JP2000140844A - Electrolyzed water forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To back wash water storage tanks and moreover the piping connected to these tanks in good timing without an obstacle to use each electrolyzed water. SOLUTION: The forming device is constituted so that the injection of the acidic water and the alkaline water formed at the electrolytic cell is possible by each water injection means installed to each water storage tank after storing the acidic water and the alkaline water at each storage tank through each water introducing pipe, and each water discharge means capable of discharging all of each electrolyzed water in the tank to each water storage tank is provided, and the polarity switching means converting a voltage apply polarity to the electrolytic cell to a normal state or a revers state is provided. In such a case, an injection switching means switching the connection of each water injection means and each water storage tank is provided, and the controlling means setting both water discharge means at a water discharge state for a prescribed time and also switching (step 204, 207, 209, 210, 211 and 212) the polarity switching means and the injection switching means together when a specified condition is satisfied (step 202) after the continuous water storage elapsed time of each electrolyzed water at each water storage tank lapses the set time (step 204) is provided.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a method for storing electrolyzed water (acidic water and alkaline water) generated in an electrolysis tank through each water pipe and storing the water in each water storage tank, and then using the water injection means provided to each water storage tank. And an electrolyzed water generator.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art This type of electrolyzed water generating apparatus is disclosed in, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 10-467. After being stored in each water storage tank through each water pipe, water can be injected by each water injection means attached to each water storage tank, and each water storage tank is provided with each drainage means capable of completely draining each electrolytic water in the tank, Further, the electrolysis cell energization control device is configured to include a polarity switching unit that sets a voltage application polarity to the electrolytic cell to a normal state or a reverse state,
By performing the switching operation of the polarity switching means, the alkaline water is supplied to the storage tank that previously stored the acidic water, and the acidic water is supplied to the storage tank that previously stored the alkaline water. The scale adhering to the water storage tank storing the alkaline water and the piping connected to the water storage tank is removed.

[0003]

In the electrolyzed water generating apparatus disclosed in the above-mentioned publication, the switching operation of the polarity switching means is performed at any time, so that the switching operation may be forgotten. In addition, if the switching operation is not performed in a timely manner, the scale adheres to an allowable amount or more, and there is a possibility that a problem such as a shortage of flow rate due to the clogging of the pipe by the scale may occur.

[0004]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to address the above-mentioned problems, and has been made in such a manner that acidic water and alkaline water generated in an electrolytic cell are stored in respective water storage tanks through respective water guide pipes, and then the respective waters are stored. Water can be injected by each water injection means attached to the water storage tank, and each of the water storage tanks is provided with each drainage means capable of draining all of the electrolyzed water in the tank. In an electrolyzed water generating apparatus comprising a polarity switching means for setting a polarity of a voltage applied to a tank to a normal state or a reverse state, a water injection switching means for switching connection between each of the water injection means and each of the water storage tanks is provided, and each of the water storage tanks is provided. When a specific condition is satisfied after the continuous storage time of each electrolyzed water has passed the set time, the drainage means is drained for a predetermined time, and the polarity switching means and the pouring off are performed. It is characterized by having a control means for switching both means. In this case, the specific condition is a manual operation of the backwash switch, and after the elapse of the set time until the operation of the backwash switch,
Providing notification means for notifying the elapse of the set time,
Preferably, the specific condition is that the time has reached a specific time set by a timed timer capable of setting the specific time.

[0005]

In the electrolyzed water generating apparatus according to the present invention, when the continuous storage time of each electrolyzed water in each of the water storage tanks satisfies a specific condition after the set time has elapsed, the control means: Since both drainage means are drained for a predetermined time, and the polarity switching means and the water injection switching means are both switched, the control means does not perform the above-mentioned control unless specific conditions are satisfied. It does not interfere with water injection. If the specific condition is satisfied, the control means performs the above-described control, and the alkaline water is supplied to the storage tank storing the acidic water before the specific condition is satisfied, and the acidic water is supplied to the storage tank storing the alkaline water. Is supplied, and the scale adhering to the water storage tank storing the alkaline water and the pipe connected thereto is washed and removed (backwashed) with the acidic water. Therefore, backwashing can be performed at a good timing without hindering use (water injection) of each electrolyzed water. In addition, since the water injection switching means is switched together with the polarity switching means, alkaline water is always injected from the alkaline injection port, and acidic water is always injected from the acid injection port to prevent misuse of electrolyzed water. can do.

