JP2000153274A - Electrolytic water generator - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To surely clean electrodes without increasing the cost by judging the state of the electrolytic water remaining between the electrodes based on the detected value of the residual voltage generated between the electrodes while the electrolysis voltage after electrolysis is turned off. SOLUTION: In the electrolytic water generator, when a signal is received from an electrolytic switch or a user detection sensor, a solenoid valve SV1 is opened to start a brine pump 3, city water and A brine stored in a brine tank 2 are supplied to a mixing part 4, the brine is supplied to an electrolytic cell 6 through a filter 5, and electrolysis is conducted. An acidic water contg. hypochlorous acid is discharged and an alkaline water exhausted by a passage switching valve 7. The brine pump and electrolytic cell are turned on or off by a controller 8 based on a signal from a flow sensor 1. The residual voltage generated between the electrodes when the electrolysis is stopped and water supplied is detected, and the water supplying time when electrolysis is stopped is determined from the residual voltage. Consequently, the remaining electrolytic water is surely discharged without increasing the cost.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an electrolyzed water generating apparatus having an electrolyzer for generating functional water by electrolyzing a solution to which an electrolyte is added. The present invention relates to an electrolyzed water generation device that generates acidic water having hypochlorous acid by being decomposed.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In an electrolyzed water generator (ionic water generator, acidic water generator, etc.) for electrolyzing a solution to which raw water or an electrolyte is added, oxidation caused by electrolyzing a solution to which raw water or an electrolyte is added is performed. The reducing atmosphere damages the electrodes in the electrolytic cell and affects the durability of the electrodes.
That is, the electrode is exposed to an oxidizing atmosphere by the acidic water generated by electrolyzing raw water or a solution obtained by adding an electrolyte to raw water. Similarly, the adhesion of scale to the electrode is promoted by the alkaline water, thereby damaging the electrode.

[0003] Therefore, in the conventional electrolyzed water generating apparatus, the electrolyzed water is passed for a certain period of time or for a certain amount of time without electrolysis (only water is passed without energizing the electrodes), thereby reducing the acid water in the electrolyzer. Often, it discharges alkaline water.

[0004]

As in the past, after the completion of electrolysis, if the electroless water is passed for a certain period of time or for a certain amount, particularly in a case where the flow rate is small, the water in the electrolytic cell is not easily replaced and the residual electrolytic water is reduced. In some cases, the electrode may not be completely discharged and may remain, causing problems such as corrosion and damage of the electrode. The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a system for reliably performing an electrode cleaning process without increasing costs.

[0005]

In order to achieve the above object, in the electrolyzed water generating apparatus according to the first invention, raw water or a solution obtained by adding an electrolyte to raw water is passed between the electrodes. In an electrolyzed water generator equipped with an electrolyzer for electrolysis, determine the state of the electrolyzed water between the electrodes based on the detected value of the residual voltage generated between the electrodes when the electrolysis voltage is off after electrolysis. It is characterized by.

As described above, by detecting the residual voltage between the electrodes after the electrolysis, the voltage generated between the electrodes after the power supply to the electrodes is stopped according to the state of the ion product in the acidic water or the alkaline water in the electrolytic cell. The characteristic of changing the residual voltage value to be used makes it possible to reliably determine the discharge state of the residual electrolytic water, and despite the insufficient water flow to the electrolytic cell after electrolysis as in the past, In comparison with the method in which the water supply to the electrolytic cell is completed when the specified time or the specified integrated flow rate is reached, it is possible to reliably discharge the residual electrolytic water without increasing the cost.

In addition, after the electrolysis, the raw water or a solution obtained by adding an electrolyte to the raw water is passed through the electrolytic cell in a state where the electrolytic voltage is turned off, and a residual voltage generated between the electrodes is detected. To stop the flow of water to the electrolytic cell based on, if the residual voltage generated between the electrodes is less than the specified voltage, if to stop the flow of water to the electrolytic cell,
Since the state of discharge of the residual electrolytic water accompanying the flow of water into the electrolytic cell can be detected at any time and the flow of water to the electrolytic cell can be stopped, the drainage of the residual electrolytic water can be completed in a minimum required short time. . Furthermore, regarding the influence of the flow rate on the residual water discharge state of the electrolysis, which is a conventional problem, even if the flow rate fluctuates by detecting the residual voltage generated between the electrodes, the electrolytic cell is kept until the voltage falls below the specified voltage. If the water passing treatment is continued, it is possible to reliably carry out the electrolytic residual water discharging treatment, and it is possible to prevent damage to the electrode and to use the electrode in a stable state.

