Functional water producing apparatus

Abstract

To provide a functional water generator capable of enhancing user's convenience.SOLUTION: The functional water producing device includes a functional water producing part 2, an operation part 6 operated by a user, a control part 7 for operating the functional water producing part 2 based on the operation of the operation part 6, and a display part 8 for displaying a mode selected by the operation part 6. The operation unit 6 includes a plurality of buttons 61, 62, and 63 corresponding to a plurality of modes. The display part 8 includes light emitting part buttons 81, 82 and 83 which are arranged at the respective peripheral edges of the plurality of buttons 61, 62 and 63 and emit light around the operated buttons 61, 62 and 63.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for producing functional water in multiple modes, each of which produces a different type of functional water. [Background technology]

[0002] BACKGROUND ART In recent years, functional water generating devices that generate functional water having various functions have been attracting attention (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2024-049020 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Examples of functional water include alkaline electrolyzed water, acidic electrolyzed water, etc. A user of the functional water producing device inputs the electrolyzed water to be produced via an operation unit mounted on the functional water producing device.

[0005] For example, the above-mentioned Patent Document 1 discloses a so-called projection-type touch panel as an operation unit, which is made up of a front panel, a position detection unit, a display unit, etc. stacked together (see paragraph

[0027] ). However, in recent years, the ease of use of operation units that include physical buttons has been reevaluated.

[0006] The present invention has been devised in view of the above circumstances, and has as its main object to provide a functional water production device that can improve user convenience. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The present invention provides a functional water generating apparatus, a functional water generating unit that operates in a plurality of modes for generating different functional waters; an operation unit that a user operates to select the mode; a control unit that determines one mode from the plurality of modes based on an operation of the operation unit and operates the functional water production unit in that mode; a display unit for displaying the mode selected by the operation unit, the operation unit includes a plurality of buttons corresponding to the plurality of modes, The display unit includes a light emitting unit that is disposed around each of the plurality of buttons and that emits light around the operated button when any of the buttons is operated. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] The functional water production device of the present invention has the above-mentioned configuration, so that the user can easily visually confirm his / her operation, and the usability of the functional water production device is improved. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing an outline of a functional water producing apparatus according to the present invention. [Figure 2] 2 is a front view showing the configuration of the operation unit and display unit of FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the functional water production device of FIG. 1. [Figure 4] 3A and 3B are diagrams illustrating transitions in the light-emitting state of the light-emitting unit in FIG. 2. [Figure 5] 5 is a diagram showing the transition of the light emitting state of the light emitting unit, following FIG. [Figure 6] 5A to 5C are diagrams showing the transition of the light emitting state of the light emitting unit. [Figure 7] 5 is a diagram showing a transition of the light emitting state of a light emitting unit different from that shown in FIG. 4. [Figure 8] 7A to 7C are diagrams showing the transition of the light emitting state of the light emitting unit. [Figure 9] 9 is a diagram showing a light emitting state of a light emitting unit different from those in FIGS. [Figure 10] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a modified example of the functional water producing device of FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of another modified example of the functional water producing device of FIG. [Figure 12] 10 is a diagram showing a light emitting state of a light emitting unit different from that in FIG. 9. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. It should be understood that the drawings include exaggerated representations and representations that differ from the dimensional ratios of actual structures in order to facilitate understanding of the contents of the invention. Furthermore, identical or common elements are designated by the same reference numerals throughout the embodiments, and redundant explanations will be omitted. Furthermore, the specific configurations shown in the embodiments and drawings are for the purpose of understanding the contents of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to the specific configurations shown in the drawings.

[0011] FIG. 1 shows a functional water production device 1 of this embodiment. The functional water generating device 1 comprises a functional water generating unit 2 that generates functional water, an operation unit 6 that allows the user to select a mode for the functional water generating unit 2, a control unit 7 that controls the functional water generating unit 2, and a display unit 8 that displays the mode selected by the operation unit 6.

[0012] Raw water is supplied to the functional water production unit 2. Tap water is generally used as the raw water, but other sources such as well water and groundwater can also be used.

[0013] The functional water generator 2 generates functional water by treating the supplied raw water. "Functional water" is defined as water that has been given reproducible useful functions through artificial processing, and whose treatment and functions have been scientifically proven or are about to be proven. Functional water includes purified water as well as electrolyzed water, which will be described later.

[0014] The functional water producing unit 2 operates in a plurality of modes. Different functional water is produced in each mode. The mode of the functional water producing unit 2 is controlled by the control unit 7.

