JP2006075694A - Alkali ionized water apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an alkali ionized water apparatus easily and surely performing the addition of calcium to raw water and applicable as the one for medical use and cosmetic use. <P>SOLUTION: A city water feed path 11a is provided with: a branch path 50 branched from the city water feed path 11a; a calcium addition chamber 60 whose one end is communicated with the branch path 50, further, another end side comprises an opening part 61 so as to be freely opened/closed to the outside, and calcium is fillable from the outside; a sealing member 70 provided inside the branch path 50, energized to the side of the calcium addition chamber 60 by the water pressure of city water within the branch path 50 and sealing one end side of the calcium addition chamber 60; and a pressing member 71 provided inside the calcium addition chamber 60, and in which one end is abutted against the sealing member 70, further, the other end is projected from the opening part 61, and, at the time when the opening part 61 is sealed with a cover member 65, pressed by the cover member 65 to open one end side of the calcium addition chamber 60. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an alkali ion water conditioner capable of ionizing tap water supplied from a water supply to supply alkali ion water and acidic ion water, and in particular, an alkali ion water with an ion exchange membrane or the like interposed in an electrolytic cell. The present invention relates to an alkali ion water conditioner of a type that separates and produces ion ionic water.

  An alkaline ion adjuster that generates alkaline ionized water and acidic ionized water from tap water includes an ion exchange membrane interposed between positive and negative electrodes, and uses alkaline electrolyzed water and acidic ionized water by utilizing the electrolysis of water. There are some that generate separately. Moreover, as such an alkaline ionized water device, there is a type in which water is taken from a water supply currant (faucet), alkaline ionized water and acidic ionized water are discharged from a dedicated outlet, and the main body is installed on a sink. . In addition, there is a so-called built-in type in which the main unit is installed in the undersink, but this has a dedicated curan for taking water and discharging water, and discharges alkaline ionized water from a dedicated water outlet separate from the water supply curan. To do.

  Among these, a built-in type alkaline ion water conditioner (see, for example, Patent Document 1) allows tap water to flow from a source water pipe by a user opening a faucet of the source water pipe connected to the alkali ion water conditioner. And supplied to the electrolytic cell, and alkaline water and acidic water are generated in this electrolytic cell. And while the alkaline water produced | generated by the electrolytic vessel is discharged through a water discharge pipe, acidic water is drained through an acid water discharge pipe. Further, when the user closes the faucet, water flow from the source water pipe is stopped, and alkaline water discharge is stopped.

  Alkaline ion adjusters are recognized as useful to the human body. Alkaline ion water from alkaline ion adjusters can be used for drinking chronic diarrhea, indigestion, abnormal gastrointestinal fermentation, antacids, excessive acidity in the stomach. It is effective for. In addition, acidic ionized water is used in cosmetics as a weakly acidic astrigent.

  In such an alkaline ionized water apparatus, the conductivity of the source water can be increased by adding a highly safe calcium compound recognized as a food additive such as calcium lactate or calcium glycerophosphate to the source water before ionization. Increase the water quality of tap water in various places to ensure ionization in the electrolytic cell, and add calcium ions to the alkaline ionized water so that the user can obtain calcium efficiently There is something like that.

  And as a device for adding calcium to a built-in type alkaline ion water conditioner, a device has been proposed in which a calcium container for adding calcium is provided and a valve device linked to opening and closing of the lid is provided in the calcium container. (For example, refer to Patent Document 2).

  According to the alkaline ionized water apparatus provided with this valve device, when the lid of the calcium container is opened, the valve is urged by the urging spring to stop the water, and the water leaks from the calcium container by the backflow water. In addition, it is possible to prevent water leakage when water is accidentally passed while the lid of the calcium container is opened.

  On the other hand, at least a part of the area of the electrolytic cell facing the ion exchange membrane is formed by a flexible membrane, and the electrolytic cell is disposed in the body of the water conditioner. It can be used directly connected to the water pipe by supplying it to the main body and holding the electrolytic cell in tap water. Ion exchange even if the flow rate of the generated alkaline ionized water is equivalent to tap water An alkali ion water conditioner that can prevent the membrane from being damaged was first filed (Japanese Patent Application No. 2003-074460).

  In this type of alkaline ionizer, in which tap water is always supplied at a predetermined pressure into the body of the water conditioner, a calcium container for adding calcium is provided. A structure capable of withstanding high water pressure is required to prevent water leakage when replacing the container. However, since the valve device of Patent Document 2 prevents water leakage by the urging force of the urging spring, the valve device is used for an alkali ion water conditioned device in which tap water is always supplied at a predetermined pressure into the water conditioned device body. Has the problem of low reliability. Further, if it is attempted to completely prevent water leakage, there is a problem that the structure of the valve device becomes complicated and the cost becomes high.

JP-A-10-192858 (pages 3-4, FIG. 1) JP 2000-202450 A (pages 3 to 4, FIGS. 1 to 3)

  In view of such circumstances, an object of the present invention is to provide an alkaline ionized water device that can be used for medical and cosmetic purposes by easily and reliably adding calcium to source water.

  The first aspect of the present invention that solves the above-described problems includes an ion exchange membrane and alkaline ion water and acidic water from tap water introduced from a source water pipe to the alkali ion water side and acidic ion water side of the ion exchange membrane, respectively. An electrolytic cell for generating ionic water, a tap water supply channel for supplying tap water into the electrolytic cell, an alkaline ion water discharge channel for discharging alkaline ionic water from the electrolytic cell, and acidic ionic water from the electrolytic cell An alkaline ionized water device comprising an acidic ion water drainage channel for discharging water, and controlling the discharge of alkaline ionized water by opening and closing the alkaline ionized water discharge channel, wherein the tap water supply channel is connected to the tap water supply channel. A branch path that is branched and has an opening that communicates with one end of the branch path and that can be opened and closed with respect to the outside at the other end, and that can be filled with calcium from the outside. And a sealing member that is provided in the branch passage and is biased toward the calcium addition chamber by the water pressure of tap water in the branch passage to seal one end side of the calcium addition chamber, One end abuts against the sealing member provided in the calcium addition chamber and the other end protrudes from the opening and is sealed by the lid member when the opening is sealed with the lid member. An alkali ion water conditioner comprising a pressing member that opens one end side.

