JP2007017087A - Refrigerator - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a refrigerator capable of constantly providing healthy and tasty water with an increased alkali component from which uncomfortable odor or harmful components in drink are removed. <P>SOLUTION: This refrigerator comprises a first electrode 6 with relatively high electrostatic adsorptive performance and a second electrode 7 with relatively low electrostatic adsorptive performance which are present in purified water stored in or carried to a water purification tank; a DC power supply device 4 applying DV voltage to the first electrode 6 and the second electrode 7 with the first electrode 6 as anode and the second electrode 7 as cathode; a control circuit 8 applying DC current to the first electrode 6 and the second electrode 7 to control alkalization of the purified water so as to selectively adsorb more minus ions present in the purified water; a water supply mechanism supplying city water to the water purification tank as the purified water; and a water distribution part 21 distributing water alkalized in the water purification tank as drink water. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a refrigerator with a built-in water purification mechanism.

  In general, water such as river water, lake water, artificial dams and ponds belonging to fresh water is used as raw water for tap water. These raw waters are purified at the water purification plant, and the following treatment is performed to make tap water. First, the raw water taken for water purification treatment is passed through the sedimentation basin and the filtration basin in order to remove suspended solids, bacteria, iron, manganese, odor-causing and uncomfortable organic components, and so on. To. Next, since it is still in an active state in terms of biochemistry, disinfection treatment is performed at the end of the water purification process in order for microorganisms and bacteria to exist or to be generated. This treatment is mainly performed by adding chlorine gas or bleaching powder. After this treatment, tap water is supplied to each household and region.

  As described above, tap water is purified at a water purification plant and becomes water suitable as drinking water, but it does not mean that all substances dissolved in raw water have been removed. The main components dissolved in tap water cleaned at the water purification plant include minerals, carbonic acid, chloride ions, silica, iron, and organic matter. Minerals, iron, silica, etc. are eluted from mountains or earth ores and dissolved in raw water in the form of ions. Since future components cannot be completely removed at the water purification plant, they are supplied to homes and the like as they are dissolved in tap water. Carbonic acid is generated by the fact that the carbonic acid compound in the ground dissolves in raw water or carbon dioxide in the air dissolves in water. Chlorine ions and hypochlorite ions exist in an ionized state of chlorine used for disinfection treatment performed at water purification plants. Organic components are trace amounts of substances released from algae and bacteria generated in rivers, lakes, swamps, etc., which are raw tap water, and substances generated by decomposition of these bodies cannot be completely removed at the water purification plant However, it dissolves in tap water. In general households, this tap water is used for beverages and dishes.

  Along with the recent health boom, interest in water, especially tap water, has increased, and some sort of treatment has been performed on tap water to remove residual volatile organic components such as residual chlorine and trihalomethane, which are the main components of unpleasant odors in beverages. There are many water purifiers that can be removed and alkaline ionized water conditioners that can adjust the pH value of water by electrolysis. Recently, interest in water has increased in ordinary households, and the demand for mineral water has increased significantly. In particular, it has been established as a place to replace drinking water.

Then, what is shown to the following patent document 1 is devised as a refrigerator incorporating a water purification mechanism.
JP-A-10-206004

  However, the chilled water supply mechanism installed in the conventional refrigerator does not have a water purification cartridge combined with a filter or activated carbon, so the smell of tap water remains, and it cannot be made delicious water just by cooling. In addition, the refrigerator disclosed in Patent Document 1 uses consumables such as filters, activated carbon, and ion permeable membranes, so that a sufficient water purification effect cannot be obtained depending on the degree of consumption of the consumables. Maintenance such as replacement and regeneration is required, and maintenance for maintaining the water purification performance takes a lot of labor and cost.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a refrigerator capable of constantly obtaining “healthy water that is good for health” with an increased alkaline component after removing unpleasant odors and harmful components from beverages. And

  In order to achieve the above object, a refrigerator according to the present invention includes a first electrode having a relatively large electrostatic adsorption capacity and a relatively small electrostatic adsorption capacity that is present in the water to be purified stored or run in a water purification tank. Two electrodes, voltage supply means for applying a DC voltage to the first electrode and the second electrode using the first electrode as an anode and the second electrode as a cathode, and a large amount of negative ions present in the water to be purified. Control means for controlling the alkalinization of the water to be purified by applying a direct current to the first electrode and the second electrode so as to adsorb, a water supply mechanism for supplying tap water as the water to be purified to the water purification tank, and the water purification The gist of the present invention is to provide a water distribution mechanism that distributes water alkalized in the tank as drinking water.