[0015] 2 shows an example of the operation unit 6 and the display unit 8. The operation unit 6 and the display unit 8 are provided in a case 9 of the functional water production device 1.

[0016] The operation unit 6 is operated by a user. The operation unit 6 of this embodiment includes a plurality of buttons 61, 62, and 63 corresponding to a plurality of modes. The number of the plurality of buttons 61, 62, ... is not particularly limited.

[0017] The shape of each of the buttons 61, 62, and 63 is not particularly limited, but is preferably circular so that the user can easily operate them with their fingertips, for example. The term "circular shape" includes not only a perfect circle but also an ellipse, an oval, and the like, and also shapes incorporating design elements similar to these. The shape of each of the buttons 61, 62, and 63 may be polygonal, including rectangular. Furthermore, each of the buttons 61, 62, and 63 may be formed in a different shape so that the user can easily distinguish between the buttons 61, 62, and 63.

[0018] For example, a switch (not shown) having a contact point is provided behind each of the buttons 61, 62, and 63. When any of the buttons 61, 62, and 63 is operated, the switch operates and an electric signal is input to the control unit 7. Each of the buttons 61, 62, and 63 may be a touch sensor (contactless switch) that detects capacitance or pressure.

[0019] The buttons 61, 62, and 63 provided on the operation unit 6 are easy to operate, which contributes to improving the usability of the functional water production device 1.

[0020] The control unit 7 determines one mode from among a plurality of modes based on the user's operation of the buttons 61, 62, and 63. The control unit 7 then operates the functional water production unit 2 in the determined mode, thereby producing treated water as desired by the user.

[0021] The control unit 7 includes, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) that executes various types of arithmetic processing, information processing, etc., a program that controls the operation of the CPU, and a memory that stores various types of information.

[0022] 3 shows the relationship between the control unit 7 and each unit. The control unit 7 is connected to the functional water production unit 2, the operation unit 6, and the display unit 8. The control unit 7 controls the functional water production unit 2 and the display unit 8 based on an electrical signal input from the operation unit 6.

[0023] 2, the display unit 8 includes a plurality of light emitting units 81, 82, and 83. The light emitting units 81, 82, and 83 are configured by, for example, light emitting diodes (Light Emitting Diodes), light guides, and the like.

[0024] The light emitting portions 81, 82, and 83 are respectively arranged on the periphery of the corresponding buttons 61, 62, and 63. "The periphery of the buttons 61, 62, and 63" refers to the outer periphery of each button or its vicinity.

[0025] When any of the buttons 61, 62, and 63 is operated, the light-emitting units 81, 82, and 83 emit light around the operated button 61, 62, and 63. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, when the button 62 is operated, the light-emitting unit 82 arranged around the button 62 emits light. The same applies when the button 61 or 63 is operated. The light emission of the light-emitting units 81, 82, and 83 is controlled by the control unit 7. That is, the control unit 7 controls the light emission of the light-emitting units 81, 82, and 83 based on the operation of each of the buttons 61, 62, and 63.

[0026] According to this embodiment, the light emitting sections 81, 82 and 83 emit light in conjunction with the operation of the buttons 61, 62 and 63, so that the user can easily visually confirm their own operations, and the usability of the functional water producing device 1 is improved.

[0027] In the functional water producing device 1 of this embodiment, the functional water produced by the functional water producing unit 2 includes, for example, electrolyzed water produced by electrolysis. That is, the modes of the functional water producing unit 2 include an "electrolyzed water mode" in which electrolyzed water is produced.

[0028] Furthermore, electrolyzed water includes reduced water produced on the cathode side during electrolysis and acidic water produced on the anode side. That is, the "electrolyzed water mode" includes a "reduced water (hydrogen water) mode" that produces reduced water by electrolysis and an "acidic water mode" that produces acidic water by electrolysis.

[0029] 2, buttons 61 and 63 are operated to select the "electrolyzed water mode." More specifically, button 61 is operated to select the "reduced water mode," and when button 61 is operated, control unit 7 causes light-emitting unit 81 to emit light. Button 63 is operated to select the "acidic water mode," and when button 63 is operated, control unit 7 causes light-emitting unit 83 to emit light.

[0030] The functional water produced by the functional water producing unit 2 of this embodiment preferably includes purified water, for example. That is, the modes of the functional water producing unit 2 preferably include a "purified water mode" for producing purified water.

[0031] In this case, the button 62 in the operation unit 6 shown in Fig. 2 is operated to select the "purified water mode." When the button 62 is operated, the control unit 7 causes the light emitting unit 82 to emit light.

