JP6703294B2 - Water discharge device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a water discharge device, and more particularly to a water discharge device that discharges water so that water spreads from a water discharge port.

Conventionally, there is known a water spouting device that spouts water so that water spreads from a water spouting port, in other words, a water spouting device that sprays water to spout water. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a hand washing device that sterilizes a hand by spraying electrolyzed water having a sterilizing function. Further, for example, Patent Document 2 discloses a technique of spraying electrolyzed water onto a bowl to wash the bowl surface and the like.

On the other hand, conventionally, there is known a technique of notifying a user of water discharge when performing water discharge. For example, in Patent Document 1, regarding a faucet device having an irradiation unit that irradiates light toward a water discharge flow, when a sensor detects an object to be detected, first, the irradiation unit irradiates light and then irradiates this light. Has disclosed a technique for discharging water with a slight delay.

JP, 11-241381, A JP, 10-28721, A JP, 2003-293405, A

In the spray water discharge as described in the above-mentioned Patent Documents 1 and 2, since the spray is hard to see, it is difficult to estimate the water discharge range. Further, in the spray water discharge, water is discharged over a range considerably wider than the water discharge port, which makes it more difficult to estimate the water discharge range. Therefore, when the spray water is discharged, there is a possibility that the water may unexpectedly land on a place that is not desired by the user, such as around the user or the water discharge device. In order to prevent such a problem, it is considered that before the spray water discharge is started, it is necessary to notify in advance that the spray water discharge will be started.

Here, in the above-mentioned Patent Document 3, it is described that the water discharge is performed with a slight delay from the light irradiation, but since the time interval between the light irradiation and the water discharge is considerably short, this light irradiation is It does not give advance notification that water discharge will start. In other words, as described in Patent Document 3, even if the light is irradiated before the start of the water discharge, it is not possible to prevent the water from landing on a portion that is not desired by the user. In addition, Patent Document 3 does not disclose the use of spray water discharge in the first place, and does not recognize the problem peculiar to the use of spray water discharge as described above. Therefore, as a matter of course, the idea of giving advance notification before the start of water discharge does not occur in order to prevent the user from landing on an undesired location due to spray water discharge.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is, in a water spouting device that spouts water such that water spreads from a water spout, prior to the start of this water spout, and to appropriately notify in advance that water will be spouted. ..

In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the present invention is a water spouting device, and a spouting part configured to spout water so that water spreads at a predetermined angle from a spouting port, and a landing position of the spouting part. It has a lighting unit for irradiating with light, and a control unit for controlling water discharge by the water discharge unit and irradiation of light by the lighting unit, and the control unit is a manual water discharge mode in which water is discharged from the water discharge unit when operated by the user. It is possible to selectively execute a regular water discharge mode in which water is automatically discharged from the water discharge unit when a predetermined time has elapsed, and the control unit automatically performs a predetermined time while the regular water discharge mode is being executed. when performing water discharge from to water discharger, a predetermined time before the start of water discharge from the water discharge portion, Rutotomoni is irradiated with light from the illumination unit, the illumination mode of the light by the illumination unit in the predetermined time, from the water discharge portion It is characterized in that the lighting unit is controlled so as to be different from the light irradiation mode by the lighting unit after the water discharge is started .
In the present invention thus configured, in the water spouting device having the water spouting part that spouts water (spray water spouting) so that the water spreads at a predetermined angle from the water spouting port, the water spouting device is more predetermined than the water spouting from the water spouting part. Since at least the landing position of the water discharger is illuminated with light from the illumination unit before the time, it is possible to appropriately notify the user in advance that water will be discharged. Therefore, it is possible to prevent undesired water from getting wet on an undesired portion of the user or around the water discharge device. For example, it is possible to prevent something that is not desired by the user from getting wet from an area that the user does not want, by separating from the water discharging apparatus or adjusting the water discharging direction of the water discharging apparatus.

In the present invention, preferably, the illuminating unit irradiates light toward the center of the water landing range of the water discharge unit.
In the present invention thus configured, since the light is emitted toward the central portion of the water landing range by the water spouting portion, the direction (water spouting direction) extending from the spout of the water spouting portion to the water landing range by the water spouting portion is set. You can let the user know.

In the present invention, preferably, the illumination unit irradiates light over a predetermined range.
In the present invention configured as described above, since light is emitted over a predetermined range, it is possible to let the user understand that water is being discharged from the water discharge unit over a certain range.

In the present invention, preferably, the illuminating unit irradiates light to almost the entire landing range of the water discharge unit.
In the present invention thus configured, since light is irradiated to almost the entire water landing range of the water spouting portion, it is possible to allow the user to appropriately grasp the water landing range of the water spouting portion, and use it by the subsequent water spouting. It is possible to more surely prevent an undesired person from getting wet.

In the present invention, preferably, the water discharge part is configured to be able to move the position of the water discharge port, and the illumination part is configured to move with the movement of the water discharge port of the water discharge part.
In the present invention configured as described above, when the user notifies the water discharge, if the user changes the water discharge direction by moving the water discharge port, it is possible that the user does not want to get wet. It can be surely prevented. In this case, since the illumination unit moves along with the movement of the water discharge port, the user can determine the landing position and the water arrival of the water discharge unit whose position has been changed based on the light emitted from the illumination unit whose position has been changed. The range can be appropriately estimated, and it is possible to more reliably prevent a place where the user does not want to get wet.

According to the water spouting device of the present invention, in a water spouting device that performs water spouting such that water spreads from a water spout, prior to the start of this water spouting, it is possible to appropriately notify in advance that water spouting will be performed. it can.

It is the perspective view which looked at the kitchen to which the water discharger by a 1st embodiment of the present invention was applied from diagonally above. It is the perspective view which looked at the water discharge device by a 1st embodiment of the present invention from the slanting upper part. FIG. 3 is a partial cross-sectional view of the water discharger according to the first embodiment of the present invention seen along line III-III in FIG. 2. FIG. 3 is a partial perspective view of the water discharger according to the first embodiment of the present invention as viewed in the direction of arrow A2 in FIG. 2. It is explanatory drawing about the water discharge range of the water discharge part and the irradiation range of 1st LED in 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows roughly the functional structure of the water discharge apparatus by 1st Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 6 is an explanatory view schematically showing the operation performed in the manual water discharge mode according to the first embodiment of the present invention. It is explanatory drawing which showed typically the operation|movement performed in the regular water discharge mode by 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the whole control flow performed in 1st Embodiment of this invention. 10 is a flowchart showing a control flow relating to the manual water discharge mode performed in step S3 of FIG. 9 in the first embodiment of the present invention. 10 is a flowchart showing a control flow relating to a regular water discharge mode performed in step S4 of FIG. 9 in the first embodiment of the present invention. It is the perspective view which looked at the hand-washing device to which the water discharger by a 2nd embodiment of the present invention was applied from the slanting upper part. It is the perspective view which looked at the water discharge device by a 2nd embodiment of the present invention from the slanting upper part. FIG. 14(A) is a front view of the water discharger according to the second embodiment of the present invention with the housing removed, and FIG. 14(B) is taken along line XIVB-XIVB in FIG. 14(A). FIG. It is explanatory drawing about the water discharge range of the water discharge part and the irradiation range of 1st LED in 2nd Embodiment of this invention.

