JP6241606B2 - Disinfecting water discharge device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a sterilized water discharge device that discharges sterilized water containing hypochlorous acid.

  In recent years, disinfecting water discharge devices have been developed as devices for maintaining hygienic water around kitchens and the like, and their spread has begun. The sterilization water discharge device generates sterilization water and discharges the generated sterilization water toward the sterilization target, thereby sterilizing the bacteria attached to the sterilization target and suppressing its growth (For example, refer to Patent Document 1 below).

  Such a disinfecting water discharge device can be used for disinfecting various waters such as bathrooms and toilets. In particular, when the disinfecting water discharge device is installed in the kitchen, for example, kitchen knives and cutting boards can be sterilized in a short time and frequently during cooking, which is extremely effective for preventing food poisoning. is there.

  As a method of generating sterilized water in the sterilized water discharge device, in addition to generating sterilized water using externally replenished chemicals as raw materials, hypochlorous acid is generated from chloride ions contained in tap water. Thus, a method for generating water containing hypochlorous acid as sanitized water has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 2 below).

  Since hypochlorous acid is generated by electrolyzing water containing chloride ions, the disinfecting water discharge device described in Patent Document 2 below can be removed almost without maintenance without replenishing chemicals. Bacterial water is generated, and the generated sterilized water can be discharged.

  Here, regarding the use of sterilized water, Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2 describe that a plurality of cleaning modes are prepared, and each mode is turned on and mode switching is performed manually.

JP 2012-81449 A JP 2001-29306 A

  When using the sterilized water, it is troublesome for the user to turn on each washing mode or manually switch the mode every time as in the prior art, and the operability is poor. In addition, when using sterilized water in a kitchen or the like, for example, the following series of steps are automatically performed as much as possible in order to avoid time and labor when sterilizing a cutting board or kitchen knife while cooking. It is preferable to be switched at.

  As a series of processes, first, a process of discharging water to remove the dirt of the sterilization target (dirt removal process), and then a process of discharging sterilization water to sterilize the sterilization target (removal). (Bacteria process) and finally a process of stopping the sterilized water (water stop process).

  On the other hand, through experiments conducted by the present inventors, it has been found that when sterilized water is discharged while dirt is attached to the sterilization target, the sterilization performance is reduced by the dirt. It has been. For this reason, in order to fully exhibit the sterilization performance of the sterilized water, it is desirable to wash off the dirt adhering to the sterilization target beforehand.

  However, from the viewpoint of time and labor, if all of the series of processes such as the dirt removal process, the sterilization process, and the water stop process are automated, the dirt removal process will be sufficiently soiled for the degree of dirt that varies depending on the sterilization target. May not be dropped. As a result, sterilization water will be discharged to the sterilization target in a state where dirt is attached, and as the present inventors know, there is a problem that the sterilization performance is lowered and the sterilization effect is weakened. there were.

  Then, this invention is made | formed in view of the said subject, and it aims at providing the disinfection water discharge apparatus which can aim at the maintenance of the disinfection effect and the improvement of operativity.

  In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, a sterilized water discharge device according to the present invention is a sterilized water discharge device that discharges sterilized water containing hypochlorous acid, and is a water supply channel through which water supplied from the outside is passed. And sterilized water generating means that is disposed at a predetermined position of the water supply path and generates the sterilized water by electrolyzing water in the water supply path, and the sterilized water generating means of the water supply path A discharge means for discharging the sterilized water, an operation means for accepting a user operation relating to the sterilized water, and controlling the generation and discharge of the sterilized water. Control means, and the control means is configured to discharge, from the discharge means, water that has not been electrolyzed by the sterilized water generation means based on a user operation received by the operation means. By the dropping step and the sterilized water generating means And the sterilization step of discharging the sterilized water generated by gas decomposition from the discharge means, in order, and performing the dirt removal step by the user's operation received by the operation means The control is performed so that the sterilized water discharged in the sterilization step is stopped when the sterilization step is switched to the sterilization step and a predetermined condition is satisfied.

  The disinfecting water discharge device according to the present invention includes a water supply passage through which water supplied from the outside is passed, and disinfecting water generation means arranged at a predetermined position of the water supply passage. It is comprised so that disinfection water may be produced | generated based on the water supplied from. The generated sterilized water is discharged from a discharge unit disposed in a downstream portion of the water supply channel. Moreover, the disinfected water discharge apparatus which concerns on this invention is further provided with the operation means which receives the user's operation regarding disinfecting water, and the control means which controls the production | generation and discharge of disinfecting water.

  The sterilized water generating means is disposed at a predetermined position of the water supply channel, and generates sterilized water by electrolyzing water in the water supply channel. Specifically, water containing hypochlorous acid, that is, sterilized water, is generated by electrolyzing water in the water supply channel and generating hypochlorous acid from chloride ions contained in the water. To do.

  A discharge means is arrange | positioned in the downstream of the predetermined position of the said sterilization water production | generation means among water supply paths, and discharges the sterilization water produced | generated by the sterilization water production | generation means outside. The discharge of the sterilized water from the discharge means is performed based on the user's operation received by the operation means. Further, the generation and discharge of the sterilized water are controlled by the control means.

  The control means performs control so as to sequentially execute the dirt removal step and the sterilization step based on the user operation received by the operation means. The dirt removing step is a step of discharging water, which has not been electrolyzed by the sterilized water generating means, from the discharge means in order to wash away dirt attached to the sterilization target such as a kitchen knife. The sterilization step is a step of discharging from the discharge means sterilized water (water containing hypochlorous acid) generated by electrolysis by the sterilized water generating means in order to sterilize the sterilization target. It is. For example, the discharge of the sterilized water is not started immediately when the operation means is operated, but the sterilized water is discharged after a process of discharging normal water that is not the sterilized water (dirt removal process). Control by a control means is performed so that a process (sanitization process) may be performed.

