Water treatment device

Abstract

To provide a water treatment device that enables retention of humidity in a surrounding space of the water treatment device.SOLUTION: A water treatment device includes: a water purification unit for filtering raw water; a mist generating unit for atomizing the purified water filtered by the water purification unit; a purified water outlet for the purified water filtered by the water purification unit; and a mist outlet for spraying mist generated by the mist generating unit. A backflow prevention unit is provided in a flow path between the water purification unit and the mist generating unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

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 that removes trihalomethane contained in tap water (raw water) by filtering the tap water with a filter medium is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] The water purifier described in Patent Document 1 uses activated carbon as a filter medium, has a pre-activated carbon layer, a post-activated carbon layer, and a spray nozzle disposed therebetween, and the water passing through the pre-activated carbon layer is made into spray water by the spray nozzle before passing through the post-activated carbon layer, so that trihalomethane is volatilized, and the trihalomethane reduced by the spraying is further adsorbed by the post-activated carbon layer.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] To provide a water treatment apparatus capable of maintaining the humidity of the peripheral space of the water treatment apparatus.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The water treatment apparatus according to the present invention includes a water purification unit that filters raw water, a mist generation unit that atomizes the purified water filtered by the water purification unit, a purified water outlet of the purified water filtered by the water purification unit, and a mist outlet that sprays the mist generated by the mist generation unit. A backflow prevention unit is provided in the flow path between the water purification unit and the mist generation unit. [Effect of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, it becomes possible to maintain the humidity in the peripheral space of the water treatment device.. [Brief Description of the Drawings]

[0008]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Figure 13

Figure 14

Figure 15

Figure 16

Figure 17

Figure 18

Figure 19

Figure 20

Figure 21

Figure 22

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] The present invention relates to a water treatment apparatus including a mist generation unit and a control unit that controls the operation of the mist generation unit, and that sprays mist-like purified water or functional water toward the outside of the apparatus.

[0010] In the water treatment apparatus according to the present embodiment, as a feature, the mist generation unit can atomize the purified water purified at least in the purified water unit and spray it to the surroundings. Further, it is possible to give a moistening effect by mist to the user of the water treatment apparatus. Furthermore, in the water treatment apparatus according to the present embodiment, by providing a functional unit, it is possible to supply functional water having a predetermined function to the mist generation unit and atomize it. Thereby, it is possible to give an effect derived from the function of the functional water by mist spraying to the user of the water treatment apparatus and to the surroundings of the water treatment apparatus.

[0011] Hereinafter, the water treatment apparatus according to the present embodiment will be specifically described with reference to the drawings.

[0012] [First Embodiment] In addition to a mode (purified water mode) in which the water treatment apparatus A1 according to the first embodiment purifies raw water supplied from a faucet and discharges the water, there is a mode (functional water mode) in which a predetermined function is imparted to the purified water and the water is discharged, and a mist mode in which a part of the water discharged in the purified water mode or the functional water mode is atomized and sprayed. The water treatment apparatus is provided with such a mist mode.

[0013] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing the appearance of the water treatment apparatus A1 according to the first embodiment, and FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a simplified internal configuration of the water treatment apparatus A1 according to the first embodiment. In the schematic diagram of FIG. 2, electric signals are indicated by broken lines.

[0014] As shown in FIG. 1, the water treatment apparatus A1 includes a main body 10 having an attachment portion 11 attached to the faucet of a faucet 101, and a separate substantially box-shaped housing 20 connected to the main body 10 via a water supply hose 15.

[0015] In the main body 10, a water passage for passing raw water received from a faucet of a water supply through the attachment portion 11 into the main body 10 is switched between a raw water flow path 14 that directs the raw water toward a raw water discharge port 12 for discharging the raw water outside the main body 10 and a purified water flow path 31 that directs the raw water toward a purified water section 30 in the housing 20 via a water supply hose 15. A switching valve 16 is provided.

[0016] The switching valve 16 is a branch faucet including a plurality of valve bodies configured to be selectively switchable between at least two paths for raw water received from a water supply, and has a lever 13 that rotates within a predetermined angular range. The lever 13 that receives the operation of the user enables a two-stage switching operation between discharging raw water from a raw water discharge port 12 provided at the lower part of the main body 10 and taking in water (hereinafter also referred to as target water) desired by the user from a water intake port 26a through a water intake pipe 26 provided on the housing 20 side for discharging the target water.

[0017] The housing 20 stores a water purification unit 30, a hydrogen water generation unit 40 as a functional unit, a mist generation unit 60, and a control unit 50. Further, the housing 20 is provided with a power plug 29 (see FIG. 2), and is configured to receive power from a commercial power outlet or the like and operate the hydrogen water generation unit 40 and the mist generation unit 60 under the control of the control unit 50.

[0018] Also, as shown in FIG. 1, a display unit 21 is arranged on the front portion of the housing 20, and various types of information presented to the user are displayed on the display unit 21. Note that the display unit 21 also functions as an input unit by including a touch panel.

[0019] Next, the internal configuration of the housing 20 will be described. As shown in FIG. 2, inside the housing 20, a water purification unit 30, a hydrogen water generation unit 40, and a mist generation unit 60 are provided as a water flow system configuration that performs processing while allowing the supplied water to pass through. These configurations are connected by a flow path including a clean water flow path 31 and a mist generation flow path 41 formed inside the housing 20. Further, a control unit 50 is provided as an electrical system configuration that performs electrical control and management necessary for water flow and processing in the water flow system configuration. These water flow system configurations and electrical system configurations are housed and arranged inside the substantially box-shaped housing 20.

[0020] The clean water flow path 31 is configured to include a water supply hose 15 that connects the main body unit 10 and the housing 20, and a flow path that connects the hydrogen water generation unit 40 and the water purification unit 30 inside the housing 20. Water (raw water), which is a raw material for generating clean water, is received into the housing 20 via the water supply hose 15, passes through each component of the water flow system and each flow path connecting them, and reaches a water intake pipe 26 extending from the upper surface of the housing 20. In the present embodiment, one end of the water supply hose 15 is connected to the water discharge port on the main body unit 10 side attached to the faucet 101, and the other end of the water supply hose 15 is connected to the water supply port on the housing 20 side, so that tap water is supplied as raw water from the water pipe to the housing 20. The raw water supplied into the housing 20 is supplied to the hydrogen water generation unit 40.

[0021] 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 unit 40. The flow rate sensor 32 is, for example, a vane wheel type flow meter and is electrically connected to the control unit 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 unit 50. The control unit 50 displays the integrated flow rate calculated based on the input flow rate signal on the display unit 21.

[0022] The hydrogen water generation unit 40 is a functional unit that generates hydrogen water as functional water and is composed of a hollow substantially box-shaped electrolytic cell formed in a watertight manner. At least two electrodes 44 are arranged inside the electrolytic cell, and each of the electrodes 44 is electrically connected to the control unit 50 such that one is an anode and the other is a cathode. Inside the electrolytic cell, a diaphragm or the like for partitioning the anode side and the cathode side is not provided, and the water flowing in close proximity to each electrode 44 is configured to mix with each other. The raw water received from the water tap 101 and supplied to the hydrogen water generation unit 40 passes through the electrolytic cell and reaches the purified water unit 30.

[0023] The purified water unit 30 is configured to include a cartridge in which filter materials such as hollow fiber membranes and activated carbon are encapsulated. The purified water unit 30 filters and purifies the functional water by adsorbing odoriferous substances and the like to the filter material to generate purified functional water. The functional water supplied to the purified water unit 30 via the hydrogen water generation unit 40 passes through the cartridge and reaches the water intake pipe 26 via the water intake path 25, and also reaches the mist generation unit 60 via the mist generation flow path 41. Note that the cartridge is replaced at a predetermined period or at the timing when the flow rate of the water passing through the filter material exceeds a predetermined amount.

[0024] In the middle of the mist generation flow path 41 to which the mist generation unit 60 on the downstream side of the purified water unit 30 is connected, a branch portion 23 for branching the flow path to the water intake path 25 on the water intake pipe 26 side is provided. 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 on the water intake pipe 26 side (see FIG. 3). Thereby, while ensuring the water volume of the target water taken in from the water intake port 26a, the water volume required for mist formation can be supplied to the mist generation unit 60.

[0025] Further, a check valve 42 as a backflow prevention part is provided at a position downstream of the branch part 23 in the mist generation flow path 41 and upstream of the connection position of the mist generation part. By providing the check valve 42, it is possible to prevent the functional water that has not been used in the mist generation part 60 from flowing back to the water intake path 25 side and mixing in.