  In such a first aspect, when the lid member that closes the opening of the calcium addition chamber is opened, the sealing member closes one end of the calcium addition chamber by the water pressure of the tap water, so tap water from the opening of the calcium addition chamber. The calcium addition chamber can be opened to the outside without leaking, and calcium can be easily and reliably filled into the calcium addition chamber. Moreover, just by closing the opening of the calcium addition chamber with a lid member, the sealing member can be pressed downward by the pressing member to open one end of the calcium addition chamber, and calcium can be easily and reliably supplied to the source water. Can be added.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect, the branch path is provided with supply amount adjusting means for adjusting the supply of tap water to the calcium addition chamber, and the tap water supply path A tap water flow sensor is provided on the upstream side of the branch path, and the supply amount adjusting means is adjusted according to the flow rate of tap water detected by the flow sensor. Located in a water conditioner.

  In the second aspect, when the use of alkaline ionized water is stopped, the supply of tap water to the calcium addition chamber is stopped, and calcium is prevented from leaking into the tap water in the tap water supply path. It is possible to prevent excessive calcium from being provided at the start of water use.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the first or second aspect, the calcium addition chamber is provided with a bag-like calcium holding member that holds calcium inside and discharges a predetermined amount of calcium to the outside. It is in the alkaline ionized water apparatus characterized by having.

  In the third aspect, calcium can be added to tap water at a desired ratio by the calcium holding member.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the first to third aspects, the sealing member has a spherical shape and is sealed by bringing a spherical surface into contact with one end side of the calcium addition chamber. In an alkaline ionized water device.

  In this 4th aspect, it can prevent reliably that tap water penetrate | invades a calcium addition chamber by making the spherical surface of a sealing member contact, and sealing.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the first to fourth aspects, at least a part of a region of the electrolytic cell facing the ion exchange membrane is formed by a flexible membrane and the electrolytic cell is conditioned. It was arranged in the main body of the vessel, and the tap water supplied into the electrolytic vessel was also supplied to the space between the electrolytic vessel and the main body of the water conditioner so that the electrolytic vessel was held in the tap water. In an alkaline ionized water device.

  In the fifth aspect, since the pressure difference generated in the electrolytic cell is substantially absorbed by the deformation of the flexible membrane that forms a part of the electrolytic cell, damage due to the deformation of the ion exchange membrane is prevented. Is done. Therefore, the water pressure of the tap water supplied to the electrolytic cell can be increased, and the amount of alkaline ionized water discharged can be increased.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the fifth aspect, the alkaline ionized water according to the fifth aspect, further comprising an air portion in which air remains in at least a part of a region that does not contact the electrolytic cell in the space. In the vessel.

  In the sixth aspect, by providing the air portion, the flexible membrane is easily deformed, and the pressure difference generated in the electrolytic cell is more reliably absorbed.

  A seventh aspect of the present invention is the alkaline ionized water device according to the fifth or sixth aspect, wherein the entire surface of the electrolytic cell is composed of the flexible membrane.

  In the seventh aspect, the pressure difference generated in the electrolytic cell is reliably absorbed by the deformation of the flexible membrane.

  An eighth aspect of the present invention is the alkaline ionized water device according to any one of the fifth to seventh aspects, wherein the flexible membrane is made of a plastic sheet.

  In the eighth aspect, the pressure difference in the electrolytic cell can be reliably absorbed by forming the flexible film with a predetermined material.

  A ninth aspect of the present invention is the alkali ion water conditioner according to any one of the fifth to eighth aspects, further comprising a tap water discharge port for discharging the tap water supplied to the space to the outside. It is in.

  In the ninth aspect, the tap water is supplied to the space between the electrolytic cell and the water conditioner body and discharged to the outside, so that the pressure of the tap water stored in this space and the electrolytic cell are supplied. The tap water pressure is always kept constant.

  According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the ninth aspect, the tap water discharge port communicates with the acidic water discharge port and is supplied to a space between the electrolytic cell and the water conditioner body. The alkaline ionized water device is characterized in that water is discharged together with acidic ion water from the acidic water discharge port.

  In the tenth aspect, the tap water supplied to the space between the electrolytic cell and the water conditioner body can be discharged to the outside relatively easily.

  According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, in any one of the first to tenth aspects, the acidic ion water drainage channel includes an on-off valve that opens and closes the acidic ion water drainage channel, and an alkali generated in the electrolytic cell. There is provided a flow rate switch for detecting a flow rate of ion water, and the open / close valve is controlled according to a signal of the flow rate switch.

  In the eleventh aspect, the generation of the pressure difference in the electrolytic cell can be suppressed to be relatively small.

  According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the first to eleventh aspects, the alkaline ion water discharge channel is connected to the curan and the alkaline ion water spout is opened and closed by opening and closing the faucet of the curan. The alkaline ionized water device is characterized in that the amount of water is controlled.

  In the twelfth aspect, when the discharge amount of alkaline ionized water is mechanically controlled by opening and closing the faucet, a pressure difference is likely to be generated in the electrolytic cell. Since the pressure difference is absorbed by the ion exchange membrane, it is possible to prevent the ion exchange membrane from being damaged.

  When the alkaline ionized water device of the present invention opens the lid member that closes the opening of the calcium addition chamber, the sealing member closes one end of the calcium addition chamber by the water pressure of tap water, so the opening of the calcium addition chamber Therefore, the tap water can be easily and surely filled into the calcium addition chamber without leaking out of the tap water. Moreover, just by closing the opening of the calcium addition chamber with a lid member, the sealing member can be pressed by the pressing member to open one end of the calcium addition chamber, and calcium is easily and reliably added to the source water. be able to.

  Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail based on embodiments.

(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an alkaline ionized water device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, and FIG.

  As shown in the figure, the alkaline ionized water adjuster 10 of the present invention is an electrolysis in which tap water is ionized inside a water adjuster body 11 constituting an outer frame to generate alkaline ionized water and acidic ionized water. The tank 12 is held. Further, the water adjuster main body 11 is generated in the electrolysis tank 12 and a tap water supply pipe 13 having a tap water supply path 11 a connected to the source water pipe 100 and introducing tap water from the source water pipe 100 therein. An acidic ion water drain pipe 14 having an alkaline ion water discharge pipe 14 having an alkaline ion water discharge path 11b for discharging the alkaline ion water and an acidic ion water drain path 11c for discharging the acidic ion water generated in the electrolytic cell 12. 15.

  Specifically, a tap water supply pipe 13 having a tap water supply path 11 a of the water conditioner body 11 is connected to the lower end side of the electrolytic cell 12, and an alkaline ionized water is connected to the upper end side of the electrolytic cell 12. An alkali ion water discharge pipe 14 having a water discharge path 11b and an acid ion water drain pipe 15 having an acid ion water drain path 11c for discharging acid ion water are connected to each other. The electrolytic tank 12 is held in the water conditioner body 11 by fixing these pipes 13, 14, and 15 to the water conditioner body 11.

  An ion exchange membrane 16 is fixed in the electrolytic cell 12, and the inside of the electrolytic cell 12 is partitioned into two spaces 12a and 12b by the ion exchange membrane 16. Further, a pair of electrodes 17a and 17b are provided in a region facing the ion exchange membrane 16 in the electrolytic cell 12, and each of the electrodes 17a and 17b is connected to a control unit (not shown).

  The alkaline ion water discharge pipe 14 of the alkali ion water conditioner 10 is connected to the water pipe 100A on the faucet 110 side, and the acidic ion water drain pipe 15 discharges the acidic ion water generated by the electrolytic cell 12. A drain port 120 is connected. An electromagnetic valve 30 is provided in the middle of the acidic ion water drain pipe 15, and the amount of acidic ion water drainage is controlled by opening and closing the electromagnetic valve 30.

  For example, in the present embodiment, a flow switch 40 is provided at a connection portion between the alkaline ion water drain pipe 14 and the water pipe 100A, and the electromagnetic valve 30 is opened and closed based on a signal from the flow switch 40. It has become. The control of the flow rate switch 40 and the electromagnetic valve 30 or the control of the voltage supplied to the electrodes in the electrode tank 12 is controlled by a control unit (not shown).

  On the other hand, the tap water supply pipe 13 is provided with a branch path 50 branched from the tap water supply path 11a. The branch path 50 is formed by a cheese 130 that is a joint between the source water pipe 100 and the tap water supply path 13.

  Further, a calcium addition chamber 60 in which a calcium compound 51 whose one end communicates with the branch path 50 is held is provided on the branch path 50 side of the cheese 130. The calcium addition chamber 60 has an opening 61 that can be opened and closed with respect to the outside on the side opposite to the branch path 50. Examples of the calcium compound 51 held in the calcium addition chamber 60 include high safety calcium compounds recognized as food additives such as calcium lactate and calcium glycerophosphate. In this embodiment, the calcium compound 51 is held in the calcium addition chamber 60 by holding the calcium compound 51 in the calcium holding member 52 formed of a mesh-shaped bag and arranging the calcium holding member 52 in the calcium addition chamber 60. I did it. By holding the calcium compound 51 by the calcium holding member 52 in this manner, the calcium compound 51 can be added to the tap water at a desired ratio when the tap water enters the calcium addition chamber 60.

  Further, a sealing member holding portion 62 having an inner diameter larger than that of the branch path 50 is provided on the branch path 50 on the calcium addition chamber 60 side. A sealing member 70 having a spherical shape is movably held in the sealing member holding portion 62. Since the sealing member 70 has an outer diameter larger than the inner diameter of the branch path 50, the movement toward the source water pipe 100 is restricted.

  Further, a communication hole 63 having an inner diameter smaller than that of the sealing member 70 is provided on the calcium addition chamber 60 side of the sealing member holding part 62, and the sealing member holding part 62 and the calcium are connected via the communication hole 63. The addition chamber 60 is in communication. When the sealing member 70 comes into contact with the opening edge of the communication hole 63 on the sealing member holding part 62 side and seals the communication hole 63, tap water enters the calcium addition chamber 60. A sealing member 64 is provided to prevent it. Examples of the material of the seal member 64 include metal, plastic, rubber, and elastomer. Examples of the material for the sealing member 70 include metal, plastic, rubber, and elastomer.

  Here, since the alkali ion water adjuster 10 of this embodiment is directly connected to the source water pipe 100, the tap water is always supplied to the tap water supply path 13 at a predetermined water pressure. For this reason, unless receiving force from above, the sealing member 70 is biased toward the communication hole 63 by the water pressure of tap water supplied from the raw water pipe 100 to seal the opening of the calcium addition chamber 60. .

  One end of the sealing member 70 is fixed to the sealing member 70, and the other end is the opening 61 of the calcium addition chamber 60 in a state where the sealing member 70 is in contact with the sealing member 64 of the communication hole 63. A rod-shaped pressing member 71 is provided so as to protrude a predetermined amount from.

  Further, a lid member 65 is detachably fitted to the opening 61 side of the calcium addition chamber 60, and the opening 61 of the calcium addition chamber 60 is sealed by the lid member 65. In the present embodiment, the calcium addition chamber 60 is sealed by screwing the lid member 65 to the opening 61 side of the calcium addition chamber 60.

