JP2005169202A - Electrolytic water producing apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To simply rectify the large fluctuation of pH value of electrolytic water caused by the change of the characteristics (pH value, conductivity, high or low acidity or alkalinity, the large or small quantity of free carboxylic acid or the like) of water to be electrolyzed, the high or low temperature of the water to be electrolyzed, the slow or quick feed rate of the water to be electrolyzed or the like by the setting of the electrolysis condition. <P>SOLUTION: The electrolytic water producing apparatus is provided with an electrolytic cell with diaphragm, a pair of water supply pipe lines for supplying the water to be electrolyzed to each electrolytic chamber of the electrolytic cell with diaphragm and a pair of flow-out pipe lines for allowing the electrolytic water to flow out from each electrolytic chamber of the electrolytic cell with diaphragm wherein electrolytic operation to produce the set fixed volume of the electrolytic water is defined as one cycle of electrolysis operation time, and is further provided with an electrolysis condition variable function capable of varying the electrolysis condition one or a plurality of times through the one cycle of the electrolysis operation time. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an electrolyzed water generating apparatus including a diaphragm membrane electrolytic cell.

  As one type of electrolyzed water generating device, a diaphragm membrane electrolytic cell, a pair of water supply pipes for supplying electrolyzed water to each electrolytic chamber of the diaphragm membrane electrolytic cell, and electrolysis from each electrolytic chamber of the diaphragm membrane electrolytic cell There is an electrolyzed water generating apparatus that includes a pair of outflow pipes that respectively flow out the generated water, and uses an electrolysis operation for generating a set amount of electrolyzed water as one cycle of electrolysis operation time.

  This type of electrolyzed water generator is configured to cause electrolyzed acidic water generated in the anode-side electrolysis chamber of the diaphragm electrolyzer to flow out from one outflow pipe and to be generated in the cathode-side electrolysis chamber. The alkaline water is caused to flow out from the other outflow pipe, and the discharged electrolytically generated acidic water and electrolytically generated alkaline water are respectively poured into portable containers and storage tanks in an independent state. During the electrolytic operation time of the cycle, each electrolytically generated water is dispensed by a set fixed volume. Electrolytically generated acidic water poured out in a certain volume is used for sterilization treatment and cleaning treatment in various fields as sterilization water or sterilization water. Moreover, the electrolytically generated alkaline water dispensed in a certain volume is used for washing treatment in various fields as alkaline ion drinking water and as washing water.

  By the way, the pH range of each electrolytically generated water is regulated fairly strictly depending on the application. For this reason, in the electrolysis operation of the electrolyzed water generating apparatus of this type, generally, control is performed so that the electrolysis voltage and / or electrolysis current applied to the electrodes of each electrolysis chamber is always kept constant. Although the electrolysis voltage and / or electrolysis current applied to the electrodes of each electrolysis chamber are collectively referred to as electrolysis strength, maintaining electrolysis strength constantly during electrolysis operation generates electrolyzed water with the set characteristics. It is extremely important as a means to do this.

  However, the characteristics of the electrolyzed water produced are the characteristics of the electrolyzed water (high and low pH value, high and low electrical conductivity, high and low acidity and alkalinity, the amount of free carbonic acid component, etc.), the electrolyzed water The water temperature changes depending on the water temperature of the water to be electrolyzed and the water supply speed of the electrolyzed water is slow. For this reason, electrolysis water having a pH within a set range may not always be generated in an electrolysis operation that employs means for constantly maintaining the electrolysis strength during the electrolysis operation. In order to cope with this, an electrolyzed water generating device for generating alkaline ionized water (electrolytically generated alkaline water) having a predetermined pH value has been proposed under the name of a water conditioner (see Patent Document 1).

  The water conditioner proposed in Patent Document 1 described above is a flow rate detection signal output from a flow rate sensor during electrolysis operation by installing a flow rate sensor in a water supply pipe for supplying electrolyzed water to an electrolytic cell. The electrolysis voltage is controlled based on the above, and it is intended to generate alkaline ionized water having a preset pH value without being involved in fluctuations in the flow rate of the water to be electrolyzed. However, the water conditioner can only deal with fluctuations in the flow rate of electrolyzed water during electrolysis.

