Water treatment apparatus

Abstract

To provide a water treatment apparatus which makes a power supply part including a battery of a predetermined capacity detachable from a mounting main body having a mounting part to a faucet, thereby enabling stable mounting to the faucet.SOLUTION: A water treatment apparatus A1 comprises: a mounting main body 20 having a mounting part 11; a cylindrical casing 34 extending to the left side of the mounting main body 20 and configured to accommodate a purification part 30 and a functional part; and a power supply part 80 detachably connected to the right side of the mounting main body 20. The purification part 30 and the power supply part 80 are located apart from each other at positions on the left and right sides by interposing the mounting part 11 therebetween.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a water treatment apparatus.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, as a water treatment apparatus, a water purifier is known which directly connects a water purification cartridge filled with a filtering material to a main body attached to a faucet of a water tap and filters tap water (raw water) with the filtering material to remove trihalomethane and the like contained in the tap water. Such a water purifier is provided with a display using a liquid crystal device in order to notify the user of the replacement time of the water purification cartridge.

[0003] In the water purifiers described in Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2, a coin-type or button-type small battery is adopted as the power source of the display.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] By the way, although the small battery can suppress the enlargement of the main body of the water purifier, there is a problem that the power that can be supplied is small, so the display function of the display and the like are limited. Furthermore, it was impossible to cover the power for driving a configuration (hereinafter referred to as a functional unit) that adds a predetermined function to water to generate functional water, and it was difficult to add the functional unit to the water purifier.

[0006] In addition, when attempting to equip the main body with a battery having a large storage capacity in order to add a functional unit to the water purifier, the weight of the water purifier main body increases, and the center of gravity of the main body shifts in the direction of becoming heavier due to the battery from the attachment position to the faucet, resulting in a problem that the stable attachment of the water purifier to the faucet is impaired.

[0007] In addition, in the water purifier described in Patent Document 2, a battery is built into the display, and waterproof measures are taken for an electric control system such as a liquid crystal device including the battery. According to such a configuration, there is no need to separately provide waterproof measures for the battery as in the case of providing a battery holder that allows the battery to be inserted and removed. On the other hand, since the battery cannot be inserted and removed, when battery replacement is necessary, the entire display has to be inserted and removed and replaced. For this reason, the user has to obtain the display with the built-in battery as a replacement part, resulting in a problem that the maintenance cost of the water purifier becomes high.

[0008] The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and provides a water treatment device in which a power supply unit including a battery of a predetermined capacity is detachable from an attachment main body having an attachment portion to a faucet, and stable attachment to the faucet is possible.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0009] In order to solve the above conventional problems, in the water treatment device according to the present invention, (1) a water purification unit that filters raw water supplied from a faucet, an attachment portion attached to the faucet, a switching valve that switches between a purified water flow path through which the raw water passes through the water purification unit and a raw water flow path that does not pass through the water purification unit, an attachment main body having the above, a functional unit that generates functional water, and a power supply unit that supplies power to the functional unit are provided, and the water purification unit and the power supply unit are integrally provided on the attachment main body, and it is assumed that the water purification unit is arranged on one side with the attachment portion interposed therebetween and the power supply unit is arranged on the other side.

[0010] In addition, the water treatment device according to the present invention also has the following features. (2) The water purification unit and the power supply unit are arranged in the front-rear direction with the attachment position of the attachment portion to the faucet as the center with respect to each other. (3) The water purification unit is disposed behind the attachment unit, and the power supply unit is disposed in front of the attachment unit. (4) An operation lever for operating the switching valve is provided on either the left or right side of the attachment unit. (5) The functional unit is disposed behind the attachment unit. (6) The power supply unit is detachably provided with respect to the attachment main body unit, and the attachment main body unit has a rib portion protruding around the outer periphery of the wall surface in contact with the power supply unit at the edge of the wall surface in contact with the power supply unit. (7) The power supply unit has an engaging portion, the attachment main body unit has an engaging receiving portion with which the engaging portion engages and disengages slidably, the rib portion includes a horizontal rib portion protruding around the engaging receiving portion in a direction orthogonal to the wall surface in contact with the power supply unit, and the horizontal rib portion has a notch portion on the insertion end side of the power supply unit.

[0011] Further, in the water treatment apparatus according to the present invention, (8) a water purification unit that filters raw water supplied from a faucet, an attachment unit attached to the faucet, a switching valve that switches between a purified water flow path through which the raw water passes through the water purification unit and a raw water flow path that does not pass through the water purification unit, an attachment main body unit having the same, a functional unit that generates functional water, a power supply unit that supplies power to the functional unit, and an operation lever that operates the switching valve are provided. The attachment unit is provided at a position displaced in the left-right direction of the attachment main body unit. In the attachment main body unit, the switching valve is disposed on the side where the internal space becomes larger with respect to the central position of the attachment unit, and the operation lever is connected further to the side thereof, and the power supply unit is disposed on the side opposite to the side where the internal space becomes larger.

[0012] Further, the water treatment apparatus according to the present invention further has features also in the following points. (9) The water purification unit is provided on the rear side of the attachment unit in the attachment main body unit. (10) A mist generating unit that atomizes the purified water filtered by the water purification unit is provided. (11) A branch portion is provided downstream of the water purification unit, which branches into a water intake path leading to a purified water outlet and a mist generation flow path to which the mist generating unit is connected. (12) The mist generation flow path is configured to have a smaller flow rate than the water intake flow path. (13) A backflow prevention part is provided upstream of the mist generation part in the mist generation flow path. (14) The mist generation flow path has a drain port for draining surplus water that has not flowed into the mist generation part, and an inclined part inclined with the drain port side facing downward, and the mist generation part is provided in the middle of the inclined part. (15) An intake valve is provided upstream of the mist generation part in the mist generation flow path. (16) It includes a detection part for detecting the water flow state of the raw water toward the water purification part, and a control part to which a signal detected by the detection part is input, and the control part drives the mist generation part after a predetermined time has elapsed since the detection part detected the water flow state. (17) A storage part is provided at the connection part with the mist generation part in the mist generation flow path. (18) A mist outlet for ejecting the mist generated by the mist generation part to the outside is provided on the upper surface of the attachment main body part and / or the upper surface of the housing that houses the water purification part. (19) The mist outlet is provided in front of the attachment part in the attachment main body part. (20) The drain port in the mist generation flow path is provided on the lower surface behind the attachment part in the attachment main body part.

Effect of the Invention

[0013] According to the present invention, a power supply part including a battery with a predetermined capacity capable of supplying sufficient power to an electrical system configuration including a display part and a functional part is made detachable from an attachment main body part having an attachment part to a faucet, and by devising the arrangement of the power supply part and a configuration that matches the power supply part, a water treatment device capable of being stably attached to a faucet can be provided.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0014]

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Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0015] The present invention relates to a water purifier provided with a water purification section for purifying water and a functional section for imparting a predetermined function to the water, and integrally providing the water purification section and the power supply section in a main body section attached to the faucet of a water tap.

[0016] In particular, in the water treatment apparatus according to the present embodiment, by devising the mutual positional relationship between the water purification section and the power supply section, stable attachment of the water treatment apparatus to the water tap is realized.

[0017] Hereinafter, the water treatment apparatus according to the present embodiment will be specifically described with reference to the drawings.

[0018] 〔First Embodiment〕 The water treatment apparatus A1 according to the first embodiment is a water treatment apparatus that purifies raw water supplied from a water tap and discharges the water, and in addition, imparts a predetermined function to the purified water and discharges the water.

[0019] FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 are explanatory diagrams showing the appearance of the water treatment apparatus A1 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 1 shows the state in which the power supply unit 80 is attached, and FIG. 2 shows the state in which the power supply unit 80 is removed. FIG. 3 is a schematic plan view for explaining the weight balance when the faucet is attached to the water treatment apparatus A1, and FIG. 4 is a schematic view showing the lower surface side of the water treatment apparatus A1. In the bottom view of FIG. 4, the illustration of the lever 13 is omitted.

[0020] The water treatment apparatus A1 according to the present embodiment is configured such that a water purification unit 30 and a power supply unit 80 are integrally connected to a main body unit 10 having an attachment portion 11. That is, the main body unit 10 includes an attachment main body unit 20 having an attachment portion 11, a cylindrical casing 34 that houses the water purification unit 30 and a functional unit extending to the left side of the attachment main body unit 20, and a power supply unit 80 detachably connected to the right side of the attachment main body unit 20. The water purification unit 30 and the power supply unit 80 are arranged to be spaced apart from each other at left and right positions sandwiching the attachment portion 11.

