JP2008006347A - Electrolytic water generator and sink equipped with this - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To discharge acid ion water containing hypochlorous acid in the early stage of a start of water passage to clean inside a water discharge pipe and also continuously suitably keep a water amount for sterilization cleaning in response to the concentration of hypochlorous acid. <P>SOLUTION: A sink comprises hypochlorous acid concentration detection means disposed in the middle of the water discharge pipe and flow amount detection means for detecting a water amount introduced into an electrolytic cell. Control means starts applying a polar direct-current voltage to an electrode which supplies the acid ion water to the water discharge pipe corresponding to the start of water passage and adjusts the application of a voltage to the electrode to a target water quality when the product of the concentration of hypochlorous acid in discharge water detected by the hypochlorous acid concentration detection means and an integrated water discharge amount from the start of water passage exceeds a predetermined lower limit cleaning amount. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an electrolyzed water generating device that electrolyzes tap water or the like to continuously generate alkaline ionized water and acidic ionized water, and a sink equipped with the same.

  The electrolyzed water generator generally includes a water purification unit that removes pollutants from raw water, an electrolyzer that electrolyzes water purified by the water purifier, a water supply pipe that supplies water from a faucet to the electrolyzer, and the electrolyzer. A discharge pipe for discharging the generated alkaline ionized water or acidic ionized water and a drain pipe for discharging water in the electrolytic cell, and for determining whether or not the water is passed for controlling the electrolytic cell. The detection means is arranged in the middle of the water supply pipe.

  And if raw water is supplied, in order to apply a voltage to a pair of electrodes arranged at positions facing each other across the diaphragm inside the electrolytic cell in response to the detection signal of the water flow state by the detection means Electrolysis is performed in the electrolytic cell, and the electrolyzed water is discharged from the water discharge pipe, either alkali ion water or acidic ion water, depending on the purpose of use, and water that does not meet the purpose is discharged from the drain pipe. If the supply of raw water is stopped by an operation such as closing the faucet, the control means stops the electrolysis in the electrolytic cell in response to the detection of the water stop state by the detection means.

  By the way, the electrolyzed water generating device is often installed in a sink that is a place for cleaning and cooking dirty dishes and ingredients, and in some cases, when draining the water inside the main body, an opening that is the end of the water discharge pipe There is a risk of inhaling dirty water drops and mist around the installation site from the edge together with air, and the microorganisms themselves and dirty water with high nutritional value for microorganisms enter the water supply pipes and electrolyzers through the water discharge pipes. Inhalation may lead to microbial growth inside.

  For this reason, in order to prevent the growth of microorganisms such as bacteria in the retained water remaining in the main body of the device, the water inside the electrolytic cell is drained by a water head difference between the open end of the discharge pipe end and the open end of the drain pipe end. However, it is difficult to completely eliminate the accumulated water, and in some cases, it may be partially contaminated with bacteria. When the water supply pipe is provided with a valve and the generation of electrolyzed water is stopped, the electrode in the electrode chamber communicating with the water discharge pipe side is used as an anode, and the water discharge pipe is formed with acidic ion water containing hypochlorous acid while intermittently passing water through the valve. The inside is washed.

  Also proposed is a method in which raw water is temporarily stored in a tank, and the stored raw water is pumped, sent to an electrolytic cell, and electrolyzed to generate water containing hypochlorous acid to clean the inside of the discharge pipe. (For example, refer to Patent Document 2).

  However, in order to allow intermittent water flow, it is necessary to add a reinforcing part to provide a water pressure resistant structure that can withstand the impact of a water hammer or the like when the water is stopped, or to provide a tank for water storage. The configuration becomes large. Since the electrolyzed water generating device is often provided in a limited space such as a sink, miniaturization is desired, but it is difficult to satisfy this requirement.

  In addition, the water quality varies depending on the location of use, and even for tap water, the concentration of chlorine ions in the raw water used to produce hypochlorous acid may vary greatly. It becomes. That is, it is not always possible to reliably perform sterilization cleaning.

