinder) installed so as to be capable of being provided, an adjusting valve connected to the carbon dioxide gas supply container for controlling a supply amount of carbon dioxide gas, and a switching means for supplying or shutting off carbon dioxide gas. The water purifier according to the above [1 2].

[14] The water purifier according to the above [13], wherein the carbon dioxide gas supply container (gas cylinder) and the regulating valve are incorporated in a housing thereof. ·

[15] The water purifier according to [13], wherein the carbon dioxide gas supply container (gas cylinder) and the regulating valve are arranged outside the housing and connected to a water purifier main body by a predetermined pipe. '

[16] The water purifier according to any one of [13] to [15], wherein the switching means comprises a push-button type ON-OFF switching valve.

[17] The water purifier according to the above [16], wherein the 〇N-OFF switching valve constituting the switching means has an auxiliary spring.

[18] The water purifier according to [16] or [17], wherein when the ON-OFF switching valve constituting the switching means is in an ON state, the supply of carbon dioxide gas is notified by sound.

[19] The water purification device according to any of [16] to [18], wherein when the ON-OFF switching valve constituting the switching means is turned on or in the OFF state, the operation is notified by a clicking sound. vessel.

[20] A water purification element for purifying water that continuously passes through the water flow path of the mixing section of the carbonated water production device to obtain purified water, and connected to an outlet side of the purified water of the water purification element. The above [12] to [19], further comprising a flow meter provided, and a filling nozzle disposed at a tip end of the mixing section and capable of filling carbonated water into a predetermined container. The water purifier according to any of the above.

[21] The water purifier according to the above [20], wherein the water purification element includes a porous ceramic body and a carbon or activated carbon.

As described above, according to the present invention (first and second inventions), the carbonate concentration of carbonated water can be accurately and quickly controlled, and the carbonated water or refreshing flavor corresponding to the user's preference can be obtained. It is possible to quickly supply drinking water with an improved taste over the throat, and at the same time, to provide a simple structure, excellent maintainability, and an inexpensive carbonated water producing apparatus. A prepared angel! / We can provide water purifiers.

Further, according to the present invention, the following stationary water purifier is provided.

[2 2] The supplied raw water is guided to the water purifier main body to purify it, and the purified water can be discharged from a water discharge pipe (filling nozzle) attached to the water purifier main body. A water purifier main body rotating means capable of rotating the water purifier main body by a predetermined angle in a horizontal plane with its central axis as a rotation axis; and A water discharge pipe rotating means for rotating the water discharge pipe on a side surface of the water purifier main body in a vertical plane around one end of the water purifier main body as a rotation center; Water purifier (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the “third invention”) With this configuration, a stationary water purifier having an elliptical cross section cut on a horizontal plane to which a rigid water supply hose is attached, Range of rotation in the horizontal plane Since the enclosure is a predetermined narrow range, even if the water supply hose moves when the water purifier body is rotated in a horizontal plane, the movement can be reduced, so that a stable rotation operation can be performed. In addition, the rotation mechanism is simplified, and the possibility of water dripping which occurs when the water discharge pipe itself is rotated in a horizontal plane is reduced.

[23] The water discharge pipe rotating means can lock the water discharge pipe by locking the rotation of the water discharge pipe at predetermined angular intervals over a predetermined angle range in the vertical plane. The stationary water purifier according to [22], further comprising a ratchet mechanism.

With such a configuration, the B soil water pipe is firmly fixed to a predetermined position to some extent, so that there is no possibility that the pipe is rotated by the discharge pressure of the purified water.

[24] The water purifier main body rotation means is provided on a part of an annular concave portion of the base member constituting the water purifier main body with which the rotation ring is engaged. The stationary water purifier according to the above [22], comprising: at least one deep groove portion; and a projection provided in a part of the rotating ring and projecting into the deep groove portion.

With this configuration, the water purifier main body can be rotated within a predetermined range in the horizontal plane with a simple configuration.

[25] The water purifier main body includes a carbon dioxide gas supply container (gas cylinder) and a carbon dioxide gas mixture. It has a mixer and a cartridge assembly (water purification element), and discharges purified water obtained from an upper outlet of the cartridge assembly (water purification element) from the water discharge pipe through the carbon dioxide gas mixer. Possible stationary water purifier according to any one of [22] to [24] (hereinafter, may be referred to as "fourth invention").

With such a configuration, carbon dioxide can be mixed into the purified water, so that carbonated water having a refreshing flavor and throat, with improved taste can be easily obtained.

[26] The stationary water purifier according to the above [25], wherein the carbon dioxide gas mixer is the carbonic acid water producing apparatus according to any one of the above [1] to [11].

With such a configuration, the concentration of carbonic acid in the carbonated water can be controlled accurately and quickly.

As described above, according to the present invention (third and fourth inventions), a stationary water purifier having a rigid water supply hose and an elliptical cross section cut along a horizontal plane is provided. Since the movement range is a predetermined narrow range, even if the water supply hose moves when the water purifier body is rotated in a horizontal plane, the movement can be reduced, so that a stable rotation operation can be performed. As a result, the position of the tip of the water discharge pipe (the supply position of purified water) can be moved not only in the horizontal direction but also in the vertical direction, and the structure is simple and there is little danger of dripping. Re, a stationary water purifier can be provided.

In addition, because a carbon dioxide gas supply means is provided, it is possible to easily obtain carbonated water with a refreshing flavor and throat, with improved taste and taste. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing one embodiment of a carbonated water producing apparatus according to the present invention (first invention).

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a modified example of the mixing section in one embodiment of the carbonated water producing apparatus according to the present invention (first invention).

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a carbon dioxide gas supply unit and a flow of carbon dioxide gas in the carbon dioxide gas supply unit in one embodiment of the carbonated water producing apparatus according to the present invention (first invention). You.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view schematically showing one embodiment of the water purifier of the present invention (second invention).

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing a modified example of one embodiment of the water purifier of the present invention (second invention).