  When the opening 61 of the calcium addition chamber 60 is sealed with the lid member 65, the other end of the pressing member 71 protruding from the opening 61 is pressed downward by the lid member 65, and the sealing member 70 is removed from the source water pipe 100. It moves to the branch 50 side against the water pressure. As a result, a gap is generated between the sealing member 70 and the calcium addition chamber 60, and one end side of the calcium addition chamber 60, that is, the communication hole 63 is opened. Then, from the open communication hole 63, tap water from the source water pipe 100 enters the calcium addition chamber 60 by water pressure, contacts the calcium compound 51 in the calcium addition chamber 60, and calcium diffuses into the tap water. Is done. Then, the tap water to which calcium is added is supplied to the electrolytic cell 12 through the tap water supply path 13.

  At this time, the size of the gap between the sealing member 70 that opens the communication hole 63 and the communication hole 63 is determined by the amount of protrusion of the pressing member 71 from the opening 61 of the calcium addition chamber 60. The flow rate of tap water entering the calcium addition chamber 60 is determined by the size of the gap between the sealing member 70 and the communication hole 63. For this reason, what is necessary is just to determine suitably the protrusion amount from the opening part 61 of the press member 71 so that the addition amount of calcium to tap water may become a predetermined ratio.

  Here, the addition of calcium to tap water and the filling of the calcium compound 51 into the calcium addition chamber 60 will be described in detail. In addition, FIG. 2 is principal part sectional drawing of the alkaline ionized water apparatus which shows the addition and filling method of calcium.

  First, as shown in FIG. 2A, when the lid member 65 is removed from the opening 61 side of the calcium addition chamber 60, the sealing member 70 is moved into the calcium addition chamber 60 by the pressure of tap water supplied from the source water pipe. The sealing member 70 seals the communication hole 63 and seals one end side of the calcium addition chamber 60.

  Thereby, the tap water in the source water pipe 100 cannot enter the calcium addition chamber 60, and the tap water can be prevented from leaking from the opening 61 of the calcium addition chamber 60. In this state, the calcium compound 51 is filled into the calcium addition chamber 60 from the opening 61. At this time, the other end side of the pressing member 71 whose one end is fixed to the sealing member 70 protrudes from the opening 61 by a predetermined amount.

  Similarly, even when the calcium compound 51 in the calcium addition chamber 60 is exhausted, the calcium compound 51 can be replenished into the calcium addition chamber 60 with the lid member 65 removed.

  As described above, when the lid member 65 that closes the opening 61 of the calcium addition chamber 60 is opened, the sealing member 70 closes one end of the calcium addition chamber 60 by the water pressure of tap water. The tap water does not leak from 61, and the calcium compound 51 can be easily and reliably filled into the calcium addition chamber 60.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 2B, when the opening 61 of the calcium addition chamber 60 is sealed with the lid member 65, the lid member 65 resists the water pressure via the pressing member 71. Then, the sealing member 70 is moved to the source water pipe 100 side. As a result, the communication hole 63 on one end side of the calcium addition chamber 60 sealed by the sealing member 70 is opened. At this time, tap water supplied from the source water pipe 100 enters the calcium addition chamber 60 due to water pressure, and calcium is added by contacting the calcium compound 51 in the calcium addition chamber 60. The tap water to which calcium is added passes through the communication hole 63 and is supplied to the electrolytic cell 12 through the tap water supply path 11a.

  Thus, just by closing the opening 61 of the calcium addition chamber 60 with the lid member 65, the sealing member 70 is pressed downward by the pressing member 71, and one end of the calcium addition chamber 60 can be opened. Calcium can be easily and reliably added to water.

  Moreover, the tap water to which calcium is added is always supplied to the electrolytic cell 12 at a predetermined pressure from the tap water supply path 11a as shown in FIG. When the user opens the faucet 111 provided in the faucet 110 portion, the alkali ion water generated in the electrolytic cell 12 starts to be supplied from the faucet 110 through the alkali ion water discharge channel 14 at a predetermined flow rate. . At the same time, the flow rate switch 40 provided between the alkaline ion water discharge channel 14 and the water pipe 100A detects that alkaline ionized water has started to flow, and based on the signal from the flow rate switch 40, the electrolytic cell A predetermined voltage is applied between the electrodes 17a and 17b in the Twelve. Further, the electromagnetic valve 30 provided in the acidic ion water drain pipe 15 is opened, and the acid ion water is discharged from the drain port 120.

Here, the tap water to which calcium supplied to the electrolytic cell 12 from the lower end side of the electrolytic cell 12 through the tap water supply channel 11a is added is the spaces 12a and 12b on both sides separated by the ion exchange membrane 16. Flow into each. Since a predetermined voltage is applied to both the electrodes 17a and 17b, when passing through the electrolytic cell 12, that is, between the ion exchange membrane 16 and the electrode, tap water contains hydrogen ions H ⁺ and water. Alkaline ion water and acidic ion water are generated by ionizing into acid ions OH ⁻ and collecting hydrogen ions H ^{+ in} one space via the ion exchange membrane 16. That is, of the two spaces 12a and 12b, in the space 12b on the negative electrode (cathode) 17b side, the hydrogen ions H ⁺ pass through the ion exchange membrane 16 and tap water (2H ₂ O) is converted into electrons (2e). ^The water is adjusted to H ₂ + 2OH ⁻ by ⁻ ) to produce alkali ion water. On the other hand, in the space 12a on the + electrode (anode) 17a side, tap water (2H ₂ O) is conditioned to O ₂ + 4H ⁺ + 4e ⁻ to generate acidic ionic water. Thus, the tap water is continuously ionized when passing through the electrolytic cell 12, and the alkali ion water generated thereby is supplied from the faucet 110 and the acidic ion water is discharged from the drain port 120. . In this embodiment, since the conductivity of tap water is increased by adding calcium to tap water, the reaction of tap water in the electrolytic cell 12 even if there is a variation in the quality of tap water in each place. Can be performed efficiently and reliably.