Next, a water discharge device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

<First Embodiment>
First, the water discharger according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described.

(overall structure)
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a kitchen (system kitchen) to which the water discharger according to the first embodiment of the present invention is applied, as viewed obliquely from above.

As shown in FIG. 1, the kitchen 1 mainly serves as two water discharge devices 2 and 3 and a water receiving portion that receives the water discharged from the water discharge devices 2 and 3 and discharges the water from a drain port 4 a. And a sink 4. The water spouting device 2 is an auxiliary water spouting device that spouts water for the purpose of cleaning the sink 4, the drain port 4a, and the like. The water spouting device 2 is rotatably attached to the outer wall of the kitchen 1 as shown by an arrow A1. You can change the direction. The water discharger 2 is the water discharger according to the first embodiment. On the other hand, the water discharger 3 is a main water discharger that discharges water according to the operation of the operation unit 3a (handle) by the user and is used when the user normally uses water in the kitchen 1.

Next, the water discharger 2 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be specifically described with reference to FIGS. 2 to 4. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the water discharger 2 according to the first embodiment of the present invention seen obliquely from above, and FIG. 3 is a partial cross-sectional view of the water discharger 2 taken along line III-III in FIG. FIG. 4 is a partial perspective view of the water discharger 2 seen from the direction of arrow A2 in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 2, the water discharger 2 has a water discharge pipe 21 which is a curved tubular member, and the tip of this water discharge pipe 21 can be pushed in the horizontal direction indicated by arrow A3. The switch 22 (push switch) is provided. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, in the lower portion of the water discharge pipe 21 that extends in the horizontal direction, a nozzle-shaped water discharge portion 23 configured to perform spray water discharge (in other words, mist water discharge) from a water discharge port 23a. And a first LED (Light Emitting Diode) 24 that emits light such as blue light. The switch 22 located at the tip of the water discharge pipe 21 is provided with a second LED 25 that emits light such as green light (see also FIG. 2). Further, inside the water discharge pipe 21, a flow path 26 that is connected to the water discharge unit 23 and supplies water (including electrolyzed water described later) to the water discharge unit 23 is provided.

Next, the water discharge range of the water discharger 23 and the irradiation range of the first LED 24 in the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 5(A) to 5(C) respectively show side views of the water discharger 2 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

Reference numeral R11 in FIG. 5A indicates the water discharge range of the water discharger 23. As shown in FIG. 5(A), the water discharge part 23 is a spray water discharge range in which water spreads from the water discharge port 23a at a predetermined angle θ, in other words, a range wider than the cross-sectional area (diameter) of the water discharge port 23a. A fog-like water discharge is performed so that the water spreads over. The water discharger 23 creates a straight flow and a swirl flow inside thereof, and a synergistic effect of the straight flow and the swirl flow causes a single water discharge port 23a (a plurality of water discharge ports may be applied) to Spray water in a full cone shape.

The water discharger 23 also discharges water diagonally forward. Although not shown in FIG. 5(A), more specifically, the water discharger 23 discharges water obliquely toward the front and also discharges water obliquely toward the drainage port 4a (see FIG. 1) of the sink 4. To do. The water discharger 23 is arranged in the water discharge pipe 21 so as to discharge water in such a direction (water discharge direction). In other words, the water discharger 23 is disposed in the water discharge pipe 21 so as to be inclined with respect to each of the horizontal direction and the vertical direction so as to discharge water in a desired water discharge direction.

In addition, the “water contact range” of the water discharger 23 indicates a range in which the water sprayed and discharged by the water discharger 23 reaches a predetermined object (such as the sink 4) as shown in FIG. 5A. Further, the “water landing position” of the water discharger 23 indicates a position included in such a water landing range.

On the other hand, reference numeral R12 in FIG. 5(B) indicates the irradiation range of the first LED 24. As shown in FIG. 5(B), the first LED 24 emits light to a range similar to the water discharge range R11 of the water discharger 23 shown in FIG. 5(A). When the irradiation range R12 of the first LED 24 and the water discharge range R11 of the water discharge part 23 are overlapped, that is, when the water discharge part 23 performs spray water discharge and the first LED 24 emits light at the same time, FIG. As shown in.

As shown in FIG. 5C, in the present embodiment, the irradiation range R12 of the first LED 24 is made to substantially coincide with the water discharge range R11 of the water discharger 23. That is, the first LED 24 irradiates light to almost the entire water discharge range R11 of the water discharger 23. By doing so, the light emitted from the first LED 24 is used to notify the user of the spray water discharge by the water discharge unit 23. Therefore, the 1st LED24 is equivalent to the "illumination part" in this invention.

In order to realize the irradiation range R12 as described above, the first LED 24, like the water discharger 23, irradiates the light obliquely toward the front, and at the same time, the drain 4a of the sink 4 (see FIG. 1). Irradiate light diagonally. The 1st LED24 is arrange|positioned in the water discharge pipe 21 so that light may be irradiated in such a direction (irradiation direction). That is, the first LED 24 is arranged in the water discharge pipe 21 so as to be inclined with respect to each of the horizontal direction and the vertical direction so as to emit light in a desired irradiation direction. For example, the first LED 24 is arranged in the water discharge pipe 21 at the same inclination as the water discharge part 23. Further, although the first LED 24 emits light over a fairly wide range, the opening 21a provided on the outer wall of the water discharge pipe 21 facing the tip of the first LED 24 (see FIG. 3 and FIG. By appropriately blocking a part of the emitted light of the first LED 24 (see FIG. 4), the light is emitted only from a desired range from the first LED 24.

Next, with reference to FIG. 6, a functional configuration of the water discharger according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 6 is a block diagram schematically showing the functional configuration of the water discharger according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 6, in the water discharger 2 according to the present embodiment, the water stopcock 32, the filter 33, the constant flow valve 34, and the electromagnetic valve are sequentially arranged on the flow path 26 (see also FIG. 3) from the upstream side. It has a valve 35, a pressure regulating valve 36, a check valve 37, and an electrolytic cell 38. In this flow path 26, from the upstream side, normal water such as general tap water (city water) (in this specification, this water is referred to as "normal water" as appropriate for distinguishing this water from electrolyzed water). ) Is supplied.

