JP6287194B2 - Disinfecting water discharge device - Google Patents

Description

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

  Bactericidal 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 is a device that sterilizes bacteria attached to the sterilization target and suppresses the propagation thereof by generating sterilization water and discharging the sterilization water toward the sterilization target (for example, , See 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 disinfecting water discharge device, in addition to the one that generates and discharges disinfecting water using raw materials such as chemicals supplemented from the outside, hypochlorous acid is generated from chloride ions contained in tap water, There has also been proposed one that discharges water containing hypochlorous acid as disinfecting water (see, for example, Patent Document 2 below). Hypochlorous acid is produced by electrolyzing water containing chloride ions, so according to the disinfecting water discharge device described in Patent Document 2 below, it is almost without replenishment of drugs and the like. It is possible to generate and discharge sterilized water without maintenance.

  By the way, since the density | concentration of the chloride ion contained in tap water is low, even if it electrolyzes tap water as it is, the density | concentration of hypochlorous acid contained in the obtained bactericidal water is low, and sterilization performance is also low. Therefore, even if such a disinfecting water discharge device is installed in the kitchen, it is difficult to disinfect such as a kitchen knife in a short time and frequently as described above.

  Therefore, in the disinfecting water discharge device described in Patent Document 2 below, when discharging tap water instead of disinfecting water (when used as a normal faucet device), chloride ions contained in the tap water Are collected by adsorbing them to the electrode surface. That is, water containing high-concentration chloride ions is generated and accumulated in advance. After that, when the user performs an operation for discharging the sterilized water, high concentration hypochlorous acid is obtained by electrolyzing water containing a high concentration of chloride ions accumulated in advance. It is possible to generate and discharge sterilized water containing water.

JP 2012-81449 A JP 2007-330831 A

  However, the timing at which the user discharges the sterilized water varies depending on the user's work situation and the like, and also varies depending on the user. For this reason, in the disinfecting water discharge device described in Patent Document 2, a sufficient amount (concentration) of chloride ions is always accumulated when an operation for discharging disinfecting water is performed. Is not limited. That is, even when the amount of chloride ions adsorbed on the electrode surface is not yet sufficient, the user may perform an operation for discharging sterilized water. In this case, the concentration of hypochlorous acid contained in the discharged sterilized water is low, and the sterilization performance is also low. In addition, even if the amount of chloride ions adsorbed on the electrode surface is sufficient, if the operation for discharging the sterilized water is frequently performed thereafter, the accumulated chloride The amount of ions gradually decreases and becomes deficient. For this reason, the concentration of hypochlorous acid contained in the sterilized water is also lowered.

  As described above, the disinfecting water discharge device described in Patent Document 2 can generate and discharge disinfecting water with almost no maintenance. However, the disinfecting water having sufficient disinfecting performance can be used by the user. However, it has a problem that it is difficult to discharge properly at a required timing. For this reason, especially when the disinfecting water discharge device is installed in the kitchen, it is not possible to sufficiently respond to the request for sterilizing kitchen knives and cutting boards in a short time and frequently between cooking. .

  The present invention has been made in view of such problems, and the purpose thereof is to eliminate sterilized water having sufficient sterilization performance while requiring no supplementation of medicines from the outside and being almost maintenance-free. An object of the present invention is to provide a disinfecting water discharge device that can discharge properly at a timing required by a user.

  In order to solve the above problems, a sterilized water discharge device according to the present invention is a sterilized water discharge device that generates and discharges sterilized water containing hypochlorous acid, through which water supplied from the outside passes. A water supply channel, an adsorption process that is disposed in a part of the water supply channel, adsorbs and collects chloride ions contained in the water in the water supply channel, and a separation process that desorbs the collected chloride ions. And an ion adsorbing means capable of performing both of the above, and a portion of the water supply path that is downstream of the ion adsorbing means. Disinfecting water generating means for generating bactericidal water, disposing means for disposing the disinfecting water, disposed in a portion of the water supply channel downstream of the disinfecting water generating means, and the disinfecting water The portion operated by the user so that is discharged from the discharge means And a control means for controlling the generation and discharge of the sterilized water. The control means removes the sterilized water from the discharge means based on an operation performed on the operation means. It is configured to perform sterilization water discharge control, and when performing the sterilization water discharge control, electrolysis by the sterilization water generating means is not performed in order to wash away dirt attached to the sterilization target. A dirt removing step for discharging water from the discharge means, and the discharge means for discharging the sterilized water generated by electrolysis by the sterilization water generation means in order to sterilize the surface of the sterilization target. And the sterilization process to be discharged from the process, and the adsorption process is performed in the dirt removal process, and the detachment process is performed in the sterilization process. And controlling the stage.

  The disinfecting water discharge device according to the present invention includes a water supply channel through which water supplied from the outside passes. In addition, an ion adsorbing unit and a sterilized water generating unit arranged along the water supply path are provided, and these are configured to generate sterilized water from the water supplied from the outside. The generated sterilized water is discharged from a discharge unit disposed in a downstream portion of the water supply channel. In addition, the disinfecting water discharge device according to the present invention includes an operation unit that is a part operated by a user so that disinfecting water is discharged from the discharge unit, and a control unit that controls generation and discharge of the disinfecting water. Are further provided.

  The ion adsorbing means is arranged in a part of the water supply channel, and adsorbs and collects (accumulates) chloride ions contained in the water in the water supply channel, and detachment that releases the collected chloride ions. Both processing and processing can be executed. When the adsorption process is being performed, chloride ions contained in the water in the water supply channel are adsorbed by the ion adsorbing means, and the amount of adsorption increases. When the separation process is executed, the adsorbed chloride ions are separated from the ion adsorbing means, and the amount of adsorption decreases. At this time, if the flow rate of the water in the water supply channel is not zero, the separated chloride ions move to the downstream side together with the water.

  The sterilized water generating means is disposed in the downstream portion of the water supply channel from the ion adsorbing means, and is for generating 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. For this reason, the concentration of hypochlorous acid contained in the generated sterilized water increases as the concentration of chloride ions contained in the water in the water supply channel increases. That is, the sterilization performance of the generated sterilized water is enhanced.

  A discharge means is arrange | positioned in the part downstream from the said sterilization water production | generation means among water supply paths, and is for discharging the sterilization water produced | generated by the sterilization water production | generation means outside. As already described, the discharge of the sterilized water from the discharge means is performed based on the user's operation performed on the operation means. Further, the generation and discharge of the sterilized water are controlled by the control means. Control for discharging sterilized water from the discharge means based on an operation performed on the operation means is referred to as “sterilized water discharge control”.

