JP2004174465A - Apparatus for preparing electrolytic water - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide electrolyte water which does not propagate inevitably-infected bacteria and which can be used healthfully even when preserved in a container such as a PET bottle immediately after preparation at the normal temperature or carried around in the container out of doors at a high-temperature season. <P>SOLUTION: Such an electrolyte water preparing device is provided that sodium hypochlorite is contained at a prescribed concentration in ionic water generated in an electrolytic cell 24 by installing a mixing means which mixes city water supplied from a water supply pipe 11 and containing a residual chlorine component with water to be treated supplied after being cleaned in a water cleaner 23 at a prescribed ratio so as to supply the water to be treated containing low-concentration chlorine to the electrolytic cell 24. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an electrolyzed water generating apparatus provided with an electrolyzer for electrolyzing water to be treated supplied through a water purifier for removing residual chlorine components from a tap water supply pipe to generate acidic ionized water and alkaline ionized water. It is about.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, as this type of electrolyzed water generating apparatus, there is a prior art described in the following known documents.
[0003]
[Patent Document 1]
JP-A-7-16570 (page 2, column 1, FIG. 1)
[0004]
[Utility model document 1]
Japanese Utility Model Laid-Open No. 5-49092 (Summary on page 1, 2; FIGS. 1 and 2)
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
In Patent Literature 1, tap water is supplied continuously and continuously to an electrolytic cell via a water purification cartridge by a water passage, and a DC voltage is applied between electrodes provided in the electrolytic cell to convert the tap water into alkaline water and acidic water. A switching means for providing a bypass passage for bypassing the water purification cartridge and switching the water passage to one of the water purification cartridge and the bypass passage, and switching the switching means to the bypass passage. There is disclosed an ion generator provided with control means for stopping the power supply to the electrode when the ion generator is turned off.
[0006]
Further, in Utility Model Document 1, a switching device is interposed between the raw water supply unit and the beginning of the water channel and the end of the water channel, and a one-way bypass is provided halfway between the water channel and the water channel. According to the operation of the switching device, the raw water from the raw water supply unit is alternately supplied to the water supply channel and the water channel, and even if purified water is retained in the water channel and the water channel, the raw water is washed away by the backflow of the raw water. In addition, there is disclosed a washing and switching device for a purified water flow path capable of preventing the growth of microorganisms in a water supply channel and a water channel by a sterilizing action of a chlorine component contained in raw water.
[0007]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
In the above-mentioned ionic water generator, etc., since the tap water from which residual chlorine has been removed by a water purifier incorporating activated carbon, a hollow fiber membrane, etc. is subjected to electrolytic treatment, the generated ionic water is aseptic with a small smell of chlorine. There is an advantage that can be provided as drinking water. However, there is no problem when using alkaline ionized water immediately after generation as drinking water or when refrigerated, but when stored in a container such as a PET bottle and stored at room temperature, or when carrying it outdoors during high temperatures For example, harmful germs may be mixed in the electrolyzed water that does not contain residual chlorine immediately after generation due to the following causes and propagate. (Note that the acidic ionic water itself has a bactericidal activity, so that there is no risk that bacteria will propagate.)
(1) When alkaline ionized water is stored in a container such as a PET bottle, airborne bacteria in the air are mixed.
{Circle around (2)} When the bacteria attached to the container are not sufficiently washed and removed, the bacteria are mixed.
{Circle around (3)} When bacteria or words attached to fingers are emitted, bacteria contained in saliva are mixed.
[0008]
In order to prevent the contamination of the above-mentioned harmful germs, it is necessary to inject sterilized clothes, masks, gloves, etc. into the container which has been sterilized in a sterile room, and to inject the alkaline ionized water immediately after generation. Impossible. It is also conceivable to heat sterilize the container storing the alkaline ionized water immediately after generation with boiling water, but it is necessary to use a heat-resistant container that can withstand an increase in internal pressure due to heating, which is not suitable for daily use. Further, in order to suppress the propagation of bacteria that are inevitably mixed, when alkaline ionized water immediately after generation is injected and stored in a container storing a predetermined amount of tap water containing a chlorine component in advance, the alkaline ionized water is Since the characteristics change, it is necessary to adjust the amount of tap water mixed into the alkaline ionized water, and it is difficult for the user to adjust the amount.