In practicing the present invention, a specific condition is a manual operation of the backwash switch, and a notifying means for notifying the elapse of the set time from when the set time elapses to when the backwash switch is operated. If provided, even if the set time elapses during the use of each electrolyzed water, the drainage of each electrolyzed water in each storage tank will not start unless the backwash switch is manually operated. It is possible to notify the backwashing time by notifying that the (water injection) does not cause a problem, and also to prevent the forgetting of the backwashing.

In implementing the present invention, a specific condition is defined as a timed timer (for example, a time timer capable of setting a specific time).
If it is determined that the specific time set by the 24-hour timer or the like has been reached, setting the specific time at a time when the device is not used, such as at midnight or on holidays, will hinder the use of the electrolyzed water. And backwashing can be performed automatically.

[0008]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of the electrolyzed water generation apparatus according to the present invention.
A water-flowing electrolytic cell 20 is provided that electrolyzes raw water supplied to each of the inlets 21 and 22 through the water supply device 10 to generate electrolyzed water (acidic water and alkaline water) and flows out from each of the outlets 23 and 24. And each outlet 2 of the electrolytic cell 20
3 and 24 are provided with a pair of water storage tanks 40 and 50 connected to the respective water storage tanks 4 and
The water supply ports 41 and 51 of the water supply devices 0 and 50 respectively have water supply devices 60 and 70.
Are connected, and the water outlets 4 of the water storage tanks 40 and 50 are connected.
Drainage devices 80 and 90 are connected to 2 and 52, respectively.

The water supply device 10 is connected to a water supply pipe (not shown) and connected to each of the inlets 21 and 22 of the electrolytic cell 20, and a water supply valve 12 interposed in the water supply pipe 11. It is configured. Water supply valve 12
Is a normally closed electromagnetic open / close valve, and the control device 100
, And is closed by a close signal.

The electrolytic cell 20 includes a tank main body 25 having a pair of inlets 21 and 22 and a pair of outlets 23 and 24, and first and second electrodes 26 and 2 disposed in the tank main body 25 to face each other.
7 and each of the electrodes 2 and
6 and 27 are formed by a diaphragm 28 forming each of the electrode chambers R1 and R2.
1 communicates with the outlet 23, and the electrode chamber R2 communicates with the inlet 22 and the outlet 24. Each of the electrodes 26 and 27 is connected to a DC power supply 102 via a polarity switching device 101. The polarity switching device 101 sets the polarity of the voltage applied to both electrodes 26 and 27 to a positive state (a state where the electrode 26 is positive and the electrode 27 is negative) or a reverse state (a state where the electrode 26 is negative and the electrode 27 is positive). State), and is switched by the control device 100 to the reverse power state when in the positive power state and to the positive power state when in the reverse power state based on the pressing operation of the backwash switch 104 provided in the control device 100. It can be switched to the electrical state.
The DC power supply 102 is turned on and off by the control device 100.
F is controlled, and is turned ON (an energizable state) by an ON signal from the control device 100.
The FF signal is set to an OFF state (an energization disabled state).

The water storage tank 40 stores the electrolyzed water supplied through the water pipe 31. The water storage tank 40 has a water supply port 41 and a drain port 42, has an overflow drain pipe 43, and has a predetermined low water level. A low water level sensor 44 for detecting is provided, and a high water level sensor 45 for detecting a predetermined high water level is provided.

On the other hand, the water storage tank 50 stores the electrolyzed water supplied through the water pipe 32 and has a water supply port 51.
And a drain port 52, an overflow drain pipe 53, a low water level sensor 54 for detecting a predetermined low water level, and a high water level sensor 55 for detecting a predetermined high water level. I have. Each of the water level sensors 44, 45, 54, 55 outputs a detection signal to the control device 100.