  The control means is configured to sequentially execute a dirt removal step and a sterilization step when performing the sterilization water discharge control. The dirt removal 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 process is to discharge the sterilized water (water containing hypochlorous acid) generated by electrolysis by the sterilized water generating means in order to sterilize the surface of the sterilized object. It is a process to make. That is, the process of discharging the sterilized water after passing through the process of discharging normal water that is not the sterilized water (dirt removal process) instead of immediately starting to discharge the sterilized water when the operation means is operated. The control means is configured to perform (sterilization step).

  According to experiments conducted by the present inventors, when sterilized water is discharged in a state where dirt is attached to the sterilized object, the concentration of hypochlorous acid contained in the sterilized water decreases due to the dirt. Therefore, the knowledge that the sanitization performance will fall is acquired. For this reason, in order to fully exhibit the sterilization performance of the sterilized water, it is desirable to remove in advance the dirt adhering to the sterilization target.

  In the present invention, since the dirt removing step is executed prior to the sterilization step as described above, it is possible to use such that the dirt adhering to the sterilization target is washed off in advance in the dirt removing step.

  Further, the control means is configured to control the ion adsorbing means so that the adsorption process is executed in the dirt removing process and the detachment process is executed in the sterilization process. By such control, in the dirt removal process (which does not require discharge of sterilized water), chloride ions are adsorbed and collected by adsorption treatment, and the concentration (accumulated amount) of chloride ions in the ion adsorption means is set in advance. It can be kept in an elevated state. In the sterilization step, chloride ions are separated from the ion adsorbing means by the detachment process, so water containing high-concentration chloride ions is supplied to the downstream sterilized water generating means. As a result, high concentration hypochlorous acid is generated by electrolysis in the sterilized water generating means, and sterilized water having sufficient sterilizing performance is discharged from the discharge means.

  As described above, in the disinfecting water discharge apparatus according to the present invention, when an operation for discharging disinfecting water is performed by a user, first, after collecting chloride ions and increasing the concentration, hypochlorous acid Acid generation takes place. For this reason, it is possible to discharge sterilized water (water containing high concentration hypochlorous acid) having sufficient sterilization performance at a timing required by the user while being almost maintenance-free. Yes.

  The period from when the operating means is operated until the discharge of the sterilized water is used as a period for collecting and increasing the concentration of chloride ions as described above. It is also used as the execution period of the dirt removal process necessary to fully demonstrate the performance of the bacterial water. Thus, in the present invention, the period from when the operation means is operated until the discharge of the sterilized water is started is not used as a wasteful waiting time but is used effectively.

  Further, in the sterilized water discharge device according to the present invention, the control means may be configured so that the hypochlorous acid concentration of the sterilized water discharged from the discharge means in the sterilization step is reduced to a predetermined concentration or less. It is also preferable that the discharge of the sterilized water is automatically stopped.

  The sterilization step is a step of generating and discharging sterilized water from the chloride ions accumulated in advance in the dirt removing step (adsorbed on the ion adsorbing means). In the sterilization process, the amount of accumulated chloride ions decreases with the passage of time, and eventually disappears. Therefore, when the discharge of the sterilized water is stopped based on the user's operation, the discharge of the sterilized water is continued even after the accumulated chloride ions are exhausted. It is possible. In such a case, water and electric power will be wasted by discharge of the sterilized water with insufficient sterilization performance.

  Therefore, in this preferred embodiment, the control means does not wait for the user's manual operation before the hypochlorous acid concentration of the sterilized water discharged from the discharge means in the sterilization step falls below a predetermined concentration. The discharge of the sterilized water is automatically stopped. Since the discharge of the sterilized water is automatically stopped before the sterilized water has insufficient sterilization performance, it is possible to suppress the wasteful consumption of water and power as described above. .

  The disinfecting water discharge device according to the present invention further includes an adsorption amount detection means for detecting the amount of the chloride ions adsorbed on the ion adsorption means, and the control means detects the adsorption amount detection. It is also preferable that the discharge of the sterilized water is automatically stopped based on the amount of the chloride ions detected by the means.

  As a configuration for automatically stopping the discharge of the sterilized water before the hypochlorous acid concentration falls below the predetermined concentration, for example, the removal can be performed when a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the sterilization process. A configuration in which the discharge of the bacterial water is automatically stopped is conceivable. However, the amount of chloride ions accumulated in the dirt removal step varies depending on the state of the ion adsorbing means (for example, the surface state of the surface to be adsorbed) and also varies depending on the concentration of chloride ions in the tap water. For this reason, in the sterilization process, it is difficult to predict the time required for the hypochlorous acid concentration to fall below a predetermined concentration, and it is appropriate to set the time for the sterilization process as a fixed value. Absent.

  Therefore, in this preferred embodiment, an adsorption amount detecting means for detecting the amount of chloride ions adsorbed on the ion adsorbing means is provided, and the amount (accumulated amount of chloride ions) detected by the adsorption amount detecting means is provided. The control means is configured to automatically stop the discharge of the sterilized water based on the amount of chloride ions). For this reason, even if the amount of chloride ions accumulated in the dirt removal process has changed, the discharge of sanitized water should be stopped at an appropriate timing based on the amount of chloride ions actually accumulated. Can do. In other words, as much sterilized water as possible can be discharged as long as sterilized water having sufficient sterilizing performance can be discharged.

  In the sterilizing water discharge device according to the present invention, the flow rate of water discharged from the discharge means in the dirt removal step is higher than the flow rate of the sterilized water discharged from the discharge means in the sterilization step. A large size is also preferable.

  In this preferred embodiment, the flow rate of water discharged from the discharge means in the dirt removing step is larger than the flow rate of the sterilized water discharged from the discharge means in the sterilization step. In the dirt removal process, water is discharged at a large flow rate, so that the dirt adhering to the sterilization target can be washed off reliably, and a sufficient amount of chloride ions are adsorbed to the ion adsorption means in a short time. (Accumulate). In addition, since the sterilization water is discharged at a small flow rate in the sterilization process, in addition to extending the discharge time of the sterilization water (with a limited total amount), the sterilization water adheres to the sterilization target ( It is possible to perform reliable sterilization.

  In the sterilized water discharge device according to the present invention, the control means temporarily discharges water from the discharge means after the dirt removal process is completed and before the sterilization process is started. It is also configured to execute a water stop process for stopping, and it is also preferable to control the ion adsorbing means so as to stop the adsorption process in the water stop process.