[0032] In order to realize the above-mentioned "reduced water mode," "acidic water mode," and "purified water mode," as shown in Figures 1 and 3, the functional water generation unit 2 of this embodiment includes a water purification cartridge 3 that purifies raw water to generate purified water, and an electrolytic cell 4 that generates reduced water or acidic water by electrolyzing the purified water that has passed through the water purification cartridge 3.

[0033] The water purification cartridge 3 is configured to be detachable from the main body of the functional water production device 1. In this embodiment, the water purification cartridge 3 is provided upstream of the electrolytic cell 4. The water purification cartridge 3 may also be provided downstream of the electrolytic cell 4. In this case, the water purification cartridge 3 purifies reduced water or acidic water produced by the electrolytic cell 4 or raw water that has passed through the electrolytic cell 4 to produce purified water.

[0034] The electrolytic cell 4 electrolyzes the water supplied from the water purification cartridge 3 to produce electrolyzed water, that is, reduced water and acidic water.

[0035] The electrolytic cell 4 has an electrolysis chamber 40, a first current feeder 41, a second current feeder 42, and a diaphragm 43. The electrolysis chamber 40 is divided by the diaphragm 43 into a first electrode chamber 40A on the first current feeder 41 side and a second electrode chamber 40B on the second current feeder 42 side.

[0036] The water purification cartridge 3 and the electrolytic cell 4 are connected by a water supply line 21. The water supply line 21 branches into two at a branching point midway from the water purification cartridge 3 to the electrolytic cell 4, and is connected to the first electrode chamber 40A and the second electrode chamber 40B. This allows purified water purified by the water purification cartridge 3 to be supplied to both the first electrode chamber 40A and the second electrode chamber 40B.

[0037] One of the first power supply 41 and the second power supply 42 is used as an anode power supply, and the other is used as a cathode power supply. The polarity of the first power supply 41 and the second power supply 42 can be changed as appropriate depending on the mode of the functional water production unit 2. Purified water is supplied to both the first electrode chamber 40A and the second electrode chamber 40B of the electrolysis chamber 40, and a DC voltage is applied to the first power supply 41 and the second power supply 42, causing electrolysis of water in the electrolysis chamber 40.

[0038] The diaphragm 43 is made of, for example, a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) hydrophilic membrane. In such an electrolytic cell 4, reduced water or acidic water is produced in the first electrode chamber 40A and the second electrode chamber 40B. Hydrogen gas produced by electrolysis is dissolved in the reduced water, and oxygen gas produced by electrolysis is dissolved in the acidic water. Therefore, the reduced water is also called "electrolyzed hydrogen water." Electrolyzed hydrogen water has attracted attention as it is effective in improving gastrointestinal symptoms.

[0039] The first electrode chamber 40A is connected to the first outlet pipe 23, and the electrolyzed water produced in the first electrode chamber 40A is discharged from the first outlet pipe 23. Meanwhile, the second electrode chamber 40B is connected to the second outlet pipe 24, and the electrolyzed water produced in the second electrode chamber 40B is discharged from the second outlet pipe 24. Figure 3 shows the functional water production device 1 in the "reduced water mode," in which reduced water produced in the first electrode chamber 40A is discharged from the first outlet pipe 23.

[0040] When the functional water production unit 2 is in the reduced water mode or the acidic water mode, the control unit 7 applies a DC voltage to the first power supply 41 and the second power supply 42. The control unit 7 controls the polarity of the first power supply 41 and the second power supply 42 depending on the mode of the functional water production unit 2.

[0041] Furthermore, the control unit 7 controls the electrolysis current I supplied to the first power feeder 41 and the second power feeder 42 according to the pH of the functional water (or the electrolytic hydrogen concentration in the case of the electrolyzed hydrogen water). More specifically, the control unit 7 controls the electrolysis current I supplied to the power feeders 41, 42 by referring to the information stored in the memory based on a signal corresponding to the flow rate per unit time input from the flow rate sensor 22 provided in the water supply line 21. The control of the electrolysis current I is achieved by feedback-controlling the DC voltage applied between the first power feeder 41 and the second power feeder 42 by the control unit 7 based on the output signal from the ammeter 44. This controls the electrolysis strength (electrolysis level) in the electrolytic cell 4.

[0042] The electric field strength in the electrolytic cell 4 can be set to increase successively according to the number of times that the button 61 or 63 is successively operated. Here, "successive operation of the button 61 or 63" means that either the button 61 or 63 is successively operated multiple times.

