JP2003038409A - Dishwasher having electrolysed water generator - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a dishwasher for washing dishes with an electrolysed water generated by electrolysis without using a detergent containing a surface active agent. SOLUTION: This dishwasher is provided with the electrolysed water generator having an electrolysis cell 71 having an anode chamber 73 and a cathode chamber 74, an electrolyte supply means 81 for supplying an electrolyte at least to the anode chamber 73, and a control means 60 and adapted to generate electrolysed water having pH of 11.5 to 12.5 and chlorine ion concentration of 50 to 2,000 ppm by electrolysis. Thus, the dishes are washed with alkaline electrolytic water, thereby improving the washing effect.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a dishwasher for washing dishes and the like using electrolyzed water produced by electrolysis.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art An electrolyzed water generator is a running water type which is connected to a water supply facility such as a tap water and electrolyzes in running water to generate acidic water or alkaline water. There is a batch method in which water is electrolyzed in the retention state. The running water method has the advantage of being able to take in electrolyzed water immediately, but when attempting to obtain acidic water with strong oxidizing power or alkaline water with strong reducing power, it is necessary to increase the size of the electrode, which requires large power and is complicated. Therefore, the cost of the entire apparatus is increased. On the other hand, in the batch method, electrolysis is carried out in a staying state, so that electrolysis can be performed for a long time, but on the other hand, there is a feature that the above-mentioned acidic water or alkaline water is easily obtained.

Conventionally, it is said that alkaline water having a high pH value generated by this potential decomposition has excellent detergency. The washing water is degreasing washing water prepared from alkaline electrolyzed water, and has a sodium ion concentration + potassium ion concentration of 0.2 mmol / liter or more and 5 mmol / liter or less and a chloride ion concentration of 1 mmol. / Liter or less, pH 9 or more and 12 or less, especially iron,
When used for cleaning metals such as steel, copper, brass, etc., plastics, ceramics, etc., the oil that adheres to the surface is peeled off, there is no corrosion or surface deterioration of metals, etc., and adverse effects on the human body such as organic solvents are also seen. I do not.

However, when it is attempted to wash dirt such as proteins and oil lipids attached to general tableware, sodium ions and potassium ions are deficient under the conditions shown in the above conventional example, and the pH value as a whole is low. Since it is low, the condition is such that it cannot be said to have sufficient cleaning power. According to the cleaning performance experiment including oils and fats and protein stains conducted by the present inventor, it was found that a pH of 11.5 or less does not have sufficient detergency for all stains. Moreover, the sodium ion concentration is 150 ppm (6.5 mmol / liter).
When the pH value was cut, a sufficient washing effect was not obtained even when the pH was 11.5 or higher. Furthermore, the chlorine ion concentration as in the conventional example is 1 mmol / liter (35 pp
In order to produce low electrolyzed water of m or less, it was necessary to use ion-exchanged water as the electrolyzed water to be used, to reduce the concentration of salt to be added more than necessary, and to perform electrolysis with running water. Although electrolyzed water having a pH of about 8 to 10 can be easily produced by running water electrolysis with such a reduced salt concentration, a high voltage is applied to the electrode to generate a large current when attempting to produce alkaline water having a high cleaning performance of pH 11 to pH 13. It will need to be flushed. Then, there are problems that the device becomes large in size and power consumption becomes large.

FIG. 8 shows such an electrolyzed water producing apparatus.
As shown in FIG. 3, the electrolytic cell 1 is provided with three chambers of a cathode chamber 2, an intermediate chamber 3 and an anode chamber 4, and the cathode chamber 2 and the intermediate chamber 3 and the anode chamber 4 and the intermediate chamber 3 are separated by a diaphragm 7 and a diaphragm 8 respectively.
Separated by a cathode electrode 5 in the cathode chamber 2,
An anode electrode 6 is installed in the anode chamber 4, and each of the electrodes 5 and 6 is connected to a DC power supply device. The electrolytic ionized water storage tank 12 generated in the cathode chamber 2 is circulated and supplied from the supply passage 10 to the cathode chamber 2 of the electrolytic tank 1 by the circulation pump 13. When the electrolyzed ionized water in the storage tank 12 reaches the target pH and redox potential, the valve 1
4 is opened and electrolytic ionized water is sampled from the water sampling channel 15.

However, in the conventional structure, it is necessary to continuously supply the aqueous solution containing the electrolyte to the anode chamber 4 and the intermediate chamber 3, and when it is actually put to practical use,
The entire device had a large and complicated structure, and it was far from the image of being easily installed and used in the home or office.

As an example of a simple structure in the running water system, as shown in FIG. 9, electrode plates 22 and 23 are provided so as to face the inside of an electrolytic cell 21 for passing raw water such as tap water or well water. A configuration is known in which salt water 24 is added to the inside of the electrolytic cell 21 by a pump 25. In addition, 26 is a diaphragm,
Reference numeral 27 is a raw water supply channel, 28 is a first drainage pipe, 29 is a second drainage pipe, 30 is a forward / reverse voltage switching device, and 31 is a DC power supply.

In this structure, while the raw water is supplied from the raw water supply channel 27 into the electrolytic cell 21, salt water (N
aCl) in the vicinity of the anode 22 lowers the electric resistance of the raw water to lower the voltage during electrolysis to efficiently stabilize the electrolysis, and the reaction of the anode 22 of the electrolysis with chlorine in salt water. Chlorine gas is generated from the ions, and the chlorine gas dissolves in the raw water to effectively generate hypochlorous acid (HClO) having a disinfecting power.

However, with this construction, unless the amount of salt added is adjusted in proportion to the flow rate of the raw water, the salt concentration of the raw water changes and stable electrolyzed water cannot be produced. Therefore, advanced control such as adjustment of the flow rate of raw water and control of the amount of salt added becomes necessary.

Further, since the raw water mainly flows in the vicinity of the diaphragm 26, the concentration of the salt water does not increase and the sodium ion of the salt water is difficult to move to the cathode 23 side. This does not easily act to raise the pH of the cathode water or raise the sodium ion concentration. Therefore, the cathode water is not suitable for use as washing water.

An example of a dishwasher equipped with an electrolyzer is shown in FIG. This dishwasher is provided with a washing chamber 40 for washing an object to be washed therein and a water supply channel 41 for supplying washing water into the washing chamber 40 as it is.
And an electrolyzed water generation device 42 for electrolyzing the cleaning water supplied into the cleaning chamber 40, and a water passage 43 connecting the electrolyzed water generation device 42 and the cleaning chamber 40. Further, the water supply passage 41 includes a pipe 41a and a water supply valve 4 provided on the pipe 41a.
1b and so on. One end of the pipe 41a is connected to the cleaning chamber 40, and the other end is connected to an external water supply facility such as a water supply, so that tap water can be supplied into the cleaning chamber 40.

