EP4684710A1

EP4684710A1 - Water discharge device

Info

Publication number: EP4684710A1
Application number: EP23897087.5A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Noritoshi OTA; Naokazu Onishi
Original assignee: Lixil Corp
Current assignee: Lixil Corp
Priority date: 2023-03-20
Filing date: 2023-03-20
Publication date: 2026-01-28
Also published as: JPWO2024116426A1; WO2024116426A1; CN121321690A; CN118355172A

Abstract

A water discharge device 1 includes a switcher 3 and a control circuit unit 8. The switcher 3 switches between a first discharge state of discharging supplied water and a second discharge state of discharging a fluid obtained by mixing an additive into supplied water, through electrical operation. The control circuit unit 8 controls switching by the switcher 3 based on operation input from a user. When the second discharge state has been selected by operation input and when a certain time has elapsed from the start of discharge in the second discharge state, the control circuit unit 8 switches the operating state to the first discharge state.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a water discharge device.

BACKGROUND ART

Patent Literature 1 discloses a conventional foam supply device for a bathroom. This foam supply device for a bathroom includes a case, a flow path, a switching unit (three-way valve), and an operation unit. The case forms a water inlet and a foam outlet. The flow path connects the water inlet and the foam outlet. The switching unit is built into the case and switches the form of the outflow from the foam outlet to either water or foam. The operation unit operates the switching unit. The operation unit includes a grip part that can be moved back and forth between a position above the top of the case and a position in front of the front of the case.

RELATED-ART LITERATURE

PATENT LITERATURE

Patent Literature 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No. 2022-142828

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

TECHNICAL PROBLEM

The inventors of the subject application examined the control of foam discharge amount by a device for discharging while switching between water and foam and obtained the following new recognition. With the device described in Patent Literature 1, since the switching mechanism for mechanically operating the switching between water and foam is operated manually, it is probable that the operation becomes complicated, excessive foam is discharged and excessive foam accumulates in the drain outlet, and an excessive amount of a foam agent is used.
A purpose of the present disclosure is to provide a water discharge device that can suppress excessive discharge of a fluid containing an additive.

SOLUTION TO PROBLEM

To solve the abovementioned issue, one embodiment of the present disclosure is a water discharge device. The water discharge device according to the one embodiment includes: a switcher that switches between a first discharge state of discharging supplied water and a second discharge state of discharging a fluid obtained by mixing an additive into supplied water, through electrical operation; and a control circuit unit that controls switching by the switcher based on operation input from a user. When the second discharge state has been selected by the operation input and when a predetermined time has elapsed from the start of discharge in the second discharge state, the control circuit unit switches the operating state to the first discharge state.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[Fig. 1] Fig. 1 is an external perspective view of a water discharge device according to a first embodiment. [Fig. 2] Fig. 2 is an external perspective view of a portion of the inside of the water discharge device.
[Fig. 3] Fig. 3 is a block diagram that shows an illustrative configuration of a water passage system and an electrical circuit system of the water discharge device.
[Fig. 4] Fig. 4 is a block diagram that shows a functional configuration of a control circuit unit.
[Fig. 5] Fig. 5 is a flowchart that shows a procedure of processing for switching the discharge state.
[Fig. 6] Fig. 6 is a block diagram that shows an illustrative configuration of a water passage system and an electrical circuit system of a water discharge device according to a second embodiment.
[Fig. 7] Fig. 7 is a block diagram that shows a functional configuration of the control circuit unit.
[Fig. 8] Fig. 8 is a flowchart that shows a procedure of processing for switching the discharge state.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

There will now be described an embodiment for implementing a water discharge device of the present disclosure. Like reference characters denote like constituting elements, and repetitive description will be omitted. In each drawing, constituting elements may be appropriately omitted, enlarged, or reduced, for the sake of convenience. Each drawing is to be viewed according to the orientation of the reference characters. The structures and shapes referred to in the present specification include not only structures and shapes that exactly match what is mentioned in the present specification, but also structures and shapes that deviate by the amount of errors, such as dimensional errors and manufacturing errors. Further, in each drawing, part of a member less important in describing the embodiment may be omitted.
Terms including ordinal numbers, such as "first" and "second", are used to describe various constituting elements. However, such terms are used only to distinguish one constituting element from another and do not limit the configuration of the present disclosure. Also, the following embodiment is provided as an example to assist in understanding of the present disclosure and does not limit the configuration of the present disclosure.