  In order to cope with this point, it has also been proposed to increase the chlorine ion concentration in the raw water by adding a compound containing chlorine ions such as sodium chloride and performing electrolysis. It is difficult to stabilize the concentration after dissolving in time, and it becomes a time-consuming method of adding and using it every time it is washed, which is not suitable for actual use.

A tank in which a chlorine compound is dissolved in a predetermined concentration is provided in advance, and a pump is provided on a pipe connected from the tank branched from the water supply pipe to the water supply pipe. Although the method of making it is proposed, the apparatus itself becomes a large and complicated structure.
JP 09-262585 A JP 09-155351 A

  The present invention has been made in view of such points, and discharges acidic ion water containing hypochlorous acid at the beginning of water flow to wash the inside of the water discharge pipe, and the amount of water for sterilization washing at this time It is an object of the present invention to fortify an electrolyzed water generating apparatus that can always keep the water content appropriately according to hypochlorous acid concentration and chlorine ion concentration, and a sink equipped with the same.

  In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, an electrolyzed water generating apparatus according to the present invention comprises a water-flowing electrolyzer equipped with an electrode for electrolyzing raw water, a control means for controlling application of a DC voltage to the electrode, and raw water. It has a water supply pipe to be supplied to the electrolysis tank, a discharge pipe for discharging alkaline ion water and acidic ion water generated in the electrolysis tank, and a drain pipe for discharge. The hypochlorous acid concentration detecting means and the flow rate detecting means for detecting the amount of water introduced into the electrolytic cell, the control means is a polarity that supplies acidic ion water to the water discharge pipe in response to the start of water flow The lower limit set in advance is the product of the hypochlorous acid concentration in the discharged water detected by the hypochlorous acid concentration detecting means and the integrated water discharge amount from the start of water flow. When the cleaning amount is exceeded, aim to apply voltage to the electrode. It is characterized in that it is an intended to match the water quality.

  The water discharge pipe is cleaned at the beginning of water flow, and this cleaning operation is performed after the amount exceeding the lower limit cleaning amount in order to increase or decrease the cumulative water discharge amount according to the hypochlorous acid production concentration in the acidic ion water. Since the amount of chlorous acid is always passed through the water discharge pipe, the degree of cleaning can always be secured stably regardless of the concentration of hypochlorous acid produced, and it is clean even if the water discharge pipe is contaminated. You can get safe water.

  The present invention further includes a chlorine ion concentration detection means provided in the middle of the water supply pipe and a flow rate detection means for detecting the amount of water introduced into the electrolytic cell, and the control means supplies acidic ions to the water discharge pipe in response to the start of water flow. The product of the chlorine ion concentration detected by the chlorine ion concentration detection means and the integrated water discharge amount from the start of water flow was set in advance while applying the DC voltage of polarity that would supply water to the electrode. Another characteristic is that the voltage application to the electrode is matched with the target water quality when the lower limit cleaning amount is exceeded.

  In this case as well, the water discharge pipe is washed at the beginning of water flow, and this washing operation is performed according to the chlorine ion concentration in the raw water, which is correlated with the hypochlorous acid production concentration in the acidic ion water. Since a certain amount of hypochlorous acid is caused to flow through the water discharge pipe by increasing / decreasing the integrated water flow rate, the same level of washing can always be performed stably regardless of the chlorine ion concentration in the raw water.

  And, provided with a water flow interval detecting means for measuring the water flow interval, if the control means has determined the lower limit washing amount according to the water flow interval time measured by the water flow interval measuring means, The amount of washing suitable for the standing time in the still water state is automatically selected, and even after the standing time in the still water state becomes longer, the cleanliness after washing can always be secured stably.

  And the sink concerning this invention has the characteristics in having the above-mentioned electrolyzed water generating apparatus.

  In the present invention, cleaning is performed at the initial stage of passing water, and this cleaning operation is performed with the amount of water corresponding to the concentration of hypochlorous acid and the concentration of chlorine ions. Regardless of the flow rate, it can always be washed under a predetermined condition, and even when a contaminant enters from the outside into the water discharge pipe, sanitary and clean water can be supplied.

  Moreover, the sink concerning this invention can obtain sanitary electrolyzed water by the said electrolyzed water generating apparatus.