The washing chamber 40 includes a net-like rack 40b on which an article to be washed is placed, an arm-shaped nozzle 40d, and the like.
c, and a drainage channel 44 having a drainage pipe 44a, a drainage pump 44b, and the like. The cleaning mechanism 40c is the cleaning chamber 4
40f for connecting the bottom portion 40a of No. 0 and the nozzle 40d, and a cleaning pump 4 provided in this tube 40f for pumping cleaning water under pressure
0 g and the above-mentioned nozzle 40 for injecting the wash water pumped.
d and. The nozzle 40d has a plurality of injection ports 4
0e is provided, from which the cleaning water is sprayed toward the object to be cleaned placed on the rack 40b. Washing pump 40g
When is operated, the washing water is sprayed onto the article to be washed, and the article is washed evenly.

The electrolyzed water producing device 42 includes a tank 42a for storing cleaning water, a decomposing unit 42e for decomposing the cleaning water stored in the tank 42a into acidic water and alkaline water by electrolysis, and decomposed acidic water. It has a diaphragm 42d such as an ion exchange membrane as a partitioning means for distinguishing it from alkaline water in the tank 42a, and the tank 42a has a pipe 45a for branching from the pipe 41a to introduce tap water into the tank 42a. The branch water passage 45 including the solenoid valve 45b and the like and the water passage 43 are connected.

The inside of the tank 42a is covered by the diaphragm 42d.
It is divided into two chambers 42b and 42c, and a positive electrode 42f is arranged in one chamber 42b and a negative electrode 42g is arranged in the other chamber 42c. The pair of electrodes 42f and 42g are connected to a power source, and these constitute the above-mentioned disassembling means 42e.

When the electrolyzed water is generated, a predetermined amount of salt and tap water from the branch water passage 45 are supplied into the tank 42a to store a predetermined concentration of salt water. A predetermined DC voltage is applied to this saline for a predetermined time, and the solution is placed in the chamber 42b on the positive electrode side.
Strong acidic water of pH 2-3 is added to the chamber 42c on the side of the negative electrode to pH 11
It produces 12 strongly alkaline waters, respectively.

Further, each chamber 42b, 42c of the tank 42a
Are supplied with water from the branch water channels 45, respectively. The water passage 43 is formed in each chamber 42b, 4 of the tank 42a.
It has a pipe 43a that connects 2c and the cleaning chamber 40.
One end of the pipe 43a is connected to the cleaning chamber 40, the other end of the pipe 43a is branched and connected to the bottoms of the chambers 42b and 42c of the tank 42a, and a solenoid valve 43b is provided at the branched portion connected to the chamber 42b. An electromagnetic valve 43c is provided at a branched portion connected to 42c. Solenoid valve 43
By opening and closing b and 43c, each chamber 42 of the tank 42a
The cleaning water can be alternatively discharged from b and 42c.

[0017]

However, the above-mentioned pH of 11
~ 12 If you try to wash the dirt attached to general tableware with alkaline water, such as curry, pork cutlet, ham egg, miso soup, sodium ion and potassium ion are insufficient under the conditions shown in the above conventional example, Moreover, since the pH value is low as a whole, the condition is such that it cannot be said that there is sufficient detergency. According to the washing performance experiment conducted by the present inventor in a dishwasher containing stains such as curry, pork cutlet, ham egg, and miso soup, it cannot be said that a pH of 11.5 or less has sufficient washing power for all stains. there were. The sodium ion concentration is 150 ppm (6.
When the pH is less than 5 mmol / liter), a sufficient cleaning effect cannot be obtained even when the pH is 11.5 or higher.

The present invention solves the above-mentioned conventional problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a dishwasher equipped with an electrolyzed water producing apparatus that produces safe electrolyzed water that is environmentally friendly and has excellent detergency. To do.

[0019]

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a dishwasher equipped with the electrolyzed water producing apparatus of the present invention in which an ion-permeable diaphragm is arranged between an anode and a cathode. An electrolytic cell in which an anode chamber and a cathode chamber are formed by this diaphragm, an electrolyte supply means for supplying an electrolyte to at least the anode chamber, and a control means for electrolyzing water to be electrolyzed by applying a voltage to the anode and cathode The electrolyzed water produced in the cathode chamber has a pH of 11.5 to 12.5 when electrolyzed.
In addition, it is configured to generate alkaline water having a chlorine ion concentration of 50 to 2000 ppm.

When the water to be electrolyzed is electrolyzed, the electrolyte in the anode chamber is electrolyzed, and cations such as sodium ions and potassium ions mainly move to the cathode chamber through the ion-permeable diaphragm, and anions such as chlorine ions are generated. Ions migrate to the anode chamber. Then, alkaline electrolyzed water having a pH of 11.5-12.5 and a chloride ion concentration of 50-2000 ppm is generated in the cathode chamber. The electrolyzed water thus produced has a saponification and emulsifying action on fats and oils and a hydrolyzing action on proteins, and can wash dirt and the like attached to dishes. By using the wash water having a high washing effect in the dishwasher, the washing effect is further improved in addition to the physical washing effect by the jet flow of the dishwasher.

[0021]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION The invention according to claim 1 is an electrolytic cell in which an ion-permeable diaphragm is arranged between an anode and a cathode, and an anode chamber and a cathode chamber are formed by this diaphragm, It has an electrolyte supply means for supplying an electrolyte to the anode chamber and a control means for applying a voltage to the anode and the cathode to electrolyze the electrolyzed water, and has a pH of 11.5-12.5 and a chloride ion concentration of 50. It is a dishwasher equipped with an electrolyzed water generator that electrolyzes electrolyzed water of up to 2000 ppm.

As a result, the electrolyte is supplied to the electrolyzed water supplied into the anode chamber, and when a voltage is applied between the positive electrode and the negative electrode, the ions contained in the electrolyte are ions having a polarity opposite to that of the electrodes due to the electric attraction force. Will move through. Therefore, cations such as sodium ions and potassium ions introduced into the anode chamber immediately move to the cathode chamber through the diaphragm. Further, since anions such as chlorine ions are attracted to the anode, their movement to the cathode chamber is minimized. As a result, the electrolyzed water on the cathode chamber side becomes alkaline.

The pH of the alkaline water is 11.
When it is 5 or more, the saponification and emulsification action of fats and oils and the hydrolysis action on proteins become remarkable, and the action of penetrating into dirt and the peeling action by OH-ions are strengthened to give water excellent in detergency. Further, at a level of pH 12.5 or less, it is safe because it does not irritate the skin and mucous membranes.
Further, stable detergency can be easily obtained by suppressing the chlorine ion, which is considered to inhibit the above-mentioned peeling action, to a low level at the actual use level. The dishwasher discharges a jet flow of 40 to 60 liters per minute, and the physical washing effect of the jet is great. By using this electrolyzed water in the dishwasher,
It is possible to obtain the same level of cleaning effect as conventional detergents, and because it does not contain surfactants, it becomes environmentally friendly drainage.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, an ion-permeable diaphragm is arranged between the anode and the cathode, and an electrolytic chamber in which an anode chamber and a cathode chamber are formed by this diaphragm, and an electrolyte in at least the anode chamber. Which has a pH of 11.5-12.5 and a sodium ion concentration of 150-700 ppm. It is a dishwasher equipped with an electrolyzed water generator that generates water by electrolysis.

