JP2005193080A - Electrolytic water generator - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an electrolytic water generator which can stably be controlled and can surely obtain electrolytic water of the desired pH value in a short time even when an abnormal condition occurs in a pH sensor. <P>SOLUTION: An initial operation mode for generating the electrolytic water in the condition that the electrolytic strength of an electrolytic cell 6 has an electrolytic strength value for the initial operation mode specified according to the preset target pH value is started. When the detected pH value after the prescribed time T since the initial operation mode is started is in the prescribed range, the mode is shifted to a feedback control mode. When the detected pH value is out of the prescribed range, the mode is shifted to a pH sensor abnormal mode for generating the electrolytic water in the condition that the electrolytic strength of the electrolytic cell 6 has an electrolytic strength value for the pH sensor abnormal mode determined according to the target pH value. The operation of the abnormal mode is continued until receiving a message to terminate the electrolysis in the electrolytic cell 6. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an electrolyzed water generating device that electrolyzes raw water by applying a voltage between a pair of electrodes to generate electrolyzed water, and more specifically, based on a detected pH value detected by a pH sensor. The present invention relates to an electrolyzed water generating apparatus having a feedback control mode for feedback control of the electric field strength of an electrolytic cell.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an electrolyzed water generating apparatus is known in which raw water is electrolyzed by an electrolytic cell having a pair of electrodes composed of a cathode and an anode to obtain drinking alkaline electrolyzed water (alkali ion water) and external acidic electrolyzed water. . As the electrolyzed water generating device, there is a so-called continuous type in which an electrolyzer is provided in the middle of a water passage having an upstream end connected to a raw water channel via a water tap and the electrolyzer continuously generates electrolyzed water. In this type of continuous electrolyzed water generator, there is one that electrolyzes raw water with the electric field strength of the electrolytic cell set to a constant value according to the target pH value in order to obtain electrolyzed water having a preset target pH value. However, in this case, the pH value of the electrolyzed water generated in the electrolytic cell differs depending on the quality of the raw water flowing through the raw water pipe, and there are many cases where electrolyzed water having the target pH value cannot be obtained.

  Conventionally, in order to obtain electrolyzed water having a target pH value, a pH sensor for detecting the pH value of electrolyzed water generated in the electrolyzer is provided, and the electrolysis strength of the electrolyzer is based on the detected pH value detected by the pH sensor. Some perform feedback control such as changing.

  Furthermore, at the same time as the electrolysis operation start command, the initial operation mode for generating electrolyzed water as the electrolysis strength value for the initial operation mode specified according to the target pH value is started, and the initial operation mode is started. When a predetermined time elapses, a transition is made to the feedback control mode in which the feedback control is performed, and the electrolytic strength of the electrolytic cell at the time when the detected pH value becomes the target pH value in the feedback control mode is stored. Electrolyzed water having an electrolytic strength storage means for performing the electrolytic strength stored in the feedback control mode closest to the present among the past electrolytic strengths stored in the electrolytic strength storage means in the initial operation mode. There is also a generation device, which can obtain electrolyzed water having a pH value substantially the same as the target pH value at the end of the initial operation mode. Can, furthermore, since the adjustment of the electric field intensity in the subsequent feedback control mode requires only a small level, it is possible to shorten the time until the electrolytic water target pH value is obtained.

  Hereinafter, an electrolyzed water generating apparatus that performs feedback control when a predetermined time has elapsed from the start of the initial operation mode will be described with reference to FIG. This electrolyzed water generator 1 is connected to a raw water pipe (not shown) through which raw water (that is, tap water) flows through a tap faucet 2 at its upstream end and discharges electrolyzed water 32 at its downstream end to discharge electrolyzed water 32 to the outside of the apparatus. Electrolysis provided in the middle of the water passage 3 that generates electrolyzed water 32 by electrolyzing the raw water flowing through the water passage 3 by applying a voltage between the water passage 3 serving as the outlet and the pair of electrodes 4 and 5. A tank 6, a water purifier 7 for purifying raw water supplied to the electrolytic tank 6 in the water passage 3, an electrolyte supply device 8 for supplying electrolyte to the raw water supplied to the electrolytic tank 6 in the water passage 3, and electrolysis An energization control unit 9 comprising a voltage applying means and a control means for applying a voltage to the tank 6, a pH sensor 10 for detecting the pH value of the electrolyzed water 32 generated in the electrolytic tank 6, and a detected pH detected by the pH sensor 10 A display unit 11 for displaying a value, and the electrolytic strength storage means; And a storage unit 12 of Te, water purification device 7 sequentially from the upstream side in the water channel 3, the electrolyte supplying device 8 is provided with the electrolytic cell 6, pH sensor 10. Further, the voltage application means, the pH sensor 10, the display section 11, and the storage means 12 are electrically connected to the control means of the energization control section 9, respectively.