[0026] The mist generation part 60 includes a mistifying means, and atomizes the purified hydrogen water (purified functional water) that has passed through the hydrogen water generation part 40 and the water purification part 30, and sprays it outside the housing 20. In the present embodiment, as the mistifying 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. 3).

[0027] Further, as shown in FIG. 3, the mist generation part 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 mistification.

[0028] The purified functional water atomized by the mist generation part 60 is formed on the upper surface side of the housing 20 and sprayed into the air from the mist outlet 27. Thereby, moisture is given to the dry air.

[0029] The downstream side of the connection position of the mist generation part 60 in the mist generation flow path 41 is a drainage path leading to a drain port 43 that discharges surplus water that has not flowed into the mist generation part 60. The drain port 43 is provided, for example, on the back surface part or side surface part of the housing 20, and if necessary, a drainage tube that guides the surplus water to a sink may be connected to the drain port 43. In the present embodiment, when the flow rate in the mist generation flow path 41 downstream of the branch part 23 is sufficiently less than the flow rate of the water intake path 25, the drainage path may be omitted.

[0030] Next, the electrical configuration of the water treatment device A1 will be described with reference to FIG. 4. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the water treatment device A1. In FIG. 4, the electrical configuration of the water treatment device A1 is shown by a solid line, and the electrical configuration added to the configuration shown by the solid line in the water treatment devices according to other embodiments and modification examples described later is shown by a broken line.

[0031] 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 switching elements are mounted, and enables the operation control of the water treatment device A1.

[0032] A power button B1 is connected to the control unit 50 to receive an input from the user. Further, a display unit 21 having a touch panel is connected to the control unit 50. On the display unit 21, a functional water button F1 for switching the ON / OFF operation of the hydrogen water generation unit 40 and a mist button F2 for switching the ON / OFF operation of the mist generation unit 60 are displayed to receive an input from the user. Note that the control unit 50 can receive power from a commercial power supply or the like via a power plug 29.

[0033] 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.

[0034] Further, 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.

[0035] Further, the control unit 50 is connected to the ultrasonic vibrator 65 of the mist generation unit 60. The control unit 50 vibrates the ultrasonic vibrator 65 at a vibration frequency corresponding to the spray intensity of the mist (for example, less, medium, more, etc.) selected by the user.

[0036] Next, a series of operations in the water treatment apparatus A1 having the configuration described above will be explained.

[0037] In the water treatment apparatus A1 with the power plug 29 connected to a commercial power supply or the like, when the user presses the power button B1, the water treatment apparatus A1 starts up in the purified water mode and enters a standby state for water flow or button input.

[0038] When the user opens the water tap 101 to allow water to flow through the purified water flow path 31, the raw water passes through the electrolytic cell of the hydrogen water generation unit 40 without being electrolyzed and reaches the purified water unit 30, and is discharged as purified water from the water intake pipe 26.

[0039] Also, when the user selects the functional water mode via the touch panel of the display unit 21, 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 pipe 26 through the hydrogen water generation unit 40 and the purified water unit.

[0040] Similarly, when the user selects the mist mode via the touch panel of the display unit 21, power is supplied to cause the ultrasonic vibrator 65 to vibrate at a predetermined vibration frequency under the control of the control unit 50. When only the mist mode is selected, purified water is sprayed outward from the mist outlet 27 through the mist generation unit 60. Also, when both the functional water mode and the mist mode are selected, purified water functional water is sprayed outward from the mist outlet 27 through the mist generation unit 60.

[0041] The amount discharged from the water intake pipe 26, that is, the usage amount of purified water and purified water functional water, as well as the operating time of the mist generation unit 60 are accumulated at any time and displayed on the display unit 21.

[0042] 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 water purification unit 30 that filters raw water supplied from a faucet 101, a mounting unit 11 attached to the faucet 101, a main body unit 10 having a switching valve 16 that switches between 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 mist generation unit 60 that atomizes the purified water filtered by the water purification unit 30, and a control unit 50 that controls the operation of the mist generation unit 60.

[0043] According to such a configuration, at least the purified water is atomized and sprayed in the peripheral space of the water treatment apparatus A1, so that it is possible to maintain the humidity during drying and to exert a moisturizing effect on the skin such as the face of the user.

[0044] Further, the water treatment apparatus A1 according to the present embodiment includes a functional unit (hydrogen water generation unit 40) that generates functional water, and the mist generation unit 60 sprays the atomized functional water from a mist outlet 27 provided at a position different from the purified water outlet of the purified water filtered by the water purification unit 30. More specifically, the purified water outlet is a water intake port 26a facing downward in a water intake pipe 26 provided to protrude from the left side of the upper center of the housing 20, and the mist outlet 27 is a hole portion provided on the right side of the upper center of the housing 20 and opened upward.

[0045] Further, the functional unit is a hydrogen water generation unit 40 including an electrode for generating hydrogen, and the hydrogen water generation unit 40 is provided upstream of the water purification unit 30.

[0046] According to such a configuration, since the mist generation unit 60 atomizes hydrogen water as functional water, a moisturizing and skin roughness prevention effect on the skin such as the face of the user can be expected. Further, since the functional water discharged from the hydrogen water generation unit 40 passes through the water purification unit 30, it is possible to remove odors and the like derived from substances generated by electrolysis in the functional unit in the water purification unit 30.

[0047] Further, the water treatment apparatus A1 according to the present embodiment includes a branch portion 23 that branches the purified water flow path 31 into a water intake path 25 leading to a purified water outlet (water intake port 26a) and a mist generation flow path 41 to which a mist generation unit 60 is connected, downstream of the purified water unit 30.

[0048] According to such a configuration, it is possible to easily guide the amount of water necessary for mist generation to the mist generation unit 60 only by the user opening the faucet 101 and passing water through the purified water flow path 31.

[0049] Also, the mist generation flow path 41 is configured to have a smaller flow rate than 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.

[0050] According to such a configuration, while sufficiently securing the amount of target water used 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.

[0051] Also, a backflow prevention unit is provided upstream of the mist generation unit 60 in the mist generation flow path 41. In the present embodiment, the backflow prevention unit is a check valve 42.

[0052] According to such a configuration, even when water guided downstream of the branch portion 23 in the mist generation flow path 41 stays in the mist generation flow path 41 without being used by the mist generation unit 60, the backflow prevention unit prevents the stagnant water from flowing back through the water intake path 25 and flowing through the water intake pipe 26, and the purified water as drinking water is kept hygienic. Further, since the backflow prevention unit is a check valve 42, backflow can be reliably prevented.

[0053] Also, the mist generation flow path 41 has a drain port 43 for draining surplus water that has not flowed into the mist generation unit 60.

[0054] According to such a configuration, surplus water that has not flowed into the mist generation unit 60 can be drained from the flow path to the outside.

[0055] In addition, in the water treatment apparatus A1 according to the present embodiment, the water intake port 26a of the water intake pipe 26 is positioned at a location sufficiently separated from the drain port 43. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the drain water discharged from the drain port 43 from mixing into the target water discharged from the water intake port 26a.

[0056] In addition, the mist outlet 27 that sprays the mist generated in the mist generating unit 60 outward is provided on the upper surface of the housing 20 that houses the water purification unit 30.

[0057] According to such a configuration, it becomes possible to spray mist over a wide area around the sink where the water treatment apparatus A1 is installed.

[0058] [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 or corresponding to those of the first embodiment, and the description of the overlapping content will be omitted as appropriate.

[0059] FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing the external appearance of the water treatment apparatus A2 according to the second embodiment, and FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing a simplified internal configuration of the water treatment apparatus A2 according to the second embodiment. In addition, the electrical configuration of the water treatment apparatus A2 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to the block diagram of FIG. 4.

[0060] In the first embodiment, the mist generating unit 60 and the display unit 21 are arranged in a housing 20 separate from the main body unit 10, but in the water treatment apparatus A2 according to the present embodiment, the mist generating unit 60 and the flow rate display unit 121 are arranged in the main body unit 110, which is different.

[0061] Between the main body unit 110 and the housing 120, in addition to the water supply hose 15, a purified water hose 17 for refluxing the target water from the housing 120 to the main body unit 110 and a cable 19 for supplying the electric power supplied from the power plug 29 to the mist generating unit 60 and the flow rate display unit 121 of the main body unit 110 are provided.

