JP2001259636A - Water reforming device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To make bathtub water weak acidic without increasing waste water and to save the running cost in a membrane type water reforming device. SOLUTION: A larger volume of tank 31 than an electrolytic bath 30 is arranged side by side to the electrolytic bath 30 having a membrane 38, and a closed circuit is constituted of a bypath 47. By providing a flow path stop means 43 connected to at least one of the outlets of an anode bath 39 and a cathode bath 40 to electrolyze under retention, water in the tank 31 becomes high concentration of treated water by an air pumping work of electrolytic gas and the electrolytic gas in the anode bath 40 not communicating with the tank 31 is discharged to the outside from a waste pipe 45. Thus, since the tank 31 volume is larger than the anode tank, waste water is decreased and water is effectively made acidic, and the running cost is lowered.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a water reforming apparatus capable of producing reformed water such as acidic water or alkaline water depending on the application by electrolysis (hereinafter referred to as electrolysis).

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art As a device for producing reformed water by electrolyzing water, a diaphragm system in which a diaphragm is provided between an anode and a cathode to generate acidic water and alkaline water (for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No.
No. 218372) and a non-diaphragm system for generating neutral electrolyzed water mainly composed of hypochlorous acid without providing a diaphragm (for example, JP-A-11-179364) are known.

FIG. 6 is a schematic view showing an example of a diaphragm type bath water reforming apparatus, wherein 1 is a bathtub, 2 is a circulation pump provided in a circulation path R for circulating hot water in the bathtub 1, and 3 is a bathtub. Reference numeral 4 denotes a temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of the hot water circulating in the circulation path R and transmitting the measured temperature to the hot water heater. Reference numeral 5 denotes a filter. Reference numeral 6 denotes a container for electrolyzed water provided in the circulation path R, which electrolyzes hot water flowing through the circulation path R to generate electrolyzed water. Reference numeral 7 denotes an ion exchange membrane for separating the electrolyzed water container 6 into an A tank and a B tank, 8 denotes a DC power supply, 9 denotes an anode, and 10 denotes an anode.
Is a cathode, and 11 is a pH sensor that measures the pH value in the bathtub 1 and controls the voltage of the DC power supply 8.

In the above arrangement, the hot water in the bathtub 1 is extruded into the circulation path R by the circulation pump 2 and the filter 5
Thus, suspended substances contained in the hot water in the bathtub 1 are removed. Next, the hot water is supplied into the electrolyzed water container 6, where the hot water is electrolyzed by the voltage applied to the anode 9 and the cathode 10. Thereby, acidic water is generated in the A tank and alkaline water is generated in the B tank. The acidic water in the tank A is sent to the circulation path R leading to the bath 1, and the alkaline ionized water in the tank B is discharged to the outside. Then, the acidity of the water from the tank A to the bathtub 1 is measured by the pH sensor 1
1 and the power supply 8 is controlled to be weakly acidic (for example, pH 5 to 6).

[0005] As a result, the hot water in the bathtub 1 can maintain a certain acidity, and has a sterilizing and astringent action. It also neutralizes the alkalinity of the skin caused by soap washing and tightens the skin to create a smooth skin.

FIG. 7 is a schematic view showing an example of a non-diaphragm type bath water reforming apparatus, in which 12 is a bathtub, 13 is a circulating water channel, 14 is a circulating pump, and 15 is a suspended substance contained in bath water. , A heat retention heater, 17 a bypass provided in the circulating water channel 13, 18 a salt dissolving tank provided in the bypass 17, 19 a pair of electrodes 20 provided downstream of the salt dissolving tank 18. , A shut-off valve provided upstream of the salt dissolving tank, and a shut-off valve provided downstream of the electrolytic bath.

In the above arrangement, the hot water in the bathtub 12 is circulated through the circulation path 13 by the circulation pump 14,
Thus, suspended substances contained in the hot water in the bathtub 12 are removed. Next, at the time of electrolysis, when the on-off valve 21 is opened, the bathtub water flows through the bypass passage 17 by the pressure of the circulation pump
, And the salt water therein is supplied to the non-diaphragm electrolytic cell 19. When the salt water is supplied, the electrode 20 is energized. When the on-off valve 22 is opened after electrolysis for a predetermined time, bath water flows into the electrolytic bath 19 from the bypass 17 and mainly contains hypochlorous acid generated in the electrolytic bath. Is mixed into the circulation path 13 to sterilize the bathtub water.

[0008]

In the above-described conventional bath water reforming apparatus of the diaphragm type (FIG. 6), the hot water in the bathtub can be maintained at a predetermined weak acidity having an astringent effect, which is good for a bactericidal effect and skin. Although it can provide an effect, the water utilization is reduced and the running cost is high. That is, in the diaphragm method of FIG. 6, it is necessary to discard the same amount of alkaline water as acidic water during electrolysis, and the water utilization rate is 50%. In addition, the bath water contains many organic and inorganic substances and negative ions such as hydrochloric acid ions, nitrate ions, and sulfate ions, so that hydrogen ions H ⁺ are consumed, and it is difficult to easily reduce the hydrogen ion concentration pH, and the electrolysis time increases. Power consumption increases. Further reduction in bath water necessitates additional hot water, and further increases the pH, further prolonging the electrolysis time. As a result, the amount of water used and the amount of electric power used increase, and the running cost increases.