Also, according to the detected value of the residual voltage generated between the electrodes when the electrolysis voltage is off after the electrolysis, raw water or a solution obtained by adding an electrolyte to the raw water is passed through the electrolysis tank with the electrolysis voltage off. The value of the residual voltage generated between the electrodes after the power supply to the electrodes is stopped varies according to the state of the ion product in the acidic water and the alkaline water in the electrolytic cell even if the water supply time to be calculated is calculated. Since the characteristics are used, the discharge state of the residual electrolytic water can be determined with certainty, and the specified time or specified integration can be performed despite insufficient water flow to the electrolytic cell after electrolysis as in the past. As compared with the method in which the flow rate is adjusted to complete the flow of water through the electrolytic cell, it is possible to reliably discharge the residual electrolytic water without increasing the cost.

If the user is notified by sound, display or voice after stopping the flow of water through the electrolytic cell, the user can be informed that the drainage treatment is completed and the electrolytic water can be generated. Can be easily recognized.

Next, in an electrolyzed water generating apparatus according to a second aspect of the present invention, an electrolyzed water generating apparatus having an electrolyzer for electrolyzing raw water or a solution obtained by adding an electrolyte to raw water is provided. It is characterized in that the water flow time is calculated based on the flow rate of the raw water or a solution obtained by adding an electrolyte to the raw water in the state when the raw water is passed through the electrolytic cell.

As described above, by calculating the water flow time based on the flow rate of the raw water or the solution obtained by adding the electrolyte to the raw water in the state where the electrolytic voltage is turned off after the electrolysis, the flow rate is determined based on the flow rate. Drainage can be performed only for the time according to the discharge status of the residual electrolytic water that changes depending on the flow rate of water, so that the water can be supplied to the electrolytic cell after electrolysis as in the past, even if the water flow is insufficient. As compared with the method in which the flow rate is adjusted to complete the flow of water through the electrolytic cell, it is possible to reliably discharge the residual electrolytic water without increasing the cost.

[0012]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS One embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. The electrolyzed water generating apparatus in FIG. 1 is an apparatus that generates acidic water (hypochlorous acid-containing water) and alkaline water by electrolyzing a mixture of tap water and saline.

In the electrolyzed water generator shown in FIG. 1, when a signal from an electrolysis switch (not shown) or a user detection sensor provided near the water outlet is received, the solenoid valve SV1 is opened and the saline solution pump 3, which is a constant flow pump, is opened. Is activated, the tap water and the salt solution stored in the salt solution tank 2 are supplied to the mixing section 4, and the salt solution adjusted to a predetermined concentration is supplied to the electrolytic cell 6 via the filter 5 to perform electrolysis. And
By the passage switching valve 7, the acidic water containing hypochlorous acid generated by the electrolysis is discharged from the spout for hand washing, and the alkaline water is discharged to the ball surface of the spout basin. The operations of the salt solution pump 3 and the electrolytic cell 6 are controlled by the control device 8, and the solenoid valve SV1 is controlled by the control device 9.

The controller 8 determines whether or not the minimum flow required for electrolysis is flowing based on a signal from the flow sensor 1, and turns ON / OFF current supply to the saline solution pump and the electrolytic cell according to the flow. Is what you do.

When the total time for supplying electricity to the electrolytic cell 6 for electrolysis reaches a specified integration time, a pretreatment for performing electroless water supply without applying a voltage to the electrodes is performed, and then the electrolytic cell 6 A voltage having a polarity opposite to that in the electrolyzed water generation mode is applied to the electrode built in the electrode to perform electrode cleaning. In this case, the solenoid valve SV1 is closed, the solenoid valve SV2 is opened, and water is supplied to the electrolytic cell 6. After supplying and applying a voltage of the opposite polarity for a prescribed time, water is passed without applying a voltage as post-processing.