  More specifically, the housing 13 that forms the outer shell of the electrolyzed water generating apparatus 1 includes all of the electrolytic cell 6, the water purifier 7, the electrolyte supply device 8, the energization controller 9, the pH sensor 10, and the storage unit 12. The display unit 11 is provided on the outer surface of the housing 13 or the like that is visible to the user.

  The water purifier 7 includes microfilters such as antibacterial activated carbon and a hollow fiber membrane, and removes odor components such as organic substances, inorganic substances, and hypochlorous acid contained in raw water flowing through the water passage 3. The electrolyte supply device 8 continuously supplies an electrolyte made of calcium salt such as calcium lactate or calcium glycerophosphate to the raw water flowing through the water passage 3.

  The inside of the casing of the electrolytic cell 6 is partitioned into a cathode chamber 15 and an anode chamber 16 by a partition wall 14, and the cathode 4 is disposed in the cathode chamber 15 and the anode 5 is disposed in the anode chamber 16. The upstream portion of the water flow channel 3, which is a portion upstream of the electrolytic cell 6, is downstream of the electrolyte supply device 8, and the acidic water communicated with the alkaline water side raw water flow channel 17 and the anode chamber 16 communicating with the cathode chamber 15. Branching into the side raw water flow path 18, the raw water flowing into the water flow path 3 from the raw water pipe flows through the water purification device 7 and the electrolyte supply device 8 in this order, and then is divided on the upstream side of the electrolytic cell 6. After flowing through the alkaline water side raw water passage 17 or the acidic water side raw water passage 18, it flows into the cathode chamber 15 or the anode chamber 16 of the electrolytic cell 6.

The electrolytic strength between the pair of electrodes 4 and 5 in the electrolytic cell 6 is variable by changing the voltage value or current value applied between the pair of electrodes 4 and 5 from the voltage applying means by the control means. Then, by applying a voltage between the pair of electrodes 4 and 5 by the voltage applying means, the cation in the electrolytic cell 6 is attracted to the cathode 4 and the anion is attracted to the anode 5 as shown in the following formula. The raw water in contact with the surfaces of 4 and 5 is electrolyzed and the reaction shown in the following chemical formula (1) occurs. In the formula, M ^{n +} is a cation (specifically, calcium ion).

Cathodic reaction: 2H ₂ O + 2e ⁻ → H ₂ + 2OH ⁻
M ^{n +} + nOH ⁻ → M (OH) n

Anodic reaction: H ₂ O → 1 / 2O ₂ + 2H ⁺ + 2e ⁻
2Cl ⁻ → Cl ₂ + 2e ⁻
Cl ₂ (aq) + H ₂ O → HCl + HOCl—Chemical formula (1)

That is, by electrolysis, alkaline alkaline electrolyzed water containing hydroxide ions, hydrogen gas, calcium ions and calcium hydroxide is generated in the cathode chamber 15, and acidic gas containing oxygen gas and hypochlorous acid is generated in the anode chamber 16. Acidic electrolyzed water is produced.

  The downstream portion of the water passage 3, which is a portion on the downstream side of the electrolytic cell 6, is from two different flow paths, an alkaline electrolyzed water flow path 19 that communicates with the cathode chamber 15 and an acidic electrolyzed water flow path 20 that communicates with the anode chamber 15. The alkaline electrolyzed water generated in the cathode chamber 15 passes through the alkaline electrolyzed water channel 19 and is discharged from the downstream end of the alkaline electrolyzed water channel 19 to the outside of the apparatus, and the acidic electrolyzed water passes through the acidic electrolyzed water channel 20. It is discharged from the downstream end of the acidic electrolyzed water channel 20 to the outside of the apparatus. The pH sensor 10 is provided in the middle of the alkaline electrolyzed water channel 19 or in the middle of the acidic electrolyzed water channel 20 (in the illustrated example, in the middle of the alkaline electrolyzed water channel 19).

  The control means of the electrolyzed water generating device 1 then issues a command to start electrolysis operation of the electrolyzer 6 at the same time that the user opens the water tap 2 and starts water passage to the water passage 3. At the same time as the command, the initial operation mode is entered and voltage application between the pair of electrodes 4 and 5 of the electrolytic cell 6 is started to start the electrolysis operation, and when a predetermined time has elapsed from the start of the initial operation mode. After the transition from the initial operation mode to the feedback control mode, the user closes the water faucet 2 and stops the water passage 3, and issues a command to end the electrolysis operation. At the same time, the feedback control mode is ended, and the voltage application between the pair of electrodes 4 and 5 of the electrolytic cell 6 is stopped to end the electrolysis operation.