In a conventional non-diaphragm bath water reforming apparatus (FIG. 7), suspended substances are removed and clarified by a filtration tank, and the inside of the bathtub and the filtration tank can be sterilized by electrolytic sterilizing water. Since the predetermined hypochlorous acid concentration can be obtained in a relatively short time without the need for wastewater, the running cost can be reduced, but the astringent effect cannot be obtained, and the residual chlorine does not give a good effect to the skin. .

[0010]

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and has an advantage of improving the water utilization rate, that is, having an astringent effect on bathtub water without increasing waste water. It is made weakly acidic.

[0011] To this end, the present invention provides an electrolytic cell which has a circulation path, a circulation means, an anode and a cathode in an anode cell and a cathode cell separated by a diaphragm, respectively, and produces acidic water and alkaline water. A tank having a larger volume than the electrolytic cell, which is provided in the electrolytic cell, and a channel opening / closing means connected to at least one of the anode cell outlet and the cathode cell outlet, and connected to the channel opening / closing means for electrolysis of water A waste pipe for discharging generated gas and / or liquid, and a control means, wherein at least one of the anode tank outlet and the cathode tank outlet is configured to be able to communicate with the tank outlet side and the tank A bypass is provided for communicating the inside with the electrolytic cell, and the electrolytic cell performs stagnant electrolysis in a non-flowing state for a predetermined time.

The gist of the present invention is that a tank having a larger volume than an electrolytic cell is provided with a bypass on the side of an acidic water (anode cell) to form a closed circuit, and alkaline water (cathode cell) generated simultaneously with electrolysis. The side has a small volume and only the gas is discharged from the waste pipe, and convection is generated in the large volume tank connected to the anode tank by stagnant electrolysis due to the air pump action of the electrolytic gas generated during electrolysis. The acidity (hydrogen ion concentration) gradually increases. On the other hand, at the time of electrolysis, the alkalinity of the cathode cell is improved and an electrolytic gas is generated, and this gas is discharged from the waste pipe to the outside through the passage opening / closing means. At this time, since the cathode cell has a small volume, the amount of waste of alkaline water can be reduced.

When the circulation means is operated and the flow channel opening / closing means is closed when the electrolyzed water is sent out, only the anode cell is replaced with fresh water while the electrolyzed water remains in the cathode cell, and electrolysis is performed again. As a result, new high-concentration acidic water is generated in the tank. At this time, the cathode cell is in a state of high alkalinity, but shows a saturation tendency at a certain concentration. As a result, waste water of alkaline water can be eliminated. In the case of a large-capacity water to be reformed such as a bathtub, it becomes possible by repeating the residence electrolysis and the supply of the electrolyzed water by the circulation means a plurality of times so as to have a desired concentration.

Thus, for example, if the bath water is maintained weakly acidic, the alkalinity of the skin is neutralized, and the astringent effect, which is considered to be good for smooth skin by tightening the skin, is obtained. Effective acidification reduces the amount of water used and the amount of power used, thereby reducing running costs.

Further, in the water reforming apparatus of the present invention, the tank is a filtration tank. Then, by replacing the tank with a filtration tank, high-concentration acidic water is generated by performing stagnant electrolysis in the same manner as the above operation. The high-concentration acidic water has a strong bactericidal action, and can sterilize the bacteria group that propagates in the filtration tank.

Thus, for example, in the case of bath water, bath water purification enables bathing in clear bath water, improving comfort and the above-mentioned astringent effect.
Furthermore, by disinfecting the bacteria group that propagates in the filter in the filtration tank by the sterilization action during the retained electrolysis, bacterial anxiety can be eliminated and the filter life can be extended.

The inside of the filtration tank can be made of high-concentration alkaline water, and the alkaline water has an action of dissolving organic substances and the like, and is also effective for washing the filter.

[0018]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A water reforming apparatus according to a first aspect of the present invention includes a circulation path including an outgoing pipe and a return pipe;
An electrolytic cell that has an anode and a cathode in an anode cell and a cathode cell, respectively, separated by a diaphragm, and that electrolyzes water to produce acidic water and alkaline water, and is provided alongside the electrolytic cell and has a larger volume than the electrolytic cell. , A channel opening / closing means connected to at least one of the anode tank outlet and the cathode tank outlet, and a gas body and / or liquid generated at the time of electrolysis of water connected to the channel opening / closing means are discharged. A waste pipe, and a control unit, and a bypass passage that communicates at least one of the outlet of the anode tank and the outlet of the cathode tank with the outlet side of the tank and communicates the inside of the tank with the electrolytic tank. The electrolyzer is configured to perform electrolysis in a non-running state for a predetermined time.

In the large-volume tank connected to the anode cell by the retained electrolysis, for example, convection is generated by the air pump action of the electrolytic gas generated during electrolysis, and the acidity gradually increases. On the other hand, at the time of electrolysis, the alkalinity of the cathode cell is improved and an electrolytic gas is generated, and this gas is discharged from the waste pipe to the outside through the passage opening / closing means. At this time, since the cathode cell has a small volume, the amount of waste of alkaline water can be reduced.

If the circulation means is operated to discharge the electrolyzed water and the channel opening / closing means is closed, only the anode cell is replaced with fresh water while the electrolyzed water remains in the cathode cell, and electrolysis is performed again. As a result, new high-concentration acidic water is generated in the tank. At this time, the cathode cell is in a state of high alkalinity, but shows a tendency of saturation at a certain concentration, so that it is possible to eliminate waste water of alkaline water.