  Hereinafter, the present invention will be described based on an embodiment shown in the accompanying drawings. In FIG. 1, a water supply pipe 3 in which a water supply port 2 at one end is connected to a city well via a water channel switching valve 1 includes a water purification unit 4 and A first water supply branch pipe having a pressure sensor 5 for detecting water flow and branching into a first water supply branch pipe 8 and a second water supply branch pipe 9 at a water supply pipe branching section 7 and connected to an electrolytic cell 11. 8 is provided with a flow rate sensor 10. The second water supply branch pipe 9 is connected to the electrolytic cell 11 via the electrolytic auxiliary agent addition unit 12. Further, the pressure sensor 5 is provided between the water purification unit 4 and the water supply pipe branching part 7 in the water supply pipe 3. The water pressure of the purified water is detected by the pressure sensor 5 and sent to the control means 6.

  The inside of the electrolytic cell 11 is partitioned into a first electrode chamber 14 and a second electrode chamber 16 by an ion permeable diaphragm 13. A first electrode 15 is disposed in the first electrode chamber 14, and the second electrode chamber 16. The 2nd electrode 17 is arrange | positioned. The first electrode 15 and the second electrode 17 are controlled in height and polarity of the DC voltage applied by the control means 6.

  The first water supply branch pipe 8 and the water discharge pipe 18 are connected to the first electrode chamber 14 side of the electrolytic cell 9, and the second water supply branch pipe is connected to the second electrode chamber 14 side. And a water pipe 19 is connected. The water discharge pipe 18 is provided with a hypochlorous acid sensor 22 for detecting the concentration of hypochlorous acid in the water, and the output of the hypochlorous acid sensor 22 is sent to the control means 6.

  In the figure, reference numeral 23 denotes a bypass pipe 23 that connects the first water supply branch pipe 8 and the drain pipe 19, and the bypass pipe 23 is provided with a throttle portion 24 in the middle. In the figure, reference numeral 25 denotes an operation display unit having an input key and a display unit, which is disposed on the outer surface of the main body case 26. Selection of the water quality to be discharged is performed by an input key on the operation display unit 25. The operation display unit 25 displays the water quality of the discharged water. In the figure, 27 is a power plug, and 28 is a power supply unit for converting an AC power source into a DC power source.

  The operation of the electrolyzed water generating apparatus will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3. When the water quality to be discharged is selected by key operation on the operation display unit 25, the selected water quality signal is sent from the operation display unit 25 to the control means 6. (Step ST1). Next, when the user operates the water channel switching valve 1 to introduce the raw water into the water supply pipe 2 (step ST2), the raw water is dissolved in the water purification unit (purified water cartridge) 4 such as a musty odor or trihalomethane, or iron rust. Suspensions such as water and microorganisms are removed and purified (step ST3), reach the water supply branch 4 through the pressure sensor 5, and are distributed to the first water supply branch 5 and the second water supply branch 6 respectively. The purified water introduced into the first water supply branch pipe 8 passes through the flow sensor 10 and is sent into the first electrolysis chamber 14 of the electrolytic cell 11. The purified water introduced into the second water supply branch pipe 9 is introduced into the second electrolysis chamber 16 of the electrolytic cell 11 via the electrolysis auxiliary agent addition unit 12. A part of the purified water introduced into the first water supply branch pipe 8 is sent to the drain pipe 19 through the throttle part 24 of the bypass pipe 23 and discharged from the drain port 21.

  At this time, if the water pressure P1 detected by the pressure sensor 5 is equal to or higher than the predetermined water pressure P2 (step ST5), the control means 6 applies a DC voltage to the electrodes 15 and 17 disposed in the electrolytic cell 11 (step ST5). ST6). However, what is applied at this point is that the first electrode 15 in the first electrode chamber 14 communicating with the water discharge pipe 18 is the anode, and the second electrode 17 in the second electrode chamber 16 communicating with the drain pipe 19 is the cathode. This is a predetermined voltage E1 having a polarity to be applied. By applying this voltage, electrolysis of purified water is started on the surfaces of the first electrode 15 and the second electrode 17, in the vicinity of the first electrode 15, oxygen gas is generated, pH is lowered, and hypochlorous acid is generated. In the vicinity of the electrode 17, hydrogen gas is generated and pH is increased.