  Next, the principle of the pH sensor 10 will be described with reference to FIG. The pH sensor 10 includes a glass electrode portion 21 that generates an electromotive force according to the pH value of the electrolyzed water 32 that is a sample solution, and a reference electrode portion that is used as a reference for taking out the electromotive force generated in the glass electrode portion 21. 22 and a potential difference meter 23 for detecting a potential difference based on generation of an electromotive force of the glass electrode portion 21.

  More specifically, the glass electrode portion 21 is formed by enclosing an internal electrode 25 composed of a silver / silver chloride electrode and an electrolytic solution 26 such as a saturated calcium chloride solution in an enclosure 24, and the internal electrode 25 is immersed in the electrolytic solution 26. ing. At least a part of the enclosure 24 is constituted by a glass thin film 27 such as a glass sensitive film. The comparison electrode unit 22 is provided with a comparison electrode 29 made of a silver / silver chloride electrode and an electrolyte solution 30 such as a saturated calcium chloride solution in a container 28, and the comparison electrode 29 is immersed in the electrolyte solution 30. . A liquid junction 31 made of a porous material such as alumina ceramic is provided in a part of the container 28. The potentiometer 23 is connected in series to the internal electrode 25 of the glass electrode portion 21 and the comparison electrode 29 of the comparison electrode portion 22.

In order to measure the pH value of the electrolyzed water 32 using the pH sensor 10, the glass thin film 27 of the glass electrode part 21 and the liquid junction part 31 of the comparative electrode part 29 are immersed in the electrolyzed water 32. . At this time, the potential difference Eg generated between the front and back surfaces of the glass thin film 27 is expressed as the following formula (1), where the pH value of the electrolytic water 32 is pHx and the pH value of the electrolytic solution 26 of the glass electrode portion 21 is pHi. The

Eg = k × 2.33 × R × T ÷ F × (pHi−pHx) + Ea Equation (1)

Here, k, R, F and Ea in the formula are all constants, k is a gradient coefficient, R is a gas constant, F is a Faraday constant, Ea is an asymmetric potential, and T is an absolute temperature. . Thus, in the glass thin film 27, a potential difference proportional to the difference between the pH value of the electrolytic solution 26 of the glass electrode portion 21 and the pH value of the electrolytic water 32 that is the sample solution is generated. For example, when k = 1 and Ea = 0 at 25 ° C., if the difference in pH value between the electrolytic solution 26 and the electrolytic water 32 in the glass electrode portion 21 changes by 1, the potential difference in the glass thin film 27 is theoretically 59. It will change by 1 mV.

At this time, assuming that the electrode potential of the internal electrode 25 of the glass electrode portion 21 is eg and the electrode potential of the comparison electrode 29 of the comparison electrode portion 22 is er, the voltage Ex measured by the potential difference meter 23 is expressed by the following formula (2). It is expressed as follows.

Ex = Eg + (eg-er) (2)

Here, when the comparison electrode 29 and the electrolytic solution 30 of the comparative electrode portion 22 are the same as the internal electrode 25 and the electrolytic solution 26 of the glass electrode portion 21, since eg = er, Ex = Eg and potential difference A potential difference proportional to the difference between the pH value of the glass electrode portion 21 and the pH value of the electrolyzed water 32 is detected by the meter 23. Here, when the electrolytic solution 30 and the electrolyzed water 32 of the comparative electrode portion 22 come into contact with each other at the liquid junction portion 31, an unnecessary junction potential is generated, which causes a measurement error. Therefore, the junction potential is as low as possible. It is desirable to design as follows.

  By the way, the pH sensor 10 is not used for a long period of time, or when it is stored for a long period of time, when the reference electrode part 22 (particularly the liquid junction part 31) is dried or when bubbles adhere to it, the unnecessary junction is used. There is a problem that an electric potential is generated and the pH value of the electrolyzed water 32 cannot be measured accurately. In the feedback control mode of this conventional example, the pH value of the electrolyzed water 32 cannot be accurately measured by the pH sensor 10. Since the electric field strength of the electrolytic cell 6 is changed based on the detected pH value detected by the pH sensor 10, the electrolytic water 32 having the target pH value is obtained when the pH sensor 10 is in an abnormal state as described above. There is a problem that can not be.

  Conventionally, in the electrolyzed water device as shown in FIG. 2 above, after a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the initial operation mode, it is periodically determined whether or not the detected pH value is within a predetermined range. When the value is within the predetermined range, that is, when the pH sensor is normal, the operation is performed in the feedback control mode. When the detected pH value is not within the predetermined range, that is, when the pH sensor is abnormal, the electrolysis of the electrolytic cell 6 is performed. There is also known an electrolyzed water generating device that shifts to a pH sensor abnormal mode in which electrolyzed water is generated as an electrolysis strength determined according to a target pH value (for example, Patent Document 1).