In the first invention, the electroless water flow after the application of the normal polarity voltage for the generation of the electrolyzed water, which is the pretreatment of the electrode washing, and the post treatment after the application of the opposite polarity voltage are performed. At the time of certain electroless water flow, the residual voltage generated between the electrodes is detected, and the electroless water flow time is determined according to the value of the residual voltage.

A specific example of this electrode cleaning processing operation will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG.
Is an electrolysis flow for generating electrolyzed water. When there is a signal from an electrolysis switch or a user detection sensor provided near the water outlet (S100Y), the solenoid valve SV1 is opened (S101), and the water flow When the sensor 1 detects a flow rate equal to or more than the specified flow rate (S103Y), the pump is turned on and the power supply to the electrodes is started (S104, S105).

The time during which the electrodes are energized to generate the electrolyzed water is accumulated by a timer, and when it is determined that the accumulated electrolyzed accumulated time exceeds a predetermined time set in advance. (S108Y), the water flow sensor 1 detects whether or not the flow rate is equal to or more than a specified flow rate in order to determine the end of the electrolyzed water generation processing (S109). If it is determined that the process has been performed, the process proceeds to the electrode cleaning process flow shown in FIG.

In the electrode cleaning process, as shown in the flow of FIG. 3, the power supply to the electrodes is stopped (S211), and as a pre-process for performing reverse electrolysis, the passage is switched so that all of the electrolyzed water exits from the passage on the alkali side. Switching the valve 7 (S21)
2). Then, the saline pump 3 is driven and the solenoid valve SV2 is opened (S213, S214), and the saline having a predetermined concentration flows into the electrolytic cell 6.

Then, a residual voltage generated between the electrodes is detected in a state where a predetermined concentration of saline solution is passed through the electrolytic cell 6 as electroless water, and it is determined that the residual electrolytic water has been discharged by the specified voltage V1.
It is determined whether or not the voltage has become below (S215).
When it becomes 1 or less, it is determined that the residual electrolytic water has been completely discharged, and the constant current I2 (S21
8) The electrode is cleaned by applying a current to the electrode. Then, when the power supply to the electrodes is performed for a certain period of time (S219Y), only the power supply to the electrodes is stopped (S220), and a predetermined concentration of saline solution is continuously supplied to the electrolytic cell 6.

Further, in order to discharge the electrolytic residual water generated by the reverse electrolysis, the residual voltage generated between the electrodes after the power supply to the electrodes is stopped in S220 is detected (S22).
1) When the inter-electrode residual voltage is lower than the preset specified voltage V2 (S221Y), it is determined that the electrolytic residual water drainage processing is completed, the drive of the saline solution pump 3 is stopped, and the solenoid valve is stopped. SV2 is closed (S222,
S223), the passage switching valve 7 is switched so that the electrolytic cell 6 and both the acidic and alkaline sides communicate with each other, and a sound, a display, a sound, or the like is provided to the user as necessary to prepare for the next start of the electrolytic water discharge. Informing that the standby has been completed, the apparatus waits in a state in which sensing by the electrolytic switch or the sensor can be received in order to perform the next electrolytic water spouting (S227).

If the process of determining the specified voltage and the residual voltage between the electrodes (S215, S221) is not completed within the specified time (S216Y, S225Y), some abnormality may be considered, and there is an abnormality if necessary. Sound that
By notifying the user with a display or the like and stopping the operation (S
217, S226), it is possible to prevent the discharge of the residual electrolyzed water from being continued indefinitely in the event of an abnormality, and to prevent the device in which the abnormality has occurred from being continued to be used.

