JP2003311269A - Apparatus for producing electrolyzed water - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an apparatus for producing electrolyzed water which stabilizes the concentration of an electrolyte solution in an inner cylinder and stably supplies acidic water or alkaline water. <P>SOLUTION: A controller 46 outputs an open signal to a second electromagnetic valve 45 each time an operation switch 51 becomes on, the second electromagnetic valve 45 opens only for a prescribed time, water is supplied into the inner cylinder 14, the movement of water is performed from the bottom part to a storage part D, the electrolyte is stirred by water inflow and the electrolyte solution stagnated on the upper side in the inner cylinder 14 is stirred and is made uniform. Therefore, the concentration of the electrolyte solution is stabilized, a variation of the concentration of the electrolyte solution each time the acidic solution is supplied is avoided, the concentration thereof is made uniform and, as a result, the acidic water is stably supplied. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an electrolyzed water production apparatus in which an electrolyte is arranged and which is electrolyzed to produce acidic water or alkaline water while passing tap water or water supplied from a water storage tank. .

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art This type of electrolyzed water producing apparatus produces acidic water for sterilization and disinfection and alkaline water for improving health. Then, as the cumulative operating time increases and the supply amounts of acidic water and alkaline water increase, the amount of electrolyte inside decreases.

[0003]

Therefore, the concentration of the electrolyte solution in the electrolyzed water producing apparatus changes as the amount of the electrolyte decreases with the lapse of operating time, and the concentration changes from 5% to 2%, for example.
7% variation occurs. Therefore, the acidity of the acidic water or the alkalinity of the alkaline water supplied each time the acidic water or the alkaline water is supplied from the electrolyzed water producing apparatus also varies.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an electrolyzed water producing apparatus capable of stably supplying acidic water or alkaline water.

[0005]

Therefore, the first invention is
In an electrolyzed water manufacturing apparatus that electrolyzes to generate acidic water or alkaline water while passing tap water or water supplied from a water storage tank, an outer cylinder having a first electrode inside, and an outer cylinder inside the outer cylinder. An inner cylinder having a flow path formed between the outer cylinder and the outer cylinder, a second electrode provided on the upper inside, an electrolyte arranged on the lower side, a diaphragm provided on the upper side wall, and a water inflow section; A water supply channel communicating with the inflow section, an opening / closing valve provided in the water supply channel, and control of power supply to the first electrode and the second electrode based on turning on / off of the operation switch and turning on of the operation switch. The control device outputs a signal for opening the on-off valve for a predetermined time based on the above.

A second aspect of the present invention is an electrolyzed water producing apparatus for electrolyzing electrolyzed water while passing tap water or water supplied from a water storage tank to produce acidic water or alkaline water.
A flow path is formed between an outer cylinder provided with an electrode and the outer cylinder arranged inside the outer cylinder, a second electrode is provided above the inside, an electrolyte is provided below, and a diaphragm is provided on the upper side wall. Also, an inner cylinder provided with a water inflow portion, a water supply passage communicating with the water inflow portion, an on-off valve provided in the water supply passage, and the first electrode and the second electrode based on whether an operation switch is turned on or off. And a control device for controlling the power supply to the power switch and outputting a signal for opening the on-off valve for a predetermined time each time the operation switch is turned on.

A third aspect of the present invention is an electrolyzed water producing apparatus for electrolyzing electrolyzed water while supplying tap water or water supplied from a water storage tank to produce acidic water or alkaline water.
A generation flow path is formed between an outer cylinder provided with an electrode and the outer cylinder arranged inside the outer cylinder, a second electrode is provided above the inside, and an electrolyte is provided below, and a diaphragm is provided on the upper side wall. An inner cylinder provided with an inflow part of water, and a water supply channel communicating with the inflow part,
An on-off valve provided in the water supply passage, the first electrode and the second electrode
A current detector that detects the value of the current flowing between the electrodes, and a control device that outputs a signal for opening the on-off valve for a predetermined time when the current value detected by the current detector falls below a predetermined current value. It is characterized by having and.

[0008]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION A first embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings.
An embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of an electrolyzed water producing apparatus of the present invention. Reference numeral 1 denotes an outer cylinder formed by fitting and connecting an outer cylinder upper portion 2 and an outer cylinder lower portion 3, which are made of a synthetic resin material.