FIG. 6 (a) is an exploded perspective view schematically showing a push button type ON-OFF switching valve in one embodiment of the water purifier of the present invention (second invention), and FIG. Is a front view of the 〇N-OFF switching valve in the OFF state. Fig. 6 (c) is a front view of the ON-OFF switching valve in the ON state. Fig. 6 (d) is ON-OFF. It is a side view when a switching valve is in an OFF state.

FIG. 7 is a plan view schematically showing a stationary water purifier according to one embodiment of the present invention (third and fourth inventions) with an upper end portion of a main body cover removed.

FIG. 8 is a front sectional view taken along line AA in FIG.

FIG. 9 is a side sectional view taken along line BB in FIG.

FIG. 10 is a side sectional view taken along the line CC of FIG.

FIG. 11 is a right side view of the stationary water purifier shown in FIG.

Fig. 12 is a plan view schematically showing a base member used in the stationary water purifier shown in Figs. 6 to 11. '

FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing an example of a stationary water purifier of a conventional example.

FIG. 14 is a side sectional view of the conventional stationary water purifier shown in FIG. BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be specifically described with reference to the drawings.

As shown in FIG. 1, the carbonated water producing apparatus of the present embodiment has a carbon dioxide gas flow path 11, and a carbon dioxide gas supply unit 1 for supplying carbon dioxide A via the carbon dioxide gas flow path 11. And a water flow path 21 in which the carbon dioxide gas A supplied from the carbon dioxide gas supply unit 1 and the water B continuously passing through the water flow path 21 are mixed to produce carbonated water C. Part 2 And a carbon dioxide gas supply unit 1 and a mixing unit 2 are detachably fixed.

Here, as a method of detachably fixing the carbon dioxide supply unit 1 and the mixing unit 2, for example, as shown in FIG. 1, the carbon dioxide supply unit 1 is screwed into the mixing unit 2. Can be In addition, fixing by screwing, fixing by interposing a clip, fixing by coupling each other, or the like may be used.

With such a configuration, it is possible to provide an inexpensive carbonated water producing apparatus with a simple structure, excellent maintainability, and low cost.

In this case, in a cross section of the carbon dioxide supply unit 1 and the mixing unit 2 cut along a plane including the center axes P and Q of each other, the center axes of each other are 30 to 90 degrees, preferably 45 to 70 degrees. It is preferable that they are fixed so as to cross each other at an angle of Θ.

With this configuration, a turbulent flow and a negative pressure portion are generated at the tip of the carbon dioxide gas supply unit 1 to promote the dispersal and dissolution of carbon dioxide gas A in water B, and the carbon dioxide concentration of carbonated water C Can be controlled accurately and quickly. If the angle Θ is less than 30 degrees, the length of the carbon dioxide gas supply section 1 in the direction of the central axis P becomes longer to secure the intersection between the carbon dioxide gas supply section 1 and the mixing section 2, thereby producing carbonated water. In some cases, the size of the device 10 must be increased.When the temperature exceeds 90 degrees, the occurrence of turbulence and negative pressure is reduced, and the surface of the porous plate 2 described later is reduced. The flow of water B may impinge on the supply of carbon dioxide gas A.

In addition, it is preferable to be disposed above the carbon dioxide supply section 1 and the mixing section 2.

With this configuration, it is possible to prevent water B from entering the carbon dioxide gas flow path 11 of the carbon dioxide gas supply unit 1 and obstructing the supply of the carbon dioxide gas A. Further, the cross-sectional shape of the water flow path 21 constituting the mixing section 2 cut along a plane including the central axis Q is a predetermined length portion 2 2 (the inner diameter of the water flow path 21) fixed to the carbon dioxide supply section 1. 2 to 5 times the length) is rectangular, and a predetermined length 2 3 downstream of the rectangular portion 2 2 (1 to 3 times the inner diameter of the water flow path 21) It is preferable that the shape be a frustoconical shape with a tapered force (about 2 to 15 degrees as an angle with respect to the center line Q). With this configuration, the carbon dioxide gas A supplied from the carbon dioxide gas supply unit 1 can be sufficiently mixed with the predetermined length portion (rectangular portion) 22 fixed to the carbon dioxide gas supply unit 1 At the same time, it is compressed by a predetermined length part (frustoconical part) 23 at the downstream side, so that the undissolved carbon dioxide gas A can be further dispersed and dissolved in water B.

As shown in FIG. 2, in the carbonated water producing apparatus 10a of this modified example, the water flow path 21a of the mixing section 2a has a bent shape, and is bent with the carbon dioxide gas supply section 1. The mixing section 2a having the water flow path 21a is detachably fixed.

In this case, water B flows into the carbonated water producing apparatus 10a from the side, and the filling nozzle 46 from below through the water flow path bent at a bending angle of 45 to 135 degrees (see Fig. 4). ) Is preferable, and a bend with a bending angle of 90 degrees is more preferable because the piping connection design is easy (FIG. 2 shows a case where the bending angle is 90 degrees). . The carbon dioxide supply unit 1 can be configured the same as that of the embodiment shown in FIG. Further, the rectangular cross-sectional shape of the water flow path 21a of the water B, the tapered shape of the tip thereof, and the like can be configured in the same manner as the embodiment shown in FIG. In this example, when the supply of water B is stopped, the water B in the water flow path 21a is discharged to the filling nozzle side by gravity, and the carbon dioxide gas supply unit 1 is constantly wet with water. Can be avoided.

With this configuration, a turbulence and a negative pressure portion are generated at the tip of the carbon dioxide gas supply unit 1 as in the case of the embodiment shown in FIG. Acceleration of dispersing and dissolving enables accurate and quick control of the carbonate concentration of carbonated water C.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a carbon dioxide gas supply unit and a flow of carbon dioxide gas in the carbon dioxide gas supply unit in the present embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 3, in the present embodiment, the carbon dioxide gas supply unit 1 includes a porous plate in the carbon dioxide gas channel 11 in order from the end face side facing the water channel 21 (see FIG. 1). It is preferable to provide a check valve 13 and an orifice 14, More preferably, an orifice filter 15 is further provided on the upstream side of 4.