First Embodiment

Fig. 1 is now referred to. A water discharge device 1 has a case 10 of rectangular parallelepiped shape that houses piping and various components. To a water supply inlet 11 of the water discharge device 1, a hose 81 extending from a water supply device 80 is connected, and water is supplied from the water supply device 80. The water supply device 80 has, for example, a temperature control function, a flow rate control function, and a function for switching between passing water and stopping water.
To a discharge outlet 12 of the water discharge device 1, a hose 82 of a shower head 83 is connected. The water discharge device 1 discharges one of water or foam through the discharge outlet 12, and the one of water or foam is discharged through the hose 82 and the shower head 83 to the outside. The water discharge device 1 may be connected to a device other than the shower head 83. Also, the water discharge device 1 may directly discharge one of water or foam to the outside. The water discharge device 1 may be configured to include a component for discharging, such as the shower head 83. The water discharge device 1 may have all of the functions of the water supply device 80. Also, the water discharge device 1 may have some of the functions of the water supply device 80.
In the water discharge device 1, a liquid replenishment container 2 is detachably connected to replenish a liquid containing a foaming component. On the front of the case 10, an operation button 13, which can be operated by the user, and an indicator 14, which can be viewed by the user, are provided. The indicator 14 is constituted by a component such as an LED or a liquid crystal display. The size of the case 10 is, for example, about 15 cm in height, 20 cm in width, and 5 cm in depth. The size of the case 10 is not limited thereto.
Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 are now referred to. The water discharge device 1 includes a switcher 3, a liquid aspirator 4, a foamer 5, a compressor 6, a container mounting unit 7, a control circuit unit 8, and a power supply 9, for example. To the downstream side of the water supply inlet 11 is connected a check valve 90, and the check valve 90 and the switcher 3 are connected by a flow path 110. The check valve 90 prevents backflow of water from the flow path 110 to the water supply inlet 11 side.
The switcher 3 switches passing water through a flow path 111 and a flow path 112 in two directions, which branch off from the flow path 110. One flow path 111 is connected to a confluence part 92. A check valve 91 provided in the flow path 111 prevents backflow from the confluence part 92 side to the switcher 3 side. In the other flow path 112, a flow regulator 93 and a check valve 94 are provided. The flow path 112 is connected to the liquid aspirator 4. The flow regulator 93 is constituted by a constant flow valve, a pressure reducing valve, or the like. The flow regulator 93 adjusts the flow rate on the downstream side to about 1 liter per minute, for example. The check valve 94 prevents backflow from the liquid aspirator 4 side to the switcher 3 side.
The liquid aspirator 4 is, for example, an ejector. The liquid aspirator 4 aspirates the liquid replenished from the liquid replenishment container 2 to mix it with the water flowing in from the flow path 112 and then flows the mixture into a flow path 113 on the downstream side. The liquid replenishment container 2 and the liquid aspirator 4 are connected by a flow path 114. In the flow path 114, a check valve 95 is provided to prevent backflow from the liquid aspirator 4 side to the liquid replenishment container 2 side.
The flow path 113 is connected to the foamer 5. Through the flow path 113, the mixed water, which is a mixture of the liquid containing a foaming component and water, is supplied to the foamer 5. The foamer 5 generates foam by mixing compressed air from the compressor 6 with the mixed water supplied from the flow path 113 and flows the foam into a flow path 115. The compressor 6 sends compressed air to the foamer 5 through a flow path 116 for air. In the flow path 116, a check valve 96 is provided to prevent backflow from the foamer 5 side to the compressor 6 side.
The confluence part 92 is a flow path that joins the flow path 111 and the flow path 115 and connects to the discharge outlet 12. As described previously, the hose 82 of the shower head 83 is connected to the discharge outlet 12.
The control circuit unit 8 receives power supply from the power supply 9 and operates the switcher 3 and the compressor 6, for example. The power supply 9 is one of various batteries, such as a lithium-ion battery. The power supply 9 may be constituted by a power supply circuit for using electricity supplied from a household power supply. The control circuit unit 8 receives operation input from the operation button 13 connected thereto and operates the switcher 3 and the compressor 6, for example. The control circuit unit 8 also allows the indicator 14 to indicate information, such as the operating state of the water discharge device 1 or the remaining amount of the power supply 9.
The water discharge device 1 discharges the water supplied from the water supply device 80, through the discharge outlet 12 via the flow path 111, without generating foam. Depending on the switching by the switcher 3, the water discharge device 1 generates foam through the flow paths 112, 113, and 115 and discharges the foam through the discharge outlet 12. The foamer 5 forms fine bubbles, so that the water discharge device 1 discharges fine foam.