The outer cylinder upper part 2 has a hollow cylindrical shape, and a fitting receiving part 2a for inserting and fitting a fitting cylindrical part 15a provided on a lid 15 described later is provided on the inner side of the upper part thereof, and the lower end thereof is provided with the above-mentioned structure. A stepped connecting portion 2 having a small diameter for connecting the lower portion 3 of the outer cylinder.
b is provided. Further, a discharge cylinder portion 2d provided with a discharge opening 2c for discharging the electrolyzed water generated inside is formed above the side plate portion of the outer cylinder upper portion 2 and will be described below above the discharge opening 2c. Each mounting hole 2e through which each screw 4 as a fixing means for fixing the first electrode 7 is provided. Reference numeral 2f is a narrowed portion having a diameter smaller than that of the first electrode 7, and the lower end portion of the first electrode 7 is brought into contact with the inner side of the narrowed portion 2f to prevent the electrode 7 from swinging. .

The upper end connecting portion 3a of the outer cylinder lower portion 3 has a stepped shape with its inner diameter widened, and is joined and integrated with the connecting portion 2b of the outer cylinder upper portion 2 after fitting. 3b is a bottom plate portion 3 of the lower portion 3 of the outer cylinder.
It is a drainage tube fitting portion as a cylindrical first annular wall provided for removably fitting the outer periphery of the fixed portion 28 in the inner cylinder 14 described later at the center of the c via the seal packing 5. .

The upper end circumferential portion of the drain pipe fitting portion 3b abuts on the bottom surface portion 17a of the inner cylinder 14 to be described later, so that a space is provided between the bottom surface portion 17a and the bottom plate portion 3c of the outer cylinder 1. B is formed. The space B forms an electrolyzed water generation passage for passing water supplied from the electrolysis water supply unit 3g described later to the electrolysis tank A.

Reference numeral 3d is a drainage connection portion for connecting a rubber hose or the like for discharging excess water in the inner cylinder 14 described later to the outside. Reference numeral 3e designates a water pipe fitting portion as a cylindrical second annular wall provided on the outer circumference of a concentric circle with the drain pipe fitting portion 3b. Inside the fitting portion 3e, a water supply wall 17c of an inner cylinder 14 described later is provided. The outer circumference of is fitted and connected via a seal packing 6. Reference numeral 3f is a cylindrical water supply connection portion for connecting a rubber hose or the like for supplying water into the inner cylinder 14 described later. 3 g is a water supply portion for electrolysis, which is integrally formed in a cylindrical shape downward in the bottom plate portion 3 c. The electrolysis tank A formed between the outer cylinder 1 and the inner cylinder 14 has tap water or stored water for generating electrolytic water. A rubber hose for supplying water from the tank is connected.

Reference numeral 3h is a vertically long rib integrally formed on the lower portion of the inner peripheral surface of the lower portion 3 of the outer cylinder, for example, at four positions every 90 ° when viewed from above.
When the inner cylinder 14 is inserted, which will be described later, the outer cylinder 1 and the inner cylinder 1 can be smoothly guided to a predetermined position by contacting the outer peripheral surface thereof.
It is provided to secure an electrolyzed water generation passage between the four. The rib 3h forms an electrolytic cell A as an electrolyzed water generation passage between the outer peripheral surface of the inner cylinder 14 and the inner peripheral surface of the outer cylinder 1.

In FIG. 2, reference numeral 7 is a hollow cylindrical first electrode made of titanium, platinum, or an alloy of titanium and platinum. Reference numeral 8 is a support angle as a support means of the first electrode 7 made of titanium or the like, which is a conductive material and has a crank shape in cross section and is acid-resistant or alkali-resistant, and one end of which is fixed to the upper portion of the first electrode 7 by welding. , The other end is a seal on the side plate portion of the outer cylinder 1, such as a terminal 10, a washer 11, rubber, etc. as a power source connecting means provided at the tip of a lead wire 9 for supplying power to the first electrode 7 with a screw 4 from the outside. With the agent 12 interposed, the mounting hole 2e is penetrated and fixed with a nut 13. Although the support angles 8 are fixed to the first electrode 7 at four positions, the number is not limited to this and may be an appropriate number.

Next, as shown in FIG. 3, reference numeral 14 denotes an inner cylinder integrally forming a lid 15, a diaphragm mounting portion 16 and a storage portion 17 for storing an electrolyte therein. The outer cylinder 1 is detachably arranged from above. A lid 1 for closing an upper surface opening of the outer cylinder 1 is provided on an upper portion of the inner cylinder 14.
5 is detachably provided, and further, a lid 15 and a diaphragm mounting portion 1
6 or a structure in which the diaphragm mounting portion 16 and the accommodating portion 17 can be separated and removed (for example, a structure in which threads are mutually formed to be removable), so that the lid body 15 and the inner cylinder 14 can be removed. After detaching from the cylinder 1 and taking out, the septum mounting portion 16 from the lid 15 or the accommodating portion 17 from the septum mounting portion 16.
After removing, the nut 26 is removed so that the electrolyte C inside and the second electrode 20 can be easily cleaned and replaced. The inner cylinder 14 and the lid 15 are not detachable, or the lid 15 and the diaphragm mounting portion 16 are not detachable, the diaphragm mounting portion 16 and the housing portion 1.
It is also possible to adopt a structure in which 7 and 7 cannot be detached. The inner cylinder 14 has a double structure with the outer cylinder 1, and the space between them is the electrolytic cell A.
And a space forming an electrolyzed water generation passage for passing water.