  For example, when tap water or well water is used as electrolyzed water, or when tap water or well water is used as preparation water for preparation of electrolyzed water (raw water for preparation), the characteristics of tap water and well water are to install an electrolyzed water generator. Depending on the region, it may vary depending on the season in the same region. Furthermore, the water temperature of these tap water, well water, etc. varies greatly depending on the season, and also varies depending on the installation environment of the electrolyzed water generating device.

  In order to deal with these problems by utilizing the technical idea of the water conditioner proposed in Patent Document 1, the pH value, the electrical conductivity, the acidity, the alkalinity, the liberation, which are the characteristics of the electrolyzed water All of the amount of carbonic acid component, etc. must be targeted, detection sensors for detecting these characteristics, correction means for correcting fluctuations in these characteristics, and the correction means from each detection sensor Control means for controlling based on the output detection signal is required, and a complicated control program is required. Therefore, it is practically impossible to deal with these problems by using the technical idea of the water conditioner when providing an electrolyzed water generating device that is as inexpensive as possible.

  Therefore, it has a pH value within a set range by subjecting tap water or well water having different characteristics depending on region and season to electrolyzed water or electrolyzed water using these waters as raw water for preparation, using diaphragm membrane electrolysis. In order to generate electrolyzed water, it is necessary to set the electrolysis strength and electrolysis time each time in order to correspond to the characteristics of the electrolyzed water before electrolyzing the electrolyzed water with a diaphragm. .

However, the adjustment range of the electrolysis strength in the electrolyzed water generating device is naturally limited, and for example, the electrolysis current adjustment limit in a general electrolyzed water generating device is 0.1A. The present inventor has experienced that, depending on the characteristics of the water to be electrolyzed, when the electrolysis current value, which is the electrolysis strength, is changed by 0.1 A, the pH of the electrolyzed water produced changes by 0.3. ing. For example, in the electrolyzed water generating apparatus installed in a certain area, when the electrolysis current value is set to 1.0 A so as to generate electrolyzed water having a pH of 10.3, the pH of the generated electrolyzed water is set. In order to correct this, when the electrolysis current value is set to 1.1 A, the pH value of the electrolyzed water produced is 10.5, and the electrolyzed water having a pH value of 10.3 Have an experience that you can't get.
Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 6-29693

  The object of the present invention is to provide characteristics of the electrolyzed water (pH, electrical conductivity, acidity, high or low alkalinity, amount of free carbonic acid component, etc.), water temperature of the electrolyzed water in the electrolyzed water generator of this type. In the production of electrolyzed water using electrolyzed water having different levels, it is intended to correct a large change in pH value of electrolyzed water caused by different characteristics by simple means.

  More specifically, an object of the present invention is to provide tap water having different characteristics depending on regions and seasons, in an electrolyzed water generating apparatus of this type, wherein the electrolysis strength and electrolysis time can be arbitrarily set prior to electrolysis operation. This is set in the electrolysis operation in which the electrolysis strength and electrolysis time are set to correspond to the characteristics of the electrolyzed water before electrolyzing the electrolyzed water such as water and well water and the electrolyzed water using these as raw water for preparation. It is to produce electrolyzed water having a pH value within the specified range.

  The present invention relates to an electrolyzed water generator, a diaphragm electrolyzer, a pair of water supply pipes for supplying electrolyzed water to each electrolyzer of the diaphragm electrolyzer, and each electrolyzer of the diaphragm electrolyzer An electrolyzed water generating device having a pair of outflow pipes for flowing out electrolyzed water from each of the pipes and having an electrolysis operation for generating a set amount of electrolyzed water as one cycle of electrolysis operation time is applied. Is.

  Thus, the electrolyzed water generating apparatus according to the present invention is provided with an electrolysis condition variable function that makes electrolysis conditions variable one or more times during one cycle of electrolysis operation time in the above-described electrolyzed water generating apparatus. It is characterized by this. In the electrolyzed water generating apparatus according to the present invention, electrolysis strength and electrolysis time can be adopted as the electrolysis conditions, and at least one of electrolysis voltage and electrolysis current is used as electrolysis strength which is one of the electrolysis conditions. Can be adopted.

