JP2012217926A - Water treatment apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a water treatment apparatus capable of certainly sterilizing a discharge port while sanitarily keeping a water guide passage.SOLUTION: The water treatment apparatus 1 is equipped with a water tap 30 provided with the discharge port 31 for discharging raw water or purified water passing through the water guide passage and an ozone forming part 40 for forming ozone gas containing a sterilizing component. Further, the water treatment apparatus 1 is equipped with a circulating flow passage 13 branched from the water guide passage to pass the ozone gas and a connection means 32 for connecting the discharge port 31 and the circulating flow passage 13. The ozone forming part 40 circulates the ozone gas through the water guide passage and the circulating flow passage 13 through the connection means 32.

Description

  The present invention relates to a water treatment apparatus.

  Conventionally, various proposals have been made on water treatment apparatuses that purify raw water such as tap water and generate purified water by a purification unit equipped with activated carbon or the like that removes chlorine.

  For example, a water treatment device is known that includes a bypass pipe that branches off from a secondary-side flow path of a purification section provided in a water conduit and communicates with a primary-side flow path of the purification section (for example, Patent Document 1). reference). This water treatment apparatus is provided with an ozone generator (fluid generator) that generates ozone water (fluid) by adding ozone gas (sterilizing component) to water passing through the bypass pipe.

  In this water treatment apparatus, when water supply is not performed for a certain period of time, ozone water containing a sterilizing component is circulated to a part of the primary side flow path and a part of the secondary side flow path via the bypass pipe. . As a result, it is possible to sterilize and purify the front and rear of the purification unit (that is, a part of the primary side flow path and a part of the secondary side flow path) contaminated by the water staying for a certain time (for example, 1 day or more) The front and back of the section can be kept hygienic.

JP 2002-263638 A (pages 2 to 4 and FIG. 1)

  However, in the conventional water treatment apparatus described above, only the front and back of the purification unit are sterilized, and in particular, the discharge port in the faucet part to which sterilizing components easily adhere cannot be sterilized. Therefore, there is still room for improvement in sterilizing the discharge port as well as keeping the water conduit hygienic.

  Then, an object of this invention is to provide the water treatment apparatus which can sterilize a discharge port reliably, keeping a water conduit hygienic.

  In order to solve the above-described problems, the present invention has the following features. First, the first feature of the present invention is that a faucet part (a faucet part 30) provided with a discharge port (discharge port 31) for discharging raw water or purified water passing through a water conduit and a fluid containing a sterilizing component (for example, , Ozone gas) is a water treatment device (for example, water treatment device 1) that includes a fluid generation unit (ozone generation unit 40), and is a circulation channel (circulation) that branches from the water conduit and through which the fluid passes. A flow path 13), and a connecting means (connecting means 32) for connecting the discharge port and the circulation flow path, wherein the fluid generating section is connected to the water conduit and the circulation flow path via the connection means. The gist is to circulate the fluid inside.

  A second feature of the present invention relates to the first feature of the present invention, wherein the raw water supply section (raw water supply section 20) for supplying the raw water is disposed in the conduit, The gist of the present invention is to provide a raw water inlet sealing means (raw water supply valve 22) for blocking the raw water inlet into which the raw water flows.

  A third feature of the present invention relates to the first or second feature of the present invention, and includes a sealing state detection unit (sensor 15) that detects information in which the discharge port is blocked by the connection unit. The gist of the fluid generation unit is to generate the fluid when the sealing state detection unit detects the information.

  A fourth feature of the present invention relates to the first to third features of the present invention, wherein the fluid is supplied to the normal mode in which the raw water or the purified water is discharged from the discharge port, and to the water conduit and the circulation channel. A mode switching unit (control unit 60) for switching between the sterilization modes to be circulated is provided, and the connection means connects the discharge port and the circulation channel when the sterilization mode is selected by the mode switching unit. Is the gist.

  A fifth feature of the present invention relates to the first to fourth features of the present invention, wherein the fluid generator is generated by a fluid generator (ozone generator 41) that generates the fluid, and the fluid generator. Fluid decomposing means (ozone decomposing means 42) for decomposing the fluid, wherein the fluid decomposing means is made of activated carbon, and the circulation channel passes through the fluid decomposing means. (Activated carbon channel 13A) and a non-activated carbon channel (non-activated carbon channel 13B) communicating with the activated carbon channel downstream of the fluid decomposing means, and the activated carbon channel and the non-activated carbon channel The gist is that a flow path switching mechanism (flow path switching valve 16) capable of branching the fluid into either the activated carbon flow path or the non-activated carbon flow path is provided at the branch point.