[0043] In the functional water production device 1 of this embodiment, the control unit 7 is preferably configured to control the light emission patterns of the light-emitting units 81, 82, and 83 depending on the number of consecutive operations of the button 61, 62, or 63 corresponding to each mode. In the example described above, the control unit 7 is preferably configured to control the light emission patterns of the light-emitting units 81 and 83 depending on the number of consecutive operations of the button 61 or 63. In this configuration, the light-emitting units 81 and 83 can be made to emit light in a light emission pattern corresponding to the electrolysis strength in the reduced water mode, allowing the user to easily understand the details of the operation of the functional water production unit 2.

[0044] An example of the light emitting pattern of the light emitting units 81, 82, and 83 is a mode in which the areas in which the light emitting units 81, 82, and 83 emit light are controlled.

[0045] 4 to 6 show the transition of the light-emitting state in an example in which the light-emitting unit 81 is divided into three areas. That is, the light-emitting unit 81 includes light-emitting units 81a, 81b, and 81c arranged along the periphery of the button 61.

[0046] The control unit 7 changes the number of times that the light-emitting units 81a, 81b, and 81c emit light, depending on the number of times that the button 61 is operated consecutively. That is, when the button 61 is operated once, the control unit 7 causes only the light-emitting unit 81a to emit light. When the button 61 is operated twice consecutively, the control unit 7 causes the light-emitting units 81a and 81b to emit light. When the button 61 is operated three times consecutively, the control unit 7 causes the light-emitting units 81a, 81b, and 81c to emit light.

[0047] This configuration corresponds to a mode in which the electrolysis strength in the "reduced water mode" can be set in three stages. When the button 61 is operated four times, the electrolysis strength returns to the electrolysis strength when the button 61 is operated once, and only the light emitting section 81a emits light (see FIG. 4). The same applies when the button 61 is operated five or more times.

[0048] With the light-emitting unit 81 configured in this manner, the user can easily understand the mode of the functional water production unit 2 and the electrolysis strength in the electrolytic cell 4 from the light-emitting state of the light-emitting units 81a, 81b, and 81c arranged around the periphery of the operated button 61, thereby improving the usability of the functional water production device 1.

[0049] 7 and 8 show the transition of the light emitting state in an example where the light emitting section 83 is divided into two areas. That is, the light emitting section 83 includes a light emitting section 83a and a light emitting section 83b arranged along the periphery of the button 63.

[0050] The control unit 7 changes the number of times that the light-emitting units 83a and 83b emit light, depending on the number of times that the button 63 is operated consecutively. That is, when the button 63 is operated once, the control unit 7 causes only the light-emitting unit 83a to emit light. When the button 63 is operated twice consecutively, the control unit 7 causes both the light-emitting units 83a and 83b to emit light.

[0051] This configuration corresponds to a mode in which the electrolysis strength in the "acid water mode" is set in two stages. When the button 63 is operated three times, the electrolysis strength returns to the electrolysis strength when the button 63 is operated once, and only the light-emitting portion 83a emits light (see FIG. 7). The same applies when the button 63 is operated four or more times.

[0052] With the light-emitting unit 83 configured in this manner, the user can easily understand the mode of the functional water generation unit 2 and the electrolysis strength in the electrolytic cell 4 from the light-emitting state of the light-emitting units 83a and 83b arranged around the periphery of the operated button 63, thereby improving the usability of the functional water generation device 1.

[0053] 9 shows the light-emitting state in an example where the light-emitting unit 82 is configured with a single region. This configuration corresponds to the "purified water mode" in which electrolysis is not performed. In the "purified water mode," the electric field strength is zero (constant), so a single light-emitting unit 82 is used. The light-emitting unit 82 continues to emit light even when the button 62 is operated two or more times.

[0054] With the light-emitting unit 82 configured in this manner, the user can easily understand the mode of the functional water production unit 2 by the light-emitting state of the light-emitting unit 82 arranged around the periphery of the button 62 that was operated, thereby improving the usability of the functional water production device 1.

[0055] 4 to 9, the light-emitting elements 81, 82, and 83 are preferably arranged on a circumference surrounding each of the buttons 61, 62, and 63. This allows the user to intuitively understand the relationship between the buttons 61, 62, and 63 and the light-emitting elements 81, 82, and 83. Furthermore, the visibility of the light-emitting elements 81, 82, and 83 is improved when the buttons 61, 62, and 63 are operated, improving the usability of the functional water production device 1.

[0056] 4 to 6, it is desirable that the light-emitting elements 81a, 81b, and 81c be arranged on a single circumference. This divides the light-emitting element 81 into arc-shaped light-emitting elements 81a, 81b, and 81c, allowing the user to easily grasp the electrolysis strength based on the length of the arc, improving the usability of the functional water production device 1. Note that the light-emitting elements 81a, 81b, and 81c may also be arranged on multiple concentric circles.