  In the electrolyzed water generating apparatus according to the present invention, an electrolysis operation in which electrolysis conditions such as electrolysis strength and electrolysis time are changed one or more times during one cycle of electrolysis operation for generating a set amount of electrolyzed water. Is adopted. For this reason, the pH value of the electrolyzed water produced under each electrolysis condition is changed to the upper and lower pH values that approximate the target pH value each time, and at the time when a certain volume of electrolyzed water is set, Electrolyzed water having different pH values is mixed uniformly to obtain electrolyzed water having a target pH value. Therefore, compared to the electrolysis operation in which the electrolysis conditions are always kept constant during one cycle of electrolysis operation time, the pH value of the electrolyzed water produced is controlled with higher accuracy by the accuracy exceeding the adjustment limit of electrolysis strength. can do. In such electrolysis operation, if the electrolysis conditions are changed finely and the number of changes is increased, the pH value can be controlled with higher accuracy.

  The electrolyzed water generating device according to the present invention is an electrolyzed water generating device including a diaphragm electrolyzer, and an electrolysis operation that generates a set amount of electrolyzed water is set as an electrolysis operation time of one cycle. It is a water generator. In FIG. 1, the whole structure of the alkaline ionized water dispenser which is one Embodiment of the electrolyzed water generating apparatus based on this invention is shown roughly. Moreover, in FIG. 2, the water path | route of the alkaline ionized water in the said alkaline water dispenser A is shown as a flowchart.

  The alkaline ionized water dispenser A includes an alkaline ionized water generating device 10, an upstream water path 20, and a downstream water path 30. The alkaline ionized water generating device 10 is mainly composed of a diaphragm membrane electrolytic cell 10a, and the electrolysis operation is controlled by the control device 10c housed in the control box 10b. The diaphragm electrolytic cell 10a itself is a known one, and includes an anode-side electrolysis chamber and a cathode-side electrolysis chamber partitioned by a diaphragm, and during the electrolysis operation of the alkaline ionized water dispenser A, the anode-side electrolysis chamber and the cathode-side electrolysis chamber. A direct current is applied to each of the electrodes constituting the through the control device 10c. In the alkaline ionized water dispenser A, tap water that has been subjected to soft water treatment and purified water treatment is used as electrolyzed water.

  The upstream water path 20 constituting the alkaline ionized water dispenser A is mainly composed of a water supply pipe 21 for electrolyzed water, and the water supply pipe 21 serves as a supply source of tap water at the upstream end portion thereof. While being connected, it is connected to each electrolysis chamber of the diaphragm electrolyzer 10a at its downstream end. In the water supply pipe 21, a water softener 22, a filter 23, and a water purifier 24 are interposed, and various valves and valves are interposed. The upstream water path 20 includes various drainage pipes 25 a, 25 b, 25 c and a bypass pipe 25 d in addition to the water supply pipe 21.

  The downstream water path 30 constituting the alkaline ionized water dispenser A includes a first outflow pipe 31 through which alkaline ionized water (electrolytically generated alkaline water) flows out and a second outflow pipe 32 through which electrolytically generated acidic water flows out. It is the subject. The upstream end portion of the first outflow conduit 31 is connected to the downstream portion of the cathode electrolysis chamber of the diaphragm electrolyzer 10a. Further, the downstream end portion of the first outflow conduit 31 faces above the accommodating portion A1 in which the portable container B can be taken in and out. A silver-plated filter 33 is interposed at the downstream end portion of the first outflow pipe 31, and the tip portion is formed at the outlet of alkaline ionized water. During the electrolytic operation of the alkaline ionized water dispenser A, the electrolytically generated alkaline water generated in the cathode side electrolysis chamber of the diaphragm electrolytic cell 10a is supplied as alkaline ionized water to the accommodating part A1 through the spout of the first outlet pipe 31. It is poured out into the contained container B.