  A sixth feature of the present invention relates to the first to fifth features of the present invention, and further comprises a fluid state detection means (sensor 17) for detecting that the fluid has been decomposed to a specified concentration by the fluid generator. The gist is to provide.

  A seventh feature of the present invention relates to the first to sixth features of the present invention, and includes a purification unit (purification unit 10) that generates the purified water by purifying the raw water, The gist is to communicate with the outlet of the purification section.

  An eighth feature of the present invention relates to the first to sixth features of the present invention, comprising a purification unit that generates the purified water by purifying the raw water, wherein the circulation channel is upstream of the purification unit. The gist is to communicate with the primary flow path arranged on the side.

  According to the characteristics of the present invention, it is possible to provide a water treatment device that can sterilize the discharge port reliably while keeping the water conduit hygienic.

Fig.1 (a) is the schematic (normal mode) for demonstrating the water treatment apparatus 1 which concerns on 1st Embodiment, FIG.1 (b) shows the faucet part 30 vicinity which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is an enlarged view (sterilization mode) shown. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram (normal mode) for explaining a water treatment device 1A according to Modification 1 of the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram (normal mode) for explaining a water treatment device 1B according to Modification 2 of the first embodiment. Fig.4 (a) is the schematic (normal mode) for demonstrating the water treatment apparatus 1C which concerns on the modification 3 of 1st Embodiment, FIG.4 (b) is the modification 3 of 1st Embodiment. It is an enlarged view (sterilization mode) which shows the faucet part 30 vicinity which concerns on. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram (normal mode) for explaining a water treatment device 1D according to Modification 4 of the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram for explaining a water treatment device 1E according to Modification 5 of the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram (normal mode) for explaining the water treatment device 2 according to the second embodiment. Fig.8 (a) is the schematic (normal mode) for demonstrating the water treatment apparatus 3 which concerns on 3rd Embodiment, FIG.8 (b) demonstrates the circulation flow path 13 which concerns on 3rd Embodiment. It is the schematic for doing (sterilization mode).

  Next, an embodiment of a water treatment apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Specifically, (1) the first embodiment, (2) the second embodiment, (3) the third embodiment, and (4) other embodiments will be described.

  In the following description of the drawings, the same or similar parts are denoted by the same or similar reference numerals. However, it should be noted that the drawings are schematic and ratios of dimensions and the like are different from actual ones.

  Accordingly, specific dimensions and the like should be determined in consideration of the following description. Moreover, the part from which the relationship and ratio of a mutual dimension differ also in between drawings may be contained.

(1) 1st Embodiment First, the water treatment apparatus 1 which concerns on 1st Embodiment is demonstrated, referring drawings. Fig.1 (a) is the schematic (normal mode) for demonstrating the water treatment apparatus 1 which concerns on 1st Embodiment, FIG.1 (b) shows the faucet part 30 vicinity which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is an enlarged view (sterilization mode) shown.

(1-1) Configuration of Water Treatment Device 1 As shown in FIG. 1A, the water treatment device 1 is a device that purifies raw water such as tap water. This water treatment device 1 includes a purification unit 10 provided in a water conduit. The purification | cleaning part 10 produces | generates purified water by purifying raw | natural water. For example, the purification | cleaning part 10 is comprised by separation membranes, such as RO (reverse osmosis), NF, UF (ultrafiltration), MF (microfiltration). In addition, the purification | cleaning part 10 does not necessarily need to be comprised with a separation membrane, for example, may be comprised with adsorption | suction means, such as activated carbon, sand filtration, an ion exchange resin.

  Such a water conduit on the upstream side of the purification unit 10 is constituted by a primary channel 11 through which raw water passes. A raw water supply unit 20 that supplies raw water is disposed in the primary channel 11. The raw water supply unit 20 includes a raw water supply valve 22 (raw water port sealing means) that can seal the raw water inlet 21 into which raw water flows.

  On the other hand, the water conduit on the downstream side of the purification unit 10 is configured by the secondary flow path 12 through which the purified water generated by the purification unit 10 passes. In the secondary channel 12, a faucet part 30 provided with a discharge port 31 for discharging purified water is disposed. In addition, the secondary flow path 12 is provided with a circulation flow path 13 that branches from the secondary flow path 12 (in this embodiment, the outlet of the purification unit 10) and through which ozone gas (fluid) containing a sterilizing component passes. Established.