Thus, for example, if the bath water is maintained weakly acidic, the alkalinity of the skin is neutralized, and the astringent effect, which is considered to be good for smooth skin by tightening the skin, can be obtained. Effective acidification reduces the amount of water used and the amount of power used, thereby reducing running costs.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a water reforming apparatus comprising: a circulating path including a feed pipe and a return pipe; a circulating means; a filtration tank for filtering suspended substances contained in water to be purified; The separated anode tank and cathode tank each have an anode and a cathode, and an electrolytic cell that electrolyzes water to produce acidic water and alkaline water, and is connected to at least one of the anode cell outlet and the cathode cell outlet. A discharge pipe connected to the flow path opening / closing means, a waste pipe for discharging a gas and / or a liquid generated during the electrolysis of water, and a control means; And at least one of the outlets of the filter tank and the outlet side of the filtration tank are configured to be able to communicate with each other, and a bypass path is provided to communicate the inside of the filtration tank with the electrolytic tank. It is.

According to the present invention, the tank in claim 1 is replaced with a filtration tank. That is, for example, in a large-volume filtration tank that is communicated with the anode cell by the retained electrolysis, convection is generated by the air pump action of the electrolytic gas generated during the electrolysis, and the acidity gradually increases. A weak acid bath with an astringent effect can be achieved, and running costs can be reduced.
In addition, by providing a filtration tank, suspended substances contained in bath water are filtered, and the clarity of bath water is improved.

As a result, bath water purification enables bathing in clear bath water, improving comfort and obtaining an astringent effect. Further, by making the inside of the filtration tank highly acidic at the time of retained electrolysis, it is possible to sterilize the bacteria group that propagates in the filter in the filtration tank, thereby eliminating bacterial anxiety and extending the life of the filter.

[0025] The water reforming apparatus according to claim 3 of the present invention comprises an ion exchange membrane having ion exchange capacity as a diaphragm. Then, when the residence electrolysis is performed using a membrane having no ion exchange ability, the acidic water and the alkaline water generated in the anode and cathode vessels during electrolysis pass through the membrane and are mixed to increase the acidity and alkalinity. Can not. By using an ion exchange membrane, anions can be selectively moved to the anode side and cations can be selectively moved to the cathode side and separated via the ion exchange membrane. And alkaline water do not mix.

As a result, high-concentration acidic / alkaline water is efficiently produced, and the electrolysis time can be shortened.

In the water reforming apparatus according to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the operation of discharging the retained electrolyzed water by driving the circulation means after performing the retained electrolysis for a predetermined time is performed a plurality of times.
The concentration of the acidic / alkaline water generated by the stagnant electrolysis has a saturation range, and if the concentration exceeds a predetermined concentration, the electrolysis efficiency deteriorates. In other words, the increase in concentration becomes saturated with respect to the amount of electrolysis energy added. Therefore, electrolysis is interrupted until the tendency to saturate, the circulation means is operated, and the electrolyzed water is sent to, for example, the bathtub side. By repeating this operation a plurality of times, the electrolyzed water is efficiently reduced without lowering the electrolysis efficiency. Can be generated.

As a result, the electrolysis time can be shortened and the amount of electric power can be reduced. In addition, since the electrolysis can be performed a plurality of times, the size of the tank and the electrolytic cell can be reduced. In addition, even when the volume of the water to be reformed is large, it can be adjusted to a desired concentration of acidic / alkaline water by repeating the process several times.

[0029] The water reforming apparatus according to claim 5 of the present invention is provided with means for removing underwater ions in the circulation path. Then, when trying to obtain a treated water having a desired concentration by mixing the high-concentration acidic / alkali water generated by the retained electrolysis with the water to be reformed, an anion or a cation contained in the water to be reformed is used. Affected by ions. In particular, when the bath water is weakly acidified, it contains a large amount of organic substances, inorganic substances, anions such as hydrochloric acid ions, nitrate ions, and sulfate ions, and it is difficult to easily increase the hydrogen ion concentration because the hydrogen ions H ⁺ are consumed.

By providing the underwater ion removing means in the circulation path, for example, the consumption of the concentrated hydrogen ions by the removal of the above-mentioned anions in the water to be reformed before the stationary electrolysis is carried out by the anions. Is reduced. Therefore, since the desired concentration of the reformed water can be realized in a short time, the electrolysis time is shortened, and the running cost can be further reduced.

The water reforming apparatus according to claim 6 of the present invention comprises at least one of a cation exchange membrane and an anion exchange membrane as the underwater ion removing means. And
Ion exchange membranes are small, lightweight and have high ion exchange capacity,
Regeneration can be easily performed with salt, and the size of the apparatus can be reduced and the life of the ion exchange membrane can be extended by the regeneration.

[0032] In the water reforming apparatus according to claim 7 of the present invention, the flow path opening / closing means is a three-way valve, and the first outlet is connected to the waste pipe, and the second outlet is connected to the outlet side of the tank or the filtration tank. It is a communication. By connecting the second outlet of the three-way valve to the outlet side of the tank or the filtration tank, it becomes possible to mix the acidic / alkaline water of the anode tank and the cathode tank, and to generate neutral electrolyzed water. Neutral electrolyzed water mainly contains hypochlorite HClO and has a high sterilizing effect. When neutral electrolyzed water is used as sterilizing water, it does not cause browning or protein denaturation and is effective for sterilizing vegetables and meat. By switching the three-way valve, acidic / alkaline water and neutral electrolyzed water can be used as needed. It can be generated, and the use is expanded.