[0009]
In the ion generator proposed in Patent Document 1 described above, when the switching means is switched to the bypass passage, the supply of electricity between the electrodes in the electrolytic cell is stopped, so that the electrolytic cell passes through the bypass passage. Since the residual chlorine contained in the supplied tap water is designed to prevent the growth of bacteria in the passage downstream of the water purification cartridge, the use of alkaline ionized water immediately after generation is assumed. No consideration is given to the solution of the present invention.
[0010]
[Object of the present invention]
An object of the present invention is to store the sterile alkaline ionized water immediately after generation in a container such as a PET bottle at room temperature or to store the alkaline ionized water at a high temperature in order to address the above-described problem. It is an object of the present invention to provide an electrolyzed water generation device that can generate alkaline ionized water that can be safely used as drinking water in a hygienically safe manner without inevitable bacteria growing during water injection.
[0011]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, the present invention relates to a treatment water that is connected to a water supply pipe of a tap water through a water purifier that removes a residual chlorine component and is purified and supplied by the water purifier into the inside thereof. An electrolytic cell that is electrolyzed by applying a DC voltage between a pair of electrodes provided to generate acidic ionized water and alkaline ionized water, and an acidic ionized water and an alkaline ion generated in the electrolytic cell. In an electrolyzed water generating apparatus provided with a water injection pipe for injecting water, a treatment water purified and supplied by the water purifier is supplied with tap water containing a residual chlorine component supplied from the water supply pipe to a predetermined amount. A mixing means for supplying the water to be treated containing a low-concentration chlorine component to the electrolytic cell by mixing at a ratio of, wherein sodium hypochlorite is contained in the alkaline ionized water generated in the electrolytic cell in a predetermined amount. Concentration It is to provide an electrolytic water generation apparatus, characterized in that the way.
[0012]
In practicing the present invention, as the mixing means, a small-diameter through-hole for passing a part of the tap water containing the residual chlorine component supplied from the water supply conduit to the filtration membrane provided inside the water purifier is provided. Or a variable orifice branched from the water supply pipe upstream of the water purifier and interposed in a bypass pipe communicating with the water supply pipe downstream of the water purifier, or An electromagnetic on-off valve that is branched from the tap water supply conduit upstream of the water purifier and interposed in a bypass pipe communicating with the water supply pipe downstream of the water purifier is adopted, and the electromagnetic on-off valve is made of the alkaline You may make it open and close according to the use purpose of ion water.
[0013]
Further, in practicing the present invention, a first water injection switch operated when the alkaline ionized water discharged from the discharge conduit is used immediately after generation, and the alkaline ionized water discharged from the discharge conduit is A second water injection switch operated when stored in a container and a bypass line branched from the tap water supply pipe upstream of the water purifier and connected to the water supply pipe downstream of the water purifier; An electromagnetic on-off valve interposed in the first water injection switch, when the first water injection switch is operated, applying a DC voltage between the electrodes of the electrolytic cell in a state where the electromagnetic water on-off valve is closed, the second water injection switch When operated, a DC voltage between the electrodes of the electrolytic cell is applied in a state where the electromagnetic on-off valve is opened, and residual water supplied from the water supply conduit to the water to be treated purified and supplied by the water purifier is supplied. Tap water containing oxygen component may be sodium hypochlorite in the alkaline ionized water is mixed in a predetermined ratio are contained in a predetermined concentration.
[0014]
[Action and Effect of the Invention]
In the electrolyzed water generation device configured as described above, since the alkaline ionized water generated in the electrolysis tank contains low-concentration sodium hypochlorite, it is used when pumped into a container such as a PET bottle. Even if germs are inevitably mixed, no harmful bacteria will propagate, and when used immediately after generation, it can be stored at room temperature or carried outdoors at high temperatures for hygiene. Can be used safely. Moreover, since the alkaline ionized water generated in the electrolytic cell contains only a low concentration of sodium hypochlorite, drinking water immediately after the generation produces drinking water with almost no smell of chlorine.