As a result, the electrolyzed water produced by electrolysis is alkaline water having a pH of 11.5-12.5 and a sodium ion concentration of 150-700 ppm.
The detergency is further improved by appropriately adding sodium ions, which are said to have a strong saponification and emulsification action on oils and fats and a hydrolyzing action on proteins. By increasing the peeling effect in addition to the physical cleaning effect of the jet of a dishwasher, it is possible to obtain the same level of cleaning effect as conventional detergents, and because it does not contain surfactants etc., it is environmentally friendly. It becomes drainage.

The invention according to claim 3 is the dishwasher according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the electrolysis water produced in the cathode chamber is used to wash in a washing tank and then the electrolysis produced in the anode chamber. Water is supplied into the cleaning tank, mixed, and then drained.

As a result, electrolytic water having a pH of 11.5 or more has the effects of saponifying and emulsifying fats and oils and hydrolyzing proteins, and has an action of penetrating into dirt by OH-ions and a peeling action. After washing dirt attached to tableware with water, by mixing and discharging acidic electrolyzed water that is simultaneously generated when alkaline electrolyzed water is generated, the electrolyzed water that is drained becomes a weak alkaline to neutral region, It is possible to reduce the corrosiveness of corrosive acidic water for drainage, and suppress corrosion of the drainage system.

The invention according to claim 4 is the dishwasher according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the electrolytic water generated in the cathode chamber is used to wash the electrolytic water generated in the anode chamber, and then the electrolytic water generated in the anode chamber is washed. The cleaning operation is performed while mixing in the cleaning tank.

As a result, electrolyzed water having a pH of 11.5 or more has the effects of saponification and emulsification of fats and oils and hydrolysis of proteins, and has the effect of penetrating into dirt by OH-ions and stripping action. After cleaning the stains on the tableware, etc., by mixing with acidic electrolyzed water that is generated at the same time as the generation of alkaline electrolyzed water for cleaning, hypochlorous acid generated in the anode chamber when the electrolyte is salt etc. By effectively utilizing the oxidizing action of acid, it will bleach and disinfect the dishes and the washing tank of the dishwasher, and the microorganisms contained in the stains that are peeled from the dishes or dissolved in alkaline electrolyzed water. . Therefore, it is possible to bleach and sterilize tableware and the like, and also to prevent microbial contamination by microorganisms contained in the wastewater.

The invention according to claim 5 is provided with a "washing mode" for performing ordinary dishwashing of oils and fats and proteins and a "bleaching washing mode" for performing bleaching while performing ordinary washing. When "" is selected, the control method according to claim 3 is selected, and when "bleach cleaning mode" is selected, the control method according to claim 3 is selected.
The control method described in 1) is used.

As a result, the user can select the course according to the use, and the user can select the course according to the material of the tableware set in the washing tank of the dishwasher, and the discoloration or discoloration of the tableware etc. It can prevent deformation and damage.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the washing tank after the electrolytic water generated in the anode chamber and the cathode chamber of the dishwasher according to any one of the third to fifth aspects is mixed and washed, Also, the inside of the electrolytic cell is washed and rinsed with tap water.

As a result, by running or circulating tap water after using the electrolyzed water, the electrolyzed water remaining in the electrolysis tank, the cleaning tank and the circulation path can be diluted with tap water. The respective alkaline water and acidic water become neutral water. Therefore, it is possible to prevent corrosion due to acidic water or alkaline water.

The invention according to claim 7 is a dishwasher according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein a "washing operation" is performed in which tap water is heated and washed without using a detergent. After that, the "electrolytic cleaning operation" of heating the electrolyzed water for cleaning is performed, and then the "rinsing operation" of heating the tap water for cleaning is performed.

Thus, the dirt attached to the dishes and the like is discharged from the cleaning tank in advance by the cleaning power of the hot water, so that the amount of dirt when cleaning with electrolytic water is reduced, and the cleaning performance with electrolytic water is improved. improves. By supplying a predetermined amount of electrolyzed water without adding a large amount of detergent according to the amount of dirt, the cleaning performance can be secured. Therefore, by utilizing the cleaning performance of hot water, it is possible to generate the electrolyzed water having the minimum cleaning performance in a short time. In addition, it is possible to improve the life of the electrode of the electrolyzed water generator and reliability such as scale adhesion.

The invention according to claim 8 is a dishwasher equipped with the electrolyzed water generator according to any one of claims 1 to 7, and is suitable for electrolyzing in an anode chamber in an electrolyte supply means. It is provided with an electrolyte tank for storing an electrolyte having a higher concentration than the concentration and a supply means for supplying the electrolyte with a high concentration to the anode chamber.

Since the electrolyte in the electrolyte tank is supplied to at least the electrolyzed water in the anode chamber by the supply means, it is not necessary to manually prepare saline solution or the like, and the electrolyte concentration is stabilized, so that the desired pH is obtained. The value and ion concentration of electrolyzed water can be obtained accurately, and the cleaning performance is stable.
In addition, it is easy to reduce the size when incorporating it into equipment.

[0038] A ninth aspect of the present invention is a dishwasher equipped with the electrolyzed water producing apparatus according to any one of the first to eighth aspects, wherein the diaphragm of the electrolyzed water producing apparatus is a cation exchange membrane. There is.

As a result, cations such as sodium ions and potassium ions are moved from the anode chamber to the cathode chamber,
Since it is possible to prevent anions such as chlorine ions from moving to the cathode chamber, electrolyzed water can be obtained more efficiently.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in a dishwasher equipped with the electrolytic water generating apparatus according to the eighth or ninth aspect, an electrolyte detecting means for detecting the electrolyte concentration in the electrolytic cell is provided, and the electrolyte detecting means is provided. The electrolysis conditions are controlled according to the detected value of.

As a result, since the electrolyte concentration can be detected, it is possible to detect a malfunction of the electrolyte supply means or an insufficient supply of electrolyte. Further, even when the electrolyzed water in the electrolytic cell is insufficient, the electrolyte detection means can be grasped as a change in the contact state with the electrolyzed water. Therefore, when an abnormality is detected, electrolysis can be stopped, or stable electrolyzed water can be generated by adjusting the electrolysis time or the electrolysis current depending on the magnitude of the electrolyte concentration to wash dishes or the like.

The eleventh aspect of the invention is a dishwasher equipped with the electrolyzed water producing apparatus according to the tenth aspect, in which the electrolyte is supplied until the detection value of the electrolyte detection means reaches a predetermined value. Thus, it is possible to prevent the variation in the supply amount of the electrolyte supply means, and to generate a constant amount of electrolyzed water every time.

According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, in the dishwasher equipped with the electrolyzed water generating apparatus according to the tenth or eleventh aspect, electrolysis is possible when the detection value of the electrolyte detection means is within a predetermined range. Then, if the detected value is out of the predetermined range, it is determined that there is something abnormal and the electrolysis is stopped. If it is within the predetermined range, the electrolysis can be performed. Therefore, the generated electrolyzed water becomes stable within a predetermined range.