The water discharge device 1 switches between a first discharge state of discharging supplied water and a second discharge state of discharging a fluid obtained by mixing an additive into the supplied water. The fluid obtained by mixing an additive in the second discharge state may contain air. The water discharge device 1 may generate, as the fluid obtained by mixing an additive into the supplied water in the second discharge state, foam by mixing a liquid containing a foaming component into the supplied water and further mixing air thereinto and may discharge the foam through the discharge outlet 12. The water discharge device 1 may mix, into the supplied water, various additives for cleaning the user's body, for beauty, for health promotion, and the like.
When the water discharge device 1 mixes an additive other than a liquid containing a foaming component into the supplied water, the foamer 5 may be substituted with an ejector, and the compressor 6 may be substituted with an air intake mechanism. In the following, an example will be described in which, in the second discharge state, a liquid containing a foaming component is used as an additive, and foam made by mixing air is discharged. In the following description, "foam" is an example of the "fluid obtained by mixing an additive into the supplied water".
Fig. 4 is now referred to. The control circuit unit 8 includes a compressor drive unit 51, a switcher drive unit 52, an operation receiver 53, a notification processing unit 54, a switching processing unit 55, and a storage unit 56. Each component in the control circuit unit 8 can be implemented by a processing circuit constituted by an electronic device, such as a CPU of a computer, or by a mechanical component in terms of hardware, and by a computer program or the like in terms of software. Fig. 4 illustrates functional blocks implemented by coordination of those components. Therefore, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that the functional blocks may be implemented in a variety of forms by combinations of hardware and software.
The storage unit 56 is constituted by a data storage device, such as RAM (Random Access Memory) or flash memory, and stores a computer program executed in the control circuit unit 8 and data used for processing, for example.
The compressor drive unit 51 acquires a start signal and a stop signal for the compressor 6 from the switching processing unit 55 and starts and stops the compressor 6. The switcher drive unit 52 acquires, from the switching processing unit 55, a switching signal indicating discharge in one of the first discharge state or the second discharge state and switches the switcher 3. The water discharge device 1 discharges the supplied water in the first discharge state and discharges foam in the second discharge state.
The switcher drive unit 52 energizes a device such as a solenoid valve that operates for switching between the flow path 111 and the flow path 112 by the switcher 3, thereby electrically operating the switcher 3. The switcher 3 is switched to the flow path 111 in the first discharge state and switched to the flow path 112 in the second discharge state. The switcher 3 has a device such as a solenoid valve, for example, and is operated electrically to switch the flow path. The switcher 3 may be configured such that the valve position in one solenoid valve is moved by energization, and one of the flow path 111 or the flow path 112 is connected to the flow path 110. The switcher 3 may switch the flow path using multiple solenoid valves and may have a publicly-known flow path switching configuration with a device operated electrically.
The operation receiver 53 receives operation input from the user through the operation button 13, generates an operation input signal, and outputs the operation input signal to the switching processing unit 55. The operation receiver 53 may also perform voice recognition of the voice of the user provided through a microphone 13a and generate an operation input signal to output it to the switching processing unit 55. The operation receiver 53 can receive operation input from the user using a publicly-known device that allows input from the user. The operation input signal includes a signal indicating that one of the first discharge state for water discharge or the second discharge state for foam discharge has been selected, and a signal indicating a setting change provided by the user.
The notification processing unit 54 acquires, from the switching processing unit 55, an operating state signal indicating whether operation is performed in the first discharge state of water discharge or the second discharge state of foam discharge. Based on the operating state signal, the notification processing unit 54 allows the indicator 14 to indicate the operating state to notify the user thereof. For example, when the indicator 14 has LEDs corresponding respectively to the first discharge state and the second discharge state, the notification processing unit 54 turns on the LED corresponding to each operating state.
The notification processing unit 54 may also notify the user of the operating state of the water discharge device 1 by means of voice output from a speaker 14a. The voice output from the speaker 14a may be, for example, "It's water discharge state", "It's foam discharge state", or the like.