Then, the low-pH acidic ion water containing hypochlorous acid generated by the first electrode 15 is sent to the water discharge pipe 18 and released from the water discharge port 20, but the control means 6 applies the voltage E1. The concentration C1 of hypochlorous acid by the hypochlorous acid sensor 22 disposed in the water discharge pipe 18 when the elapsed time T1 from the start reaches a predetermined first discharge time T2 (step ST8). (Step ST9), and from the preset lower limit cleaning amount N2 and hypochlorous acid concentration C1, the following formula Q1 = N2 / C1
Based on the above, an integrated cleaning flow rate Q1 is obtained (step ST11).

  Further, the control means 6 obtains flow rate information of the purified water introduced into the first electrolysis chamber 14 through the first water supply branch pipe 8 and electrolyzed from the flow rate sensor 10, and the accumulated water discharge amount that is a cumulative water flow rate. Q2 is measured (step ST12), and it is determined whether or not the integrated water discharge amount Q2 after the application of the DC voltage E1 has reached the calculated integrated cleaning flow rate Q1 or more (step ST13).

  If the accumulated water discharge amount Q2 reaches the accumulated washing flow rate Q1 or more, the control means 6 is adapted to the water quality selected by the user by the key input of the operation display unit 25 from the application state of the voltage E1 having the above polarity. The polarity is changed to the applied state of the polarity and voltage E2 (step ST14). If the elapsed time T3 after the application state has reached a preset use waiting time T4 (step ST16), the control means 6 is ready to be used on the display panel on the operation display unit 25. In other words, it is displayed that the water of the quality selected by the selected user is being discharged from the spout 20 (step ST17).

  According to the present embodiment, prior to discharging the water of the quality desired by the user, a series of cleaning operations are performed and the pipe path including the water discharge pipe 18 that is most easily exposed to contamination from the outside is provided with a predetermined amount of water. Cleaning is performed by flowing acidic ionic water containing chlorous acid. For this reason, the inside of the water passage can always be used in a hygienic state, and the hygiene of the apparatus piping can be remarkably improved.

  In addition, poorly water-soluble salts in which calcium in the water precipitates on the surface of the electrode serving as the cathode communicating with the water discharge pipe during the production of alkaline ionized water are dissolved and discharged by washing with reverse polarity. It is possible to maintain a clean state by dissolving the hardly water-soluble salt adhering to the electrode surface and the pipe inner surface including the water discharge pipe.

  In addition, by directly measuring the concentration of hypochlorous acid that oxidatively decomposes and cleans contaminants, it is possible to precisely control the cleaning operation and to obtain a high cleaning effect with the minimum amount of water required. Is not consumed.

  Note that the lower limit cleaning amount N2 in the present embodiment is a value that is set by confirmation using an apparatus or the like that has been artificially contaminated by a test in advance. In the case of chlorination generally carried out at a water purification plant or the like, there is a concept of chlorine demand as a guide for the amount of sterilizing chlorine required for water. This is a numerical value indicating the amount of hypochlorous acid consumed by the oxidizable components present in the water to be treated. For sterilization, an excess of hypochlorous acid of about 0.1 to 0.5 mg / L is added thereto. In addition, the standard is to ensure hygiene by hypochlorous acid to the end of the water pipe.

  This is a chemical reaction in which water treatment with hypochlorous acid follows the principle of oxidation-reduction reaction. For the amount of water to be treated containing a certain amount of oxidizable component (reducing component) that is a pollutant (reducing component), This is a water purification method utilizing the fact that the amount of hypochlorous acid that is an oxidant consumed is constant.

  However, since the amount reacting with hypochlorous acid varies from component to component, the amount of hypochlorous acid consumed varies depending on the type and concentration of components contained in water. For this purpose, it is necessary to measure the chlorine demand in advance and grasp the amount of hypochlorous acid consumed by the raw water and add it.