[0062] The purified water hose 17 is provided in place of the water intake pipe 26 of the water treatment apparatus according to the first embodiment. The raw water supplied from the faucet 101 is received into the housing 120 via the water supply hose 15 by switching the switching valve 16, and reaches the purified water hose 17 through the hydrogen water generation unit 40 and the purified water unit 30 as functional units in the housing 120. In the present embodiment, one end of the purified water hose 17 is connected to the water inlet of the main body 110 attached to the faucet 101, and the other end of the purified water hose 17 is connected to the discharge port on the housing 120 side, so that the target water is refluxed from the housing 120 to the main body 110.

[0063] A target water discharge port 112 is provided at a position different from the raw water discharge port 12 at the lower part of the main body 110. Inside the main body 110, a branch part 23 is provided that branches the purified water flow path 31 into a water intake path 25 leading to the target water discharge port 112 and a mist generation flow path 41 connected to the mist generation part 60.

[0064] Furthermore, a storage part 70 is provided at the connection part of the mist generation flow path 41 with the mist generation part 60. The storage part 70 stores a predetermined amount of functional water that is misted by the mist generation part 60. The storage part 70 only needs to be formed so as to be able to communicate the mist generation part 60 and the mist generation flow path 41. For example, it may be possible to retain water by partially expanding the flow path diameter of the mist generation flow path 41.

[0065] Also, a heater 71 is provided in the storage part 70. The heater 71 is electrically connected to the control part 50. The control part 50 drives the heater 71 at a low output when the mist generation part 60 is being driven, and drives the heater 71 at a high output when the mist generation part 60 is not being driven. More specifically, when the mist generation part 60 is being driven, the control part 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 part 70 is around 40°C. When the mist generation part 60 is not being driven, the control part 50 drives the heater 71 at an output larger than when the mist generation part 60 is being driven to heat, for example, so that the temperature of the stored water in the storage part 70 is 75°C or higher.

[0066] Here, when the mist generating unit 60 is not driven, it refers to a state where the faucet 101 is not opened, the switching valve 16 is in a position allowing raw water to pass through the raw water flow path 14 even when the faucet 101 is opened, or the mist mode is not selected even when the faucet 101 is opened and the switching valve 16 is in a position allowing raw water to pass through the purified water flow path 31. That is, the control unit 50 executes control to increase the heater output when the mist generating unit 60 is not driven compared to 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.

[0067] 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 sufficient if the temperature of the stored water in the storage unit 70 can be maintained at 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).

[0068] 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 preset 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.

[0069] On the other hand, when driving the mist generating unit 60, by driving the heater 71 with an output smaller 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.

[0070] On the upper surface of the main body 110, a mist outlet 27 that opens upward and a mist button F2 for switching ON / OFF of the mist mode are provided. The mist button F2 is electrically connected to the control unit 50. The mist generated by the mist generating unit 60 in the housing 120 according to a drive command from the control unit 50 is sprayed to the outside from the mist outlet 27. In this way, by providing the mist button F2 on the upper surface of the main body 110, the user can easily and quickly drive and stop the mist generating unit 60. Further, by providing the mist button F2 on the same plane as the mist outlet 27, the user can visually recognize them within the same field of view, so the user can easily check the discharge and stop status of the mist from the mist outlet 27 in conjunction with the operation of the mist button F2. Note that the functional water button F1 for switching ON / OFF of the functional water mode is provided as a selection button displayed on the display unit 21 having a touch panel, similar to the water treatment apparatus A1 according to the first embodiment.

[0071] On the front part of the main body 110, a flow rate display unit 121 is arranged separately from the display unit 21 of the housing 120. The integrated water volume of the raw water based on the electrical signal of the flow rate sensor 32 is displayed on this flow rate display unit 121.

[0072] The downstream side of the mist generating unit 60 in the mist generation flow path 41 is a drainage path leading to a drainage port 43 that discharges surplus water that did not flow into the mist generating unit 60.

[0073] FIG. 7 shows a schematic view of the lower surface side of the main body 110. As shown in FIG. 7, the drain port 43 is located at a position different from the raw water discharge port 12 and the target water discharge port 112 on the lower surface side of the main body 110, and is provided on the rear side of the mounting portion 11. Note that the drain port 43 is preferably located away from the target water discharge port 112. By providing the drain port 43 behind the mounting portion 11 in this way, it is possible to prevent the drain discharged from the drain port 43 from mixing into the target water discharged from the target water discharge port 112. Furthermore, by providing the target water discharge port 112 in front of the mounting portion 11, the separation distance from the drain port 43 can be increased, and it is possible to further prevent the drain discharged from the drain port 43 from mixing into the target water discharged from the target water discharge port 112.

[0074] In the housing 120, a water purification unit 30, a hydrogen water generation unit 40 as a functional unit, and a control unit 50 are arranged. This housing 120 may be arranged, for example, in a space under the sink as long as the water supply hose 15, the purified water hose 17, and the cable 19 can be routed.

[0075] When the switching valve 16 is switched to the purified water flow path 31 that directs the raw water toward the water purification unit 30 by the operation of the user's lever 13, the raw water supplied from the faucet 101 is supplied into the housing 120 via the water supply hose 15, and the target water refluxed from the housing 120 is discharged from the target water discharge port 112.

[0076] At this time, when the user presses the mist button F2, the mist generating unit 60 operates, and mist is sprayed into the air from the mist outlet 27.

[0077] It can be said that the water treatment device having the above configuration has the following configuration. That is, the water treatment device A2 according to the present embodiment has the mist outlet 27 provided on the upper surface of the main body 110. Furthermore, the mist outlet 27 is provided in front of the mounting portion 11 in the main body 110.

[0078] According to such a configuration, it becomes possible to spray mist at a position closer to the user.

[0079] In addition, in the water treatment apparatus A2 according to the present embodiment, a storage unit 70 is provided at the connection portion of the mist generation channel 41 with the mist generation unit 60.

[0080] 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.

[0081] Further, a heater 71 is provided in the storage unit 70 as a heating means.

[0082] According to such a configuration, it becomes possible to provide the user with heated hot mist from the mist outlet 27.

[0083] In addition, the control unit 50 drives the heater 71 with different outputs when the mist generation unit 60 is being driven and when it is not being driven.

[0084] According to such a configuration, by driving the heater 71 with a high output when the mist generation unit 60 is not being driven, sterilization by the heat in the storage unit 70 becomes possible.

[0085] Note that the storage unit 70 may be provided as a part of the mist generation unit 60. For example, a certain amount of water may be stored at the bottom of the container 61 described with reference to FIG. 3 to replace the storage unit.

[0086] [Modification of the Second Embodiment] Next, a modification of the second embodiment of the water treatment apparatus according to the present disclosure will be described. This modification relates to the temperature adjustment of the storage unit 70.

[0087] The water treatment device A2 may be provided with a Peltier element as a cooling means in the storage unit 70 instead of the heater 71. The Peltier element is electrically connected to the control unit 50. When the mist generator 60 is driven, the control unit 50 drives the Peltier element with a high output. When the mist generator 60 is not driven, the control unit 50 drives the Peltier element with a low output. More specifically, when the mist generator 60 is driven, the control unit 50 drives the Peltier element with a predetermined output to cool the stored water in the storage unit 70 to a desired temperature (for example, 10 °C). When the mist generator 60 is not driven, the control unit 50 drives the Peltier element with an output smaller than that when the mist generator 60 is driven to keep the temperature of the stored water in the storage unit 70 at a constant temperature. At this time, from the viewpoint of suppressing the growth of bacteria, the constant temperature is preferably a temperature lower than the optimum growth temperature of bacteria classified as mesophilic bacteria, for example.

[0088] When the mist generator 60 is driven and the Peltier element is driven with a higher output than when it is not driven, the stored water in the storage unit 70 is strongly cooled, and the cooling mist is sprayed from the mist outlet 27. Thereby, the user can obtain a cooling feeling by the cooling mist in the high-temperature period of summer.

[0089] In addition, by providing a circuit for changing the direction of the current to the Peltier element in the control unit 50, a mist temperature adjusting means capable of selectively performing heating and cooling may be provided in the storage unit 70. In this case, by displaying a selection button on the display unit 21 that allows the user to select either heating or cooling, the user can select the mist temperature.

[0090] When the Peltier element is used as a heating means, as in the case of the heater 71, when the mist generator 60 is driven, the control unit 50 drives the Peltier element with a predetermined output to keep the temperature of the stored water in the storage unit 70 at around 40 °C, for example. When the mist generator 60 is not driven, the control unit 50 drives the Peltier element with an output larger than that when the mist generator 60 is driven to heat the stored water in the storage unit 70 to 75 °C or higher, for example.