When the switching processing unit 55 performs an automatic switching process, the notification processing unit 54 may acquire information regarding the automatic switching process from the switching processing unit 55 and may notify the user of timing of switching from the second discharge state to the first discharge state. The notification processing unit 54 can notify the user of notification information using a publicly-known device that allows notification to the user. The notification processing unit 54 functions as a notification means.
The switching processing unit 55 acquires the operation input signal from the operation receiver 53. The switching processing unit 55 outputs the start signal and the stop signal for the compressor 6 to the compressor drive unit 51. Also, the switching processing unit 55 outputs a switching signal indicating one of the first discharge state or the second discharge state to the switcher drive unit 52. When the first discharge state is selected in the operation input signal, the switching processing unit 55 outputs the switching signal indicating the first discharge state to the switcher drive unit 52 and outputs the stop signal for the compressor 6 to the compressor drive unit 51. The switching processing unit 55 also outputs the operating state signal indicating the first discharge state to the notification processing unit 54.
When the second discharge state is selected in the operation input signal, the switching processing unit 55 outputs the switching signal indicating the second discharge state to the switcher drive unit 52 and outputs the start signal for the compressor 6 to the compressor drive unit 51. The switching processing unit 55 also outputs the operating state signal indicating the second discharge state to the notification processing unit 54.
The switching processing unit 55 performs an automatic switching process of automatically switching the operating state to the water discharge in the first discharge state, when a predetermined time T1 elapses from the start of the foam discharge in the second discharge state. The predetermined time T1 may be, for example, about 3 seconds to 30 seconds as a preset value. The preset value of the predetermined time T1 is not limited thereto. The setting of the predetermined time T1 can be changed by the user.
The switching processing unit 55 measures the elapsed time from the start of the foam discharge in the second discharge state and determines whether or not the elapsed time has reached the predetermined time T1. When the elapsed time has reached the predetermined time T1, the switching processing unit 55 outputs the switching signal indicating the first discharge state to the switcher drive unit 52 and outputs the stop signal for the compressor 6 to the compressor drive unit 51. The switching processing unit 55 also outputs the operating state signal indicating the first discharge state to the notification processing unit 54.
During the automatic switching process, the switching processing unit 55 outputs information regarding the automatic switching process, including information on the remaining time of the second discharge state, to the notification processing unit 54. Based on the information on the remaining time or the like, the notification processing unit 54 performs notification of timing of switching from the second discharge state to the first discharge state. The notification processing unit 54 performs notification of timing of switching from the second discharge state to the first discharge state by blinking the LED display indicating the second discharge state or changing the blinking speed, for example. The notification processing unit 54 may perform notification of timing of switching from the second discharge state to the first discharge state by means of the voice from the speaker 14a, such as "The remaining time of foam discharge is 3 seconds".
There will now be described the operation of the switching process performed by the water discharge device 1. Fig. 5 is now referred to. The operation receiver 53 of the control circuit unit 8 receives operation input from the user (S1). The operation receiver 53 generates an operation input signal, which indicates that one of water discharge in the first discharge state or foam discharge in the second discharge state has been selected, and outputs the operation input signal to the switching processing unit 55. Based on the operation input signal, the switching processing unit 55 determines whether or not the foam discharge in the second discharge state has been selected (S2).
When determining in the step S2 that the water discharge in the first discharge state has been selected, instead of the foam discharge in the second discharge state (S2: NO), the switching processing unit 55 switches the operating state to the water discharge in the first discharge state (S3) and terminates the processing. In the step S3, the switching processing unit 55 outputs a switching signal indicating the water discharge in the first discharge state to the switcher drive unit 52 and outputs a stop signal for the compressor 6 to the compressor drive unit 51. Based on the switching signal, the switcher drive unit 52 electrically operates the switcher 3 so that water flows into the flow path 111. Based on the stop signal, the compressor drive unit 51 stops the compressor 6.