[0021] The attachment main body unit 20 at the central portion of the water treatment apparatus A1 has a substantially square shape in plan view, and is provided with an attachment portion 11 for attaching to a water tap of a water supply. Further, inside the attachment main body unit 20, a switching valve 16 is provided that switches a water passage for passing raw water received from a water tap 101 through the attachment portion 11 into the main body unit 10 to a raw water flow path 14 leading to a raw water discharge port 12 for discharging the raw water outside the main body unit 10 and a purified water flow path 31 leading to the water purification unit 30 (see FIG. 7).

[0022] The switching valve 16 is a branch faucet configured to include a plurality of valve bodies so as to be able to selectively switch raw water received from a water supply to at least two paths, and has a lever 13 that rotates within a predetermined angular range. The lever 13 is an operation lever that receives an operation by a user, and is disposed at the front portion of the attachment main body unit 20. By the user pinching and rotating the lever 13, a two-stage switching operation is enabled, which is to discharge raw water from a raw water discharge port 12 provided at the lower portion of the attachment main body unit 20 and to take out water desired by the user (hereinafter, also referred to as target water) from a water intake port 26 provided on the water purification unit 30 side.

[0023] The control unit 50 is stored inside the attachment main body 20. The control unit 50 is configured to control the operation of the hydrogen water generation unit 40 by receiving power from the power supply unit 80.

[0024] Also, as shown in FIG. 1, a display unit 21 is arranged on the upper surface of the attachment main body 20, and various information presented to the user is displayed on the display unit 21.

[0025] Also, a functional water button F1 is arranged on the upper surface of the attachment main body 20. The functional water button F1 is electrically connected to the control unit 50. When the user presses the functional water button F1, ON / OFF control of the drive of the hydrogen water generation unit 40 as a functional unit is executed.

[0026] On the left side of the attachment main body 20, a cylindrical casing 34 for housing the water purification unit 30 extends. The water purification unit 30 includes a water purification cartridge 30a in which filter materials such as a hollow fiber membrane and activated carbon are enclosed.

[0027] The cylindrical casing 34 is a part of the main body 10 formed in a cylindrical shape with a circular cross-section integrally with the attachment main body 20, and removably houses the water purification cartridge 30a constituting the water purification unit 30. Note that the cross-sectional shape of the cylindrical casing 34 is not limited to a circle, and may be an ellipse or a polygon such as a quadrilateral. Also, the hydrogen water generation unit 40 is housed in the cylindrical casing 34. The rear side of the cylindrical casing 34 is a lid 35, and the water purification cartridge 30a can be replaced by opening the lid 35.

[0028] On the lower surface side of the cylindrical casing 34, as shown in FIG. 4, a water intake 26 is provided through which the target water that has passed through the water purification unit 30 and the hydrogen water generation unit 40 is discharged.

[0029] On the right side of the attachment main body 20, a power supply unit 80 is detachably provided. The power supply unit 80 has an outer shape of a substantially rectangular parallelepiped, and houses a storage battery serving as a power source such as a lithium ion battery inside.

[0030] In addition, as the storage battery serving as the power source, a all-solid-state battery may be adopted. The all-solid-state battery uses a solid electrolyte, while a lithium-ion battery uses an electrolytic solution. Since the all-solid-state battery has a wider operating temperature range than the lithium-ion battery and does not cause liquid leakage, it can be used even in a severe temperature environment. As such an all-solid-state battery, it is preferable to adopt one in which at least one of the positive electrode, the negative electrode, and the solid electrolyte layer contains a sulfide-based solid electrolyte.

[0031] On the left side surface which is the surface facing the attachment main body part 20 of the power supply part 80, a fitting convex part 81 which can be fitted slidably to a rail-shaped fitting concave part 24 provided on the right side surface of the attachment main body part 20 is attached. The fitting convex part 81 has a substantially T-shaped cross-sectional shape, and a contact for energization is provided on the flat surface which is the head of the T-shape.

[0032] The fitting concave part 24 on the attachment main body part 20 side is an engagement receiving part which has an opening part 24a provided at one end side of the rail shape, and allows the fitting convex part 81 to enter from the opening part 24a to receive the engagement. In the fitting concave part 24, a contact for power reception is provided on the right side surface of the attachment main body part 20 which is the bottom of the concave part. By the fitting concave part 24 receiving the fitting convex part 81 as an engagement part from the opening part 24a provided at one end side of the rail, the fitting convex part 81 can be engaged and disengaged slidably with respect to the fitting concave part 24. In this way, by sliding the fitting convex part 81 into the fitting concave part 24 and fitting them together, the contact for energization on the fitting convex part 81 side comes into contact with the contact for power reception on the attachment main body part 20 side. Thereby, power is supplied from the power supply part 80 to the electrical system configuration of the main body part 10.

[0033] The power supply part 80 can be easily removed by sliding it with respect to the main body part 10 to release the fitting of the fitting convex part 81 to the fitting concave part 24, and is configured such that the internal storage battery can be charged using a charger.

[0034] On the right side surface of the mounting main body 20, a substantially U-shaped rib portion 22 that surrounds three sides of the right side surface is provided. The rib portion 22 is in the direction that serves as the receiving port for the fitting convex portion 81 of the fitting concave portion 24, in other words, except for one end side where the opening 24a in the advancing and retreating direction of the fitting convex portion 81 in the fitting concave portion 24 is provided, it is peripherally provided on the edge of the right side surface of the mounting main body 20.

[0035] Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, the details of the rib portion 22 will be further described. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram for explaining the rib portion, and FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram for explaining a modification thereof. In FIGS. 5 and 6, the mounting main body 20 is shown by a two-dot chain line, and an overview of the fitting concave portion 24 and its peripheral portion in a state where the power supply portion 80 is removed is shown as a perspective view from the right rear view.

[0036] The rib portion 22 is composed of a vertical rib portion 22a protruding in a direction along the plane of the right side surface and a horizontal rib portion 22b protruding in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the right side surface. It can also be said that the vertical rib portion 22a and the horizontal rib portion 22b have a shape in which the rear side of a rectangular frame surrounding the right side surface of the mounting main body 20 is cut out to form a cutout portion 29.

[0037] The rib portion 22 is for preventing water from entering the contact points between the mounting main body 20 and the power supply portion 80. For example, when the user is performing a cleaning operation on tableware or the like using the raw water discharged from the raw water discharge port 12, the vertical rib portion 22a serves as a dam to prevent the splashed water droplets from flowing from the upper surface of the mounting main body 20 to the power supply portion 80 side. Also, the horizontal rib portion 22b effectively prevents the water that has flowed beyond the vertical rib portion 22a from entering between the power supply portion 80 and the mounting main body 20.

[0038] In addition, in the present embodiment, both the vertical rib portion 22a and the horizontal rib portion 22b are provided around the edge of the right side surface of the mounting main body portion 20 except in the direction that becomes the receiving port of the fitting convex portion 81 of the fitting concave portion 24. However, as shown in the modified example of FIG. 6, the vertical rib portion 22a may be formed in a frame shape surrounding the entire circumference of the edge of the right side surface of the mounting main body portion 20. That is, the rib portion 22 only needs to have a notch portion 29 in which the insertion end side of the power supply portion 80 is cut out so as to allow the power supply portion 80 to advance and retreat in the horizontal rib portion 22b protruding in a direction orthogonal to the right side surface of the mounting main body portion 20 surrounding the fitting concave portion 24. Further, the vertical rib portion 22a may be omitted and only the horizontal rib portion 22b may be provided, or conversely, the horizontal rib portion 22b may be omitted and only the vertical rib portion 22a may be provided.

[0039] As shown in FIG. 3, in the water treatment apparatus A1 according to the present embodiment, a water purification unit 30 including a water purification cartridge 30a that becomes heavy by containing water and a power supply unit 80 that becomes heavy by containing a battery are respectively arranged at positions separated from the mounting portion 11, which is the mounting position of the faucet 101, by substantially equal distances to the left and right. As a result, an isosceles triangle (shown by a dashed line in FIG. 3) is formed with the point of the base portion 102 of the faucet 101 as the apex and the side connecting the power supply unit 80 and the water purification unit 30 passing through the center position C of the mounting portion 11 as the base, and a state of weight balance is achieved on the left and right sides of the mounting portion 11. Note that the center of gravity of the power supply unit 80 and the center of gravity of the cylindrical casing 34 are on substantially the same straight line. Taking the center position C of the mounting portion 11 as a fulcrum, the distance from the fulcrum to the center of gravity of the power supply unit 80 is R1, the weight of the power supply unit 80 is W1, the distance from the fulcrum to the center of gravity of the cylindrical casing 34 is R2, and the weight of the cylindrical casing 34 is W2. By arranging the power supply unit 80 and the water purification unit 30 so that R1×W1 is approximately equal to R2×W2, the weight balance of the water treatment apparatus A1 is achieved, and the attachment to the faucet 101 is stabilized. Note that such an arrangement is not limited to the case where the center of gravity of the water purification unit 30 and the center of gravity of the power supply unit 80 are exactly on the same straight line and R1×W1 = R2×W2 holds, but includes a range in which the power supply unit 80 and the water purification unit 30 are balanced while including some positional deviations. When the moment of the force by the power supply unit 80 with the center position C as the fulcrum and the moment of the force by the water purification unit 30 are approximately balanced, the water treatment apparatus A1 does not rotate in the left-right direction in a front view when attached, and stable attachment can be realized.