  The electrolyzed water generating apparatus shown in the present embodiment is an application of this method, and there is a possibility that a certain amount or less of pollutants from the open end (water outlet 20) of the piping in the usage environment may be mixed as pollutants of the apparatus piping. In consideration of the above, the washing treatment is performed with a certain amount of lower limit washing amount of acidic ionic water set from the required amount of hypochlorous acid obtained in advance by a test or the like.

  According to this, in order to clean the piping that is expected to be contaminated with a certain amount of contaminants, a certain amount of hypochlorous acid should be reacted, and in the unlikely event that contaminants are mixed inside the piping. Even in this case, cleaning can be performed by applying a predetermined amount of hypochlorous acid.

  However, since the lower limit cleaning amount N2 is affected by the piping material, structure, length, etc. of the actual apparatus, it is necessary to set a value corresponding to the piping configuration. For example, in the case where an organic component is contained in a calcium agent used as an electrolysis auxiliary agent, when this organic component is mixed into the water discharge, it is necessary to set a lower limit cleaning amount N2 corresponding thereto. In addition, when a piping material such as a soft resin is used, it is necessary to consider elution of a plasticizer or the like.

  Furthermore, since the possibility of equipment contamination varies depending on the actual usage environment, the lower limit cleaning amount N2 has a margin so that it can be cleaned sufficiently by taking into account variations in the usage environment to the value derived in consideration of the piping configuration. It is better to set the predicted value.

  Further, when the integrated cleaning flow rate Q1 is obtained from the hypochlorous acid concentration C1 detected by the hypochlorous sensor 22 based on a preset lower limit cleaning amount N2, the detected hypochlorous acid concentration C1 is very high. In this case, the obtained integrated cleaning amount Q1 is extremely short. Depending on the structure of the water discharge pipe 20 of the apparatus and the like, there may be a portion that is difficult to be cleaned by the water flow. Therefore, the integrated cleaning amount Q1 is provided with a lower limit value previously derived by a test or the like. When it is determined, it is desirable to perform control so that the lower limit value is the integrated cleaning amount Q1.

  More preferably, since the flow rate is also determined by the water pressure of the raw water, when the water pressure is low, the obtained integrated cleaning amount Q1 may become very large. For this reason, when an integrated cleaning amount Q1 exceeding the upper limit value is obtained by setting an upper limit value, it is desirable to perform control so that the upper limit value is the integrated cleaning amount Q1.

  The predetermined water pressure P2 only needs to be equal to or higher than the water pressure at which water is reliably supplied into the electrolytic cell 11 during electrolysis of water, and the duration of the predetermined water pressure P2 or more is measured, and the predetermined water pressure P2 is equal to or longer than the predetermined time. It is more preferable to proceed to the next step when continuing. Moreover, while setting an upper limit water pressure, when the detected water pressure exceeds the upper limit water pressure, a warning of excessive water pressure may be given to the display panel of the operation display unit 25. It is possible to prevent water leakage due to excessive supply water pressure, breakage of piping in the apparatus, etc., and increase the safety of the apparatus.

  The first discharge time T2 after starting the application of the voltage E1 is that the acidic ion water containing hypochlorous acid generated in the first electrolysis chamber 14 of the electrolytic cell 11 after starting the voltage application passes through the water discharge pipe 18. The time required for the hypochlorous acid concentration C1 in the discharged acidic ionic water to be stabilized at a constant value is preferably set by measuring in advance.

  Similarly, the use waiting time T4 is controlled by changing the DC voltage applied between the first electrode 15 and the second electrode 17 to a voltage suitable for the water quality selected by the user, and the first electrolysis in the electrolytic cell 11 is controlled. When the discharge water is discharged from the interior of the chamber 14 via the water discharge pipe 18 from the water discharge port 20, the time until the water quality of the discharge water becomes the selected water quality and becomes a stable water quality is obtained by a test or the like in advance. Good.

  The operation display unit 25 in the present embodiment is arranged at the upper part of the main body case 26. However, the operation display unit 25 is provided anywhere as long as it is easy to operate and view when the user performs input by key operation. Good.