With this configuration, it is possible to accurately and quickly control the carbonate concentration of carbonated water, and it is possible to quickly supply carbonated water having an appropriate carbonate concentration or delicious drinking water, and to use a simple structure. It is possible to provide an inexpensive carbonated water producing apparatus that is excellent in maintainability. Hereinafter, the porous plate 12, the check valve 13, the orifice 14, and the orifice filter 15 will be described more specifically.

The shape and structure of the porous plate 12 are not particularly limited. However, in order to finely disperse the carbon dioxide gas A into bubbles and uniformly disperse the same in the water B, a dispersed portion of the carbon dioxide gas A, that is, the carbon dioxide gas A It is necessary to have a predetermined thickness in the flow direction, and a preferred example is a disk having a thickness of 40 to 200 times the hole diameter to be described later. The carbon dioxide gas supply section 1 may be appropriately deformed so as to conform to the shape of the inner diameter of the carbon dioxide gas channel 11. By providing the porous plate 12, the bubbles of the carbon dioxide gas A can be miniaturized and the contact area with the water B (see FIG. 1) can be increased, so that the carbon dioxide gas A can be dispersed and dissolved in the water B. Can be promoted.

In this case, the pore size of the porous plate 12 is preferably from 10 to 50 μm, and more preferably from 20 to 30 μm. If it is less than Ο Ομπι, the passage resistance of carbon dioxide 大きく will be large, the inflow pressure will increase, and it may be necessary to increase the strength of the carbon dioxide supply unit 1.If it exceeds 50 μπι, bubbles will occur In some cases, the dispersion and dissolution of carbon dioxide gas in water may become insufficient.

Here, examples of the material of the porous plate 12 include a sintered metal obtained by sintering a powder of stainless steel or the like, ceramics, porous glass, and a fluororesin such as tetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). it can. Among them, a fluororesin is preferable. Fluororesin has water repellency and impedes uniform foaming of carbon dioxide gas A due to adhesion of water force to the portion of the porous plate 12 that comes into contact with water A, and a check valve for water B 1 Intrusion in the direction 3 can be effectively prevented. When the porous plate 12 is made of a hydrophilic material such as powdered sintered metal, ceramics, and porous glass, the surface of the porous plate is impregnated with a water-repellent material such as a fluororesin. Or coated. The shape and structure of the check valve 13 are not particularly limited as long as the backflow of the carbon dioxide gas A can be effectively prevented and the supply of the carbon dioxide gas A can be carried out smoothly. A function that allows carbon dioxide A passing through the carbon dioxide gas flow path 11 to pass in the direction of the porous plate 12 and prevents water B passing through the water flow path 21 from passing in the direction of the orifice 14. An umbrella shape having the following can be cited as a preferred example. In addition, a ball type pressed by a spring, a mushroom type pressed by a spring, or the like may be used.

By configuring the check valve 13 in the shape of an umbrella, the size of the carbon dioxide gas supply unit 1 in the central axis direction can be reduced. For this reason, the carbon dioxide supply unit 1 can be reduced in size, and the frequency of failures can be reduced by reducing the number of parts. In addition, since the moving dimension of the part that performs the check function is small, the check response can be accelerated.

Further, the check valve 13 vibrates when the carbon dioxide gas A is supplied, generates a sound, and can notify the supply of the carbon dioxide gas. For this reason, the user can check the supply of carbon dioxide A by hearing (sound), and when the generation of sound stops when the carbon dioxide A is supplied, the carbon dioxide supply container (gas cylinder) 4 1 Similarly, it can be confirmed that the supply of carbon dioxide A could not be performed due to exhaustion of carbon dioxide in the tank or any failure. Furthermore, since the supply operation of the carbon dioxide gas A can be confirmed without using an expensive pressure gauge or pressure switch, the cost of the apparatus can be reduced.

The material of the check valve 13 is not particularly limited as long as it can efficiently supply carbon dioxide gas A and can effectively prevent backflow. Examples include various rubbers having flexibility, elasticity, and acid corrosion resistance. Among them, fluorine-based silicon rubber, which maintains flexibility even at low temperatures when carbon dioxide gas is released, is preferable.

The shape and structure of the orifice 14 are not particularly limited as long as the pressure and supply amount of the high-pressure carbon dioxide gas A can be adjusted appropriately. For example, a resin that can be easily processed (specifically, The impact resistant polyoxymethylene (POM), polyacetal, tetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyvinyl fluoride A disk-shaped orifice plate 14a made of redene (VF 2)) is provided with an orifice hole 14b. In this case, a plurality of orifice holes 14b may be provided, and the arrangement of the orifice holes 14b is to prevent the check valve 13 from being damaged by the low temperature of the supplied carbon dioxide gas A. It is preferable to displace it from the central axis of 3.

By providing the orifice 14, the pressure and supply amount of the high-pressure carbon dioxide gas A can be adjusted appropriately. Therefore, it is necessary to effectively prevent the carbon dioxide gas A from being supplied to the mixing section 2 (see Fig. 1) and suddenly discharged from the mixing section 2 to the outside together with the water B (see Fig. 1). Can be. In addition, when the carbon dioxide gas supply unit 1 releases carbon dioxide at a low pressure, the carbon dioxide gas supply unit 1 is first cooled, and then the mixing unit 2 is also cooled. Condensation or icing can be effectively prevented.