[0091] The water treatment device having the above-described configuration can be said to have the following configuration. That is, a cooling means is provided in the storage unit 70 of the water treatment device A2 according to this modification example.

[0092] According to such a configuration, it becomes possible to provide mist at a desired temperature according to the type of functional water to the user.

[0093] In the above-described first embodiment, second embodiment, and their modification examples, an example in which the water purification unit 30 and the functional unit (hydrogen water generation unit 40) are arranged in the housing 20, 120 and separated from the main body unit 10, 110 has been described. However, the configuration separated from the main body unit 10, 110 can be changed. For example, only the functional unit may be separated, and all other configurations may be provided in the main body unit attached to the faucet 101.

[0094] In addition, the attachment portion 11 includes not only those attached to the faucet spout of the faucet but also those that can be attached to the portion that becomes the raw water outlet of the stop valve of each plumbing facility such as the kitchen and the washroom. For example, the main body unit including the water purification unit and the switching valve may be installed in the pipe under the sink, and the functional unit and the mist generating unit 60 may be provided separately on the faucet side. In such a case, it goes without saying that the raw water discharge port 12 provided in the main body unit and the water purification water intake port 26a are deformed into a shape that can be connected to the pipe.

[0095] [Third Embodiment] Next, a third embodiment of the water treatment device 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 or corresponding to the first embodiment and the second embodiment, and the description of the overlapping content is appropriately omitted.

[0096] Figs. 8 and 9 are explanatory diagrams showing the appearance of the water treatment apparatus A3 according to the third embodiment. Fig. 8 shows the state in which the power supply unit 80 is attached, and Fig. 9 shows the state in which the power supply unit 80 is removed. Fig. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a simplified internal configuration of the water treatment apparatus A3 according to the third embodiment. Fig. 11 is a schematic bottom view of the water treatment apparatus A3. Fig. 12 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the water treatment apparatus A3 according to the third embodiment.

[0097] The water treatment apparatus A3 according to the present embodiment is configured by integrally connecting a water purification unit 30, an ionized water generation unit 140 as a functional unit, a control unit 50, and a power supply unit 80 to a main body unit 210 having a mounting portion 11. That is, the main body unit 210 includes a main body central portion 220 having a mounting portion 11, a cylindrical casing 230 that houses the water purification unit 30 extending to the left side of the main body central portion 220, and a power supply unit 80 detachably connected to the right side of the main body central portion 220.

[0098] In the main body central portion 220 that is the central part of the water treatment apparatus A3, in addition to the mounting portion 11, a switching valve 16 and a control unit 50 are arranged, and a plurality of water passages constituting the water flow system are formed. Each water passage is configured to communicate with a raw water discharge port 12 provided on the lower surface side of the main body central portion 220 and the water purification unit 30 connected to the left side surface side of the main body central portion 220.

[0099] A lever 13 for operating the switching valve 16 is arranged on the front portion of the main body central portion 220 so that the user can switch the flow path.

[0100] A flow rate display unit 121 is arranged on the upper surface portion of the main body central portion 220. Similar to the second embodiment, the integrated water volume flowing toward the water purification unit 30 based on the electrical signal of the flow rate sensor 32 is displayed on the flow rate display unit 121.

[0101] Also, a functional water button F1 is disposed on the upper surface of the central portion 220 of the main body. The functional water button F1 is electrically connected to the control unit 50. In the present embodiment, when the user presses the functional water button F1 to select the functional water mode, ON / OFF control of the driving of the ionized water generation unit 140 and the mist generation unit 60 is executed.

[0102] The cylindrical casing 230 is a part of the main body portion 210 formed integrally with the main body portion 210 in a cylindrical shape with a circular cross section, and removably houses a cylindrical water purification cartridge constituting the water purification unit 30. Note that the cross-sectional shape of the cylindrical casing 230 is not limited to a circle, and may be an ellipse or a polygon such as a quadrangle. Further, the ionized water generation unit 140 and the mist generation unit 60 are housed in the cylindrical casing 230. The rear side of the cylindrical casing 230 is a lid body 231, and the water purification cartridge can be replaced by opening the lid body 231.

[0103] On the lower surface side of the cylindrical casing 230, a target water discharge port 112 for discharging the target water that has passed through the water purification unit 30 and the ionized water generation unit 140 is provided.

[0104] 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. On the left side surface, which is the surface facing the central portion 220 of the main body, of the power supply unit 80, a fitting convex portion 81 having a substantially T-shaped cross section that can be slidably fitted into a rail-shaped fitting concave portion 221 provided on the right side surface of the central portion 220 of the main body is attached. On the flat surface that is the head of the T shape of the fitting convex portion 81, a contact for energization is provided. By sliding and fitting the fitting convex portion 81 into the fitting concave portion 221, the contact for energization on the fitting convex portion 81 side comes into contact with the contact for power reception provided on the right side surface of the main body portion 210 that is the bottom of the fitting concave portion 221. Thereby, power is supplied from the power supply unit 80 to the electrical system configuration of the main body portion 210. The power supply unit 80 can be easily removed by sliding it with respect to the main body portion 210 to release the fitting of the fitting convex portion 81 into the fitting concave portion 221, and is configured such that the internal storage battery can be charged using a charger.

[0105] In addition, as the storage battery serving as the power source, an 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, negative electrode, and solid electrolyte layer contains a sulfide-based solid electrolyte.

[0106] Also, on the right side surface of the central portion 220 of the main body, a substantially U-shaped rib portion 223 surrounding three sides of the right side surface is provided. That is, the rib portion 223 is provided around the edge of the right side surface of the central portion 220 of the main body except in the direction (rear side) that becomes the receiving port of the fitting convex portion 81 of the fitting concave portion 221. The rib portion 223 is composed of a vertical rib portion 223a protruding in a direction along the plane of the right side surface of the central portion 220 of the main body and a horizontal rib portion 223b protruding in a direction orthogonal to the plane of the right side surface.

[0107] The rib portion 223 is for preventing water from entering the contact point between the central portion 220 of the main body 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 223a serves as a dike to prevent the splashed water droplets from flowing from the upper surface of the main body portion 210 toward the power supply portion 80 side. Further, the horizontal rib portion 223b effectively prevents the water that has flowed beyond the vertical rib portion 223a from entering between the power supply portion 80 and the central portion 220 of the main body.

[0108] In this embodiment, both the vertical rib portion 223a and the horizontal rib portion 223b are provided around the edge of the right side surface of the main body central portion 220 except in the direction that serves as the receiving port for the fitting convex portion 81 of the fitting concave portion 221. However, the vertical rib portion 223a may be formed in a flange shape that surrounds the entire circumference of the edge of the right side surface of the main body central portion 220. That is, the rib portion 223 only needs to have a notch portion in which the insertion end side of the power supply portion 80 is cut out in the horizontal rib portion 223b that protrudes in a direction orthogonal to the right side surface of the main body central portion 220 surrounding the engaging concave portion 221. Further, the vertical rib portion 223a may be omitted and only the horizontal rib portion 223b may be provided, or conversely, the horizontal rib portion 223b may be omitted and only the vertical rib portion 223a may be provided.

[0109] The internal configuration of the main body portion 210 will be described. The ion water generation unit 140 and the mist generation unit 60 as functional units are housed together with the water purification unit 30 in the cylindrical casing 230.

[0110] The switching valve 116 is provided with an angle sensor 33. The angle sensor 33 detects the rotation angle corresponding to the operation amount of the lever 13 and is electrically connected to the control unit 50. The control unit 50 acquires the selected flow path information based on the rotation position of the lever based on the electrical signal of the angle sensor 33. Note that, instead of the angle sensor 33, other means such as an electric circuit that is energized when the contacts are closed by the movement of the lever 13 to each rotation position may be adopted to acquire the flow path information.

[0111] The ion water generation unit 140 is disposed on the downstream side of the water purification unit 30 in the purified water flow path 31. An electric switching valve 36 that operates by driving a motor 37 is interposed between the water purification unit 30 and the ion water generation unit 140. This switching valve 36 is electrically connected to the control unit 50, and the control unit 50 operates the switching valve 36 by driving the motor 37 based on the flow path information selected by the lever 13. That is, the switching valve 36 switches between a flow path that directs the purified water that has passed only through the water purification unit 30 toward the target water discharge port 112 and a flow path that supplies the purified water that has passed through the water purification unit 30 to the ion water generation unit 140.