  That is, according to the present invention, negative ions existing in the water to be purified are applied by applying a DC voltage with the first electrode having a relatively large electrostatic adsorption capability as an anode and the second electrode having a relatively small electrostatic adsorption capability as a cathode. Water is selectively adsorbed and alkalized water is distributed as a beverage. For this reason, to obtain “delicious water for health” that adsorbs and removes unpleasant odors and harmful components such as ions that are harmful to the beverage, and then selectively adsorbs a large amount of negative ions to increase the alkaline component. Can do. In addition, since there is no need to use consumables such as filters, activated carbon, and ion permeable membranes, maintenance such as replacement and regeneration of consumables is not required, and labor and costs for maintaining water purification performance are reduced. it can. In addition, it is not possible to obtain a sufficient water purification effect depending on the degree of consumption of consumables such as filters, activated carbon, and ion permeable membranes, and “healthy water that is good for health” can always be obtained.

  In the present invention, the control means applies a DC voltage to the first electrode and the second electrode to adsorb ions in the water to be purified and whether to short-circuit the first electrode and the second electrode. Alternatively, when control is performed so as to switch the discharge mode to release ions that have been adsorbed to the first electrode and the second electrode until then, the odor originally present in the water to be purified is used in the adsorption mode. It is purified and alkalized by adsorbing ions and other harmful components, but if adsorption is continued as it is, the limit of adsorption capacity will be reached. Therefore, in such a case, the control means switches to the emission mode, and the first electrode and the second electrode are short-circuited or reversed in polarity and have been adsorbed on the first electrode and the second electrode until then. The first electrode and the second electrode can be regenerated by releasing the ions. Thus, the regeneration of the first electrode and the second electrode can be repeated for adsorption, and purification and alkalinization can be repeated without using consumables.

  The control means applies a direct current to the first electrode and the second electrode so as to selectively adsorb a large amount of positive ions present in the water to be purified using the first electrode as a cathode and the second electrode as an anode. In the case of controlling the acidification of the purified water, the acidified water can be used for sterilization of the water conduit and the water conduit can always be kept clean.

  In the present invention, a drainage mechanism for draining unnecessary water from the water purification tank is provided, and the drainage mechanism is configured to drain the water in the water purification tank when operated in the discharge mode. In the discharge mode, it becomes possible to discharge water containing a lot of odors and harmful components released from the first electrode and the second electrode from the drainage mechanism. Thus, the regeneration of the first electrode and the second electrode can be repeated for adsorption, and purification and alkalinization can be repeated without using consumables.

  In the present invention, when the first electrode and the second electrode have different electrostatic adsorption capacities by different surface areas, the first electrode having a large surface area has a small surface area. Since more ions are adsorbed than the second electrode, the first electrode and the second electrode can be selected by appropriately selecting the materials of the first electrode and the second electrode or by appropriately setting the size and the number of the electrodes. It is possible to operate by appropriately setting the electrostatic adsorption capacity.

  Next, the best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described.

  1 and 2 are views showing a first embodiment of a refrigerator to which the present invention is applied.

  This refrigerator has a water storage tank 20 that receives and stores tap water supplied from a direct water supply pipe 24 connected to a household water pipe, and supplies water to be purified from the water tank 20 to purify water to be purified. An electrode cell 30 is provided as a water purification tank that performs alkalinization and the like. In this example, the water supply direct connection pipe 24, the water storage tank 20, and the like function as a water supply mechanism that supplies tap water as purified water to the water purification tank.

  Then, the water purified by the electrode cell 30 is distributed by the water distribution unit 21 as a water distribution mechanism that distributes the water alkalized in the water purification tank as drinking water distribution, and mechanical operation such as water pressure by water supply or a water supply pump Then, the water flows through the pipe 25 and is distributed to the drinking water supply port (dispenser) 22. Similarly, the water flows through the pipe 26 and is distributed to the automatic ice maker 27. In addition, water that is not suitable for drinking, such as waste water generated in the electrode regeneration mode described later or acid water purified in the acidification mode, is separated by the water distribution unit 21, flows through the drain pipe 18, and is discharged into a domestic waste water ditch. Or it is poured into the drain pan of the refrigerator and evaporated.

  The electrode cell 30 has an introduction path 2 for introducing the purified water in the water storage tank 20 into the electrode cell 30 and a discharge path 3 for discharging the purified water in the electrode cell 30 and introducing it into the water distribution unit 21. It is connected.