When determining in the step S2 that the foam discharge in the second discharge state has been selected (S2: YES), the switching processing unit 55 switches the operating state to the foam discharge in the second discharge state (S4) and starts measuring a time T from the start of the second discharge state (S5). In the step S4, the switching processing unit 55 outputs a switching signal indicating the foam discharge in the second discharge state to the switcher drive unit 52 and outputs a start signal for the compressor 6 to the compressor drive unit 51. Based on the switching signal, the switcher drive unit 52 electrically operates the switcher 3 so that water flows into the flow path 112. Based on the start signal, the compressor drive unit 51 starts the compressor 6.
The switching processing unit 55 determines whether or not the time T has exceeded the predetermined time T1 (S6). When determining in the step S6 that the predetermined time T1 has been exceeded (S6: YES), the switching processing unit 55 shifts to the step S3, switches the operating state to the water discharge in the first discharge state, and terminates the processing.
When determining in the step S6 that the predetermined time T1 has not been exceeded (S6: NO), the switching processing unit 55 determines whether or not the water discharge in the first discharge state has been selected in a selection input signal (S7). When determining in the step S7 that the water discharge in the first discharge state has been selected (S7: YES), the switching processing unit 55 shifts to the step S3, switches the operating state to the water discharge in the first discharge state, and terminates the processing.
When determining in the step S7 that the water discharge in the first discharge state has not been selected (S7: NO), the switching processing unit 55 determines whether or not the foam discharge in the second discharge state has been selected again in a selection input signal (S8). When determining in the step S8 that the foam discharge in the second discharge state has not been selected again (S8: NO), the switching processing unit 55 returns to the step S6 and repeats the process.
When it is determined in the step S8 that the foam discharge in the second discharge state has been selected again (S8: YES), the time T is reset (S9), and the process returns to the step S5 to start the measurement of the time T again.
In the step S9, the switching processing unit 55 resets the time T measured and returns the process to the step S5, thereby extending the foam discharge in the second discharge state. Also, by shifting from the step S7 to the step S3, the switching processing unit 55 switches the operating state from the foam discharge in the second discharge state to the water discharge in the first discharge state in the middle of the automatic switching process.
With the electrical operation of the switcher 3, the water discharge device 1 can switch the operating state to one of the first discharge state or the second discharge state. The control circuit unit 8 controls the switching by the switcher 3 based on operation input from the user. When the foam discharge in the second discharge state has been selected by the operation input and when the predetermined time T1 has elapsed from the start of the discharge in the second discharge state, the control circuit unit 8 switches the operating state to the water discharge in the first discharge state.
Since the control circuit unit 8 automatically switches the operating state from the second discharge state to the first discharge state, the water discharge device 1 can suppress excessive discharge of a fluid containing an additive. Since excessive discharge of a fluid containing an additive can be suppressed, the water discharge device 1 can also suppress excessive accumulation of foam in the drain outlet, for example. Since the operating state automatically switches from the second discharge state to the first discharge state, the water discharge device 1 can suppress the consumption of the additive, such as a foam agent. Also, since the operating state automatically switches from the second discharge state to the first discharge state, the operation of the water discharge device 1 by the user can be simplified.
The operation receiver 53 receives operation input for changing the predetermined time T1 from the user and outputs an operation input signal indicating the setting change by the user to the switching processing unit 55. The switching processing unit 55, for example, rewrites the setting value of the predetermined time T1 stored in the storage unit 56 to the value changed by the user and uses it for the subsequent switching process. Since the setting of the predetermined time T1 from the start of the second discharge state to switching to the first discharge state can be changed according to the user's preference, the convenience of the water discharge device 1 is increased.
When operation input for selecting the water discharge in the first discharge state is received in the foam discharge state of the second discharge state, the control circuit unit 8 switches the operating state to the water discharge in the first discharge state before the predetermined time T1 for automatic switching elapses. The water discharge device 1 accepts the switching operation from the second discharge state to the first discharge state to flexibly respond to the user's operation, which improves the operability.
The water discharge device 1 notifies the user of the timing of switching from the second discharge state to the first discharge state, by means of the notification processing unit 54. By notifying the user of the timing of switching from the second discharge state to the first discharge state, the water discharge device 1 can prevent the user from feeling that the switching has been performed unexpectedly and can also prevent impairing the usability.