  In the present invention, in order to prevent a decrease in the sterilization effect due to uncleaned dirt, the dirt removal process is performed prior to the sterilization process as described above, so that the dirt adhered to the sterilization target in the dirt removal process. It is possible to use it by washing it off in advance.

  In this way, in order to sterilize the sterilization target, first remove the dirt attached to the sterilization target with water, and then perform sterilization on the bacterium that adheres to the sterilization target. Can do. Therefore, assuming that sterilization is performed during cooking, for example, in the present invention, sterilization is effectively sterilized in the next operation during cooking by removing dirt in the dirt removal step and sterilizing in the sterilization step. It becomes possible to cook with peace of mind using the prepared tools.

  The control means switches from the dirt removal process to the sterilization process by the user's operation received by the operation means, and stops the sterilized water discharged in the sterilization process when a predetermined condition is satisfied. Control to water. That is, the control means controls so as to be manually switched from the dirt removal process to the sterilization process, and controls so that the sterilization process is automatically switched to the water stop process.

  Thereby, the disinfecting water discharge device according to the present invention can prevent a decrease in disinfecting effect due to insufficient dirt removal resulting from automatically switching the disinfection process from the dirt removal process. In addition, the disinfecting water discharge device according to the present invention determines that the dirt has been washed out for the disinfecting objects having different sizes and dirt conditions by manually switching from the dirt removing process to the sanitizing process. The user can decide the timing. Therefore, according to the disinfecting water discharge apparatus according to the present invention, it is possible to appropriately remove dirt from various disinfecting objects.

  Furthermore, in the present invention, it is possible to prevent excessive discharge of the sterilized water toward the sterilization target object by automatically switching the sterilization process to the water stop process. In the sterilization process, it is only necessary to attach the sterilized water to the sterilization target, but it is difficult to visually confirm the attachment of the sterilized water. It can happen that bacterial water is excessively attached. Therefore, it is preferable that the switching from the sterilization process to the water stop process is performed automatically. Moreover, since the stain | pollution | contamination target object is in the state washed away, the discharge time of the sterilization water for making the sterilization water adhere is not greatly different according to the sterilization target. For this reason, even if it switches automatically from a disinfection process to a water stop process, it does not become a problem.

  Thereby, the disinfecting water discharge device according to the present invention improves operability by automatically switching from the disinfecting process to the water stopping process, rather than turning on each process or manually switching the process each time. be able to.

  As described above, the disinfecting water discharge device according to the present invention does not weaken the disinfection effect by discharging disinfecting water in a state where the dirt of the disinfecting object is appropriately removed, and a series of In the process, the operability can be improved by automating the place where the process switching can be automated.

  Moreover, in the disinfecting water discharge device according to the present invention, the control unit is configured to take a time from the start of the disinfecting process to the stop of the disinfecting water according to the time from the start to the end of the dirt removing process. It is preferable to control so as to change.

  When the sterilization water is automatically stopped in the sterilization process, there may be a portion where the sterilization water does not adhere when the size of the sterilization target is large. However, it is difficult to automatically determine the size of the sterilization target without increasing the number of sensors for size determination.

  Therefore, in this preferred embodiment, the time (elapsed time) from the start to the end of the dirt removal process is used to determine the size of the sterilization target. The reason for using this elapsed time is that this elapsed time is considered to change according to the size of the sterilization target. For example, when the size of the sterilization target is large, this elapsed time is considered to be long.

  Therefore, in this preferred embodiment, by changing the time from the start of the sterilization process to the stop of the sterilized water according to the elapsed time of the dirt removal process, it is appropriate for various sizes of sterilization targets. Can be sterilized. For example, as the elapsed time of the dirt removal process increases, the time from the start of the sterilization process to the stop of the sterilization water is increased, It is possible to prevent water from stopping. Furthermore, in this preferable aspect, every time the size of the sterilization target is changed, the user does not have to select the discharge time of the sterilization water in advance, thereby improving the operability of the sterilization water discharge device. be able to.

  In the sterilized water discharge device according to the present invention, the control means can change the flow rate of water discharged from the discharge means in the dirt removing step, and is discharged from the discharge means in the sterilization step. It is preferable to control so that the flow rate of the sterilized water cannot be changed.

  In the dirt removal process, for example, by allowing the user to change the discharge flow rate (water flow) according to the contamination condition of the sterilization target object, the discharge flow rate is changed according to the contamination condition of the sterilization target object. The dirt on the object can be washed away properly.

  On the other hand, if the flow rate of the sterilization water is changed in the sterilization step, the concentration of hypochlorous acid contained in the sterilization water is changed when the flow rate of the sterilization water is changed. Will change. When the concentration of hypochlorous acid contained in the sterilized water varies greatly, it becomes difficult to surely sterilize the sterilization target when the concentration of hypochlorous acid is lower than a predetermined concentration.

  Therefore, in this preferred embodiment, by making it possible to change the flow rate of water in the dirt removal step and not changing the flow rate of sterilized water in the sterilization step, it is possible to appropriately remove dirt from various sterilization targets. And can be appropriately sterilized with sterilized water containing hypochlorous acid at a desired concentration.

  For example, if the flow rate of sterilized water is changed from low to high during the sterilization process, the concentration of hypochlorous acid decreases, and if the flow rate of sterilized water is changed from high to low during the sterilization process, The concentration of hypochlorous acid will increase. Therefore, in order to appropriately sterilize with sterilized water containing hypochlorous acid having a desired concentration, the flow rate of sterilized water in the sterilization process cannot be changed as in the sterilized water discharge device according to this preferred embodiment. It is good to do so.

