Functional water generator

Abstract

To provide a functional water generating device capable of improving user convenience. [Solution] The functional water generating device includes a functional water generating unit 2, an operation unit 6 operated by a user, a control unit 7 that operates the functional water generating unit 2 based on the operation of the operation unit 6, and a display unit 8 for displaying a mode selected by the operation unit 6. The operation unit 6 includes a plurality of buttons 61, 62, 63 corresponding to a plurality of modes. The display unit 8 includes light-emitting buttons 81, 82, 83 that are arranged on the periphery of each of the plurality of buttons 61, 62, 63 and emit light around the button 61, 62, 63 that has been operated.

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 functional water. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related 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] JP 2024-049020 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

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

[0005] For example, the above-mentioned Patent Document 1 discloses a so-called projection-type touch panel in which a front panel, a position detection unit, a display unit, etc. are laminated as an operation unit (see paragraph

[0027] ). However, in recent years, the ease of use of an operation unit including physical buttons has been reconsidered.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and has as its main object to provide a functional water generating device that can improve ease of use for users. [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 is operated by a user to select the mode; a control unit that determines one mode from among the plurality of modes based on an operation of the operation unit and operates the functional water production unit in the determined 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 emits light around the operated button when any of the buttons is operated. Effect of the Invention

[0008] Since the functional water generating apparatus of the present invention has the above-mentioned configuration, the user can easily visually confirm his / her own operation, and the usability of the functional water generating apparatus is improved. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing an outline of a functional water generating device of the present invention. [Diagram 2] 2 is a front view showing the configuration of an operation unit and a display unit in FIG. 1. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the functional water generating device of FIG. 1. [Figure 4] 3A to 3C are diagrams illustrating transitions in the light-emitting state of the light-emitting unit in FIG. 2. [Diagram 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 section different from that 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 the light emitting state of a light emitting section different from those in FIGS. [Figure 10] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a modified example of the functional water generating device of FIG. [Figure 11] 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of another modified example of the functional water generating device of FIG. 3. FIG. [Figure 12] 10 is a diagram showing a light emitting state of a light emitting section different from that in FIG. 9. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. It should be understood that the drawings include exaggerated expressions and expressions different from the dimensional ratio of the actual structure in order to help understand the contents of the invention. Furthermore, the same or common elements are given the same reference numerals throughout the embodiments, and duplicated explanations are omitted. Furthermore, the specific configurations shown in the embodiments and drawings are for 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 generating 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 section 2. Tap water is generally used as the raw water, but other types of water, such as well water and groundwater, can also be used.

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

[0014] The functional water producing section 2 operates in a plurality of modes. Thus, different functional water is produced for each mode. The mode of the functional water producing section 2 is controlled by the control section 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 for example, a circular shape is desirable so that the user can easily operate it with his / her fingertips. The "circular shape" includes not only a perfect circle, but also an ellipse, an oval, and the like, and also includes shapes incorporating design elements similar to these. The shape of each of the buttons 61, 62, and 63 may be a polygonal shape including a rectangular shape. Also, 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 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. As each of the buttons 61, 62, and 63, a touch sensor (non-contact switch) that detects capacitance or pressure may be applied.

[0019] The buttons 61, 62, and 63 provided on the operation unit 6 are easy to operate, and contribute to making the functional water production device 1 easier to use.

[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. Then, the control unit 7 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, and the like, and a memory that stores programs that control the operation of the CPU and 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 each formed of, for example, a light emitting diode (Light Emitting Diode), a light guide, and the like.

[0024] The light emitting portions 81, 82, and 83 are respectively disposed 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 his / her own operations, and the usability of the functional water generating device 1 is improved.