The water stop valve 32 is a valve that blocks the inflow of normal water to the flow path 26, the filter 33 (strainer) removes foreign substances mixed in the normal water, and the constant flow valve 34 is a secondary flow valve. This is a valve that keeps the flow rate constant. The solenoid valve 35 switches between circulation and interruption of normal water in the flow path 26 by opening and closing. When the electromagnetic valve 35 is open, normal water flows in the flow path 26, and spray water is sprayed from the water discharger 23 connected to the downstream end of the flow path 26. The pressure regulating valve 36 is a valve that regulates the water pressure to a desired pressure (a pressure suitable for performing spray water discharge), and the check valve 37 is a valve that prevents the reverse flow of water. When the electrolyzer 38 is energized, it normally electrolyzes water to generate electrolyzed water.
Although FIG. 6 shows the water discharger 2 to which only one electrolysis tank 38 is applied, two or more electrolysis tanks may be applied to the water discharger 2. In particular, since the bacteria are easily propagated in the kitchen 1, it is preferable to apply two or more electrolytic cells in order to discharge the electrolytic water having a higher concentration. A filter may be further provided on the downstream side of the electrolytic cell 38.

In addition, the water discharger 2 further includes a controller 40 that controls each component in the water discharger 2. The controller 40 operates by the electric power from the AC power source 39 and controls the supply of the electric power of the AC power source 39 to each of the switch 22, the first LED 24, the second LED 25, the electromagnetic valve 35, and the electrolytic cell 38. .. Specifically, the controller 40 acquires the switch signal corresponding to the operation of the switch 22 by the user (that is, the operation of pressing the switch 22). Based on this switch signal, control for the first LED 24 and the second LED 25, control for the solenoid valve 35, and control for the electrolytic cell 38 are performed. In this case, the controller 40 controls to switch on/off each of the first LED 24 and the second LED 25, control to switch opening/closing of the solenoid valve 35, and execute/stop generation of electrolytic water by the electrolytic bath 38. Control to switch. In this way, the controller 40 corresponds to the "control unit" in the present invention.

Here, the electrolyzed water produced by the electrolyzer 38 will be described.

The electrolyzed water used in this embodiment may be any water having a sterilizing function obtained by electrolysis. A typical example of electrolyzed water is electrolyzed water containing hypochlorous acid. In general, tap water or tap water contains chloride ions, and thus electrolysis produces free chlorine. Free chlorine exists as hypochlorous acid (HClO) in an acidic state, and in this form, the bactericidal power is about 10 times stronger than that of the hypochlorite ion (ClO ⁻ ) which is an alkaline existing form. Moreover, even if it is neutral, a strong bactericidal power intermediate to that can be obtained. Therefore, the water electrolyzed in the continuous electrolysis tank is sterilizing water having a strong sterilizing power.

As mentioned above, the tap water or tap water that is generally used contains chloride ions, but if it is used in areas with low chloride ion concentrations or if strong bactericidal action is required, salt Chloride ions can be supplemented by adding chlorides such as.

As the electrode used for chlorine generation, a conductive base material carrying a chlorine generation catalyst or a conductive material composed of a chlorine generation catalyst is used. Depending on the type of chlorine generation catalyst, for example, iron-based electrodes such as ferrite, palladium-based electrodes, ruthenium-based electrodes, iridium-based electrodes, platinum-based electrodes, ruthenium-tin-based electrodes, palladium-platinum-based electrodes, iridium-platinum-based electrodes. , Ruthenium-platinum-based electrodes, iridium-platinum-tantalum-based electrodes, and the like. The conductive base material carrying the chlorine generation catalyst is advantageous in terms of manufacturing cost because the base material part having a structure can be made of inexpensive materials such as titanium and stainless steel.

In addition to chlorine, it may be hypohalous acid obtained by electrolyzing water containing halogen ions.

Examples of other electrolyzed water include silver ion water obtained by using silver as an electrode. It is said that the silver ion adsorbs to the enzyme on the cell membrane of the bacterium and inhibits the action of the enzyme, so that the bacterium cannot sustain life. It also has the effect of coating the surface of the base material that comes into contact with the bacteria, making it difficult for bacteria to propagate on the surface of the base material. Since silver ions coat the surface of the substrate to prevent bacteria from adhering and have a bactericidal power, the growth of bacteria on the surface of the substrate can be effectively suppressed. At that time, by combining with a cleaning method for increasing the replacement rate of the drain trap, it becomes possible to suppress slimyness and odor of the drainage port for a long period of time.

In addition, it is possible to use various kinds of electrolyzed water such as ozone water that generates high concentration ozone as well as oxygen on the anode side by using lead dioxide (β type) as an electrode for electrolysis. Is.

Furthermore, examples of the sterilized water other than the electrolyzed water include an aqueous solution in which various sterilized components are dissolved. The sterilizing component to be dissolved may be solid, liquid or gas. When a liquid sterilizing component is used, for example, ethanol, alcohols such as isopropanol, hydrogen peroxide, or the like may be applied. When using a gas sterilization component, ozone water may be produced by dissolving ozone in the form of fine bubbles in water, for example. When using a solid sterilization component, for example, sodium hypochlorite may be applied.

As described above, the present invention can be applied to various sterilized water other than the electrolyzed water obtained by electrolyzing water. Here, in the present specification, the term "disinfection" means not only the meaning of reducing bacteria (in this case, the meaning of removing bacteria to reduce, but also the meaning of killing bacteria to reduce). It is used as a broad concept including the meaning of suppressing the growth of bacteria even if it is not reduced. The sterilized water is water obtained by adding a sterilizing function in this sense to normal water by a predetermined treatment, and is included in the concept of so-called functional water.

(Control content)
Next, the control content performed by the controller 40 in the first embodiment of the present invention will be specifically described.

First, the basic concept of control according to this embodiment will be briefly described. In the present embodiment, the water discharger 23 of the water discharger 2 sprays and discharges electrolyzed water having a sterilizing function to wash the sink 4 and the drainage port 4a of the kitchen 1 to keep them clean. For example, by spraying electrolyzed water having a disinfecting function, the number of bacteria that propagate in the sink 4 and the drainage port 4a can be reduced, or even if the bacteria are not reduced, the bacteria can be prevented from growing beyond a predetermined amount. The stains flowing out by using the kitchen 1 are prevented from becoming difficult to be removed by being dried and adhered to the sink 4 and the drainage port 4a in a state where they are attached. Specifically, in the present embodiment, the controller 40 causes the water discharger 23 to perform spray water discharge for such a cleaning purpose in response to a user operation on the switch 22. Further, the controller 40 notifies the user of the spray water discharge by causing the first LED 24 to emit light when the spray water discharge unit 23 performs the spray water discharge.

More specifically, the controller 40 controls the controller 40 when the user presses the switch 22 for a relatively short time (for example, less than 3 seconds), that is, when the user pushes the switch 22 by one push. The operation on 22 is appropriately referred to as “short press”.) Immediately after the operation on this switch 22, the water spouting section 23 is caused to perform spray water discharge. Hereinafter, such a water discharge mode is referred to as a "manual water discharge mode". This manual water discharge mode is used for the purpose of manually spraying water from the water discharge unit 23 by the user to wash the sink 4, the drain port 4a, and the like.