  In the sterilizing water discharge device according to the present invention, the control means may be configured to remove the effluent discharged from the discharge means in the sterilization step, rather than the discharge range of water discharged from the discharge means in the dirt removal step. It is preferable to control so that the discharge range of the bacterial water becomes wider.

  In general, since the momentum of the discharged water increases when the discharge range is narrow, in the dirt removal process, the discharge range is narrowed and the water force is used for any dirt. It is preferable to wash away dirt appropriately. On the other hand, in the sterilization step, the sterilization target is in a state of being removed, and the momentum of the sterilized water discharged is not required. Moreover, in a sterilization process, if it discharges in the narrow discharge range like a dirt removal process, the time of a sterilization process may become long with respect to the large sterilization target object. Furthermore, in the sterilization process, since the discharge of the sterilized water is automatically stopped, it is desirable to disseminate the sterilized water quickly and widely with respect to the sterilization target.

  Therefore, in this preferred embodiment, the discharge range of the sterilized water discharged in the sterilization step is wider than the discharge range of the water discharged in the dirt removal step, thereby Dirt can be washed away properly with the force of water from a narrow discharge range, and when disinfecting a sterilization target, disinfecting water can be spread quickly and widely over a wide discharge range. .

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the disinfection water discharge apparatus which can aim at the maintenance of the disinfection effect and the improvement of operativity can be provided.

It is a figure showing the state where the disinfection water discharge device concerning the embodiment of the present invention is installed in the kitchen. It is a figure which shows typically the structure of the disinfection water discharge apparatus which concerns on embodiment. It is a figure which shows the operation part of the disinfection water discharge apparatus which concerns on embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the disinfection water discharge apparatus which concerns on embodiment. It is a figure which shows the flow of the water in the disinfection water discharge apparatus which concerns on embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating an example of the cooking operation performed in the kitchen which concerns on embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the switching timing of a dirt removal process, and the water stop timing (the 1) of a microbe elimination process. It is a figure which shows an example of the switching timing of a dirt removal process, and the water stop timing (the 2) of a disinfection process. It is a figure for demonstrating the difference of the discharge range of a dirt removal process and a disinfection process. It is a figure for comparing the elapsed time and flow volume of each process in the state change of the sanitization object.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In order to facilitate the understanding of the description, the same constituent elements in the drawings will be denoted by the same reference numerals as much as possible, and redundant description will be omitted.

<Configuration of disinfecting water discharge device>
Drawing 1 is a figure showing the state where the disinfection water discharge device concerning the embodiment of the present invention was attached to the sink of the kitchen. The disinfecting water discharge device WD includes two spouts (a main spout 100 and a disinfecting spout 200), and these are erected on the back side of the upper surface of the sink SK as viewed from the user, for example. doing. The main spout 100 erected on the right side when viewed from the user discharges tap water (water supplied from a water pipe) in the same manner as a general spout. An operation lever 101 is disposed on the side surface of the main spout 100. When the user rotates the operation lever 101, tap water having a flow rate corresponding to the rotation angle is discharged from the tip of the main spout 100 toward the sink SK.

  The sterilization spout 200 standing on the left side as viewed from the user discharges sterilized water or tap water. The sterilized water is water that is given sterilization performance by containing a relatively high concentration of hypochlorous acid. When the sterilized water discharged from the sterilization spout 200 is applied to the surface of a kitchen knife, a cutting board, or the like, the surface is sterilized and the growth of the bacterium is suppressed. Disinfection water discharge from the disinfection spout 200 is performed based on a user operation on the operation unit 300.

  For example, the operation unit 300 is arranged at a position between the main spout 100 and the sterilization spout 200 on the upper surface of the sink SK. The operation unit 300 accepts a user operation related to sterilized water. In addition, the operation unit 300 has a function as an operation unit including a switching unit 310 for switching the discharge mode by the user, for example, and also functions as a display unit 315 that notifies the user of the operation state of the sterilized water discharge device WD. It also has. A specific configuration and function of the operation unit 300 will be described in detail later.

  The disinfecting water discharge device WD generates disinfecting water discharged from the disinfecting spout 200 in addition to the main spout 100, the disinfecting spout 200, and the operation unit 300 arranged on the upper surface side of the sink SK. Are further provided with a mechanism, a control unit, and the like, which are housed inside the sink SK.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically illustrating the entire configuration of the sterilized water discharge device WD including the portion housed in the sink SK as described above. As shown in FIG. 2, the sterilizing water discharge device WD includes a water supply pipe 110, a hot water supply pipe 120, and a sterilized water pipe 130 as pipes through which water supplied from the outside (water pipes and water heaters) passes. And. In FIG. 2, illustration of some pipes and switching valves is omitted. The configuration and functions of the omitted piping and the like will be described later with reference to other drawings.

  The water supply pipe 110 is a pipe that connects a water pipe (not shown) and the main spout 100. The hot water supply pipe 120 is a pipe that connects a water heater (not shown) and the main spout 100. The water (cold water) passing through the water supply pipe 110 and the water (hot water) passing through the hot water supply pipe 120 are respectively supplied to the main spout 100 which is a mixing faucet, and mixed from the main spout 100 after reaching a set temperature. Discharged. As described above, water is discharged from the main spout 100 based on the operation of the operation lever 101 by the user.

  The sterilization water pipe 130 is a pipe that connects the flow path switching valve 410 disposed in the middle of the water supply pipe 110 and the sterilization spout 200. The flow path switching valve 410 has a state in which water from the water pipe is supplied to the main spout 100 through the water supply pipe 110 and water from the water pipe to the sterilization spout 200 through the sterilizing water pipe 130. The supply state can be switched.