[0112] The ionized water generation unit 140 is a functional unit that generates ionized water as functional water, and is composed of a hollow substantially box-shaped electrolytic cell formed in a watertight manner. This electrolytic cell is a two-compartment type electrolytic cell whose interior is partitioned into a cathode chamber 141 and an anode chamber 142 by a diaphragm, and electrodes 45 serving as cathodes and electrodes 45 serving as anodes are respectively disposed in each chamber. Each electrode 45 is electrically connected to the control unit 50. Inside the electrolytic cell, it is partitioned into a cathode chamber 141 and an anode chamber 142, and the acidic ionized water and alkaline ionized water in each chamber flow into the downstream flow path from the ionized water outlets provided in the cathode chamber 141 and the anode chamber 142 respectively without mixing with each other.

[0113] The ionized water outlet on the cathode chamber 141 side of the electrolytic cell is connected to a water intake path 125 leading to the target water discharge port 112, and alkaline ionized water is discharged from the target water discharge port 112 on the lower surface of the cylindrical casing 230.

[0114] The ionized water outlet on the anode chamber 142 side of the electrolytic cell is connected to a mist generation flow path 41 and leads to a mist generation unit 60. In the mist generation unit 60, acidic ionized water, also called ascorbic acid water, is atomized. The acidic ionized water atomized in the mist generation unit 60 is sprayed from a mist outlet 27 provided to open upward on the upper surface side of the cylindrical casing 230. Note that the mist outlet 27 may be provided on the front surface of the cylindrical casing 230.

[0115] The acidic ionized water not used in the mist generation unit 60 is discharged from a drain port 43. As shown in FIG. 11, the drain port 43 is disposed at a position different from the target water discharge port 112 from which purified water and alkaline ionized water are discharged on the lower surface side of the cylindrical casing 230. Specifically, while the target water discharge port 112 is disposed on the lower surface of the cylindrical casing 230 on the front side of the attachment portion 11, the drain port 43 is disposed on the lower surface of the main body central portion 220 on the rear side of the attachment portion 11. Thereby, it is intended to prevent the mixing of acidic ionized water into the alkaline ionized water used as a beverage.

[0116] That is, the target water discharge port 112 is arranged on the left side, which is one side in the left-right direction in front of the attachment portion 11, and the drain port 43 is arranged on the right side, which is the other side in the left-right direction behind the attachment portion 11. In this way, since the drain port 43 is provided at a position different from the target water discharge port 112 and spaced apart in the left-right direction behind the attachment portion 11, it is possible to prevent acidic ion water from mixing into the alkaline ion water discharged from the target water discharge port 112. Further, by providing the target water discharge port 112 in front of the attachment portion 11, the drain port 43 and the target water discharge port 112 are arranged so as to be spaced apart in the front-rear direction as well. Thereby, the separation distance between the drain port 43 and the target water discharge port 112 can be further increased. In this way, by arranging the drain port 43 and the target water discharge port 112 so as to be spaced apart in the front-rear direction and the left-right direction and disposed substantially diagonally with the raw water discharge port 12 interposed therebetween, it is possible to further prevent the acidic ion water discharged from the drain port 43 from mixing into the alkaline ion water discharged from the target water discharge port 112.

[0117] In the present embodiment, the flow path is branched into a purified water flow path 31 and a mist generation flow path 41 by an electrolytic cell partitioned into a cathode chamber 141 and an anode chamber 142. Therefore, this electrolytic cell also serves as the branching portion 23 in the water treatment apparatus A1 according to the first embodiment.

[0118] Next, a series of operations in the water treatment apparatus A3 having the configuration described above will be described.

[0119] When the user opens the faucet 101 and allows water to flow through the purified water flow path 31 in a state where the functional water button F1 is pressed and the functional water mode is selected, the raw water passes through the purified water section 30 and reaches the electrolytic cell of the ion water generation section 140. In the electrolytic cell, electrolysis is performed by the electrodes in each chamber that receives power supply, and the alkaline ion water passing through the cathode chamber 141 side of the electrolytic cell is discharged from the target water discharge port 112.

[0120] In addition, the acidic ion water that has reached the mist generation section 60 through the anode chamber 142 side of the electrolytic cell is atomized by the vibration of the ultrasonic vibrator 65 that receives power supply. As a result, the acidic ion water is sprayed outward from the mist outlet 27.

[0121] The water treatment apparatus having the above-described configuration can be said to have the following configuration. That is, the functional unit of the water treatment apparatus A3 according to the present embodiment is an ionized water generation unit 140 having an anode, a cathode, and a diaphragm that partitions the inside into an anode side and a cathode side. The ionized water generation unit 140 is used as a branch unit, and the flow path through which electrolyzed water flows out from the anode side of the ionized water generation unit 140 is the mist generation flow path 41.

[0122] According to such a configuration, the mist generating unit 60 atomizes and sprays the acidic ionized water, which is the electrolyzed water flowing out from the anode side of the ionized water generation unit 140. Therefore, it can be expected that the acidic ionized water will have an effect, that is, an astringent effect such as tightening the skin on the user.

[0123] In addition, the drain port 43 in the mist generation flow path 41 is provided on the lower surface of the main body 210 behind the attachment portion 11.

[0124] With such a configuration, the user can take raw water and purified water without mixing the surplus water that has not flowed into the mist generating unit 60.

[0125] In addition, the purified water outlet (target water discharge port 112) is provided on either the left or right side of the main body 210 with respect to the position of the attachment portion 11, and the mist outlet 27 is provided on the side of the main body 210 where the purified water outlet (target water discharge port 112) is provided.

[0126] With such a configuration, since it is also possible to provide the mist outlet 27 at a position higher than the upper surface of the main body central portion 220, the mist can easily reach the user.

[0127] In addition, the water treatment apparatus A3 according to the present embodiment integrally provides a purified water unit 30, a functional unit, a control unit 50, and a power supply unit 80 in the main body 210, and the purified water unit 30 is arranged on one side (left side) and the power supply unit 80 is arranged on the other side (right side) with respect to the position of the attachment portion 11.

[0128] According to such a configuration, in the water treatment device A3, by arranging the purified water unit 30 that becomes heavy by containing water and the power supply unit 80 that becomes heavy due to the battery weight in a configuration where the left and right weight balance is easy to achieve with respect to the mounting position of the faucet 101, the attachment to the faucet 101 becomes stable. Note that if it is a configuration where the weight balance can be achieved, the power supply unit 80 and the purified water unit 30 may be arranged front and back with the attachment portion 11 interposed therebetween.

[0129] [Modification of the Third Embodiment] Next, a modification of the third embodiment of the water treatment device according to the present disclosure will be described. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing the appearance of the water treatment device A3 according to the modification of the third embodiment.

[0130] The water treatment device A3 according to this modification is provided with a tapered surface 232 above the front end of the cylindrical casing 230, and by providing a mist outlet 27 on this tapered surface 232, it is possible to spray mist obliquely forward.

[0131] The water treatment device A3 having the above configuration can be said to have the following configuration. That is, the mist outlet 27 of the water treatment device A3 according to the present embodiment and the modification is provided in front of the attachment portion 11 in the main body portion 210.

[0132] According to such a configuration, since mist can be supplied from a position closer to the user, the effect of the functional water can be exerted more on the user's face.

[0133] [Fourth Embodiment] Next, a fourth embodiment of the water treatment device 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 or corresponding to those in the first embodiment, the second embodiment, and the third embodiment, and the description of the overlapping contents is appropriately omitted.

[0134] FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing the appearance of the water treatment apparatus A4 according to the fourth embodiment, and FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram showing a simplified internal configuration of the water treatment apparatus A4 according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram showing the lower surface side of the water treatment apparatus A4 according to the fourth embodiment, and FIG. 17 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration. In FIG. 17, for the water treatment apparatus according to a modification described later, the electrical configuration added to the configuration shown by the solid line in the figure is shown by a broken line.

[0135] The water treatment apparatus A4 according to the present embodiment is configured such that a water purification unit 30, an ozone water generation unit 240 as a functional unit, and a control unit 50 are integrally connected to a main body unit 310 having a mounting unit 11. Specifically, with the mounting unit 11 as the center, a cylindrical casing 230 including the water purification unit 30 is disposed on the left side, and a lever 13 that a user operates to switch the switching valve 116 is disposed on the right side. In the main body unit 310, the water purification unit 30, the ozone water generation unit 240, and the mist generation unit 60 are stored in the cylindrical casing 230, and the control unit 50 is stored in the central part 220 of the main body. Further, the main body unit 210 includes a power plug 29 (see FIG. 15), and is configured to receive power from a commercial power outlet or the like and operate the ozone water generation unit 240 and the mist generation unit 60 under the control of the control unit 50.