In the water reforming apparatus according to claim 8 of the present invention, separate first and second flow path switching valves are provided on the upstream and downstream sides of the tank or the filtration tank, respectively, and the first stream on the upstream side of the filtration tank is provided. A circulation means is provided upstream of the path switching valve, and a communication path communicating the downstream of the circulation means, the middle of the first flow path switching valve, and the second flow path switching valve is provided.

By providing first and second flow path switching valves above and below the filtration tank to switch the flow path, water can be passed in the direction opposite to the filtration direction of the filtration tank. It is possible to backwash the suspended substance trapped in the filtration tank. By performing this backwashing operation regularly, clogging of the filtration tank is prevented, and the service life can be extended.

In a water reforming apparatus according to a ninth aspect of the present invention, a chlorine removing means is provided in the communication passage. And
It is desirable to remove high-concentration chlorine components contained in the water to be modified because they have a bad effect on human skin and hair. In the present invention, a closed loop circuit including a circulating means and a communication path can be formed by switching the flow paths of the first and second flow path switching valves, and a chlorine removing means is provided in the communication path. The operation allows the water to be reformed to pass through the chlorine removing means, whereby the chlorine component is removed and adverse effects on the skin and hair can be prevented.

Thus, for example, bath water that is mildly acidic and has less chlorine and can be applied to the skin is more gentle to the skin. Further, since the chlorine removing means is provided in the communication passage, the retained electrolyzed water does not pass through the chlorine removing means, and the life of the chlorine removing means can be extended.

[0037] The water reforming apparatus according to claim 10 of the present invention comprises:
As the chlorine removing means, at least one of ascorbic acid, citric acid, catechin, tannin and flavonoid is eluted. The small amount of the above-mentioned drug is excellent in the effect of removing chlorine, and is also used for drinking. Therefore, the drug is highly safe, inexpensive, and can reduce the size of the chlorine removing means and reduce the frequency of replenishing the drug.

[0038] The water reforming apparatus according to claim 11 of the present invention comprises:
An electrolyte supply unit having a salt tank and a water supply pump is provided, and the saline solution from the electrolyte supply unit is supplied into the electrolytic cell to electrolyze diluted water having a predetermined concentration. In addition, tap water and well water contain chlorine ions but they are in a trace amount, and a long electrolysis time is required when a high concentration of acidic / alkaline water or hypochlorous acid is generated by electrolysis. Then, by supplying a basic saline solution to dilute to a predetermined concentration and electrolyzing it, a large amount of chloride ions are contained, so that high-concentration reformed water can be generated in a short time.

The electrolysis voltage at the time of electrolysis depends on the conductivity of the water to be electrolyzed, and this conductivity greatly changes depending on the region. A high voltage close to DC 100 (V) is required, and conversely, a low voltage of 1 (V) or less is required in a high-conductivity area, so special measures are required for the control circuit. The conductivity of the water to be electrolyzed is greatly increased, and the difference in the conductivity due to the regional difference is absorbed so that the conductivity becomes almost constant, so that the electrolysis can be performed with a low voltage and a simple control circuit.

[0040]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

Example 1 FIG. 1 is a schematic view showing Example 1 of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of a main part of an electrolytic cell. In the figure, 23 is a bathtub, 24 is a bath adapter, and 25 is a water reformer.

The water reforming device 25 is provided with a circulation path 28 including a going pipe 26 and a return pipe 27 communicating with the bath adapter 24, a circulation means 29, an electrolytic cell 30, and an electrolytic cell 30. First and second tanks 31 each having a capacity, an underwater ion removing means 32, and a first and a second tank are provided on the upstream and downstream sides of the tank 31, respectively.
The flow path switching valves 33 and 34, the downstream side of the circulation means 29 and the first
A communication passage 35 communicating the middle of the flow path switching valve 33 with the second flow path switching valve 34, and a chlorine removing means 3 provided in the communication path 35.
6 and control means 37 for controlling these elements.

As shown in FIG. 2, the electrolytic cell 30 has a diaphragm 38 formed of an ion-exchange membrane therein, and an anode 41 and an anode 41 are respectively disposed in an anode tank 39 and a cathode tank 40 separated by the diaphragm 38. It has a cathode 42. The outlet side of the anode tank 39 communicates with the outlet side of the tank 31, and the outlet side of the cathode tank 40 communicates with a flow path opening / closing means 43 composed of an electric three-way valve. The first outlet 44 is connected to the waste pipe 45, and the second outlet 46 is connected to the outlet side of the anode tank 39, and the cathode tank 40, the waste pipe 45 and the anode tank 39 are connected.
The flow path can be selectively switched with the outlet side. The tank 31 and the anode tank 39 communicate with each other via a bypass 47, and the anode tank 39 and the tank 31 communicate with the bypass 4.
7 form a closed circuit.

The underwater ion removing means 32 has an anion exchange membrane (not shown) therein, and the chlorine removing means 36 has ascorbic acid, citric acid, catechin,
It is configured to elute at least one kind of polyphenols such as tannin and flavonoid (not shown).