The invention according to claim 13 is the invention according to claim 10
In the dishwasher equipped with the electrolyzed water generator according to any one of 12, an electrolyte detection is detected by a potential or current between an anode and a cathode. The potential or current between the electrodes has a correlation with the conductivity of the electrolyzed water, and also has a correlation with the electrolyte concentration and the conductivity. Therefore, since the electrolyte concentration can be easily detected from the potential or the current between the electrodes, the electrode and the electrolyte detecting means can be used together to simplify the structure.

[0045]

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

(Embodiment 1) FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of a dishwasher having an electrolyzed water producing apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 shows a block diagram of the electrolyzed water generator in the same embodiment. 3 and 4 show flowcharts of control contents in the embodiment.

In FIG. 1, 50 is the main body of the dishwasher,
Reference numeral 51 is a washing tank, 52 is a basket for storing dishes, and 53 is a main body lid provided at the opening of the washing tank 51. Reference numeral 54 is a water supply on-off valve. Reference numeral 70 is an electrolyzed water generator that produces electrolyzed water for bleaching / sterilization and cleaning. 55 is a water supply on-off valve 5
4 is a switching valve that switches the water supply circuit for directly supplying the water supplied from No. 4 into the cleaning tank 51 or supplying the water to the cleaning tank 51 via the electrolytic water generating device 70. Reference numeral 56 denotes a float type water level detecting means for supplying water by opening the water supply opening / closing valve 54. The water level detecting means 56 detects the water level and stores a prescribed amount in the cleaning tank 51. Reference numeral 57 is a heater for heating, which is arranged on the lower side in the washing tank 51, and is used when heating washing water or drying dishes. Reference numeral 58 is a circulation pump for circulating cleaning water, and 59 is a cleaning nozzle arranged below the cleaning tank 51. Reference numeral 60 is a control means for controlling the operation of the cleaning pump 58 and the like. Reference numeral 61 is a water supply hose, and 62 is a drainage hose. Reference numeral 63 is a drainage pump for discharging the water stored in the cleaning tank 51 to the outside of the machine. 64 is a blower used when drying tableware. Reference numeral 65 denotes an operation unit provided on the front surface of the main body.

In FIG. 2, 71 is an electrolytic cell,
Anode chamber 73 and cathode chamber 7 are formed by the ion-permeable diaphragm 72.
4 are formed, and an anode 75 and a cathode 76 are arranged to face each other with a diaphragm 72 in between. An anode water outlet pipe 77 and a cathode water outlet pipe 78 are provided above the electrolytic cell 71.

Water is supplied to the electrolytic cell 71 from a water supply hose 80 via a switching valve 79. At this time, tap water is filled when the switching valve 79 is switched to the anode chamber 73 side and the cathode chamber 74 side, respectively. When the anode chamber 73 and the cathode chamber 74 are filled with water and overflow, tap water is poured into the cleaning tank 51 via the anode water outlet pipe 77 and the cathode water outlet pipe 78, respectively.

At least a part of the electrolytic cell 71 is a transparent or semi-transparent container so that the inside can be visually confirmed from the outside. Here, the electrolytic cell 71 is formed of a transparent resin so that the side wall of the electrolytic cell 71 faces the outside. As a result, the water level inside the electrolytic bath 71 can be confirmed from the side surface, so that it can be confirmed without disassembling during maintenance. Further, when electrolysis is repeated for a long time, scale components contained in the raw water are deposited on the electrodes 75 and 76, the diaphragm 72, and the inner wall surface of the electrolysis tank 71. Therefore, it is necessary to wash them regularly. Maintenance can be facilitated because the scale adhesion and cleaning status can be visually confirmed.

Reference numeral 81 is an electrolyte tank having a detachable cap 82 and an electrolyte bed 83, in which salt 84 is filled as an electrolyte. To the electrolyte tank 81, tap water contained in the electrolytic cell 71 is fed from the water supply port 85 provided in the anode chamber 73 to the upper part of the electrolyte tank 81 through the introduction path 87 by the supply means 86 which is a pulse pump. The introduced water dissolves the salt 84 to become saturated saline, and the electrolyte solution is supplied to the anode chamber 73 from the electrolyte supply port 89 through the electrolyte bed 83 and the liquid supply passage 88.

The saturated saline solution supplied to the anode chamber 73 has a large specific gravity with respect to the raw water and therefore sinks and accumulates at the bottom of the anode chamber 73. When the high-concentration saline solution accumulated in the bottom starts electrolysis, it is attracted while mixing with water between the anode 75 and the diaphragm 72 by convection when oxygen and chlorine gas generated on the surface of the anode 75 rise. , Finally, everything is in a mixed state.

Here, the check valve A is provided in the vicinity of the electrolyte supply port 89 of the liquid supply passage 88 in a direction to prevent the reverse flow of water in the anode chamber 73.
90 is provided, and a check valve B91 is provided between the electrolyte tank 81 in the introduction path 87 and the supply means 86 to prevent the saline solution in the electrolyte tank 81 from flowing back to the supply means 86. Further, by providing the electrolyte supply port 89 at a position higher than the liquid level 92 of the electrolyte tank 81, it is possible to prevent the saturated saline solution in the electrolyte tank 81 from flowing out to the electrolytic cell 71 due to a drop. Further, by providing the anode water outlet pipe 77 and the cathode water outlet pipe 78 above the electrolytic bath 71, water is always stored in the electrolytic bath 71, and the electrolyte tank 8
1, water inlet 85, supply means 86, introduction path 87, check valve A
90, the check valve B91, etc. can prevent the salt from re-crystallizing and sticking due to water evaporation.

At least a part of the electrolyte tank 81 is transparent or translucent so that the inside of the main body 50 can be visually confirmed. Here, the electrolyte tank 81 is molded with a transparent resin, and the side wall of the electrolyte tank 81 is attached to the main body 5
It is configured to face 0 outside. As a result, the amount of the salt 84 in the electrolyte tank 81 can be confirmed from the outside, which improves usability such as salt replenishment. In addition, the removable cap 82 is projected to the outside of the main body 50 so that salt 84 can be easily added.
To be able to supply.

Reference numeral 93 is an electrolysis control means having an electrode reverse power supply means (not shown) and a DC power supply 94.
To exchange control information.

Further, the electrolysis control means 93 supplies water to the electrolyzer 71 to bring the pulse pump 8 to a predetermined electrolyte concentration.
After the saturated saline solution is supplied to the anode chamber 73 in step 6, the electrolyzed water generated in the cathode chamber 74 is adjusted to pH by applying a predetermined current for a predetermined time so as to flow between the anode 75 and the cathode 76.
In order to use alkaline water of 11.5 to 12.5, the energization is automatically stopped after the energization for the predetermined time.

Further, the electrolysis control means 93 includes a DC power source 94.
It has a voltage detection circuit (not shown) for detecting the voltage of (1) and an electrolyte detection means (not shown) for obtaining the amount of salt added to the anode chamber 73 from this voltage value. Anode chamber 73
When sodium chloride is added to the anode, the conductivity between the anode 75 and the cathode 76 increases in proportion to the amount added. Therefore, when a constant current is passed between the electrodes, the conductivity is obtained as a potential difference, and the amount of salt added can be estimated.