  When the adsorption process of the ion adsorbing means is performed until the time immediately before the sterilization process is started, the detachment of chloride ions is gradually performed from the start of the sterilization process. For this reason, in the initial stage of the sterilization process, the amount of chloride ions reaching the sterilized water generating means from the ion adsorption means is not sufficient, and the concentration of hypochlorous acid in the discharged sterilized water becomes low. There is a possibility.

  Therefore, in this preferred embodiment, the control means is configured to execute the water stop process after the dirt removal process is completed and before the sterilization process is started. The water stopping step is a step of stopping the adsorption process of the ion adsorbing unit in a state where the discharge of water from the discharging unit is temporarily stopped.

  In order to execute such a water stop process between the dirt removal process and the sterilization process, some chloride ions were removed from the ion adsorption means before the sterilization process was started (water stop process). It can be in a state. As a result, in the sterilization process, since a sufficient amount (concentration) of chloride ions reaches the sterilization water generating means from the beginning, sterilization water having sufficient sterilization performance is obtained from the initial stage of the sterilization process. It can be discharged.

  In addition, most of the water discharged in the dirt removal process and remaining on the surface of the sterilization target (hereinafter also referred to as “residual water”) falls from the sterilization target during the water stop process. . For this reason, in the subsequent sterilization step, the sterilized water that has reached the surface of the sterilization target is not diluted by the residual water, and the sterilization performance of the sterilized water can be reliably exhibited. .

  In the sterilizing water discharge device according to the present invention, in the sterilization step, it is possible to temporarily stop the discharge of the sterilized water from the discharge means, and the control means includes the It is also preferable to control the ion adsorption means so as to stop the detachment process when the discharge of the sterilizing water is temporarily stopped.

  In this preferable aspect, in the sterilization step, the discharge of the sterilized water from the discharge means can be temporarily stopped. In addition, when the discharge of the sterilizing water is temporarily stopped, the control unit controls the ion adsorption unit so as to stop the separation process.

  Since the discharge of the sterilized water can be temporarily stopped and restarted later, the sterilized water can be discharged immediately without going through the dirt removing step when restarting. Further, when the discharge of the sterilizing water is temporarily stopped, the detachment process of the ion adsorbing means is stopped, so that all chloride ions may be detached from the ion adsorbing means during the temporary stop. Absent. Therefore, it is possible to prevent discharge of excess concentration of sterilized water at the time of restart.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to appropriately discharge sterilized water having sufficient sterilization performance while requiring almost no maintenance, without requiring supplementation of an external medicine or the like at a timing required by the user. It is possible to provide a disinfecting water discharge device that can be used.

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 shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the operation part of the disinfection water discharge apparatus shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the disinfection water discharge apparatus shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the flow of the water in the disinfection water discharge apparatus shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the change etc. of the adsorption amount of a chloride ion when the disinfection water discharge apparatus shown in FIG. 1 operate | moves. It is a figure for demonstrating an example of the cooking operation performed in the kitchen shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows typically the structure of the disinfection water discharge apparatus shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the disinfection water discharge apparatus shown in FIG.

  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.

  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), which stand on the back side of the upper surface of the sink SK as viewed from the user. ing. 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. 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.

  The operation unit 300 is disposed 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 has a function as an operation unit operated by the user, and also has a function as a display unit that notifies the user of the operation state of the sterilized water discharge device WD. 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 first flow path switching valve 410 disposed in the middle of the water supply pipe 110 and the sterilization spout 200. A state in which water from the water pipe is supplied to the main spout 100 through the water supply pipe 110 by the first flow path switching valve 410, and a sterilization spout 200 through which the water from the water pipe passes through the sterilizing water pipe 130. The state to be supplied to is switched.

  In the middle of the sterilizing water pipe 130, a concentration tank 500 and an electrolytic tank 600 are arranged in order from the upstream side. The concentration tank 500 and the electrolytic tank 600 are both hollow containers, and are arranged so as to constitute a part of the flow path connected to the sterilization spout 200 together with the sterilization water pipe 130.

A pair of electrodes 510 and 511 (not shown in FIG. 2) are arranged inside the concentration tank 500, and a voltage can be applied between them. When a voltage is applied so that the electrode 510 serves as an anode, chloride ions (Cl ⁻ ) contained in water inside the concentration tank 500 are adsorbed on the electrode 510 and collected. At this time, if water flows inside the sterilizing water pipe 130, new chloride ions are supplied to the inside of the concentration tank 500 and adsorbed to the electrode 510, so that the adsorption amount of chloride ions gradually increases. Go. In other words, chloride ions are accumulated inside the concentration tank 500 (on the surface of the electrode 510 and in the vicinity thereof), and the concentration thereof increases. In this manner, a process in which a voltage is applied so that the electrode 510 serves as an anode and chloride ions are adsorbed on the surface of the electrode 510 is hereinafter referred to as an adsorption process. The electrode 510 corresponds to the ion adsorption means of the present invention.

  On the other hand, after the chloride ions are collected as described above, when a voltage is applied so that the electrode 510 becomes a cathode, the adsorbed chloride ions are gradually separated from the electrode 510. At this time, if water is flowing through the sterilizing water pipe 130, the separated chloride ions move downstream. That is, water containing a high concentration of chloride ions is supplied to the electrolytic cell 600 on the downstream side. In this manner, a process in which a voltage is applied so that the electrode 510 serves as a cathode and chloride ions are released from the surface of the electrode 510 is hereinafter referred to as a release process.

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. As is clear from the above description, the higher the concentration of chloride ions in the water supplied to the electrolytic cell 600, the lower the concentration of hypochlorous acid contained in the generated sterilized water (the sterilization performance of the sterilized water). May also be high). When water containing high-concentration chloride ions is supplied from the concentration tank 500 to the electrolysis tank 600, high-concentration sterilization water is generated in the electrolysis tank 600 based on this, and the sterilization spout on the downstream side is produced. 200 is supplied and discharged.

  The control unit 700 controls operations of various devices constituting the sterilized water discharge device WD, such as the first flow path switching valve 410, the concentration tank 500, and the electrolytic tank 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 first flow path switching valve 410 and the like based on the operation signal.