  Further, when the user closes the faucet 111, the supply of alkaline ionized water is stopped, and when the flow in the alkaline water discharge channel 11b is stopped, the acidic ion water drainage pipe 15 is turned on by the signal of the flow rate switch 40. The provided electromagnetic valve 30 is closed, and drainage of acidic ion water is also stopped.

(Embodiment 2)
FIG. 3 is a schematic configuration diagram of an alkaline ionized water device according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the member similar to embodiment mentioned above, and the overlapping description is abbreviate | omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the tap water supply path 11 a of the alkaline ionized water device 10 </ b> A of this embodiment has a tap water flow rate that detects the flow rate of tap water passing through the tap water supply path 11 a on the upstream side of the branch path 50. A detection sensor 90 is provided.

  Further, the branch path 50 branched from the tap water supply path 11a is provided with a supply amount adjusting means 91 for adjusting the supply amount of tap water to the calcium addition chamber 60. The amount of tap water supplied to the calcium addition chamber 62 is adjusted according to the flow rate of tap water detected by the water flow sensor 90. Examples of the supply amount adjusting unit 91 include an electromagnetic valve that opens and closes the flow path of the branch path 50.

  Thus, by providing the supply amount adjusting means 91 in the branch path 50, while not using alkali ion water, it is possible to prevent calcium from dissolving in the tap water in the tap water supply path 11a. It is possible to prevent alkaline ionized water having a high calcium concentration from being supplied when the use of water is started.

  Moreover, since the supply amount adjusting means 91 can prevent calcium from being excessively added to the tap water in the branch passage 50 and the tap water supply passage 11a, wasteful consumption of calcium can be prevented and the cost can be reduced. Can be reduced.

  In addition, as operation | movement of such a supply amount adjustment means 91, if utilization of alkaline ion water is stopped by closing the faucet 111, for example, the tap water flow sensor 90 will supply tap water in the tap water supply path 11a. Sense that has stopped. As a result, the supply amount adjusting means 91 closes the branch path 50 and prevents excessive addition of calcium to the tap water. At this time, in practice, a time lag occurs after the faucet 111 is closed until the supply amount adjusting means 91 closes the branch path 50. Further, compared to the water pressure to the calcium addition chamber 60 of tap water when using alkaline ion water, the calcium addition chamber 60 of tap water when the faucet 111 is closed and the use of alkaline ion water is stopped. The water pressure inside becomes high. For this reason, the water surface of the tap water in the calcium addition chamber 60 rises due to the time lag, and the calcium compound 51 can be kept submerged. For this reason, when the utilization of alkaline ionized water is started again, the calcium aqueous solution can be added to the tap water, and the alkaline ionized water to which calcium is added can be utilized immediately.

(Embodiment 3)
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of an alkaline ionized water device according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention, and FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of the alkaline ionized water device. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the member similar to Embodiment 1 mentioned above, and the overlapping description is abbreviate | omitted.

  As shown in the figure, the alkaline ionized water conditioner 10B includes a water conditioner body 11A that constitutes an outer frame, and a plurality of electrolytic cells 12A that are provided in the water conditioner body 11A and ionize tap water therein. To do.

  An ion exchange membrane 16 is fixed in each electrolytic cell 12A, and the electrolytic cell 12A is divided into two spaces 12a and 12b by the ion exchange membrane 16. Further, a pair of electrodes 17a and 17b are provided in regions facing the ion exchange membrane 16 in the electrolytic cell 12A, and each of the electrodes 17a and 17b is connected to a terminal portion 18 provided in the water conditioner body 11A. They are connected by connection wiring 19. In the present embodiment, each of these electrodes 17a and 17b is attached to one surface of a fixing member 20 made of, for example, a mesh-like plastic sheet or the like and having a size equivalent to that of the ion exchange membrane 16. The fixing members 20 are arranged so as to sandwich the ion exchange membrane 16 in the spaces 12a and 12b, so that electrodes 17a and 17b are provided in regions facing the ion exchange membrane 16.

  In this embodiment, at least a part of the region of the electrolytic cell 12A facing the ion exchange membrane 16, that is, the entire electrolytic cell 12A is formed of a flexible film having a predetermined flexibility. For example, in this embodiment, the electrolytic cell 12A is formed of a plastic sheet having a thickness of about 0.3 mm.

  Further, tap water is supplied into the water adjuster main body 11A in which the plurality of electrolytic tanks 12A are held, that is, between the respective electrolytic tanks 12A and the water adjuster main body 11A. Each electrolytic cell 12A is held in tap water (reserved water) 21 stored in 11A. Further, in the water adjuster main body 11A, there is an air portion 22 in which air remains in a part of a region not in contact with the electrolytic cell 12A, for example, in the upper part of the acidic ion water drainage channel 11c in this embodiment. . Thus, the water conditioner main body 11A to which tap water is supplied is required to be formed of a material having rigidity sufficient to withstand the water pressure of tap water, such as stainless steel.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the stored water 21 is obtained by supplying tap water from the tap water supply path 11a of the water adjuster main body 11A into the water adjuster main body 11A together with the electrolytic tank 12A. That is, a minute communication hole 23 communicating with the inside of the water adjuster main body 11A is provided at the tip of the tap water supply path 11a, and the tap water (reserved water) is introduced into the water adjuster main body 11A via the communication hole 23. 21) is supplied. In the present embodiment, a minute communication hole 24 communicating with the inside of the water adjuster main body 11 </ b> A is also provided at the tip of the acidic ion water drain pipe 15, and the stored water 21 is connected via the communication hole 24. It is discharged to the acidic ion water drainage channel 11c. For this reason, in this embodiment, the upper part of the acidic ion water drainage channel 11c in the water adjuster main body 11A, that is, the upper side of the communication hole 24 is an air part 22 in which air remains.