A water injection device 60 is connected to a water supply port 41 of a water storage tank 40 and connected to a flow path switching valve V described later, a water injection pump 62 interposed in the water discharge pipe 61, and a water injection pump 62. It is constituted by a water injection pipe P1 or a water injection pipe P2 connected to the pipe 61 via a flow path switching valve V. When the flow path switching valve V is in the straight state, the water injection pump 62 operates the first water injection switch 11 on the condition that the water level in the water storage tank 40 is equal to or higher than the low water level.
1 (a self-holding switch, which is provided in the water injection section M), is controlled by the control device 100, and when the flow path switching valve V is in the cross state, the water level in the water storage tank 40 is Water supply switch 112 (a self-holding switch, provided that
This is controlled by the control device 100 based on the pressing operation of the water injection unit M), and is driven by the control device 100 when the first water injection switch 111 or the second water injection switch 112 is in the ON state. The drive state is set by a signal and the stop state is set by a stop signal.

On the other hand, a water injection device 70 is connected to a water supply port 51 of a water storage tank 50 and connected to a flow path switching valve V, an outlet pipe 71 interposed in the outlet pipe 71, and an outlet pump 72. It is constituted by a water injection pipe P2 or a water injection pipe P1 connected to the pipe 71 via a flow path switching valve V. When the flow path switching valve V is in the straight state, the water injection pump 72 operates the second water injection switch 112 on condition that the water level in the water storage tank 50 is equal to or higher than the low water level.
Is controlled by the control device 100 based on the pushing operation of
When the flow path switching valve V is in the cross state, the control device 1 is controlled based on the pressing operation of the first water injection switch 111 on condition that the water level in the water storage tank 50 is higher than the low water level.
00, the driving state is set by a driving signal from the control device 100, and the driving state is set by a stop signal.

The flow path switching valve V is a 4-port 2-position switching valve that withstands acid and alkali, and is in a straight state (1
At the position, the outlet pipe 61 is connected to the water injection pipe P1, and the outlet pipe 71 is connected to the water injection pipe P2, so that the cross state (2)
At the position), the outlet pipe 61 is connected to the water injection pipe P2, and the outlet pipe 71 is connected to the water injection pipe P1. In addition, the flow path switching valve V is configured to be switched by receiving a switching signal from the control device 100 from a straight state to a cross state by an electric motor (not shown) or vice versa, and is in the straight state. Whether the vehicle is in the cross state or not is detected by a sensor (not shown), and a signal thereof is output to the control device 100.

The drainage device 80 is composed of a drainage pipe 81 connected to the drainage port 42 of the water storage tank 40 and connected in the middle of the overflow drainage pipe 43, and a drainage valve 82 interposed in the drainage pipe 81. I have. The drain valve 82 is a normally-closed electromagnetic open / close valve, and is configured to be opened by an open signal from the control device 100 and closed by a close signal.

On the other hand, the drainage device 90 includes a drainage pipe 91 connected to the drainage port 52 of the water storage tank 50 and connected in the middle of the overflow drainage pipe 53.
And a drain valve 92 interposed therebetween. The drain valve 92 is a normally-closed electromagnetic opening / closing valve, and is opened by an open signal from the control device 100 and closed by a close signal.

The control device 100 includes an ON-OFF switch 103 for starting and stopping the electrolyzed water generator, a backwash switch 104, a timer (not shown), and corresponds to the flowchart shown in FIG. And a microcomputer (not shown) for executing the program. The signals from the sensors 44, 45, 54, and 55, the signal from the sensor for detecting the state of the flow path switching valve V, and the switches 103 and 104 are provided. , 111, 112 based on the operation of the water supply valve 12 and each drain valve 82,
In addition to controlling the opening / closing operation of 92, the switching operation of the flow path switching valve V, the driving / stopping of the water injection pumps 62 and 72, the switching operation of the polarity switching device 101 and the ON / OFF of the DC power supply 102, the notification lamp 113 (This lamp is provided in the water injection section M to notify that it is at the backwash timing.) The drain lamp 114 (the lamp which indicates that the drain valves 82 and 92 are open, is provided in the water injection section M. ing)
, Etc. are controlled respectively.
The backwash switch 104 is a manual switch operated by a user when the user wants to backwash.