On the other hand, when the user presses the switch 22 for a relatively long time (for example, 3 seconds or more) (hereinafter, such an operation on the switch 22 is appropriately referred to as “long press”). After a certain amount of time has passed after the switch 22 is operated (for example, after 12 hours have elapsed), the water spouting section 23 is caused to perform spray water discharge. Specifically, the controller 40 causes the water discharger 23 to periodically perform spray water discharge every time a long time has elapsed. Hereinafter, such a water discharge mode will be referred to as a “regular water discharge mode”. This regular water discharge mode is used for the purpose of automatically spraying water from the water discharge unit 23 to wash the sink 4 and the drainage port 4a when the user is absent.

Next, the manual water discharge mode according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be specifically described with reference to FIG. 7. FIG. 7 is a diagram schematically showing an operation performed in the manual water discharge mode according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

As shown on the left side of FIG. 7, when the user short-presses (one-push) the switch 22, the controller 40 first turns on the first LED 24 to turn on the first LED 24 as indicated by reference numeral R12. The LED 24 is turned on. In this way, by irradiating light from the first LED 24 before starting the spray water discharge of the water discharge part 23, the irradiation range R12 of the first LED 24 allows the spray water discharge range R11 by the water discharge part 23 to be set in advance. Notify the user.

Then, the controller 40 energizes the solenoid valve 35 while maintaining the lighting state of the first LED 24, for example, when 0.1 second has elapsed immediately after lighting the first LED 24 as described above. The electromagnetic valve 35 is opened to cause the water discharger 23 to perform spray water discharge. In this way, the controller 40 energizes the electrolysis tank 38 at the same time as energizing the solenoid valve 35 (strictly, the energization timings of the solenoid valve 35 and the electrolysis tank 38 do not have to be the same), and electrolysis is performed in the electrolysis tank 38. Generate water. As a result, the electrolytic water is sprayed and discharged from the water discharger 23. In addition, the reason why the first LED 24 is turned on even during spray discharge from the water discharge part 23 is that the spray discharged from the water discharge part 23 is difficult to see, so that the irradiation range R12 of the first LED 24 causes This is because the user is notified by irradiating a range (spray range R11) in which the spray discharged from the water discharge section 23 spreads.

Thereafter, the controller 40 ends the spray water discharge from the water discharge unit 23 when a predetermined time has elapsed from the start of the spray water discharge of the water discharge unit 23, for example, when 10 seconds have elapsed. Specifically, the controller 40 turns off the first LED 24, finishes the irradiation of the light from the first LED 24, and stops the energization of the solenoid valve 35 to close the solenoid valve 35. As a result, the spray water discharge from the water discharger 23 is completed, and the electricity supply to the electrolytic bath 38 is stopped, and the generation of electrolytic water in the electrolytic bath 38 is completed. In this way, the controller 40 ends the manual water discharge mode.

If the user presses the switch 22 for a short time (one push) before a predetermined time (for example, 10 seconds) elapses from the start of spray water discharge of the water discharge unit 23, the controller 40 causes the switch 22 to operate. The operation is treated as an indication of the user's intention to stop the spray water discharge, and the spray water discharge from the water discharge unit 23 is ended. Also in this case, the controller 40 turns off the first LED 24, finishes the irradiation of the light from the first LED 24, and stops the energization of the solenoid valve 35 to close the solenoid valve 35. As a result, the spray water discharge from the water discharger 23 is completed, and the electricity supply to the electrolytic bath 38 is stopped, and the generation of electrolytic water in the electrolytic bath 38 is completed.

Next, the regular water discharge mode according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be specifically described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is a diagram schematically showing an operation performed in the regular water discharge mode according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

As shown on the left side of FIG. 8, when the user presses the switch 22 for a long time, the controller 40 first turns on the second LED 25 provided on the switch 22 and turns on the second LED 25. In this way, the second LED 25 is turned on to notify the user that the regular water discharge mode has been set. The second LED 25 continues to be lit while the regular water discharge mode is set. Then, after turning on the second LED 25, the controller 40 periodically turns on and off the first LED 24 as indicated by reference numeral R12′ after a lapse of a predetermined time, for example, 12 hours. And the first LED 24 blinks. By doing so, the user is notified in advance that the spray water will be discharged.

Then, after a lapse of a predetermined time from blinking the first LED 24, for example, when 10 seconds have elapsed, the controller 40 keeps the first LED 24 on as indicated by reference symbol R12, and the first LED 24 is turned on. The LED 24 is maintained in the lighting state. That is, the controller 40 switches the first LED 24 from the blinking state to the lighting state. By doing so, the irradiation range R12 of the first LED 24 informs the user in advance of the spraying/spraying range R11 of the sprayed/sprayed water by the water spouting unit 23 before the spraying/spraying of the water spouting unit 23 is started.

Then, the controller 40 maintains the lit state of the first LED 24 while maintaining the lit state of the first LED 24, for example, when 0.1 second elapses immediately after switching the first LED 24 from the blinking state to the lit state as described above. The valve 35 is energized to open the electromagnetic valve 35 to cause the water discharger 23 to perform spray water discharge. In this way, the controller 40 energizes the electrolysis tank 38 at the same time as energizing the solenoid valve 35 (strictly, the energization timings of the solenoid valve 35 and the electrolysis tank 38 do not have to be the same), and electrolysis is performed in the electrolysis tank 38. Generate water. As a result, the electrolytic water is sprayed and discharged from the water discharger 23.

Thereafter, the controller 40 ends the spray water discharge from the water discharge unit 23 when a predetermined time has elapsed from the start of the spray water discharge of the water discharge unit 23, for example, when 10 seconds have elapsed. Specifically, the controller 40 turns off the first LED 24, finishes the irradiation of the light from the first LED 24, and stops the energization of the solenoid valve 35 to close the solenoid valve 35. As a result, the spray water discharge from the water discharger 23 is completed, and the electricity supply to the electrolytic bath 38 is stopped, and the generation of electrolytic water in the electrolytic bath 38 is completed. After this, when a predetermined time further elapses, for example, when 12 hours elapse, the controller 40 performs the above-described control again. That is, after blinking the first LED 24, the first LED 24 is maintained in a lighting state, and immediately after that, the solenoid valve 35 and the electrolytic cell 38 are energized to spray the electrolytic water from the water discharge part 23. Thus, in the regular water discharge mode, the controller 40 causes the water discharger 23 to spray and discharge electrolytic water every time a predetermined time elapses.

In addition, when the user presses the switch 22 for a long time before the predetermined time (for example, 12 hours) elapses, that is, while the regular water discharge is on standby, the controller 40 ends the regular water discharge mode. In other words, the controller 40 basically continues the regular water discharge mode unless the user presses the switch 22 for a long time during the setting of the regular water discharge mode. When ending the regular water discharge mode, the controller 40 turns off the second LED 25 and turns off the second LED 25.