The orifice 14 (orifice hole 14b) has a diameter of 1 to 5 liters / min, which is applied to ordinary household water purifiers.If the carbon dioxide concentration is 30 to 800 ppm, it is 0. 3 to 0.4 mm is preferred. If the diameter of the orifice hole 14b is less than 0.3 mm, machining may become difficult, and the orifice hole 14b may be easily blocked by foreign matter, and the また N-0 F F switching valve Responsiveness may also be impaired. On the other hand, if it exceeds 0.4 mm, the passage amount of carbon dioxide gas becomes too large, and when the ON-OFF switching valve is operated, it may be released suddenly from the filling nozzle. When the carbon dioxide gas concentration is set to 800 to 2000 ppm, the length of the orifice hole 14b in the central axis direction is set to prevent sudden discharge of purified water containing carbon dioxide gas from the filling nozzle. It is preferable to increase the carbon dioxide gas passage resistance more than the case of a carbon dioxide gas concentration of 30 to 800 ppm by extension.The shape of the orifice filter 15 used as necessary in the present embodiment, The structure is not particularly limited as long as it can effectively prevent blockage of the orifice hole 14b. For example, powder sintering metal such as stainless steel, ceramics, porous glass, fluorine Disc-shaped ones made of resin can be used. In the present embodiment, a configuration using a second porous plate having a filter function in place of the orifice or the orifice and the orifice filter may be used. That is, the carbon dioxide gas supply unit may be provided with a porous plate, a check valve, and a second porous plate in order from the end face side facing the water flow path. In this case, the hole diameter and the length in the central axis direction of the second porous plate can be appropriately determined according to the flow rate of the carbon dioxide gas.

If there are no restrictions on the size of the carbon dioxide gas supply section, etc., the configuration of the porous plate, check valve and orifice, or the configuration of the porous plate, check valve, orifice and orifice filter shall be as follows. The elements are divided into one or more parts, and each is detachably connected with, for example, a flexible tube, so that the element connection is put together into an ON-OFF switching valve. It may be configured to be detachably connected. With this configuration, when each element is damaged, only the damaged element can be replaced, so that the replacement work can be facilitated and the replacement cost can be reduced. This is particularly effective when there is no restriction on the size of the carbon dioxide gas supply section.

Further, it is preferable that carbon dioxide gas supply section 1 in the present embodiment has its tip portion 31 caulked or assembled with a one-way screw.

With this configuration, even if the carbon dioxide gas supply unit 1 is decomposed by a user or the like, the fact is easily visually recognized from the outside, and the function is reduced due to the decomposition. This effectively prevents the device from being used continuously.

Further, an O-ring 32 is provided at a predetermined position by a back-up ring 33 to effectively realize a seal between the porous plate 12 and the casing 30. The casing 30 has a female screw 30a for fixing to the mixing section 2 (see FIG. 1), and the check valve 13 is opened to allow the carbon dioxide gas A to flow smoothly. Carbon dioxide passage holes 34 are formed.

The O-ring 35 effectively realizes a seal between the orifice plate 14a and the casing 30.

Presser ring 3 6 Force Orifice filter 1 5 Presser ring 3 6 It is arranged to be fixed between the fissure plate 14a. In this case, the orifice filter 15 may be fixed to the orifice plate 14a with an adhesive or the like without installing the holding ring 36.

Further, the casing 30 is connected to one end of the tube 38 via a tube connector 37. The tube connector 37 is not particularly limited as long as it can easily connect the casing 30 and the tube 38. Examples of the material of the tube 38 include a material made of a urethane resin or the like. The other end of the tube 38 is connected to a carbon dioxide gas supply container (gas cylinder) 41 (see FIG. 4). The shape of the casing 30 and the coupling structure with the mixing section 2 are as follows: There is no particular limitation as long as it can withstand a temperature drop during carbon dioxide gas supply. Examples of the material include stainless steel, which is easy to process, and P〇M, ABS, polyacetal, which are easy to form and have high low-temperature strength. Further, an antibacterial metal such as silver or copper may be coated on the surface of the casing 30 in order to prevent adhesion of water force.

As shown by arrows in FIG. 3, the flow of carbon dioxide gas A in the carbon dioxide gas supply unit 1 in the present embodiment flows from a carbon dioxide gas supply container (gas cylinder) 41 (see FIG. 4) to a tube 38 and a tube 38. Via the tube connector 37, it reaches the carbon dioxide gas channel 11 in the casing 30, passes through the orifice filter 15, the orifice hole 14b, and the carbon dioxide gas passage hole 34, respectively. The check valve 13 is pushed open, passes through the porous plate 12 and is supplied to the mixing section 2 (see FIG. 1) as bubbles. It is preferable that the present embodiment further includes a structure for periodically supplying a predetermined amount of carbon dioxide A to the carbon dioxide supply unit 1.

Specifically, a configuration in which a predetermined amount of carbon dioxide A is periodically supplied to the carbon dioxide supply unit 1 using a flow rate display liquid crystal 48 described later (see FIG. 4) and a built-in timer function will be described. be able to.

With this configuration, even when foreign substances such as water agglomeration adhere to the porous plate 12, even if the carbonated water C is not produced, a predetermined amount of carbon dioxide gas A is periodically supplied to carbon dioxide gas. Water supplied to the supply unit 1 and water adhering to the porous plate 12 due to the supplied carbon dioxide gas A Foreign substances such as aca can be removed to the water flow path 21 (see FIG. 1) side, and uniform foaming of the carbon dioxide gas A can be secured.

As shown in FIG. 4, a water purifier 20 of the present embodiment is characterized by including the above-described carbonated water producing apparatus 10.

The water purifier 20 according to the present embodiment supplies a carbon dioxide gas A to the carbon dioxide gas supply unit 1 of the carbonated water producing apparatus 10 with respect to the flow of the carbon dioxide gas. The housing 40 (the housing body 40 a, the base 4 O b) A carbon dioxide gas supply container (gas cylinder) 41 exchangeably installed inside, and a regulating valve 42 connected to the carbon dioxide gas supply container 41 to control the amount of charcoal gas supplied. And switching means 43 for supplying or shutting off.

Here, the volume, shape, material, and the like of the housing 40 can be appropriately determined according to the use of the water purifier.

Specifically, in the case of a household water purifier, the housing body 40a has a volume of 1 to 8 liters, the material is stainless steel or resin, and the shape is a cylindrical body. It can be changed as appropriate from the viewpoint of design.

Further, it is preferable that the housing body 40a and the base 40b are removable.

The carbon dioxide supply container (gas cylinder) 41 is not particularly limited as long as it can be efficiently stored in the housing 40. For example, a container having a volume of 98 milliliters or less is preferable. If it is less than 98 milliliters, it will be excluded from the application of the High Pressure Gas Control Law, making it easier to sell and purchase. The carbon dioxide gas supply container (gas cylinder) 41 is, for example, exchangeably installed on the base 40 b of the housing 40 in consideration of the exhaustion of the carbon dioxide gas therein.