Next, the operation and action of the above structure will be described.

First, in order to make the pulse pump 86, the introduction passage 87, the liquid supply passage 88, and the electrolytic cell 71 filled with water, the water supply hose 61 is connected to the water pipe, and the trial run switch (see FIG. (Not shown), the trial operation is started, and the feed water opening / closing valve 54 is opened for a predetermined time while the switching valve 55 communicates with the feed water opening / closing valve 54 and the electrolytic cell 71.
3 and the cathode chamber 74 are supplied with tap water. At that time, since the water level in the electrolytic cell 71 connects the anode water outlet tube 77 and the cathode water outlet tube 78 to the upper end of the electrolytic cell 71, the electrolytic cell 71 is surely filled with water. After that, the pulse pump 86 operates a predetermined number of times (N1), and a predetermined amount of water is supplied to the electrolyte tank 8
1 is supplied.

In this state, by removing the cap 82 and replenishing the electrolyte tank 81 with the salt 84 in a dissolved amount or more,
A part of the salt 84 is naturally dissolved to form a saturated saline solution. Further, an air chamber 95 is provided so that when the salt 84 is replenished, the liquid level is temporarily raised by pouring the salt 84 and the water in the electrolyte tank 81 does not overflow to the outside.

After the saturated saline solution is generated, the pulse pump 86 operates a predetermined number of times (N2) to supply the saturated saline solution into the anode chamber 73, and the electrolysis control means 93 operates to confirm the energization amount. And the saturated saline solution supplied into the anode chamber 73 is set to be stable. After that, the electrolyzed water or the like generated in the electrolysis tank 71 at the time of checking is discharged so as to be pushed out to the cleaning tank 51 with tap water supplied through the water supply hose 80, and further, a predetermined amount of water is supplied into the cleaning tank 51. Water is supplied, the operation of each functional component such as the water level detecting means 56, the circulation pump 58, and the drainage pump 63 is checked. Finally, the inside of the cleaning tank 51 is rinsed and drained, and the test operation is completed.

Next, the cleaning / bleaching operation using electrolyzed water will be described with reference to FIG. The main body lid 53 is opened and the cleaning tank 5
After setting tableware etc. in the storage basket 52 inside 1, the main body lid 5
When 3 is closed and the power switch (not shown) on the operation unit 65 on the front of the main unit is pressed, and then the "bleach cleaning mode" is selected with the operation course selection button (not shown), tap water (hot water) is added after a few seconds. The operation of performing the cleaning operation by only the start (S1 in FIG. 3).

That is, the switching valve 55 includes the water pipe and the cleaning tank 5.
1, the water supply on-off valve 54 opens and the cleaning tank 51
Water is supplied inside. After that, when the water level in the cleaning tank 51 reaches a predetermined amount, the water level detection means 56 sends a signal of water supply completion to the control means 60 to close the water supply opening / closing valve 54. After that, the cleaning pump 59 operates for a predetermined time t2. The heating heater 57 is also energized to heat the wash water to about 60 ° C. The temperature of the washing water is the washing tank 51.
The temperature is detected by the thermistor 66 attached to the bottom of the cleaning pump 59, and the cleaning pump 59 is operated for a predetermined time t3 from the state where the predetermined water temperature (about 60 ° C.) is reached (S2).

By this operation, most of the dirt adhering to the dishes and the like is washed. After that, drainage pump 6
3 operates, and the wash water containing most of the dirt attached to the dishes and the like is drained from the drain hose 62 to the outside of the device.

At the same time as the above-mentioned cleaning operation, an operation of generating electrolytic water is performed. That is, the pulse pump 86 operates a predetermined number of times (N3) simultaneously with the start of the operation of the water supply on-off valve 54, and while sucking the water in the anode chamber 73 from the water supply port 85 through the introduction path 87 and the check valve B91, the electrolyte tank 81 The saturated saline solution is supplied from the electrolyte supply port 89 to the anode chamber 73 through the electrolyte bed 83, the liquid supply passage 88 and the check valve A90. As a result, the inside of the anode chamber 73 has a predetermined salt concentration.

Next, the electrolysis control means 93 operates to operate the anode 7
A voltage is applied between 5 and the cathode 76 to start electrolysis.
At this time, the DC power supply 94 supplies a constant current to generate a constant amount of electrolyzed water. In addition, the reverse charging means (not shown) is set so as to normally invert and switch the polarity in order to regularly clean the scale and the like adhering to the electrode surface.

Here, the electrolyte detection means (not shown) detects the supply amount of salt by the voltage between the electrodes immediately after the start of electrolysis, and when it is determined that the supply amount is less than the predetermined amount, the pulse pump 87 is again set to the predetermined amount. It is driven for a period of time, and this is repeated until the electrolyte detection means reaches a predetermined amount of salt supply. However, if the predetermined value is not reached even after repeating a plurality of times (for example, 5 times), the salt supply lamp (not shown) provided in the operation unit 65 is turned on to interrupt the electrolysis. This is because the salt 84 in the electrolyte tank 81 is empty or the pulse pump 86
This occurs when the failure of the product is expected.

When the electrolysis is started normally, the electrolysis is performed with this polarity for a predetermined time t1. In the anode chamber 73 during electrolysis, the reaction shown in Chemical formula 1 occurs and acidic water is generated.

At this time, electrolytic gas is generated on the opposing surfaces of the anode 75 and the cathode 76 with the energization. Oxygen and chlorine gas are generated on the surface of the anode 75, and a convection action due to the rise of these gases forms a circulating flow between the anode 75 and the diaphragm 76. Then, due to the attraction of this circulating flow, the anode chamber 7
The high-concentration saline solution in the electrolyte retention portion at the bottom of the third portion flows between the anode 75 and the diaphragm 72 while mixing with the raw water. Therefore,
For a while after the start of electrolysis, a saline solution having a concentration higher than the salt concentration of the entire anode chamber 73 flows between the anode 75 and the diaphragm 72, and acts to enhance the efficiency of electrolysis. (Formula 1) 2Cl− → Cl2 ↑ + 2e− Cl2 + H2O → HCl + HClO 2H2O → O2 ↑ + 4H ++ 4e− On the other hand, in the cathode chamber 74, the reaction shown in Formula 2 occurs to neutralize the hydroxyl group OH− and Na + forms the diaphragm 72. It moves through and produces alkaline water. (Formula 2) 2H2O + 2e− → H2 ↑ + 2OH− Na +++ e− → Na 2Na + 2H2O → 2NaOH + H2 ↑ Here, since a high-concentration salt solution is supplied between the anode 75 of the anode chamber 73 and the diaphragm 72, pH 11. 5-1
Alkaline water with a strong reducing power of 2.5 is obtained. That is, when a voltage is applied between the anode 75 and the cathode 76, the ions contained in the electrolyzed water are positive / negative by the electric attraction force,
Ions having the opposite polarity to 76 move through the diaphragm 72. Therefore, Na ions contained in the salt introduced into the anode chamber 73 immediately move to the cathode chamber 74 through the diaphragm 72. As a result, alkaline water having a high pH value can be obtained in a short time. According to the experiment, about 500 cc of water is 1.5
By electrolyzing with amperes for 10 minutes, alkaline water having a sodium ion concentration of 500 ppm at pH 12 was obtained.
The alkaline water having a high sodium ion concentration has a saponification and emulsifying action on fats and oils and a hydrolyzing action on proteins, and can be used as washing water for removing stains adhering to dishes.