  The faucet part 30 is provided with a discharge port 31 for discharging the purified water generated by the purification part 10. The faucet part 30 incorporates an operation panel (not shown) that can operate the water treatment apparatus 1. The faucet part 30 includes a connecting means 32 (see FIG. 1B) that shields the discharge port 31 and connects the discharge port 31 and the circulation flow path 13.

  The connection means 32 is configured by a pipe joint that can form a closed space from the discharge port 31 toward the one end 13a of the circulation flow path 13. In other words, the connection means 32 guides ozone gas from the discharge port 31 to the secondary side flow path (in this embodiment, the outlet of the purification unit 10) through the circulation flow path 13.

  A communication valve 14 that can seal the other end 13 b of the circulation flow path 13 is provided in the circulation flow path 13 connected to the discharge port 31 by the connection means 32. In addition, an ozone generation unit 40 (fluid generation unit) that generates ozone gas (fluid) containing a sterilizing component and a drainage unit 50 that drains unnecessary or harmful water are disposed in the circulation flow path 13.

  The ozone generator 40 includes an ozone generator 41 (fluid generator) that generates ozone gas, an ozone decomposer 42 (fluid decomposer) that decomposes the ozone gas generated by the ozone generator 41, and the circulation channel 13. And a circulation pump 43 for circulating ozone gas.

  The ozone generation means 41 generates ozone gas by an electrolysis method such as a diamond electrode or ultraviolet rays. The ozone generation means 41 may generate ozone by a corona discharge method, a creeping discharge method, a glow discharge method, a silent discharge method, an arc discharge method, an ozone ultraviolet method, or the like, and any type may be used as long as ozone can be generated. Absent.

  The ozone decomposing means 42 is arranged on the downstream side of the ozone generating means 41. The ozone decomposing means 42 treats ozone gas by decomposing ozone gas remaining in the circulation flow path 13 and generating oxygen gas. For example, the ozone decomposing means 42 is constituted by means for decomposing ozone gas with ultraviolet rays or a heater.

  The circulation pump 43 is arranged upstream of the ozone generation means 41 and the ozone decomposition means 42. The circulation pump 43 may be any means that circulates ozone gas in the circulation flow path 13. In the present embodiment, the circulation pump 43 circulates ozone gas from the one end 13a of the circulation channel 13 toward the other end 13b.

  The drainage unit 50 is configured by branching from the circulation channel 13. The drainage unit 50 is provided with a drainage port 51 for draining unnecessary or harmful water and a drainage valve 52 that can seal the drainage port 51.

  Such a water treatment apparatus 1 is provided with the control part 60 (mode switching part) which controls each part and performs various calculations. The control unit 60 is connected to the communication valve 14, the raw water supply valve 22, the faucet unit 30, the ozone generation unit 40 (the ozone generation unit 41, the ozone decomposition unit 42 and the circulation pump 43), and the drain valve 52.

  Further, the control unit 60 switches between the normal mode and the sterilization mode based on information from an operation panel (not shown) provided in the faucet unit 30. In addition, normal mode shows the state which discharges purified water from the faucet part 30 (discharge port 31). The sterilization mode refers to a state in which ozone gas is circulated through the circulation channel 13 that guides ozone gas to the secondary channel 12 (in this embodiment, the outlet of the purification unit 10).

(1-2) Operation of the water treatment device 1 (1-2-1) Normal mode When the normal mode is selected by the operation panel provided in the faucet part 30, as shown in FIG. As 22 opens, the communication valve 14 closes. And the raw | natural water which flowed in from the raw | natural water inlet 21 passes the primary side flow path 11, and flows into the purification | cleaning part 10, and purified water is produced | generated by the purification | cleaning part 10 purifying raw | natural water. The generated purified water is discharged from the discharge port 31 to the outside.

(1-2-2) Sterilization mode When the sterilization mode is selected by the operation panel of the faucet section 30, the raw water supply valve 22 and the drain valve 52 are closed and the communication valve 14 is closed as shown in FIG. Opens. At this time, after the drain valve 52 is opened and unnecessary or harmful water in the circulation channel 13 is drained from the drain port 51, the drain valve 52 is closed.