[0040] Next, the internal configuration of the main body portion 10 will be described. FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing a simplified internal configuration of the water treatment apparatus A1 according to the first embodiment, and FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration. In the schematic diagram of FIG. 7, electrical signals are shown by dashed lines.

[0041] As shown in FIG. 7, inside the main body 10, a water purification section 30 and a hydrogen water generation section 40 are provided as a water flow path configuration for performing treatment while allowing the supplied water to pass through. These configurations are connected by a flow path including a purified water flow path 31 formed inside the main body 10. Further, as an electrical system configuration for performing electrical control and management necessary for water flow and treatment in the water flow path configuration, a control section 50 is provided. These water flow path configurations and electrical system configurations are housed and arranged inside the attachment main body 20 and the water purification section 30.

[0042] The purified water flow path 31 includes a water flow path of the attachment main body 20 and a flow path connecting the hydrogen water generation section 40 and the water purification section 30 inside the cylindrical casing 34. Water (raw water), which is a raw material for generating purified water, is received inside the attachment main body 20, passes through the flow path, and reaches inside the cylindrical casing 34.

[0043] A flow rate sensor 32 is arranged in the purified water flow path 31 leading from the switching valve 16 to the hydrogen water generation section 40. The flow rate sensor 32 is, for example, a vane wheel type flow meter and is electrically connected to the control section 50. The flow rate sensor 32 outputs an electrical signal (flow rate signal) corresponding to the flowing water volume in the purified water flow path 31 to the control section 50. The control section 50 displays the integrated flow rate calculated based on the input flow rate signal on the display section 21. Further, when the integrated flow rate exceeds a predetermined value, the control section 50 performs a life display indicating that the replacement time of the purified water cartridge 30a is approaching on the display section 21.

[0044] The hydrogen water generation section 40 is a functional section for generating hydrogen water as functional water, and is configured by a hollow substantially box-shaped electrolytic cell formed in a water-tight manner. Inside the electrolytic cell, at least two electrodes 44 are arranged, and each of the electrodes 44 is electrically connected to the control section 50 such that one is an anode and the other is a cathode. The electrolytic cell is a single-chamber type electrode cell that does not have a diaphragm or the like for partitioning the inside into an anode side and a cathode side, and is configured such that the water flowing in close proximity to each electrode 44 mixes with each other. The raw water received from the water tap 101 and supplied to the hydrogen water generation section 40 passes through the electrolytic cell and reaches the water purification section 30.

[0045] The water purification unit 30 filters and purifies the functional water by adsorbing odorous substances and the like to the filter material to generate purified functional water. The functional water supplied to the water purification unit 30 via the hydrogen water generation unit 40 passes through the water purification cartridge 30a and reaches the water intake port 26 via the water intake passage 25. Note that the water purification cartridge 30a is replaced at a predetermined period or when the flow rate of the water passing through the filter material exceeds a predetermined amount.

[0046] Next, the electrical configuration of the water treatment apparatus A1 will be described with reference to FIG. 8. The control unit 50 is composed of a printed circuit board on which electronic components such as an arithmetic unit 51, a memory 52, and a switching element are mounted, and enables the operation control of the water treatment apparatus A1.

[0047] A power supply unit 80, which is a power source, is connected to the control unit 50. Also, a display unit 21 is connected to the control unit 50. A functional water button F1 that receives an input from the user and switches the ON / OFF operation of the hydrogen water generation unit 40 is connected to the control unit 50. Note that the control unit 50 displays the remaining battery level of the power supply unit 80 on the display unit 21.

[0048] A flow rate sensor 32 is connected to the control unit 50. A program for calculating the integrated flow rate based on the electrical signal input from the flow rate sensor 32 is stored in the memory 52 of the control unit 50. The control unit 50 calculates the integrated flow rate by the operation of the arithmetic unit 51 and displays the calculation result on the display unit 21.

[0049] Also, the control unit 50 is connected to the electrodes 44 of the hydrogen water generation unit 40. The control unit 50 refers to the applied voltage stored in the memory 52 according to the command of the arithmetic unit 51, and performs control to adjust the power supply so that a predetermined voltage is applied to each electrode 44 disposed in the hydrogen water generation unit 40. Further, the control unit 50 integrates the time applied to the electrode 44, and when the integrated time exceeds a predetermined value, performs a life display indicating that the replacement time of the hydrogen water generation unit 40 is approaching on the display unit 21.

[0050] Next, a series of operations in the water treatment apparatus A1 having the above-described configuration will be described.

[0051] In the water treatment apparatus A1 with the power supply unit 80 attached to the attachment main body unit 20, power is supplied to the control unit 50 and the display unit 21, and it is in a standby state for water flow or button input.

[0052] When the user opens the faucet 101 and allows water to flow through the purified water flow path 31, the raw water passes through the purified water unit 30 without being electrolyzed in the electrolytic cell of the hydrogen water generation unit 40 and is discharged as purified water from the water intake port 26.

[0053] Also, when the user presses the functional water button F1, power is supplied to generate a predetermined DC voltage between the electrodes that become the anode or cathode of the electrolytic cell in the hydrogen water generation unit 40. As a result, purified water hydrogen water (purified water functional water) is discharged from the water intake port 26 through the hydrogen water generation unit 40 and the purified water unit 30.

[0054] The water treatment apparatus having the above configuration can be said to have the following configuration. That is, the water treatment apparatus A1 according to the present embodiment includes a purified water unit 30 that filters raw water supplied from the faucet 101, an attachment unit 11 attached to the faucet 101, a switching valve 16 that switches the raw water between a purified water flow path 31 passing through the purified water unit 30 and a raw water flow path 14 not passing through the purified water unit 30, a main body unit 10 having these components, a functional unit (hydrogen water generation unit 40) that generates functional water, and a power supply unit 80 that supplies power to the functional unit. The purified water unit 30 and the power supply unit 80 are integrally provided in the attachment main body unit 20, with the purified water unit 30 disposed on one side and the power supply unit 80 disposed on the other side with the attachment unit 11 in between.

[0055] According to such a configuration, the purified water unit 30 that becomes heavy due to the water contained inside and the power supply unit 80 that becomes heavy due to the battery weight are arranged at positions that are substantially point-symmetrical about the central point (center position C) of the attachment unit 11, which is the attachment position to the faucet 101, so that the weight balance is achieved and the attachment to the faucet 101 is stabilized. The position that is substantially point-symmetrical includes not only the position where the center of gravity of the purified water unit 30 and the center of gravity of the power supply unit 80 are exactly point-symmetrical about the center position C, but also the range in which the power supply unit 80 and the purified water unit 30 are balanced while including some positional deviation.

[0056] Further, the power supply unit 80 is detachably provided with respect to the attachment main body unit 20, and the attachment main body unit 20 has a rib portion 22 that projects so as to surround the outer periphery of the wall surface in contact with the power supply unit 80 at the edge of the wall surface in contact with the power supply unit 80.

[0057] According to such a configuration, for example, when a user is performing a cleaning operation on tableware or the like using the raw water discharged from the raw water discharge port 12, it is possible to effectively prevent water from entering between the power supply unit 80 and the attachment main body unit 20, and the energization contact points between them can be protected.

[0058] Further, the power supply unit 80 has an engaging portion (fitting convex portion 81), the attachment main body unit 20 has an engaging receiving portion (fitting concave portion 24) with which the engaging portion (fitting convex portion 81) can be slidably engaged and disengaged, and the rib portion 22 includes a horizontal rib portion 22b that projects so as to surround the engaging receiving portion (fitting concave portion 24) in a direction perpendicular to the wall surface with which the power supply unit 80 is in contact. The horizontal rib portion 22b has a notch on the insertion end side of the power supply unit 80. Further, in the attachment main body unit 20, it can also be said that the rib portion 22 is provided on the outer periphery of the wall surface in contact with the power supply unit 80, excluding one end side where the opening 24a in the advancing and retreating direction of the engaging portion (fitting convex portion 81) in the engaging receiving portion (fitting concave portion 24) is provided.

[0059] According to such a configuration, the attachment and detachment of the power supply unit 80 is not hindered by the rib portion 22, and the user can smoothly perform the attachment and detachment operation of the power supply unit 80.

[0060] [Second Embodiment] Next, a second embodiment of the water treatment apparatus according to the present disclosure will be described. In the embodiments described below, the same names or the same reference numerals are given to the configurations that are common to or corresponding to those of the first embodiment, and the description of the overlapping contents will be omitted as appropriate.