Reference numeral 15a denotes a cylindrical fitting cylinder portion integrally formed below the outside of the lid body 15, and is inserted into the fitting receiving portion 2a of the outer cylinder 1 by making the outside diameter downward so as to have a smaller diameter. Also, the fitting is facilitated and fixed, and as described above, the inner cylinder 14 is detachably mounted in the outer cylinder 1 from above. Although not shown, a fitting portion between the outer peripheral portion of the fitting cylindrical portion 15a and the inner peripheral portion of the fitting receiving portion 2a is formed with a screw thread so as to be attachable and detachable, or through a screw (not shown). It may be detachably fixed.

Further, a cylindrical operation knob 15b having a substantially convex cross section is provided in the center of the lid body 15 so that the inner cylinder 14 can be easily attached to and detached from the outer cylinder 1 by holding the operation knob 15b. ing.

Reference numeral 18 denotes the fitting receiving portion 2a and the fitting tubular portion 15a.
This is a seal packing for sealing the inside of the electrolyzed water and the like so as not to leak outside during the fitting.

Reference numeral 15c is a support groove provided in the center of the operation knob 15b in a substantially concave shape in cross section, and a bolt 21 as an electrode support member for suspending and supporting a second electrode 20 described later is penetrated through the center of the support groove 15c. A through hole 15d for that is provided. The supporting groove 15c covers the second electrode 20 which will be described later.
The nut 26 fixed to the bottom is embedded in the operation knob 15b of the lid body 15 to improve the appearance and the bolt 21.
The nut 26 prevents injury.

Reference numeral 15e is a wiring groove for disposing a lead wire 19 for supplying power to a second electrode 20 described later in the support groove 15c.

Reference numeral 15f is a cylindrical electrode support portion integrally formed below the support groove 15c, and the lower end peripheral edge thereof is fitted to the bolt 21 while being in contact with the upper surface portion 20a of the second electrode 20 described later. It is fixed by a mating nut 26.

Reference numeral 20 is a second electrode formed in a cylindrical shape using a material such as graphite or activated carbon, and a support hole through which the bolt 21 penetrates is formed in the center of the upper surface portion 20a and the center of the bottom plate portion 20b. . The bolt 21 is made of stainless steel or the like that is corrosion resistant (acid resistant and alkali resistant) and is a conductive material, and one end 21b of the bolt 21 forms a nut portion and abuts and fixes it on the bottom plate portion 20b of the second electrode 20. At the same time, the other end 21a is fixed to the lid body 15.

The other end 21a of the bolt 21 has a second electrode 20a.
Of the second electrode 20 until the nut portion of the one end 21b of the bolt 21 abuts on the bottom plate portion 20b of the second electrode 20. The second electrode 20 is fixed by the nut 23 from the upper surface portion 20a side of the electrode 20 via the washer 22. Next, the other end 21a side of the bolt 21 is attached to the electrode supporting portion 15
f of the bolt 21 while being inserted from the lower hole 15g side, protruding from the through hole 15d into the support groove 15c, and inserted to a position where the upper surface portion 20a of the second electrode 20 and the lower end peripheral edge of the electrode supporting portion 15f abut. The second electrode 20 is fixed to the lid body 15 by a nut 26 via a washer 24 and a terminal 25 as a power source connecting means for connecting a power source from the lead wire 19 to the tip of the other end 21a.

Therefore, the other end of the bolt 21 supporting the second electrode 20 penetrates through the electrode supporting portion 15f and the lid 15
The second electrode 20 is suspended and fixed in the inner cylinder 14 by being fixedly fixed to the inner cylinder 14.

The diaphragm mounting portion 16 is provided with openings 16a opened in various shapes such as a square, a circle, and an ellipse having a predetermined area according to the electrolysis capacity, and the outer surface or the inner surface of the mounting portion 16 is provided. Ion passes through during electrolysis, and electrolytic cell A
A diaphragm 27 for separating the opening of the inner cylinder 14 is attached by an adhesive or by insert formation. In addition, by installing the septum 27 divided into two parts, it is possible to perform the positioning easily and to mount the diaphragm 27 without sagging, so that the mounting work can be performed efficiently.

The accommodating portion 17 is a cylindrical container having a bottom, and inside the lower portion of the second electrode 20, between the first electrode 7 and the second electrode 20, during electrolysis, it is decomposed into negative ions and positive ions, or acidic water or Electrolyte C for producing alkaline water
To house.