By supplying the salt solution only to the anode chamber 73, alkaline water having a low chlorine ion Cl-concentration is generated in the cathode chamber 74. Since Cl − becomes a factor that hinders the detergency, it is possible to generate alkaline water having a high detergency by supplying the saline solution only to the anode chamber 73 (S3).

Next, when both the washing operation using only hot water (about 60) and the producing operation of electrolyzed water are completed, the washing operation using alkaline electrolyzed water is immediately performed. Immediately performing the washing operation with the electrolyzed water can prevent permeation of acidic water and alkaline water through the diaphragm 72, and prevent deterioration of the pH value.

First, the switching valve 55 connects the cleaning tank 51 side with the water supply on-off valve 54, and the switching valve 79 has the cathode chamber 74 and the switching valve 5.
5, the water supply opening / closing valve 54
Is opened, and tap water is supplied through the water supply hose 61 to the cathode chamber 7
Pour into 4. Originally, the cathode chamber 74 was filled with electrolytically generated alkaline water, and when tap water flowed in,
The stored alkaline water overflows from the cathode water outlet pipe 78 into the cleaning tank 51. After that, when the water level in the cleaning tank 51 reaches a predetermined amount, the water level detection means 56 sends a signal of water supply completion to the control means 60 to close the water supply opening / closing valve 54. In this case, the electrolyzed water adjusted to the predetermined pH value is supplied into the cleaning tank 51.

Although the pH of the electrolyzed water is lowered by being supplied while being diluted, the amount of electrolyzed water produced and the amount of water required for washing are fixed. By making it high, the pH is maintained at 11.5 to 12.5.

When alkaline water is supplied to reach a predetermined water level,
The heater 57 for heating is energized, and the circulating pump 58 is operated for a predetermined time t4 while raising the water temperature to about 60 ° C.
Then, the alkaline water is sprayed from the cleaning nozzle 59 to clean the dishes and the like that could not be cleaned in the previous cleaning (S4). At this time, the fats and oils are saponified and dissolved,
Protein and the like are peeled off from tableware and the like. After cleaning with alkaline water, supply acidic water into the cleaning tank 51,
It is mixed with the alkaline water used for cleaning, and the operation is performed to sterilize and bleach the tableware using this mixed water (S5).

First, the switching valve 55 connects the electrolyzer 71 side and the feed water opening / closing valve 54, and the switching valve 79 connects the anode chamber 73 and the switching valve 5.
5, the water supply opening / closing valve 54
Is opened for a predetermined time t5, and tap water flows into the cathode chamber 74 via the water supply hose 61. Originally, the anode chamber 74 was filled with electrolytically generated acidic water, and when a predetermined amount of tap water flowed in, the effective chlorine concentration containing the stored hypochlorite ion and hypochlorous acid was about several thousand ppm. A certain amount of the acidic water overflows from the anode water outlet pipe 77 into the cleaning tank 51.
In this case, alkaline water and acidic water are mixed and neutralized, and mixed water having a pH of 8 to 9 and having an effective chlorine concentration of several hundred ppm containing hypochlorite ion and hypochlorous acid is generated. . By operating the circulation pump 58 for t6 in this state for a predetermined time, the dishes and the inside of the washing tank 51 are sterilized and bleached by the oxidizing action of hypochlorous acid and hypochlorite ion (S6). In this embodiment, the production amount of acidic water is reduced as much as possible and the decrease in water temperature due to mixing is suppressed to basically prevent the heater 57 for heating from being energized. If the temperature (about 50 ° C. or lower) at which the organic fat and oil is re-solidified is reached, it is possible to energize the heating heater 47 to heat the alkaline water to a predetermined temperature.

When the washing operation with the mixed water is completed, the drainage pump 63 operates, the mixed water used for washing is drained from the drain hose 62 to the outside of the equipment, and the rinsing operation is performed.

The switching valve 54 is in a state in which the switching valve 54 is switched so that the electrolytic cell 71 side and the feed water opening / closing valve 54 communicate with each other.
Is switched so that the anode chamber 73 side and the feed water opening / closing valve 54 communicate with each other, the feed water opening / closing valve 54 is opened, and the anode chamber 73
Into the cleaning tank 51 and overflow into the cleaning tank 51. By doing so, the diluted acidic water remaining in the anode chamber 73 is washed away with water. After that, when a predetermined time elapses, the water supply on-off valve 54 is once closed, and the switching valve 79 is switched so that the cathode chamber 74 side and the water supply on-off valve 54 communicate with each other. When the water supply on-off valve 54 is opened again, tap water flows into the cathode chamber 74 and overflows into the cleaning tank 51. By doing so, the diluted alkaline water remaining in the cathode chamber 74 is washed away. Along with this, the water level in the cleaning tank 51 rises, and when it reaches a predetermined water level, the water level detection means 56
Thereby, a signal of completion of water supply is sent to the control means 60, and the water supply on-off valve 54 is closed. Then, the washing pump 58 operates for a predetermined time t8, and water is jetted from the washing nozzle 59 to rinse the dishes and the washing tank 51 (S7).

After that, the drainage pump 63 operates, and the water used for rinsing is drained from the drainage hose 62 to the outside of the equipment (S8). This rinsing operation is performed at least once.

Next, when the rinsing operation is completed, the heating rinsing operation is started. With the switching valve 55 switched so that the cleaning tank 51 side and the water supply opening / closing valve 54 communicate with each other, the water supply opening / closing valve 54 is opened and tap water flows into the cleaning tank 51 via the water supply hose 61. After that, when the water level in the cleaning tank 51 reaches a predetermined amount, the water level detection means 56 sends a signal of water supply completion to the control means 60 to close the water supply opening / closing valve 54. Then, the heater 57 for heating is turned on, the washing pump 58 is operated, and rinsing water is sprayed from the washing nozzle 59 to rinse dishes and the like (S9). The temperature of the rinse water is the thermistor 6 attached to the bottom of the cleaning tank 51.
6, and the temperature is controlled to about 70 ° C. The washing pump 58 is operated for a predetermined time t9 after the water temperature reaches about 70 ° C. After that, the drainage pump 63 operates, and the water used for the heat rinsing is drained from the drainage hose 62 to the outside of the device (S10). This heating and rinsing operation is performed only once.

In the rinsing operation, the heater 57 for heating was basically in the OFF state, but in the heating rinsing operation, the rinsing water is heated to enhance the rinsing effect and shorten the drying time in the subsequent drying operation. In order to turn on the heater 57 for heating
It is in the N state.