  In this embodiment, the stored water 21 is discharged to the outside together with the acidic ion water through the communication hole 24. Of course, the stored water discharge port for discharging the stored water 21 to the outside is the water conditioner body 11A. The stored water 21 may be discharged to the outside separately from the acidic ion water.

  In such an alkali ion water adjuster 10B, the tap water supply pipe 13 is connected to the source water pipe, and the alkali ion water discharge pipe 14 having the alkali ion water discharge path 11b is the faucet 110, as in the first embodiment. It is connected to the water pipe 100A on the side. Further, one end of the acidic ion water drain pipe 15 having the acidic ion water drainage channel 11c is connected to a discharge port 120 through which the acid ion water generated by the electrolytic cell 12A is discharged.

  Moreover, the tap water supply pipe 13 and the source water pipe 100 are connected by the cheese 130 similarly to Embodiment 1 mentioned above, and the branch path 50 branched from the tap water supply path 11a by this cheese 130 is formed. ing. The branch passage 50 is provided so as to communicate with the calcium addition chamber 60 filled with the calcium compound 51 as in the first embodiment described above, and the branch passage 50 is sealed on the calcium addition chamber 60 side. A member 70 and the like are provided.

  Here, there is a slight time lag between the time when the flow in the alkali ion water supply pipe 14 is generated or stopped by opening and closing the faucet 111 and the time when the electromagnetic valve 30 is opened and closed when the flow rate switch 40 detects it. Exists. Due to the inertial action of the flowing water caused by this time lag, a difference occurs in the internal pressure between the alkaline ion water side space 12b and the acidic ion water side space 12a in the electrolytic cell 12A. Since the ion exchange membrane 16 has a film thickness of about 12 μm, for example, the ion exchange membrane 16 may be deformed and damaged by this pressure difference.

  However, in the present invention, since the electrolytic cell 12A is formed of a flexible film, for example, even when a pressure difference occurs between the two spaces 12a and 12b when the faucet 111 is opened, as shown in FIG. Since the pressure difference is absorbed by the electrolytic cell 12A itself being deformed inward, the ion exchange membrane 16 can be prevented from being damaged due to deformation. When the faucet 111 is closed, the electrolytic cell 12A itself is deformed outward to absorb the internal pressure difference.

  Further, in the electrolytic cell 12A, as described above, the fixing member 20 is provided so as to be sandwiched between the electrodes 17a and 17b on the inner surface and the ion exchange membrane 16. That is, the ion exchange membrane 16 is sandwiched between the fixing members 20. Therefore, the deformation of the ion exchange membrane 16 is also suppressed by these fixing members 20, and damage to the ion exchange membrane 16 due to the pressure difference inside the electrolytic cell 12A can be more reliably prevented. In this embodiment, the entire electrolytic cell 12A is formed of a flexible membrane. Of course, if the pressure difference in the electrolytic cell 12A can be absorbed, the flexible part made of the flexible membrane is replaced with an ion exchanger in the electrolytic cell 12A. You may make it provide in a part of area | region which opposes the film | membrane 16. FIG.

Further, in order to absorb the pressure difference between the two spaces 12a and 12b by deformation of the electrolytic cell 12A, the electrolytic cell 12A needs to have relatively high flexibility, for example, more flexible than the ion exchange membrane 16. It is preferable to have. In order to satisfy this condition, the electrolytic cell 12A is formed of a flexible film made of a relatively thin plastic film. For this reason, the electrolyzer 12A itself cannot withstand the water pressure of the tap water supplied into the electrolyzer 12A via the tap water supply pipe 13, for example, a pressure of about 1 to 6 kg / cm ² and is destroyed. There is a risk that.

  However, in the present invention, when tap water is supplied into the electrolytic cell 12A through the tap water supply pipe 13, the tap water is also supplied into the water adjuster main body 11A from the communication hole 23 at the tip of the tap water supply pipe 13. Is supplied, and each electrolytic cell 12A is held in the stored water 21 accumulated in the water adjuster body 11A. For this reason, the pressure of the stored water 21 in the water conditioner main body 11A is maintained at substantially the same pressure as the tap water supplied in the electrolytic cell 12A, and is substantially the same as the inner surface of the electrolytic cell 12A. Water pressure is applied. Therefore, even when a relatively high pressure is applied to the inner surface of the electrolytic cell 12A by the tap water supplied into the electrolytic cell 12A, the electrolytic cell 12A itself is also applied by applying substantially the same pressure to the outer surface of the electrolytic cell 12A. It is not destroyed by deformation associated with changes in water pressure.

  Moreover, in this embodiment, the stored water 21 is discharged | emitted with the acidic ion water from the communicating hole 24 provided in the acidic ion water drainage pipe 15 outside. That is, tap water is not fully filled in the water adjuster main body 11 </ b> A, and an air portion 22 where air remains is present on the upper side of the communication hole 24. For this reason, the deformation | transformation of the electrolytic cell 12A accompanying the pressure difference in the electrolytic cell 12A mentioned above is not prevented by the stored water 21, and damage to the ion exchange membrane 16 can be prevented.

  That is, as described above, when the electrolytic cell 12A is deformed due to the pressure difference in the electrolytic cell 12A, the volume in the water adjuster main body 11A changes. At this time, since the volume of the stored water 21 itself does not change substantially, if the stored water is fully filled in the water adjuster body 11A, the stored water 21 prevents the electrolytic tank 12A from being deformed. However, in this embodiment, the air part 22 exists in 11 A of water adjuster main bodies, and a deformation | transformation of the electrolytic vessel 12A is not prevented. Therefore, the ion exchange membrane 16 can be more reliably prevented from being damaged by providing the air portion 22 in the water adjuster body 11A.

  In addition, although the volume of such an air part 22 is not specifically limited, It is preferable that it is a magnitude | size about 20 to 30% of the volume of the water adjuster main body 11A.