In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, the carbon dioxide gas supply container (gas cylinder) 41 and the regulating valve 42 are built in the housing body 40a.

To replace the carbon dioxide gas supply container (gas cylinder) 41, for example, install a lid (not shown) on the side of the housing body 40a so that it can be opened and closed, and close the lid when using a water purifier When replacing the carbon dioxide gas supply container (gas cylinder) 41, open the lid on the side of the housing body 40a, and attach the carbon dioxide gas supply container (gas cylinder) 41 and the adjustment valve 42 together. (Housing body) This can be done by taking in and out from 40a.

As the piping 71 connecting the regulating valve 42 and the switching means 43, consider the operation of putting the carbon dioxide gas supply container (gas cylinder) 41 and the regulating valve 42 into and out of the housing body 40a. For example, a flexible urethane spiral tube formed in a spiral mold is preferable.

The regulating valve 42 is not particularly limited as long as it can effectively control the supply amount of carbon dioxide gas.

In the case of the above-described embodiment, a small-sized carbon dioxide gas supply container (gas cylinder) 41 and a regulating valve 42 have been described assuming home use and incorporated in the housing body 40a. However, in the case of commercial water purifiers such as restaurants, a large amount of water containing carbon dioxide is required, so use a large carbon dioxide supply container to reduce the frequency of replacement of the carbon dioxide supply container. Is preferred.

As shown in FIG. 5, in the case of the water purifier 20a of this modified example, the carbon dioxide gas supply container (gas cylinder) 41 and the regulating valve 42 are arranged outside the housing body 40a, and Is connected to the water purifier main body 20b by a pipe 40c.

The pipe 40 c is connected to a switching means 43 (ON-OFF switching valve 50) described later, and the ON-OFF switching valve 50 is disposed above the water purifier body 20 b. It is configured to perform ON-OFF operation via the diaphragm packing 72. In this modification, the carbonated water producing apparatus 10, the filling nozzle 46, the nozzle 40, and the water purifying element 44 described later are the same as those used in the water purifier 20 shown in FIG. Can be used.

With this configuration, it is possible to produce a large amount of carbonated water corresponding to the capacity of a large carbon dioxide gas supply container.

The switching means 43 should supply or shut off carbon dioxide gas smoothly and reliably. There is no particular limitation as long as it is a push button type, and a preferred example is a push button type 〇 N-OFF switching valve having an auxiliary spring. Fig. 6 shows the details.

FIG. 6 (a) is an exploded perspective view schematically showing a push button type ON-OFF switching valve in one embodiment of the water purifier of the present invention (second invention), and FIG. Is a front view when the ON-OFF switching valve is in the OFF state, FIG. 6 (c) is a front view when the ON-OFF switching valve is in the ON state, and FIG. 6 (d) is an ON-OFF switching It is a side view when a valve is in an OFF state.

As shown in FIGS. 6 (a) to 6 (d), the push-button type ON-OFF switching valve 50 in the present embodiment includes a 〇N_〇FF section 61 and a push-button section 56. .

The ON-OF F section 51 has a switching valve (not shown) built in the rectangular parallelepiped ON-OF section main body 51a, and the gas cylinder piping from the carbon dioxide gas supply container (gas cylinder) 41 (see Fig. 4). The carbon dioxide gas supplied via 53 is passed through the flow of carbon dioxide gas by the ON-OFF operation of the ON-OFF button 52 with a built-in spring (this operation is performed via the push button section 56 described later). Or, it is configured to shut off (when a flow passes, the carbon dioxide gas is supplied to the carbon dioxide gas supply unit 1 (see FIG. 4) via the carbon dioxide gas supply pipe 54). The ON-OFF section 51 is fixed to a mounting hole 55 provided on a predetermined mounting plate 70.

The push button portion 56 includes a push button portion body 56 a having a pressing member 57, a fixing leg 58, and a projecting portion 59 and having a central hole (not shown) opened downward. The auxiliary spring 60, which constantly urges the part 56 to the OFF state and elastically regulates its vertical movement to reduce the direct impact on the ON-OFF button 52, and when the push button part 56 moves up and down A click sound is generated in cooperation with the rod 61, which moves the push button 56 up and down smoothly by the center hole of the push button 56 sliding along the outer shape from above, and the protrusion 59. And a click spring 62. In addition, the fixed leg 58 is disposed so as to be slidable in the through hole 63 in the vertical direction. This allows the pushbutton body 56a to move elastically and smoothly up and down and to determine the position of the top dead center. The click spring 62 is fixed to the mounting plate 70, and the protrusion 59 slides along the protrusion 64 of the click spring 62, and is configured to generate a click sound when the click spring 62 gets over the protrusion 64. ing. The push button part 56 is attached to the upper part of the housing 40 shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 via a diaphragm type rubber packing 72 (see FIG. 5) for sealing between the push button part 56 and the housing 40. It is preferable to fix it up and down. .

When the user of the water purifier pushes the push button portion 56 from the outside of the housing 40 via the diaphragm type rubber packing 72 from the OFF state shown in FIG. 6 (b), the push button portion 56 While receiving the repulsive force from the spring 60, it slides and descends along the outer shape of the rod 61, and the ON-OF button 52 is pressed by the pressing member 57. As a result, the ON-OFF switching valve 50 enters the ΔN state shown in FIG. 6 (c). At this time, a click sound is generated between the protruding portion 59 and the click spring 62, and the user confirms by hearing (sound) that the pressing operation of the push button portion 56 has been reliably performed. be able to.

When the water is flowing (passing), the user of the water purifier applies the ON-OFF switching valve 50 from outside the housing 40 (see FIG. 4) via a diaphragm-type rubber packing 72 as appropriate. By pressing, purified water containing carbon dioxide at a desired concentration can be obtained. In other words, when the 〇N-OFF switching valve 50 is pressed while the water is flowing, purified water containing the highest concentration of carbon dioxide is obtained. On the other hand, the ON-OFF switching valve 50 is pulsed while the water is flowing. Pressing reduces the concentration as the pulse interval increases.