Next, the operation and operation of this embodiment will be described. The bathtub 23 in FIGS.
After filling, the control means 37 is activated by operating a switch (not shown), the circulating means 29 operates, and the bath water circulates in the circulation path 28 as shown by the solid arrow in FIG. Although the flow path opening / closing valve 43 is opened to the waste pipe 45 side in the figure, the closed state is maintained at this stage.
By circulating, the bath water comes in contact with and passes through the anion exchange membrane provided in the underwater ion removing means 32,
Anions such as hydrochloric acid, nitrate and sulfate contained in the bath water are removed. In this embodiment, only the anion exchange membrane is provided, but the cations can also be removed by using the cation exchange membrane in combination.

After the bath water is circulated for a predetermined time to reduce the anion of the bath water, the circulating means 29 is stopped, and then the channel opening / closing means 43 connects the cathode tank 40 and the waste pipe 45 as shown in FIG. Direction. Thereafter, a voltage is applied to the anode 41 and the cathode 42, and the residence electrolysis of the bath water is started via the diaphragm 38. At this time, the hydroxyl group O in water is
H ^- and anions such as chloride ions are migrating electrons e ^- oxygen O ₂ ↑ or chlorine gas Cl ₂ ↑ and become by anion is consumed by the reaction with gradually hydrogen ions H ⁺ concentration increases Acidity increases. On the other hand, since hydrogen ions H ^{+ in} water react with electrons e ⁻ to generate hydrogen gas H ₂に は at the cathode 40, the concentration of hydrogen ions H ⁺ decreases and alkalinity gradually increases.

As shown in FIG. 2, in the anode tank 39, as shown by the solid arrow in FIG. 2, the anode pump 39 acts by the air pump action by the floating of the generated gas such as oxygen O ₂ ↑ and chlorine gas Cl ₂ ↑. Tank 39, tank 31, bypass path 47
, A closed circuit is formed, and the acidity in the tank 31 gradually increases. On the other hand, the hydrogen gas H
₂ ↑ is connected to a waste pipe 45 through a first outlet 44 of the flow path on-off valve 43.
Is released to the outside through

Here, when the stagnant electrolysis is performed using a diaphragm having no ion exchange capacity as the diaphragm 38, the anode tank 3 can be used at the time of electrolysis.
9 and the acidic water and the alkaline water generated in the cathode tank 40 pass through the diaphragm and are mixed, so that the acidity and alkalinity cannot be increased. Anions and cations selectively move to the cathode 42 side and are separated via the ion exchange membrane, so that acidic water and alkaline water do not mix even when the stationary electrolysis is performed.

When the circulating means 29 is operated when the inside of the tank 31 reaches a predetermined acidity (for example, pH 3) by performing the stationary electrolysis for a predetermined time, fresh water in the bathtub 23 is sent to the tank 31 and the tank 31 is discharged. The acidic water in the bathtub 23 is discharged from the bath adapter 24 via the pipe 26 to the bathtub 23 and mixed, so that the acidity of the neutral water in the bathtub 23 becomes weakly acidic. Here, before the electrolysis, hydrogen ions H ⁺ are formed by an anion exchange membrane (not shown) provided in the underwater ion removing means 32.
Removes anions such as hydrochloric acid, nitrate, and sulfate that are easy to react with, so that the consumption of hydrogen ions H ⁺ is suppressed when acidic water is mixed with bath water, and a relatively small amount of strong acidic water is used. To make the bath water from pH 5 to 6.
It can be made as weakly acidic as about 5.

When weak acidity cannot be obtained by one residence electrolysis operation, desired residence acidity can be obtained by repeating the residence electrolysis operation a plurality of times. In this case, a feedback control may be provided by providing a pH sensor (not shown) for measuring the hydrogen ion concentration. Further, even when the underwater ion removing means 32 is not used, the desired weak acidity can be obtained by performing the above-mentioned retained electrolysis operation a plurality of times.

Thus, a weakly acidic bath can be realized, an alkalinity of the skin surface can be neutralized, and an astringent effect, which is considered to be good for smooth skin by tightening the skin, can be obtained. Since it is acidified, water consumption and electric power consumption are reduced, and running costs can be reduced.

Next, generation of neutral electrolyzed water will be described.
At a predetermined time after bathing, the flow channel opening / closing means 43 is switched so that the cathode tank 40 and the anode tank 39 communicate with each other, and the stagnant electrolysis operation is performed in the same manner as described above. In this case, the acidic water and the alkaline water are separately generated in the anode tank 39 and the cathode tank 40, but are mixed at the outlet side of the anode tank 39 and the cathode tank 40 by the flow path opening / closing valve 43, and have a high sterilizing action. It becomes neutral electrolyzed water mainly composed of HClO. Also at this time, the concentration of hypochlorous acid in the tank 31 increases due to the pumping action of the generated gas, and after a predetermined time, the circulating means 29 is operated to activate the bathtub 2.
3 and mix.

If the bath water is left for a predetermined time after bathing, bacteria in the bath water multiply, and for example, the bath water may be polluted in the next morning, which is unsuitable when used as washing water or as double hot water. Although there is pleasure and bacterial anxiety, in this embodiment, the growth of the bacteria is suppressed by generating neutral electrolyzed water after bathing and mixing it into the bathtub 23 to maintain a predetermined hypochlorous acid concentration, For example, the clarity of bath water in the next morning can be improved. As a result, when using the remaining bath water as washing water or when using the bath water twice, the comfort is not impaired, and bacterial anxiety can be eliminated. When neutral electrolyzed water is used as sterilizing water, browning and protein denaturation do not occur, which is effective for sterilizing and washing vegetables and meat, and the range of application is expanded.