  The second outflow pipe 32 is connected to a downstream portion of the anode electrolysis chamber of the diaphragm electrolyzer 10 a at the upstream tip, and the downstream tip faces the drain tank 34. Yes. During the electrolytic operation of the alkaline ionized water dispenser A, the electrolytically generated acidic water generated in the anode-side electrolysis chamber of the diaphragm electrolytic cell 10a passes through the spout on the distal end side of the second outflow pipe 32 and enters the drain tank 34. Be poured out. In addition to the first outflow pipe 32 and the second outflow pipe 32, the downstream water path 30 includes drain pipes 35a and 35b and various valves.

  The alkaline ionized water dispenser A is installed at various sales outlets or dedicated installation locations in each region, and supplies alkaline ionized water as a soft drink to consumers. In the alkaline ionized water dispenser A, electrolytically generated alkaline water produced in the cathode side electrolysis chamber of the diaphragm electrolytic cell 10a is poured out as alkaline ionized water. In the alkaline ionized water dispenser A, the electrolytically generated acidic water generated in the anode electrolysis chamber of the diaphragm electrolyzer 10a is drained after being temporarily stored in the drainage tank 34, or used in various applications. Used for.

  FIG. 2 shows preparation of electrolyzed water for tap water, which is raw water for preparing electrolyzed water in the alkaline ionized water dispenser A, supply of the prepared electrolyzed water to the diaphragm electrolyzer 10a, and the diaphragm It is a flowchart which shows clearly the water path | route until the pouring to the container B of the alkaline ion water produced | generated in the electrolytic vessel 10a. In the electrolysis operation of the alkaline ionized water dispenser A, tap water, which is raw water for preparing electrolyzed water, passes through a water supply pipe 21 constituting the upstream water path 20, and during this time, treatment by the water softener 22 and water purification Water to be electrolyzed is received by the water purifier 23, and the water to be electrolyzed is supplied to each electrolysis chamber of the diaphragm electrolyzer 10 a in the alkaline ionized water generator 10.

  Electrolyzed water using tap water supplied to each electrolysis chamber of the diaphragm electrolyzer 10a as raw water for preparation is subjected to diaphragm electrolysis in each electrolysis chamber, and electrolytically generated acidic water is produced in the anode side electrolysis chamber, Electrolytically generated alkaline water is generated in the cathode side electrolysis chamber. The electrolytically generated alkaline water generated in the cathode side electrolysis chamber passes through the first outflow pipe 31 constituting the downstream water path 30 as alkali ion water and is disposed at the tip of the first outflow pipe 31. It is poured out into the container B from the spout through the silver plating filter 33. In the alkaline ionized water dispenser A, an electrolytic operation for generating a set constant volume of alkaline ionized water (electrolytically generated alkaline water) is set as one cycle of electrolytic operation time. An arbitrary time can be set at 10 second intervals in the range of 10 seconds to 90 seconds, and the amount of alkaline ionized water generated can be in the range of 3L to 5L.

  The electrolysis operation of the alkaline ionized water dispenser A is controlled by the control device 10c housed in the control box 10b. The control device 10c includes a controller having a storage unit and a control unit, and variable voltage driving means for applying a direct current to each electrode of each electrolysis chamber constituting the diaphragm membrane electrolytic cell 10a. In the control device 10c, an arbitrary electrolysis mode is set in the storage unit of the controller by operating the electrolysis strength setting switch, the electrolysis time setting switch, and the set value determination switch in the switch group 11 provided on the operation panel of the control box 10b. The storage unit of the controller stores the electrolysis mode.

  Further, the controller of the controller is operated by operating the start switch in the switch group 11 of the control box 10b, and outputs the electrolysis mode input to the storage unit as a drive signal to the drive means when operating. Based on the drive signal output from the controller of the controller, the drive means applies the electrolysis current in the set electrolysis mode (set electrolysis mode) to each electrode in each electrolysis chamber corresponding to the electrolysis time in the set electrolysis mode. Apply. In the control device 10c, a normal electrolysis mode (normal electrolysis mode) in which a constant electrolysis current is always applied to each electrode of each electrolysis chamber is also input to the storage unit of the controller, and the switch of the control box 10b The set electrolysis mode is canceled by the operation of the electrolysis strength setting switch and electrolysis time setting switch in the group 11, and the control of the control device 10c is switched to the normal electrolysis mode.