Also in the regular water discharge mode, similarly to the above-described manual water discharge mode, the controller 40 causes the user to switch the switch 22 until a predetermined time (for example, 10 seconds) elapses from the start of spray water discharge of the water discharge part 23. When the button is pressed for a short time (one push), the spray water discharge from the water discharge unit 23 is terminated. However, the controller 40 maintains the setting of the regular water discharge mode. That is, the controller 40 regularly executes the spray water discharge from the water discharge unit 23 unless the user presses the switch 22 for a long time as described above. Specifically, the controller 40 causes the water spouting unit 23 to perform spray water discharge again after a predetermined time (for example, 30 minutes) has elapsed since the switch 22 was shortly pressed.

Further, in the regular water discharge mode, if the user short-presses (one-push) the switch 22 while the first LED 24 is blinking, the subsequent spray water discharge from the water discharge unit 23 is stopped. However, also in this case, the controller 40 maintains the setting of the regular water discharge mode. That is, although the controller 40 has stopped the spray water discharge this time, the controller 40 executes the next spray water discharge unless the user presses the switch 22 for a long time as described above. Specifically, the controller 40 causes the water spouting unit 23 to perform spray water discharge again after a predetermined time (for example, 30 minutes) has elapsed since the switch 22 was shortly pressed.

In addition, the time interval (12 hours in the above-described example) for periodically discharging water in the regular water discharge mode is to discharge the electrolyzed water as the sterilized water before the amount of bacteria reaches a problematic amount, It is recommended to set it from the viewpoint that the bacteria will not increase in total.

Next, a control flow performed by the controller 40 in the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 9 to 11. 9 shows an overall control flow performed by the controller 40 in the first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 10 shows a control flow relating to the manual water discharge mode performed at step S3 of FIG. 9, and FIG. The control flow which concerns on the regular water discharge mode performed in step S4 of is shown.

First, with reference to FIG. 9, an overall control flow according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described. This flow is repeatedly executed by the controller 40 at a predetermined cycle.

First, in step S1, the controller 40 determines whether or not the switch 22 has been pressed by the user. In this case, the controller 40 acquires a switch signal corresponding to the operation of the switch 22 (that is, the operation of pressing the switch 22) by the user, and determines whether or not the switch 22 is pressed based on this switch signal. .. As a result, when the switch 22 is pressed (step S1: Yes), the process proceeds to step S2. On the other hand, when the switch 22 is not pressed (step S1: No), the process returns to step S1.

In step S2, the controller 40 further determines, based on the switch signal from the switch 22, whether or not the time when the switch 22 is pressed is less than 3 seconds. In other words, the controller 40 determines whether the user's hand is released from the switch 22 in less than 3 seconds. In this way, the controller 40 determines whether the switch 22 is short-pressed (that is, one-push) or the switch 22 is long-pressed.

As a result of the determination in step S2, when the switch 22 is pressed for less than 3 seconds (step S2: Yes), that is, when the switch 22 is shortly pressed, the process proceeds to step S3, and the controller 40 of FIG. Execute the manual water discharge mode shown in the flow. On the other hand, when the switch 22 is pressed for 3 seconds or longer (step S2: No), that is, when the switch 22 is pressed for a long time, the process proceeds to step S4, and the controller 40 shifts to the flow of FIG. The regular water discharge mode shown is executed. After that, when the manual water discharge mode or the regular water discharge mode ends, the process returns to step S1.

Next, with reference to FIG. 10, a control flow relating to the manual water discharge mode performed in step S3 of FIG. 9 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described.

First, in step S301, the controller 40 turns on the first LED 24 and turns on the first LED 24. The controller 40 performs the control of step S302 immediately after turning on the first LED 24 in this manner, specifically, after 0.1 second has elapsed. In step S302, the controller 40 energizes the electromagnetic valve 35 to open the electromagnetic valve 35 while maintaining the lighting of the first LED 24, and energizes the electrolytic bath 38 to generate electrolytic water in the electrolytic bath 38. By doing so, the electrolytic water is sprayed and discharged from the water discharger 23.

Next, in step S303, the controller 40 determines whether or not the switch 22 is short-pressed (one-pushed) by the user based on the switch signal from the switch 22.

If the result of determination in step S303 is that the switch 22 has been pressed for a short time (step S303: No), the process proceeds to step S305, in which the controller 40 indicates the user's intention to stop the spray water discharge by operating this switch 22. Then, the spray water discharge from the water discharge part 23 is completed. Specifically, in step S305, the controller 40 turns off the first LED 24, ends the irradiation of light from the first LED 24, and stops the energization of the solenoid valve 35 to stop the solenoid valve 35. By closing the valve, the spray water discharge from the water discharge part 23 is ended, the energization to the electrolytic bath 38 is stopped, and the generation of electrolytic water in the electrolytic bath 38 is ended. After that, the process proceeds to step S306 to end the manual water discharge mode.

On the other hand, if the result of determination in step S303 is that the switch 22 has not been pressed for a short time (step S303: Yes), the process proceeds to step S304, in which the controller 40 determines whether 10 seconds have elapsed from the start of spray water discharge. judge. As a result, when 10 seconds have not elapsed since the start of spray water discharge (step S304: No), the process returns to step S303, and the determinations of steps S303 and S304 are performed again. In this case, the controller 40 waits for 10 seconds while determining whether or not the switch 22 is pressed for a short time.

On the other hand, when 10 seconds have elapsed since the spray water discharge was started (step S304: Yes), the process proceeds to step S305. In this case, as described above, the controller 40 turns off the first LED 24, finishes the irradiation of the light from the first LED 24, and stops the energization of the solenoid valve 35 to turn on the solenoid valve 35. By closing the valve, the spray water discharge from the water discharge part 23 is ended, the energization to the electrolytic bath 38 is stopped, and the generation of electrolytic water in the electrolytic bath 38 is ended. After that, the process proceeds to step S306 to end the manual water discharge mode.

Next, with reference to FIG. 11, a control flow relating to the regular water discharge mode performed in step S4 of FIG. 9 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described.

First, in step S401, the controller 40 turns on the second LED 25 provided on the switch 22 to light the second LED 25. Next, in step S402, the controller 40 determines whether 12 hours have elapsed since the switch 22 was pressed for a long time. As a result, when 12 hours have not elapsed since the switch 22 was pressed and held (step S402: No), the determination in step S402 is performed again. That is, the controller 40 repeats the determination of step S402 until 12 hours have passed.

On the other hand, when 12 hours have passed since the switch 22 was pressed for a long time (step S402: Yes), the process proceeds to step S403, where the controller 40 periodically switches the first LED 24 between ON and OFF, The LED 24 of No. 1 is blinked.

Next, in step S404, the controller 40 determines, based on the switch signal from the switch 22, whether or not the switch 22 has been short-pressed (one-pushed) by the user.

If the result of determination in step S404 is that the switch 22 has been pressed for a short time (step S404: No), the controller 40 treats the operation of this switch 22 as an indication of the user's intention to stop spray water discharge, and the water discharge part. Without spraying water from 23, the process proceeds to step S413. In step S413, the controller 40 turns off the first LED 24, ends the blinking of the first LED 24, and proceeds to step S415. The details of the control after step S415 will be described later.