  A control box 23 is electrically connected to the electrode cell 30, and the direct current to the electrodes in the electrode cell 30 is based on the detection result by the pH sensor 10 that detects the pH of the purified water purified by the electrode cell 30. The voltage application state is controlled. The DC power supply of the control box 23 is obtained by rectifying the AC power supply of the power supply device 19 of the refrigerator itself.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of the electrode cell 30 and the control box 23.

  The electrode cell 30 includes a storage tank 1 in which purified water is introduced and stored, and a first electrode 6 and a second electrode 7 that are present in the purified water in the storage tank 1. The first electrode 6 and the second electrode 7 are set so as to have relatively different electrostatic adsorption capabilities. In this example, the electrostatic adsorption capability of the first electrode 6 is set to be relatively large, and the second The electrostatic adsorption capability of the electrode is set to be relatively small.

  Specifically, the first electrode 6 and the second electrode 7 have relatively different electrostatic adsorption capacities such as ions by making the surface areas different, and the surface area of the first electrode 6 is the first. The surface area of the two electrodes 7 is larger.

  In order to make the surface areas of the first electrode 6 and the second electrode 7 different, the first electrode 6 and the second electrode 7 are made of different materials, or the number and size of the first electrode 6 and the second electrode 7 are changed. You can do something different.

When the first electrode 6 and the second electrode 7 are made of a combination of different materials, the combination of the first electrode 6 and the second electrode 7 having a relatively different surface area is, for example, the first electrode 6 having a relatively large surface area. , Sintered metal powder, plate-like activated carbon, activated carbon nonwoven fabric, conductive ceramics such as silicon carbide, carbon aerogel (carbon sheet mainly composed of mesopores having a BET specific surface area adjusted to 500 to 2500 m ² / g and having a pore diameter of 2 to 50 nm) A specific surface area is obtained by using various porous metal materials such as stainless steel, titanium, nickel, copper, platinum, gold, and conductive materials such as carbon for the second electrode 7 having a relatively small surface area. In other words, the electrostatic surface area can be made different by changing the actual surface area.

  Although not shown, the first electrode 6 and the second electrode 7 are made of the same material, and the number of the first electrodes 6 is larger than that of the second electrodes 7 or the size of the first electrodes 6 is set to the first size. By making it larger than the two electrodes 7, the surface area can be made different and the electrostatic adsorption ability can be made different.

  The first electrode 6 and the second electrode 7 are preferably plate-like, and the thickness is not particularly limited, but is preferably about 0.1 to 5 mm, and more preferably about 0.5 to 2 mm. It is. Although the space | interval of the 1st electrode 6 and the 2nd electrode 7 is not specifically limited, About 0.1-5 mm is preferable, More preferably, it is about 0.5-2 mm. In addition, the space | interval of the 1st electrode 6 and the 2nd electrode 7 does not prevent making it 0.1 mm or less, unless a liquid passes and does not prevent adsorption | suction and discharge | release of ion.

  When a metal plate is used as the electrode, a metal plate subjected to plating or surface modification can be used. For example, the surface layer of a stainless steel plate may be subjected to a low temperature carburizing treatment after a fluorination treatment to form a carbon diffusion permeation layer in which chromium carbide is not substantially precipitated. Moreover, what plated platinum on the titanium plate can also be used. Since these are extremely excellent in corrosion resistance, they are preferably used.

  Here, the combination in which the surface areas of the first electrode 6 and the second electrode 7 are different from each other is as follows: (1) When the materials having the same apparent surface area and different specific surface areas are used for the first electrode 6 and the second electrode 7, (2) When the first electrode 6 and the second electrode 7 have the same specific surface area and have different apparent areas, (3) the first electrode 6 and the second electrode 7 have a different specific surface area and further If the apparent area is also different, etc. That is, the different electrostatic attraction capabilities are intended to include both cases.

The specific surface area refers to the sum of the true surface areas per 1 g of the substance constituting the electrode. Here, it refers to the BET specific surface area, and the unit is m ² / g. On the other hand, the apparent area refers to the maximum projected area in the case of a plate-shaped electrode. The sum of the area of the front surface and the area of the back surface may or may not be added, but here, the maximum projected area that does not add up the front and back is handled. And a real surface area means the sum total of the surface area computed from the said specific surface area, and the following relational expression is formed.
T = S × V × G
T: Real surface area (m ² ) S: Specific surface area (m ² / g)
V: Volume of electrode (m ³ ) G: Specific gravity of electrode (g / m ³ )

  The control box 23 is present in the water to be purified based on the detection result of the DC power supply unit 4 as a voltage supply means for applying a DC voltage to the first electrode 6 and the second electrode 7 and the pH sensor 10. A control circuit 8 as a control means for controlling the pH of the water to be purified by applying a direct current to the first electrode 6 and the second electrode 7 so as to selectively adsorb either positive ions or negative ions selectively. It is prepared for.