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

[0028] Furthermore, electrolyzed water includes reduced water generated on the cathode side and acidic water generated on the anode side during electrolysis. That is, the "electrolyzed water mode" includes a "reduced water (hydrogen water) mode" that generates reduced water by electrolysis and an "acidic water mode" that generates 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 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 electrolytic 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 feeder 41 and the second power feeder 42 is used as an anode power feeder, and the other is used as a cathode power feeder. The polarity of the first power feeder 41 and the second power feeder 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 feeder 41 and the second power feeder 42, whereby electrolysis of water occurs 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. The reduced water contains dissolved hydrogen gas produced by electrolysis, and the acidic water contains dissolved oxygen gas produced by electrolysis. 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 generated 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 generated in the second electrode chamber 40B is discharged from the second outlet pipe 24. FIG. 3 shows the functional water production device 1 in the “reduced water mode” in which the reduced water generated 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 body 41 and the second power supply body 42. The control unit 7 controls the polarity of the first power supply body 41 and the second power supply body 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 (electrolyzed 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 realized by feedback control of 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 electrolysis cell 4.

[0042] The electrolytic strength in the electrolytic cell 4 can be set to be successively stronger according to, for example, 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 generating device 1 of this embodiment, the control unit 7 is preferably configured to control the light emission pattern of the light-emitting units 81, 82, and 83 according to the number of times that the button 61, 62, or 63 corresponding to each mode is successively operated. In the above example, it is preferably configured to control the light emission pattern of the light-emitting units 81 and 83 according to the number of times that the button 61 or 63 is successively operated. In this embodiment, it is possible to cause the light-emitting units 81 and 83 to emit light in a light emission pattern corresponding to the electrolysis strength in the reduced water mode, and the user can easily understand the details of the operation of the functional water generating 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 emission state in an example in which the light emitting unit 81 is divided into three regions. 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 form in which the electrolysis strength in the "reduced water mode" is 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 grasp 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 81a, 81b, and 81c arranged around the periphery of the operated button 61, thereby improving the usability of the functional water generation device 1.

[0049] 7 and 8 show the transition of the light-emitting state in an example in which the light-emitting unit 83 is divided into two regions. That is, the light-emitting unit 83 includes a light-emitting unit 83a and a light-emitting unit 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 the light-emitting units 83a and 83b to emit light.

[0051] This configuration corresponds to a mode in which the electrolysis strength is set in two stages in the "acid water mode." 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 section 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 grasp 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 a "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 if 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 from 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, it is preferable that the light-emitting elements 81, 82, and 83 are arranged on a circumference surrounding each of the buttons 61, 62, and 63. This allows an intuitive understanding of 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 generating device 1.

[0056] As shown in Figures 4 to 6, it is preferable that the light-emitting parts 81a, 81b, and 81c are arranged on a single circumference. This divides the light-emitting part 81 into arc-shaped light-emitting parts 81a, 81b, and 81c, allowing the user to easily grasp the electrolysis strength from the length of the arc, improving the usability of the functional water generating device 1. Note that the light-emitting parts 81a, 81b, and 81c may be arranged on multiple circumferences provided on 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 be arranged on multiple circumferences that are concentric.

[0058] 4 to 8, it is preferable that the multiple light-emitting elements 81, 83 are divided into different numbers for the corresponding modes. 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. With this configuration, the user can easily understand the relationship between the buttons 61, 63 and the modes, improving the usability of the functional water generating device 1.

[0059] The light-emitting units 81, 82, and 83 are preferably configured to emit light in a color corresponding to each mode. For example, the light-emitting unit 81 may be configured to emit blue, the light-emitting unit 82 to emit green, and the light-emitting unit 83 to emit orange. With this configuration, the user can easily ascertain the mode of the functional water production unit 2 from the color of the light-emitting unit 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 to have a gradually changing color. The light emitting portions 83a and 83b may be configured to have a gradually changing color.

[0061] Another example of the light emission 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 blinks the light-emitting unit 81 once per unit time. When the button 61 is operated twice consecutively, the control unit 7 blinks the light-emitting unit 81 twice per unit time. When the button 61 is operated three times consecutively, the control unit 7 blinks the light-emitting unit 81 three times per unit time. The same applies to the number of times the light-emitting unit 83 blinks.