[0061] FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing the appearance of the water treatment apparatus A2 according to the second embodiment. FIG. 10 is a schematic right side view for explaining the weight balance when a faucet is attached to the water treatment apparatus A2 according to the second embodiment.

[0062] The water treatment apparatus A2 according to this embodiment has the same internal configuration and electrical configuration as those of the first embodiment. On the other hand, the positional relationship between the power supply unit 80 and the water purification unit 30 of the water treatment apparatus A2 is different from that of the first embodiment.

[0063] In this embodiment, a cylindrical casing 34 for housing the water purification unit 30 extends to the rear side of the attachment main body portion 120, and the power supply unit 80 is detachably connected to the front side of the attachment main body portion 120. That is, the water purification unit 30 and the power supply unit 80 are arranged in the front-rear direction with the attachment portion 11 therebetween.

[0064] The lever 13 for receiving the operation of the user is disposed on the right side surface of the attachment main body portion 120.

[0065] In this embodiment, the hydrogen water generation unit 40 is disposed in the cylindrical casing 34 that houses the water purification unit 30. Thus, by disposing the cylindrical casing 34 behind the attachment portion 11, the hydrogen water generation unit 40 as a functional unit is also disposed behind the attachment portion 11.

[0066] As shown in FIG. 10, with the center position C of the attachment portion 11 as a fulcrum, the power supply unit 80 and the cylindrical casing 34 including the water purification unit 30 that is approximately in balance with the power supply unit 80 are arranged front and rear. By achieving a state where the moment of the force by the power supply unit 80 with the center position C as a fulcrum and the moment of the force by the water purification unit 30 are approximately in balance, the water treatment apparatus A2 does not rotate in the front-rear direction in a side view when attached, and stable attachment to the water tap 101 can be realized.

[0067] Further, since the cylindrical casing 34 includes the water purification cartridge 30a containing water and further the hydrogen water generation unit 40, it becomes slightly heavier than the power supply unit 80. That is, in the water treatment apparatus A2, the heavier configuration is arranged closer to the base portion 102 of the water tap.

[0068] As shown in FIG. 10, by making the distance L2 from the base portion 102 of the faucet to the center of gravity of the water purification cartridge 30a in the cylinder casing 34 shorter than the distance L1 from the base portion 102 of the faucet to the center of gravity of the power supply unit 80, the moment applied to the base portion 102 of the faucet can be reduced. In addition, when the battery disposed in the power supply unit 80 is made to have a larger capacity and the weight of the power supply unit 80 becomes heavier than the weight on the side of the cylinder casing 34 containing water, the positions of the power supply unit 80 and the water purification unit 30 may be interchanged. That is, with the weight P1 acting on the rearward side separated by a predetermined distance L3 from the center position C of the mounting portion 11 and the weight P2 acting on the forward side separated by a predetermined distance L3 from the center position C of the mounting portion 11, it is interchangeable in the relationship where P1×L2 is larger than P2×L1.

[0069] It can be said that the water treatment apparatus having the above-described configuration has the following configuration. That is, the water treatment apparatus A2 according to the present embodiment arranges the water purification unit 30 and the power supply unit 80 in the front-rear direction with the attachment position of the faucet of the attachment portion 11 as the center.

[0070] According to such a configuration, by arranging the heavy components in the front-rear direction to balance, the attachment of the water treatment apparatus A2 to the faucet 101 becomes stable. In the arrangement of the power supply unit 80 and the water purification unit 30, arranging them in the front-rear direction in this way reduces the burden on the base portion 102 of the faucet compared to the case where they are arranged in the left-right direction. Further, by arranging the heavier one of the water purification unit 30 or the power supply unit 80 closer to the base portion 102 of the faucet, which is on the rear side of the attachment position (attachment portion 11) to the faucet 101, the load on the base portion 102 of the faucet can be further reduced.

[0071] In addition, the water purification unit 30 is arranged behind the attachment portion 11, and the power supply unit 80 is arranged in front of the attachment portion 11.

[0072] According to such a configuration, by arranging the power supply unit 80 forward, it can be easily attached to and detached from the attachment main body unit 20 of the power supply unit 80. Further, when an operation button (functional water button F1) and a display unit 21 are arranged on the upper surface of the attachment main body unit 20, by arranging the power supply unit 80, which has a smaller volume than the water purification cartridge 30a, forward, it becomes easier for the user to operate the button, and the visibility of the display unit 21 is also improved.

[0073] Further, an operation lever (lever 13) for operating the switching valve 16 is provided on either the left or right side with respect to the attachment portion 11.

[0074] According to such a configuration, when replacing the water purification cartridge 30a or attaching and detaching the power supply unit 80, the operation lever does not become an obstacle.

[0075] Further, the functional unit (hydrogen water generation unit 40) is arranged behind the attachment portion 11.

[0076] According to such a configuration, depending on the internal configuration, vibration is likely to occur due to the water flow. Therefore, by arranging the functional unit closer to the base portion 102 of the faucet, which is behind the attachment portion 11, the influence of the vibration transmitted to the base portion 102 of the faucet can be reduced.

[0077] [Modification Example of the Second Embodiment] Next, a first modification example of the second embodiment of the water treatment apparatus according to the present disclosure will be described. The first modification example is shown in FIG. 11. The first modification example relates to the arrangement of the display unit 21.

[0078] As shown in FIG. 11, in this modification example, the display unit 21 is arranged on the front surface portion of the power supply unit 80 provided in front of the attachment portion 11. In this way, by arranging the display unit 21 on the front surface portion of the power supply unit 80, the waterproofing of the display unit 21 can be simultaneously performed by the waterproof structure of the power supply unit 80. Further, the length of the attachment main body unit 20 in the front-rear direction can be reduced.

[0079] Next, a second modification of the second embodiment of the water treatment apparatus according to the present disclosure will be described. The second modification relates to the arrangement and attachment of functional parts. That is, in this modification, the functional parts are not built into the cylindrical casing 34, but are configured to be detachable.

[0080] The second modification is shown in FIGS. 12 and 13. FIG. 12 is a perspective view for explaining the appearance of the second modification, and FIG. 13 is a schematic plan view for explaining the arrangement of the functional parts and the water purification part 30 and the flow path therebetween. In FIG. 13, the appearance of the water treatment apparatus A2 is shown by a two-dot chain line, and the flow path is shown by a broken line.

[0081] As shown in FIG. 12, in this modification, a basic case 36 that is detachable from the cylindrical casing 34 is provided on the side opposite to the lid 35 of the cylindrical casing 34. The lid 35 covers the portion for attaching and detaching the water purification cartridge 30a, while the basic case 36 covers the portion for connecting the functional parts.

[0082] On the surface of the cylindrical casing 34 covered by the basic case 36, a discharge port 57b, a water supply port 57a, and a receptacle 58 for a connection terminal described later are recessed. On the opposing surface of the basic case 36 side, a discharge port 37a, a water supply port 37b, and a plug portion 38 corresponding to each of the discharge port 57b, the water supply port 57a, and the receptacle 58 for the connection terminal project. Further, a flow path communicating the discharge port 37a and the water supply port 37b is formed inside the basic case 36.

[0083] In a state where the basic case 36 is attached to the cylindrical casing 34, the discharge port 57b is fitted so as to be able to communicate with the water supply port 37b, the water supply port 57a is fitted so as to be able to communicate with the discharge port 37a, and the receptacle 58 for the connection terminal is closed by the plug portion 38. The plug portion 38 is formed of an elastic member such as rubber. The raw water discharged from the discharge port 57b on the cylindrical casing 34 side reaches the water supply port 57a and the inlet 33a of the water purification cartridge 30a via the flow path in the basic case 36. Then, the purified water that has passed through the water purification cartridge 30a flows from the outlet 33b toward the water intake 26.

[0084] The hydrogen water generation unit 40 as a functional unit is housed in an extension case 46 having a cylindrical shape with the same diameter as the cylindrical casing 34. A water inlet 47b and a water outlet 47a project from the surface of the extension case 46 facing the cylindrical casing 34. By fitting the water inlet 47b with the water outlet 57b on the cylindrical casing 34 side and the water outlet 47a with the water inlet 57a on the cylindrical casing 34 side respectively, water can flow between the cylindrical casing 34 and the extension case 46.

[0085] Also, a connection terminal 48 is provided on the surface of the extension case 46 facing the cylindrical casing 34. The connection terminal 48 is electrically connected to the control unit 50 on the attachment main body part 120 side of the electrode 44 of the hydrogen water generation unit 40 by fitting into the receptacle 58 on the cylindrical casing 34 side.