  As the operation display unit 25, a user can select a water quality selection item that can select pH or electrolysis voltage in addition to water quality. In addition to selecting the quality of alkaline ionized water, acidic ionized water, or purified water, it is possible to select pH when selecting alkaline ionized water or acidic ionized water, which improves usability. In the display by the operation display unit 25, in addition to the fact that usable water quality is discharged as selected, water quality that cannot be used when unselected water quality water is being discharged from the water discharge pipe 18. May be displayed. Thereby, it can avoid more reliably using the water which is not adjusted to the water quality which the user selected accidentally.

  The pressure sensor 5 in the present embodiment is provided as a water flow detection means for detecting the introduction of water into the apparatus pipe, and can be replaced with other means capable of detecting the water flow. For example, the flow rate sensor can be configured at the same position as the pressure sensor 5 of the present embodiment, and can be replaced with control by comparing the detected flow rate with a preset predetermined flow rate.

  The arrangement position of the pressure sensor 5 is not limited to the portion of the water supply pipe 3, and is stable except for the upstream side of the structural member such as the water purification unit 4 in which the pressure loss changes over time due to the piping configuration inside the apparatus. Any location where pressure can be detected is acceptable.

  In addition, the electrodes are a pair of counter electrodes of the first electrode 15 and the second electrode 17, but the number of electrodes is not limited to this, and the number of electrodes is not limited as long as the electrodes are arranged to face each other.

  Further, an impeller type sensor can be suitably used as the flow sensor 10, but a Karman vortex type, electromagnetic type, ultrasonic type, piezoelectric type or the like may be used. As the hypochlorous acid sensor 22, a polarographic sensor is used, but the sensor is not limited to this method.

  Other examples are shown in FIG. Compared to the above embodiment, the flow rate sensor 10 provided in the middle of the first water supply branch pipe 8 also has a role as water flow detection means, and the chlorine ion concentration sensor 29 is provided in the middle of the first water supply branch pipe 8. The point provided, the point provided with the drainage control valve 30 in the middle of the bypass pipe 23 connecting the first water supply branch pipe 8 and the drainage pipe 19, and the flow sensor 10 next from the water supply stop detected by the flow sensor 10. The difference is that a timer 31 for measuring the time until the start of the detected water supply is provided.

  The operation in this unit will be described in order. If the water quality is selected by key operation on the operation display unit 25 (step ST21), and raw water is introduced into the water supply pipe 3 connected to the water supply port 2 by operation of the water channel switching valve 1, (Step ST22), the raw water is purified by the water purification unit 4 (Step ST23), distributed to the first water supply branching tube 8 and the second water supply branching tube 9 by the water supply branching unit 7, respectively. The flow rate of the introduced purified water is measured when it passes through the flow rate sensor 10 (step ST24), is then sent into the first electrolysis chamber 14 of the electrolytic cell 11 via the chlorine ion concentration sensor 29, and is further passed through the water discharge pipe 18. And discharged from the spout 20. A part of the purified water introduced into the first water supply branch pipe 8 enters the bypass pipe 23 leading to the drain pipe 19, but at this time the drain control valve 30 is closed so that the purified water flows into the drain pipe 19. There is no.

  Further, the purified water introduced into the second water supply branch pipe 9 passes through the electrolysis auxiliary agent adding section 12 and is introduced into the second electrolysis chamber 16 of the electrolytic cell 11, and the drain pipe open end 20 is passed through the drain pipe 19. More discharged.

  On the other hand, the control means 6 stops the measurement of the timer 31 when the flow rate F1 detected by the flow rate sensor 10 becomes equal to or higher than the first lower limit flow rate F2 set in advance (step ST25), and the measured interval time I1. Is received (step ST26). At this time, the measurement time of the timer 31 is reset, and it will be in a standby state until the next time measurement start by the signal from the control means 6.

  And the control means 6 is the water flow interval time range (less than Ia, less than Ib, less than Ic, and I1 which does not correspond to any) divided into some preset time ranges with respect to the measurement result of the interval time I1. ) And the lower limit cleaning amount N), one of the corresponding water passage interval time ranges is selected, and a lower limit cleaning amount N2 ′ corresponding to the selected water passage interval time range I is derived (step ST27).