  Further, the controller 700 has a value of a current flowing between the electrodes in the concentrating tank 500 (a current output from a power source that applies a voltage between the electrodes 510 and 511. Hereinafter, also referred to as “concentrating tank current”). Is entered. The value of the concentration tank current corresponds to the adsorption rate (or desorption rate) of chloride ions on the electrode 510. That is, the larger the amount of chloride ions adsorbed per unit time with respect to the electrode 510, the larger the value of the concentration tank current becomes on the positive side. Further, the larger the amount of chloride ions that desorb from the electrode 510 per unit time, the larger the value of the concentration tank current becomes on the negative side. As will be described later, the control unit 700 controls the concentration tank 500 and the like based on the input concentration tank current. Further, the display of the operation unit 300 is switched based on the concentration tank current.

  A specific configuration of the operation unit 300 will be described with reference to FIG. As already described, the operation unit 300 is arranged on the upper surface of the sink SK and has a function as an operation unit operated by the user, and also displays the operation state of the sterilized water discharge device WD to the user. It also has a function as a part. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the operation unit 300 includes a start operation unit 310, a pause operation unit 320, and a water amount setting operation unit 330. Further, it further includes a discharge state display unit 340, a prewash display unit 350, a sterilized water remaining amount display unit 360, a set water amount display unit 370, and a notification sound generation unit 380.

  The start operation 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 sterilized water discharge device WD, even if the start operation unit 310 is pressed, the sterilized water is not discharged at that time, and first, normal water (which does not contain hypochlorous acid) is sterilized. The spout 200 is discharged. After that, when the start operation unit 310 is pushed again by the user, discharge of sterilized water containing hypochlorous acid is started. In other words, the water discharged from the disinfecting spout 200 is switched from normal water to disinfecting water. In the following, 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. The sterilization performance of the sterilized water does not deteriorate due to the dirt adhering to the sterilized object, and the growth of bacteria on the sterilized object can be reliably suppressed.

  After the start operation unit 310 is pressed twice to start discharging the sterilized water, the discharge of the sterilized water is automatically stopped without waiting for an operation by the user. The total amount of the sterilized water discharged before the automatic stop can be generally set in advance by the user operating the water amount setting operation unit 330. The water amount setting operation unit 330 is a button operated by the user.

  The setting is displayed on the set water amount display unit 370. The set water amount display unit 370 is composed of three LEDs of “large”, “medium”, and “small”, and one of them is lit. For example, in a state where the “large” LED is lit, the total amount of the sterilized water discharged before the automatic stop is set to be the largest. In this state, when the water amount setting operation unit 330 is pressed once, the “medium” LED is lit in the set water amount display unit 370, and the total amount of sterilized water discharged before the automatic stop is (large Is set to be less than When the water amount setting operation unit 330 is pressed again, the “small” LED is turned on in the set water amount display unit 370 so that the total amount of sterilized water discharged before the automatic stop is minimized. Is set.

  As described above, the discharge of the sterilized water automatically stops, but when the user presses the pause operation unit 320, the discharge of the sterilized water can be temporarily stopped at that time. It has become. The discharge of the sterilized water is resumed when the user presses the pause operation unit 320 again.

  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 pre-washing display unit 350 includes three LEDs, and displays an indication of the timing at which the sterilized water can be discharged depending on the lighting state of these LEDs. In addition, the sterilized water remaining amount display unit 360 includes three LEDs. Depending on the lighting state of these, the timing for automatically stopping the discharge of the sterilized water (the timing when there is no remaining amount of sterilized water that can be discharged) Good) is displayed. The notification sound generator 380 is a so-called buzzer, and notifies the operation state of the sterilized water discharge device WD based on the number of electronic sounds emitted. Regarding the specific notification operation (change in display and generation of electronic sound) by the discharge state display unit 340, the prewash display unit 350, the sterilized water remaining amount display unit 360, and the notification sound generation unit 380, the sterilization water discharge A description will now be given together with specific operations of the entire apparatus WD.

  A specific operation of the disinfecting water discharge device WD will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of the sterilized water discharge device WD. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the flow of water in the sterilized water discharge device WD, and shows how the internal flow path state is switched in accordance with the operation of the sterilized water discharge device WD.

  FIG. 6 is a graph showing changes in the adsorption amount of chloride ions and the like when the disinfecting water discharge device WD operates. FIG. 6A shows the change over time in the amount of chloride ions adsorbed on the electrode 510. FIG. 6B shows a change over time in the magnitude of the voltage applied between the electrodes 510 and 511. In the figure, the direction of the voltage in which the electrode 510 side becomes the anode is shown as positive. FIG. 6C shows the change over time in the magnitude of the concentration tank current. In the figure, the direction of the concentration tank current flowing from the electrode 510 side to the electrode 511 side is shown as positive.

  The series of processes shown in FIG. 4 is repeatedly executed by the control unit 700 every time a predetermined time has elapsed, including when the sterilized water discharge device WD is in a standby state (a state where water is not discharged). It is what is done.

  In step S01, it is determined whether an operation for discharging sterilized water has been performed. That is, it is determined whether the start operation unit 310 of the operation unit 300 is pressed. If start operation unit 310 is not pressed, the process of step S01 is repeated. At this time, the first flow path switching valve 410 is closed, and water from the water pipe is not supplied to the main spout 100 side or the concentration tank 500 side.

  When the start operation unit 310 is pressed, the process proceeds to step S02, and the dirt removing process is started. When the control unit 700 receives from the operation unit 300 a signal (operation signal) due to the start operation unit 310 being pressed, the first flow path switching valve 410 is supplied so that water from the water pipe is supplied to the concentration tank 500 side. Switch the status. FIG. 5A shows the state at this time. As indicated by the arrows in the figure, the water from the water pipe passes through the sterilizing water pipe 130 in the order of the first flow path switching valve 410, the concentration tank 500, and the electrolytic tank 600, and then the sterilization spout. 200 is discharged to the sink SK.

  Further, the controller 700 starts the adsorption process almost simultaneously with switching the state of the first flow path switching valve 410 as described above (step S03). That is, the voltage V1 is applied to the electrodes 510 and 511 arranged in the concentration tank 500 so that the electrode 510 becomes an anode. As a result, chloride ions contained in the water passing through the sterilizing water pipe 130 are adsorbed on the surface of the electrode 510, and as shown in FIG. 6A (period until time t10), the adsorbed amount. Will increase over time. Chloride ions are accumulated inside the concentration tank 500 (on the surface of the electrode 510 and in the vicinity thereof), and its concentration increases.

  At this time, the amount of chloride ions adsorbed on the electrode 510 does not increase infinitely, but gradually increases gradually. As shown in FIG. 6A, the adsorption amount eventually becomes a constant value (upper limit CS2) and does not increase any further. Further, as shown in FIG. 6 (C), the concentration tank current gradually decreases and finally becomes 0 (time t20).