  As a result, either the positive ions or the negative ions present in the water to be purified are selectively adsorbed to adjust the ion concentration of the water to be purified, that is, the pH.

  As shown in FIG. 3A, in this refrigerator, the control circuit 8 has a relatively large electrostatic adsorption capability when the detection result of the pH sensor 10 is a pH value smaller than the target value. A direct current is applied using the first electrode 6 as an anode.

  As described above, when a direct current is applied so that the first electrode 6 having a relatively large electrostatic attraction ability is used as an anode and the second electrode 7 having a relatively small electrostatic attraction ability is used as a cathode, it is originally in the water to be purified. The amount of negative ions adsorbed is greater than that of positive ions. As a result, it is possible to control the presence ratio of positive ions that were originally present (even if new negative ions are generated in the water to be purified) to be higher than the negative ions that were originally present. . In this way, alkalinization of the water to be purified proceeds by controlling so as to increase the number of positive ions. The degree of alkalinization can be determined by detecting the pH of the purified water with the pH sensor 10 and can be controlled to a target value.

  That is, in the illustrated example, a direct current is applied using the first electrode 6 using a porous electrode having a large surface area as an anode and the second electrode 7 using a plate electrode having a small surface area as a cathode. By doing in this way, the adsorption amount of a negative ion can be increased rather than a positive ion. As a result, the adsorption amount of negative ions or the like originally present in the purified water increases to the first electrode 6, and as a result, the presence of positive ions and negative ions originally present in the purified water to be controlled. The ratio, that is, the density balance can be controlled.

For example, a description will be given in a state where the water to be purified to be controlled has Na ⁺ as positive ions and Cl ⁻ as negative ions. In this state, when more Cl ⁻ is adsorbed on the first electrode 6, water causes an electrode reaction on the second electrode 7 side in order to maintain the electrical neutrality of the entire water to be purified, and the remaining Na ⁺ The corresponding OH ⁻ is formed. As a result, Na ⁺ and OH ⁻ exist in the entire purified water, and it is considered that alkaline sodium hydroxide is generated.

In the above description, for the sake of simplicity, the case where the positive ions are Na ⁺ and the negative ions are Cl ⁻ has been described. However, even if other ions are used, positive ions and negative ions are present in the original water to be purified. In this state, when more negative ions are adsorbed to the first electrode 6, water causes an electrode reaction on the second electrode 7 side in order to maintain the electrical neutrality of the entire water to be purified. ^- is produced. As a result, it is considered that the entire water to be purified is alkalized.

  That is, as in this example, the first electrode 6 having a relatively large surface area and a large electrostatic adsorption capability is used as an anode, and the second electrode 7 having a relatively small surface area and a small electrostatic adsorption capability is used as a cathode. By applying, it becomes possible to alkalinize the water to be purified.

  Further, the introduction path 2 has a flow rate adjusting valve 11 for adjusting the flow rate of the water to be purified introduced into the storage tank 1 and the water to be purified introduced into the storage tank 1 at a flow rate adjusted by the flow rate regulating valve 11. A flow meter 9 is provided for detecting the flow rate. The flow rate detected by the flow meter 9 is sent to the control circuit 8.

  Then, the control circuit 8 causes the first and second electrodes 6 and 7 to ionize ions in the water to be purified in the alkalinization mode so that the pH sensor 10 has a target value when the pH of the water to be purified deviates from the target value. In this case, if the target value is not reached even after a predetermined time has elapsed, the flow rate control valve 11 can be controlled so as to reduce the flow rate. In such a case, by reducing the flow rate, the time during which the water to be purified stays in the storage tank 1 becomes longer, and more ions and the like are adsorbed on the first and second electrodes 6 and 7 to target the pH. It becomes possible to control to the value. On the other hand, when the time until the target value is reached is equal to or shorter than a predetermined time set in advance, the flow rate control valve 11 is controlled so that the flow rate becomes larger. In such a case, by increasing the flow rate, the time during which the water to be purified stays in the storage tank 1 is shortened, the liquid quality can be controlled to the target value in a short time, and the processing efficiency can be improved. become able to.