Second Embodiment

Fig. 6 and Fig. 7 are now referred to. In the water passage system of the water discharge device 1 according to the second embodiment, an on-off valve 97 is provided in the flow path 114 through which an additive is supplied from the liquid replenishment container 2. The on-off valve 97 may be a solenoid valve, for example, and its opening and closing can be controlled by energization. When the on-off valve 97 is placed in an open state, the additive is supplied to the liquid aspirator 4. When the on-off valve 97 is placed in a closed state, the supply of the additive to the liquid aspirator 4 is stopped.
The control circuit unit 8 includes an on-off valve drive unit 57. The on-off valve drive unit 57 acquires an open/close selection signal from the switching processing unit 55 and drives the on-off valve 97. The on-off valve drive unit 57 drives the on-off valve 97 to the open state based on the open/close selection signal indicating the open state and drives the on-off valve 97 to the closed state based on the open/close selection signal indicating the closed state.
The switching processing unit 55 performs an automatic switching process of automatically switching to a discharge state of a third discharge state when a predetermined time T2 elapses from the start of the foam discharge in the second discharge state. In the discharge in the third discharge state, mixing of at least one of the liquid containing a foaming component as an additive or air into the supplied water is stopped. The predetermined time T2 may be, for example, about 3 seconds to 30 seconds as a preset value. The preset value of the predetermined time T2 is not limited thereto. The setting of the predetermined time T2 can be changed by the user.
When mixing of the additive is stopped, the switching processing unit 55 outputs the open/close selection signal indicating the closed state to the on-off valve drive unit 57. When mixing of air is stopped, the switching processing unit 55 outputs the stop signal for the compressor 6 to the compressor drive unit 51.
The switching processing unit 55 performs an automatic switching process of automatically switching to the discharge state of the first discharge state when a time ΔT elapses after the operating state is placed in the third discharge state. The time ΔT may be, for example, about 2 seconds as a preset value. The preset value of the time ΔT is not limited thereto. The setting of the time ΔT can be changed by the user. When the second discharge state is selected again by operation input before the automatic switching to the discharge state of the first discharge state, the switching processing unit 55 switches the operating state to the foam discharge in the second discharge state. The relationship with the predetermined time T1 in the first embodiment may be set as, for example, T2 + ΔT = T1, where T2 < T1. It may be considered that the switching control by the switching processing unit 55 is performed such that the discharge state of the water discharge device 1 shifts from the second discharge state to the third discharge state and then to the first discharge state.
There will now be described the operation of the switching process performed by the water discharge device 1. Fig. 8 is now referred to. Since the processes from the steps S11 to S15 are the same as the processes from the steps S1 to S5 in Fig. 5 described in the first embodiment, the description thereof will be omitted for the sake of brevity.
The switching processing unit 55 determines whether or not the time T from the start of the second discharge state has exceeded the predetermined time T2 (S16). When determining in the step S16 that the predetermined time T2 has not been exceeded (S16: NO), the switching processing unit 55 determines whether or not the foam discharge in the second discharge state has been selected again in a selection input signal (S17).
When determining in the step S17 that the foam discharge in the second discharge state has not been selected again (S17: NO), the switching processing unit 55 returns to the step S16 and repeats the process. When it is determined in the step S17 that the foam discharge in the second discharge state has been selected again (S17: YES), the switching processing unit 55 resets the time T (S18) and returns to the step S15 to start the measurement of the time T again. The switching processing unit 55 resets the time T in the step S18 and returns the process to the step S15, thereby extending the foam discharge in the second discharge state.