On the other hand, if the switch 22 has not been pressed for a short time (step S404: Yes), the process proceeds to step S405, and the controller 40 determines whether or not 10 seconds have elapsed after the first LED 24 started blinking. As a result, when 10 seconds have not elapsed since the blinking of the first LED 24 was started (step S405: No), the process returns to step S404 and the determinations of steps S404 and S405 are performed again. In this case, the controller 40 waits for 10 seconds while determining whether or not the switch 22 is pressed for a short time.

On the other hand, if 10 seconds have elapsed since the first LED 24 started blinking (step S405: Yes), the process proceeds to step S406, where the controller 40 keeps the first LED 24 on and turns on the first LED 24. Keep on. That is, the controller 40 switches the first LED 24 from the blinking state to the lighting state.

The controller 40 performs the control of step S407 immediately after switching the first LED 24 from the blinking state to the lighting state in step S406, specifically, after 0.1 second has elapsed. In step S407, the controller 40 energizes the solenoid valve 35 to open the solenoid valve 35 while maintaining the first LED 24 in the lit state, and energizes the electrolysis tank 38 to generate electrolyzed water in the electrolysis tank 38. By generating it, the electrolytic water is sprayed and discharged from the water discharger 23.

Next, in step S408, the controller 40 determines whether or not the switch 22 has been short-pressed (one-push) by the user based on the switch signal from the switch 22.

As a result of the determination in step S408, when the switch 22 is short-pressed (step S408: No), the controller 40 proceeds to step S414, and the controller 40 indicates the user's intention to stop the spray water discharge. Then, the spray water discharge from the water discharge part 23 is completed. Specifically, in step S414, the controller 40 turns off the first LED 24, ends the irradiation of light from the first LED 24, and stops the energization of the solenoid valve 35 to stop the solenoid valve 35. By closing the valve, the spray water discharge from the water discharge part 23 is ended, the energization to the electrolytic bath 38 is stopped, and the generation of electrolytic water in the electrolytic bath 38 is ended. Then, it progresses to step S415.

On the other hand, if the result of determination in step S408 is that the switch 22 has not been pressed for a short time (step S408: Yes), the process proceeds to step S409, in which the controller 40 determines whether 10 seconds have elapsed since the start of spray water discharge. judge. As a result, when 10 seconds have not elapsed since the start of spray water discharge (step S409: No), the process returns to step S408, and the determinations in steps S408 and S409 are performed again. In this case, the controller 40 waits for 10 seconds while determining whether or not the switch 22 is pressed for a short time.

On the other hand, when 10 seconds have elapsed since the spray water discharge was started (step S409: Yes), the process proceeds to step S410. In this case, as described above, the controller 40 turns off the first LED 24, finishes the irradiation of the light from the first LED 24, and stops the energization of the solenoid valve 35 to turn on the solenoid valve 35. By closing the valve, the spray water discharge from the water discharge part 23 is ended, the energization to the electrolytic bath 38 is stopped, and the generation of electrolytic water in the electrolytic bath 38 is ended. Then, it progresses to step S411.

In step S411, the controller 40 determines whether or not the user has long pressed the switch 22 based on the switch signal from the switch 22. As a result, when the switch 22 is pressed for a long time (step S411: No), the process proceeds to step S417. The controller 40 handles such an operation of the switch 22 as an indication of the user's intention to cancel the regular water discharge mode, and turns off the second LED 25 and turns off the second LED 25 in step S417. Then, in step S418, the regular water discharge mode is ended.

On the other hand, as a result of the determination in step S411, if the switch 22 is not pressed for a long time (step S411: Yes), the process proceeds to step S412, and the controller 40 determines whether 12 hours have elapsed after the end of the spray water discharge. judge. As a result, when 12 hours have not passed since the end of the spray water discharge (step S412: No), the process returns to step S411, and the determinations of steps S411 and S412 are performed again. In this case, the controller 40 waits for 12 hours while determining whether or not the switch 22 has been pressed for a long time.

On the other hand, when 12 hours have passed since the end of the spray water discharge (step S412: Yes), the process returns to step S403, and the controller 40 performs the control of step S403 and subsequent steps again. The controller 40 repeats the control from step S403 in this manner, so that the spray spouting from the water spouting unit 23 is periodically performed every 12 hours.

On the other hand, when the switch 22 is short-pressed between the start of blinking the first LED 24 and the completion of the spray water discharge for 10 seconds (step S404: No or step S408: No), the above-mentioned steps After the processing of S413 or S414, the process proceeds to step S415. In step S415, the controller 40 determines whether or not the switch 22 is pressed by the user based on the switch signal from the switch 22. As a result, when the switch 22 is pressed for a long time (step S415: No), the process proceeds to step S417. The controller 40 handles such an operation of the switch 22 as an indication of the user's intention to cancel the regular water discharge mode, and turns off the second LED 25 and turns off the second LED 25 in step S417. Then, in step S418, the regular water discharge mode is ended.

On the other hand, if the result of determination in step S415 is that the switch 22 has not been pressed for a long time (step S415: Yes), the process proceeds to step S416, and the controller 40 waits 30 minutes after the switch 22 is pressed for a short time in step S404 or S408. It is determined whether or not it has passed. As a result, when 30 minutes have not elapsed since the switch 22 was shortly pressed (step S416: No), the process returns to step S415, and the determinations in steps S415 and S416 are performed again. In this case, the controller 40 waits for 30 minutes while determining whether or not the switch 22 has been pressed for a long time.

On the other hand, when 30 minutes have passed since the switch 22 was shortly pressed (step S416: Yes), the process returns to step S403, and the controller 40 performs the control of step S403 and subsequent steps again. In this way, the controller 40, when the switch 22 is short-pressed between the start of blinking the first LED 24 and the completion of the spray water discharge for 10 seconds, unless the switch 22 is long-pressed, When 30 minutes have passed since the switch 22 was shortly pressed, the spray water discharge as the regular water discharge is performed again.

When the user short-presses the switch 22 while waiting for regular water spouting, that is, for 12 hours, which is the interval for performing spray water spouting, spray water spouting from the water spouting unit 23 may be performed immediately. In this case, the controller 40 handles the operation of the switch 22 as an indication of the user's intention to manually perform the spray water discharge, and performs the same water discharge as in the manual water discharge mode. Specifically, the controller 40 executes the control of steps S301 to S305 shown in FIG. 10 to cause the water discharger 23 to perform spray water discharge. However, the controller 40 is to maintain the regular water discharge mode. In this case, the controller 40 does not execute the spray spouting which was scheduled to be executed when the switch 22 is not shortly pressed, but ends the spray spouting executed by the short press of the switch 22. After 12 hours, the spray water is automatically discharged.

(Operation and effect of the first embodiment)
Next, the function and effect of the water discharger according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described.