[0015]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. The electrolyzed water generator shown in FIG. 1 is ion-exchanged by a water softener 21 connected to a tap water supply pipe 11 via a water supply tap 12 and a pressure reducing valve 13, and an ion exchange resin built in the water softener 21. A water purifier 23 supplied with tap water containing sodium ions Na + through a filter 22 and purified water partially removed from the residual chlorine component by the water purifier 23 are supplied as water to be treated and provided therein. An electrolytic tank 24 that generates acidic ionized water and alkaline ionized water by applying a DC voltage to a pair of electrodes, and discharges the alkaline ionized water generated in the electrolytic cell 24 via a water injection electromagnetic valve V1 into a discharge tank T. And a discharge conduit 25 for discharging the acidic ionized water generated in the electrolytic cell 24 to a drainage tank 27 via an acidic ionized water discharge valve Va and a drainage amount control valve Vb. It is provided with a conduit 26. Note that a pressure reducing valve Vd, a water path pressure relief valve Ve, and a valve for adjusting the amount of alkaline ionized water to be discharged Vf are interposed between the water purifier 23 and the electrolytic cell 24.
[0016]
In the electrolyzed water generator configured as described above, the water purifier 23 contains activated carbon to which an antibacterial agent such as silver zeolite is attached, and is supplied from a water supply conduit to the filtration membrane provided therein via the water softener 21. A small-diameter through-hole through which a portion of tap water containing residual chlorine component passes is provided so that purified water containing residual chlorine component is supplied to the electrolytic cell 24 at a predetermined ratio.
[0017]
In using this electrolyzed water generator, when the water supply electromagnetic valve V1 is opened by turning on the water supply switch SW provided on the electric control panel 30 with the water supply main plug 12 opened, the water supply conduit 11 supplies the water. Tap water is supplied to the electrolytic cell 24 as water to be treated in a state containing a residual chlorine component at a predetermined ratio through a through hole provided in a filtration membrane in the water purifier 23, and the water to be treated into the electrolytic cell 24 Is detected by the flow sensor FS, a DC voltage is applied to a pair of electrodes in the electrolytic cell 24 under the control of a control circuit provided in the control panel. As a result, acidic ionic water and alkaline ionic water are generated in the electrolytic cell 24, and the residual ionic chlorine contained in the tap water, as shown in FIG. Instead of chlorate ion (OCl ⁻ ), this hypochlorite ion is combined with sodium ion (Na ⁺ ) ion-exchanged in tap water or water softener 21 and contains low-concentration sodium hypochlorite NaOCl. In this state, it is led out through the discharge pipe 25 and stored in the discharge tank T. In this case, sodium hypochlorite has a disinfecting power that is hard to disappear even if left for a long time as compared with other residual chlorine, so that bacteria can be propagated even when stored and stored in containers such as PET bottles. Serves to suppress On the other hand, the acidic ion water is led out through the drain conduit 26 and discharged into the drain tank 27. Thus, when a predetermined amount of alkaline ionized water is stored in the discharge tank T by timer control, the electromagnetic valve V1 for water injection is closed under the control of a control circuit provided in the control panel 30 to close the electrolytic tank 24. The flow sensor FS detects that the supply of the to-be-treated water has stopped, and the power supply to the electrodes in the electrolytic cell 24 stops.
[0018]
In implementing the electrolyzed water generator configured as described above, if the residual chlorine contained in ordinary tap water is, for example, 0.3 ppM, the residual chlorine contained in the water to be treated is 0.05 ppM to 0.2 ppM, respectively. When adjusted to such a degree, alkaline ionized water with a low odor is generated.