  As described above, in the alkaline ionized water device 10B of the present invention, even if tap water is supplied at a relatively high water pressure, the ion exchange membrane 16 and the electrolytic cell 12A are not damaged. In addition, alkaline ionized water is supplied to users at a flow rate equivalent to tap water, for example, about 20 to 30 (L / min) for general households and about 100 (L / min) for business use. be able to.

  Accordingly, the alkaline ion water generated by the alkaline ion water conditioner 10B can be supplied to a hot water heater such as an electric water heater and provided to the user as hot water. Can be used. In addition, when supplying alkali ion water to the water heater from the alkali ion water conditioner 10B, the water pressure of the alkali ion water supplied to a water heater falls a little. For this reason, as shown in FIG. 7, by providing a flow rate adjusting member 80 for blocking a part of the acidic ionic water drainage channel 11c in the acidic ionic water drainage pipe 15, the alkaline ionic water supplied to the hot water heater is provided. The water pressure may be adjusted.

  Thus, even when the alkali ion water conditioner 10B of the present embodiment that can supply alkali ion water at a relatively high water pressure, when the lid member 65 that closes the opening 61 of the calcium addition chamber 60 is opened, Since the sealing member 70 closes one end of the calcium addition chamber 60 by the water pressure of tap water, the tap water does not leak from the opening 61 of the calcium addition chamber 60, and the calcium compound 51 is easily put into the calcium addition chamber 60. And it can be filled reliably. Further, just by closing the opening 61 of the calcium addition chamber 60 with the lid member 65, the sealing member 70 can be pressed by the pressing member 71 to open one end of the calcium addition chamber 60, and calcium can be easily added to tap water. And surely can be added.

(Embodiment 4)
FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of an alkaline ionized water device according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the member similar to embodiment mentioned above, and the overlapping description is abbreviate | omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the electrolytic cell 12 </ b> B of this embodiment is provided with an ion exchange membrane 16 and a pair of electrodes 17 a and 17 b so as to face the ion exchange membrane 16. Moreover, the electrolytic cell 12B is formed of a flexible film having a predetermined flexibility as in the second embodiment described above.

  Each of the electrodes 17a and 17b is fixed by four fixing members 20A provided on the inner surface of the electrolytic cell 12B. The fixing member 20A is provided between the inner surface of the electrolytic cell 12B and the electrodes 17a and 17b. For example, the electrodes 17a and 17b are formed between the spacer 20a having a cylindrical shape that forms a gap of 1 mm and the spacer 20a. A sleeve 20b having a cylindrical shape for sandwiching the sleeve 20 and a rivet 20c having one end fixed to the electrolytic cell 12B through the spacer 20a and the sleeve 20b.

  Further, the ion exchange membrane 16 is sandwiched between a sleeve 20b that holds the electrode 17a and a sleeve 20b that holds the electrode 17b. That is, the ion exchange membrane 16 is clamped at four locations by the sleeve 20b that fixes the electrodes 17a and 17b. At this time, in this embodiment, the electrodes 17a and 17b and the ion exchange membrane 16 are set to have a gap of 3 mm, for example.

  Such an electrolytic cell 12B absorbs a pressure difference by a flexible membrane when a pressure difference is generated by opening and closing the faucet 111 even if the ion exchange membrane 16 is sandwiched by four fixing members 20A. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the ion exchange membrane 16 from being damaged.

  That is, in Embodiment 2 described above, the ion exchange membrane 16 is sandwiched by the mesh-like fixing member 20 to prevent the ion exchange membrane 16 from being damaged, but the entire electrolytic cell 12B is formed of a flexible membrane. By doing so, the pressure difference can be absorbed by the flexible membrane, so that the ion exchange membrane 16 can be prevented from being damaged even if the ion exchange membrane 16 is pinched by the four fixing members 20A.

  In addition, since the configuration other than the electrolytic bath 12B of the alkaline ionized water device 10C is the same as that of the above-described second embodiment, redundant description is omitted.

  Even in such a configuration, as in the first and second embodiments described above, when the lid member 65 that closes the opening 61 of the calcium addition chamber 60 is opened, the sealing member 70 is driven by the water pressure of the tap water. Since one end of 60 is closed, tap water does not leak from the opening 61 of the calcium addition chamber 60, and the calcium compound 51 can be easily and reliably filled into the calcium addition chamber 60. Further, just by closing the opening 61 of the calcium addition chamber 60 with the lid member 65, the sealing member 70 can be pressed by the pressing member 71 to open one end of the calcium addition chamber 60, and calcium can be easily added to tap water. And surely can be added.

(Other embodiments)
As mentioned above, although each embodiment of the present invention was described, the basic composition of the present invention is not limited to what was mentioned above.

  For example, in Embodiments 1 to 4 described above, the acidic ionic water is allowed to flow through the water distribution pipe without being used. However, for example, the acidic ionic water can also be used by being stored in a dedicated tank or the like. . In such a case, it is desirable to discharge the stored water outside the acidic ion water.

  Further, for example, in Embodiments 1 to 4 described above, one end of the pressing member 71 is fixed to the sealing member 70 and the other end is in contact with and pressed against the lid member 65, but is not limited thereto. For example, one end of the rod-shaped pressing member may be fixed to the lid member, the other end may be brought into contact with the sealing member, and the sealing member may be pressed downward by the pressing member fixed to the lid member. .

  Furthermore, in Embodiment 1-4 mentioned above, although the sealing member 70 was made into the member which has a spherical shape, it is not limited to this in particular, For example, even if it makes the hemispherical shape in which the side contact | abutted to the sealing member 64 was formed in the spherical surface Good.