[0086] In the state where the extension case 46 is attached to the cylindrical casing 34, the water outlet 57b is fitted with the water inlet 47b and the water inlet 57a is fitted with the water outlet 47a so that water can flow through them, and the receptacle 58 is fitted with the connection terminal 48 so that electricity can be conducted. The raw water supplied from the faucet 101 and discharged from the water outlet 57b on the cylindrical casing 34 side reaches the inlet 33a of the water purification cartridge 30a via the hydrogen water generation unit 40 in the extension case 46 and through the water inlet 57a. Then, the purified functional water that has passed through the water purification cartridge 30a flows from the outlet 33b to the water intake 26.

[0087] Note that the functional unit housed in the extension case 46 may be, in addition to the hydrogen water generation unit 40, an ion water generation unit that generates alkaline ion water and acidic ion water, an ozone water generation unit that generates ozone water, or a hypochlorous acid water generation unit that generates hypochlorous acid water. Depending on the desired effect of the functional water, an extension case 46 containing the desired functional unit can be selected.

[0088] Also, when electrolyzing water in each functional unit, depending on the presence or absence of a diaphragm in the electrode and electrolytic cell, the necessity of adding salts or the like to assist electrolysis, etc., the expansion of the flow path formed in the extension case 46 and the connection mode of the flow path are appropriately changed.

[0089] As described above, the functional unit may be configured to be detachable from the main body unit 110, or may be non-detachably housed in the cylindrical casing 34 and integrated with the main body unit 110.

[0090] Next, a third modification of the second embodiment of the water treatment apparatus according to the present disclosure will be described. The third modification is common with the second modification in that the functional unit is configured to be detachable, but is different from the second modification in that the functional unit is also provided in the cylindrical casing 34.

[0091] FIG. 14 is a schematic plan view for explaining the arrangement of the functional unit and the purified water unit 30 and the flow path therebetween. In FIG. 14, the outer appearance of the water treatment apparatus A2 is shown by a two-dot chain line, and the flow path is shown by a broken line.

[0092] In a state where the basic case 36 is attached to the cylindrical casing 34, the discharge port 57b is fitted to communicate with the water supply port 37b, and the water supply port 57a is fitted to communicate with the discharge port 37a, and the receptacle 58 of the connection terminal is closed by the plug portion 38. The plug portion 38 is formed of an elastic member such as rubber. The raw water supplied from the faucet 101 reaches the hydrogen water generation unit 40a in the cylindrical casing 34. The hydrogen water generated by the hydrogen water generation unit 40a reaches the water supply port 57a via the flow path in the basic case 36 from the discharge port 57b on the cylindrical casing 34 side, and further flows into the purified water cartridge 30a through the inlet 33a. Then, the purified functional water that has passed through the purified water cartridge 30a flows from the outlet 33b to the water intake port 26.

[0093] In a state where the extension case 46 is attached to the cylinder casing 34, the discharge port 57b is fitted to the water supply port 47b in a water-passing manner, and the water supply port 57a is fitted to the discharge port 47a in a water-passing manner, and the receiving port 58 is fitted to the connection terminal 48 in an energizable manner. The raw water supplied from the faucet 101 passes through the hydrogen water generation unit 40a in the cylinder casing 34 and then flows into the hydrogen water generation unit 40b in the extension case 46. The hydrogen water generated by passing through the hydrogen water generation unit 40a and the hydrogen water generation unit 40b reaches the inlet 33a of the water purification cartridge 30a through the water supply port 57a. Then, the purified functional water that has passed through the water purification cartridge 30a flows from the outlet 33b to the water intake port 26.

[0094] The addition of the hydrogen water generation unit 40b by attaching such an extension case 46 can easily achieve the enhancement of the function of the functional part, for example, when it is desired to obtain hydrogen water containing more hydrogen. That is, according to such a configuration, it is possible to easily enhance the function of the functional part by adding the functional part.

[0095] Next, a fourth modification of the second embodiment of the water treatment apparatus according to the present disclosure will be described. The fourth modification is common to the second and third modifications in that the functional part is configured to be detachable. On the other hand, it is different from the second and third modifications in that instead of the basic case 36, a lid body 56 having no flow path inside is provided.

[0096] The fourth modification is shown in FIGS. 15 and 16. FIG. 15 is a perspective view for explaining the appearance of the fourth modification, and FIG. 16 is a schematic plan view for explaining the arrangement of the functional part and the water purification part 30 and the flow path therebetween. In FIG. 16, the appearance of the water treatment apparatus A2 is shown by a two-dot chain line, the flow path is shown by a broken line, and for convenience of explanation, the illustration of the connection terminal 48 and its receiving port 58 is omitted.

[0097] The lid body 56 has plug portions 39, 39 protruding from the inner wall surface facing the mounting surface of the functional part of the cylinder casing 34. The plug portions 39, 39 are formed of the same material as the plug portion 38 that closes the receiving port 58 of the connection terminal 48, and each of the water supply port 57a and the discharge port 57b is closed.

[0098] In the second and third modified examples, a flow path is formed such that the raw water flowing out from the discharge port 57b of the cylindrical casing 34 passes through the flow path in the basic case 36 and reaches the inlet 33a of the water purification cartridge 30a from the water supply port 57a of the cylindrical casing 34. On the other hand, in the fourth modified example, a bypass flow path is provided in the cylindrical casing 34 to connect the flow path from the switching valve 16 to the discharge port 57b and the flow path from the water supply port 57a to the inlet 33a. A switching valve 55 configured to be switchable by applying an external pressing force is interposed in this bypass flow path.

[0099] The extension case 46 has a pressing rod 49 protruding from the surface facing the mounting surface of the functional part of the cylindrical casing 34. The pressing rod 49 is formed of a hard resin material equivalent to that of the extension case 46. Further, the pressing rod 49 is formed at a substantially intermediate portion between the formation positions of the discharge port 47a and the water supply port 47b in the extension case 46.

[0100] A hole 59 leading to the switching valve 55 is formed at a position corresponding to the pressing rod 49 on the cylindrical casing 34 side. When the extension case 46 is attached to the cylindrical casing 34, the pressing rod 49 penetrates into the hole 59, and the tip of the pressing rod 49 reaches the switching valve 55 to move the valve body, so that the bypass flow path is closed. Then, the raw water supplied from the faucet 101 and discharged from the discharge port 57b on the cylindrical casing 34 side reaches the inlet 33a of the water purification cartridge 30a via the hydrogen water generation unit 40 in the extension case 46 and through the water supply port 57a. And the purified functional water that has passed through the water purification cartridge 30a flows from the outlet 33b to the water intake 26. Note that the pressing rod 49 may be configured as a shielding part that physically blocks the flow path. In this case, the switching valve 55 can be omitted.

[0101] When the lid body 56 is attached to the cylindrical casing 34, the water inlet 57a and the water outlet 57b are blocked, and the switching valve 55, whose pressing by the pressing rod 49 is released, is in an open state allowing water to flow through the bypass channel. Therefore, the raw water supplied from the faucet 101 reaches the inlet 33a of the water purification cartridge 30a via the bypass channel. Then, the purified water that has passed through the water purification cartridge 30a flows from the outlet 33b to the water intake 26.

[0102] According to such a configuration, the thickness of the lid body 56 can be reduced. Therefore, after the extension case 46 is attached, it is possible to store the lid body 56 even in a narrow space.

[0103] [Third Embodiment] Next, a third embodiment of the water treatment apparatus according to the present disclosure will be described. In the embodiments described below, components that are common or corresponding to those in the first and second embodiments are denoted by the same names or the same reference numerals, and descriptions of overlapping content are omitted as appropriate.

[0104] FIG. 17 is a schematic plan view of a water treatment apparatus A3 according to the third embodiment, and FIG. 18 is a schematic view showing the lower surface side thereof. FIG. 19 is a schematic diagram showing a simplified internal configuration of the water treatment apparatus A3 according to the third embodiment. In the schematic diagram of FIG. 19, electrical signals are indicated by broken lines. FIG. 20 is a schematic view showing an example of the configuration of the mist generating unit 60. Further, FIG. 21 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the water treatment apparatus A3 according to the third embodiment. In FIG. 21, the electrical configuration of the water treatment apparatus A1 is shown by a solid line, and the electrical configuration added to the configuration shown by the solid line in the water treatment apparatuses according to other embodiments described later is shown by a broken line.

[0105] The water treatment apparatus A3 according to the present embodiment has a mounting main body portion 220 having a mounting portion 11, and the shape thereof is a substantially rectangular shape that is horizontally long in plan view. The positional relationship between the power supply portion 80 and the water purification portion 30 is different from those in the first and second embodiments. Also, in terms of the internal configuration, it is different from the first and second embodiments in that it includes a mist generating unit 60.