  Thus, the to-be-purified water introduced into the electrode cell 30 from the introduction path 2 is alkalinized according to the principle described above, and the alkalinized purified water is introduced from the discharge path 3 to the water distribution unit 21 to distribute the water. Water is distributed from the unit 21 to the drinking water inlet 22 and the automatic ice maker 27.

  The control box 23 includes an adsorption mode (alkaline mode) in which a DC voltage is applied to the first electrode 6 and the second electrode 7 to selectively adsorb a large amount of negative ions in the liquid. Switching device (switching means) that switches between an emission mode (electrode regeneration mode) in which the first electrode 6 and the second electrode 7 are short-circuited and ions that have been adsorbed on the first electrode 6 and the second electrode 7 until then are released. 5 is provided. The pH control device includes an ammeter 12 that detects a current flowing between the first electrode 6 and the second electrode 7 in the adsorption mode.

  The current flowing between the first electrode 6 and the second electrode 7 during the adsorption mode has a high adsorption speed in the initial stage, and accordingly, the current value detected by the ammeter 12 is large, but the first and second electrodes 6, As the adsorption amount to 7 gradually increases, the current value detected by the ammeter 12 decreases as the adsorption speed gradually decreases, and eventually reaches the limit adsorption amount. Therefore, the adsorption limit of the first and second electrodes 6 and 7 can be detected by detecting the current value between the first electrode 6 and the second electrode 7 with the ammeter 12 in the adsorption mode. . It is also possible to detect the amount of adsorbed ions, that is, how much the water to be purified has been alkalized by detecting the current value. The pH sensor 10 detects how much the water to be purified has been alkalized by directly measuring the pH of the water to be purified.

  Here, when the control circuit 8 detects that the current value detected by the ammeter 12 falls below a predetermined threshold, the refrigerator turns on a signal lamp (not shown) to notify. Good. When the signal lamp is turned on, it is detected that the current value detected by the ammeter 12 is equal to or lower than a predetermined threshold value, and the first electrode 6 and the second electrode 7 have reached the adsorption limit, or the amount of adsorbed ions In other words, it is possible to detect the degree of alkalinity or acidification of the water to be purified.

  In addition, the control circuit 8 can be notified by turning on a signal lamp (not shown) as a notifying means when the pH detected by the pH sensor 10 exceeds a predetermined threshold value. When the signal lamp is turned on, it is possible to detect the pH detected by the pH sensor 10 above a predetermined threshold, that is, the degree of alkalinization or acidification of the water to be purified.

  Further, the amount of adsorbed ions, that is, how much the water to be purified has been alkalized and the adsorption limit can be detected by a timer (not shown). For example, if the nature and amount of the water to be purified stored in the storage tank 1 are known to some extent and the target value for ion control of the water to be purified is also determined to some extent in advance, the first and second included in the apparatus Depending on the number of electrodes 6 and 7 and the like, the time to reach the target value is also determined to some extent. Therefore, a signal lamp (not shown) is turned on when a predetermined time has elapsed from the timer, so that the amount of adsorbed ions, that is, the degree of alkalinization or acidification of the water to be purified and the adsorption limit can be notified.

  As shown in FIG. 3B, in the alkalinization mode, the current value detected by the ammeter 12 falls below a predetermined threshold value, the first electrode 6 and the second electrode 7 are at the adsorption limit, or the pH sensor 10 When the pH detected in step 1 becomes equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold value and the water to be purified is alkalized, the switching device 5 is switched, the first electrode 6 and the second electrode 7 are short-circuited, and the discharge mode is switched. The ions adsorbed by the first electrode 6 and the second electrode 7 are released so far, and the first electrode 6 and the second electrode 7 are regenerated.

  As described above, in the electrode regeneration mode, the water to be purified introduced from the introduction path 2 into the electrode cell 30 receives the release of ions and the like adsorbed by the first electrode 6 and the second electrode 7 in the alkalinization mode. Since this becomes sewage unsuitable for beverages, this sewage is introduced into the water distribution section 21 from the discharge path 3 and discharged outside through the drain pipe 18.

  As shown in FIG. 4A, the control circuit 8 can also switch the polarity from the above-described state and apply a direct current using the first electrode 6 having a relatively large electrostatic attraction capability as a cathode.

  Thus, contrary to the above-described example, a direct current is applied so that the first electrode 6 having a relatively large electrostatic adsorption capability is used as a cathode and the second electrode 7 having a relatively small electrostatic adsorption capability is used as an anode. Then, the amount of adsorption of positive ions originally present in the water to be purified becomes larger than that of negative ions. As a result, even if new positive ions are generated in the water to be purified, it is possible to control the existence ratio of negative ions that originally existed to be higher than the positive ions that originally existed. . In this way, by controlling so as to increase negative ions, it is possible to control the acidification of the water to be purified.