  When the connecting means 32 is attached to the faucet part 30, the connecting means 32 communicates from the discharge port 31 to the one end 13a of the circulation flow path 13. At the same time, the ozone generating means 41 and the circulation pump 43 are operated. Thereby, ozone gas circulates in the secondary side flow path 12 and the circulation flow path 13, and the secondary side flow path 12, the discharge port 31, and the circulation flow path 13 are sterilized by ozone gas. Thereafter, when the ozone generating means 41 is stopped, the sterilization process is terminated, and the ozone decomposing means 42 decomposes the ozone gas in the secondary side flow path 12 and the circulation flow path 13.

  Here, in 1st Embodiment, it is preferable to flow purified water for a fixed time (for example, 10 second) immediately after the sterilization mode is complete | finished and it switches to normal mode. Moreover, the water treatment apparatus 1 may be provided with the alerting | reporting means which alert | reports having flowed clean water for a fixed time.

(1-3) Action / Effect In the first embodiment described above, the connection means 32 connects the discharge port 31 and the circulation flow path 13. Further, the ozone generator 40 circulates ozone gas in the water conduit (secondary flow path 12) and the circulation flow path 13 through the connection means 32. That is, ozone gas can be circulated in a state where the secondary channel 12 and the circulation channel 13 are completely blocked from the outside air by the connecting means 32. For this reason, since ozone gas always passes through the discharge port 31 when passing through the circulation channel 13 from the secondary side channel 12 via the connecting means 32, while maintaining the secondary side channel 12 in a sanitary manner, The discharge port 31 can be reliably sterilized. Therefore, along with the ability to sterilize the discharge port 31 on which the sterilizing component easily adheres, the sterilizing component adhering to the discharge port 31 volatilizes, the odor to the surroundings, the accidental ingestion of the sterilizing agent component adhering to the discharge port 31, etc. Fear can be reliably prevented.

  In the first embodiment, a raw water supply unit 20 including a raw water supply valve 22 is disposed in the primary channel 11. Thereby, ozone gas can be circulated in the state which interrupted the water conduit (primary side channel 11 and secondary side channel 12) from outside air completely. For this reason, ozone gas can be prevented from being released to the outside during the sterilization mode, and safety can be improved.

  In the first embodiment, the circulation channel 13 communicates with the outlet of the purification unit 10. Thereby, since ozone gas passes reliably the secondary side flow path 12 whole region, the secondary side flow path 12 can be kept more hygienic.

  In the first embodiment, the circulation pump 43 is arranged upstream of the ozone generation means 41 and the ozone decomposition means 42. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the high-concentration ozone gas generated by the ozone generation means 41 from passing through the circulation pump 43 immediately. For this reason, it becomes difficult to damage the circulation pump 43, and the durability of the circulation pump 43, that is, the durability of the water treatment apparatus 1 can be improved.

(1-4) Modification Example Next, a modification example of the water treatment device 1 according to the first embodiment described above will be described with reference to the drawings. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the same part as the water treatment apparatus 1 which concerns on 1st Embodiment mentioned above, and a different part is mainly demonstrated.

(1-4-1) Modification 1
First, the configuration of a water treatment device 1A according to Modification 1 of the first embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram (normal mode) for explaining a water treatment device 1A according to Modification 1 of the first embodiment.

  In the first embodiment described above, the water treatment device 1 is a device that purifies raw water such as tap water. That is, the raw water supply unit 20 is provided with a raw water inlet 21 through which raw water flows and a raw water supply valve 22 (raw water inlet sealing means) that shields the raw water inlet 21.

  On the other hand, the first modification is an apparatus for storing raw water such as drinking water. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 2, the raw water supply unit 20 is configured by a tank that stores raw water. The raw water supply unit 20 is provided with a raw water shutter 23 (raw water port sealing means) that shields the raw water port 21.

  In such a modified example 1, even if the raw water supply unit 20 is constituted by a tank, the water conduit (the primary side flow path 11 and the secondary side flow is similar to the operation and effect of the first embodiment). The ozone gas can be circulated with the passage 12) completely shut off from the outside air. For this reason, ozone gas can be prevented from being released to the outside during the sterilization mode, and safety can be improved.

(1-4-2) Modification 2
Next, the configuration of a water treatment device 1B according to Modification 2 of the first embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram (normal mode) for explaining a water treatment device 1B according to Modification 2 of the first embodiment.