The operation of the electrolyzed water generating apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described below with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. 2. The initial state (the polarity applied to both electrodes 26 and 27 is positive, the flow path is switched). When the ON / OFF switch 103 is turned ON in a state where the valve V is in a straight state, the water supply valve 12 and the drain valves 82 and 92 are closed, and the water injection pumps 62 and 72 are stopped, the control device 100 The microcomputer starts execution of the program in step 200 of FIG. 2, and the timer is reset and started. In step 201, the electrolytic water generation control routine is executed, and in step 202, the timer time is determined. You. Therefore, the timer time t is equal to the first set time T
Until the number reaches 1, the following operations are obtained.

In the electrolyzed water generation control routine, when at least one of the low water level sensors 44 and 54 detects a low water level, the water supply valve 12 is opened to supply raw water to the electrolysis tank 20 and the raw water is supplied between the electrodes 26 and 27. To apply a DC voltage to generate acidic water and alkaline water in the electrolytic cell 20,
Acid water and alkaline water are supplied to the water storage tanks 40 and 50 via the water conduits 31 and 32, respectively.
When both the high water level sensors 45 and 55 detect the high water level, the water supply valve 12 is closed to stop the supply of the raw water to the electrolytic cell 20 and to apply the DC voltage between the electrodes 26 and 27. To stop. Also, the first
The water injection switch 111 or the second water injection switch 112 is ON
When the water injection pumps 62 and 72 are driven in the state, the acidic water and the alkaline water in the water storage tanks 40 and 50 are injected, and the first water injection switch 111 or the second water injection switch 112 is turned off. Each water injection pump 62,7
When 2 is stopped, the injection of the acidic water and the alkaline water in each of the water storage tanks 40 and 50 is stopped.

Thus, the timer time t is equal to the first set time T1.
Is reached, “YES” is determined and step 203,
Step 204 is executed. By the way, the above-mentioned first set time T1 is a time until the scale (calcium, magnesium, etc.) attached to the water storage tank in which the alkaline water is stored and the pipe connected thereto reaches the upper limit of the allowable amount. It is set to 100 hours.

In step 203, a lighting signal for keeping the notification lamp 113 turned on is output and the notification lamp 113 is turned on. In step 204, it is determined whether or not the backwash switch 104 has been operated. If no operation has been performed, “NO” is determined and step 201 is performed.
To 204 are repeatedly executed, and the backwash switch 10
If No. 4 has been operated, “YES” is determined and the processing of steps 205 to 209 is executed.

In step 205, a prohibition signal for interrupting the output of signals to the water supply valve 12, the DC power supply 102, and the water injection pumps 62 and 72 is output, the water supply valve 12 is kept closed, and the DC power supply 102 is turned off. The water injection pumps 62 and 72 are held in the OFF state, and the water injection pumps 62 and 72 are held in the stopped state.
In step 206, an extinguishing signal for keeping the informing lamp 113 turned off is output to turn off the informing lamp 113, and in step 207, an opening signal for keeping both the drain valves 82 and 92 in the open state is output and the both drain valves 82 are outputted. , 92 are kept open and the timer is reset and started. In step 208, the drain lamp 114
A lighting signal for maintaining lighting of the drain lamp 114 is output.
Lights up, and in step 209, it is determined whether or not the timer time t has reached the second set time T2.
Step 209 is repeatedly executed until the second set time T2 is reached. If the second set time T2 is reached, “YES” is determined and the processing of steps 210 to 214 is executed. By the way, the above-mentioned second set time T2
Is the time required for draining the entire amount of the electrolytic water in both water storage tanks 40 and 50, and is determined in advance by an experiment.