According to the present embodiment, light is emitted from the first LED 24 prior to the start of water spouting from the water spouting portion 23 (see FIG. 7, FIG. 8 and the like), so that the water spouting portion 23 is supposed to spout water from the user. Can be appropriately notified, that is, the water discharge of the water discharge part 23 can be appropriately notified to the user in advance.

In particular, in the present embodiment, in the regular water discharge mode, water is automatically discharged from the water discharge unit 23. However, when such automatic water discharge is performed, water discharge is started at a timing unintended for the user, The user may be splashed with water, or an object that he/she does not want to splash with water (such as an item that he/she wants to dry) may be splashed with water. Therefore, such a defect can be appropriately prevented. In addition, by notifying the water discharge of the water discharge part 23 in advance, not only the problem can be prevented but also the user can effectively utilize the water discharge automatically performed. For example, the user may hold an object to be washed (a plate, a cup, a cutting board, etc.) in front of the water discharger 23 and wash the object by automatically performing water discharge when the advance notification is given. it can.

Further, in the present embodiment, the spray water is discharged from the water discharge part 23, but in this spray water, it is difficult to estimate the water discharge range R11 (because the spray is hard to see), and the user or the water discharger 2 discharges unexpectedly. Although there is a possibility that the water may land on an area such as the surroundings that the user does not want, the water emitted from the first LED 24 provided in the vicinity of the water outlet 23 is discharged prior to the water discharged from the water outlet 23. Since the water discharge range R11 of the portion 23 is irradiated, such a problem can be appropriately prevented. Particularly, in the present embodiment, light is emitted from the first LED 24 to almost the entire water discharge range R11 of the water discharge section 23 (see FIG. 5(C)), so that the user can use the water discharge range R11 of the water discharge section 23. It is possible to appropriately notify the user in advance, and it is possible to reliably prevent the user from landing on an undesired place.

According to the present embodiment, if the user short-presses (one-push) the switch 22 of the water discharger 2 between the time when the first LED 24 emits light and the time when the water discharger 23 discharges water, Since the water discharge from the water discharge unit 23 is stopped (see step S404 and subsequent steps in FIG. 11), it is possible to appropriately cancel the water discharge that is performed at a timing unintended by the user.

Further, according to the present embodiment, the water discharge pipe 21 of the water discharge device 2 is rotatably attached (see FIG. 1), and the water discharge portion 23 is assembled to such a water discharge pipe 21, so that the first LED 24 is provided. If the user changes the water discharge direction of the water discharge part 23 by appropriately rotating the water discharge pipe 21 between the time when the water is emitted by the water discharge part 23 and the water discharge part 23 discharges the water, the position is not desired by the user. It is possible to reliably prevent water from landing. In this case, since the first LED 24 is also attached to the water discharge pipe 21, when the user rotates the water discharge pipe 21, the irradiation direction of the first LED 24 changes together with the water discharge direction of the water discharge unit 23. The user can appropriately estimate the changed water discharge range R11 of the water discharger 23 based on the changed irradiation range R12 of the first LED 24, and the user will land on a place that the user does not want. This can be prevented more reliably.

Further, according to the present embodiment, the light is emitted from the first LED 24 not only before the water spouting of the water spouting section 23 is started, but also during the water spouting of the water spouting section 23 (see FIGS. 7 and 8). It is possible to appropriately notify the user that the part 23 is discharging water. In addition, the range of the spray discharged from the water discharge part 23 (water discharge range R11), which is difficult for the user to see, can be appropriately grasped by the user by the light from the first LED 24.

Further, according to the present embodiment, the first LED 24 is kept in the blinking state before the water discharge of the water discharge section 23 is started, and the first LED 24 is kept in the lighted state while the water discharge section 23 is discharging water (see FIG. 8 ). ) Since the notification mode is different before the water discharge is started and when the water is discharged, the user can appropriately know whether the current state is before the water discharge is started or when the water is discharged. In particular, the mode of notification is switched when the water discharge is started, so that the user can appropriately grasp the start timing of the water discharge.

<Second Embodiment>
Next, a water discharge device according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. The second embodiment differs from the above-described first embodiment only in the configuration of the water discharge device. Specifically, the water spouting device according to the second embodiment differs from the water spouting device 2 according to the first embodiment only in the configuration, and the operations, functions, and control contents to be executed are the same. Therefore, in the following, only the configuration of the water discharger according to the second embodiment will be described, and description of operations to be performed, functions, control contents, and the like will be appropriately omitted. That is, the contents not particularly described here are the same as those in the first embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a part of a hand wash basin (washbasin) to which the water discharger according to the second embodiment of the present invention is applied, as viewed obliquely from above.

The water spouting device 2 is applied to the kitchen 1 in the above-described first embodiment, but as shown in FIG. 12, the water spouting device 7 is applied to the handwasher 6 in the second embodiment. The hand wash device 6 mainly includes a water discharge device 7 that discharges water, and a bowl 8 that serves as a water receiving portion that receives the water discharged from the water discharge device 7 and discharges the water from the drain port 8a. The water spouting device 7 is an auxiliary water spouting device that spouts water for the purpose of cleaning the bowl 8, the drain port 8a, and the like, and is rotatably attached to the wall surface of the hand washing device 6 as shown by an arrow B1. The direction of water discharge can be changed. The water discharger 7 is the water discharger according to the second embodiment. Although not shown in FIG. 12, the hand washing device 6 further has a water spouting device which is a main device used when the user washes his or her hand, in addition to the water spouting device 7.

Next, the water discharger 7 according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be specifically described with reference to FIGS. 13 and 14. FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the water discharger 7 according to the second embodiment of the present invention seen obliquely from above, and FIG. 14A is a perspective view of the water discharger 7 according to the second embodiment of the present invention with the housing removed. 14B is a front view and FIG. 14B is a cross-sectional view taken along line XIVB-XIVB in FIG. 14A.

As shown in FIG. 13, the water discharger 7 has a housing 71 that covers the front part of the water discharger 7, and the housing 71 is provided with a switch 72 as a push switch. In addition, the switch 72 is provided with a second LED 75 that emits light such as green light. As shown in FIGS. 14A and 14B, inside the water spouting device 7, that is, inside the housing 71, in addition to the switch 72 and the second LED 75 described above, spray water spouting is performed from the water spout 73a. A nozzle-shaped water discharge portion 73 configured to perform the above-described operation and a first LED 74 that emits light such as blue light are provided. Further, at the rear part of the water discharger 7, a flow path 76 is provided which is connected to the water discharger 73 and supplies water (including electrolytic water) to the water discharger 73.

Next, the water discharge range of the water discharger 73 and the irradiation range of the first LED 74 in the second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 15. 15(A) to 15(C) respectively show front views of the water discharger 7 according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

Reference numeral R21 in FIG. 15(A) indicates the water discharge range of the water discharge unit 73. As shown in FIG. 15(A), the water spouting portion 73 has a range in which the water spreads as a sprayed water spout from the water spouting port 73a at a predetermined angle θ, in other words, wider than the cross-sectional area (diameter) of the water spouting port 73a. A fog-like water discharge is performed so that the water spreads over. The water discharger 73 creates a straight flow and a swirl flow inside thereof, and a synergistic effect of these straight flow and swirl flow causes a single water discharge port 73a (a plurality of water discharge ports may be applied) to Spray water in a full cone shape.