  In the second modification, the water treatment device 1B further includes the following configuration in addition to the configuration of the water treatment device 1 according to the first embodiment. That is, as shown in FIG. 3, the water treatment apparatus 1 </ b> B further includes a sensor 15 (sealing state detection unit) that detects information in which the discharge port 31 is blocked by the connection unit 32.

  When the sensor 15 detects the above information, the ozone generation unit 40 (the ozone generation unit 41, the ozone decomposition unit 42, and the circulation pump 43) operates to generate or decompose ozone gas.

  In the second modification example, the water treatment device 1 </ b> B includes the sensor 15. Thereby, the sterilization mode can be entered in a state where the connection means 32 connects the discharge port 31 and the circulation flow path 13. For this reason, the discharge port 31 can be reliably sterilized while keeping the secondary flow path 12 hygienic. Moreover, it can prevent that ozone gas is discharge | released outside from the discharge outlet 31, and can improve safety | security.

  Here, the sensor 15 may detect the open / closed state of the connecting means 32 (that is, the duration of the normal mode). Thereby, the timing which performs sterilization mode can also be measured.

(1-4-3) Modification 3
Next, the configuration of a water treatment device 1C according to Modification 3 of the first embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. Fig.4 (a) is the schematic (normal mode) for demonstrating the water treatment apparatus 1C which concerns on the modification 3 of 1st Embodiment, FIG.4 (b) is the modification 3 of 1st Embodiment. It is an enlarged view (sterilization mode) which shows the faucet part 30 vicinity which concerns on.

  In the third modification, the water treatment device 1C has the following configuration instead of the connection means 32 of the water treatment device 1 according to the first embodiment. That is, as shown in FIG. 4, the water treatment apparatus 1 </ b> C includes a discharge shutter 33 (connecting unit) that connects the discharge port 31 and the circulation flow path 13. When the sterilization mode is selected by the operation panel of the faucet unit 30, that is, when the control unit 60 determines that the sterilization mode is selected, the discharge shutter 33 is connected to the discharge port 31 and the circulation channel according to an instruction from the control unit 60. 13 is automatically connected.

  In the third modification example, the connection unit 32 does not connect the discharge port 31 and the circulation flow path 13, but the discharge port 31 and the circulation flow path 13 are in accordance with an instruction (sterilization mode information) from the control unit 60. And connect. For this reason, even if an operator does not connect the discharge port 31 and the circulation flow path 13 using the connection means 32, the connection means 32 automatically connects the discharge port 31 and the circulation flow path 13. The amount of work when performing the mode can be reduced.

  Here, the connecting means 32 does not need to be configured by the discharge shutter 33, and may be any structure that can form a closed space from the discharge port 31 to the circulation flow path 13.

(1-4-4) Modification 4
Next, the configuration of a water treatment device 1D according to Modification 4 of the first embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram (normal mode) for explaining a water treatment device 1D according to Modification 4 of the first embodiment.

  In the first embodiment described above, the ozone decomposing means 42 is constituted by means for decomposing ozone gas such as ultraviolet rays or a heater.

  On the other hand, in the modification example 4, the ozonolysis means 42 is made of activated carbon. In this case, as shown in FIG. 5, the circulation channel 13 includes an activated carbon channel 13A that branches from the circulation channel 13 and passes through the ozone decomposing means 42, and a branch of the ozone decomposition unit 42 that branches from the circulation channel 13. Branches downstream to a non-activated carbon channel 13B communicating with the activated carbon channel 13A. A flow path switching valve 16 capable of branching ozone gas into either the activated carbon flow path 13A or the non-activated carbon flow path 13B is provided at a branch point between the activated carbon flow path 13A and the non-activated carbon flow path 13B.

  The flow path switching valve 16 allows the ozone gas to pass through the non-activated carbon flow path 13B when ozone gas is not decomposed (sterilization mode). On the other hand, when the ozone gas is decomposed by the ozone decomposing means 42 (for example, at the end of the sterilization mode), the flow path switching valve 16 allows the ozone gas to pass through the activated carbon flow path 13A.

  In such a modification example 4, in the sterilization mode, the ozone gas can be passed through the non-activated carbon flow path 13B, and the ozone gas is not decomposed by the ozone decomposing means 42 (activated carbon), thereby suppressing a decrease in the sterilization effect of the ozone gas. it can. For this reason, the secondary side flow path 12 and the discharge outlet 31 can be sterilized efficiently.