However, in the conventional example shown in Patent Document 1, it is periodically determined whether or not the detected pH value is within a predetermined range even during operation in the pH sensor abnormal mode, and the detected pH value is predetermined. When it falls within the range, the pH sensor abnormal mode shifts to the feedback control mode, so the pH is changed due to fluctuations in the water flow rate, fluctuations in water temperature, air bubbles, etc. that occur as the electrolysis operation continues. When the detected pH value accidentally falls within the predetermined range in the sensor abnormality mode, the pH sensor abnormality occurs even if the pH value of the electrolytic water actually generated in the pH sensor abnormality mode is not within the predetermined range. When there is a problem that the mode may shift to the feedback control mode and stable control operation cannot be performed. I could not obtain the electrolytic water of the target pH value in a short time from the start of the electrolysis operation.
JP 2001-972 A

  The present invention has been invented in view of the above-described conventional problems, and can perform stable control even when the pH sensor is abnormal, and can be desired in a short time even when the pH sensor is abnormal. It is an object of the present invention to provide an electrolyzed water generating apparatus capable of obtaining electrolyzed water having a pH value of.

  In order to solve the above problems, an electrolyzed water generating apparatus according to the present invention is an electrolyzer with variable electrolysis strength that generates electrolyzed water 32 by electrolyzing raw water by applying a voltage between a pair of electrodes 4 and 5. 6 and a pH sensor 10 for detecting the pH value of the electrolyzed water 32 generated in the electrolytic cell 6, and simultaneously with a command to start the electrolysis operation of the electrolytic cell 6, the electric field strength of the electrolytic cell 6 is set in advance to a target pH. The initial operation mode for generating the electrolyzed water 32 as the electrolysis strength value for the initial operation mode specified according to the value is started, and when the predetermined time T has elapsed from the start of the initial operation mode, the pH sensor 10 causes the electrolysis water 32 to be generated. Detects the pH value, determines whether the detected pH value is within a predetermined range set in advance according to the target pH value, and detects when a predetermined time T has elapsed from the start of the initial operation mode The pH value is within the predetermined range. If the determination result is within the range, the pH value of the electrolytic water 32 is detected by the pH sensor 10, and the electric field strength of the electrolytic cell 6 is changed so that the detected pH value becomes the target pH value. When the determination is made that the detected pH value is not within the predetermined range at the time when the predetermined time T has elapsed from the start of the initial operation mode, the electrolysis of the electrolytic cell 6 is performed. The strength is shifted to a pH sensor abnormal mode for generating electrolyzed water 32 as an electrolytic strength value for the pH sensor abnormal mode determined according to the target pH value, and the operation in the abnormal mode is performed until a command to end the electrolysis operation of the electrolytic cell 6. It has the control means to perform continuously, It is characterized by the above-mentioned.

  As described above, when a determination result is obtained that the detected pH value is not within the predetermined range when the predetermined time T has elapsed since the start of the initial operation mode, the electrolytic strength of the electrolytic cell 6 is determined according to the target pH value. The pH sensor abnormal mode is set to the electrolytic strength value for the abnormal pH sensor mode, and the pH sensor abnormal mode is generated in which the electrolyzed water 32 is generated. Therefore, the determination of whether to shift to the pH sensor abnormal mode or the feedback control mode performed in one electrolysis operation is made only once, and as a result, as shown in the conventional example, the pH accompanying the fluctuation of the water flow rate, etc. Due to the error of the sensor 10, the pH sensor abnormal mode is not wastefully shifted to the feedback control mode, and stable control can be performed in the pH sensor abnormal mode. H sensor 10 can be obtained an electrolytic water 32 of reliably target pH value in a short time even if it is abnormal.

  A second aspect of the present invention further comprises an electrolytic strength storage means for storing the electrolytic strength when the electrolytic water 32 having the target pH value is obtained in the feedback control mode. Control means for setting the electrolytic strength stored in the feedback control mode closest to the present among the past electrolytic strengths stored by the electrolytic strength storage unit is provided.

  With the above configuration, the initial operation mode field strength value is set to the field strength value stored in the feedback control mode closest to the present among the past field strength values stored by the field strength storage means. The value can be set to a value according to the quality of the raw water, and the time from the start of the electrolysis operation to the generation of the electrolyzed water 32 having the target pH value can be further shortened.

  A third aspect of the present invention is the method of claim 1 or 2, further comprising electrolytic strength storage means for storing electrolytic strength when the electrolytic water 32 having the target pH value is obtained in the feedback control mode. And a control means for making the electrolytic strength value stored in the feedback control mode closest to the present among the past electrolytic strengths stored by the electrolytic strength storage means.