  In the dirt removing step, no voltage is applied to the electrodes arranged inside the electrolytic cell 600. Since the amount of chloride ions reaching the electrolytic cell 600 is small and electrolysis is not performed, 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. Precisely, water having a lower chloride ion concentration than tap water is discharged.

  In step S04 following the start of the adsorption process in step S03, it is determined whether the amount of chloride ions adsorbed on the electrode 510 exceeds a predetermined determination value CS1. Specifically, it is determined whether or not the detected concentration tank current value is lower than a predetermined value (the concentration tank current value corresponding to the determination value CS1).

  If the value of the concentration tank current is not lower than the predetermined value in step S04 (when the adsorption amount of chloride ions does not exceed the determination value CS1), the process proceeds to step S21, and the sterilized water is discharged. It is determined whether an operation for starting has been performed by the user. That is, it is determined whether the start operation unit 310 of the operation unit 300 is pressed again. However, even if the start operation unit 310 is pressed again, the sterilization process is not started because the adsorption amount of chloride ions to the electrode 510 is not sufficient at this time. In this case, the user is informed that the dirt removal process is continued by emitting an electronic sound from the notification sound generator 380 (step S22). However, the fact that the start operation unit 310 is pressed again is stored in the memory in the control unit 700 (step S23). Steps S04 and S21 are repeatedly executed until the amount of chloride ions adsorbed on the electrode 510 exceeds the determination value CS1.

  If it is determined in step S04 that the concentration tank current value has fallen below the predetermined value (the amount of chloride ions adsorbed on the electrode 510 has exceeded the determination value CS1), the process proceeds to step S05. In step S05, the discharge state display unit 340 (which has been extinguished until then) is blinked to notify the user that the disinfecting water can be discharged. This time point is shown as time t10 in FIG.

  The determination value CS1 is set based on the display of the set water amount display unit 370 at the start of the dirt removing process (step S02). For example, when the “large” LED of the set water amount display unit 370 is lit by the operation of the water amount setting operation unit 330, the largest value is set as the determination value CS1. As a result, a large amount of chloride ions are adsorbed and accumulated on the electrode 510 in a state where the discharge of the sterilizing water is prohibited. In addition, when the “small” LED of the set water amount display unit 370 is lit by the operation of the water amount setting operation unit 330, the smallest value is set as the determination value CS1. As a result, a small amount of chloride ions are adsorbed and accumulated on the electrode 510 in a state where the discharge of the sterilizing water is prohibited. In this way, the user can select the amount of chloride ions accumulated during the dirt removal step.

  In the dirt removal process from step S03 to step S07 (described later), the control unit 700 changes the display of the prewash display unit 350 including three LEDs, thereby indicating the timing at which the sterilized water can be discharged. Is displayed. Specifically, as the value of the detected concentration tank current decreases, the number of lit LEDs is gradually increased, and the value of the concentration tank current falls below a predetermined value (electrode At the time when the adsorption amount of chloride ions with respect to 510 exceeds the judgment value CS1, all the LEDs constituting the prewash display unit 350 are turned on.

  In step S06 following step S05, the control unit 700 determines whether an operation for starting discharge of the sterilized water has been performed by the user. That is, it is determined whether the start operation unit 310 of the operation unit 300 is pressed again. If start operation unit 310 is not pressed, the process of step S06 is repeated. If the start operation unit 310 has been pressed in step S06, the process proceeds to step S07. However, if it is stored in the memory in the control unit 700 that the start operation unit 310 has already been pressed during the dirt removal process, the process proceeds from step S06 to step S07 immediately. The time point when the process proceeds to step S07 is shown as time t20 in FIG.

  In step S07, the dirt removing process is terminated. Specifically, the control unit 700 returns the first flow path switching valve 410 to the closed state, and stops the discharge of water from the sterilization spout 200. At the same time, the voltage applied to the electrodes 510 and 511 is set to 0, and the adsorption process is terminated (step S08). As a result, the chloride ions adsorbed on the electrode 510 begin to gradually desorb. However, since the flow of water is stopped inside the concentration tank 500, the separated chloride ions remain in the concentration tank 500. In the entire interior of the concentration tank 500, the concentration of chloride ions gradually increases from time t20.

  No voltage is still applied to the electrodes disposed inside the electrolytic cell 600. For this reason, electrolysis is not performed inside the electrolytic cell 600, and hypochlorous acid is not generated.

  In subsequent step S09, the controller 700 measures the elapsed time using a timer. Step S09 is repeatedly executed during the period from the completion of the dirt removal step in step S07 until the elapse of a predetermined period. That is, the state where the discharge of water from the sterilization spout 200 is stopped is continued. Hereinafter, the process of continuing such a state is also referred to as a water stop process. When a predetermined period elapses after the transition to step S07, the water stop process is terminated and the routine proceeds from step S09 to step S10. This time point is shown as time t30 in FIG.

  In step S10, a sterilization process is started. Specifically, the control unit 700 switches the state of the first flow path switching valve 410 so that water from the water pipe is supplied to the concentration tank 500 side. As a result, water discharge is resumed from the sterilization spout 200. FIG. 5B shows the state at this time. At this time, the flow rate of water supplied from the first flow path switching valve 410 to the concentration tank 500 is smaller than the flow rate of water in the dirt removing step. Such a change in the flow rate is performed by a flow rate adjustment mechanism included in the first flow path switching valve 410. However, a separate flow rate adjustment valve is disposed in the middle of the sterilizing water pipe 130, and the flow rate adjustment valve is controlled by the control unit 700. May be performed by controlling.

  Moreover, the range of the flow of the sterilized water discharged from the sterilization spout 200 is wider than the range of the water flow discharged in the dirt removal step. Such switching of the water flow range is performed by an internal mechanism (not shown) disposed 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, water may be discharged from the other flow path and discharge port. Even with such a configuration, the range (thickness) of the water flow can be made different between the dirt removal step and the sterilization step.

  Simultaneously with the start of the sterilization process, the control unit 700 starts the detachment process in the concentration tank 500 (step S11). That is, as shown in FIG. 6B, the voltage V2 is applied to the electrodes 510 and 511 arranged in the concentration tank 500 so that the electrode 510 becomes a cathode (time t30). As a result, chloride ions adsorbed on the surface of the electrode 510 gradually desorb from the electrode 510 (at a desorption rate faster than the desorption rate in the water stopping process). As shown in FIG. 6C, after time t30 when the separation process is started, a negative concentration tank current flows, and the current value gradually approaches a certain value. This is because, as shown in FIG. 6A, as the amount of chloride ions adsorbed on the electrode 510 decreases, the amount of chloride ions released from the electrode 510 per unit time ( This is due to the gradual decrease in the separation speed.