(1-4-5) Modification 5
Next, the configuration of a water treatment device 1E according to Modification 5 of the first embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram for explaining a water treatment device 1E according to Modification 5 of the first embodiment.

  In the fifth modification, the water treatment device 1E further includes the following configuration in addition to the configuration of the water treatment device 1 according to the first embodiment. That is, as shown in FIG. 6, in the water treatment apparatus 1E, ozone gas is decomposed by ozone generation means 41 (ozone decomposition means 42) to a prescribed concentration (that is, a concentration that allows drinking even if ozone gas is contained in purified water). The sensor 17 (fluid state detection means) is detected. In addition, the sensor 17 should just be arrange | positioned in the secondary side flow path 12 or the circulation flow path 13.

  In such a modified example 5, since it can be detected by the sensor 17 that the ozone gas has been decomposed to the specified concentration, it is possible to prevent the ozone gas that could not be decomposed by the ozone decomposition means 42 from being released to the outside, and further safety. Can be increased.

(2) 2nd Embodiment Below, the water treatment apparatus 2 which concerns on 2nd Embodiment is demonstrated, referring drawings. FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram (normal mode) for explaining the water treatment device 2 according to the second embodiment. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the same part as the water treatment apparatus 1 which concerns on 1st Embodiment mentioned above, and a different part is mainly demonstrated.

  In 1st Embodiment mentioned above, the circulation flow path 13 is connected to the exit of the purification | cleaning part 10 in a secondary side flow path. On the other hand, in 2nd Embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, the circulation flow path 13 is connected to the primary side flow path 11 arranged by the upstream of the purification | cleaning part 10. As shown in FIG.

  In this case, the raw water from the raw water inlet 21 can be sealed at a place where the circulation flow path 13 and the primary flow path 11 communicate with each other, and ozone gas can also seal the entry into the circulation flow path 13. A valve 18 and a sensor 19 that detects opening and closing of the three-way valve 18 are provided.

  According to the second embodiment, the circulation channel 13 communicates with the primary channel 11 to sterilize the primary channel 11 in addition to the secondary channel 12 and the discharge port 31. . For this reason, the water conduit (the primary side flow path 11 and the secondary side flow path 12) in the water treatment apparatus 2 can be kept more hygienic.

  In addition, by providing the three-way valve 18 at a location where the circulation flow path 13 and the primary flow path 11 communicate with each other, the normal water flowing from the raw water inlet 21 is prevented from entering the circulation flow path 13 in the normal mode. In addition, in the sterilization mode, it is possible to prevent the ozone gas from being released from the raw water port 21 due to the circulation channel 13 and the primary side channel 11 communicating with each other.

(3) 3rd Embodiment Below, the water treatment apparatus 3 which concerns on 3rd Embodiment is demonstrated, referring drawings. Fig.8 (a) is the schematic (normal mode) for demonstrating the water treatment apparatus 3 which concerns on 3rd Embodiment, FIG.8 (b) demonstrates the circulation flow path 13 which concerns on 3rd Embodiment. It is the schematic for doing (sterilization mode). In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the same part as the water treatment apparatus 1 which concerns on 1st Embodiment mentioned above, and a different part is mainly demonstrated.

  In 1st Embodiment mentioned above, the water treatment apparatus 1 is an apparatus which purifies tap water. On the other hand, in 3rd Embodiment, the water treatment apparatus 3 is not provided with the purification | cleaning part 10, but is an apparatus (what is called a bottle water server) which stores drinking water.

(3-1) Configuration of Water Treatment Device 3 As shown in FIG. 8, the water treatment device 3 has a structure in which bottle water 110 for storing raw water such as drinking water is installed upward. In addition to the faucet unit 30, the ozone generation unit 40, and the control unit 60 described in the first embodiment, the water treatment device 3 includes a water storage unit 70 in which bottled water 110 is installed, a cold water tank 80 having a cooling function, and heating. A hot water tank 90 having a function is further provided.

  The water storage section 70 is provided with a raw water shutter 71 (raw water port sealing means) that can prevent the bottled water 110 from being attached, that is, seals the raw water. The water storage unit 70 communicates with the cold water supply path 73 and the hot water supply path 74, and reaches a cold water tank 80 that cools the raw water by a cooling coil or the like, and a hot water tank 90 that heats the raw water by a heater or the like.