[0057] As with the light-emitting portions 81a, 81b, and 81c, the light-emitting portions 83a and 83b are preferably arranged on a single circumference (see FIGS. 7 and 8). Note that the light-emitting portions 83a and 83b may also be arranged on multiple concentric circles.

[0058] 4 to 8, it is preferable that the plurality of light-emitting elements 81, 83 are divided into different numbers for each corresponding mode. In this embodiment, the light-emitting element 81 is divided into three light-emitting elements 81a, 81b, and 81c, and the light-emitting element 83 is divided into two light-emitting elements 83a and 83b. This configuration allows the user to easily understand the relationship between the buttons 61, 63 and the modes, improving the usability of the functional water production device 1.

[0059] The light-emitting elements 81, 82, and 83 are preferably configured to emit light in a color corresponding to each mode. For example, the light-emitting element 81 may be configured to emit blue, the light-emitting element 82 may be configured to emit green, and the light-emitting element 83 may be configured to emit orange. With this configuration, the user can easily determine the mode of the functional water production unit 2 from the color of the light-emitting element 81, 82, or 83 around the operated button 61, 62, or 63, improving the usability of the functional water production device 1.

[0060] Furthermore, the light emitting portions 81a, 81b, and 81c may be configured so that the color changes gradually. The light emitting portions 83a and 83b may be configured so that the color changes gradually.

[0061] Another example of the light-emitting pattern of the light-emitting units 81, 82, and 83 is the number of times the light-emitting units 81, 82, and 83 blink. For example, the control unit 7 changes the number of times the light-emitting unit 81 blinks depending on the number of times the button 61 is operated consecutively. That is, when the button 61 is operated once, the control unit 7 causes the light-emitting unit 81 to blink once per unit time. When the button 61 is operated twice in succession, the control unit 7 causes the light-emitting unit 81 to blink twice per unit time. When the button 61 is operated three times in succession, the control unit 7 causes the light-emitting unit 81 to blink three times per unit time. The same applies to the number of times the light-emitting unit 83 blinks.

[0062] Another example of the light-emitting pattern of the light-emitting units 81, 82, and 83 is the brightness of the light-emitting units 81, 82, and 83. For example, the control unit 7 changes the brightness of the light-emitting unit 81 in accordance with the number of times the button 61 is operated in succession. In a configuration in which the light-emitting units 81, 82, and 83 flash in short cycles, the control unit 7 may be configured to change the perceived brightness by changing the frequency at which the light-emitting units 81, 82, and 83 flash per unit time.

[0063] Fig. 10 is a block diagram of a functional water production apparatus 1A, which is a modified example of the functional water production apparatus 1 shown in Fig. 3. The configuration of the functional water production apparatus 1 described above can be adopted for parts of the functional water production apparatus 1A that are not described below.

[0064] The functional water production apparatus 1A differs from the functional water production apparatus 1 in that it includes a pH detection unit 91 that detects the pH of electrolyzed water. The pH detection unit 91 is provided in at least one of the first outlet pipe 23 or the second outlet pipe 24. In the functional water production apparatus 1A shown in FIG. 10, the pH detection unit 91 is provided in the first outlet pipe 23. In this case, the pH detection unit 91 may be provided in the first electrode chamber 40A.

[0065] The pH detection unit 91 detects the pH of the electrolyzed water generated in the electrolytic bath 4 and outputs a corresponding electrical signal to the control unit 7. The control unit 7 is preferably configured to control the light emission pattern of the light emitters 81 and 83 in response to the electrical signal input from the pH detection unit 91. For example, the control unit 7 controls the light emission pattern of the light emitters 81 and 83 by comparing the electrical signal input from the pH detection unit 91 with a predetermined threshold value. In this configuration, the light emitters 81 and 83 can be made to emit light in a light emission pattern corresponding to the pH of the electrolyzed water generated in the electrolytic bath 4, allowing the user to easily understand the details of the operation of the functional water production unit 2.

[0066] The pH of the electrolyzed water may be calculated by the control unit 7 based on the flow rate per unit time detected by the flow rate sensor 22 and the output signal from the ammeter 44. In this case, the flow rate sensor 22, the ammeter 44, and the control unit 7 correspond to the pH detection unit 91.

[0067] Fig. 11 is a block diagram of a functional water production apparatus 1B, which is another modified example of the functional water production apparatus 1 shown in Fig. 3. The configuration of the functional water production apparatus 1 described above can be adopted for parts of the functional water production apparatus 1B that are not described below.