  With the above configuration, the electrolytic strength value for the pH sensor abnormal mode can be set to a value corresponding to the quality of the raw water, and the electrolytic water 32 that is closer to the target pH value can be generated in the pH sensor abnormal mode.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the first to third aspects, the display unit 11 that displays the pH value of the electrolyzed water 32 and the detected pH value storage that stores the detected pH value detected by the pH sensor 10 in the feedback control mode. In the feedback control mode, the detected pH value detected by the pH sensor 10 is displayed on the display unit. In the pH sensor abnormal mode, the detected pH value is detected in the past feedback control mode stored in the detected pH value storage means. It has a control means for displaying the detected pH value on the display unit.

  Thus, by displaying the detected pH value detected in the past feedback control mode stored in the detected pH value storage means in the pH sensor abnormal mode on the display unit, the user feels uncomfortable even when the pH sensor is abnormal. Electrolyzed water having a target pH value can be obtained without feeling.

  A fifth aspect of the present invention is the method according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, wherein a period of time from the start of the electrolysis operation of the electrolytic cell 6 to the end of the electrolysis operation is a single electrolysis operation, and a predetermined number of electrolysis operations are performed. An alarm means for issuing an alarm when the number of operations in the pH sensor abnormal mode is equal to or more than a specified number is provided.

  When the pH sensor 10 has a failure that does not recover normally even after use, the alarm means can notify the user that the pH sensor 10 has failed, whereby the user can repair the pH sensor 10 or the like. Appropriate treatment can be performed.

  In addition, a sixth aspect of the present invention is the method according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, wherein a period from the start of the electrolysis operation to the end of the electrolysis operation is a single electrolysis operation, and the pH sensor abnormal mode is performed every time the electrolysis operation is performed. It is determined whether or not the operation has been performed, and an alarm means is provided for issuing an alarm when the determination result that the operation in the pH sensor abnormal mode has been performed is continuously performed for a predetermined number of times or more. .

  When the pH sensor 10 has a failure that does not recover normally even after use, the alarm means can notify the user that the pH sensor 10 has failed, whereby the user can repair the pH sensor 10 or the like. Appropriate treatment can be performed.

  In the present invention, stable control can be performed even when the pH sensor becomes in a state where the accurate detection pH value cannot be measured due to long-term unused or the like, and even if the pH sensor is abnormal, the desired value can be reliably ensured in a short time. Electrolyzed water having a pH value can be obtained.

  The present invention will be described based on embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. In addition, the electrolyzed water generating apparatus 1 in this embodiment is characterized by the control of the control means, and in the following description, the description of the same parts as the conventional electrolyzed water generating apparatus 1 in FIG. 2 is omitted. In the following embodiment, the electric field strength of the electrolytic cell 6 is made variable by changing the voltage applied between the pair of electrodes 4 and 5 by the voltage applying means. That is, the electric field strength described below is a pair of electrodes. In other words, it can be said to be a voltage value applied between 4 and 5. The electrolytic operation strength value for initial operation mode and the electric field strength value for pH sensor abnormal mode, which will be described later, are actually specified by setting the voltage value. Shall.

  The electrolyzed water generating apparatus 1 of the present embodiment includes an initial operation mode for generating electrolyzed water 32 as an electrolysis strength value for an initial operation mode that is specified according to a preset target pH value for the electric field strength of the electrolytic cell 2, and A feedback control mode in which the pH value of the electrolytic water 32 is periodically detected by the pH sensor 10 and the electric field strength of the electrolytic cell 6 is changed so that the detected pH value becomes the target pH value. And a pH sensor abnormal mode in which electrolyzed water 32 is generated as an electrolytic strength value for the pH sensor abnormal mode determined according to the target pH value. Here, the target pH value is variable, and the target pH value is set by the user operating an operating portion (not shown) provided on the outer surface of the housing 13 or the like that is operable by the user. Specifically, a plurality of set pH values are set in advance in the control means, and one of the plurality of set pH values can be selected by operating the operation unit. The selected set pH value is set as the target pH value.

  In the feedback control mode, the electrolytic strength at the time when the electrolyzed water 32 having the target pH value is obtained is stored in the storage means as the electrolytic strength storage means, and the initial operation mode electric field strength value and the pH sensor abnormal mode electric field are stored. Each of the strength values is the electrolytic strength stored in the feedback control mode closest to the present time, in which the set target pH value of the past electrolytic strengths stored by the storage means is the same as the current target pH value.

  Moreover, the electrolyzed water generating apparatus 1 of the present embodiment has a single electrolysis operation (that is, a single electrolysis operation) from when the electrolysis operation of the electrolytic cell 6 is started until the electrolysis operation is completed. Every time (water flow) is performed, it is determined whether or not the operation in the pH sensor abnormal mode has been performed. It has a warning means to emit. For example, when the specified number of times is 5 times, an alarm is issued when the pH sensor abnormal mode operation is continuously performed 5 times or more, and in this case, for example, the pH value is continuously 2 times. When the operation of the pH sensor abnormal mode is not performed during the third electrolytic operation after the operation of the sensor abnormal mode is performed and the operation of the feedback control mode is performed, the number of continuous execution operations of the pH sensor abnormal mode is reset. Is.