  The cold water tank 80 incorporates a sensor (not shown) that can detect the water level (water amount). The cold water tank 80 communicates with the ozone decomposition means 42, the circulation pump 43 and the ozone generation means 41. The cold water tank 80 opens to the cold water discharge port 82 through the cold water discharge valve 81 and also opens to the cold water discharge port 84 through the cold water drain valve 83.

  The hot water tank 90 incorporates a sensor (not shown) that can detect the water level (water amount). The hot water tank 90 opens to the hot water discharge port 92 via the hot water discharge valve 91 and also opens to the hot water discharge port 94 via the hot water drain valve 93.

  The faucet part 30 provided with the cold water discharge port 82 and the hot water discharge port 92 has a shielding door 36 (connection means) that shields the cold water discharge port 82 and the hot water discharge port 92. The shielding door 36 is configured to allow the cold water discharge port 82 and the hot water discharge port 92 to communicate with each other. As a result, the circulation flow path 13 (see FIG. 5) that can circulate again to the water storage section 70 via the water storage section 70, the cold water supply path 73 (cold water tank 80), the shielding door 36, and the hot water supply path 74 (hot water tank 90). 8 (b)) is formed. An operation panel (not shown) capable of selecting a normal mode (cold water or hot water) and a sterilization mode is built in the front surface of the faucet part 30 (the shielding door 36).

  Moreover, the control part 60 is based on the signal from the operation panel, the signal from the sensor 72, the signal from the sensor incorporated in the cold water tank 80 and the hot water tank 90, and the raw | natural water shutter 71, the cold water discharge valve 81, hot water. The opening and closing of the discharge valve 91, the cold water drain valve 83, and the hot water drain valve 93 are controlled.

(3-2) Operation of Water Treatment Device 3 (3-2-1) Normal Mode When the normal mode is selected by the operation panel of the faucet unit 30, the raw water shutter 71 is opened and the water storage unit 70 is bottled. The water 110 can be attached. At this time, in a state where the bottle water 110 is attached to the water storage unit 70, the raw water of the bottle water 110 is stored in the cold water tank 80 and the hot water tank 90. When cold water or hot water is selected by the operation panel in a state where the shielding door 36 is opened, the cold water drain valve 83 or the hot water drain valve 93 is opened, and the raw water is discharged from the cold water discharge port 82 or the hot water discharge port 92. (Cold water or hot water) is discharged.

(3-2-2) Sterilization Mode When the sterilization mode is selected by the operation panel of the faucet unit 30, the raw water shutter 71 is closed, and the bottled water 110 cannot be attached to the water storage unit 70. Note that the sterilization mode is not entered when the bottled water 110 is attached to the water storage unit 70 or when the shielding door 36 is opened. Further, after the cold water drain valve 83 and the hot water drain valve 93 are opened to discharge unnecessary or harmful water in the circulation channel 13, the cold water tank 80, and the hot water tank 90, the cold water drain valve 83 and the hot water drain valve 93 are discharged. Closes.

  Then, the cold water discharge port 82 and the hot water discharge port 92 are communicated with each other by the shielding door 36 to form the circulation channel 13 (see FIG. 8B), and the ozone generation means 41 and the circulation pump 43 are operated. . Thereby, ozone gas circulates in the circulation channel 13 including the secondary side channel 12, and the cold water discharge port 82, the hot water discharge port 92, and the circulation channel 13 are sterilized by the ozone gas. Thereafter, when the ozone generating means 41 is stopped, the sterilization process is terminated, and the ozone decomposing means 42 decomposes the ozone gas in the secondary side flow path 12 and the circulation flow path 13.

(3-3) Action / Effect In the third embodiment described above, even if the water treatment apparatus 3 does not include the purification unit 10, the water conduit is hygienic in the same manner as the action / effect of the first embodiment. Thus, the cold water discharge port 82 and the hot water discharge port 92 can be reliably sterilized.

(4) Other Embodiments As described above, the contents of the present invention have been disclosed through the embodiments of the present invention. However, it is understood that the descriptions and drawings constituting a part of this disclosure limit the present invention. Should not. From this disclosure, various alternative embodiments, examples, and operational techniques will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

  For example, the embodiment of the present invention can be modified as follows. Specifically, the ozone generation unit 40 (ozone generation means 41) has been described as generating ozone gas. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, generates a gas having a sterilizing component such as ethylene oxide or formaldehyde. It may be a thing. Moreover, the ozone production | generation means 41 may produce | generate not only gas, such as ozone gas, but water containing ozone, water containing hypochlorous acid, etc.