Thereafter, the control means 6 starts measuring the elapsed time T1 ′, which is the initial discharge time (step ST31), and if the elapsed time T1 ′ exceeds a preset first discharge time T2 ′ (step ST32). Then, the control means 6 takes in the information of the chlorine ion concentration C1 ′ in the purified water from the chlorine ion concentration sensor 29 (step ST33), and from the lower limit washing amount N2 ′ and the chlorine ion concentration C1 ′, Q1 ′ = N2 ′ / C1 ′.
The integrated cleaning flow rate Q1 ′ is obtained by the following equation (step ST34).

  The control means 6 applies a DC voltage to the first electrode 15 and the second electrode 17 in the electrolytic cell 11, and the polarity of the electrode at this time is the first in the first electrode chamber 14 communicating with the water discharge pipe 18. A predetermined voltage E1 is applied using the electrode 15 as an anode and the second electrode 17 in the second electrode chamber 15 communicating with the drain pipe 19 as a cathode (step ST35), and measurement of the elapsed time T3 ′ is started.

  By applying the predetermined voltage E1 having the above polarity, oxygen gas is generated near the first electrode 15, pH is lowered, and hypochlorous acid is generated from chlorine ions in the purified water. Hydrogen gas is generated near the second electrode 17. Is generated and the pH is raised, and the acid ion water and alkali ion water generated in each are sent to the water discharge pipe 18 and the drain pipe 19. For this reason, the water discharge pipe 18 is sterilized by the acidic ion water containing hypochlorous acid.

  If the elapsed time T3 ′ reaches the preset second discharge time T4 ′ (step ST37), the control means 6 starts the predetermined voltage E1 based on the flow rate information from the flow rate sensor 10. It is determined whether or not the accumulated water discharge amount Q2 'has reached the integrated cleaning flow rate Q1' (step ST42). If the cumulative water discharge amount Q2 'has reached the integrated cleaning flow rate Q1' or more, the polarity and voltage E1 up to that point are determined. The application state is changed to the application state of the polarity and voltage E2 that matches the water quality selected by the user through the key input of the operation display unit 25 (step ST43), and the measurement of the elapsed time T5 is started. When T5 is equal to or longer than the preset use waiting time T6 (step ST45), the control means 6 discharges the selected water quality on the display panel provided on the operation display unit 25. It is to indicate that it is available (step ST46).

  After that, if the user stops the use of the apparatus, if the supply of raw water to the water supply port 2 is stopped by operating the water channel switching valve 1 (step ST51), the water purification pipe 4 and the water supply pipe branching section from the water supply pipe 3 7, the water flow supplied to the first water supply branch pipe 8 and the second water supply branch pipe 9 is stopped, so that the flow rate F3 detected by the flow sensor 10 provided in the first water supply branch pipe 8 decreases. At the same time, when the flow rate F3 becomes lower than the preset second lower limit flow rate F4, the control means 6 stops applying the DC voltage to the first electrode 15 and the second electrode 17 (step ST54). The drain control valve 30 is opened, and the residual water inside the apparatus pipe is guided to the drain pipe 19 and discharged from the drain pipe port 21 (step ST55).

  Further, the control means 6 measures the drainage time T7 when the drainage control valve 30 is open (step ST56), and if the measured drainage time T7 exceeds the preset drainage waiting time T8 (step ST57), the drainage control. The valve 30 is closed (step ST58) and the drainage is stopped. And the control means 6 makes the timer 31 start measurement of the water flow interval time I1 until the next water flow (step ST59).

  Next, when water flow is started by the user, the operation so far is resumed from the switching operation of the waterway switching valve (step ST22). However, if the water quality is newly selected by the user through the key operation of the operation display unit 25, the operation from the first step is started (step ST21).

  In this embodiment, chlorine ion is a component that is a raw material for generating hypochlorous acid, and control is performed using the fact that hypochlorous acid correlated with this concentration is generated in the electrolytic cell 11. It has the feature in being. This is based on the fact that hypochlorous acid is generated on the surface of the electrode serving as the anode by the series of reaction equations shown below.