Reference numeral 28 is a fixing portion for fixing a drain pipe 29 inserted in a mounting hole 17e opened at the center of the bottom portion 17a of the accommodating portion 17 by adhesion or the like, and the lower portion of the drain pipe 29 has its outer periphery at the drain pipe fitting portion. 3b and the packing 5 are detachably fitted and connected.

The drain pipe 29 is made of a synthetic resin material in the shape of a hollow cylinder, and the upper end of the drain pipe 29 has an opening 29a as a drain port of the inner cylinder 14 between the second electrode 20 and the diaphragm 27. It is bent so that it is arranged.

Further, the position of the drain port 29a at the upper end is set to be substantially the same height as the upper ends of the first electrode 7, the second electrode 20 and the diaphragm 27, and this position is for the ions during the electrolysis. While securing the amount of water required for movement, unnecessary water is discharged to the outside of the device when supplying more water.

As the electrolyte C, a chloride compound such as sodium chloride, potassium chloride, calcium chloride, magnesium chloride or a sulfide compound such as sodium sulfate or calcium sulfate can be used. In the present embodiment, sodium chloride (sodium chloride) is used. ) Is used.

Reference numeral 17c designates a water supply wall which is formed in a cylindrical shape so as to extend downward from the bottom surface 17a of the accommodating portion 17, and is provided concentrically outside the fixed portion 28 and seals with the water supply tube fitting portion 3e. It is configured so that it can be freely inserted and removed via a packing 6 for use. Further, the water supply wall 17c forms a water supply chamber E with the drain pipe fitting portion 3b, and supplies water from the water supply chamber E into the inner cylinder 14 through a water supply hole 17d serving as a water inflow portion.

Therefore, by providing the drainage pipe fitting portion 3b and the water supply pipe fitting portion 3e on the concentric circles, when the inner cylinder 14 is attached to the outer cylinder 1, the angle and the alignment of the inner cylinder 14 and the outer cylinder 1 are adjusted. Is unnecessary, and the inner cylinder 14 can be easily attached to the outer cylinder 1.

Further, the first electrode 7 and the second electrode 2
0, the upper ends of the diaphragms 27 are all arranged at the same height so that the ionized substances can be efficiently transferred.

A water supply circuit and a control circuit for the electrolyzed water producing apparatus will be described below with reference to FIG. Reference numeral 40 denotes a first water supply circuit for supplying tap water, which is city water, or water supplied from a water storage tank, to the electrolysis water supply unit 3g. A pressure reducing valve 41, a first water supply circuit 40 is provided in the middle of the first water supply circuit 40. A solenoid valve 42 and a flow sensor 43, which is a flow meter, are provided. Further, 44 is in the middle of the first water supply circuit 40 (first solenoid valve 42
It is a second water supply circuit that branches from the upstream side) and supplies tap water or water supplied from a water storage tank to the water supply connection portion 3f, and a second solenoid valve 45 is provided in the middle of the second water supply circuit 44. Has been.

Further, 46 is a control device which is a microcomputer of the electrolyzed water producing device, and the control device 46 is a ROM 47 which is a storage element, a RAM 48 which is a storage element which stores data at any time, a CPU 49 which is a central processing element, and It is composed of a timer 50 and the like.

Then, the ROM 47 is turned on, the first and second solenoid valves 42 and 45 are opened and closed, the value of the DC voltage applied to the first electrode 7 and the second electrode 20 (hereinafter referred to as applied voltage), 6, the flow rate detected by the flow rate sensor 43 since the use of the replaceable inner cylinder 14 as a cartridge, that is, the acidic water or alkaline water supplied to the electrolyzed water manufacturing apparatus and generated by the electrolyzed water manufacturing apparatus is started. The time from the turning off of the operation switch, which will be described later, based on the amount (hereinafter referred to as the amount of generated water) to the start of an operation (hereinafter referred to as preliminary electrolysis operation) in which the applied voltage is made smaller than in the steady state and the electrolysis capacity is lower than usual It stores a program for controlling the.

Further, the RAM 48 stores the flow rate detected by the flow rate sensor 43, that is, the data such as the amount of acidic water or alkaline water (hereinafter referred to as generated water amount) supplied to the electrolyzed water manufacturing apparatus and generated by the electrolyzed water manufacturing apparatus at any time. Remember. Further, the CPU 49 controls the opening / closing of the first and second solenoid valves 42, 45, the applied voltage, etc. by the program stored in the ROM 47 based on the data such as the amount of generated water detected by the flow rate sensor 43 and stored in the RAM 48. Further, 51 is an operation switch of the electrolyzed water manufacturing apparatus connected to the control device 46, a timer 50 counts the time after the operation switch 51 is turned off, and 52 is a reset switch also connected to the control device 46. With a switch
This is operated when the salt as the electrolyte C in the inner cylinder 14 is used immediately after being newly replaced, and 53 is a power switch.