  The ozone generating means 41 may be constituted by a water electrolysis device that generates free chlorine, hydrogen peroxide, ozone, or the like. For example, titanium, platinum, iridium, carbon, and a mixture thereof can be used as the water electrolysis device, and any type can be used as long as it can generate hypochlorous acid, hydrogen peroxide, and ozone.

  The circulation pump 43 has been described as circulating ozone gas from the one end 13a of the circulation flow path 13 toward the other end 13b. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the circulation pump 43 is not limited to this. Ozone gas may be circulated toward 13a. Even in this case, it is preferable that the circulation pump 43, the ozone generation means 41, and the ozone decomposition means 42 are arranged in this order from upstream to downstream.

  Moreover, although all the structures are applied to the water treatment apparatuses 1, 3 according to the first to fifth modifications of the first embodiment described above with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8, the present invention is not limited thereto. Of course, it is not a thing.

  As described above, the present invention naturally includes various embodiments that are not described herein. Therefore, the technical scope of the present invention is determined only by the invention specifying matters according to the scope of claims reasonable from the above description.

1, 2, 3 ... Water treatment device 10 ... Purifying part 11 ... Primary flow path (water conduit)
12 ... Secondary channel (water conduit)
13 ... circulation channel 13A ... activated carbon channel 13B ... non-activated carbon channel 15 ... sensor (sealed state detection means)
16 ... Channel switching valve (channel switching mechanism)
17 ... sensor (fluid state detection means)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 20 ... Raw water supply part 21 ... Raw water inlet 22 ... Raw water supply valve 30 ... Water faucet part 31 ... Discharge port 32 ... Connection means 40 ... Ozone generation part 41 ... Ozone generation means 42 ... Ozone decomposition means 43 ... Circulation pump 50 ... Drainage part 60 ... Control unit

Claims (8)

A water treatment apparatus comprising a faucet part provided with a discharge port for discharging raw water or purified water passing through a water conduit, and a fluid generation part for generating a fluid containing a sterilizing component,
A circulation channel branched from the water conduit and through which the fluid passes;
A connection means for connecting the discharge port and the circulation flow path;
The water generating apparatus, wherein the fluid generating unit circulates the fluid in the water conduit and the circulation channel via the connection means. The water treatment device according to claim 1,
In the water conduit, a raw water supply unit for supplying the raw water is disposed,
The water treatment apparatus, wherein the raw water supply unit includes raw water port sealing means for blocking a raw water port into which the raw water flows. The water treatment device according to claim 1 or 2,
A sealing state detecting means for detecting information in which the discharge port is blocked by the connecting means;
The water treatment device, wherein the fluid generation unit generates the fluid when the sealing state detection unit detects the information. A water treatment apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
A mode switching unit that switches between a normal mode in which the raw water or the purified water is discharged from the discharge port and a sterilization mode in which the fluid is circulated in the water conduit and the circulation channel;
The said connection means connects the said discharge outlet and the said circulation flow path, when the sterilization mode is selected by the said mode switching part, The water treatment apparatus characterized by the above-mentioned. A water treatment device according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
The fluid generator is
Fluid generating means for generating the fluid;
Fluid decomposition means for decomposing the fluid generated by the fluid generation means,
The fluid decomposition means is made of activated carbon,
The circulation flow path branches into an activated carbon flow path that passes through the fluid decomposition means and a non-activated carbon flow path that communicates with the activated carbon flow path downstream of the fluid decomposition means,
A water treatment characterized in that a flow path switching mechanism capable of branching the fluid into either the activated carbon flow path or the non-activated carbon flow path is provided at a branch point of the activated carbon flow path and the non-activated carbon flow path. apparatus. A water treatment apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
A water treatment apparatus comprising fluid state detection means for detecting that the fluid has been decomposed to a specified concentration by the fluid generation unit. A water treatment apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
A purification unit that generates the purified water by purifying the raw water;
The water treatment apparatus, wherein the circulation channel communicates with an outlet of the purification unit. A water treatment apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
A purification unit that generates the purified water by purifying the raw water;
The water treatment apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the circulation flow path communicates with a primary flow path disposed upstream of the purification unit.

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