[0019]
Thus, since the alkaline ionized water stored in the pouring tank T contains a low concentration of sodium hypochlorite, even if various bacteria are inevitably mixed in when used by pumping it into a container such as a PET bottle. No harmful bacteria are propagated, and it can be used safely immediately after its production, stored at room temperature, or safely carried outdoors when the temperature is high.
[0020]
Moreover, since the alkaline ionized water generated in the electrolytic cell contains only a low concentration of sodium hypochlorite, drinking water immediately after the generation produces drinking water with almost no smell of chlorine. In addition, this electrolyzed water generator prevents the propagation of harmful bacteria by sodium hypochlorite contained in the alkaline ionized water retained in the discharge pipe 25 even when the apparatus is not used for a long time. Can be.
[0021]
The electrolyzed water generating apparatus shown in FIG. 3 is a treated object in which the residual chlorine component contained in tap water is removed and purified to a state containing no residual chlorine in place of the water purifier 23 in the electrolyzed water generating apparatus shown in FIG. A bypass pipe that employs a water purifier 23A that supplies water to the electrolytic cell 24, branches from the water supply pipe 11 upstream of the water purifier 23A, and communicates with the water supply pipe 11 downstream of the water purifier 23A. The variable orifice VO is interposed in the path BP, and the other configuration is the same as that of the electrolyzed water generating apparatus in FIG.
[0022]
In this embodiment, when the water supply electromagnetic valve V1 is opened by turning on a discharge switch SW provided on the electric control panel in a state where the water supply main plug 12 is opened, the tap water supplied from the water supply conduit 11 is supplied. The tap water supplied to the electrolytic tank 24 as the water to be treated purified so as to contain no residual chlorine by the water purifier 23A is supplied to the electrolytic tank 24, while the flow rate of the tap water flowing into the bypass pipe BP from the upstream of the water purifier 23A is controlled by the variable orifice 30. Then, it is mixed with the water to be treated containing no residual chlorine downstream of the water purifier 23A in a state containing a low-concentration residual chlorine component at a predetermined ratio, and supplied into the electrolytic cell 24. Thereby, when the flow of the water to be treated into the electrolytic cell 24 is detected by the flow sensor FS, a DC voltage is applied to a pair of electrodes in the electrolytic cell 24 under the control of a control circuit provided in the control panel 30. When applied, acidic ionic water and alkaline ionic water are generated in the electrolytic cell 24, and the alkaline ionic water is discharged through the discharge conduit 25 in a state containing low-concentration sodium hypochlorite NaOCl, and is discharged from the discharge tank T. Stored inside. On the other hand, the acidic ion water is led out through the drain conduit 26 and discharged into the drain tank 27. Thus, when a predetermined amount of alkaline ionized water is stored in the discharge tank T by timer control, the electromagnetic valve V1 for water injection is closed under the control of a control circuit provided in the control panel 30 to close the electrolytic tank 24. The flow sensor FS detects that the supply of the to-be-treated water has stopped, and the power supply to the electrodes in the electrolytic cell 24 stops.
[0023]
Thus, since the alkaline ionized water stored in the pouring tank T contains a small amount of sodium hypochlorite, even when various bacteria are inevitably mixed when used by being pumped into a container such as a PET bottle, Harmful bacteria do not propagate, and can be used safely immediately after generation, as well as stored at room temperature or safely used hygienically when carried outdoors. Moreover, since the alkaline ionized water generated in the electrolytic cell contains only a low concentration of sodium hypochlorite, drinking water immediately after the generation produces drinking water with almost no smell of chlorine. In addition, even if this electrolyzed water generating apparatus is left unused for a long time, the highly persistent sodium hypochlorite contained in the alkaline ionized water retained in the pouring conduit 25 causes propagation of harmful bacteria. Can be prevented.