By installing a continuous control valve (not shown) that can change the outflow of carbon dioxide gas between the regulating valve 42 (see Fig. 4) and the ON-OFF switching valve 50, the above concentration change is achieved. May be set regardless of how the ON-OF F switching valve 50 is pressed. In addition, for example, “Delicious water mode (CO2 concentration is 30-50 p pni) J”, “Carbonated water mode for cooking (CO2 concentration is 100-160 ppm)”, “Fine carbonated water mode (CO2 concentration) The required number of control valves (not shown) that can set the commonly used concentration, such as 500-900 ppm, is provided. The user of the water purifier may select with a switch (not shown).

Similarly, in summer and winter, the outside air temperature (temperature of purified water) differs, and the degree of mixing of carbon dioxide into purified water also varies, so the degree of mixing of carbon dioxide into purified water decreases. In summer, the amount or pressure of supplied carbon dioxide is set high, and in winter when the degree of mixing of carbon dioxide increases, the amount or pressure of supplied carbon is set low, and the degree of mixing of carbon dioxide is adjusted to the outside temperature (purified water). Temperature).

The flow of carbon dioxide gas is indicated by white arrows in FIG.

When the carbon dioxide gas is supplied to the carbon dioxide gas supply section 1 (see FIG. 4) via the carbon dioxide gas supply pipe 54, as described above, the check valve 13 of the carbonated water producing apparatus 10 (see FIG. 1) ) Vibrates and emits a sound to notify the user of the supply of carbon dioxide gas, so that the user can confirm the supply of carbon dioxide by hearing (sound). When it stops, it can be similarly confirmed that the supply of carbon dioxide gas has become impossible due to exhaustion of the carbon dioxide gas in the carbon dioxide gas supply container or some failure.

Further, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, with respect to the flow of water, the water continuously passing through the water flow path 21 (see FIG. 1) of the mixing section 2 is purified to obtain purified water. A water purification element 44 for purifying the water, a flow meter 45 connected to the mixing section 2 of the carbonated water producing apparatus 10, and a tip of the mixing section 2 can be filled with carbonated water in a predetermined container. Further, a filling nozzle 46 is provided.

The shape and structure of the water purification element 44 are not particularly limited as long as they have a filtering function as a filter and can be efficiently stored in the housing 40. For example, the volume is 200 to 1 A cartridge type in which a filtering material (filter) is built in a cylindrical case made of a material having a size of 500 cm ³ and made of ABS can be given. It is preferable that the water purification element 44 be replaceably installed on the base 40b of the housing 40 in consideration of, for example, a case where a filter medium (filter) in the water purification element is clogged. The water purification element 44 can be replaced, for example, by dividing the housing body 40a and the base 4Ob, removing the water purification element 44 on the base 40b, and installing a new water purification element 44. it can.

As a material of the filtering material (filter) of the water purification element 44, for example, a ceramic porous body (ceramic filter) having excellent heat resistance and corrosion resistance is cited as a preferred example. I can do it. It may be a combination of a porous ceramic body (ceramic filter) and activated carbon. '

The flow meter 45 is purified by a water purification element 44 from an external water source (for example, a tap for home use) via a water supply pipe 47 and supplied to the carbonated water producing apparatus 10. There is no particular limitation as long as it can accurately measure the flow rate of water B before the water flows.For example, a magnet is embedded in a propeller-type rotor, and the magnet is embedded in a propeller that is rotated by the water flow. A lead switch type for detecting the SN of the target is preferable because of its small size. The position of the flow meter 45 is set between the water purification element 44 and the carbonated water production device 10 to prevent the propeller rotation from malfunctioning due to the water containing carbon dioxide flowing through the carbonated water production device 10. It is preferable to install it in

A display unit may be connected to the flow meter 45 so that the flow rate of the water B or the flow rate of the carbonated water C can be visually confirmed. FIG. 4 shows a case where the flow rate display liquid crystal 48 displays the flow rate of water B and the life of the water purification element.

The flow rate display liquid crystal 48 is driven by, for example, a battery 49 that does not require a cord in order to enhance portability of the water purifier, but an AC power supply may be used. The switching means 43 may be driven using a battery 49 or an AC power supply.

Further, as described above, it is preferable that the mixing section 2 is provided with a filling nozzle 46 at the tip end thereof, which can fill carbonated water C into a predetermined container.

The flow of water B is indicated by a black arrow in FIG. 4, and is finally filled as carbonated water C from a filling nozzle 46 into a predetermined container.

In the water purifier of the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, a housing 40 includes a water purification element, a carbon dioxide gas supply container (gas cylinder), a regulating valve, a switching means, an ON-OFF switching valve, a carbonated water producing apparatus, and a filling nozzle. Is built in and can supply purified water mixed with carbon dioxide gas as appropriate. However, a carbon dioxide gas supply container (gas cylinder), regulating valve, switching means, ON-OFF switching valve, carbonated water Without a built-in manufacturing device, the conventional water purifier consisting of piping, nozzles, body cover, etc. to secure the function as a water purification element and water purifier, a carbon dioxide gas supply container (gas cylinder), a regulating valve, Switching means, ON-OFF switching valve, carbonated water production equipment A unit that integrates the components related to carbonated water production, which consists of a nozzle and a filling nozzle, is prepared.The unit for purifying water, which integrates the components related to carbonated water production described above, into the purified water discharge section of a conventional water purifier. By connecting to the inlet, the same function as the present application can be exhibited, and the existing water purifier can be easily changed to a water purifier capable of producing carbonated water.