  Hereinafter, the control by the control means during the electrolysis operation will be described in detail based on FIG. 1, FIG. 4, and FIG. The control means starts the initial operation mode simultaneously with the command for starting the electrolysis operation, that is, simultaneously with the start of water flow. In the initial operation mode, the electrolytic strength is always maintained at the initial operation mode electrolytic strength value. Then, when a predetermined time T (specifically, 10 seconds) has elapsed since the start of the initial operation mode, the initial operation mode is terminated, and at the same time, the pH value is detected by the pH sensor 10 and the detected pH value is determined as the current target value. It is determined whether or not it is within a predetermined range corresponding to the pH value. Here, the predetermined time T is the time from the start of the electrolysis operation until the pH value detected by the pH sensor 10 is stabilized when the electrolytic cell 6 is operated at a constant electrolysis strength in a state where the pH sensor 10 can be accurately measured. It can be set experimentally, and the predetermined range can also be set from the response characteristic of the pH value of the electrolyzed water to be generated. Table 1 shows an example of a predetermined range and a predetermined time T corresponding to the target pH value.

  And when the determination result that the detected pH value is within the predetermined range is obtained at the end of the initial operation mode, the mode shifts to the feedback control mode when the determination result is obtained. Further, when a determination result is obtained that the detected pH value is not within the predetermined range, the pH sensor abnormality mode is entered when the determination result is output.

  In the feedback control mode, as shown in FIG. 4, simultaneously with the start of the feedback control mode, the count of the number of times of operation in the pH sensor abnormality mode is cleared (count is set to 0), and the feedback control is started at the same time. In the feedback control, the pH value of the electrolyzed water 32 is periodically detected by the pH sensor 10, and each time the pH value is detected by the pH sensor 10, it is determined whether or not the detected pH value is the same as the target pH value. . If the detected pH value is different from the target pH value at the time of the determination, the electric field strength of the electrolytic cell 6 is changed according to the difference between the detected pH value and the target pH value. Specifically, the voltage applied between the pair of electrodes 4 and 5 from the voltage applying means is changed by the change value of the voltage corresponding to the difference between the detected pH value and the target pH value. Here, it is assumed that the change value is set in advance in the control means in accordance with the difference between the detected pH value and the target pH value. In addition, when the detected pH value is the same as the target pH value at the time of the determination in the feedback control, the current electrolytic strength is maintained without changing the electrolytic strength, and the electrolytic strength stored in the storage means is simultaneously set to the current electrolytic strength. Update. That is, the initial operation mode electric field intensity value and the pH sensor abnormal mode electric field intensity value are the same as the current target pH value, and the detected pH value is finally set to the target pH value in the closest feedback control mode. Electrolytic strength at the time when the value is reached. Then, the feedback control is performed until a command to end the electrolysis operation is issued, and when the water stop is performed and a command to end the electrolysis operation is issued, the feedback control mode is ended and the electrolysis operation is ended.

  In the pH sensor abnormal mode, as shown in FIG. 5, simultaneously with the start of the pH sensor abnormal mode, the number of continuous operation executions in the pH sensor abnormal mode is incremented (+1), and the number of continuous operation executions in the pH sensor abnormal mode is specified. It is determined whether or not the number of continuous operations is greater than the specified number of times. If the number of continuous operations is equal to or greater than the specified number of times, an alarm is issued by the alarm means. The electric field strength value for the pH sensor abnormal mode is maintained as the electric field strength value for the pH sensor abnormal mode. When the user stops the faucet and issues a command to end the electrolysis operation, the pH sensor abnormal mode is terminated and the electrolysis operation is terminated. Here, the alarm means is constituted by the display section, and the alarm means is issued by displaying that the pH sensor is abnormal by the display section as the alarm means, but the alarm means is not limited to this. For example, when the determination result is continuously output for a predetermined number of times or more, control is performed by the control unit so as to forcibly stop the generation of the electrolyzed water 32, and the control unit may be used as an alarm unit. In the pH sensor abnormal mode, the current electrolytic strength is not stored in the storage means.

  As described above, when a determination result is obtained that the detected pH value is not within the predetermined range when the predetermined time T has elapsed since the start of the initial operation mode, the electrolytic strength of the electrolytic cell 6 is determined according to the target pH value. The pH sensor abnormal mode is set to the electrolytic strength value for the abnormal pH sensor mode, and the pH sensor abnormal mode for generating the electrolyzed water 32 is entered, and the pH sensor abnormal mode is continuously operated until the electrolysis operation is completed. The determination of whether to shift to the pH sensor abnormal mode or the feedback control mode performed in the electrolysis operation is made only once. The control operation after the predetermined time T can be stabilized because the transition does not occur and, conversely, the feedback control mode does not shift to the abnormal mode.