  Further, at the same time when the separation process is started as described above in step S <b> 11, the control unit 700 starts electrolysis by applying a voltage to the electrodes arranged inside the electrolytic cell 600. Inside the electrolytic bath 600, water containing high-concentration chloride ions is supplied from the concentration bath 500 by the above-described detachment process and the flow of water in the sterilizing water pipe 130. As a result, high concentration hypochlorous acid is generated in the electrolytic bath 600 by electrolysis, and sterilized water having sufficient sterilizing performance is discharged from the sterilizing spout 200.

  In step S12 following step S11, the controller 700 determines whether or not an operation for temporarily stopping the discharge of the sterilized water has been performed by the user. That is, it is determined whether or not the pause operation unit 320 of the operation unit 300 is pressed. If temporary stop operation part 320 is not pushed, it will transfer to Step S13 and will continue a sterilization process.

  In step S13, it is determined whether or not the amount of chloride ions adsorbed on the electrode 510 is below a predetermined determination value CS0. Specifically, it is determined whether or not the detected concentration tank current value exceeds a predetermined value (the concentration tank current value corresponding to the determination value CS0).

  When the value of the concentration tank current does not exceed the predetermined value, the process returns to step S12 and the sterilization process is continued. When the value of the concentration tank current exceeds the predetermined value (when the absolute value of the concentration tank current decreases and approaches 0), the chloride ions accumulated in the concentration tank 500 are almost exhausted. Therefore, the sterilized water having sufficient sterilization performance cannot be discharged any more. For this reason, it transfers to step S14 and stops a disinfection process. Specifically, the control unit 700 returns the first flow path switching valve 410 to the closed state and automatically discharges sterilized water from the sterilization spout 200 (without being based on the user's operation). Stop. At the same time, the voltage applied to the electrodes 510 and 511 is set to 0, and the separation process is terminated (step S15). This time point is shown as time t60 in FIG.

  If the pause operation unit 320 has been pressed in step S12, the process proceeds to step S31 to temporarily stop the sterilization process. FIG. 6 shows an example when the pause operation unit 320 is pressed at time t40.

  In step S31, the controller 700 returns the first flow path switching valve 410 to the closed state, and temporarily stops the discharge of the sterilized water from the sterilization spout 200. At the same time, the voltage applied to the electrodes 510 and 511 is set to 0, and the separation process is temporarily stopped (step S32).

  Thereafter, when the pause operation unit 320 is pressed again, the sterilization process is resumed. Specifically, the control unit 700 switches the state of the first flow path switching valve 410 so that water from the water pipe is supplied to the concentration tank 500 side. At the same time, a voltage is applied to the electrodes 510 and 511 to restart the separation process. Disinfection water discharge is resumed from the sterilization spout 200, and the processing after step S12 as described above is performed. This time point is shown as time t50 in FIG.

  As described above, since the discharge of the sterilized water can be temporarily stopped and restarted later, the sterilized water can be immediately discharged without passing through the dirt removing process at the time of restart. In addition, when the discharge of the sterilizing water is temporarily stopped, the separation process is also stopped, so that all chloride ions are not detached from the electrode 510 during the temporary stop. Therefore, at the time of resumption, an excessive concentration of chloride ions is not supplied to the electrolytic cell 600, and an excessive concentration of sterilized water is not discharged from the sterilization spout 200.

  In the sterilization process from Step S10 to Step S14, the control unit 700 automatically stops the discharge of the sterilized water by changing the display of the sterilized water remaining amount display unit 360 including three LEDs. Display the target timing. Specifically, all three LEDs are turned on at the start of the sterilization process in step S10. Thereafter, as the absolute value of the detected concentration tank current decreases, the number of LEDs that are lit is gradually decreased. When the absolute value of the concentration tank current falls below a predetermined value (when the amount of chloride ions adsorbed on the electrode 510 falls below the judgment value CS0), all LEDs constituting the sterilized water remaining amount display unit 360 are turned off. Let the state be

  As described above, in the sterilized water discharge device WD according to the present embodiment, when an operation for discharging the sterilized water (pressing the start operation unit 310) is performed by the user, chloride is removed by the dirt removing process. After collecting and increasing the concentration of ions, hypochlorous acid is generated and discharged by a sterilization process. For this reason, it is possible to discharge sterilized water having sufficient sterilization performance at a timing required by the user while being almost maintenance-free.

  In addition, the control unit 700 of the sterilizing water discharge device WD determines the sterilizing water when the absolute value of the concentration tank current falls below a predetermined value (the absolute value of the concentration tank current corresponding to the determination value CS0) in the sterilization process. Discharging is stopped (steps S13 and S14). Here, the value of the concentration tank current corresponds to the adsorption rate (or desorption rate) of chloride ions with respect to the electrode 510. Further, the adsorption rate (or desorption rate) of chloride ions on the electrode 510 varies depending on the amount of chloride ions adsorbed on the electrode 510. Therefore, the above-described control performed by the control unit 700 is performed before the amount of chloride ions adsorbed on the electrode 510 decreases and the hypochlorous acid concentration contained in the sterilized water decreases below a predetermined concentration. It can be said that the control is to automatically stop the discharge of the sterilized water.

  Since the discharge of the sterilized water is automatically stopped before the sterilized water has the insufficient sterilization performance, it is possible to suppress wasteful consumption of water and electric power. In addition, even if the amount of chloride ions accumulated in the dirt removal process changes depending on the quality of tap water, etc., the sterilized water can be removed at an appropriate timing based on the amount of chloride ions actually accumulated. It is the structure which stops discharge. In other words, as much sterilized water as possible can be discharged as long as sterilized water having sufficient sterilizing performance can be discharged.

  In the sterilizing water discharge device WD, the flow rate of water discharged from the sterilization spout 200 in the dirt removal step is larger than the flow rate of sterilization water discharged from the sterilization spout 200 in the sterilization step. In the dirt removal process, water is discharged at a large flow rate, so that the dirt attached to the sterilization target can be surely washed off, and a sufficient amount of chloride ions are adsorbed on the electrode 510 in a short time. (Accumulate). In addition, since the sterilization water is discharged at a small flow rate in the sterilization process, in addition to extending the discharge time of the sterilization water (with a limited total amount), the sterilization water adheres to the sterilization target ( It is possible to perform reliable sterilization.