FIG. 7 is a plan view schematically showing a state in which the upper end of the main body cover has been removed in one embodiment of the stationary water purifier of the present invention (third and fourth inventions). 7 is a sectional front view taken along the line A—A in FIG. 7, FIG. 9 is a sectional side view taken along the line B—B in FIG. 7, FIG. 10 is a sectional side view taken along the line C—C in FIG. 7, and FIG. Fig. 12 is a right side view of the stationary water purifier shown in Fig. 12, Fig. 12 is a plan view schematically showing the base member used in the stationary water purifier shown in Figs. 6 to 11, and Fig. 13 is a conventional example. FIG. 14 is an explanatory view schematically showing an example of a stationary water purifier. FIG. 14 is a side cross-sectional view of the conventional stationary water purifier shown in FIG. 13. It has a supply container (gas cylinder), which can produce microcarbonated water by adding a small amount of carbon dioxide to purified water. , Due to the presence of carbon dioxide supply vessel (bomb), it has a elliptical shape.

Referring to FIGS. 1 to 5, a water purifier main body 110 of the present embodiment has a base member 1 16 and a body strength having an upper portion removably engaged with the base member 1 16 which is closed. It comprises a bar 118, a cartridge assembly (water purification element) 120 provided in the main body cover 118, and a water discharge pipe 122 (filling nozzle) for discharging purified water. It should be noted that the cartridge assembly 118 used in the present embodiment is made of a filter material such as a ceramic filter medium, a hollow fiber filter medium, an activated carbon, an ion exchange resin, an adsorbent such as an ion exchange fiber, and other mineral-adding components. Accordingly, well-known components used for the cartridge assembly of the water purifier can be appropriately combined and employed.

The base member 1 16 has a cylindrical rising portion 1 26 on the outer peripheral side to which the outer peripheral surface of the main body cover 118 is fitted, and a shoulder portion for receiving the lower end of the main body cover 1 18 immediately inside. A cover holder 1 2 7 consisting of: an annular recess 13 1 that rotatably supports a rotating ring 1 13 on the bottom surface; and a water inlet nozzle 1 30. The hole 130 is connected to a raw water source such as tap water through an inlet 13, an L-shaped nipple 13 4 and a water supply hose 13. The L-shaped nipple 134 is attached to one end of the water inlet 132 so as to be rotatable in a watertight manner, and the other end bent into an L-shape is rotatable 360 degrees in a vertical plane. The water supply hose is fixed to the L-shaped pulley 134 through a hose fixing nut 1338.

In the lower part of the annular concave portion 13 1 of the base member 1 16, a rotating ring 1 13 is rotatably held by a press ring 1 15. There are provided at least one, preferably four, projections 117 (see FIG. 9) functioning as stoppers for controlling the rotation within a predetermined range. Foot rubbers 1 2 2 are fixed with screws 1 2 4 from the bottom for the purpose of preventing slipping and preventing the mounting surface from being damaged. To attach the rotating ring 1 13 to the base member 1 16, make the base member 1 16 without the holding ring 1 15, and attach the rotating ring 1 13 to the annular recess 1 2 8 After the engagement, the holding ring 1 15 may be fixed by ultrasonic welding or the like as shown in the figure.

On the other hand, the annular groove 13 1 of the base member 1 16 is provided with a deep groove 1 19 (see FIGS. 9 and 12) which is at least as deep as the protrusions 117. The projection 117 of the rotating ring 113 engages with the deep groove 119. Therefore, the rotation range of the rotation ring 113 is limited to a range in which the projection 117 can move within the deep groove portion 119, and in the present embodiment, to a range of about 30 degrees.

In FIG. 12, the two left double circles 1178 and 1178 'are reinforcing ribs for supporting the cartridge assembly, and the right circle 1 80 substantially corresponds to the inner circumferential circle of the annular concave portion 13 1.

In other words, if the water purifier body 110 is placed on a flat place, the rotating ring 113 is fixed by the rubber feet 122 so as not to slide to that place. The portion above the base member 1 16 can rotate by a predetermined angle.

A water purification connector plate 146 fixed to the body cover 118 is provided on an upper portion of the main body cover 118, and the water purification connector plate 146 is a water outlet at an upper end of the cartridge assembly 120. Equipped with a short cylindrical member 1 4 8 that fits 1 4 7 in a watertight manner The other end of the cylindrical member 148 is connected to a connector plate 156 via a connecting pipe 150 and a carbon dioxide gas mixer 172. Carbon dioxide gas is supplied from a carbon dioxide gas supply container (gas cylinder) 170 (see Fig. 8 and Fig. 11) to a carbon dioxide gas mixer 17 2 via a pressure reducing valve 18 2 and a carbon dioxide gas supply pipe 1 6 The mixing amount of the carbon dioxide gas can be externally controlled to a desired value. As the carbon dioxide gas mixer 172, the carbonated water producing apparatus 10 shown in FIGS. 1 to 6 can be preferably used.

On the other hand, the water inlet port 15 1 at the lower end of the cartridge assembly 120 has a check valve 152, is fitted in a water-tight manner into the water inlet nozzle 130, and is supplied via the water supply hose 1 36. The supplied raw water such as tap water is supplied through the L-shaped hose nipple 1 34, the inlet 1 3 2 of the base member 1 16, the inlet nozzle 1 30 and the check valve 15 2 In addition, the raw water purified by the cartridge assembly 120 passes through the water outlet 144 of the upper end thereof, the opening of the water purification connector plate 144, the connecting pipe 150, and the carbon dioxide gas mixer 172. The water is discharged from the outlet end of the water discharge pipe 121.

In addition, the water discharge pipe 1 21 has an L-shaped tip, and is turned in a vertical plane to a water discharge connector 1 56 fixed to the side surface of the main body cover 1 18 via a connection pipe 1 50. It is movably mounted. Further, the water spouting connector 156 is provided with a ratchet 158, a snap ring 160 and a cap 162, and the water spouting pipe 121 is formed in a vertical plane on a side surface of the main body cover 118. It is mounted so as to be able to rotate 360 degrees, but within a predetermined angle range (for example, between about 45 degrees and 180 degrees) with respect to the vertical axis in the vertical plane, It is preferable that the rotation is locked and fixed by ratchet 158. With this configuration, the water discharge pipe 122 is fixed at a predetermined angle from about 45 degrees downward to just above, giving a click feeling and discharging with the force of purified water discharge. The water pipe 1 2 1 can be prevented from rotating naturally. Industrial applicability

The carbonated water producing apparatus of the present invention, the water purifier equipped therewith, and the stationary water purifier are used not only for home use but also for business use in various industrial fields such as various restaurants and various chemical industries. It is used effectively in

Claims

The scope of the claims

1. It has a carbon dioxide gas flow path, has a carbon dioxide gas supply unit for supplying carbon dioxide gas through the carbon dioxide gas flow path, and has a water flow path, and is supplied from the carbon dioxide gas supply part in the water flow path. A mixing unit that mixes the carbon dioxide gas and water continuously passing through the water flow path to produce carbonated water.