[0024]
The electrolyzed water generating apparatus shown in FIG. 4 is provided with a cleaning electromagnetic valve V2 instead of the variable orifice VO in the electrolyzed water generating apparatus shown in FIG. Is the same. In this embodiment, a first dispensing switch SW1 and a second dispensing switch SW2 are provided on the control panel 30 of the electrolytic cell 24, and the control provided in the control panel 30 when the first dispensing switch SW1 is turned on. While the first dispensing switch SW1 is being pressed under the control of the circuit, or until the first dispensing switch SW1 is turned on again, only the water supply electromagnetic valve V1 is opened and the second dispensing switch SW2 is turned on. When operated, the electromagnetic valve V1 for water injection is opened for a predetermined time and the electromagnetic valve V2 for cleaning is opened under the control of the control circuit.
In the electrolyzed water generating apparatus shown in FIG. 4, when the water supply electromagnetic valve V1 is opened by turning on the first discharge switch SW1 provided on the electric control panel with the water supply main plug 12 opened, the water supply conduit is provided. Tap water supplied from 11 is supplied to the electrolytic cell 24 as treated water purified to a state that does not contain residual chlorine by the water purifier 23A, and the flow of the treated water into the electrolytic tank 24 is measured by the flow sensor FS. When detected, a DC voltage is applied to a pair of electrodes in the electrolytic cell 24 under the control of a control circuit provided in the control panel, and acidic ionic water and alkaline ionic water are generated in the electrolytic cell 24, The alkaline ionized water is discharged through the discharge pipe 25 in a state containing no residual chlorine, poured into a container such as a paper cup, and is drunk immediately after being discharged, or stored in a container such as a plastic bottle and stored refrigerated. On the other hand, the acidic ion water is led out through the drain conduit 26 and discharged into the drain tank 27. Then, when a desired amount of alkaline ionized water is poured into a container such as a paper cup or a plastic bottle, the control panel is released by pressing the first discharge switch SW1 or detecting the ON operation of the discharge switch SW1 again. Under the control of a control circuit provided therein, the electromagnetic valve V1 for water injection is closed, supply of the water to be treated into the electrolytic cell 24 is stopped, and power supply to the electrodes in the electrolytic cell is stopped.
[0025]
Thus, alkaline ionized water, which does not contain residual chlorine poured into containers such as paper cups or plastic bottles, is suitable for use immediately after production or for refrigerated storage, and is suitable for beverages with a low smell of chlorine. It can be provided as sanitary and safe water.
[0026]
When the second dispensing switch SW2 is turned on, the electromagnetic valve V1 for water injection is opened under the timer control of the control circuit provided in the control panel 30 for a time corresponding to the amount of water stored in the dispensing tank T. The cleaning electromagnetic valve V2 opens. In this case, the tap water supplied from the water supply conduit 11 is supplied to the electrolytic tank 24 as the treated water purified by the water purifier 23A, while the tap water flowing into the bypass pipe BP from the upstream of the water purifier 23A is The flow rate is controlled by the cleaning electromagnetic valve V2, and the residual chlorine component having a low concentration is contained at a predetermined ratio. 24. Thereby, when the flow of the water to be treated into the electrolytic cell 24 is detected by the flow sensor FS, a DC voltage is applied to a pair of electrodes in the electrolytic cell 24 under the control of a control circuit provided in the control panel 30. When applied, acidic ionic water and alkaline ionic water are generated in the electrolytic cell 24, and the alkaline ionic water is discharged through the discharge conduit 25 in a state containing low-concentration sodium hypochlorite NaOCl, and is discharged from the discharge tank T. Stored inside. On the other hand, the acidic ion water is led out through the drain conduit 26 and discharged into the drain tank 27. Thus, when a predetermined amount of alkaline ionized water is stored in the pouring tank T, both the electromagnetic valve V1 for water injection and the electromagnetic valve V2 for cleaning are closed under the control of a control circuit provided in the control panel, and the electrolytic cell is closed. The flow sensor FS detects that the supply of the water to be treated into the inside of the electrolytic cell 24 has stopped, and the power supply to the electrodes in the electrolytic cell 24 stops.