  Next, an example of a mode in which the sterilized water discharge device WD is used between cooking operations performed in the kitchen will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 7, a series of operations (first operation KS1, second operation KS2, third operation) from cutting of 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 shown in the upper part. Moreover, how the state in the concentrating tank 500 and the state in the electrolytic tank 600 transition according to the progress of the work is schematically illustrated in the lower part.

  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 start operation 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. At this time, an adsorption process is performed inside the concentration tank 500, and chloride ions are adsorbed on the electrode 510 and the amount of adsorption increases. When the adsorption amount is in a sufficient state, the discharge state display unit 340 that has been extinguished until then starts to flash.

  The user confirms the start of blinking of the discharge state display unit 340 and confirms that the dirt adhering to the cutting board KB and the knife KN has been sufficiently washed out, and then presses the start operation unit 310 again. Discharge of water from the disinfecting spout 200 is stopped, and a water stop process is 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, a separation process is performed inside the concentration tank 500, and chloride ions adsorbed on the surface of the electrode 510 gradually separate. Electrolysis is performed inside the electrolytic cell 600, and high concentration hypochlorous acid is generated from the high concentration chloride ions supplied from the concentration tank 500. Chloride ions adsorbed on the surface of the electrode 510 gradually decrease, and along with this, the concentration of hypochlorous acid in the sterilized water gradually decreases. Before the hypochlorous acid concentration falls below the predetermined concentration, the discharge of the sterilized water is automatically stopped.

  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.

  In addition, the period from when the start operation unit 310 is first pressed until the discharge of sterilized water is started is used as a period for collecting and increasing the concentration of chloride ions. It is also used as a period for washing away the stains on the cutting board KB and the knife KN so that the performance of the water is fully exhibited. Thus, in the sterilized water discharge device WD, the period from when the start operation unit 310 is pressed until the discharge of the sterilized water is started is effectively used instead of a wasteful waiting time. .

  Next, the operation of the sterilized water discharge device WD when discharging water from the main spout 100, that is, when the sterilized water discharge device WD is used as a normal faucet device will be described.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of the sterilizing water discharge device WD as in FIG. 2 and FIG. 5, but some pipes and the like that are not shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. The piping 140 and the second flow path switching valve 420) are drawn without omission.

  The second flow path switching valve 420 is a switching valve configured in the same manner as the first flow path switching valve 410, and is located at a position between the concentration tank 500 and the electrolytic tank 600 in the sterilized water pipe 130. Has been placed. The bypass pipe 140 is a pipe that connects the second flow path switching valve 420 and a portion of the water supply pipe 110 that is downstream of the first flow path switching valve 410. When the control unit 700 controls the second flow path switching valve 420, water flowing out from the concentration tank 500 to the downstream side is supplied to the electrolytic tank 600, and water flowing out from the concentration tank 500 to the downstream side is main. The state supplied to the spout 100 can be switched.

  As already described, water is discharged from the main spout 100 based on the user's operation on the operation lever 101. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the operation of the sterilized water discharge device WD when the operation lever 101 is operated to discharge water from the main spout 100. The series of processes shown in FIG. 9 is repeatedly executed by the control unit 700 every time a predetermined time elapses, including when the sterilized water discharge device WD is in a standby state (a state where water is not discharged). It is what is done.

When the user rotates the operation lever 101 (step S101), the control unit 700 first executes a suction process (step S102). Specifically, a voltage is applied so that the electrode 510 becomes an anode. Chloride ions (Cl ⁻ ) contained in the water inside the concentration tank 500 are adsorbed on the electrode 510 and collected. The value of the concentration tank current flowing between the electrodes in the concentration tank 500 is input to the control unit 700.

  At this time, if the amount of chloride ions adsorbed on the electrode 510 is small at the start of the adsorption process, the value of the concentration tank current increases. Conversely, if a large amount of chloride ions have already been adsorbed on the electrode 510, the value of the concentration tank current becomes small. Therefore, the control unit 700 can estimate the amount of chloride ions adsorbed on the electrode 510 based on the input value of the concentration tank current.

  In step S103 subsequent to step S102, it is determined whether the amount of chloride ions adsorbed on the electrode 510 is smaller than a predetermined determination value. Specifically, it is determined whether or not the detected concentration tank current value exceeds a predetermined value (the concentration tank current value corresponding to the determination value).

  When the value of the concentration tank current exceeds the predetermined value in step S103 (when the adsorption amount of chloride ions is smaller than the determination value), the process proceeds to step S104 while the adsorption process is being executed. To do. In step S104, the control unit 700 switches the state of the first flow path switching valve 410 so that water from the water pipe is supplied to the concentration tank 500 side. Further, the state of the second flow path switching valve 420 is switched so that water from the concentration tank 500 is supplied to the water supply pipe 110 side.

  FIG. 8A shows the state at this time. As indicated by the arrows in the figure, the water from the water pipe passes through the sterilizing water pipe 130 in the order of the first flow path switching valve 410, the concentration tank 500, and the second flow path switching valve 420, It passes through the water supply pipe 110 and is discharged from the main spout 100 to the sink SK. In the concentrating tank 500, tap water is supplied in a state where the adsorption treatment is performed, so that the amount of chloride ions adsorbed on the electrode 510 gradually increases. Further, the value of the concentration tank current gradually decreases.

  In step S103, when the value of the concentration tank current does not exceed the predetermined value (when the adsorption amount of chloride ions is equal to or larger than the determination value), the adsorption process is stopped (step S201), and the process proceeds to step S202. Transition. In step S202, the control unit 700 switches the state of the first flow path switching valve 410 so that water from the water pipe is supplied to the main spout 100 side. Further, the second flow path switching valve 420 is closed.

  FIG. 8B shows the state at this time. As indicated by the arrows in the figure, the water from the water pipe is supplied from the first flow path switching valve 410 to the water supply pipe 110 without passing through the inside of the sterilizing water pipe 130, and is sinked from the main spout 100. Discharged to SK. At this time, although the adsorption process is stopped, a sufficient amount of chloride ions has already been accumulated in the concentration tank 500. Since water from the water pipe does not pass through the concentration tank 500, the chloride ions accumulated in the concentration tank 500 are held as they are without decreasing.

  In step S105 performed following step S104 or step S202, the state of the operation lever 101 is confirmed by the control unit 700. If the operation lever 101 has been returned to the original state (a state in which water is not discharged) by the user, the first flow path switching valve 410 is returned to the closed state (step S106), and the series of processes is terminated. If the operation lever 101 is not returned to the original state, the process returns to step S103.