For example, as in the example described above, Na + to be purified water to be controlled as a positive ^ions, Cl as negative ions ^- are explained in the presence equal. In this state, when more Na ⁺ is adsorbed to the second electrode 7, water causes an electrode reaction on the first electrode 6 side in order to maintain the electrical neutrality of the entire water to be purified, and H ⁺ is generated. . As a result, H ⁺ and Cl ⁻ are present in the entire water to be purified, and acidic hydrogen chloride is considered to be generated.

In the above description, for the sake of simplicity, the case where the positive ion is Na ⁺ and the negative ion is Cl ⁻ has been described. However, even if other ions are used, positive ions and negative ions are present in the original water to be purified. In this state, when more positive ions are adsorbed to the second electrode 7, water causes an electrode reaction on the first electrode 6 side in order to maintain the electrical neutrality of the entire water to be purified. ⁺ Produces. As a result, it is considered that the entire water to be purified is acidified.

  That is, as in this example, the first electrode 6 having a relatively large surface area and a large electrostatic adsorption capability is used as a cathode, and the second electrode 7 having a relatively small surface area and a small electrostatic adsorption capability is used as an anode, and a DC voltage is applied. By applying it, it becomes possible to acidify the water to be purified.

  In this way, in the acidification mode having a polarity opposite to that of the alkalinization mode, the water to be purified introduced into the electrode cell 30 from the introduction path 2 becomes acidic water that is not suitable for beverages. It is introduced from the discharge path 3 into the water distribution section 21 and discharged from the drain pipe 18 to the outside. Further, if necessary, the acidic water is distributed from the water distribution unit 21 to the drinking water supply port 22 and the automatic ice maker 27, so that the water distribution unit 21, the pipes 25 and 26, the drinking water supply port 22, and the automatic ice maker 27 are distributed. It is possible to sterilize water conduits and the like.

  Also in the acidification mode shown in FIG. 4, as shown in FIG. 4B, the current value detected by the ammeter 12 is below a predetermined threshold value, and the first electrode 6 and the second electrode 7 are at the adsorption limit. When the pH detected by the pH sensor 10 is below a predetermined threshold value and the water to be purified is acidified, the switching device 5 is switched to short-circuit the first electrode 6 and the second electrode 7. Thus, it is possible to regenerate the first electrode 6 and the second electrode 7 by switching to the emission mode and releasing the ions adsorbed by the first electrode 6 and the second electrode 7 until then.

  Thus, the to-be-purified water in the electrode cell 30 from which ions have been released during the regeneration of the first electrode 6 and the second electrode is discarded from the drain pipe 18 as dirty water by opening and closing the valve.

  In the above description, in the emission mode, the first electrode 6 and the second electrode 7 are short-circuited. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the switching device 5 simply turns off the power and turns off the first electrode 6. Switching to cancel the application of the DC voltage to the second electrode 7 or switching to a connection in which a negative voltage is applied to the first electrode 6 and a positive voltage is applied to the second electrode 7 so as to reverse the polarity. May be.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of an industrial implementation of the electrode cell 30. That is, in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, a so-called beaker model schematically showing the storage tank 1 in which one each of the first electrode 6 and the second electrode 7 is accommodated is shown. 30 can be industrially provided with a plurality of collector electrodes (double-sided electrodes) 28a, 28b.

  In this electrode cell 30, a plurality (12 in this example) of double-sided electrodes 28a, 28b are arranged in a laminated state between two end plates 36, and between the double-sided electrodes 28a, 28b and the double-sided electrodes 28a, 28b, A frame-shaped spacer 33 is disposed between 28b and the end plate. Reference numeral 17 denotes a bolt and nut for fixing the laminated frame spacer 33, the end plate 36, and the double-sided electrodes 28a and 28b.

  One double-sided electrode 28 a is a positive electrode in which the first electrode 6 is provided on both sides of the separator 32, and the other double-sided electrode 28 b is a negative electrode in which the second electrode 7 is provided on both sides of the separator 32. Then, the positive electrode 28a and the negative electrode 28b are alternately stacked, so that the first electrode 6 and the second electrode 7 face each other between the adjacent double-sided electrodes 28a and 28b. The internal space formed by the double-sided electrodes 28a and 28b, the frame-shaped spacer 33, and the end plate 36 is a storage space for storing the solution, and the entire cell functions as a storage tank. The storage space is divided into a plurality of (13 in this example) spaces by the double-sided electrodes 28a and 28b.