Further, the water discharger 73 discharges water in an oblique direction, specifically, discharges water obliquely toward the drain port 8a (see FIG. 12) of the bowl 8. Although not shown in FIG. 15(A), more specifically, the water discharger 73 discharges water obliquely toward the drainage port 8a of the bowl 8 and obliquely discharges water toward the front. The water discharger 73 is arranged so as to discharge water in such a direction (water discharge direction). That is, the water discharger 73 is disposed in the water discharger 7 with an inclination with respect to the horizontal direction and the vertical direction so as to discharge water in a desired water discharge direction (FIGS. 14A and 14B). reference).

The “water contact area” of the water discharger 73 indicates a range in which the water sprayed and discharged by the water discharger 73 reaches a predetermined object (such as the bowl 8) as shown in FIG. 15(A). Further, the “water landing position” of the water discharge part 73 indicates a position included in such a water landing range.

On the other hand, reference numeral R22 in FIG. 15(B) indicates the irradiation range of the first LED 74. As shown in FIG. 15(B), the first LED 74 emits light to a range similar to the water discharge range R21 of the water discharger 73 shown in FIG. 15(A). When the irradiation range R22 of the first LED 74 and the water discharge range R21 of the water discharger 73 are overlapped, that is, when the water discharger 73 performs spray water discharge and the first LED 74 emits light at the same time, FIG. As shown in.

As shown in FIG. 15C, in the present embodiment, the irradiation range R22 of the first LED 74 is set to substantially match the water discharge range R21 of the water discharger 73. That is, the first LED 74 irradiates almost the entire water discharge range R21 of the water discharge part 73 with light. By doing so, the light emitted from the first LED 74 is used to notify the user of spray water discharge by the water discharge unit 73. Therefore, the 1st LED74 is equivalent to the "illumination part" in this invention.

In order to realize the irradiation range R22 as described above, the first LED 74 irradiates the light obliquely toward the front, as well as the water discharge part 73, and at the same time, the drain port 8a of the bowl 8 (see FIG. 12). Irradiate light diagonally. The first LED 74 is arranged so as to emit light in such a direction (irradiation direction). That is, the first LED 74 is disposed in the water discharger 7 with an inclination with respect to the horizontal direction and the vertical direction so as to emit light in a desired irradiation direction (FIGS. 14A and 14(A) and (A). See B)). For example, the first LED 74 is arranged in the water discharger 7 at the same inclination as the water discharger 73. Further, although the first LED 74 emits light over a fairly wide range, an opening (not shown) provided in the bottom surface of the housing 71 facing the tip of the first LED 74 allows By appropriately shielding a part of the light emitted from the first LED 74, the light is emitted from the first LED 74 only in a desired range.

As described above, the switch 72, the water discharger 73, the first LED 74, and the second LED 75 according to the second embodiment are respectively the switch 22, the water discharger 23, the first LED 24, and the second LED 25 according to the first embodiment. Works almost the same as. The water discharger 7 according to the second embodiment also has a functional configuration similar to that of the water discharger 2 according to the first embodiment as shown in FIG. Furthermore, also in the water discharger 7 according to the second embodiment, the controller 40 performs the same control as the content described in the "control content" section of the first embodiment. As described above, the water discharger 7 according to the second embodiment also has the same operation and effect as the contents described in the section "Operation and effect according to the first embodiment" of the first embodiment.

<Modification>
Next, a modified example of the above embodiment will be described. Here, the modification of the first embodiment will be described, but it goes without saying that the modification is also applicable to the second embodiment.

(Modification 1)
In the above-described embodiment, light is applied to almost the entire water discharge range R11 of the water discharge part 23, but the present invention is not limited to this. In another example, at least the water landing position of the water spouting part 23 (the position within the water landing range of the water spouting part 23) may be irradiated with light. This example is substantially synonymous with irradiating light along the water discharge direction of the water discharge part 23. It is preferable to irradiate the light toward the central part of the water discharge range R11 of the water discharge part 23 (in other words, the central part of the water landing range). More preferably, it is preferable to irradiate light over a predetermined range. With such a modified example as well, it is possible to appropriately notify the user of the water discharge of the water discharge part 23.

(Modification 2)
In the above-described embodiment, the sterilized water (electrolyzed water) is discharged, but the present invention is not limited to this, and normal water may be discharged. In that case, the electrolytic cell 38 may not be provided on the flow path 26. Thus, even if the normal water is discharged, the sink 4, the drain port 4a, etc. can be kept clean.

(Modification 3)
In the above-described embodiment, the water discharge pipe 21 of the water discharge device 2 is rotatably attached to the outer wall of the kitchen 1 (see FIG. 1), whereby the water discharge direction of the water discharge portion 23 can be changed. In the above example, a bellows or the like may be applied to the water discharge pipe 21 of the water discharge device 2, and the water discharge direction of the water discharge part 23 may be changed by the bellows.

1 Kitchen 2, 7 Water discharge device 4 Sink 6 Hand wash device 8 Bowl 21 Water discharge pipe 22, 72 Switch 23, 73 Water discharge part 24, 74 First LED
25,75 Second LED
26, 76 flow path 35 solenoid valve 38 electrolyzer 40 controller R11, R21 water discharge range R12, R22 irradiation range

Claims (5)

A water discharge device,
A water discharge part configured to discharge water from the water discharge port at a predetermined angle,
An illumination unit that irradiates the landing position of the water discharge unit with light,
A control unit for controlling water discharge by the water discharge unit and irradiation of light by the illumination unit,
The control unit selectively executes a manual water discharge mode in which water is discharged from the water discharge unit when operated by a user and a regular water discharge mode in which water is automatically discharged from the water discharge unit when a predetermined time has elapsed. Is possible,
The control unit, when performing the water discharge from the water discharge unit automatically after the predetermined time has elapsed during execution of the regular water discharge mode, the illumination unit before a predetermined time from the start of water discharge from the water discharge unit. is irradiated with light from Rutotomoni, irradiation aspects of light by the illuminating unit in this predetermined time, controls the illuminating unit so as to be different from the aspect of irradiating of the light by the illumination unit in after starting water discharge from the water discharge portion , water discharge device, characterized in that. The water discharger according to claim 1, wherein the illuminating unit irradiates light toward a central portion of a water landing range of the water discharging unit. The water discharger according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the lighting unit irradiates light over a predetermined range. The water discharger according to claim 3, wherein the illuminating unit irradiates light to almost the entire water landing range of the water discharging unit. 5. The water discharge part is configured to be able to move the position of the water discharge port, and the illumination part is configured to be moved along with the movement of the water discharge port of the water discharge part. The water discharge device according to item 1.

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