When determining in the step S16 that the predetermined time T2 has been exceeded (S16: YES), the switching processing unit 55 switches the operating state to the discharge state of the third discharge state (S19). In the step S19, the switching processing unit 55 stops mixing of at least one of the liquid containing a foaming component as an additive or air into the supplied water. When mixing of the additive is stopped, the switching processing unit 55 outputs the open/close selection signal indicating the closed state to the on-off valve drive unit 57. When mixing of air is stopped, the switching processing unit 55 outputs the stop signal for the compressor 6 to the compressor drive unit 51.
The switching processing unit 55 determines whether or not the time ΔT has elapsed after the time T measured exceeded the predetermined time T2 (S20). When determining in the step S20 that the time ΔT has not elapsed (S20: NO), the switching processing unit 55 determines whether or not the foam discharge in the second discharge state has been selected again in a selection input signal (S21).
When determining in the step S21 that the foam discharge in the second discharge state has not been selected again (S21: NO), the switching processing unit 55 returns to the step S20 and repeats the process. When determining in the step S21 that the foam discharge in the second discharge state has been selected again (S21: YES), the switching processing unit 55 shifts to the step S18 and repeats the process.
When determining in the step S20 that the time ΔT has elapsed (S20: YES), the switching processing unit 55 shifts to the step S13, switches the operating state to the water discharge in the first discharge state (S13), and terminates the processing.
The water discharge device 1 discharges water in the first discharge state and discharges foam made by mixing a liquid containing a foaming component as an additive and air into water in the second discharge state. With the electrical operation of the switcher 3, the water discharge device 1 switches between the first discharge state and the second discharge state. When the second discharge state has been selected by operation input and when the predetermined time T2 has elapsed from the start of the discharge in the second discharge state, the switching processing unit 55 of the control circuit unit 8 switches the operating state to the third discharge state in which mixing of at least one of the additive or air into the supplied water is stopped.
In the third discharge state, when mixing of the liquid containing a foaming component as an additive is stopped, a fluid of water containing air is discharged, and the foam becomes coarse. By automatically switching to the third discharge state, the water discharge device 1 can suppress the consumption of the additive. Also, by automatically switching to the third discharge state, since the discharged fluid changes, the water discharge device 1 can let the user know that the discharge state has been switched automatically. The change in the discharged fluid can be perceived by the sight, touch, hearing, and the like of the user.
In the third discharge state, when mixing of air is stopped, a fluid of water containing the additive is discharged, resulting in poor foaming. By automatically switching to the third discharge state, since the discharged fluid changes, the water discharge device 1 can let the user know that the discharge state has been switched automatically.
In the third discharge state, when mixing of the liquid containing a foaming component as an additive and air is stopped, water is discharged. By automatically switching to the third discharge state, since the discharged fluid changes, the water discharge device 1 can let the user know that the discharge state has been switched automatically.
In the second discharge state, the water discharge device 1 regulates the flow rate of the supplied water by means of the flow regulator 93. When the water discharge device 1 switches from the second discharge state, in which the foam containing a large amount of air is discharged, to the third discharge state, in which mixing of air is stopped, the flow rate of the discharge decreases remarkably, so that the user can find more easily that the discharge state has been switched automatically.
When the predetermined time T2 has elapsed from the start of the discharge in the second discharge state, the switching processing unit 55 of the control circuit unit 8 switches the operating state to the third discharge state and further switches the operating state to the first discharge state when the time ΔT elapses thereafter. By switching to the first discharge state of discharging water, the water discharge device 1 can suppress the consumption of the additive.
When the second discharge state is selected again by operation input before the switching to the first discharge state, the switching processing unit 55 switches the operating state to the second discharge state. The water discharge device 1 flexibly responds to the user's operation of selecting the second discharge state, which improves the operability.