The carbon dioxide water producing device, wherein the carbon dioxide gas supply unit and the mixing unit are detachably fixed.

2. The carbon dioxide gas supply unit and the mixing unit are detachably fixed in a state where the respective central axes cross each other at an angle of 30 to 90 degrees in a cross section cut along a plane including the respective central axes. The carbonated water producing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the apparatus is produced.

3. The carbon dioxide according to claim 1, wherein the water flow path of the mixing section has a bent shape, and the carbon dioxide gas supply section and the mixing section having the bent water flow path are detachably fixed. Water production equipment.

4. The carbonated water producing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the carbon dioxide gas supply unit is disposed above the mixing unit.

5. The cross-sectional shape of the water flow path constituting the mixing section, which is cut along a plane including a central axis, is such that a predetermined length portion fixed to the carbon dioxide gas supply section is rectangular, and is downstream from the rectangular section. The carbonated water producing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein a predetermined length portion of the is a tapered frustoconical shape.

6. The carbon dioxide gas supply unit according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a porous plate, a check valve, and an orifice in the carbon dioxide gas flow path in order from an end face side facing the water flow path. The carbonated water producing apparatus described in any of the above.

7. The carbonated water producing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the carbon dioxide gas supply unit further comprises an orifice filter upstream of the orifice to which carbon dioxide gas is supplied.

8. The carbonated water producing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the porous plate constituting the carbon dioxide gas supply unit has a pore diameter of 10 to 50 m.

9. The apparatus for producing carbonated water according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the material of the porous plate is a sintered metal, ceramics, porous glass, or fluorine resin.

10. The shape of the check valve constituting the carbon dioxide gas supply part allows the carbon dioxide gas passing through the carbon dioxide gas flow path to pass in the direction of the porous plate, and passes through the water flow path. The carbonated water producing apparatus according to any one of claims 6 to 9, wherein the apparatus has an umbrella shape having a function of preventing water from passing in the orifice direction.

11. The carbonated water producing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a structure for periodically supplying a predetermined amount of carbon dioxide to the carbon dioxide supply unit.

1 2. A water purifier comprising the carbonated water producing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

1 3. A replaceable carbon dioxide gas supply container (gas cylinder) that supplies carbon dioxide gas to the carbon dioxide gas supply unit of the carbon dioxide water producing device, and a supply of carbon dioxide gas connected to the carbon dioxide gas supply container. 13. The water purifier according to claim 12, further comprising an adjusting valve for controlling the amount, and switching means for supplying or shutting off carbon dioxide gas.

14. The water purifier according to claim 13, wherein the carbon dioxide gas supply container (gas cylinder) and the regulating valve are incorporated in the housing.

15. The water purifier according to claim 13, wherein the carbon dioxide gas supply container (gas cylinder) and the regulating valve are arranged outside the housing and connected to a water purifier main body by a predetermined pipe.

16. The water purifier according to any one of claims 13 to 15, wherein the switching means comprises a push-button type ON-OFF switching valve.

17. The water purifier according to claim 16, wherein the ON-OF switching valve constituting the switching means has an auxiliary spring.

18. The water purifier according to claim 16 or 17, wherein when the ON-OF switching valve constituting the switching means is in an ON state, the supply of carbon dioxide is notified by a sound.

19. The water purifier according to any one of claims 16 to 18, wherein when the ON-OFF switching valve constituting the switching means is set to the ON or OFF state, the operation is notified by a click sound.

20. A water purification element for purifying water that continuously passes through the water flow path of the mixing section of the self-carbonated water production apparatus to obtain purified water, and connected to an outlet side of the purified water of the water purification element. And the carbonated water disposed at the tip of the mixing section. The water purifier according to any one of claims 12 to 19, further comprising a filling nozzle capable of filling a predetermined container.

21. The water purifier according to claim 20, wherein the water purification element contains a ceramic porous body and / or activated carbon.

2 2. A cross section cut along a horizontal plane that can feed the supplied raw water to the water purifier main body to purify it and discharge the purified water from a water discharge pipe (filling nozzle) attached to the water purifier main body. It is a stationary water purifier with an oval shape,

The water purifier main body is provided with a water purifier main body rotating means capable of rotating a predetermined angle in a horizontal plane about a center axis thereof as a rotation axis, and the water discharge pipe is provided on a side surface of the water purifier main body. A stationary water purifier comprising: a water discharge pipe rotating means capable of rotating in a vertical plane around one end of the water purifier body side as a rotation center.

23. The water discharge pipe rotating means can lock the water discharge pipe by locking the rotation of the water discharge pipe at a predetermined angle interval over a predetermined angle range in the vertical plane. 23. The stationary water purifier according to claim 22, comprising a ratchet mechanism.

24. The water purifier main body rotating means is provided on a part of an annular concave portion of the base member constituting the water purifier main body, the rotary ring being engaged with the rotary ring. 23. The stationary water purifier according to claim 22, further comprising: one deep groove portion; and a projection provided in a part of the rotating ring and protruding into the deep groove portion.

25. The water purifier main body includes a carbon dioxide gas supply container (gas cylinder), a carbon dioxide gas mixer, and a cartridge assembly (water purification element), and is obtained from an upper outlet of the cartridge assembly (water purification element). 23. The stationary water purifier according to claim 22, wherein the purified water can be discharged from the water discharge pipe via the carbon dioxide gas mixer.

26. The stationary water purifier according to claim 25, wherein the carbon dioxide gas mixer is the apparatus for producing carbonated water according to any one of claims 1 to 11.