  In addition, by setting the electric field strength value for the initial operation mode to an electrolytic strength closest to the present among the past electrolytic strengths stored by the electrolytic strength storage means, the initial operation mode electrolytic strength value is changed to the quality of the raw water in the raw water pipe. It can be set to a value corresponding to this, and the time until the electrolyzed water 32 having the target pH value is generated can be further shortened.

  Further, by setting the electrolytic strength value for abnormal pH sensor mode to the current electrolytic strength closest to the present among the past electrolytic strengths stored by the storage means, the electrolytic strength value for abnormal pH sensor mode can be used as the raw water quality of the raw water pipe. Therefore, the pH value of the electrolyzed water 32 generated in the pH sensor abnormality mode can be made closer to the target pH value.

  By the way, in the present invention, when a determination result that the detected pH value is not within the predetermined range is obtained at the time when the predetermined time T has elapsed from the start of the initial operation mode, the initial operation mode is shifted to the pH sensor abnormal mode. Even when the liquid junction 31 of the pH sensor 10 is dried due to use, long-term storage, etc., the electrolytic water 32 having the target pH value can be obtained. The abnormal state of the pH sensor 10 is restored to a normal state by passing water. However, when the determination result that the detected pH value is not within the predetermined range is obtained when the predetermined time T has elapsed as described above, the pH sensor 10 is controlled to shift to the pH sensor abnormal mode. Even when a failure occurs due to some factor other than the drying of 31, the pH sensor abnormal mode is entered, so that the user can detect that the pH sensor 10 has failed due to a factor other than the drying of the liquid junction 31. The problem that it cannot be recognized arises. For this reason, in the present embodiment, as described above, it is determined whether or not the operation in the pH sensor abnormal mode is performed every time the electrolytic operation is performed, and the determination result that the operation in the pH sensor abnormal mode is performed is defined. By providing a warning means (display unit) that issues a warning when the number of times of continuous occurrence exceeds the number of times, the user can be informed that a failure has occurred due to a factor other than the drying of the liquid junction portion 31, thereby allowing the user to Appropriate measures such as repairing the pH sensor 10 can be performed.

  In the present embodiment, alarm means is provided to issue an alarm when the determination result that the operation in the pH sensor abnormal mode has been carried out continuously for a predetermined number of times or more. Instead, a predetermined number of electrolysis operations are provided. Alarm means for issuing an alarm may be provided when the number of operations in the pH sensor abnormality mode when the operation is performed exceeds a specified number. Specifically, the predetermined number is set to 10 times, the specified number is set to 5 times, and an alarm is issued when the pH sensor abnormal mode operation is performed 5 times or more when the electrolytic operation is performed 10 times. In this case, the alarm means is configured by the display unit 11 that displays that the pH sensor 10 is abnormal as described above. However, the alarm means is not limited to this, and for example, the number of operations in the pH sensor abnormal mode is When the number of times exceeds the specified number of times, the control means is controlled so as to forcibly stop the generation of the electrolyzed water 32, and the control means may be an alarm means.

  Next, the display during the electrolysis operation by the display unit 11 will be described. In the feedback control mode, the detected pH value periodically detected by the pH sensor 10 by the control means is displayed on the display unit 11 for each detection and simultaneously stored in the storage means as the detected pH value storage means. It is controlled. Further, in the pH sensor abnormality mode, the control unit is controlled to sequentially display the detected pH value stored in the past feedback control mode stored in the storage unit on the display unit 11. In this way, by sequentially displaying the detected pH value periodically detected in the past feedback control mode stored in the storage means in the pH sensor abnormal mode on the display unit 11, the electrolyzed water is generated without the user feeling uncomfortable. The device 1 can be used. The stored detected pH value displayed in the pH sensor abnormal mode is the most current value when the set target pH value is the same as the current target pH value among the past detected pH values stored in the storage means. The detected ph value is detected in the near feedback control mode.

  Moreover, the display of the pH value by the display unit 11 in the pH sensor abnormal mode is performed by experimentally measuring the detected pH value in the feedback control mode for each set pH value in advance, and setting an approximate expression based on the measurement result. In the sensor abnormality mode, the display may be based on this approximate expression. Table 2 shows an example of the approximate expression.

  That is, as shown in Table 2, the control means is preset with a display pH value increase rate (an increase value per time of the display pH value) corresponding to a value obtained by subtracting the display pH value from the target pH value. When the pH value is displayed on the display unit 11 in the abnormal mode, the detected pH value detected at the time when the predetermined time T has elapsed is displayed at the same time as the pH sensor abnormal mode is started, and then the displayed pH value is determined from the target pH value. The displayed pH value is increased with time at a displayed pH value increase rate corresponding to the reduced value. FIG. 6 shows the relationship between the elapsed time when the display was actually performed based on the approximate expression in the pH sensor abnormal mode and the displayed pH value displayed on the display unit. The figure shows a predetermined time from the start of the initial operation mode. The case where the detected pH value at the time when the time has passed is 2.0 and the target pH value is 9.5 is shown.