FIG. 4 is a partially modified flow of the electrode cleaning process shown in FIG. 3. As shown in FIG. 4, the process of determining the specified voltage and the residual voltage between the electrodes (S315, S3)
If step (20) is not completed within the specified time (S316)
Y, S324Y), instead of stopping the operation, forcibly proceed to the next step, so as to stand by in preparation for the next start of electrolytic water spouting (S325), and stop discharging the residual electrolytic water. Then, the electrolyzed water may be generated. At that time, a sound indicates that there was an abnormality,
It is preferable to provide a notifying means for notifying the user by display or the like.

Next, the outline of the residual voltage between electrodes used as the means of the present invention will be described. FIG. 5 shows the data of the discharge characteristics of the residual voltage between the electrodes. It can be seen from this data that the residual voltage remains between the electrodes when the power supply is stopped after the completion of the power supply in the reverse direction. here,
Although not shown, the same characteristics are of course exhibited when current is supplied in the positive direction. Further, it can be seen that there is a difference in residual voltage characteristics between when water is passed and when water is not passed. This was found to differ depending on the state of the electrolytic product remaining in the electrolytic cell and the impurities attached to the electrode surface. In other words, by detecting the residual voltage between the electrodes, wastewater treatment after electrolysis (discharge of electrolytic products in the electrolytic cell, removal of impurities on the electrode surface)
It is possible to reliably determine whether or not is completed.

Next, another embodiment will be described based on the electrode cleaning processing flow of FIG. In this embodiment, raw water or a solution obtained by adding an electrolyte to raw water is passed through an electrolytic cell in a state where the electrolytic voltage is off in accordance with a detected value of a residual voltage generated between the electrodes in a state where the electrolytic voltage is off after the electrolysis. The water supply time is calculated. Specifically, as shown in the flow of FIG. 6, the power supply to the electrodes is stopped (S51).
1) As a pre-process for performing reverse electrolysis, the passage switching valve 7 is switched so that all of the electrolyzed water flows out of the passage on the alkali side (S512). Then, the saline pump 3 is driven and the solenoid valve SV2 is opened (S513, S514), and the saline having a predetermined concentration flows into the electrolytic cell 6.

When a predetermined time TA elapses (S515Y) while a predetermined concentration of saline solution is passed through the electrolytic cell 6 as electroless water, a residual voltage generated between the electrodes is detected (S516). Is calculated using the data table shown in FIG. 7 (S5).
17). Then, it is determined in S51 that the residual electrolytic water has been discharged.
It is determined whether (TA + t) sec has elapsed since the electrolysis current I1 was turned off at 1 (S518), and when (TA + t) is reached, it is determined that the residual electrolytic water has been completely discharged, and the polarity is opposite to that at the time of electrolytic water generation. The electrode is cleaned by applying a constant current I2 to the electrode (S519). Then, when the application of the reverse polarity to the electrodes is performed for a certain period of time (S520Y), only the application of the current to the electrodes is stopped (S521), and the salt solution of a predetermined concentration is continuously supplied to the electrolytic cell 6.

In order to discharge the residual electrolytic water generated by the reverse electrolysis, when a certain time TB elapses after the power supply to the electrodes is stopped in S521 (S522Y), the residual voltage generated between the electrodes is detected. Then, the drainage time corresponding to the detected voltage V at that time is calculated using the data table shown in FIG. 7 (S524). Then, it is determined whether or not the electrolytic residual water has been discharged based on whether (TB + t) sec has elapsed since the electrolytic current I2 was turned off in S521 (S52).
5) When (TB + t) is reached, it is determined that the electrolytic residual water has been completely discharged, the drive of the saline solution pump 3 is stopped, and the solenoid valve SV2 is closed (S526, S527). The passage switching valve 7 is switched so that both sides communicate with each other (S528), and the user is notified by sound, display, sound, or the like, as necessary, that the standby in preparation for the next start of electrolytic water discharge is completed. Then, in order to perform the next electrolyzed water spouting, the apparatus stands by in a state where sensing by the electrolysis switch or the sensor can be received (S529).

Next, the second invention will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. In the second invention, a method using a residual voltage generated after the electrolysis voltage is turned off as in the first invention is performed by another means.