  In the electrolyzed water generating apparatus according to the present invention, it is a requirement to set an electrolysis mode in which electrolysis conditions in one cycle of electrolysis operation time for generating a set amount of electrolyzed water can be changed at least once. . In the alkaline ionized water dispenser A, electrolysis time and electrolysis current are adopted as electrolysis conditions. Specifically, the electrolysis time (one cycle electrolysis operation time) can be set to an arbitrary time at intervals of 10 seconds in the range of 90 seconds, and the electrolysis current value is 0.1 A in units of 10 seconds. It can be set to an arbitrary current value at intervals of. The electrolysis time and the electrolysis current value are set by, for example, an electrolysis time setting switch, an electrolysis strength setting switch, and a determination switch in the switch group 11 provided on the operation panel of the control box 10b mounted on the alkaline ionized water dispenser A. The operation is performed as follows.

  That is, in the alkaline ionized water dispenser A, prior to setting the electrolysis time and the electrolysis current value, first, the electrolysis time setting switch and the electrolysis strength setting switch are pushed and operated for several seconds to change the control mode in the control device 10c to normal electrolysis. A switching operation for switching from the mode to the setting electrolysis mode is performed. Next, by operating the electrolysis time setting switch, one cycle of electrolysis operation time (set to a maximum of 90 seconds) is arbitrarily set, and the determination switch is operated to confirm the setting of the electrolysis time. Next, by operating the electrolytic strength setting switch, the electrolytic current value for the first 10 seconds is set, and the determination switch is operated to confirm the setting of the electrolytic current value. This operation is repeated over the set electrolysis time, and the setting of the electrolysis current value is completed.

  At this time, lighting of the display lamp group 12 in the electrolysis mode is switched from the display lamp in the normal electrolysis mode to the display lamp in the set electrolysis mode, and the operation of the start switch in the switch group 11 causes the alkaline ionized water dispenser A to be turned on. The electrolysis operation is started. The electrolysis operation is controlled based on the set electrolysis mode during the set electrolysis time, and the alkaline ionized water dispenser A ends one cycle of electrolysis operation. If the start switch is operated at the end of one cycle of the electrolysis operation, the alkaline ionized water dispenser A repeatedly performs the electrolysis operation based on the set electrolysis mode.

  3 to 5 illustrate three types of set electrolysis modes. Each set electrolysis mode has characteristics of electrolyzed water (pH level, electrical conductivity level, acidity and alkalinity level, free carbon dioxide level), electrolyzed water temperature level, electrolyzed water In an electrolysis operation in which the applied electrolysis current value is kept constant under ideal electrolysis conditions in which there is no fluctuation in the slow water supply rate, it is assumed that alkaline ionized water having a constant pH value is always generated.

  The first electrolysis mode M1 shown in FIG. 3 is intended to generate alkaline ionized water having a pH value generated by the electrolysis operation of the electrolysis current value A1, and during the electrolysis operation time T of one cycle, This is an electrolysis mode in which the electrolysis operating conditions are changed four times. In the electrolysis mode M1, over time, the electrolysis is first performed at the electrolysis current value A2 for T1 time, the electrolysis is performed at the electrolysis current value A1 for T2 time, and the electrolysis is performed at the electrolysis current value 0 for T3 time (substantially). 4 is electrolyzed at an electrolytic current value A4 for T4 time. Alkaline ion water produced under these different electrolysis conditions is sequentially poured into the container B accommodated in the accommodating portion A2 of the alkali ion water dispenser A. As a result, all the alkaline ionized water is uniformly mixed in the container B to become alkaline ionized water having a set constant pH value.

  The second electrolysis mode M2 shown in FIG. 4 is intended to generate weak alkaline alkaline ionized water close to the pH value of tap water that is the electrolyzed water. In the electrolysis mode, the electrolysis operation conditions are changed three times. In the electrolysis mode M2, over time, first, electrolysis is performed at an electrolysis current value of 0 for T1 time (substantially electroless state), second electrolysis is performed at electrolysis current value A1 for T2 time, and third, electrolysis current. Electrolysis is carried out at a value of 0 for T3 time (substantially electroless state). Alkaline ion water produced under these different electrolysis conditions is sequentially poured into the container B accommodated in the accommodating portion A2 of the alkali ion water dispenser A. As a result, all of the alkaline ionized water is uniformly mixed in the container B to become alkaline ionized water having a set constant pH value.