  The electrolytic cell 600 is disposed at a predetermined position of the sterilizing water pipe 130. The electrolytic bath 600 is a hollow container, and is arranged so as to constitute a part of a flow path connected to the sterilization spout 200 together with the sterilization water pipe 130.

A pair of electrodes (not shown) are disposed inside the electrolytic cell 600, and the voltage of the electrode is applied between them to electrolyze the water in the electrolytic cell 600. When water is electrolyzed, a reaction of the following formula (1) occurs in the electrode on the anode side, and a reaction of formula (2) occurs in the electrode on the cathode side. As shown in the formulas (1) and (2), oxygen is generated from the anode and hydrogen is generated from the cathode.
Anode: 2H ₂ O → 4H ⁺ + O ₂ + 4e ⁻ (1)
Cathode: 4H ₂ O + 4e ⁻ → 2H ₂ + 4OH ⁻ (2)

Here, platinum / iridium (Pt · IrO ₂ ) is applied to the electrode disposed inside the electrolytic cell 600 as a catalyst. For this reason, the reaction of the following formula (3) occurs in the electrode on the anode side, and chlorine is generated from chloride ions (Cl ⁻ ) contained in water.
Anode: 2Cl ⁻ → Cl ₂ + 2e ⁻ (3)

When chlorine is generated, reactions of the following formulas (4) and (5) further occur in the electrolytic cell 600 to generate hypochlorous acid (HClO) and hypochlorite ions (ClO ⁻ ). These have sterilizing power.
Cl ₂ + H ₂ O → HClO + H ₂ + Cl ⁻ (4)
HClO → ClO ⁻ + H ⁺ (5)

  As described above, water having sterilizing power, that is, sterilized water is generated in the electrolytic cell 600 by electrolyzing water containing chloride ions. The electrolytic cell 600 corresponds to the sterilized water generating means of the present invention. When water passing through the sterilizing water pipe 130 is supplied to the electrolysis tank 600, sterilization water is generated in the electrolysis tank 600 based on this and supplied to the downstream sterilization spout 200 and discharged. .

  The control unit 700 controls operations of various devices constituting the sterilized water discharge device WD such as the flow path switching valve 410 and the electrolytic bath 600. A signal (operation signal) based on a user operation performed on the operation unit 300 is input to the control unit 700. The control unit 700 controls the operation of the flow path switching valve 410 and the like based on the operation signal.

<Specific configuration of operation unit>
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a specific configuration of the operation unit 300. As described above, the operation unit 300 is disposed on the upper surface of the sink SK, and has a function as an operation unit including a switching unit 310 that allows the user to switch modes and processes, as well as the sterilized water discharge device WD. It also has a function as a display unit that notifies the user of the operating state. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the operation unit 300 includes a switching unit 310 and a flow rate setting operation unit 330. Further, the display unit 315 of the operation unit 300 further includes a discharge state display unit 340, a sterilized water remaining time display unit 350, and a flow rate display unit 370.

  The switching unit 310 is a button that is operated by the user so that sterilized water is discharged from the sterilization spout 200. As will be described in detail later, in the disinfecting water discharge device WD, even when the switching unit 310 is pressed, disinfecting water is not discharged at that time, and normal water (not containing hypochlorous acid) is first used for disinfecting. The spout 200 is discharged. Thereafter, when the switching unit 310 is pushed again by the user, discharge of sterilized water containing hypochlorous acid is started. In other words, when the user presses the switching unit 310, the water discharged from the sterilization spout 200 is switched from normal water to sterilized water. In addition, the process of discharging normal water as described above is referred to as “dirt removal process”, and the process of discharging sterilized water after the dirt removal process is referred to as “sanitization process”.

  In the sterilization water discharge device WD, normal water is discharged prior to discharge of the sterilization water. Therefore, after the dirt adhering to the sterilization target is first washed away with normal water, It can be used in such a way as to apply sterilized water. Thereby, the sterilization performance of the sterilized water is not deteriorated due to the dirt adhering to the sterilization target, and the growth of bacteria in the sterilization target can be reliably suppressed.

  After the switching unit 310 is pressed twice and discharge of the sterilized water is started, the discharge of the sterilized water is automatically stopped without waiting for an operation by the user. The time until the sterilized water automatically stops may be set in advance, or may be set according to the elapsed time of the dirt removing step as will be described later.

  The flow rate setting operation unit 330 is a button for setting the flow rate of water discharged in the dirt removing process. Each time the user presses the flow rate setting operation unit 330, the flow rate is switched in the order of “small”, “medium”, and “large”. Specifically, when the flow rate setting operation unit 330 is pressed, a flow rate setting signal is notified to the control unit 700, and the control unit 700 determines the amount of water flowing through the sterilizing water pipe 130 based on the flow rate setting signal. Control. The change in the flow rate is performed by a flow rate adjustment mechanism of the flow path switching valve 410. A separate flow rate adjustment valve is arranged in the middle of the sterilizing water pipe 130, and the control unit 700 controls the flow rate adjustment valve. May be performed.

  The flow rate display unit 370 is a display unit that is set by the flow rate setting operation unit 330 and displays the flow rate. As an example, the flow rate display unit 370 includes three LEDs of “large”, “medium”, and “small”, and one of them is lit. For example, when the “large” LED is lit, the flow rate of water discharged in the dirt removing process is set to be the largest. In this state, when the flow rate setting operation unit 330 is pressed once, the “medium” LED is turned on in the flow rate display unit 370, and the flow rate of water discharged in the dirt removing process is larger than when it is large. Set to be less. When the flow rate setting operation unit 330 is pressed again, the “small” LED is turned on in the flow rate display unit 370, and the flow rate of water discharged in the dirt removing process is set to be the smallest.