The first and second electromagnetic valves 42 and 45, the flow rate sensor 43 and the like are connected to the control device 46 via signal lines.

With the above configuration, the operation of this embodiment will be described below with reference to FIG. When the user of the electrolyzed water producing apparatus uses the electrolyzed water producing apparatus for the first time, after turning on the power of the electrolyzed water producing apparatus (inserting a plug into an outlet) and turning on the power switch 53, the controller 4
6 outputs an open signal to the first solenoid valve 42, and the first solenoid valve 4
2 opens. Therefore, tap water or water from a water storage tank or the like is supplied from the electrolysis water supply unit 3g through the first water supply circuit 40, the water level rises from the electrolyzed water generation passage into the electrolysis tank A, and the flow rate sensor 43 Detects the flow rate of 500 ml (milliliter), the first solenoid valve 42 is closed. At this time, the water level rises to the upper end of the discharge port 2c.

Next, the control device 46 outputs an open signal to the second solenoid valve 45, the second solenoid valve 45 is opened, and the water supply connecting portion 3f is opened.
From this, tap water or water stored in a water storage tank is supplied, and a water supply operation is performed in the storage portion D in which the salt as the electrolyte C in the inner cylinder 14 is arranged to dissolve the salt.

Although the water level in the inner cylinder 14 rises while the salt is being dipped, when the second electrode 20 begins to be dipped, an open signal is output to the second solenoid valve 45 and at the same time the first electrode 7 is positively added, Since a predetermined negative DC voltage is applied to the second electrode 20, a current starts to flow due to the rise of the water level, and when this is converted to a voltage of 3.2 V or higher, the second time is passed after 25 seconds by the timer 50. Solenoid valve 45
It is configured to close and automatically stop water supply.

Therefore, the water level in the inner cylinder 14 rises, and excess water overflowed is discharged from the opening 29a to the outside of the inner cylinder 14 and the outer cylinder 1 through the drain pipe 29 and the drain connection 3d. .

Next, after this water supply is stopped, every time the user turns on the operation switch 51, the control device 46 operates and the first
A predetermined DC voltage (for example, a voltage of 15 V and a current of 10 A) that is positive to the electrode 7 and negative to the second electrode 20 is applied, the CPU 49 operates, and the control device 46 outputs an open signal to the first solenoid valve 42. Then, the first solenoid valve 42 opens. For this reason, tap water or water from a water storage tank or the like is supplied from the electrolysis water supply unit 3g through the first water supply circuit 40, and the ionized substance between the first electrode 7 and the second electrode 20 through the diaphragm 27. Is carried out to generate acidic water, normal electrolysis operation is started, and acidic water is discharged from the discharge port 2c.
More specifically, during the electrolysis, negative ions (Cl ⁻ ) pass through the diaphragm 27 and collect at the first electrode (anode) 7, and positive ions (Na ⁺ ) pass through the diaphragm 27 and the second electrode (cathode). Collected in 20, chlorine ions combine with oxygen and react with hydrogen ions to generate chlorine peroxide, and further, by generating hypochlorous acid by electrolysis, the residual chlorine concentration of electrolyzed water increases, acid water is generated by the concentration of the supplied generated by the electrolysis of water hydrogen ions (H ⁺⁾ and a portion from the generated chlorine peroxide separated hydrogen ion (H ^+), is discharged from the discharge port 2c .

When the operation switch 51 is turned on, CP
U49 operates, the timer 50 starts counting, the control device 46 outputs an open signal to the second solenoid valve 45, and the second solenoid valve 45 opens. Therefore, water is supplied from the water supply connection portion 3f, and the water supply operation is performed in the storage portion D. At this time, water passes through the water supply hole 17d of the bottom surface portion 17a and is carried into the storage portion D from the bottom portion, and the inflowing water agitates the electrolyte C and the electrolyte solution in the inner cylinder 14 to make the salt concentration uniform. Therefore, the concentration of the electrolyte solution around the second electrode 20 and the diaphragm 27 also becomes uniform. In addition, the excess water that overflows is drained from the opening 29a to the drain pipe 29 and the drain connection portion 3.
The water is discharged through d, and the inside of the inner cylinder 14 is surely stirred by the water supply from the water supply hole 17d of the bottom surface part 17a and the drainage from the opening 29a through the drain tube 29. Then, after a lapse of a predetermined time (for example, 1 second) from the start of water supply by turning on the operation switch 51, the timer 50 counts up, the CPU 49 operates, and the control device 46 causes the second control.
A close signal is output to the solenoid valve 45, and the second solenoid valve 45 is closed. Therefore, the water supply to the inner cylinder 14 is stopped.