  The third electrolysis mode M3 shown in FIG. 5 is an alkaline ionized water having a pH value intermediate between the pH value generated by the electrolysis operation of the electrolysis current value A1 and the pH value generated by the electrolysis operation of the electrolysis current value A2. Is intended to generate The electrolysis mode M3 is an electrolysis mode in which the electrolysis operation conditions are changed four times during one cycle of electrolysis operation time T. In the electrolysis mode M3, the electrolytic current value A1 is first changed to T1 time over time. Electrolyze, secondly electrolyze at electrolysis current value A2 for T2 hours, third electrolyze at electrolysis current value A1 for T3 hours, and fourth, electrolyze at electrolysis current value A2 for T4 hours. Alkaline ion water produced under these different electrolysis conditions is sequentially poured into the container B accommodated in the accommodating portion A2 of the alkali ion water dispenser A. As a result, all the alkaline ionized water is uniformly mixed in the container B to become alkaline ionized water having a set constant pH value.

  As described above, in the electrolysis operation using the above-described electrolysis mode M1 to electrolysis mode M3, a plurality of electrolysis conditions of electrolysis current value and electrolysis time are set during one cycle of electrolysis operation time for generating a set amount of electrolyzed water. The electrolysis operation is changed. For this reason, the pH value of alkaline ionized water generated under each electrolytic condition is changed each time, and when a certain volume of alkaline ionized water is generated, alkaline ionized water having different pH values is mixed uniformly. Thus, alkaline ionized water having an intended pH value is obtained. Therefore, the pH value of the generated alkaline ionized water can be adjusted with higher accuracy than the electrolysis operation in which the electrolysis conditions are always kept constant during the electrolysis operation time of one cycle. If the number of times of changing the electrolysis conditions is increased, the pH value can be adjusted with higher accuracy.

It is a schematic structure figure showing the whole alkaline ionized water dispenser which is one embodiment of the electrolyzed water generating device concerning the present invention. It is a flowchart which shows the water path | route in connection with the alkali ion water which the alkali ion water dispenser comprises. It is a graph which shows the 1st electrolysis mode M1 of the electrolysis driving | operation with the alkaline ionized water dispenser. It is a graph which shows the 2nd electrolysis mode M2 of the electrolysis driving | operation with the alkaline ionized water dispenser. It is a graph which shows the 3rd electrolysis mode M3 of the electrolysis operation with the alkaline ionized water dispenser.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS A ... Alkaline ion water dispenser, A1 ... Accommodating part, B ... Container, 10 ... Alkaline ion water generator, 10a ... Separator membrane electrolytic cell, 10b ... Control box, 10c ... Control device, 11 ... Switch group, 12 ... Indicator lamp Group: 20 ... Upstream water path, 21 ... Water supply pipe, 22 ... Water softener, 23 ... Filter, 24 ... Water purifier, 25a, 25b, 25c ... Drain pipe, 25d ... Bypass pipe, 30 ... Downstream water A path, 31 ... first outflow pipe, 32 ... second outflow pipe, 33 ... silver-plated filter, 34 ... drain tank, 35a, 35b ... drain pipe.

Claims (3)

A diaphragm electrolyzer, a pair of water supply pipes for supplying electrolyzed water to the electrolyzers of the diaphragm electrolyzer, and a pair of outflows of electrolyzed water from each electrolyzer of the diaphragm electrolyzer An electrolyzed water generating device having a pipe line and setting electrolysis operation for generating a set amount of electrolyzed water as one cycle of electrolysis operation time, wherein electrolysis conditions are set one or more times during one cycle of electrolysis operation time An electrolyzed water generating device having a variable electrolysis condition variable function. The electrolyzed water generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the electrolysis conditions are electrolysis strength and electrolysis time. The electrolyzed water generating apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the electrolysis strength which is one of the electrolysis conditions is at least one of an electrolysis voltage and an electrolysis current.

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