  The discharge state display unit 340 is an LED for notifying the user of the state (type, etc.) of water discharged from the sterilization spout 200. When the water discharged from the sterilization spout 200 is normal water (not sterilized water), the discharge state display unit 340 is turned off. When the water discharged from the sterilization spout 200 is sterilized water, the discharge state display unit 340 is lit.

  The sterilized water remaining time display unit 350 includes three LEDs, and displays an indication of the time until the sterilized water discharge automatically stops depending on the lighting state of these LEDs. Next, a specific operation of the entire sterilized water discharge device WD will be described.

<Specific operation of the disinfecting water discharge device>
A specific operation of the sterilized water discharge device WD will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the sterilized water discharge device WD. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a flow path state during the dirt removal process and the sterilization process in the sterilization water discharge device WD.

  The series of processes shown in FIG. 4 is a process executed when the switching unit 310 is pressed once by the user in a state where water is not being discharged or in a state where water is being discharged from the main spout 100. . Further, the series of processes shown in FIG. 4 is a process when the time from the start to the end of the sterilization process (stop of sterilized water) is set according to the elapsed time in the dirt removal process.

  In step S01, the control unit 700 controls the flow path switching valve 410 to switch the flow path so that water flows through the sterilized water pipe 130 in order to start the dirt removing process. That is, when the control unit 700 receives an operation signal from the operation unit 300, the control unit 700 controls the flow path switching valve 410 to open to the sterilization water pipe 130 side, and to the sterilization spout 200 side from the water pipe. Allow water to be supplied.

  FIG. 5A shows the flow path state during the dirt removing process. As indicated by the arrows in the figure, the water from the water pipe passes through the sterilization water pipe 130 in the order of the flow path switching valve 410 and the electrolytic bath 600, and then passes from the sterilization spout 200 to the sink SK. Discharged. The voltage is not applied to the electrode in the electrolytic cell 600 at this time.

  In step S02, the control unit 700 resets and starts the timer (t) almost simultaneously with switching the state of the flow path switching valve 410 to open to the sterilizing water pipe 130 side.

  In the dirt removing step, no voltage is applied to the electrodes arranged inside the electrolytic cell 600. Since the electrolytic cell 600 does not perform electrolysis, hypochlorous acid is not generated in the electrolytic cell 600. As a result, the water discharged from the sterilization spout 200 to the sink SK does not contain high-concentration hypochlorous acid, and the same water as normal tap water is discharged.

  In step S03, the control unit 700 determines whether or not an operation from the user has been performed on the operation unit 300. That is, the control unit 700 determines whether or not the switching unit 310 of the operation unit 300 is pressed again by the user. If the switching part 310 is not pushed, the process of a dirt removal process is repeated. If the switching unit 310 has been pressed in step S03, the process proceeds to step S04.

  In step S04, the control unit 700 controls to end the dirt removal process. Specifically, the control unit 700 stops the timer (t) and sets the measured time t as t1. This time t1 represents the time from the start to the end of the dirt removal process.

  In step S05, the control unit 700 determines t2 based on the set time t1. Time t2 represents the time for executing the next sterilization step. Regarding the determination from time t1 to time t2, for example, the control unit 700 prepares in advance a function using t1 as a variable, a correspondence table between t1 and t2, and the time t2 can be uniquely determined from time t1. It is good to do so.

  In step S06, the control unit 700 starts electrolysis by applying a voltage to the electrodes arranged inside the electrolytic cell 600 in order to start the sterilization process. Inside the electrolytic bath 600, water containing chloride ions is supplied from the sterilizing water pipe 130. As a result, hypochlorous acid is generated in the electrolytic bath 600 by electrolysis, and sterilized water having sterilization performance is discharged from the sterilization spout 200.

  FIG. 5B shows the flow path state during the sterilization process. As indicated by the arrows in the figure, the water from the water pipe passes through the sterilization water pipe 130 in the order of the flow path switching valve 410 and the electrolytic bath 600, and then passes from the sterilization spout 200 to the sink SK. Discharged. A voltage is applied to the electrode in the electrolytic cell 600 at this time. Accordingly, sterilized water containing hypochlorous acid is discharged from the sterilization spout 200.

  In step S07, the control unit 700 resets and starts the timer (t) almost simultaneously with the application of a voltage to the electrode disposed in the electrolytic cell 600.

  In step S08, the control unit 700 determines whether or not the sterilization process execution time (t) exceeds a predetermined time (t2). If the timer (t) does not exceed t2, the sterilization process is repeated. If the timer (t) exceeds t2, the process proceeds to step S09.

  In step S09, the control unit 700 controls to stop the sterilized water discharged from the sterilized water spout 200 in order to end the sterilization process. Specifically, the control unit 700 returns the flow path switching valve 410 to a closed state, stops application of voltage to the electrode in the electrolytic cell 600, and disinfects water from the disinfecting spout 200. Dispensing is automatically stopped (without being based on user operation).

  In step S10, the control unit 700 stops the timer. Note that the order of step S09 and step S10 is not limited.

  In addition, the discharge range of the sterilized water discharged from the sterilization spout 200 in the sterilization process from step S06 to step S10 may be wider than the discharge range of the water discharged in the dirt removal process. Such switching of the discharge range is performed by an internal mechanism (not shown) arranged in the vicinity of the discharge port of the sterilization spout 200. In addition to such a configuration, two channels and two discharge ports (corresponding to each) are formed in the sterilization spout 200, and water is supplied from one channel and the discharge ports in the dirt removing step. In the discharge and sterilization step, sterilized water may be discharged from the other flow path and the discharge port. Even with such a configuration, the discharge range (the thickness of the water flow) can be made different between the dirt removal step and the sterilization step.