[0106] As shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, the mounting main body portion 220 has a substantially rectangular shape that is horizontally long in plan view, and the mounting portion 11 that is the mounting position to the faucet of the faucet 101 is provided at a position biased to the left of the center of the mounting main body portion 220 in the left - right direction of the mounting main body portion 220.

[0107] The switching valve 16 is arranged on the right side of the mounting portion 11 where the internal space becomes larger in the mounting main body portion 220. The lever 13 that is connected to the switching valve 16 and is operated for flow path switching is arranged on the right side surface portion of the mounting main body portion 220.

[0108] On the left side surface portion, which is the opposite side of the arrangement of the lever 13 in the left - right direction of the mounting main body portion 220, the power supply unit 80 is detachably provided.

[0109] Also, in the front - rear direction of the mounting main body portion 220, on the rear side, a cylindrical casing 34 that houses the water purification unit 30, the hydrogen water generation unit 40 as a functional unit, and the mist generation unit 60 extends.

[0110] On the front side of the mounting main body portion 220, a display portion 21, a functional water button F1, and a mist button F2 are arranged. The mist button F2 is a switch for switching the ON / OFF operation of the operation of the mist generation unit 60 described later. The purified water or functional water misted in the mist generation unit 60 is sprayed to the outside from a mist outlet 27 provided in front of the upper surface of the mounting main body portion 220. Note that the mist outlet 27 may be provided on the upper surface of the cylindrical casing 34.

[0111] The internal structure of the main body 210 including the mounting main body 220, the cylinder casing 34, and the power supply unit 80 will be described. Inside the main body 210, a water flow system for treating the supplied water while passing through the hydrogen water generation unit 40, the water purification unit 30, and the mist generation unit 60 is configured. These components are arranged in the order of the hydrogen water generation unit 40, the water purification unit 30, and the mist generation unit 60 from upstream, and are connected by a flow path including the water purification flow path 31 and the mist generation flow path 41 formed in the mounting main body 220 and the cylinder casing 34. Note that the control unit 50, which is an electrical system configuration for performing electrical control and management necessary for water flow and treatment in the water flow system configuration, is arranged in the mounting main body 220.

[0112] When tap water is supplied as raw water from the faucet 101 to the main body 210, the raw water is supplied to the hydrogen water generation unit 40. The flow rate of the raw water flowing from the switching valve 16 to the hydrogen water generation unit 40 is calculated by the control unit 50 based on the output signal of the flow rate sensor 32 installed in the water purification flow path 31, and is displayed as the integrated flow rate on the display unit 21.

[0113] The purified water that has passed through the hydrogen water generation unit 40 and the water purification unit 30 reaches the mist generation unit 60 through the mist generation flow path 41. In the middle of the mist generation flow path 41, which is the downstream flow path of the water purification unit 30, a branch portion 23 for branching the flow path into the water intake path 25 on the water intake port 26 side is provided.

[0114] A check valve 42 as a backflow prevention portion is provided at a position downstream of the branch portion 23 in the mist generation flow path 41 and upstream of the connection position of the mist generation unit 60. By providing the check valve 42, it is possible to prevent the surplus water that has not been used in the mist generation unit 60 from flowing back to the water intake path 25 side and mixing into the purified water taken from the water intake port 26.

[0115] In addition, surplus water that has not been used in the mist generation unit 60 is discharged outside the main body 210 from the drain port 43. As shown in FIG. 18, the drain port 43 is provided on the lower surface of the main body 110 behind the attachment portion 11. More specifically, it is provided on the rear left side of the lower surface of the cylindrical casing 34, which is the position farthest from the front-rear direction and the left-right direction, from the water intake port 26 provided on the front right side of the lower surface of the attachment main body 220. By providing the drain port 43 at such a position, it is possible to prevent the surplus water from mixing into the purified water taken as drinking water, at least.

[0116] The mist generation unit 60 includes a misting means, and atomizes the purified hydrogen water (purified functional water) that has passed through the hydrogen water generation unit 40 and the purified water unit 30, and sprays it outside the main body 210. In the present embodiment, as the misting means, an ultrasonic method is adopted which has a porous impregnated body 64 that absorbs and holds water and an ultrasonic vibrator 65, and vibrates the impregnated body 64 via the ultrasonic vibrator 65 to make the water into a mist state (see FIG. 20).

[0117] In addition, as shown in FIG. 20, the mist generation unit 60 is composed of, for example, a hollow container 61. A nozzle 62 communicating with the mist outlet 27 is provided at the upper part of the container 61, a water inlet 63 from the mist generation flow path 41 is provided at the bottom, and in the container 61, the lower end of the impregnated body 64 is immersed in the water supplied from the mist generation flow path 41, so that the impregnated body 64 holds water for misting.

[0118] As shown in FIG. 20, downstream of the branch portion 23, the flow path diameter of the mist generation flow path 41 on the mist generation unit 60 side is formed to be narrower than that of the water intake path 25 leading to the water intake port 26. Thereby, downstream of the branch portion 23, the flow rate of the mist generation flow path 41 becomes smaller than that of the water intake path 25. Therefore, while ensuring the amount of water such as purified water taken from the water intake port 26, it is possible to supply the amount of water required for misting to the mist generation unit 60.

[0119] The purified water or functional water atomized by the mist generating unit 60 is sprayed into the air from the mist outlet 27 formed on the upper surface side of the attachment main body 220. Thereby, moisture is given to the dry air.

[0120] Note that as the atomization means, instead of the ultrasonic method, a method may be adopted in which the lower end of the impregnated body is immersed in water and the water sucked up by the impregnated body by centrifugal force is made into a mist. In this case, the impregnated body having a funnel-shaped shape is configured to rotate by driving a motor electrically connected to the control unit 50, thereby realizing atomization.

[0121] Also, as the atomization means, an electrostatic atomization method may be adopted in which a needle-shaped electrode having a vertical groove is immersed in water and a high voltage is applied to the needle-shaped electrode to atomize it. In this case, atomization is realized by applying a predetermined voltage to the needle-shaped electrode electrically connected to the control unit 50.

[0122] Next, a series of operations in the water treatment apparatus A3 having the above-described configuration will be described.

[0123] In the water treatment apparatus A3 with the power supply unit 80 attached to the attachment main body 220, power is supplied to the control unit 50, and it is in a standby state for water flow or button input.

[0124] When the user opens the faucet 101 and allows water to flow through the purified water flow path 31, the raw water passes through the purified water unit 30 without being electrolyzed in the electrolytic cell of the hydrogen water generation unit 40, and is discharged as purified water from the water intake 26.

[0125] Also, when the user presses the functional water button F1, power is supplied to generate a predetermined DC voltage between the electrodes that become the anode or cathode of the electrolytic cell in the hydrogen water generation unit 40. Thereby, purified water hydrogen water (purified water functional water) is discharged from the water intake 26 through the hydrogen water generation unit 40 and the purified water unit 30.

[0126] Similarly, when the user presses the mist button F2, power is supplied to the ultrasonic vibrator 65 to vibrate at a predetermined vibration frequency under the control of the control unit 50. When the mist button F2 is pressed while the hydrogen water generation unit 40 is in the OFF state, purified water is sprayed outward from the mist outlet 27 through the mist generation unit 60. When the mist button F2 is pressed while the hydrogen water generation unit 40 is in the ON state, functional water of the water purifier is sprayed outward from the mist outlet 27 through the mist generation unit 60.

[0127] The amount discharged from the water intake port 26, that is, the usage amount of purified water and functional water, and the operating time of the mist generation unit 60 are integrated at any time and displayed on the display unit 21.

[0128] The water treatment apparatus having the above configuration can be said to have the following configuration. That is, the water treatment apparatus A3 according to the present embodiment includes a water purification unit 30 that filters raw water supplied from the faucet 101, a mounting unit 11 attached to the faucet 101, a purified water flow path 31 through which the raw water passes through the water purification unit 30, and a raw water flow path 14 that does not pass through the water purification unit 30. A switching valve 16 for switching, a mounting main body unit 220 having the switching valve 16, a functional unit (hydrogen water generation unit 40) for generating functional water, a power supply unit 80 for supplying power to the functional unit (hydrogen water generation unit 40), and an operation lever for operating the switching valve 16 (lever 13). The mounting unit 11 is provided at a position displaced in the left-right direction of the mounting main body unit 220. In the mounting main body unit 220, the switching valve 16 is disposed on the side where the internal space becomes larger (right side) with respect to the central position of the mounting unit 11, and the operation lever (lever 13) is further connected to the side thereof (right side surface of the mounting main body unit 220). The power supply unit 80 is disposed on the side opposite to the side where the internal space becomes larger (left side).

[0129] According to such a configuration, the left-right weight balance centered on the mounting unit 11 can be achieved, and the water treatment apparatus A3 can be stably mounted on the faucet 101.

[0130] Further, the water purification unit 30 is provided on the rear side of the mounting unit 11 in the mounting main body unit 220.