Next, when the heating and rinsing operation is completed, the drying operation is started. First, the blower 64 is turned on, and the heating heater 57 is turned on intermittently. This operation is continued for a predetermined time t10 and automatically stops (S11).

By operating the above sequence, all the steps of washing and bleaching / drying the dishes are completed (S12).

Next, the cleaning operation using electrolyzed water is shown in FIG.
Will be explained. After opening the main body lid 53 and setting dishes and the like in the storage basket 52 in the cleaning tank 51, the main body lid 53 is closed and the power switch on the operation unit 65 on the front surface of the main body is pressed,
Subsequently, when the "standard cleaning mode" is selected with the operation course selection button, the operation of performing the cleaning operation using only tap water (hot water) starts after a few seconds (S1 in FIG. 4). After that, after a cleaning operation with alkaline electrolyzed water (S3, S4), in a state where the alkaline electrolyzed water used for cleaning remains in the cleaning tank 51, the electrolyzed acidic water is pushed out by tap water and cleaned. They are mixed in the tank 51 (S5). Then the circulation pump 5
8 does not operate, the drainage pump 63 operates, and the cleaning tank 51
The mixed water inside is discarded to the outside (S6). By doing so, the pH becomes neutral and the effective chlorine concentration is also diluted. Therefore, it is possible to be gentle to the environment and the human body without directly generating electrolytic acidic water having a low pH and a high corrosiveness to the outside. After that, rinsing operation, heating rinsing operation,
The drying operation is the same as in the "bleach cleaning mode" and is omitted (S7 to S12).

Further, FIG. 5 shows the results of the detergency evaluation test of the electrolyzed water produced by the electrolyzed water producing apparatus of this embodiment.
The electrolyzed water used in this test is a salt supply amount, electrolysis time,
The electrolysis current was changed to change the pH. According to this detergency evaluation test, when the pH of the electrolyzed water was 11.5 or higher, it was possible to feel that there was detergency, and pH 11.2 was an unsatisfactory result. By the way, this detergency evaluation test method uses a dishwasher to sprinkle electrolyzed water for a predetermined time on a test piece of commercially available tableware with standard stains containing salad oil. The difference between and is measured at a predetermined point with a color difference meter and quantitatively evaluated as a cleaning rate. Cleaning rate is 1
A value of 00% indicates that the dishes could be washed up to the state before use, and a value of 0% indicates that the stain was not removed at all.
The test described this time was performed at room temperature (about 25 ° C.).

Further, Table 1 shows the results of conducting a confirmation test of each safety item of the electrolyzed water produced by the electrolyzed water producing apparatus of this embodiment at a public testing institution.

[0086]

[Table 1]

In this safety evaluation test, in the test using rabbits and mice, the mark ◯ indicates that no change was observed, and the mark Δ indicates that slight irritation was observed. In addition,
Columns marked with − have not been tested. According to the results of this safety evaluation test, the electrolyzed water having a pH of 12.5 showed no change due to the test. For ocular mucosa irritation test, p
H12.8 electrolyzed water was applied to the eyes of rabbits, and the test method of confirming changes in the cornea, iris, and conjunctiva received a report of the judgment result that there was a slight change.

From the results of the above-described detergency evaluation test and safety evaluation test, it was confirmed that alkaline electrolyzed water having a pH of 11.5-12.5 has excellent detergency and is safe. It is hard to say that electrolyzed water of less than 5 is excellent in detergency, and electrolyzed water of more than pH 12.5 is not safe.

Then, similarly to the above, the cleaning performance of the cathode water was determined by changing the sodium salt supply amount and the electrolysis time and the difference in the sodium ion concentration of the electrolyzed water produced. In this embodiment, since salt 84 is placed in the anode chamber 73 for electrolysis, the sodium ion concentration in the cathode chamber 74 increases in proportion to the salt supply amount, electrolysis time, and electrolysis current. As shown in FIG. 6, the relationship between the sodium ion concentration and the cleaning rate has a peak near the sodium ion concentration of 300 ppm, and when the sodium ion concentration is 150 ppm or less or 700 ppm or more, the cleaning rate decreases and the cleaning power is excellent. Is hard to say. Sodium ions hydrolyze fats and oils components into glycerin, fatty acids and other components that are easily dissolved in water, and react with fatty acids to form fatty acid soaps and react to enhance detergency. Therefore, if the sodium ions decrease, the detergency decreases. It is considered that the peak of the cleaning rate is caused when sodium ions move from the anode chamber 73 to the cathode chamber 74 due to electrolysis, together with water, and a part of chlorine ions, which is a cleaning inhibiting factor, also moves. From this, the sodium ion concentration is 150 ppm to 700
It was confirmed that ppm electrolyzed water was excellent in detergency. Further, if the sodium ion concentration is too high, the material such as furniture or floor may be damaged, which is not preferable. The pH value of the cathode water is 11.5 to 1 here.
Adjusted to 2.5, sodium ion concentration is 150
pH value of 11.5 even in the range of ppm to 700 ppm
It has been experimentally confirmed that the detergency of electrolyzed water that cuts off is low.

Although salt is used as the electrolyte in this embodiment, the same effect can be obtained by replacing it with potassium chloride. That is, potassium ions instead of sodium ions have the same cleaning action.

Next, the cleaning performance of the cathode water due to the difference between the salt supply amount and the chlorine ion concentration of the electrolyzed water produced by changing the electrolysis time will be described. Anode chamber 7 by electrolysis
Although it has been described that chlorine ions also move from No. 3 to the cathode chamber 74, FIG. 7 shows the experimental results of the relationship between the chlorine ion concentration and the cleaning rate, including the case where salt is also supplied to the cathode chamber 74. The pH value of the cathode water here is 12.0 to 12.2. As shown in the figure, when the chloride ion concentration of the cathode water exceeds 2000 ppm, the cleaning rate decreases and it is difficult to say that the cleaning power is excellent. However, generally used raw water such as tap water contains several ppm of chlorine ions from the beginning. Further, even if salt is added only to the anode chamber 73 to obtain cathode water having a pH of 11.5 or higher, chlorine ions of 50 ppm level are unavoidable because some chloride ions are mixed with the cathode water. Moreover, if the chlorine ion concentration is intentionally made to be 50 ppm or less, the electrical conductivity of the raw water is lowered, the power consumption is increased, ion-exchanged water is used as the raw water, and the electrolytic water is dechlorinated. The experiments conducted by the present inventor have also revealed that if the pH value is 11.5 or more, there is no significant difference in detergency even if chlorine ion is 50 ppm or less. Therefore, it was confirmed that electrolyzed water having a pH value of 11.5 to 12.5 and a chloride ion concentration of 50 ppm to 2000 ppm had excellent detergency. Although the mechanism of inhibition of chloride ion washing has not been clarified, it is considered that it may inhibit the hydrolysis action or saponification action of sodium ion. Therefore, it was found that salt, which is an electrolyte, should be added only to the anode chamber 73 and the addition amount to the cathode chamber 74 should be as small as possible.