Next, the dechlorination operation will be described with reference to FIG. The acidic water obtained by the electrolysis contains a predetermined concentration of hypochlorous acid, and particularly in a weakly acidic region, the ratio of free chlorine is highest. Since high concentrations of free chlorine have an adverse effect on skin and hair, it is desirable to remove them. Therefore, after the bath water is weakly acidified by the stagnation electrolysis operation, the first flow path switching valve 33 and the second flow path switching valve 34 are switched as shown in the enlarged view of the main part of FIG. Such a closed circulation circuit is constituted, and the circulation means 29 is operated. As a result, the bath water passes through the chlorine removing means 36, and at least one of ascorbic acid, citric acid, and polyphenols (not shown) such as catechin, tannin, and flavonoid provided inside is mixed into the bath water. . These antioxidants combine with chlorine and are rendered harmless in a short time, so that an astringent effect can be obtained and bathing water suitable for a human body without free chlorine can be realized. In addition, the above-mentioned medicine is excellent in chlorine removal effect in a small amount, and is also used for drinking, so that it is highly safe, inexpensive, and can reduce the size of the chlorine removal means 36 and reduce the frequency of replenishing the medicine.

(Embodiment 2) FIG. 4 is a schematic view of a water reforming apparatus according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. The difference is that the tank 31 in the embodiment of FIG. 1 is replaced with a filtration tank 48 for filtering suspended substances in the bath water. A filter member 49 is provided inside the filtration tank 48, and communicates with the anode tank 39 by a bypass passage 47 as in the embodiment of FIG. The filter member 49 is made of at least one of an activated carbon filter, a membrane filter, a hollow fiber membrane, a reverse osmosis membrane, a mineral filter medium such as tourmaline, and a ceramic filter medium. The other parts are the same as those in the embodiment of FIG. 1, and the same reference numerals are given and the detailed description is omitted.

Next, the operation and operation of this embodiment with the above configuration will be described. The bath water is weakly acidified and dechlorinated in the same manner as in the embodiment of FIG. 1, and when bathing is started, the circulating means 29 is operated by a switch operation or bathing detection (neither is shown) to operate the bath water. Circulation is started, and the bath water suspended by bathing passes through the filter member 49 of the filtration tank 48, and the suspended substance is filtered. As a result, the astringent effect of the weak acid bath can be obtained, and the free chlorine can be removed by the chlorine removing means 36 to take a bath in bathing water suitable for the human body. Bathing in the bath water becomes possible, and comfort is improved.

Further, for example, by performing the above-mentioned retained electrolysis operation when taking a bath on the next day, the inside of the filtration tank 48 becomes strongly acidic at the time of electrolysis, and the proliferation of bacteria that propagate in the filter member 49 is suppressed. Is prevented, and the service life of the filtration tank 48 can be extended.

Further, by switching the first and second flow path switching valves 33 and 34 in FIG. 4 to form a circulation path as shown by a dashed arrow, back-flow washing of the suspended substance deposited on the filter member 49 can be performed. It becomes possible, and by performing this periodically, the clogging of the filter member 49 is regenerated, and the life of the filtration tank 48 can be further extended.

(Embodiment 3) FIG. 5 is a schematic view of a water reforming apparatus according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. The difference from the embodiment shown in FIG. 4 is that an electrolyte supply means 52 having a salt tank 50 and a water supply pump 51 is provided so that the saline solution from the electrolyte supply means 52 can be supplied into the electrolytic cell 30.
The other parts are the same as those in the embodiment of FIG. 4, and the same reference numerals are given and the detailed description is omitted.

Next, the operation and operation of this embodiment will be described.

Tap water and well water contain chlorine ions but they are in a trace amount, and a long electrolysis time is required when high concentration acidic / alkaline water or hypochlorous acid is produced by electrolysis.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, the water supply pump 51 is operated before the retained electrolysis, and the basic supersaturated saline (salt concentration: about 26%) is supplied into the electrolytic cell 30 through the salt tank 50, and The diluted water mixed and adjusted to a predetermined concentration is subjected to residence electrolysis. As a result, since the electrolyzed water contains a large amount of chloride ions, a high-concentration reformed water can be generated in a short time, and a weak acid bath can be performed in a short time.

The electrolysis voltage at the time of electrolysis depends on the conductivity of the water to be electrolyzed, and since this conductivity greatly changes depending on the region, for example, when performing a constant current electrolysis of 1 (A) in a low conductivity region, A high voltage close to DC 100 (V) is required, and conversely, a low voltage of 1 (V) or less is required in a high conductivity area. Therefore, a special measure is required for a control circuit (not shown). By diluting the water, the conductivity of the water to be electrolyzed is greatly increased, and the difference in conductivity due to the regional difference is absorbed to make the conductivity substantially constant. Thus, the electrolysis can be performed with a low voltage and a simple control circuit.