[0131] According to such a configuration, the water purification unit 30 that becomes heavy by containing water is arranged closer to the base portion 102 of the faucet 101, and the load on the faucet 101 can be reduced.

[0132] Further, the water treatment apparatus A3 according to the present embodiment includes a mist generating unit 60 that mistifies the purified water filtered by the water purification unit 30.

[0133] According to such a configuration, since the mist generating unit 60 can mistify the functional water, the effects of the functional water can be exerted on the user and / or the periphery of the water treatment apparatus A3. When the functional water is hydrogen water, moisturizing and preventing rough skin effects on the skin such as the user's face can be expected.

[0134] In addition to the hydrogen water generation unit 40, the functional unit may be an ionized water generation unit that generates alkaline ion water and acidic ion water, an ozone water generation unit that generates ozone water, or a hypochlorous acid water generation unit that generates hypochlorous acid water. The functional unit can be selected according to the desired effects of the functional water. Further, when electrolyzing water, depending on the presence or absence of diaphragms in the electrodes and electrolytic cell, the necessity of adding salts or the like to assist electrolysis, etc., it goes without saying that the positional relationship between the water purification unit and the functional unit and the positional relationship of the flow path arrangement in the upstream and downstream of the flow path are appropriately deformed.

[0135] Further, in the present embodiment, the mist generating unit 60 is also arranged in the cylindrical casing 34 that stores the water purification unit 30. When the mist generating means is an ultrasonic method, by arranging the vibration source closer to the base portion 102 of the faucet 101, the load on the faucet 101 can be reduced.

[0136] Further, downstream of the water purification unit, there is a branch portion 23 that branches into a water intake path 25 leading to a purified water outlet (water intake port 26) and a mist generation flow path 41 to which the mist generating unit 60 is connected.

[0137] According to such a configuration, just by the user opening the faucet 101 to allow water to flow through the clean water flow path 31, it is possible to easily guide the amount of water necessary for mist generation to the mist generation unit 60.

[0138] Also, the mist generation flow path 41 is configured such that its flow rate is smaller than that of the water intake path 25. Specifically, by making the flow path diameter of the mist generation flow path 41 smaller than that of the water intake path 25, the flow rate of water in the mist generation flow path 41 is made smaller.

[0139] According to such a configuration, while ensuring a sufficient amount of target water for use as drinking water or the like, it is possible to reduce the amount of surplus water not used by the mist generation unit 60 and suppress wasteful use of water.

[0140] Also, a backflow prevention part (check valve 42) is provided in the mist generation flow path 41 upstream of the mist generation unit 60.

[0141] According to such a configuration, in the mist generation flow path 41, even if the water guided downstream from the branch part 23 stays in the mist generation flow path 41 without being used by the mist generation unit 60, the backflow prevention part prevents the stagnant water from flowing back through the water intake path 25, and the clean water as drinking water is kept hygienic. Also, since the backflow prevention part is the check valve 42, backflow can be reliably prevented.

[0142] Also, the mist generation flow path 41 has a drain port 43 for draining surplus water that did not flow into the mist generation unit 60.

[0143] According to such a configuration, surplus water that did not flow into the mist generation unit 60 can be drained from the flow path to the outside. Thereby, the retention of surplus water in the mist generation flow path 41 is prevented, and it becomes possible to keep the flow path hygienic.

[0144] In addition, a mist outlet 27 for ejecting the mist generated by the mist generating unit 60 to the outside is provided on the upper surface of the attachment main body 220 and / or on the upper surface of the housing (cylindrical casing 34) that houses the water purification unit 30.

[0145] According to such a configuration, it is possible to spray mist over a wide area around the sink where the water treatment device A1 is installed.

[0146] In addition, the mist outlet 27 is provided in the attachment main body 220 in front of the attachment portion 11.

[0147] According to such a configuration, since the mist is sprayed at a position closer to the user, it is possible to further exert the effect of the functional water on the user.

[0148] In addition, the drain outlet 43 in the mist generation flow path 41 is provided on the lower surface of the attachment main body 220 behind the attachment portion 11.

[0149] With such a configuration, it is possible to prevent surplus water that has not been used in the mist generating unit 60 drained from the drain outlet 43 from mixing into the raw water, purified water, or functional water taken as drinking water.

[0150] In addition, in the present embodiment, an example in which the functional unit and the mist generating unit 60 are provided in the cylindrical casing 34 has been described. However, as shown in the second modification of the second embodiment, the functional unit and the mist generating unit 60 may be configured to be detachable from the cylindrical casing 34. In this case, the mist outlet 27 for the functional water mistified by the mist generating unit 60 and the drain outlet for the surplus water are provided in the extension case 46 that houses the functional unit and the mist generating unit 60.

[0151] [Fourth Embodiment] Next, a fourth embodiment of the water treatment device according to the present disclosure will be described. In the embodiments described below, for the configurations that are common to or corresponding to the first, second, and third embodiments, the same names or the same reference numerals are given, and the descriptions of the overlapping contents are omitted as appropriate.

[0152] The water treatment apparatus A4 according to the present embodiment has the same appearance as that of the third embodiment shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, but is different in that a storage portion 70 (shown by a broken line in FIG. 19) is provided at the connecting portion of the mist generation channel 41 with the mist generating portion 60 as an internal configuration.

[0153] The storage portion 70 stores a predetermined amount of functional water that is atomized by the mist generating portion 60. The storage portion 70 only needs to be formed so as to be able to communicate the mist generating portion 60 and the mist generation channel 41. For example, it may be possible to partially expand the flow path diameter of the mist generation channel 41 to retain water.

[0154] Further, a heater 71 is provided in the storage portion 70 (see FIG. 21). The heater 71 is electrically connected to the control portion 50. When the mist generating portion 60 is driven, the control portion 50 drives the heater 71 at a low output, and when the mist generating portion 60 is not driven, the control portion 50 drives the heater 71 at a high output. More specifically, when the mist generating portion 60 is driven, the control portion 50 drives the heater 71 at a predetermined output to keep warm, for example, so that the temperature of the stored water in the storage portion 70 is around 40°C. When the mist generating portion 60 is not driven, the control portion 50 drives the heater 71 at an output larger than when the mist generating portion 60 is driven to heat, for example, so that the temperature of the stored water in the storage portion 70 is 75°C or higher.

[0155] Here, when the mist generating unit 60 is not driven, it refers to a state where the faucet 101 is not opened, or when the faucet 101 is opened and the switching valve 16 is in a position where raw water passes through the raw water passage 14, or even when the faucet 101 is opened and the switching valve 16 is in a position where raw water passes through the purified water passage 31 but the mist mode is not selected, etc., which means the state where the driving of the mist generating unit 60 is stopped. That is, the control unit 50 executes control to increase the heater output when the mist generating unit 60 is not driven compared to the heater output when the mist generating unit 60 is driven, thereby enabling sterilization of the inside of the storage unit 70 by heat when the mist generating function is not in use.

[0156] Note that it is not necessary to continuously drive the heater 71 at a high output when the mist generating unit 60 is not driven. It is only necessary to maintain a state where the water temperature of the stored water in the storage unit 70 is 75 °C or higher for a certain period of time effective for sterilization. Therefore, the control unit 50 may be configured to execute control to stop the power supply to the heater 71 after driving the heater 71 at a high output for a predetermined driving time (for example, 10 minutes).

[0157] Also, the heating of the storage unit 70 by the heater 71 when the mist generating function is not in use may be performed at a frequency that can maintain the sanitary state inside the storage unit 70. Therefore, when the mist generating unit 60 is not driven, the control unit 50 determines, for example, whether a preset stop time (for example, 1 hour) has elapsed since the previous high-output drive, and when the set stop time has elapsed, controls the operation of the heater 71 to drive it at a high output for a predetermined driving time (for example, 10 minutes), and the heater drive may be performed intermittently. That is, by suppressing the high-output driving time of the heater 71, an increase in power consumption when the mist generating function is not in use can be suppressed.

[0158] On the other hand, when the mist generating unit 60 is being driven, by driving the heater 71 at a smaller output than when the mist generating unit 60 is not driven, it is possible to supply mist at a comfortable temperature (for example, 30 °C to 40 °C) to the user.

[0159] The water treatment device having the above-described configuration can be said to have the following configuration. That is, in the water treatment device A4 according to the present embodiment, a storage unit 70 is provided at a connection portion of the mist generation flow path 41 with the mist generation unit 60.

[0160] According to such a configuration, since a predetermined amount of functional water can be stored in the storage unit 70, it is possible to prevent the mist generation unit 60 from idling. When an ultrasonic method is adopted as the mist generation means of the mist generation unit 60, it is possible to prevent deterioration of an ultrasonic vibrator or the like due to idling operation.