  Further, an inlet port 14 communicating with the introduction path 2 (not shown in FIG. 2) is formed in one end plate 36 (upper side in the figure), and the discharge path 3 (shown in FIG. 2) is formed in the other end plate 36. A discharge port 15 communicating with (not) is formed. Further, in this example, the communication ports 31 are formed in a staggered manner in each separator 32 so that the solution introduced into the internal storage space flows in a staggered space.

  The solution introduced from the inlet 14 is subjected to an adsorption action of ions or the like on the first and second electrodes 6 and 7 while passing through a plurality of spaces sandwiched between the first electrode 6 and the second electrode 7, and has a pH. And the adjusted water to be purified is discharged from the discharge port 15.

  The voltage applied to the first electrode 6 and the second electrode 7 is not particularly limited, but is preferably set to about 0.5 to 5 V, and a range in which the water to be purified is not electrolyzed is preferable. . Specifically, it is appropriately set according to the type of water to be purified, but in the case of water to be purified mainly composed of water, 2 V or less is preferable, and 1.5 V or less is more preferable.

  If the water to be purified is electrolyzed, the liquid quality such as the ion concentration changes by itself. However, by performing the adsorption and release of ions within a range that does not substantially cause electrolysis of the water to be purified, Liquid quality is controlled only by adsorption and release, and only electrical control applied to the first and second electrodes 6 and 7 is reflected in the liquid quality, eliminating other factors, and always realizing accurate liquid quality control. In addition, the accuracy of liquid quality control can be ensured. Control within such a voltage range is particularly effective when the first and second electrodes 6 and 7 are made of a conductor that is energized with water to be purified such as metal or carbon. In addition, when electrolysis of the water to be purified occurs, there is a disadvantage that the consumption of the electrode is accelerated and maintenance costs are required, and a sludge removal facility is required.

  FIG. 6 shows a second embodiment of the present invention.

  This device is an example in which the water tank 20 and the electrode cell 30 are not provided separately, but the electrode cell 30 is built in the water tank 20 and the water tank 20 itself functions as a water purification tank. That is, the reservoir 20 itself constitutes the reservoir 1 in FIGS. 3 and 4, and the first electrode 6 and the second electrode 7 stacked at a predetermined interval are present in the reservoir 20. It is. In this example, the water supply direct connection pipe 24 or the like functions as a water supply mechanism that supplies tap water as purified water to the water purification tank. Other than that, it is the same as that of the said 1st Embodiment, and attaches | subjects the same code | symbol to the same part. This example also provides the same operational effects as the first embodiment.

  With the apparatus described above, tap water having an electrical conductivity of 20 mS / m was used as raw water, a 1.2 V DC voltage was applied, and water conditioning was performed at a flow rate of 1 liter / min. The result is shown in FIG. Fig.7 (a) is the result which put together the measured value in the table | surface, FIG.7 (b) graphs the measurement result.

  The first half 2 to 22 minutes is an alkalinization mode in which a voltage is applied using the first electrode as an anode and the second electrode as a cathode, and the latter half 24 to 40 minutes is a voltage applied using the second electrode as an anode and the first electrode as a cathode. Operation in acidification mode. It can be seen that the raw water having a pH of 7 was alkalized in the alkalinization mode and acidified in the acidification mode.

  With the above configuration, the present invention applies a DC voltage using the first electrode having a relatively large electrostatic adsorption capability as an anode and the second electrode having a relatively small electrostatic adsorption capability as a cathode, and exists in the water to be purified. Water that has been alkalized by selectively adsorbing many negative ions is distributed as a beverage. For this reason, to obtain “delicious water for health” that adsorbs and removes unpleasant odors and harmful components such as ions that are harmful to the beverage, and then selectively adsorbs a large amount of negative ions to increase the alkaline component. Can do. In addition, since there is no need to use consumables such as filters, activated carbon, and ion permeable membranes, maintenance such as replacement and regeneration of consumables is not required, and labor and costs for maintaining water purification performance are reduced. it can. In addition, it is not possible to obtain a sufficient water purification effect depending on the degree of consumption of consumables such as filters, activated carbon, and ion permeable membranes, and “healthy water that is good for health” can always be obtained.