In this way, water is supplied to the inside of the inner cylinder 14 when the operation switch 51 is turned on when the power is turned on, every time the operation switch 51 is turned on. By supplying water for a short time (for example, 1 second), the electrolyte C and the electrolyte solution in the inner cylinder 14 are agitated, the concentration of the electrolyte solution becomes uniform and stable, and the concentration of the electrolyte solution varies every time the acidic water is supplied. Is avoided and becomes almost uniform. As a result, it becomes possible to stably supply the acidic water.

In the case of the above polarity, acidic water is discharged from the discharge port 2c as the generated water which is electrolyzed water.
Alkaline water can be discharged by applying a predetermined DC voltage of minus to the first electrode 7 and plus to the second electrode 20.

If it is desired to control the concentration of produced water to be discharged, a PH sensor or the like for measuring and displaying the produced water concentration is used.
For example, the pH (electrolytic water concentration) of the electrolyzed water can be adjusted by variably adjusting the water passage time passing through the inside of the electrolytic cell A by providing the downstream of the discharge port 2c and controlling the amount of water supplied to the electrolysis water supply unit 3g. .

As described above, when the user turns off the operation switch 51 after the normal electrolysis operation is started, the control device 46 operates and outputs a close signal to the first solenoid valve 42. Therefore, the first electromagnetic valve 42 is closed, the supply of water to the electrolyzed water producing apparatus is stopped, and the supply of acidic water is stopped.

The timer 50 starts counting at the same time when the operation switch 51 is turned off. Then, when the accumulated amount of generated water (acidic water) detected by the flow rate sensor 43 is less than 50 liters for a preset time, for example, as shown in FIG. 6, the timer 50 counts after 1.5 hours. Up, the CPU 49 operates and the control device 46 causes the voltage and current (for example, 2.
5 V, 0.1 A) is applied to the first electrode 7 and the second electrode 20 to start the preliminary electrolysis operation, and this preliminary electrolysis operation continues until the next operation switch 51 is turned on. This allows
The acidity of the acidic water in the electrolytic cell A is maintained, and deterioration of the acidic water is avoided.

When the operation switch 51 is turned on next, the second solenoid valve 45 is opened for a short time as described above, water is supplied into the inner cylinder 14 for a short time, the electrolyte C and the electrolyte solution are stirred, and A direct current voltage (for example, voltage is 15 V, current is 10 A) is applied to the first electrode 7 and the second electrode 20, the first solenoid valve 42 is opened, and when water is supplied, acidic water is supplied immediately.

Further, it is not necessary to drain the water in the electrolyzed water producing apparatus when the supply of the acidic water is stopped, and the maintenance and management of the electrolyzed water producing apparatus can be simplified.

In addition, as the total amount of water produced, that is, the flow rate detected by the flow rate sensor 43, increases after the use of the new inner cylinder 14, the first electrode 7, the second electrode 20 and ions are permeated and separated. The diaphragm 27 is deteriorated, the generation capacity of the acidic water of the electrolyzed water producing apparatus is decreased, and the acidity of the acidic water when the operation switch 51 is turned off is decreased. However, as shown in FIG. 6, the preliminary operation is started. Shorten the time to do. Therefore, the acidity of the acidic water is maintained after the supply of acidic water is stopped,
When the operation switch 51 is turned on again and the supply of acidic water is started, the supply of acidic water is immediately started.

Although the acidic water is supplied as described above, the inner cylinder 14 is kept under the condition that the electrolyzed water producing apparatus is powered on (the plug is inserted in the outlet) and the power switch 53 is kept ON. When the (cartridge) is replaced or when the electrolyte solution in the inner cylinder 14 is discharged and new salt is added, the control device 46 is operated by operating the reset switch 52, and the flow rate detected by the flow rate sensor 43 is As described above, the control device 46 opens the first solenoid valve 42, water is supplied through the first water supply circuit 40, and the water level rises from the electrolytic water generation passage into the electrolytic cell A as described above. ,
When the flow rate sensor 43 detects the flow rate of 500 ml (milliliter), the first solenoid valve 42 is closed. Next, the control device 46 opens the second electromagnetic valve 45, and the water supply operation is performed in the storage portion D in which the salt as the electrolyte C in the inner cylinder 14 is arranged to dissolve the salt, but in the inner cylinder 14. When the water level rises and the second electrode 20 begins to be dipped, the second solenoid valve 45
At the same time that an open signal is output to the first electrode 7,
Since a predetermined negative DC voltage is applied to the electrode 20, a current starts to flow due to the rise of the water level, and when this is converted to a voltage of 3.2 V or higher, the second solenoid valve is operated 25 seconds after the timer 50 elapses. 45 is closed and water supply is automatically stopped.