  In the sterilization process from step S06 to step S10, the control unit 700 automatically stops the discharge of the sterilized water by changing the display of the sterilized water remaining time display unit 350 including three LEDs. Control the timing so that the user can understand the timing. Specifically, at the start of the sterilization process in step S06, the sterilized water remaining time display unit 350 turns on all three LEDs. Thereafter, as the time of the counting-up timer approaches time t2, the sterilized water remaining time display unit 350 gradually decreases the number of LEDs that are lit. The sterilized water remaining time display unit 350 turns off all the LEDs constituting the sterilized water remaining time display unit 350 when the timer time exceeds t2.

  Further, in step S08, the control unit 700 determines the water stop timing of the sterilization water in the sterilization process based on the execution time of the sterilization process, but is not related to the user's operation or the user. The water stop timing may be determined by satisfying a predetermined condition independent of the operation. For example, the predetermined condition may be that the discharge amount of the sterilized water in the sterilization process exceeds the set amount in addition to the execution time of the sterilization process exceeding the set value.

  As described above, in the sterilizing water discharge device WD according to the present embodiment, the sterilization process is controlled to be manually switched from the sterilization process to the sterilization process, and the water stop process is automatically switched from the sterilization process. By controlling, the sterilization effect can be maintained and the operability can be improved.

<Example of specifications in the kitchen>
FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a mode in which the sterilized water discharge device WD is used between cooking operations performed in the kitchen. In FIG. 6, a series of operations (first operation KS1, second operation KS2, and third operation) from cutting meat on a cutting board to cutting vegetables on the same cutting board among cooking operations performed in the kitchen. KS3 and fourth operation KS4) are schematically illustrated.

  First, the user performs an operation of cutting the meat M using the knife KN (first operation KS1) while the meat M is placed on the cutting board KB. At this time, the juice from the meat M adheres to the cutting board KB and the knife KN as dirt, and the bacteria attached to the meat M also adhere to the cutting board KB and the knife KN. Therefore, if the operation of cutting the vegetable VG is performed in this state, dirt and bacteria adhere to the vegetable VG through the plate KB and the knife KN. Therefore, before performing the operation of cutting the vegetables VG, the board KB and the knife KN are cleaned and sterilized by using the sterilizing water discharge device WD.

  After the first operation KS1 is completed, the user places the cutting board KB on which dirt and bacteria are attached below the disinfecting spout 200. In this state, the switching unit 310 of the operation unit 300 is pressed once. In the disinfecting water discharge device WD, a dirt removing process is started, and normal water is discharged from the disinfecting spout 200. The user applies the discharged water to the cutting board KB to wash away dirt adhering to the cutting board KB (second operation KS2). Similarly, the dirt adhering to the knife KN is also washed away. In the dirt removing step, dirt adhering to the cutting board KB and the knife KN is generally washed away.

  After confirming that the dirt adhering to the cutting board KB and the knife KN has been sufficiently washed away, the user presses the switching unit 310 again. The discharge of water from the sterilization spout 200 may be temporarily stopped, and the water stop process may be started. Most of the water remaining on the surface of the cutting board KB falls to the sink SK during the water stop process. In other words, draining of the cutting board KB or the like is performed during the water stop process.

  Following the water stop step, the sterilization step is automatically started, and the sterilization water begins to be discharged from the sterilization spout 200. The user performs sterilization of the cutting board KB and the like by applying the discharged sterilizing water to the cutting board KB and the like (third operation KS3). At this time, electrolysis is performed inside the electrolytic cell 600, and hypochlorous acid is generated. After discharging the sterilized water for a predetermined time, the water is automatically stopped and the sterilization process is completed.

  After the sterilization process is completed, the user performs an operation (fourth operation KS4) of cutting the vegetables VG using the knife KN in a state where the vegetables VG are placed on the cutting board KB. Since the cutting board KB and the knife KN are sufficiently sterilized, the bacteria from the meat M do not adhere to the vegetable VG. Thus, according to the sterilized water discharge device WD, the cutting board KB, the knife KN, etc. can be sterilized in a short time and frequently between cooking, so it is extremely effective for preventing food poisoning.

<Timing removal process switching timing and sterilization process water stop timing>
Next, the switching timing of the dirt removal process and the water stop timing of the sterilization process will be described separately in two cases. The two cases are when the water stop timing of the sterilization process is one timing set in advance (part 1) and when changed based on the elapsed time of the dirt removal process (part 2). is there.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of the switching timing of the dirt removal process and the water stop timing (part 1) of the sterilization process. The upper stage shown in FIG. 7 shows each timing when a little dirt is attached to the cutting board KB11. In this case, the dirt removal process is started by pressing the switching unit 310 at the timing t11 by the user. Next, it is assumed that the user cleans up the cutting board KB11 and pushes the switching unit 310 at the timing t12. At time t12, the cutting board KB12 is in a state where the dirt is washed away. Thereafter, the sterilization process is started, and the sterilized water is discharged from the sterilization spout 200 for the time S1, and the water is automatically stopped.

  The middle stage shown in FIG. 7 shows each timing when dirt is attached to the cutting board KB21 from the cutting board KB11. In this case, the dirt removal process is started by pressing the switching unit 310 at the timing t11 by the user. Next, it is assumed that the user cleans up the cutting board KB21 and pushes the switching unit 310 at the timing t13. At time t13, the cutting board KB22 is in a state where the dirt is washed away. After that, it is the same as the upper stage shown in FIG.