Modification

In the second embodiment, when the water discharge in the first discharge state is selected in a selection input signal during automatic switching by the switching processing unit 55, the operating state may be switched to the water discharge in the first discharge state.
Optional combinations of constituting elements described above are also effective as aspects of the technical ideas abstracted from the embodiments and modifications. For example, with an embodiment, an arbitrary matter described in another embodiment may be combined. Also, with a modification, an arbitrary matter described in an embodiment or another modification may be combined.
Embodiments and modifications have been described. In understanding the technical ideas abstracted from the embodiments and modifications, the technical ideas should not be interpreted as limited to the contents of the embodiments and modifications. Each of the aforementioned embodiments and modifications merely describes a specific example, and various design modifications, including changes, addition, and deletion of constituting elements, may be made thereto. In the embodiments, matters to which design modifications may be made are emphasized with the expression of "embodiment". However, design modifications may also be made to matters without such expression. Also, the hatching provided on the cross sections in the drawings does not limit the materials of the objects with the hatching.
When the technical ideas embodied by the embodiments and modifications set forth above are generalized, it can be said that the technical ideas described in the following items are included.
Item 1 is a water discharge device including: a switcher that switches between a first discharge state of discharging supplied water and a second discharge state of discharging a fluid obtained by mixing an additive into supplied water, through electrical operation; and a control circuit unit that controls switching by the switcher based on operation input from a user, wherein, when the second discharge state has been selected by the operation input and when a predetermined time T1 has elapsed from the start of discharge in the second discharge state, the control circuit unit switches the operating state to the first discharge state.
Item 2 is the water discharge device according to Item 1, wherein the additive is a liquid containing a foaming component.
Item 3 is the water discharge device according to one of Item 1 or Item 2, wherein the setting of the predetermined time T1 can be changed by a user.
Item 4 is the water discharge device according to any one of Item 1 through Item 3, wherein, when the operation input for selecting the first discharge state is received in the second discharge state, the control circuit unit switches the operating state to the first discharge state before the predetermined time T1 elapses.
Item 5 is the water discharge device according to any one of Item 1 through Item 4, further including a notification means that notifies a user of timing of switching from the second discharge state to the first discharge state.
Item 6 is a water discharge device including: a switcher that switches between a first discharge state of discharging supplied water and a second discharge state of discharging foam made by mixing a liquid containing a foaming component and air into supplied water, through electrical operation; and a control circuit unit that controls switching by the switcher based on operation input from a user, wherein, when the second discharge state has been selected by the operation input and when a predetermined time T2 has elapsed from the start of discharge in the second discharge state, the control circuit unit switches the operating state to a third discharge state in which mixing of at least one of the liquid or the air into supplied water is stopped.
It may also be considered that Item 6 is the water discharge device according to any one of Item 1 through Item 5, wherein the fluid obtained by mixing an additive into supplied water in the second discharge state further contains air, and wherein, when the second discharge state has been selected by the operation input and when a predetermined time T2 (T2 < T1) has elapsed before the predetermined time T1elapses from the start of discharge in the second discharge state, the control circuit unit switches the operating state to a third discharge state in which mixing of at least one of the additive or the air into supplied water is stopped.
Item 7 is the water discharge device according to Item 6, further including a flow regulator that regulates the flow rate of supplied water in the second discharge state.
Item 8 is the water discharge device according to one of Item 6 or Item 7, wherein the control circuit unit switches the operating state to the first discharge state when a time has elapsed after the predetermined time T2 elapsed.
Item 9 is the water discharge device according to Item 8, wherein, when the second discharge state is selected again by the operation input before switching to the first discharge state, the control circuit unit switches the operating state to the second discharge state.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

The present disclosure relates to a water discharge device and is applicable to water discharge devices.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST

1 water discharge device, 3 switcher, 8 control circuit unit, 54 notification processing unit (notification means), 93 flow regulator

Claims

A water discharge device, comprising:
a switcher that switches between a first discharge state of discharging supplied water and a second discharge state of discharging a fluid obtained by mixing an additive into supplied water, through electrical operation; and

a control circuit unit that controls switching by the switcher based on operation input from a user,

wherein, when the second discharge state has been selected by the operation input and when a predetermined time has elapsed from the start of discharge in the second discharge state, the control circuit unit switches the operating state to the first discharge state.
The water discharge device according to Claim 1,
wherein the additive is a liquid containing a foaming component.
The water discharge device according to Claim 1,
wherein the setting of the predetermined time can be changed by a user.
The water discharge device according to Claim 1, wherein, when the operation input for selecting the first discharge state is received in the second discharge state, the control circuit unit switches the operating state to the first discharge state before the predetermined time elapses.
The water discharge device according to Claim 1, further comprising a notification means that notifies a user of timing of switching from the second discharge state to the first discharge state.
A water discharge device, comprising:
a switcher that switches between a first discharge state of discharging supplied water and a second discharge state of discharging foam made by mixing a liquid containing a foaming component and air into supplied water, through electrical operation; and

a control circuit unit that controls switching by the switcher based on operation input from a user,

wherein, when the second discharge state has been selected by the operation input and when a predetermined time has elapsed from the start of discharge in the second discharge state, the control circuit unit switches the operating state to a third discharge state in which mixing of at least one of the liquid or the air into supplied water is stopped.
The water discharge device according to Claim 6, further comprising a flow regulator that regulates the flow rate of supplied water in the second discharge state.
The water discharge device according to Claim 6,
wherein the control circuit unit switches the operating state to the first discharge state when a time has elapsed after the predetermined time elapsed.
The water discharge device according to Claim 8, wherein, when the second discharge state is selected again by the operation input before switching to the first discharge state, the control circuit unit switches the operating state to the second discharge state.