[0068] In the functional water production device 1B, hydrogen gas and oxygen gas are generated by electrolysis of water in the electrolytic cell 4. The electrolytic cell 4, which constitutes the functional water production unit 2, also functions as a gas addition device 4B that adds hydrogen gas or oxygen gas to the water in the first electrode chamber 40A and the second electrode chamber 40B to achieve multiple levels of dissolved gas concentration. That is, in the functional water production device 1B, the functional water production unit 2 operates in a dissolved-gas water mode that produces dissolved-gas water containing dissolved hydrogen gas or oxygen gas. The dissolved-gas water mode includes a dissolved-hydrogen water mode that produces dissolved-hydrogen water containing dissolved hydrogen gas and a dissolved-oxygen water mode that produces dissolved-oxygen water containing dissolved oxygen gas.

[0069] In the functional water production device 1B, buttons 61 and 63 correspond to the dissolved gas water mode. More specifically, button 61 is operated to select the "dissolved hydrogen water mode," and button 63 is operated to select the "dissolved oxygen water mode."

[0070] The control unit 7 then controls the gas addition device 4B according to the number of times the buttons 61 and 63 are operated. The relationship between the number of times the buttons 61 and 63 are operated in the "dissolved gas water mode" and the dissolved hydrogen concentration and dissolved oxygen concentration is the same as the relationship between the number of times the buttons 61 and 63 are operated in the "electrolyzed water mode" described above and the electrolysis strength. That is, the dissolved hydrogen concentration and dissolved oxygen concentration are adjusted by controlling the electrolysis current I supplied to the first power supply body 41 and the second power supply body 42.

[0071] In the functional water production apparatus 1B, it is most desirable to use the electrolytic cell 4 described above as the gas addition device 4B, but this is not limited to this. For example, a device that generates dissolved gas water by a method known as bubbling, in which fine bubbles of hydrogen gas or oxygen gas are blown into water, may be used.

[0072] As shown in Figure 11, the functional water production apparatus 1B differs from the functional water production apparatus 1 in that it includes a concentration detector 92 for detecting the dissolved gas concentration in the dissolved gas water. The concentration detector 92 is provided in at least one of the first outlet pipe 23 or the second outlet pipe 24. In the functional water production apparatus 1B shown in Figure 11, the concentration detector 92 is provided in the first outlet pipe 23. In this case, the concentration detector 92 may be provided in the first electrode chamber 40A.

[0073] The concentration detector 92 detects the dissolved gas concentration in the dissolved gas water generated by the gas addition device 4B and outputs a corresponding electrical signal to the control unit 7. The control unit 7 is preferably configured to control the light emission pattern of the light emitters 81 and 83 in response to the electrical signal input from the concentration detector 92. For example, the control unit 7 controls the light emission pattern of the light emitters 81 and 83 by comparing the electrical signal input from the concentration detector 92 with a predetermined threshold. In this configuration, the light emitters 81 and 83 can be made to emit light in a pattern corresponding to the dissolved gas concentration in the dissolved gas water generated by the gas addition device 4B, allowing the user to easily understand the details of the operation of the functional water production unit 2.

[0074] The dissolved gas concentration of the dissolved gas water may be calculated by the control unit 7 based on the flow rate per unit time detected by the flow sensor 22 and the output signal from the ammeter 44. In this case, the flow sensor 22, the ammeter 44, and the control unit 7 correspond to the concentration detection unit 92.

[0075] 10 may be applied instead of or in addition to the concentration detection unit 92. In this case, the control unit 7 controls the light emission patterns of the light-emitting units 81 and 83 by comparing the electrical signal input from the pH detection unit 91 with a predetermined threshold value.

[0076] The state of the functional water production apparatus 1 is monitored, for example, by the control unit 7. It is desirable that the functional water production apparatus 1 be equipped with a configuration that alerts the user if any abnormality occurs in the apparatus. For example, in the functional water production apparatus 1, the control unit 7 determines the type of abnormality that has occurred and controls the light emission pattern of the light-emitting units 81, 82, and 83 according to the type of abnormality, i.e., alerts the user by making the light-emitting units 81, 82, and 83 emit light in a predetermined specific light emission pattern.

[0077] In this embodiment, when the control unit 7 detects an abnormality in the functional water production device 1 while producing reduced water, it causes the light-emitting units 81a, 81b, and 81c to emit light (blink). Furthermore, when the control unit 7 detects an abnormality in the functional water production device 1 while producing acidic water, it causes the light-emitting units 83a and 83b to emit light (blink). Furthermore, when the control unit 7 detects an abnormality in the functional water production device 1 while producing purified water, it causes the light-emitting unit 82 to emit light (blink).