  In the above embodiment, when the feedback control mode has not been performed in the past with a preset target pH value, each of the initial operation mode electrolytic strength value and the pH sensor abnormal mode electrolytic strength value is set in advance. To the initial value. Further, the electrolytic strength value for each set pH value obtained in advance by experiment is stored in the storage means, and the electrolytic strength value having the same set pH value as the current target pH value among the stored electrolytic strength values is stored in the initial operation. The electric field strength value for mode or the electrolytic strength value for pH sensor abnormal mode may be used.

It is an electrolyzed water production | generation apparatus of an example of embodiment of this invention, Comprising: The figure is a flowchart in electrolysis operation | movement. It is explanatory drawing of an electrolyzed water generating apparatus same as the above. It is explanatory drawing of a pH sensor same as the above. It is a flowchart in the feedback control mode same as the above. It is a flowchart in pH sensor abnormality mode same as the above. It is a graph which shows the relationship between the elapsed time at the time of actually displaying based on an approximate expression in the pH sensor abnormal mode same as the above, and the display pH value displayed on the display part.

Explanation of symbols

T Predetermined time 1 Electrolyzed water generator 4 Cathode 5 Anode 6 Electrolyzer 10 pH sensor 32 Electrolyzed water

Claims (6)

  An electrolytic cell with variable electrolysis strength that electrolyzes raw water to generate electrolyzed water by applying a voltage between a pair of electrodes, and a pH sensor that detects the pH value of electrolyzed water generated in the electrolyzer, Simultaneously with the electrolysis operation start command of the electrolyzer, the initial operation mode for generating electrolyzed water as the electrolysis strength value for the initial operation mode specified according to the preset target pH value is started. When a predetermined time has elapsed from the start of the initial operation mode, the pH value of the electrolyzed water is detected by the pH sensor, and whether or not the detected pH value is within a predetermined range set in advance according to the target pH value If a determination result is obtained that the detected pH value is within the predetermined range when a predetermined time has elapsed from the start of the initial operation mode, the pH value of the electrolyzed water is detected by a pH sensor and Detection pH value is the target When the electric field intensity of the electrolytic cell is changed so as to become the H value, the control shifts to the feedback control mode for generating electrolyzed water, and the detected pH value is not within the predetermined range when a predetermined time has elapsed from the start of the initial operation mode. When the determination result is obtained, the electrolytic strength of the electrolytic cell is shifted to the pH sensor abnormal mode for generating electrolyzed water as the electrolytic strength value for the pH sensor abnormal mode determined according to the target pH value. An electrolyzed water generating apparatus characterized by comprising control means for continuously operating until an electrolysis operation termination command of the electrolytic cell.   Electrolytic strength storage means for storing electrolytic strength when electrolyzed water having the target pH value is obtained in the feedback control mode, and the electric field strength value for the initial operation mode is stored in the past by the electrolytic strength storage means. 2. The electrolyzed water generating apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising control means for setting the electrolysis strength stored in the feedback control mode closest to the present among the electrolysis strengths.   In the feedback control mode, the electrolysis strength storage means for storing the electrolysis strength when the electrolyzed water having the target pH value is obtained is provided, and the electrolysis strength value for the pH sensor abnormal mode is stored in the past by the electrolysis strength storage means. 3. The electrolyzed water generating apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising control means for setting the electrolysis strength memorized in the feedback control mode closest to the present among the electrolysis strengths.   A display unit for displaying the pH value of the electrolyzed water and a detected pH value storage means for storing the detected pH value detected by the pH sensor in the feedback control mode, and the detected pH value detected by the pH sensor in the feedback control mode Is displayed on the display unit, and in the pH sensor abnormal mode, the control unit has a control unit for displaying the detected pH value detected in the past feedback control mode stored in the detected pH value storage unit on the display unit. The electrolyzed water generating apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3.   From the start of the electrolysis operation of the electrolyzer to the end of the electrolysis operation is a single electrolysis operation, and the number of operations in the pH sensor abnormal mode when the predetermined number of electrolysis operations is performed exceeds the specified number. The electrolyzed water generating apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising alarm means for issuing an alarm in case.   The period from the start of the electrolysis operation to the end of the electrolysis operation is defined as one electrolysis operation. Every time the electrolysis operation is performed, it is determined whether or not the operation of the pH sensor abnormal mode has been performed. The electrolyzed water generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a warning means for issuing a warning when a determination result indicating that the operation in the mode has been performed is continuously output a predetermined number of times or more. .

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