[0161] In the present embodiment, an example in which the storage unit 70 is provided with a heater 71 as a heating means is shown, but the present invention is not limited thereto. Temperature adjustment means using a Peltier element may be provided so as to cope with both heating and cooling.

[0162] [Fifth Embodiment] Next, a fifth embodiment of the water treatment device according to the present disclosure will be described. In the embodiments described below, components that are common to or corresponding to those of the first to fourth embodiments are denoted by the same names or the same reference numerals, and descriptions of overlapping contents are appropriately omitted.

[0163] The water treatment device A5 according to the present embodiment has the same appearance and internal configuration as those of the third embodiment, but the control unit 50 adjusts the driving timing according to the amount of water supplied to the clean water flow path 31 when driving the mist generation unit 60, which is different.

[0164] More specifically, when the mist button F2 is pressed by the user, the control unit 50 does not drive the mist generation unit 60 at the timing of pressing, but drives the mist generation unit 60 after a predetermined flow rate has flowed.

[0165] The control unit 50 includes a timer 53 (shown by a dashed line in Fig. 21). For example, after a preset time has elapsed since a signal indicating that the mist button F2 has been pressed is input, the timer 53 transmits a drive signal to the mist generation unit 60.

[0166] Further, a flow rate sensor 32 is connected to the control unit 50, and the water flow state in the pure water flow path 31 can be detected by an electrical signal from the sensor. The control unit 50 transmits a drive signal to the mist generation unit 60 after a preset time has elapsed from the input of the water flow detection signal of the sensor by the operation of the timer 53. The set time of the timer 53 is set in consideration of the configuration and flow path length of the flow path interposed from the connection position of the sensor in the pure water flow path 31 to the mist generation unit 60 until the functional water reaches. Thereby, after the mist generation unit 60 is in a state where sufficient functional water required for mist formation is supplied, the control unit 50 drives the mist generation unit 60.

[0167] The water treatment apparatus according to the modified example having the above configuration can be said to have the following configuration. That is, it includes a detection unit (flow rate sensor 32) that detects the water flow state of the pure water unit 30 or the functional unit (hydrogen water generation unit 40), and the control unit 50 drives the mist generation unit 60 after a predetermined time has elapsed since the detection unit detected the water flow state.

[0168] Note that as the detection unit, a pressure sensor can be employed instead of the flow rate sensor 32. The pressure sensor may be any that can output an electrical signal corresponding to the pressure applied to the pure water flow path 31 to the control unit 50. Also, the arrangement of the detection unit can be freely changed as long as it is a flow path upstream of the mist generation unit 60.

[0169] According to such a configuration, since the mist generation unit 60 is driven after a predetermined time has elapsed since the detection unit detected the water flow state, an idling operation of the mist generation unit 60 is prevented.

[0170] When the ultrasonic method is adopted as the mist formation means of the mist generation unit 60, preventing the idling operation can prevent damage to members such as ultrasonic vibrators and extend the device life.

[0171] [Modifications from the Third to Fifth Embodiments] Next, a modification from the third to fifth embodiments of the water treatment apparatus according to the present disclosure will be described. A modification of the backflow prevention part will be described with reference to FIGS. 22 to 24. Note that FIG. 24 is an enlarged view of the part indicated by reference sign D in FIG. 23.

[0172] In the first modification, as shown in FIG. 12, instead of the check valve 42 (see FIG. 19) shown in the third embodiment, a loop portion 76 having a hairpin-shaped flow path is used as the backflow prevention part.

[0173] Also, in the second modification, as shown in FIG. 23, in the mist generation flow path 41, at least the downstream side of the backflow prevention part is formed as an inclined part 41a with the drain port 43 facing downward, so that the discharge of excess water can be facilitated. In this case, the mist generation part 60 is provided in the middle of the inclined part 41a.

[0174] Also, as the backflow prevention part, a mountain-shaped loop-shaped loop part 77 that connects two inclined parts 41a and 41b, an inclined part 41b with the upstream side of the mist generation flow path 41 sloping downward and an inclined part 41a with the downstream side sloping downward, is used. Further, an intake umbrella valve 78 is provided at the apex of the loop part 77. The umbrella valve 78 opens and closes according to the pressure fluctuation in the flow path. The umbrella valve 78 is configured to open when the pressure inside the mist generation flow path 41 becomes negative and allow outside air to flow into the mist generation flow path 41, and to close when the internal pressure rises.

[0175] It can be said that the water treatment apparatus according to the modification having the above configuration has the following configuration. That is, the mist generation flow path 41 has an inclined part 41a that is inclined with the drain port 43 side facing downward, and the mist generation part 60 is provided in the middle of the inclined part 41a.

[0176] According to such a configuration, excess water that has not flowed into the mist generation part 60 quickly flows out of the flow path by flowing down the inclined part 41a.

[0177] In addition, an intake valve (umbrella valve 78) is provided in the mist generation flow path 41 on the upstream side of the mist generation section 60.

[0178] According to such a configuration, even when the surplus water that has not flowed into the mist generation section 60 cannot fall on the inclined portion 41a due to surface tension, by taking in air from the outside into the flow path with the intake valve in the open position, the surplus water can be smoothly sent out toward the drain port 43.

[0179] The description of each of the above-described embodiments is an example of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments. Therefore, it goes without saying that various changes can be made according to the design and the like as long as they are within the scope not departing from the technical idea of the present invention even if they are other than the above-described embodiments. In addition, the configurations of the above-described embodiments and the configurations of the modified examples can be appropriately combined.

[0180] Note that the water treatment apparatus according to the present invention can contribute to Goal 6 (Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all) of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) proposed by the United Nations.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0181] 10, 110, 210 Main body 11 Mounting portion 16 Changeover valve 20, 120, 220 Mounting main body 21 Display portion 22 Rib portion 22a Vertical rib portion 22b Horizontal rib portion 23 Branch portion 24a Opening 26 Water intake port (purified water outlet) 27 Mist outlet 29 Notch 30 Purified water section 31 Purified water flow path 32 Flow rate sensor (detection section) 34 Cylindrical casing 40 Hydrogen water generation unit 41 Mist generation flow path 42 Check valve (backflow prevention part) 43 Drain outlet 50 Control unit 60 Mist generation part 70 Storage part 80 Power supply unit 101 Faucet A1~A5 Water treatment device

Claims

1. A water purification unit that filters the raw water supplied from the faucet, The mounting part attached to the faucet, the water purification channel through which raw water passes through the water purification section, and the purified water A mounting body having a switching valve that switches to a raw water flow path that does not pass through the section, A functional unit that generates functional water, A power supply unit that supplies power to the aforementioned functional unit, Equipped with, The water purification unit and the power supply unit are integrally provided on the mounting body, sandwiching the mounting unit. A water treatment device in which the water purification unit is located on one side and the power supply unit is located on the other.

2. The water purification unit and the power supply unit are positioned relative to each other, with the mounting position of the mounting part to the faucet as the central point. The water treatment apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that it is arranged in the direction.

3. The water purification unit is positioned behind the mounting section, and the power supply unit is positioned in front of the mounting section. The water treatment apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that it does so.

4. The operating lever for operating the aforementioned switching valve is provided on either the left or right side of the mounting portion. The water treatment apparatus according to claim 3, characterized by the following:

5. The functional part is positioned behind the mounting part, as described in claim 3. Water treatment equipment.

6. The power supply unit is detachably mounted to the mounting body. The mounting body is provided protruding from the edge of the wall surface that is in contact with the power supply unit, surrounding the outer periphery of the wall surface. The water treatment apparatus according to claim 1, characterized by having a rib portion.

7. The power supply unit has an engaging portion, The mounting body has an engagement receiving portion into which the engagement portion slides in and out. The rib portion is provided to protrude in a direction perpendicular to the wall surface to which the power supply unit is in contact, surrounding the engagement receiving portion. Including the horizontal rib section, The transverse rib portion is characterized in that it has a notch on the insertion end side of the power supply unit. The water treatment device described.

8. A water purification unit that filters the raw water supplied from the faucet, The mounting part attached to the faucet, the water purification channel through which raw water passes through the water purification section, and the purified water A mounting body having a switching valve that switches to a raw water flow path that does not pass through the section, A functional unit that generates functional water, A power supply unit that supplies power to the aforementioned functional unit, An operating lever for operating the aforementioned switching valve, Equipped with, The mounting portion is provided in a position offset from the mounting body in the left-right direction. In the mounting body, the side with a larger internal space relative to the center position of the mounting part The aforementioned switching valve is positioned and the aforementioned operating lever is connected to its side, and the internal space is enlarged. A water treatment device in which the power supply unit is located on the side opposite to the side that is being treated.

9. The water purification unit is provided on the rear side of the mounting body of the mounting unit. The water treatment apparatus according to claim 8, characterized by...

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