[0136] On the lower surface side of the central part 220 of the main body, in addition to the raw water discharge port 12, a functional water discharge port 114 is provided. Further, on the lower surface side of the cylindrical casing 230, a purified water outlet 113 for discharging the purified water that has passed only through the water purification unit 30 is provided.

[0137] On the upper surface side of the central part 220 of the main body, a flow rate display unit 121 is arranged. In the flow rate display unit 121, as in the second and third embodiments, the integrated water volume of the raw water based on the electrical signal of the flow rate sensor 32 is displayed.

[0138] Also, on the upper surface of the central part 220 of the main body, there are arranged a power button B1 for switching ON / OFF the power supply from the commercial power supply, and a functional water button F1 for switching ON / OFF the driving of the ozone water generation part 240 and the mist generation part 60. The power button B1 and the functional water button F1 are electrically connected to the control part 50.

[0139] In the water treatment device A4 with the power plug 29 connected to the commercial power supply or the like, when the user presses the power button B1, the water treatment device A4 starts up in the purified water mode and enters a standby state for water flow or button input. In this embodiment, when the user presses the functional water button F1 for the first time, the driving of the ozone water generation part 240 is turned ON, when the user presses the functional water button F1 for the second time, the driving of the mist generation part 60 is turned ON, and further, when the user presses the functional water button F1 for the third time, control is executed to turn OFF the ozone water generation part 240 and the mist generation part 60.

[0140] The internal configuration of the main body part 310 will be described. In the purified water flow path 31 downstream of the switching valve 116, the components are arranged in the order of the purified water part 30, the electric switching valve 36, and the ozone water generation part 240.

[0141] The electric switching valve 36 switches the flow path by the driving of a motor 37 electrically connected to the control part 50. When the functional water button F1 is not operated and the ozone water generation part 240 and the mist generation part 60 are not driven, the flow path of the switching valve 36 is set so that it receives water in the purified water flow path 31 and directs the purified water that has passed through the purified water part 30 toward the purified water outlet 113. On the other hand, when the user presses the functional water button F1, the control part 50 operates the switching valve 36 to switch the flow path so that the purified water received in the purified water flow path 31 and passed through the purified water part 30 is directed toward the ozone water generation part 240.

[0142] The ozone water generation unit 240 is a functional unit that generates ozone water as functional water, and is composed of an electrolytic cell including an anode and a cathode. The electrolytic cell is configured to receive purified water as raw material water, electrolyze the water, dissolve the generated ozone in the water, and obtain ozone water. Electric power is supplied to each electrode 46 serving as an anode or a cathode according to an instruction from the control unit 50.

[0143] A branch portion 123 is provided in the middle of the mist generation flow path 41 to which the mist generation unit 60 downstream of the ozone water generation unit 240 is connected. The branch portion 123 branches the functional water flow path 28, which is an ozone water flow path, upstream of the mist generation unit 60 and leads it from the mist generation flow path 41 toward the functional water discharge port 114, which is an ozone water outlet.

[0144] Downstream of the mist generation unit 60 in the mist generation flow path 41, a reflux path 68 is formed to reflux the surplus ozone water not used by the mist generation unit 60 to the functional water flow path 28.

[0145] As shown in FIG. 16, the functional water discharge port 114 is arranged at a position different from that of the purified water discharge port 113 from which purified water is discharged on the lower surface side of the cylindrical casing 230 having a circular cross section. Specifically, while the purified water discharge port 113 is arranged on the lower surface of the cylindrical casing 230 in front of the left side of the attachment portion 11, the functional water discharge port 114 is arranged on the lower surface of the central portion 220 of the main body on the right side of the attachment portion 11. Thereby, it becomes possible to draw water without mixing the purified water and the ozone water with each other. Further, since both the functional water discharge port 114 and the purified water discharge port 113 are arranged in front of the attachment portion 11, the usability can be improved from the viewpoint of drawing the functional water and the purified water.

[0146] Next, a series of operations in the water treatment apparatus A4 having the above-described configuration will be described.

[0147] When the user presses the functional water button and the functional water mode and the mist mode are selected, and the faucet 101 is opened to allow water to flow through the purified water flow path 31, the raw water passes through the purified water section 30 and reaches the electrolytic cell of the ozone water generation section 240. In the electrolytic cell, electrolysis is performed by each electrode receiving power supply, and the generated ozone water is discharged from the functional water discharge port 114.

[0148] In addition, the ozone water that reaches the mist generation section 60 through the ozone water generation section 240 is atomized by the driving of the ultrasonic vibrator 65 receiving power supply.

[0149] The ozone water atomized in the mist generation section 60 is sprayed from the mist outlet 27 provided on the side surface portion where the lever 13 of the main body central portion 220 is disposed. The sprayed ozone water touches the lever 13 that the user touches by hand, and the lever 13 can be kept clean by the sterilizing effect of the ozone water.

[0150] In this embodiment, the reflux path 68 is for refluxing the surplus water that did not flow into the mist generation section 60 to the functional water flow path 28. However, a flow path branched from the functional water flow path 28 is connected to the flow path leading to the purified water outlet 113, and by refluxing part or all of the ozone water flowing through the functional water flow path 28, the purified water outlet 113 may be sterilized with ozone water.

[0151] It can be said that the water treatment device having the above configuration has the following configuration. That is, the functional part of the water treatment device A4 according to this embodiment is the ozone water generation section 240 including the electrodes for generating ozone, and the ozone water generation section 240 is provided upstream of the mist generation section 60 of the mist generation flow path 41.

[0152] According to such a configuration, since the mist generation section 60 atomizes and sprays the ozone water generated in the ozone water generation section 240, it can be expected that the effects of ozone water, that is, sterilization and antibacterial effects, etc., will be exerted on the main body portion 210 of the water treatment device A4 and its periphery.

[0153] In addition, the water treatment apparatus A4 according to the present embodiment has a branch portion 123 that branches an ozone water flow path (functional water flow path 28) from the mist generation flow path 41 toward the ozone water outlet (functional water discharge port 114) upstream of the mist generation portion 60 of the mist generation flow path 41.

[0154] According to such a configuration, by providing the ozone water outlet (functional water discharge port 114) to enable water intake, for example, by using ozone water as water for gargling, effects such as oral care and prevention of periodontal disease can be expected.

[0155] Further, the mist generation flow path 41 is configured to reflux surplus water that has not flowed into the mist generation portion 60 downstream of the mist generation portion 60 to the ozone water flow path (functional water flow path 28).

[0156] According to such a configuration, since surplus water can also be taken from the ozone water outlet (functional water discharge port 114), the generated ozone water can be used without waste.

[0157] Further, the mist outlet 27 is provided on the lower surface and / or side surface of the main body portion.

[0158] According to such a configuration, by providing the mist outlet 27 on the side surface as in the present embodiment, the lever 13 that the user touches can be effectively sterilized. Also, when a mist outlet is provided on the lower surface of the main body portion 210, the ozonated water turned into mist can be sprayed toward the drain outlet of the sink or the like, and the sink can be kept clean.

[0159] [Modification of the Fourth Embodiment] Next, a modification of the fourth embodiment of the water treatment apparatus according to the present disclosure will be described.

[0160] FIG. 18 is a schematic diagram schematically showing the internal configuration of the water treatment apparatus A4 according to the modification of the fourth embodiment. The electrical configuration of the water treatment apparatus A4 according to the modification of the fourth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 17.

[0161] In the water treatment apparatus A4 according to this modification example, the switching valve 117 provided in the central part 220 of the main body is a switching valve that switches the flow path into four paths. By switching this switching valve 117, first, the raw water flow path 14 leading to the raw water discharge port 12, second, the purified water flow path 31 leading to the purified water unit 30, third, the functional water flow path 48 leading to the ozone water generation unit 240, and fourth, the ozone water discharged from the ozone water generation unit 240 through the ozone water circulation path 49 is received and sent to the purified water flow path 31, and it is possible to switch to a flow path for discharging the circulated ozone water from the purified water outlet 113.

[0162] The control unit 50 acquires the selected flow path information based on the rotational position of the lever 13 based on the electrical signal of the angle sensor 33 provided in the switching valve 117. Then, the control unit 50 controls the operation of the electric switching valve 38 installed downstream of the ozone water generation unit 240 based on the acquired flow path information.