Next, after this water supply is stopped, every time the user turns on the operation switch 51, the control device 46 operates and the first
A predetermined DC voltage (for example, a voltage of 15 V and a current of 10 A) that is positive to the electrode 7 and negative to the second electrode 20 is applied, and the control device 46 outputs an open signal to the first electromagnetic valve 42, and the first electromagnetic valve 42. The valve 42 is opened, water is supplied, the ionized substance is transferred between the first electrode 7 and the second electrode 20 through the diaphragm 27 to generate acidic water, and normal electrolysis operation is started. Is discharged from the discharge port 2c. More specifically, during the electrolysis, negative ions (Cl ⁻ ) are generated by the diaphragm 2
7, the positive ions (Na ⁺ ) pass through the diaphragm 27 and collect at the first electrode (anode) 7 and the second electrode (cathode) 20. Chloride ions combine with oxygen and react with hydrogen ions. Then, chlorine peroxide is generated, and hypochlorous acid is further generated by electrolysis, so that the residual chlorine concentration of the electrolyzed water is increased, and hydrogen ions (H ⁺ ) Or the concentration of hydrogen ions (H ⁺ ) partially separated from the generated chlorine peroxide, acidic water is generated and discharged from the discharge port 2c.

In the above embodiment, each time the operation switch 51 is turned on, the second electromagnetic valve 45 is opened for a short time to supply water into the inner cylinder 14 to stir, but not every time the operation switch 51 is turned on. Every time the operation switch 51 is turned on, for example, once or a plurality of times, the second electromagnetic valve 45 may be opened for a short time to supply water into the inner cylinder 14 to perform stirring. In this case, the inner cylinder 14 It is possible to avoid variations in the concentration of the electrolyte solution, stably supply acidic water, reduce the number of times of water supply, and minimize the amount of water used.

Further, in the above embodiment, after the operation of the reset switch 52, the operation switch 51 is turned on to open the second solenoid valve 45 for a short time (1 second), and the inner cylinder 1
4 was supplied with water and agitated. For example, the timer 50 counts the cumulative total of operating times after the operation of the reset switch 52, and after the cumulative total of operating times reaches a preset predetermined time, As in the embodiment, by turning on the operation switch 51, the second electromagnetic valve 45 may be opened for a short time to supply water into the inner cylinder 14 to perform stirring. By doing so, acidic water can be stably supplied while avoiding water supply as much as possible when the concentration of the electrolyte solution is stable.

Further, after the total amount of generated water (acidic water) detected by the flow rate sensor 43 reaches a preset predetermined amount, the operation switch 51 is turned on as in the above embodiment, Open the second solenoid valve 45 for a short time,
Water may be supplied into the inner cylinder 14 to perform stirring. By doing so as well, it is possible to stably supply the acidic water while avoiding the water supply as much as possible when the concentration of the electrolyte solution is stable.

Next, the second embodiment will be described.
In this embodiment, as shown by the broken line in FIG. 4, a current sensor 54 for detecting the value of the current flowing between the first electrode 7 and the second electrode 20 is provided, and the ROM 47 is provided when the acidic water is supplied. When the current value detected by the current sensor 54 drops to a preset current value, an open signal is output to the second solenoid valve 45 as in the above embodiment, and the timer 50 is activated.
The programming for opening the second solenoid valve 45 for a predetermined time by the operation of, that is, the programming of water supply into the inner cylinder 14 based on the current value between the first electrode 7 and the second electrode 20 (first
Programming for intermittently supplying electric power to the electrode 7 and the second electrode 20 is stored.

Therefore, when the operation switch 5 is turned on and the acidic water is being supplied, the concentration of the electrolyte solution in the inner cylinder 14 is lowered, so that it flows between the first electrode 7 and the second electrode 20. When the current value decreases and the current detected by the current sensor 54 reaches a predetermined current value, the CPU 49 operates based on the programming stored in the ROM 47. Then, the control device 46 outputs an open signal to the second solenoid valve 45, the second solenoid valve 45 is opened, water is supplied from the water supply connection portion 3f, and the storage portion D is fed into the storage portion D as in the first embodiment. The water supply operation is performed. Then, the electrolyte is stirred by the inflowing water, and the electrolyte solution retained above in the inner cylinder 14 is stirred and becomes uniform. Therefore, the electrolyte solution around the second electrode 20 and the diaphragm 27 is also uniform. Then, after a lapse of a predetermined time from the start of water supply by turning on the operation switch, the timer 50 counts up and the CPU 49 operates, and the control device 46 outputs a close signal to the second solenoid valve 45 and the second solenoid valve. 45 is closed, inner cylinder 1
Water supply to 4 stops.