[0064]

As is apparent from the above description, according to the water reforming apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention, a tank having a larger volume than the electrolytic cell is provided in addition to the diaphragm type electrolytic cell. A bypass circuit constitutes a closed circuit, and a flow path opening / closing means connected to at least one of the anode cell outlet and the cathode cell outlet is provided to perform the stagnant electrolysis. The pump action enables highly concentrated treated water, and the electrolytic gas in the anode or cathode tank, which is not communicated with the tank, is discharged to the outside from the waste pipe.For example, if the bath water is maintained weakly acidic, the alkalinity of the skin will be reduced. Astringent effect which is considered to be good for smooth skin by tightening and tightening skin is obtained, and waste water is reduced and acidified effectively, so water consumption and power consumption are reduced, and runnin The cost can be reduced.

According to the water reforming apparatus according to the second aspect of the present invention, since the tank is replaced with a filtration tank, for example, in the case of bath water, a weakly acidic bath capable of obtaining an astringent effect can be realized, and the running cost can be reduced. The clarity of the bath water is improved by providing a filtration tank, so that comfortable bathing is possible. In addition, by making the inside of the filtration tank high in acidity during the retention electrolysis, it is possible to sterilize the bacteria group that propagates in the filter in the filtration tank, thereby eliminating bacterial anxiety and extending the life of the filter.

According to the water reforming apparatus of the third aspect of the present invention, since the ion exchange membrane having ion exchange capability is formed as the diaphragm, cations and anions can be separated through the ion exchange membrane. The acidic water and the alkaline water do not mix even when the residence electrolysis is performed. As a result, high-concentration acidic / alkaline water is efficiently generated, and the electrolysis time can be reduced.

According to the water reforming apparatus of the fourth aspect of the present invention, the operation for discharging the retained electrolyzed water by driving the circulation means after performing the retained electrolysis for a predetermined time is performed a plurality of times.
Electrolyzed water can be generated efficiently without lowering the electrolysis efficiency. As a result, the electrolysis time is shortened, the amount of power can be reduced, and the electrolysis may be performed a plurality of times, so that the size of the tank and the electrolyzer can be reduced. In addition, even when the volume of the water to be reformed is large, it can be adjusted to a desired concentration of acidic / alkaline water by repeating the process several times.

According to the water reforming apparatus according to the fifth aspect of the present invention, since the underwater ion removing means is provided in the circulation path, it is possible to remove the anions in the water to be reformed before performing the retained electrolysis. The consumption of hydrogen ions concentrated by the anion is reduced. Therefore, since the desired concentration of the reformed water can be realized in a short time, the electrolysis time is shortened, and the running cost can be further reduced.

According to the water reforming apparatus according to the sixth aspect of the present invention, since the means for removing ions in water is composed of at least one of a cation exchange membrane and an anion exchange membrane, it is small, lightweight and has a high ion exchange capacity. , And regeneration can be easily performed by using salt, so that the size of the apparatus can be reduced and the life of the ion exchange membrane can be extended by regeneration.

[0070] According to the water reforming apparatus according to claim 7 of the present invention, since the flow path opening / closing means is a three-way valve and the second outlet communicates with the outlet side of the tank or the filtration tank, the anode tank and the cathode tank are connected. Acid / alkaline water can be mixed, and neutral electrolyzed water can be generated. This makes it possible to suppress bacterial growth in the filtration tank during the retained electrolysis, thereby preventing clogging of the filtration tank due to bacterial growth and extending the life. Also,
When neutral electrolyzed water is used as sterilizing water, since browning and protein denaturation do not occur, it is effective for sterilizing vegetables and meat, and the use is expanded.

According to the water reforming apparatus according to claim 8 of the present invention, the first and second separate water tanks are provided upstream and downstream of the tank or the filtration tank.
A flow path switching valve is provided, and circulating means is provided upstream of the first flow path switching valve on the upstream side of the filtration tank, and the circulating means is provided downstream of the filtration means, in the middle of the first flow path switching valve, and in the second flow path switching valve. By providing a communication path for communication, by switching the flow path, it is possible to flow water in the direction opposite to the filtration direction of the filtration tank, and to wash back suspended substances trapped in the filtration tank at the time of filtration. It becomes possible. Thereby, clogging of the filtration tank is prevented, and the service life of the filtration tank can be extended.

According to the water reforming apparatus of the ninth aspect of the present invention, since the chlorine removing means is provided in the communication passage, the chlorine component is removed by operating the circulating means for a predetermined time after the stagnant electrolysis operation to remove the skin component. And adverse effects on hair. Thus, for example, bath water that is mildly acidic and chlorine is removed and that is more gentle on the skin can be realized. Further, since the chlorine removing means is provided in the communication passage, the retained electrolyzed water does not pass through the chlorine removing means, and the life of the chlorine removing means can be extended.

According to the water reforming apparatus of claim 10 of the present invention, ascorbic acid, citric acid,
Because it is designed to elute at least one of catechin, tannin and flavonoid, it is excellent in chlorine removal effect with a small amount, and it is also used for drinking, so it is safe, and it is inexpensive. Frequency can be reduced.

According to the water reforming apparatus according to the eleventh aspect of the present invention, since the electrolyte supply means is provided to supply the dilute solution of the saline solution into the electrolytic cell and perform the stagnant electrolysis, the high-concentration reforming can be performed in a short time. Quality water can be generated.

Further, by supplying the saline solution, the conductivity of the water to be electrolyzed is greatly increased, and the difference in the conductivity due to the regional difference is absorbed to make the conductivity substantially constant. Electrolysis is possible.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a water reforming apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged schematic view of an essential part showing the electrolytic cell.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged schematic view of an essential part of the chlorine removing means.