  The lower stage shown in FIG. 7 shows each timing when dirt is attached to the cutting board KB31 from the cutting board KB21. In this case, the dirt removal process is started by pressing the switching unit 310 at the timing t11 by the user. Next, it is assumed that the user cleans up the cutting board KB31 and pushes the switching unit 310 at the timing t14. At time t14, the cutting board KB32 is in a state where the dirt is washed away. After that, it is the same as the upper stage shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 7, it can be seen that the elapsed time (t11 to t12, t11 to t13, t11 to t14) of the dirt removal process varies depending on the degree of dirt attached to the cutting board KB11, 21, 31 of the sterilization target. . Therefore, it is preferable to switch from the dirt removing step to the sterilizing step manually, not automatically.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 7, the sterilization target cutting boards KB12, 22, and 32 are all in a state in which dirt is washed away. There is no problem even if the time for discharging the sterilizing water is automatically determined regardless of the degree of dirt adhering to the surface.

  Therefore, in the sterilized water discharge device WD according to the present embodiment, control is performed so that the sterilization process can be manually switched from the sterilization process to the sterilization process, and the sterilization process can be switched automatically. Thereby, in the disinfecting water discharge device WD according to the present embodiment, it is possible to maintain the disinfecting effect and improve the operability.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of the switching timing of the dirt removal process and the water stop timing (part 2) of the sterilization process. The upper stage shown in FIG. 8 shows each timing when dirt is attached to the small-sized cutting board KB41. In this case, the dirt removal process is started by pressing the switching unit 310 at the timing t21 by the user. Next, it is assumed that the user cleans up the cutting board KB41 and pushes the switching unit 310 at the timing t22. At time t22, the cutting board KB42 is in a state where the dirt is washed away. Thereafter, the sterilization process is started, and the sterilized water is discharged from the sterilization spout 200 for the time S1, and the water is automatically stopped.

  The middle stage shown in FIG. 8 shows each timing when a wider range of dirt is attached to the medium-sized cutting board KB51 than the cutting board KB41. In this case, the dirt removal process is started by pressing the switching unit 310 at the timing t21 by the user. Next, it is assumed that the user cleans up the cutting board KB51 and pushes the switching unit 310 at the timing t23. At time t23, the cutting board KB52 is in a state where dirt is washed away. Thereafter, a sterilization process is started, and sterilized water is discharged from the sterilization spout 200 for the time S2 (> S1), and water is automatically stopped.

  The lower stage shown in FIG. 8 shows each timing when a wider range of dirt is attached to the cutting board KB61 than the cutting board KB51. In this case, the dirt removal process is started by pressing the switching unit 310 at the timing t21 by the user. Next, it is assumed that the user cleans up the cutting board KB61 and pushes the switching unit 310 at the timing t24. At time t24, the cutting board KB62 is in a state where the dirt has been washed away. Thereafter, a sterilization process is started, and sterilized water is discharged from the sterilization spout 200 for the time S3 (> S2), and water is automatically stopped.

  Here, when sterilizing a sterilization target in a state where dirt is washed away, it is desirable to change the discharge time of the sterilization water according to the size of the sterilization target. At that time, it is preferable that the size of the sterilization target can be determined without increasing the user's effort and sensors.

  Therefore, as shown in FIG. 8, the elapsed time (t21 to t22, t21 to t23, t21 to t24) of the dirt removal process varies depending on the range of dirt attached to the cutting board KB41, 51, 61 of the sterilization target. Pay attention to. As shown in FIG. 8, it can be seen that the elapsed time of the dirt removing process is longer depending on the size of the sterilization target.

  Therefore, the control unit 700 estimates the size of the sterilization target object using the difference in elapsed time of the dirt removal process. Specifically, the control unit 700 increases the elapsed time (hereinafter also referred to as execution time) from the start of the sterilization process to the water stop as the elapsed time of the dirt removal process becomes longer. The relationship between the elapsed time of the dirt removal process and the execution time of the sterilization process may be set in the control unit 700 or the like based on experiments performed in advance.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 8, the control unit 700 determines the execution time S1 of the sterilization process with respect to the elapsed time of the dirt removal process from t21 to t22. Moreover, the control part 700 determines execution time S2 (> S1) of a disinfection process with respect to the elapsed time of the dirt removal process from t21 to t23. Moreover, the control part 700 determines execution time S3 (> S2) of a disinfection process with respect to the elapsed time of the dirt removal process from t21 to t24.

  Thereby, in the sterilization water discharge device WD according to the present embodiment, the size of the sterilization target is estimated from the elapsed time of the dirt removal process, and the execution time S of the sterilization process is changed, thereby sterilization target. Depending on the size of the object, the time until the discharge of the sterilized water is stopped can be automatically changed.

<Discharge range>
Next, a preferred embodiment in which the discharge range in the dirt removal step and the discharge range in the sterilization step are different will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining a difference in discharge range between the dirt removing process and the sterilization process. FIG. 9A is a diagram illustrating an example of a discharge range in the dirt removing process. As shown in FIG. 9A, in the dirt removal step, dirt can be appropriately washed away by the flow rate by narrowing the discharge range AR1.

  FIG. 9B is a diagram illustrating an example of a discharge range in the sterilization process. As shown in FIG. 9B, in the sterilization process, the discharge range AR2 is made wider than in the dirt removal process. Thus, in the sterilization step, sterilization water can be discharged over a wide area in a short time by discharging sterilized water over a wide area. Therefore, the sterilized water discharge device WD that discharges sterilized water over a wide range in the sterilization process can appropriately sterilize various sterilized objects. Thereby, according to this preferable sterilization water discharge apparatus WD, it can discharge in the discharge range suitable for a dirt removal process and a sterilization process, respectively.