After the power supply to the electrodes is stopped (S411), as a process before performing reverse electrolysis, the passage switching valve 7 is switched so that all the electrolyzed water flows out of the passage on the alkali side (S411).
412). In addition, the solenoid valve SV2 is opened and the saline solution pump 3 is driven (S413, S414), the saline solution having a predetermined concentration flows into the electrolytic cell 6, and the flow rate flowing into the electrolytic cell is converted into a signal from the water amount sensor 1. (S41)
5).

The flow rate Q is stable for 5 seconds continuously
If the flow rate is 0.1 L / min, it is determined that the flow rate is stable (S
416Y), and the flow rate is determined as the flow rate (S4).
17). Then, in order to determine the drainage processing time according to the flow rate Q, a corresponding time is calculated from the data shown in FIG. 9 and a drainage time t (t2 in the description) is set (S41).
8).

When a set time elapses after the current I1 is turned off (t2 in the description) (S419), the current I2 whose polarity is inverted is supplied (S420), and after a specified time elapses (S4).
21) Only the current supply to the electrodes is stopped (S422), and a predetermined concentration of saline is continuously supplied to the electrolytic cell 6 with the current I2 turned off for the drainage time tsec calculated from the data in FIG. 7 (t2 in the description). Supply. After the drainage for tsec is completed, the operation of the saline solution pump 3 is stopped, the solenoid valve SV2 is closed (S425), and the passage switching valve 7 is switched so that both the acidic and alkaline sides communicate with the electrolytic cell 6 (S42).
6) Stand by in a state ready for the next start of electrolytic water spouting (S427).

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram of an electrolyzed water generation device.

FIG. 2 is an electrolysis operation flow according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is an electrode cleaning processing flow according to the first invention.

FIG. 4 is a flow chart of an electrode cleaning process in which a part of FIG. 3 is modified.

FIG. 5 shows discharge characteristic data of electrode residual voltage.

FIG. 6 is an electrode cleaning processing flow according to still another embodiment of the first invention.

FIG. 7 is a data table of residual voltage between electrodes and drainage time setting.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart of an electrode cleaning process according to the second invention.

FIG. 9 is a data table of water flow rate and drainage time setting.

[Explanation of symbols]

 SV1, SV2 ... solenoid valve 1 ... water amount sensor 2 ... salt solution tank 3 ... salt solution pump 4 ... mixing unit 5 ... filter 6 ... electrolytic cell 7 ... passage switching valve 8 ... control device 1 9 ... control device 2

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. An electrolyzed water generating apparatus having an electrolytic cell for electrolysis by passing raw water or a solution obtained by adding an electrolyte to raw water between the electrodes, wherein the electrolysis water is generated between the electrodes in an electrolysis voltage off state after the electrolysis. An electrolyzed water generating apparatus characterized in that a state of electrolyzed water between electrodes is determined based on a detected value of a residual voltage to be generated. 2. The electrolyzed water generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein raw water or a solution obtained by adding an electrolyte to raw water is passed through an electrolytic cell in a state where electrolytic voltage is turned off after electrolysis, and a residual voltage generated between electrodes. Wherein the flow of water to the electrolytic cell is stopped based on the detected value of the residual voltage. 3. The electrolyzed water generation apparatus according to claim 2, wherein when the residual voltage generated between the electrodes becomes equal to or lower than a specified voltage, the flow of water to the electrolysis tank is stopped. 4. The electrolyzed water generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein raw water or raw water is supplied with the electrolysis voltage off according to a detected value of a residual voltage generated between the electrodes when the electrolysis voltage is off after electrolysis. An electrolyzed water generating apparatus for calculating a water flow time for flowing a solution to which an electrolyte is added into an electrolytic cell. 5. The electrolyzed water generation apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the user is notified by sound, display, or voice after stopping the flow of water to the electrolysis tank. apparatus. 6. An electrolyzed water generator comprising an electrolyzer for electrolyzing raw water or a solution obtained by adding an electrolyte to raw water,
An electrolyzed water generating apparatus for calculating a water flow time based on a flow rate of raw water or a solution obtained by adding an electrolyte to raw water in an electrolytic voltage off state after the electrolysis, when the flow rate of the raw water is passed through the electrolytic cell. .