FIG. 4 is a schematic view of a water reforming apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a schematic view of a water reforming apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of a water reforming apparatus showing a first conventional example of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of a water reforming apparatus showing a second conventional example of the present invention.

[Description of Signs] 25 Water reforming device 28 Circulating path 29 Circulating means 30 Electrolyzer 31 Tank 32 Underwater ion removing means 33 First flow path switching valve 34 Second flow path switching valve 35 Communication path 36 Chlorine removing means 37 Control means 38 Diaphragm (ion exchange membrane) 39 Anode tank 40 Cathode tank 41 Anode 42 Cathode 43 Flow opening / closing valve (3-way valve) 44 First outlet 45 Waste pipe 46 Second outlet 47 Bypass path 48 Filtration tank 50 Salt tank 51 Water supply pump 52 Electrolyte supply means

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference) C02F 1/42 C02F 1/44 A 4D061 1/44 1/58 L 4D064 1/58 1/70 Z 1 / 70 9/00 502D 9/00 502 502J 502M 503A 503 504E 504 B01D 35/02 J (72) Inventor Takemi Oketa 1006 Ojidoma, Kadoma City, Osaka Pref. Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Hajime Miyata Osaka 1006, Kadoma, Kadoma, Kadoma, Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor: Yu Kawai 1006, Kadoma, Kadoma, Kadoma, Osaka Prefecture: (72) Kazushige Nakamura, 1002, Kadoma, Kadoma, Osaka, Japan F-term (reference) in Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. 2D005 FA00 4D006 GA18 KB01 KB11 KB14 KD11 MA13 MA14 PB07 PC56 4D025 AA08 AB06 AB11 AB14 AB34 BA27 BB11 DA03 DA06 DA10 4D038 AA07 AB39 BA04 BB08 BB10 BB17 4D050 AA10 AB45 BA12 BC05 BC10 BD03 BD06 4D061 DA07 DB07 DB08 EA02 EB13 EB39 ED13 FA08 FA13 FA20 GC18 GC20 4D064 AA11 BF31

Claims (11)

[Claims] An anode and a cathode are respectively provided in a circulating path comprising a forward pipe and a return pipe, a circulating means, and an anode tank and a cathode tank separated by a diaphragm. An electrolytic cell for producing the same, a tank having a larger volume than the electrolytic cell, and a flow path opening / closing means connected to at least one of the anode cell outlet and the cathode cell outlet, and the flow path A waste pipe connected to the opening / closing means for discharging gas and / or liquid generated during the electrolysis of water; and a control means, wherein at least one of the anode tank outlet and the cathode tank outlet includes the waste pipe. A water reforming apparatus having a structure in which an outlet side of a tank is configured to be able to communicate with the tank, a bypass path communicating the inside of the tank with the electrolytic cell is provided, and the electrolytic cell is configured to perform electrolysis in a non-flowing state for a predetermined time. 2. A circulation path comprising a forward pipe and a return pipe, a circulation means, a filtration tank for filtering suspended substances contained in water to be purified, and an anode and a cathode each separated by a diaphragm. An electrolytic cell having a cathode and electrolyzing water to produce acidic water and alkaline water, a flow path opening / closing means connected to at least one of the anode cell exit and the cathode cell exit, and the flow path opening / closing means A waste pipe connected to the exhaust pipe for discharging gas and / or liquid generated during the electrolysis of water; and a control means, wherein at least one of the anode tank outlet and the cathode tank outlet and the filter tank outlet A water reforming apparatus which is configured such that a side thereof can be communicated and a bypass path communicating between the inside of the filtration tank and the electrolysis tank is provided, and the electrolysis tank is configured to perform electrolysis in a non-flowing state for a predetermined time. 3. The water reforming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the diaphragm is formed of an ion exchange membrane having an ion exchange ability. 4. The operation of discharging the retained electrolyzed water by driving the circulation means after performing the retained electrolysis for a predetermined time is performed a plurality of times.
The water reforming apparatus according to any one of claims 3 to 3. 5. The water reforming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein an underwater ion removing means is provided in the circulation path. 6. The ion removing means in water comprises at least one of a cation exchange membrane and an anion exchange membrane.
The water reforming apparatus according to claim 1. 7. The method according to claim 1, wherein the flow path opening / closing means is a three-way valve, and the first outlet is connected to the waste pipe, and the second outlet is connected to the outlet side of the tank or the filtration tank. The water reforming apparatus according to the above item. 8. A separate first and second flow path switching valve is provided upstream and downstream of a tank or a filtration tank, and a circulating means is provided upstream of the first flow path switching valve on the upstream side of the filtration tank. The water reforming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising a communication passage that communicates the downstream of the circulation means, the middle of the first flow path switching valve, and the second flow path switching valve. 9. The water reforming apparatus according to claim 8, wherein a chlorine removing means is provided in the communication passage. 10. The chlorine removing means comprises at least one of ascorbic acid, citric acid, catechin, tannin and flavonoid.
The water reforming apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the seed is eluted. 11. An electrolyte supply means having a salt tank and a water supply pump, wherein a saline solution from the electrolyte supply means is supplied into an electrolytic cell to electrolyze diluted water having a predetermined concentration. The water reforming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4.