  In the present invention, the control means applies a DC voltage to the first electrode and the second electrode to adsorb ions in the water to be purified and whether to short-circuit the first electrode and the second electrode. Alternatively, when control is performed so as to switch the discharge mode to release ions that have been adsorbed to the first electrode and the second electrode until then, the odor originally present in the water to be purified is used in the adsorption mode. It is purified and alkalized by adsorbing ions and other harmful components, but if adsorption is continued as it is, the limit of adsorption capacity will be reached. Therefore, in such a case, the control means switches to the emission mode and either the first electrode and the second electrode are short-circuited or reversed in polarity until then, and each of the first electrode and the second electrode is adsorbed until then. By discharging the ions, the first electrode and the second electrode can be regenerated. Thus, the regeneration of the first electrode and the second electrode can be repeated for adsorption, and purification and alkalinization can be repeated without using consumables.

  The control means applies a direct current to the first electrode and the second electrode so as to selectively adsorb a large amount of positive ions present in the water to be purified using the first electrode as a cathode and the second electrode as an anode. In the case of controlling the acidification of the purified water, the acidified water can be used for sterilization of the water conduit and the water conduit can always be kept clean.

  In the present invention, a drainage mechanism for draining unnecessary water from the water purification tank is provided, and the drainage mechanism is configured to drain the water in the water purification tank when operated in the discharge mode. In the discharge mode, it becomes possible to discharge water containing a lot of odors and harmful components released from the first electrode and the second electrode from the drainage mechanism. Thus, the regeneration of the first electrode and the second electrode can be repeated for adsorption, and purification and alkalinization can be repeated without using consumables.

  In the present invention, when the first electrode and the second electrode have different electrostatic adsorption capacities by different surface areas, the first electrode having a large surface area has a small surface area. Since more ions are adsorbed than the second electrode, the first electrode and the second electrode can be selected by appropriately selecting the materials of the first electrode and the second electrode or by appropriately setting the size and the number of the electrodes. It is possible to operate by appropriately setting the electrostatic adsorption capacity.

It is sectional drawing which shows the refrigerator of this invention. It is a figure which shows schematic structure of the said refrigerator. It is a figure explaining the principle of the alkalinization mode and electrode regeneration mode of the said refrigerator. It is a figure explaining the principle of the acidification mode and electrode regeneration mode of the said refrigerator. It is sectional drawing which shows the cell in which the electrode was accommodated. It is a figure which shows the 2nd example of the refrigerator of this invention. It is a figure which shows the result of having prepared tap water by this invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Storage tank 2 Introductory path 3 Discharge path 4 DC power supply part 5 Switching apparatus 6 1st electrode 7 2nd electrode 8 Control circuit 9 Flowmeter 10 pH sensor 11 Flow control valve 12 Ammeter 14 Inlet 15 Outlet 17 Bolt nut 18 Drain pipe 19 Power supply device 20 Water storage tank 21 Water distribution section 22 Drinking water supply port 23 Control box 24 Water supply direct connection pipe 25 Pipe 26 Pipe 27 Automatic ice maker 28a, 28b Double-sided electrode 30 Electrode cell 31 Communication port 32 Separator 33 Frame spacer 36 Terminal plate

Claims (5)

  A first electrode having a relatively large electrostatic adsorption capacity and a second electrode having a relatively small electrostatic adsorption capacity that are present in the water to be purified stored or flowing in the water purification tank, and a second electrode having the first electrode as an anode. Voltage supply means for applying a DC voltage to the first electrode and the second electrode using the electrode as a cathode, and a DC current to the first electrode and the second electrode so as to selectively adsorb a large amount of negative ions present in the water to be purified. For controlling the alkalinization of the water to be purified, a water supply mechanism for supplying tap water as the water to be purified to the water purification tank, and water that has been alkalized in the water purification tank is distributed as drinking water A refrigerator comprising a water distribution mechanism.   The control means applies a DC voltage to the first electrode and the second electrode to adsorb ions in the water to be purified, and short-circuits or reverses the polarity of the first electrode and the second electrode. 2. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein the refrigerator is controlled so as to switch between a discharge mode for discharging ions that have been adsorbed to the first electrode and the second electrode, respectively.   The control means applies a direct current to the first electrode and the second electrode so as to selectively adsorb a large amount of positive ions present in the water to be purified using the first electrode as a cathode and the second electrode as an anode. The refrigerator according to claim 1 or 2, which controls acidification of purified water.   The refrigerator according to claim 2 or 3, further comprising a drainage mechanism for draining unnecessary water from the water purification tank, wherein the drainage mechanism is configured to drain the water in the water purification tank when operated in the discharge mode. The refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first electrode and the second electrode have different electrostatic adsorption capacities by different surface areas.

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