[0062] Yet another example of the light emission 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 according to the number of times the button 61 is operated in succession. In a configuration in which the light-emitting units 81, 82, and 83 are caused to blink in a short cycle, the control unit 7 may be configured to change the perceived brightness by changing the frequency of blinking of the light-emitting units 81, 82, and 83 per unit time.

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

[0064] The functional water generating apparatus 1A differs from the functional water generating 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 outflow pipe 23 or the second outflow pipe 24. In the functional water generating apparatus 1A shown in Fig. 10, the pH detection unit 91 is provided in the first outflow 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 electrolytic 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 emitting units 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 emitting units 81 and 83 by comparing the electrical signal input from the pH detection unit 91 with a predetermined threshold value. In this embodiment, it is possible to cause the light emitting units 81 and 83 to emit light in a light emission pattern corresponding to the pH of the electrolytic water generated in the electrolytic bath 4, and the user can easily understand the details of the operation of the functional water generating 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 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 a pH detection unit 91.

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

[0068] In the functional water generating apparatus 1B, hydrogen gas and oxygen gas are generated by electrolysis of water in the electrolytic cell 4. The electrolytic cell 4 constituting the functional water generating section 2 also functions as a gas adding device 4B that adds hydrogen gas or oxygen gas to the water in the first electrode chamber 40A and the second electrode chamber 40B so as to achieve multiple stages of dissolved gas concentration. That is, in the functional water generating apparatus 1B, the functional water generating section 2 operates in a dissolved gas water mode that generates dissolved gas water in which hydrogen gas or oxygen gas is dissolved. The dissolved gas water mode includes a dissolved hydrogen water mode that generates dissolved hydrogen water in which hydrogen gas is dissolved, and a dissolved oxygen water mode that generates dissolved oxygen water in which oxygen gas is dissolved.

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

[0070] The control unit 7 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 the present invention is not limited to this configuration. 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 Fig. 11, the functional water production apparatus 1B differs from the functional water production apparatus 1 in that it includes a concentration detection unit 92 for detecting the dissolved gas concentration in the dissolved gas water. The concentration detection unit 92 is provided in at least one of the first outflow pipe 23 or the second outflow pipe 24. In the functional water production apparatus 1B shown in Fig. 11, the concentration detection unit 92 is provided in the first outflow pipe 23. In this case, the concentration detection unit 92 may be provided in the first electrode chamber 40A.