<Elapsed time and flow rate of each step in the state change of the sterilization target>
Next, the elapsed time and flow rate of each step in the state change of the sterilization target will be described using conceptual values. FIG. 10 is a diagram for comparing the elapsed time and flow rate of each step in the state change of the sterilization target. The values shown in FIG. 10 are values used for comparison with the maximum value being 10, and the values themselves are not meaningful.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the elapsed time in the dirt removal step tends to be longer as the degree of dirt is larger than the degree of dirt is small. Moreover, this elapsed time tends to be longer as the sterilization target is larger. The longest elapsed time (the degree of contamination is “large”, the size of the sterilization target is “large”) and the shortest elapsed time (the degree of contamination is “small”, the size of the sterilization target is “small” The difference from “)” is, for example, “8”.

  Further, the flow rate (water flow) in the dirt removal process has the same tendency as the elapsed time in the dirt removal process. Therefore, it is preferable to increase the flow rate when the degree of contamination is smaller than the smaller degree, and decrease the flow rate as the sterilization target is larger. The highest flow rate (the degree of contamination is “large” and the size of the sterilization target is “large”) and the lowest flow rate (the level of contamination is “small” and the size of the sterilization target is “small”) For example, the difference is “4”.

  On the other hand, the elapsed time in the sterilization process is irrelevant to the degree of dirt because the dirt is removed in the dirt removing process. Moreover, this elapsed time tends to be longer as the sterilization target is larger. The difference between the longest elapsed time (the size of the sterilization target is “large”) and the shortest elapsed time (the size of the sterilization target is “small”) is, for example, “2”.

  In addition, as described above, the flow rate in the sterilization step is better not to change the concentration of hypochlorous acid contained in the sterilized water as much as possible from the viewpoint of sterilization performance. Regardless of size, it is better to keep it constant.

  Therefore, as can be seen with reference to FIG. 10, the elapsed time of the dirt removal process varies greatly depending on the degree of dirt and the size of the sterilization target. For this reason, since it is better that the elapsed time in the dirt removal process can be changed according to the intention of the user, it can be seen that switching from the dirt removal process to the sterilization process can be performed manually.

  On the other hand, in the sterilization process, the change in elapsed time is small with respect to the difference in size of the sterilization target. Therefore, there is no problem even if the sterilization process is automatically set from the start to the end. Therefore, operability can be improved by automatically setting from the start to the end of the sterilization step.

  Moreover, since the difference in flow rate is calculated | required according to the state of the sterilization target object in a dirt removal process, it is good to be able to change a flow volume in a dirt removal process. On the other hand, in the sterilization step, the flow rate should be constant regardless of the state of the sterilization target, so that the flow rate should not be changed.

  In addition, by always executing the dirt removal step, it is possible to always use the dirt attached to the sterilized object in advance, so that the sterilization performance of the sterilized water can be sufficiently exerted. .

  In addition, although the disinfecting water discharge device WD according to the present embodiment includes the disinfecting spout 200 separately from the main spout 100, these may be shared. That is, instead of providing two spouts as in the sterilized water discharge device WD shown in FIG. 1, a configuration having only one spout is used, and normal tap water and sterilized water are extracted from the spout. It is good also as a structure which discharges.

  The embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to specific examples. However, the present invention is not limited to these specific examples. In other words, those specific examples that have been appropriately modified by those skilled in the art are also included in the scope of the present invention as long as they have the characteristics of the present invention. For example, the elements included in each of the specific examples described above and their arrangement, materials, conditions, shapes, sizes, and the like are not limited to those illustrated, but can be changed as appropriate. Moreover, each element with which each embodiment mentioned above is provided can be combined as long as technically possible, and the combination of these is also included in the scope of the present invention as long as it includes the features of the present invention.

100: Main spout 101: Operation lever 110: Water supply pipe 120: Hot water supply pipe 130: Disinfection water pipe 140: Bypass pipe 200: Sterilization spout 300: Operation part 310: Switching part 330: Flow rate setting operation part 340: Discharge Status display section 350: Disinfected water remaining time display section 370: Flow rate display section 410: Flow path switching valve 600: Electrolysis tank 700: Control section KB: Board KN: Kitchen knife M: Meat SK: Sink VG: Vegetable WD: Bacteria removal Water discharge device

Claims (2)

A disinfecting water discharge device for discharging disinfecting water containing hypochlorous acid,
A water supply channel through which water supplied from outside is passed,
Disinfecting water generating means that is disposed at a predetermined position of the water supply channel and generates the disinfecting water by electrolyzing water in the water supply channel;
Discharge means that is disposed at a position downstream of the predetermined position of the sterilized water generating means in the water supply channel, and discharges the sterilized water;
An operation means for accepting a user operation relating to the sterilized water;
Control means for controlling the generation and discharge of the sterilized water,
The control means includes
Based on the user's operation received by the operation means, a dirt removing step of discharging water that has not been electrolyzed by the sterilized water generating means from the discharge means, and electrolysis by the sterilized water generating means A sterilization step of discharging the sterilized water generated by the discharge means from the discharge means, and performing control in order,
By the user's operation received by the operation means, switching from the dirt removal step to the sterilization step,
When predetermined conditions are satisfied, control is performed to stop the sterilized water discharged in the sterilization step ,
Depending on the time from the start to the end of the dirt removal step, control to change the time from the start of the sterilization step to the stop of the sterilized water,
The amount of water flowing per hour of water discharged from the discharge means in the dirt removing step can be changed, and
A disinfecting water discharge device, wherein the amount of water flowing per hour of disinfecting water discharged from the discharging means in the disinfecting step is controlled to be unchangeable . The control means includes
Control is performed such that the discharge range of the sterilized water discharged from the discharge means in the sterilization step is wider than the discharge range of the water discharged from the discharge means in the dirt removing step. The disinfecting water discharge device according to claim 1 .

Images