[0078] 12 shows the light-emitting state of the display unit 8 when an abnormality occurs in the functional water production device 1 when functional water is not being produced. Furthermore, when the control unit 7 detects an abnormality in the functional water production device 1 when functional water is not being produced, it causes all of the light-emitting units 81a, 81b, 81c, 83a, 83b, and 82 to emit light (blink).

[0079] The above-mentioned abnormality indication makes it easier for the user to notice the unusual light emission state and can draw attention to it. Note that it is desirable that the light emitted when the abnormality is detected be a color different from that used during normal operation, such as red.

[0080] Although the functional water generating device 1 of the present invention has been described in detail above, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiment described above, and can be modified and practiced in various aspects.

[0081] [Note] The present invention includes the following aspects.

[0082] [Invention 1] A functional water generating apparatus, a functional water generating unit that operates in a plurality of modes for generating different functional waters; an operation unit that a user operates to select the mode; a control unit that determines one mode from the plurality of modes based on an operation of the operation unit and operates the functional water production unit in that mode; a display unit for displaying the mode selected by the operation unit, the operation unit includes a plurality of buttons corresponding to the plurality of modes, the display unit includes a light-emitting unit disposed on the periphery of each of the plurality of buttons and emitting light around the operated button when any of the buttons is operated; Functional water generator. [Invention 2] The functional water generating device according to the first aspect of the present invention, wherein the control unit controls the light emission pattern of the light emitting unit depending on the number of times the button corresponding to each of the modes is operated consecutively. [Invention 3] The functional water generating device according to aspect 2, wherein the light-emitting unit includes a plurality of light-emitting units arranged along the periphery. [Invention 4] The functional water generating device according to the third aspect of the present invention, wherein the plurality of light emitting parts are arranged on a circumference surrounding the button. [Invention 5] 5. The functional water generating device according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the plurality of light emitting units are divided into different numbers for each of the plurality of modes. [Invention 6] A functional water generating device described in any one of present inventions 3 to 5, wherein the control unit changes the number of times the plurality of light-emitting units emit light depending on the number of times the button corresponding to each of the modes is operated consecutively. [Invention 7] 7. The functional water generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the light emitting section emits light in a color corresponding to each of the modes. [Invention 8] the functional water generating unit includes an electrolytic cell that electrolyzes water at a plurality of levels of electrolytic strength; The plurality of modes includes an electrolyzed water mode for generating electrolyzed water, The functional water generating device according to any one of the first to sixth aspects of the present invention, wherein the control unit controls the electrolytic strength of the electrolytic cell depending on the number of times the button corresponding to the electrolytic water mode is operated. [Invention 9] the functional water generating unit includes an electrolytic cell that electrolyzes water at a plurality of levels of electrolytic strength; The plurality of modes includes an electrolyzed water mode for generating electrolyzed water, A pH detection unit is provided to detect the pH of the electrolyzed water, 9. The functional water generating device according to any one of aspects 1 to 8, wherein the control unit controls the light emission pattern of the light emitter in accordance with the pH value detected by the pH detector. [Invention 10] the functional water generating unit includes an electrolytic cell that electrolyzes water at a plurality of levels of electrolytic strength; The plurality of modes includes an electrolyzed water mode for generating electrolyzed water, A concentration detection unit is provided to detect the hydrogen concentration or oxygen concentration of the electrolyzed water, The functional water generating device according to any one of the first to eighth aspects of the present invention, wherein the control unit controls the light emission pattern of the light emitter according to the value of the hydrogen concentration or the oxygen concentration detected by the concentration detection unit. [Invention 11] the functional water generating unit includes a gas adding device that adds hydrogen gas or oxygen gas to the water so as to achieve multiple levels of dissolved gas concentrations; the plurality of modes includes a dissolved gas water mode in which dissolved gas water in which the hydrogen gas or the oxygen gas is dissolved is generated; The functional water generating device according to any one of the first to eighth aspects of the present invention, wherein the control unit controls the gas adding device depending on the number of times the button corresponding to the dissolved gas water mode is operated. [Invention 12] the functional water generating unit includes a gas adding device that adds hydrogen gas or oxygen gas to the water so as to achieve multiple levels of dissolved gas concentrations; the plurality of modes includes a dissolved gas water mode in which dissolved gas water in which the hydrogen gas or the oxygen gas is dissolved is generated; a concentration detection unit that detects the dissolved gas concentration of the dissolved gas water; 9. The functional water generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the control unit controls the light emission pattern of the light emitter in accordance with the value of the dissolved gas concentration detected by the concentration detection unit. [Invention 13] A functional water production device described in any one of the present inventions 1 to 12, wherein the control unit determines the type of abnormality that has occurred in the functional water production device and controls the light-emitting unit to emit a predetermined light emission pattern depending on the type. [Explanation of symbols]