[0163] Note that the flow path passing through the purified water unit 30 and leading to the purified water outlet 113 and the flow path passing through the ozone water generation unit 240 are separate and independent flow paths via the switching valve 117.

[0164] A branch portion that branches into the functional water flow path 28 leading from the mist generation flow path 41 to the functional water discharge port 114 which is the ozone water outlet is provided in the mist generation flow path 41 leading to the mist generation unit 60 downstream of the ozone water generation unit 240, and the branch portion is configured to be able to switch the flow path by the electric switching valve 38. The switching valve 38 switches the flow path, by driving the motor 39 according to the command of the control unit 50, to a flow path that communicates with the functional water discharge port 114 and supplies functional water to the mist generation unit 60 and the ozone water circulation path 49.

[0165] When the purified water flow path 31 is selected as the flow path of the switching valve 117 according to the rotational position of the lever 13, the raw water received from the faucet 101 passes through the purified water unit 30, and it becomes possible for the user to take purified water through the purified water outlet 113.

[0166] Also, when the functional water flow path 48 is selected as the flow path of the switching valve 117 according to the rotational position of the lever 13, the ozone water generation unit 240 and the mist generation unit 60 are driven under the control of the control unit 50. At this time, the switching valve 38 is switched so that the outlet-side flow path of the ozone water generation unit 240 communicates with the mist generation flow path 41 and the functional water flow path 28.

[0167] The ozone water that has reached the functional water flow path 28 through the ozone water generation unit 240 can be taken out from the functional water discharge port 114. Also, the ozone water that has reached the mist generation unit 60 through the ozone water generation unit 240 is atomized by the mist generation unit 60 and sprayed from the mist outlet 27.

[0168] Also, when the ozone water circulation path 49 is selected as the flow path of the switching valve 117 according to the rotational position of the lever 13, the ozone water generation unit 240 and the mist generation unit 60 are driven under the control of the control unit 50, and the switching valve 38 is switched to communicate with the ozone water circulation path 49. Note that the switching valve 38 does not necessarily pass all of the ozone water that has passed through the ozone water generation unit 240 into the ozone water circulation path 49.

[0169] Also, the ozone water that has passed through the ozone water circulation path 49 through the switching valve 117, the functional water flow path 48, and the ozone water generation unit 240 enters the clean water flow path 31 after returning to the switching valve 117 again, and is discharged from the clean water outlet 113 through the clean water unit 30. As a result, the clean water unit 30 and the clean water flow path 31 are sterilized by the ozone water.

[0170] The water treatment apparatus A4 according to the modified example having the above configuration can be said to have the following configuration. That is, the functional water flow path 28 is configured to reflux at least a part of the ozone water to the clean water flow path 31.

[0171] According to such a configuration, it is possible to sterilize and disinfect the clean water flow path by the effect of the ozone water.

[0172] [Fifth Embodiment] Next, a fifth embodiment of the water treatment apparatus according to the present disclosure will be described. In the embodiments described below, for configurations that are common or corresponding to those of the first, second, third, and fourth embodiments, the same names or the same reference numerals are given, and descriptions of overlapping content are omitted as appropriate.

[0173] The appearance of the water treatment apparatus A5 according to the present embodiment is the same as that of the fourth embodiment shown in FIG. 14, but differs from the fourth embodiment in that the mist sprayed from the mist outlet 27 is hypochlorous acid water. Hereinafter, the internal configuration of the main body 310 will be described with reference to FIG. 15.

[0174] The hypochlorous acid water generation unit 340 is a functional unit that generates hypochlorous acid water as functional water. The hypochlorous acid water generation unit 340 is composed of a hollow substantially box-shaped electrolytic cell formed in a watertight manner. Inside the electrolytic cell, an electrode serving as a cathode and an electrode serving as an anode are disposed. The electrolytic cell is a single-chamber electrolytic cell without a diaphragm separating the anode side and the cathode side. Each electrode is electrically connected to the control unit 50.

[0175] Upstream of the hypochlorous acid water generation unit 340, a salt addition cylinder 75 is provided as an input unit for inputting salt. The salt addition cylinder 75 has, for example, a funnel-like shape with its lower end communicating with a flow path, and a lid covering the upper part is provided on the upper surface of the main body 310. The purified water that has passed through the water purification unit 30 reaches the hypochlorous acid water generation unit 340 via the salt addition cylinder 75. A chlorine source such as table salt is input into the salt addition cylinder 75, and by bringing the purified water into contact with it to elute electrolytic substances, electrolysis in the electrolytic cell is facilitated.

[0176] A branch portion 123 is provided in the middle of the mist generation flow path 41 to which the mist generation unit 60 on the downstream side of the hypochlorous acid water generation unit 340 is connected. The branch portion 123 branches into a functional water flow path 28 that leads from the mist generation flow path 41 toward the functional water discharge port 114 on the upstream side of the mist generation unit 60.

[0177] Downstream of the mist generation section 60 of the mist generation flow path 41, a reflux path 68 is formed to reflux the surplus hypochlorous acid water that was not used in the mist generation section 60 to the functional water flow path 28.

[0178] The hypochlorous acid water that has reached the mist generation section 60 through the hypochlorous acid water generation section 340 is atomized and sprayed from a mist outlet 27 provided at a position close to the lever 13 on the side surface of the main body central section 220 (see Fig. 14). The sprayed hypochlorous acid water acts on the lever 13 that the user touches by hand, and the lever 13 can be kept clean due to the sterilizing effect of the hypochlorous acid water.

[0179] It can be said that the water treatment device having the above configuration has the following configuration. That is, the functional section of the water treatment device A5 according to the present embodiment is the hypochlorous acid water generation section 340 including an electrode for generating hypochlorous acid water, and an input section (salt addition cylinder 75) for adding salt is provided upstream of the hypochlorous acid water generation section 340.

[0180] According to such a configuration, since the mist generation section 60 atomizes and sprays the hypochlorous acid water generated in the hypochlorous acid water generation section 340, it can be expected that the effects of hypochlorous acid water, that is, sterilization and antibacterial effects, etc., will be exerted on the main body section 210 of the water treatment device A5 and its surroundings.

[0181] Note that the input section for adding salt may also be provided in the water treatment device A1 equipped with the hydrogen water generation section 40 as a functional section for the purpose of enhancing the efficiency of electrolysis and the concentration of the active ingredient of the functional water. In this case, by providing the water purification section 30 downstream of the functional section, the chlorine odor derived from surplus chlorine can be removed from the hydrogen water taken as drinking water.

[0182] [Modifications from the First Embodiment to the Third Embodiment] Next, modifications from the first embodiment to the third embodiment of the water treatment device according to the present disclosure will be described. Regarding the modification of the backflow prevention section, it will be described with reference to Figs. 19 to 21. Note that Fig. 21 is an enlarged view of the portion indicated by the reference sign D in Fig. 20.

[0183] In this modified example, as shown in Fig. 19, instead of the check valve 42 shown in the first to third embodiments, a loop portion 76 with a hairpin-shaped flow path is used as a backflow prevention portion.

[0184] Also, as shown in Fig. 20, in the mist generation flow path 41, by making at least the downstream side of the backflow prevention portion an inclined portion 41a with the discharge port facing downward, the discharge of excess water can be facilitated. In this case, the mist generation portion 60 is provided in the middle of the inclined portion 41a.

[0185] Also, as the backflow prevention portion, a mountain-shaped loop portion 77 that connects two inclined portions 41a and 41b, an inclined portion 41b with the upstream side of the mist generation flow path 41 sloping downward and an inclined portion 41a with the downstream side sloping downward, is used. Further, an intake umbrella valve 78 is provided at the apex of the loop portion 77. The umbrella valve 78 operates to open and close in response to fluctuations in the pressure within the flow path. The umbrella valve 78 is configured to open when the pressure within the mist generation flow path 41 becomes negative pressure, allowing outside air to flow into the mist generation flow path 41, and to close when the internal pressure rises.

[0186] It can be said that the water treatment apparatus according to the modified example having the above configuration has the following configuration. That is, the mist generation flow path 41 has an inclined portion 41a that is inclined with the drain port 43 side facing downward, and the mist generation portion 60 is provided in the middle of the inclined portion 41a.

[0187] According to such a configuration, excess water that did not flow into the mist generation portion 60 quickly flows out of the flow path by flowing down the inclined portion 41a.