In step 210, both drain valves 82,
A closing signal for maintaining the closed state of the drainage valve 92 is output, and both drain valves 82 and 92 are maintained in the closed state. In step 211, a switching signal is output to the polarity switching apparatus 101 to switch the polarity switching apparatus 101 to the reverse state. Can be switched. Step 2
In step 12, a switching signal is output to the flow path switching valve V, and the flow path switching valve V is switched to the cross state. In step 213, an extinguishing signal for keeping the drain lamp 114 turned off is output, and the drain lamp 114 is turned off. . Step 2
At 14, a prohibition release signal for restarting the output of signals to the water supply valve 12, the DC power supply 102, and the water injection pumps 62 and 72 is output, and the state is returned to the state before the execution of step 205, and the timer is reset. The processing is started, and the processing of step 201 and subsequent steps is repeatedly executed. In addition,
In this repeated execution, when step 211 is executed, the polarity switching device 1 before execution of step 211 is executed.
If the state of 01 is the positive state, the state is switched to the reverse state, and if the state of 01 is the reverse state, the state is switched to the positive state.
When step 212 is performed, step 212
If the state of the flow path switching valve V before the execution of is performed, the state is switched to the cross state, and if the state is the cross state, the state is switched to the straight state.

As is clear from the above description, in the present embodiment, the backwash switch 104 is turned off after the continuous storage time of each electrolytic water in each of the water storage tanks 40 and 50 has passed the first set time T1. When operated, the control device 10
0 sets both the drain valves 82 and 92 to the open state during the second set time T2 and switches the polarity switching means 101 and the flow path switching valve V together.
If the controller 4 is not operated, the control device 100 does not perform the above control, and does not hinder the injection of the electrolytic water in the water storage tanks 40 and 50. Also, the backwash switch 10
When the controller 4 is operated, the control device 100 performs the above-described control, and the alkaline water is supplied to the water storage tank storing the acidic water before the operation of the backwash switch 104, and the acidic water is supplied to the water storage tank storing the alkaline water. Water is supplied, and the scale adhering to the water storage tank storing the alkaline water and the piping connected thereto is washed and removed (backwashed) with the acidic water. Therefore, backwashing can be performed at a good timing without hindering use (water injection) of each electrolyzed water. Further, together with the polarity switching means 101, the flow path switching valve V
Therefore, alkaline water is always injected from the injection port on the alkaline side, and acidic water is always injected from the injection port on the acid side, thereby preventing erroneous use of electrolyzed water.

In the present embodiment, the above-described control (both drain valves 82 and 92 are opened during the second set time T2) on condition that the backwash switch 104 is manually operated after the first set time T1 has elapsed. And the polarity switching means 101 and the flow path switching valve V are switched), and the lapse of the first set time T1 from the lapse of the first set time T1 to the operation of the backwash switch 104. Is provided, the water storage tanks 4 are provided even if the first set time T1 elapses during use of each electrolyzed water.
The drainage of each electrolyzed water in 0, 50 does not start unless the backwash switch 104 is manually operated, so that the use (injection) of each electrolyzed water is not hindered.
Since the backwashing time can be notified by the notification by the notification lamp 113, forgetting to backwash can be prevented.

In the above embodiment, the notification lamp 11
3 is turned on to notify that the first set time T1 has elapsed and the backwashing time has come. Instead of the notification by the lighting display of the notification lamp 113, a sound (for example, “backwashing time”) is used. Please operate the backwash switch. ", The present invention can also be implemented.

In the above embodiment, the backwash switch 1
However, instead of these, a 24-hour timer (not shown), which is one of timed timers capable of setting a specific time, may be employed. In this case, step 301 is adopted in place of steps 203 and 204 of the flowchart shown in FIG. 2 and the flowchart of FIG. 3 without step 206 is executed.

In step 301, it is determined whether or not the time set by the 24-hour timer has reached a specific time. If the time has not reached the specific time, "NO" is determined and the processing in steps 201, 202 and 301 is performed. The processing is repeatedly executed, and if the specific time has come, it is determined to be “YES”, and the processing from step 205 onward is executed.