  Moreover, in Embodiment 3 and 4 mentioned above, although the some electrolytic cell 12A, 12B was arranged in parallel by the predetermined space | interval in the water adjuster main body 11A, it is not limited to this in particular, For example, it adjoins. You may make it arrange in parallel so that an outer peripheral surface may contact without leaving a space | interval between electrolysis tank 12A, 12B to perform. As described above, even if the adjacent electrolytic cells 12A and 12B are arranged side by side without being spaced apart from each other, the pressure difference in the electrolytic cell can be absorbed by the flexible film that is not in contact with the electrolytic cell 12A and 12B. Can be

  Moreover, in Embodiment 3 and 4 mentioned above, although the tap water to which calcium was added was made to fill the space between electrolyzer 12A, 12B and water regulator main body 11A, 11B, the source | sauce pipe of cheese 130 You may make it newly provide the cheese which branches a source water pipe | tube on the side, and fill the space between electrolyzer 12A, 12B and water regulator main body 11A, 11B with this tap water which calcium is not added to. In this case, an electromagnetic valve that opens and closes based on a signal from the flow rate switch 40 may be provided in a water pipe supplied with tap water filled in the water conditioner main bodies 11A and 11B. Thereby, useless consumption of the calcium compound 51 can be prevented and cost can be reduced.

It is a schematic sectional drawing of the alkaline ionized water apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is principal part sectional drawing of the alkaline ionized water apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a schematic sectional drawing of the alkaline ionized water apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 2 of this invention. It is principal part sectional drawing of the alkaline ionized water apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 3 of this invention. It is a figure which shows schematic structure of the alkaline ionized water apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 3 of this invention. It is principal part sectional drawing which shows the modification of the electrolytic cell which concerns on Embodiment 3 of this invention. It is principal part sectional drawing which shows the modification of the alkaline ionized water apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 3 of this invention. It is principal part sectional drawing of the alkaline ionized water apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 4 of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

10, 10A, 10B, 10C Alkaline ion water adjuster 11, 11A, water adjuster body 12, 12A, 12B Electrolyzer 13 Tap water supply pipe 14 Alkaline ion water discharge pipe 15 Acid ion water drain pipe 16 Ion exchange membrane 17 Electrode 20, 20A Fixing member 50 Branching path 51 Calcium compound 60 Calcium addition chamber 61 Opening portion 65 Lid member 70 Sealing member 71 Pressing member 100 Source water pipe 110 Faucet 120 Drainage port 130 Cheese

Claims (12)

An electrolytic cell having an ion exchange membrane and generating alkaline ionized water and acidic ionized water from tap water introduced from a source water pipe on each of the alkaline ionized water side and acidic ionized water side of the ion exchange membrane, and in the electrolytic cell A tap water supply channel for supplying tap water, an alkaline ion water discharge channel for discharging alkaline ion water from the electrolytic cell, and an acidic ion water drain channel for discharging acidic ion water from the electrolytic cell, In the alkaline ion water conditioner that controls the discharge of alkaline ionized water by opening and closing the ionized water discharge channel,
The tap water supply path has a branch path branched from the tap water supply path, an opening communicating with one end of the branch path and being openable to the outside on the other end side, and from the outside. A calcium addition chamber that can be filled with calcium, and a seal that is provided in the branch passage and is energized toward the calcium addition chamber by the pressure of tap water in the branch passage to seal one end side of the calcium addition chamber The stopper member is provided in the calcium-added chamber and has one end abutting on the sealing member and the other end protruding from the opening and being pressed by the lid member when the opening is sealed with the lid member. An alkaline ion adjuster comprising a pressing member that opens one end of the calcium addition chamber.   In Claim 1, The said branch path is provided with the supply amount adjustment means which adjusts the supply of the tap water to the said calcium addition chamber, and is upstream from the said branch path of the said tap water supply path. A tap water flow sensor is provided, and the supply amount adjusting means is adjusted according to the flow rate of tap water detected by the flow sensor. 3. The alkali ion control device according to claim 1, wherein the calcium addition chamber is provided with a bag-like calcium holding member that holds calcium inside and discharges a predetermined amount of calcium to the outside. Water container. 4. The alkaline ionized water device according to claim 1, wherein the sealing member has a spherical shape and is sealed by bringing a spherical surface into contact with one end side of the calcium addition chamber. 5. 5. The electrolytic cell according to claim 1, wherein at least a part of a region of the electrolytic cell facing the ion exchange membrane is formed of a flexible membrane, and the electrolytic cell is disposed in a water conditioner body. An alkaline ionized water device characterized in that tap water supplied inside is also supplied to a space between the electrolytic cell and the water purifier main body to hold the electrolytic cell in tap water. 6. The alkaline ionized water device according to claim 5, further comprising an air portion in which air remains in at least a part of a region of the space that does not contact the electrolytic cell. 7. The alkaline ionized water device according to claim 5, wherein the entire surface of the electrolytic cell is composed of the flexible membrane. 8. The alkaline ionized water device according to claim 5, wherein the flexible membrane is made of a plastic sheet. The alkali ion water conditioner according to any one of claims 5 to 8, further comprising a tap water discharge port for discharging the tap water supplied to the space to the outside. 10. The tap water discharged from the acidic water discharge port according to claim 9, wherein the tap water discharge port communicates with the acidic water discharge port, and tap water supplied to a space between the electrolytic cell and the water conditioner body is discharged from the acidic water discharge port. An alkali ion water conditioner characterized by being discharged together with water. In any one of Claims 1-10, in the said acidic ion water drainage channel, the opening-and-closing valve which opens and closes the said acidic ion water drainage channel, The flow switch which detects the flow volume of the alkaline ionized water produced | generated in the said electrolytic vessel, Is further provided, and the open / close valve is controlled in accordance with a signal from the flow switch. In any one of Claims 1-11, while the said alkali ion water discharge channel is connected to Karan, the discharge amount of alkaline ion water is controlled by opening and closing the faucet of this Karan, It is characterized by the above-mentioned. Alkaline ion water conditioner.

Images