  As is clear from the above description, the disinfecting water discharge device WD executes the adsorption process in the concentration tank 500 even when discharging water from the main spout 100 based on the operation performed on the operation lever 101, It is configured to collect product ions. That is, not only in the dirt removing process that is performed when the start operation unit 310 is pressed, but also when the operation lever 101 is operated to discharge normal tap water, the collection of chloride ions by the adsorption process, It is configured to increase the concentration.

  With such a configuration, since a certain amount of chloride ions has already been accumulated in the concentration tank 500 when the start operation unit 310 is pushed, the time required to start the sterilization process ( It is possible to shorten the execution time of the dirt removal process. Further, it is possible to set so that more chloride ions are accumulated until the completion of the dirt removing process, and in the sterilization process, control is performed so as to discharge a large amount of sterilized water.

  Here, in the above configuration, when the start operation unit 310 is pushed so that the sterilizing water is discharged from the sterilization spout 200, a sufficient amount of chloride ions has already been contained in the concentration tank 500. In such a case, it seems that the dirt removing step may be omitted. However, in the disinfecting water discharge device WD, even when the adsorption amount of chloride ions detected (estimated) based on the concentration tank current is already sufficient when the start operation unit 310 is pushed, It is comprised so that a dirt removal process may be performed. In other words, even when it is not necessary to collect chloride ions any more, the configuration is such that the dirt removal step is performed without omission before discharging the sterilized water.

  If the stain removal process is performed each time, the user cannot predict the operation of the disinfecting water discharge device WD, which is not desirable from the viewpoint of usability. Therefore, in the disinfecting water discharge device WD, as described above, the control to always execute the dirt removing process is performed to increase the predictability of the user.

  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. .

  Further, the control unit 700 of the sterilized water discharge device WD detects (estimates) based on the concentration tank current when the start operation unit 310 is pushed so that the sterilized water is discharged from the sterilization spout 200. Even in the case where the adsorption amount of the chloride ion is already sufficient, control is performed so that the adsorption process is always executed in the dirt removing step.

  That is, before discharging the sterilized water, the adsorption process is always executed regardless of the amount of chloride ions accumulated in the concentration tank 500. For this reason, it is possible to always discharge a sufficient amount of sterilized water.

  In the sterilizing water discharge device WD, the adsorption process is also performed as described above when water is discharged from the main spout 100. However, the adsorption of chloride ions detected (estimated) based on the concentration tank current is performed. When the amount is sufficient, the suction processing started in step S102 is stopped in step S201. For this reason, deterioration of an electrode can be suppressed.

  When the adsorption amount of chloride ions detected (estimated) based on the concentration tank current is sufficient, the supplied tap water reaches the main spout 100 and is discharged without passing through the electrolytic tank 600. In addition, the internal flow path state is switched. With such a configuration, accumulated chloride ions are prevented from flowing out of the electrolytic cell 600.

  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, it is configured not to include two spouts as in the sterilized water discharge device WD, but to have a configuration including only one spout and to discharge normal tap water and sterilized water from the spout. It is good.

  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.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100: Main spout 101: Operation lever 110: Water supply piping 120: Hot water supply piping 130: Sanitization water piping 140: Bypass piping 200: Sanitization spout 300: Operation part 310: Start operation part 320: Pause operation part 330: Water amount setting operation unit 340: Discharge state display unit 350: Prewash display unit 360: Disinfected water remaining amount display unit 370: Set water amount display unit 380: Notification sound generation unit 410: First flow path switching valve 420: Second flow path Switching valve 500: Concentration tank 510, 511: Electrode 600: Electrolysis tank 700: Control unit KB: Plate KN: Kitchen knife M: Meat SK: Sink VG: Vegetable WD: Disinfecting water discharge device

Claims (6)

A disinfecting water discharge device for generating and discharging disinfecting water containing hypochlorous acid,
A water supply channel through which water supplied from outside passes,
An adsorption process that is arranged in a part of the water supply channel and adsorbs and collects chloride ions contained in the water in the water supply channel, and a separation process that releases the collected chloride ions. Ion adsorption means that can be implemented;
Disposed in the portion of the water supply channel downstream of the ion adsorbing means, sterilized water generating means for generating the sterilized water by electrolyzing the water in the water supply channel,
Disposed in the part of the water supply channel downstream of the sterilized water generating means, and a discharge means for discharging the sterilized water;
Operation means that is a part operated by a user so that the sterilized water is discharged from the discharge means;
Control means for controlling the generation and discharge of the sterilized water,
The control means includes
It is configured to perform disinfecting water discharge control for discharging the disinfecting water from the discharging means based on an operation performed on the operating means,
In performing the disinfecting water discharge control,
A dirt removing step for discharging water that has not been electrolyzed by the sterilized water generating means from the discharge means, in order to wash off dirt attached to the sterilization target , which is started by an operation performed on the operation means .
In order to sterilize the surface of the sterilization object, a sterilization step of sequentially discharging the sterilized water generated by electrolysis by the sterilized water generating means from the discharge means is executed. Is composed of
The sterilized water discharge device, wherein the ion adsorbing means is controlled so that the adsorption process is executed in the dirt removing step and the detachment process is executed in the sterilization step. The control means includes
It is configured to automatically stop the discharge of the sterilized water before the hypochlorous acid concentration of the sterilized water discharged from the discharge means in the sterilization step falls below a predetermined concentration. The sterilized water discharge device according to claim 1, wherein   An adsorption amount detection means for detecting the amount of the chloride ions adsorbed on the ion adsorption means is further provided, and the control means is based on the amount of the chloride ions detected by the adsorption amount detection means. The sterilized water discharge device according to claim 2, wherein the sterilized water discharge is automatically stopped.   The flow rate of water discharged from the discharge means in the dirt removing step is larger than the flow rate of the sterilized water discharged from the discharge means in the sterilization step. Disinfecting water discharge device. The control means includes
After the dirt removal step is completed, before the sterilization step is started,
It is configured to perform a water stop process for temporarily stopping the discharge of water from the discharge means,
The sterilized water discharge device according to claim 3, wherein the ion adsorbing means is controlled to stop the adsorption process in the water stopping step. In the sterilization step, it is possible to temporarily stop the discharge of the sterilized water from the discharge means,
The control means includes
The sterilized water discharge device according to claim 3, wherein when the discharge of the sterilized water is temporarily stopped, the ion adsorbing unit is controlled to stop the detachment process.

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