[0083] 1:Functional water generator 2: Functional water generation section 4: Electrolytic cell 6 :Operation section 7: Control section 8:Display section 61: Button 62: Button 63: Button 81: Light-emitting part 81a: Light-emitting part 81b: Light-emitting part 81c: Light-emitting part 82: Light-emitting part 83: Light-emitting part 83a: Light-emitting part 83b: Light-emitting part 91: pH detection unit 92: Concentration detection unit

Claims

1. A functional water generating apparatus, a functional water generating unit that operates in a plurality of modes for generating different functional waters; an operation unit that a user operates to select the mode; a control unit that determines one mode from the plurality of modes based on an operation of the operation unit and operates the functional water production unit in that mode; a display unit for displaying the mode selected by the operation unit, the operation unit includes a plurality of buttons corresponding to the plurality of modes, the display unit includes a light-emitting unit disposed on the periphery of each of the plurality of buttons and emitting light around the operated button when any of the buttons is operated; Functional water generator.

2. The functional water producing device according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit controls the light emission pattern of the light emitting unit in accordance with the number of times the button corresponding to each of the modes is operated consecutively.

3. The functional water producing device according to claim 2 , wherein the light emitting unit includes a plurality of light emitting units arranged along the periphery.

4. The functional water producing device according to claim 3 , wherein the plurality of light emitting parts are arranged on a circumference surrounding the button.

5. The functional water producing device according to claim 3 , wherein the plurality of light emitting units are divided into different numbers for each of the plurality of modes.

6. The functional water producing device according to claim 3 , wherein the control unit changes the number of times the plurality of light emitting units emit light in accordance with the number of times the button corresponding to each of the modes is operated consecutively.

7. 7. The functional water producing device according to claim 1, wherein the light emitting section emits light in a color corresponding to each of the modes.

8. the functional water generating unit includes an electrolytic cell that electrolyzes water at a plurality of levels of electrolytic strength; The plurality of modes includes an electrolyzed water mode for generating electrolyzed water, 7. The functional water producing device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit controls the electrolytic strength of the electrolytic cell depending on the number of times the button corresponding to the electrolytic water mode is operated.

9. the functional water generating unit includes an electrolytic cell that electrolyzes water at a plurality of levels of electrolytic strength; The plurality of modes includes an electrolyzed water mode for generating electrolyzed water, A pH detection unit is provided to detect the pH of the electrolyzed water, 7. The functional water generating device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit controls the light emission pattern of the light emitter in accordance with the pH value detected by the pH detector.

10. the functional water generating unit includes an electrolytic cell that electrolyzes water at a plurality of levels of electrolytic strength; The plurality of modes includes an electrolyzed water mode for generating electrolyzed water, A concentration detection unit is provided to detect the hydrogen concentration or oxygen concentration of the electrolyzed water, 7. The functional water producing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit controls the light emission pattern of the light emitter in accordance with the value of the hydrogen concentration or the oxygen concentration detected by the concentration detector.

11. the functional water generating unit includes a gas adding device that adds hydrogen gas or oxygen gas to the water so as to achieve multiple levels of dissolved gas concentrations; the plurality of modes includes a dissolved gas water mode in which dissolved gas water in which the hydrogen gas or the oxygen gas is dissolved is generated; 7. The functional water generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit controls the gas adding device in accordance with the number of times the button corresponding to the dissolved gas water mode is operated.

12. the functional water generating unit includes a gas adding device that adds hydrogen gas or oxygen gas to the water so as to achieve multiple levels of dissolved gas concentrations; the plurality of modes includes a dissolved gas water mode in which dissolved gas water in which the hydrogen gas or the oxygen gas is dissolved is generated; a concentration detection unit that detects the dissolved gas concentration of the dissolved gas water; 7. The functional water producing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit controls the light emission pattern of the light emitter in accordance with the value of the dissolved gas concentration detected by the concentration detector.

13. 7. The functional water producing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit determines the type of abnormality that has occurred in the functional water producing apparatus and controls the light emitting unit to emit a predetermined light pattern depending on the type.

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