As described above, when the value of the current flowing between the first electrode 7 and the second electrode 20 decreases due to the decrease in the concentration of the electrolyte solution in the inner cylinder 14, that is, when the electrolytic capacity decreases. Is capable of reliably supplying water into the inner cylinder 14 for a short time to stir the electrolyte C and the electrolyte solution in the inner cylinder 14, and as a result, the concentration of the electrolyte solution becomes uniform and stable,
It is possible to avoid variations in the concentration of the electrolyte solution for each supply of acidic water, and it is possible to stably supply acidic water.

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, various alternatives, modifications, and variations can be made by those skilled in the art based on the above description, and the present invention can be modified in various ways without departing from the spirit thereof. It is intended to cover alternatives, modifications or variations.

[0062]

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY As described above, according to the present invention, the electrolyte solution in the inner cylinder can be stirred to stabilize the concentration, and acidic water or alkaline water can be stably supplied.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic vertical cross-sectional view illustrating an assembled state of an electrolyzed water producing apparatus.

FIG. 2 is a schematic vertical cross-sectional view illustrating a mounting structure of an electrode plate.

FIG. 3 is a longitudinal sectional view of an essential part for explaining an inner cylinder of the electrolyzed water producing apparatus.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a water supply circuit and a control circuit for the electrolyzed water manufacturing apparatus.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a timing chart.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the relationship between the cumulative amount of generated water (acidic water) and the time after the supply of generated water is stopped until the preliminary electrolysis operation is started.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 outer cylinder 7 First electrode 14 Inner cylinder 20 Second electrode 27 diaphragm 46 Control device 50 timer 51 Operation switch 52 Reset switch 53 Power switch C electrolyte

   ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued front page    (72) Inventor Kenichi Haruyama             670 Shinfukuji, Oyaku-gun, Gunma Prefecture             1 Within L-Tech Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Hiromitsu Natsume             670 Shinfukuji, Oyaku-gun, Gunma Prefecture             1 Within L-Tech Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Yoshio Iwase             670 Shinfukuji, Oyaku-gun, Gunma Prefecture             1 Within L-Tech Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Hiromitsu Moriyama             3-10-9 Sugaba, Tama-ku, Kawasaki-shi, Kanagawa F-term (reference) 4D061 DA03 DB07 DB08 EA02 EB01                       EB04 EB12 EB18 EB19 EB28                       EB30 EB34 EB37 EB39 ED13                       GA12 GC20

Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. An electrolyzed water production apparatus for electrolyzing to generate acidic water or alkaline water while passing tap water or water supplied from a water storage tank, and an outer cylinder provided with a first electrode therein. A flow path is formed between the outer cylinder and the outer cylinder, a second electrode is provided above the inside, and an electrolyte is arranged below the second electrode;
The inner cylinder provided with the diaphragm on the upper side wall and the water inflow portion, the water supply passage communicating with the inflow portion, the opening / closing valve provided in the water supply passage, and the on / off state of the operation switch An electrolyzed water manufacturing apparatus comprising a control device that controls power supply to the first electrode and the second electrode and outputs a signal for opening the on-off valve for a predetermined time based on turning on of the operation switch. 2. In an electrolyzed water production apparatus for electrolyzing while supplying tap water or water supplied from a water storage tank to generate acidic water or alkaline water, an outer cylinder provided with a first electrode therein, A flow path is formed between the outer cylinder and the outer cylinder, a second electrode is provided above the inside, and an electrolyte is arranged below the second electrode;
The inner cylinder provided with the diaphragm on the upper side wall and the water inflow portion, the water supply passage communicating with the inflow portion, the opening / closing valve provided in the water supply passage, and the on / off state of the operation switch An electrolyzed water production apparatus comprising a control device that controls power supply to the first electrode and the second electrode and outputs a signal for opening the on-off valve for a predetermined time each time the operation switch is turned on. 3. An electrolyzed water production apparatus for electrolyzing acid water or alkaline water while passing tap water or water supplied from a water storage tank, and an outer cylinder provided with a first electrode therein, A generation flow path is formed between the outer cylinder and the outer cylinder, a second electrode is provided above the inside, an electrolyte is provided below, a diaphragm is provided on the upper side wall, and a water inlet is provided. An inner cylinder, a water supply passage communicating with the inflow portion, an opening / closing valve provided in the water supply passage, a current detector for detecting a value of a current flowing between the first electrode and the second electrode, and the current An electrolyzed water producing apparatus comprising: a control device that outputs a signal for opening the on-off valve for a predetermined time when the current value detected by the detector is lower than a predetermined current value.