[0073] The concentration detector 92 detects the dissolved gas concentration of the dissolved gas water generated by the gas addition device 4B and outputs a corresponding electrical signal to the controller 7. The controller 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 controller 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 value. In this embodiment, it is possible to cause the light emitters 81 and 83 to emit light in a light emission pattern corresponding to the dissolved gas concentration of the dissolved gas water generated by the gas addition device 4B, and the user can easily understand the details of the operation of the functional water generator 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] In a configuration in which the gas addition device 4B is applied in which the pH changes when hydrogen gas or oxygen gas is added, a pH detection unit 91 shown in Fig. 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 pattern 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 generating apparatus 1 is monitored, for example, by the control unit 7. It is desirable that the functional water generating apparatus 1 is equipped with a configuration that alerts the user if any abnormality occurs in the apparatus. For example, in the functional water generating apparatus 1, the control unit 7 is configured to determine the type of abnormality that has occurred and control the light emission pattern of the light-emitting units 81, 82, and 83 according to the type of abnormality, that is, to alert 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 apparatus 1 while producing reduced water, it causes the light emitting units 81a, 81b, and 81c to emit light (blink). When the control unit 7 detects an abnormality in the functional water production apparatus 1 while producing acidic water, it causes the light emitting units 83a and 83b to emit light (blink). When the control unit 7 detects an abnormality in the functional water production apparatus 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 some 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 display of an abnormality makes it easier for the user to notice the abnormal light emission state and can call attention to it. Note that it is preferable that the light emitted when the abnormality is detected is a color different from that during normal operation, for example, 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 above specific embodiment 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 comprising: a functional water generating unit that operates in a plurality of modes for generating different functional waters; an operation unit that is operated by a user to select the mode; a control unit that determines one mode from among the plurality of modes based on an operation of the operation unit and operates the functional water production unit in the determined 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 on a periphery of each of the plurality of buttons and that emits 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 in accordance with the number of times the button corresponding to each of the modes is operated in succession. [Invention 3] 3. The functional water generating device according to claim 2, wherein the light-emitting section includes a plurality of light-emitting sections arranged along the periphery. [Invention 4] 4. The functional water generating device according to claim 3, 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 sections are divided into different numbers for each of the plurality of modes. [Invention 6] The functional water generating device according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the control unit changes the number of times the plurality of light-emitting elements emit light depending on the number of times the button corresponding to each of the modes is operated in succession. [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 electrolytic water mode for generating electrolytic water, The functional water generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, 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. [The present 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 electrolytic water mode for generating electrolyzed electrolytic water, A pH detection unit is provided for detecting the pH of the electrolytic 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 pH value detected by the pH detection unit. [The present 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 electrolytic water mode for generating electrolyzed electrolytic water, A concentration detection unit is provided for detecting a hydrogen concentration or an oxygen concentration of the electrolytic water, 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 hydrogen concentration or the oxygen concentration detected by the concentration detection unit. [The present 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 provide a plurality of stages of dissolved gas concentrations; The plurality of modes includes a dissolved gas water mode for generating dissolved gas water in which the hydrogen gas or the oxygen gas is dissolved, The functional water generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, 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. [The present 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 provide a plurality of stages of dissolved gas concentrations; The plurality of modes includes a dissolved gas water mode for generating dissolved gas water in which the hydrogen gas or the oxygen gas is dissolved, A concentration detector for detecting the dissolved gas concentration of the dissolved gas water is provided, 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. [The present invention 13] The functional water generating apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the control unit determines the type of abnormality that has occurred in the functional water generating apparatus 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 detector 92: Concentration detection unit

Claims

1. A functional water generating apparatus comprising: a functional water generating unit that operates in a plurality of modes for generating different functional waters; an operation unit that is operated by a user to select the mode; a control unit that determines one mode from among the plurality of modes based on an operation of the operation unit and operates the functional water production unit in the determined 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 on a periphery of each of the plurality of buttons and that emits light around the operated button when any of the buttons is operated; Functional water generator.

2. The functional water generating device according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit controls a 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 in succession.

3. The functional water generating device according to claim 2 , wherein the light emitting portion includes a plurality of light emitting portions arranged along the periphery.

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

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

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

7. 7. The functional water generating 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 electrolytic water mode for generating electrolytic water, 7. The functional water generating device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit controls the electrolytic strength of the electrolytic cell according to 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 electrolytic water mode for generating electrolytic water, A pH detection unit is provided for detecting the pH of the electrolytic water, 7. The functional water generating device according to claim 2, wherein the control unit controls the light emission pattern of the light emitter in accordance with the pH value detected by the pH detection unit.

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 electrolytic water mode for generating electrolytic water, A concentration detection unit is provided for detecting a hydrogen concentration or an oxygen concentration of the electrolytic water, 7. The functional water generating device according to claim 2, 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 detection unit.

11. the functional water generating unit includes a gas adding device that adds hydrogen gas or oxygen gas to the water so as to provide a plurality of stages of dissolved gas concentrations; The plurality of modes includes a dissolved gas water mode for generating dissolved gas water in which the hydrogen gas or the oxygen gas is dissolved, 7. The functional water generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit controls the gas adding device in response to 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 provide a plurality of stages of dissolved gas concentrations; The plurality of modes includes a dissolved gas water mode for generating dissolved gas water in which the hydrogen gas or the oxygen gas is dissolved, A concentration detector for detecting the dissolved gas concentration of the dissolved gas water is provided, 7. The functional water generating device according to claim 2, 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.

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

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