[0188] Also, an intake valve (umbrella valve 78) is provided on the mist generation flow path 41 upstream of the mist generation portion 60.

[0189] According to such a configuration, even when the surplus water that has not flowed into the mist generating unit 60 cannot fall down 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 discharge port.

[0190] [Modifications from the First Embodiment to the Fifth Embodiment] A modification from the first embodiment to the fifth embodiment of the water treatment apparatus according to the present disclosure will be described. FIG. 22 shows an electrical configuration example of the water treatment apparatus according to the modification from the first embodiment to the fifth embodiment. Needless to say, in these electrical configurations, the power plug 29 connected to the commercial power supply is replaceable in the power supply unit 80, and the configuration shown in FIG. 22 is changed according to the configuration of each embodiment.

[0191] First, a first modification from the first embodiment to the fifth embodiment of the water treatment apparatus according to the present disclosure will be described.

[0192] In the first embodiment to the fifth embodiment, the switching valve 16 provided in the main body portions 10, 110, 210 switches the flow path to the raw water flow path 14 and the purified water flow path 31 by the user rotating the lever 13 by a predetermined angle. In contrast, in this modification, the difference is that instead of the manual switching valve 16, it includes an electric switching valve 118 electrically connected to the control unit 50 and a push button switch 83.

[0193] The push button switch 83 can be arranged in either the main body portions 10, 110, 210, 310 or the housings 20, 120 separated from the main body portions 10, 110 according to the arrangement of the control unit 50. The user switches the flow path of the switching valve 118 by pressing the push button switch 83.

[0194] Next, a second modification from the first embodiment to the fifth embodiment of the water treatment apparatus according to the present disclosure will be described.

[0195] In the first modification example, a pressure sensor 82 is provided instead of the flow rate sensor 32. The pressure sensor 82 is electrically connected to the control unit 50 and outputs an electrical signal corresponding to the pressure applied to the pure water flow path 31 to the control unit 50. Based on the input pressure signal, the control unit 50 calculates, for example, the life until the replacement of the cartridge constituting the pure water unit 30 and displays it on the flow rate display unit 121.

[0196] Next, a third modification example of the first to fifth embodiments of the water treatment apparatus according to the present disclosure will be described.

[0197] In the third modification example, as the mist generating means of the mist generating unit 60, instead of the ultrasonic method, a method is 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.

[0198] The impregnated body has, for example, a funnel-like shape and is configured to rotate by driving a motor 85 electrically connected to the control unit 50.

[0199] Further, as the mist generating means, an electrostatic atomization method may be adopted in which a needle-shaped electrode having vertical grooves is immersed in water and a high voltage is applied to the needle-shaped electrode to generate mist. In this case, mist generation is realized by applying a predetermined voltage to the needle-shaped electrode electrically connected to the control unit 50.

[0200] Next, a fourth modification example of the first to fifth embodiments of the water treatment apparatus according to the present disclosure will be described.

[0201] In the fourth modification example, when the control unit 50 drives the mist generating unit 60, it adjusts the driving timing according to the amount of water supplied to the pure water flow path 31.

[0202] More specifically, when the functional water button F1 or the mist button F2 is pressed by the user, the control unit 50 does not drive the mist generating unit 60 at the timing of the pressing, but drives the mist generating unit 60 after a predetermined flow rate has flowed.

[0203] The control unit 50 includes a timer 53. For example, after a signal indicating that the mist button F2 has been pressed is input, the control unit 50 sends a drive signal to the mist generation unit 60 after the elapse of a preset time by the timer 53.

[0204] Further, a flow rate sensor 32 or a pressure sensor 82 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 sends a drive signal to the mist generation unit 60 after the elapse of a preset time 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 the 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 the mist generation unit 60. Thereby, after the mist generation unit 60 is in a state where the functional water necessary for mist formation is sufficiently supplied, the control unit 50 drives the mist generation unit 60.

[0205] It can be said that the water treatment apparatus according to the modification having the above configuration has the following configuration. That is, it includes a detection unit (flow rate sensor 32, pressure sensor 82) for detecting the water flow state of the pure water unit 30 or the functional units 40, 140, 240, 340, and the control unit 50 drives the mist generation unit 60 after the elapse of a predetermined time since the detection unit detects the water flow state.

[0206] Note that the detection unit can employ, but is not limited to, the flow rate sensor 32 or the pressure sensor 82. 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.

[0207] According to such a configuration, since the mist generation unit 60 is driven after the elapse of a predetermined time since the detection unit detects the water flow state, an idling operation of the mist generation unit 60 is prevented.

[0208] When the ultrasonic method is adopted as the mist formation means of the mist generation unit 60, by preventing the idling operation, damage to members such as ultrasonic vibrators can be prevented, and the device life can be extended.

[0209] The description of each of the above embodiments is an example of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments. Therefore, even if it is other than the above-described embodiments, various changes can be made according to the design and the like as long as it does not deviate from the technical idea of the present invention. In addition, the configurations of the above-described embodiments and the configurations of the modification examples can be appropriately combined.

[0210] In addition, the water treatment apparatus of the present invention can also be applied to a central type water treatment apparatus. That is, it is applicable to a water treatment apparatus in which a large-capacity water purification unit is provided at the inflow portion of raw water (tap water) piped to an individual house, and the purified water filtered at that portion is supplied to each downstream room (bathroom, washroom, kitchen, etc.). A water treatment apparatus having a functional unit capable of generating functional water is connected to the discharge portion, which is the outlet of the purified water supplied to each room by a pipe branched into a plurality after passing through one pipe from the water purification unit, via the attachment portion 11, so that it is also assumed that purified water or functional water can be selectively discharged. That is, it can be said that the water treatment apparatus as described above has the following configuration. (Configuration 1) A water purification unit that filters raw water, a mist generation unit that mists the purified water filtered by the water purification unit, A water treatment apparatus characterized in that the functional water misted is sprayed from a mist outlet provided at a position different from the purified water outlet of the purified water filtered by the water purification unit. As a result, it is possible to provide a water treatment apparatus capable of taking measures against drying for the user of the apparatus and the periphery of the installation location of the apparatus. (Configuration 2) It is Configuration 1, equipped with a functional unit that generates functional water, the functional water can be discharged from the purified water outlet, and the functional water misted is sprayed from a mist outlet provided at a position different from the purified water outlet, A water treatment apparatus characterized by this. As a result, it is possible to provide a water treatment apparatus capable of exerting the effects derived from the functional water. (Configuration 3) Configuration 1 or 2, A water treatment apparatus characterized by having a branch portion downstream of the water purification unit that branches into a water intake path leading to the water purification outlet and a mist generation flow path to which the mist generation unit is connected. As a result, as an effect, it is possible to easily guide the amount of water required for mist generation to the mist generation unit simply by the user passing water. (Configuration 4) Configuration 3, A water treatment apparatus characterized in that the mist generation flow path is configured to have a smaller flow rate than the water intake path. As a result, as an effect, while sufficiently securing the amount of target water used as drinking water or the like, it is possible to reduce the amount of surplus water not used in the mist generation unit and suppress wasteful use of water. In addition, with respect to the configurations described in other embodiments, they can be applied in subordination to the configurations 1 to 4 above.

[0211] Note that the water treatment apparatus according to the present invention can contribute to Goal 6 (availability of safe water and toilets for all) of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) proposed by the United Nations.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0212] 10, 110, 210 Main body 11 Mounting portion 16 Diverting valve 21 Display unit 23 Branch portion 25 Water intake path 27 Mist outlet 30 Water purification unit 31 Water purification flow path 32 Flow rate sensor (detection unit) 34 Drain outlet 40 Hydrogen water generation unit 41 Mist generation flow path 41a Inclined portion 42 Check valve (backflow prevention unit) 50 Control unit 60 Mist generating section 70 Storage section 71 Heater 75 Salt addition cylinder (input section) 78 Umbrella valve (intake valve) 101 Faucet 121 Flow rate display section 112 Target water discharge port 113 Purified water outlet 125 Water intake path 140 Ionized water generation section 240 Ozone water generation section 340 Hypochlorous acid water generation section A1 - A5 Water treatment device

Claims

【Claim 1】 A water purification unit for filtering raw water, A mist generating unit for atomizing the purified water filtered by the water purification unit, A purified water outlet of the purified water filtered by the water purification unit, A mist outlet for spraying the mist generated by the mist generating unit, Comprising, A water treatment apparatus characterized in that a backflow prevention unit is provided in a flow path between the water purification unit and the mist generating unit.

Images