[0027]
Thus, since the alkaline ionized water stored in the pouring tank T contains a low concentration of sodium hypochlorite, even if various bacteria are inevitably mixed in when used by pumping it into a container such as a PET bottle. No harmful bacteria are propagated, and it can be used safely immediately after its production, stored at room temperature, or safely carried outdoors when the temperature is high. In addition, after the operation of the discharge switch SW2, the electrolyzed water generating apparatus is provided with the hypochlorous acid contained in the alkaline ionized water retained in the discharge conduit 25 even if the device is not used for a long time. Sodium can prevent the growth of harmful bacteria.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram schematically showing a first embodiment of an electrolyzed water generation device according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a graph showing the relationship between the percentage of residual chlorine contained in tap water and changes in pH.
FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram schematically showing a second embodiment of the electrolyzed water generation device according to the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a configuration diagram schematically showing a third embodiment of the electrolyzed water generation device according to the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
11. . Water supply conduit, 21. . Water softener, 23. . Water purifier, VO. . Variable orifice,
V1. . Discharge solenoid valve, V2. . Solenoid on-off valve, 24. . Electrolyzer, 25. . Discharge conduit

Claims (5)

A DC voltage is applied between a pair of electrodes, which are connected to a tap water supply conduit via a water purifier for removing residual chlorine components and are supplied with water to be purified and supplied by the water purifier facing the inside thereof. An electrolytic cell that is electrolyzed by application to produce acidic ionized water and alkaline ionized water, and a pouring conduit for pouring out the acidic ionized water and alkaline ionized water generated in the electrolytic cell are provided and arranged. Electrolyzed water generator,
The treated water containing the residual chlorine component supplied from the water supply conduit is mixed at a predetermined ratio with the treated water supplied and purified by the water purifier, and the treated water containing the low-concentration chlorine component is mixed. A mixing means for supplying the electrolytic cell, wherein the alkaline ionized water generated in the electrolytic cell contains sodium hypochlorite at a predetermined concentration. . A small-diameter through-hole for allowing a part of tap water containing a residual chlorine component supplied from the water supply conduit to pass through a filtration membrane provided inside the water purifier as the mixing means. Item 2. An electrolyzed water generator according to item 1. As the mixing means, a variable orifice branched from the water supply pipe upstream of the water purifier and interposed in a bypass pipe communicating with the water supply pipe downstream of the water purifier is adopted. The electrolyzed water generator according to claim 1, wherein As the mixing means, an electromagnetic on-off valve is used which is branched from the water supply pipe upstream of the water purifier and is interposed in a bypass pipe communicating with the water supply pipe downstream of the water purifier. 2. The electrolyzed water generator according to claim 1, wherein the electromagnetic valve is opened and closed according to the purpose of use of the alkaline ionized water. A DC voltage is applied between a pair of electrodes, which are connected to a tap water supply conduit via a water purifier for removing residual chlorine components and are supplied with water to be purified and supplied by the water purifier facing the inside thereof. An electrolytic cell that is electrolyzed by application to produce acidic ionized water and alkaline ionized water, and a pouring conduit for pouring out the acidic ionized water and alkaline ionized water generated in the electrolytic cell are provided and arranged. Electrolyzed water generator,
A first watering switch operated when immediately using the alkaline ionized water discharged from the discharging conduit;
A second watering switch operated when the alkaline ionized water discharged from the discharging conduit is stored in a container and used;
An electromagnetic on-off valve that is branched from the tap water supply pipe upstream of the water purifier and is interposed in a bypass pipe communicating with the water supply pipe downstream of the water purifier;
When the first water injection switch is operated, a DC voltage between the electrodes of the electrolytic cell is applied in a state where the electromagnetic on-off valve is closed, and when the second water injection switch is operated, the electromagnetic on-off valve is opened. A DC voltage between the electrodes of the electrolytic cell is applied at a predetermined rate, and tap water containing residual chlorine components supplied from the water supply conduit is supplied to the water to be treated purified and supplied by the water purifier at a predetermined ratio. An electrolyzed water generating apparatus, wherein the alkaline ionized water is mixed to contain sodium hypochlorite at a predetermined concentration.

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