Therefore, in this modified embodiment, the time is set to 24 after the first set time T1 has elapsed.
Under the condition that the specific time set by the time timer has come, the above control (both drain valves 82 and 92 are opened for the second set time T2, and the polarity switching means 10
1 and the flow path switching valve V), and if the specific time is set at a time such as midnight or a holiday when the electrolyzed water generator is not used, the use of each electrolyzed water is hindered. It does not cause any trouble and can automatically perform backwashing.

In the above-described embodiment and the modified embodiment, the drainage valves 82 and 92 whose operations are controlled by the control device 100 are configured to drain all the electrolytic water in the water storage tanks 40 and 50, respectively. Instead of the drain valves 82 and 92, an electric drain pump whose operation is controlled by the control device 100 is employed, and the operation of the electric drain pump drains all the electrolytic water in each of the water storage tanks 40 and 50. It is also possible to implement it.

In the above embodiment and the modified embodiment, each water injection pump is driven to drive each water injection pipe P.
Each electrolyzed water can be supplied from P1 and P2.
The positions of the water inlets 1 and 2 are, for example, the respective water storage tanks 4.
When it is located at a position lower than 0,50, each water injection pump 6
It is also possible to employ an electromagnetic open / close valve in place of 2, 72.

In the above-described embodiment and the modified embodiment, the drain lamp 114 is turned on to notify that both the drain valves 82 and 92 are in the open state and that the electrolyzed water cannot be used. Instead of the notification by the lighting display of the drain lamp 114, the present invention can be implemented by a notification (for example, a voice saying, "The drain valve is open. Electrolyzed water cannot be used."). .

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram showing an embodiment of an electrolyzed water generation device according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a program executed by a microcomputer included in the control device of the electrolyzed water generation device shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing another program executed by a microcomputer provided in the control device of the electrolyzed water generating apparatus shown in FIG.

[Explanation of symbols]

10 water supply device, 11 water supply pipe, 12 water supply valve, 2
0 ... electrolyzer, 26,27 ... electrode, 28 ... diaphragm, 31,3
2 ... water guide pipe, 40, 50 ... water storage tank, 60, 70 ... water injection device, 61, 71 ... outlet pipe, 62, 72 ... water injection pump, 80, 90 ... drainage device, 81, 91 ... drainage pipe, 8
2, 92: drain valve, 100: control device, 101: polarity switching device, 102: DC power supply, 103: ON-OFF
Switches, 104: Backwash switch, 111, 112: Water injection switch, 113: Notification lamp, 114: Drainage lamp, P1, P2: Water injection pipe, V: Flow path switching valve (water injection switching device).

Claims (3)

[Claims] An acidic water and an alkaline water generated in an electrolytic cell are stored in respective water storage tanks through respective water pipes, and then can be injected by respective water injection means attached to the respective water storage tanks. Each electrolysis water in the tank is provided with each drainage means capable of draining the entire amount thereof, and the electrolysis tank energization control device is provided with polarity switching means for setting the polarity of voltage application to the electrolysis tank to a normal state or a reverse state. In the electrolyzed water generation device, a water injection switching means for switching the connection between each of the water injection means and each of the water storage tanks is provided, and a specific condition is set after the continuous storage time of each of the electrolyzed water in each of the water storage tanks has elapsed the set time. An electrolyzed water generating apparatus comprising: a control unit that sets both of the drainage units to a drained state for a predetermined time when the condition is satisfied, and switches both the polarity switching unit and the water injection switching unit. 2. The system according to claim 1, wherein the specific condition is a manual operation of the backwash switch, and a notifying unit is provided for notifying the elapse of the set time from when the set time elapses to when the backwash switch is operated. The electrolyzed water generator according to claim 1, wherein: 3. The electrolyzed water generator according to claim 1, wherein the specific condition is that the time has reached a specific time set by a timed timer capable of setting the specific time.