It should be noted that only the anode chamber 73 of this embodiment has 8
When 4 was added and electrolysis was performed, the chloride ion concentration of the cathode water was 500 ppm or less, and higher cleaning performance was obtained.

From the above results, it can be said that the cathode water having a pH of 11.5-12.5 and a chloride ion concentration of 2000 ppm or less is more excellent in detergency due to a combination of factors. The pH is 11.5-12.5, the sodium ion concentration is 150-700 ppm, and the ion ratio is 0.5.
It can be said that the above detergency of the cathode water is also excellent.

Further, the ion-permeable diaphragm 72 is provided in the anode chamber 7
A cation exchange membrane that permeates cations such as sodium ions and potassium ions from 3 to the cathode chamber 74 and suppresses permeation of anions such as chlorine ions is excellent in producing electrolyzed water having excellent detergency. .

Since the electrolyte is an electrolyte containing sodium or potassium, the anode 75 and the cathode 76 can be moved by the movement of sodium or potassium ions.
Between the anode 75 and the anode 75,
A current easily flows between the cathodes 76, and alkaline water having a high pH value can be efficiently obtained in a short time. The alkaline water having a high pH value has a high detergency and can be used as safe washing water for skin such as hands. In particular, when the electrolyte is salt 84, it can be easily obtained by the general public and easily used at home or in the office.

[0096]

As described above, according to the dishwasher equipped with the electrolyzed water generator according to any one of claims 1 to 13, by specifying the pH and the chloride ion concentration, an environmental load substance such as a surfactant can be obtained. It is possible to provide a dishwasher that produces highly safe electrolyzed water with excellent detergency and uses it without using a detergent that is considered to be used, and that exhibits washing performance.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a dishwasher according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram of an electrolyzed water generator according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a flow chart of a “cleaning bleaching mode” operation in the first embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a flow chart during a “cleaning mode” operation in the first embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the relationship between pH of electrolyzed water and detergency in Example 1 of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the relationship between the sodium ion concentration and the detergency of electrolyzed water in Example 1.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the relationship between the chlorine ion concentration and the detergency of electrolyzed water in Example 1.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram of a conventional electrolyzed water generator.

FIG. 9 is a configuration diagram of an electrolyzed water generator showing another conventional example.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram of a dishwasher equipped with a conventional electrolyzer.

[Explanation of symbols]

50 body 51 washing tank 54 Water supply on-off valve 55 Switching valve 58 Circulation (cleaning) pump 59 Washing nozzle 60 control means 63 drainage pump 70 Electrolyzed water generating means 71 Electrolyzer 72 diaphragm 73 Anode chamber 74 Cathode chamber 75 Anode 76 cathode 79 Switching valve 81 Electrolyte tank 82 cap 86 pulse pump (supply means) 93 Electrolysis control means 94 DC power supply

   ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued front page    (72) Inventor Keijiro Kunimoto             1006 Kadoma, Kadoma-shi, Osaka Matsushita Electric             Sangyo Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Koji Oka             1006 Kadoma, Kadoma-shi, Osaka Matsushita Electric             Sangyo Co., Ltd. F term (reference) 3B082 BD01 BD02 CC02                 4D061 DA03 DB07 DB08 EA02 EB01                       EB05 EB13 EB19 EB37 EB39                       ED13 GA04 GA21 GC06 GC12                       GC15

Claims (13)

[Claims] 1. An electrolytic cell in which an ion-permeable diaphragm is arranged between an anode and a cathode, and an anode chamber and a cathode chamber are formed by this diaphragm, and an electrolyte supply means for supplying an electrolyte to at least the anode chamber. And a control means for electrolyzing the electrolyzed water by applying a voltage to the anode and the cathode, and the pH is 1
1.5 to 12.5 and chloride ion concentration of 50 to 200
A dishwasher equipped with an electrolyzed water generator that electrolyzes electrolyzed water of 0 ppm. 2. An electrolytic cell in which an ion-permeable diaphragm is arranged between an anode and a cathode, and an anode chamber and a cathode chamber are formed by this diaphragm, and an electrolyte supply means for supplying an electrolyte to at least the anode chamber. And a control means for electrolyzing the electrolyzed water by applying a voltage to the anode and the cathode, and the pH is 1
1.5 to 12.5 and a sodium ion concentration of 150
A dishwasher equipped with an electrolyzed water generation device that electrolyzes electrolyzed water of up to 700 ppm. 3. The electrolytic water generated in the cathode chamber is used for cleaning in the cleaning tank, and the electrolytic water generated in the anode chamber is supplied into the cleaning tank, mixed, and then drained. A dishwasher equipped with the electrolyzed water generator according to the above item. 4. The cleaning operation according to claim 1, wherein after cleaning in the cleaning tank using the electrolytic water generated in the cathode chamber, the cleaning operation is performed while mixing the electrolytic water generated in the anode chamber in the cleaning tank. Dishwasher equipped with the electrolyzed water generator of. 5. A "washing mode" for performing ordinary dishwashing of oils and fats and proteins, and a "bleaching washing mode" for performing bleaching while performing ordinary washing. A dishwasher equipped with the electrolyzed water producing apparatus using the control method according to claim 4, when the bleaching cleaning mode is selected as the control method according to claim 3. 6. An electrolyzed water generation device, comprising: electrolyzed water produced in the anode chamber and cathode chamber, mixed and washed, and then the washing bath and electrolysis bath are washed and rinsed with tap water. A dishwasher equipped with the electrolysis device according to any one of items 5 to 5. 7. A "cleaning operation" is performed in which tap water is heated and washed without using a detergent, and then an "electrolytic cleaning operation" is performed in which electrolytic water is warmed and washed, and then tap water is washed. The dishwasher according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising an electrolyzed water generator configured to perform a "rinsing operation" of heating and washing. 8. The electrolyte supply means comprises an electrolyte tank for storing an electrolyte having a higher concentration than that suitable for electrolysis in the anode chamber, and a supply means for supplying the high concentration electrolyte to the anode chamber. A dishwasher equipped with the electrolyzed water generator according to any one of claims 1 to 7. 9. The diaphragm is a cation exchange membrane.
A dishwasher equipped with the electrolyzed water generator according to claim 8. 10. The electrolyzed water generator according to claim 8 or 9, further comprising an electrolyte detection means for detecting an electrolyte concentration in the electrolytic cell, and controlling electrolysis conditions according to a detection value of the electrolyte detection means. Dishwasher. 11. A dishwasher equipped with an electrolyzed water generator according to claim 10, wherein the electrolyte is supplied until the detection value of the electrolyte detection means reaches a predetermined value. 12. A dishwasher equipped with the electrolyzed water generator according to claim 10 or 11, wherein electrolysis is possible when a detection value of the electrolyte detection means is within a predetermined range. 13. A dishwasher equipped with the electrolyzed water generator according to claim 10, wherein the electrolyte detection is performed by detecting a potential or a current between an anode and a cathode.