H ₂ O → 1 / 2O ₂ (gas) + 2H + 2e ⁻
2Cl ⁻ → Cl ₂ (gas) + 2e ⁻
Cl ₂ (dissolved) + H ₂ O → HCl + HClO
As shown in the above series of reaction formulas, a certain amount of chlorine ions Cl ⁻ ) contained in the purified water is a raw material for generating a certain amount of hypochlorous acid. Actually, since this reaction is a reaction on the anode surface, not all chlorine ions in the water are converted into hypochlorous acid, but are converted at a certain rate. Since the conversion rate at this time changes due to the influence of the structure of the water passage of the apparatus including the electrolytic cell 11, the structure of the control unit including the power source, the electrolytic auxiliary agent, etc., it is necessary to confirm in advance by a test or the like. There is a correlation that the higher the ion concentration C1 ′, the higher the generated hypochlorous acid concentration, and the lower the chlorine ion concentration C1 ′, the lower the generated hypochlorous acid concentration.

  In addition, the longer the water flow interval time I, the higher the possibility of being exposed to contamination, and there is a risk that the amount of pollutants accumulates and the amount of pollutants increases, so the water flow interval time I and the lower limit cleaning amount N2 ′ Are correlated such that the lower limit cleaning amount N2 ′ corresponding to the long water passage time interval I is large and the lower limit cleaning amount N2 ′ corresponding to the short water passage time interval I is a small value.

  However, since the possibility of equipment contamination differs depending on the actual usage environment, each lower limit cleaning amount N2 ′ is used to the value derived in consideration of the consumption of hypochlorous acid due to the piping configuration as described in Example 1. Considering the variation of the contamination state in the environment, it is preferable to set a value with a margin so that it can be cleaned sufficiently.

  Note that the relationship between the water flow interval time I and the lower limit cleaning amount N2 ′ shown in the present embodiment is not limited to the determination based on the correlation table, and the lower limit cleaning amount N2 ′ is unique from the water flow interval time I. Therefore, for example, an arithmetic expression for the water flow interval time I and the lower limit cleaning amount N2 ′ may be set.

  In any case, according to the present embodiment, an appropriate amount of acidic ionic water containing hypochlorous acid is allowed to flow through the piping path including the water discharge pipe 18 that is most easily exposed to external contamination according to the frequency of use. Can do.

  As the chloride ion concentration sensor 29, a solid film chloride ion electrode can be used, but is not limited thereto. The position where the chlorine ion concentration sensor 29 is provided is not limited to the middle of the first water supply branch pipe 8 but may be a position where the chlorine ion concentration in purified water or raw water can be measured.

  The drainage control valve 30 is preferably an electromagnetic valve that controls opening and closing by energizing a solenoid, but the method is not limited as long as the opening and closing of the bypass pipe 23 can be controlled. However, when the solenoid is energized and controlled, the heat generated during energization and the normal standing time can be taken into account, and when not in use, the normally closed type can be used to reduce heat generation and power consumption. Can do.

  The arrangement position of the flow rate sensor 10 is not limited to the middle of the first water supply branch pipe 8, but is provided for the purpose of detecting the flow rate passing through the water discharge pipe 18 from the first electrode chamber 14, For example, when providing in the middle of the water supply pipe 3 from the water purification part 4 to the water supply pipe branch part 7, the correlation between the flow rate detected by the water supply pipe 3 in advance by a test or the like and the flow rate detected by the first water supply branch pipe 8 is obtained. The flow rate in the 1st feed water branch pipe 8 can be derived by calculation from the detected flow rate.

  During the first discharge time T2 ′, chlorine ions in the purified water discharged from the discharge port 20 through the flow sensor 10 through the first water supply branch pipe 8, the first electrode chamber 14 of the electrolytic cell 11 and the water discharge pipe 18 in this order. Set enough time for the concentration to stabilize.

  Further, during the second discharge time T4 ′, hypochlorous acid in the discharged water when water containing hypochlorous acid generated in the first electrode chamber 14 of the electrolytic cell 11 is discharged from the discharge port 20 is used. The time until the concentration stabilizes is set by confirming in advance by a test or the like.

  Similarly, the use waiting time T6 sets a time required until the quality of the discharged water is stabilized when the water adjusted to the water quality selected by the user is discharged from the spout 20.

  When the drain electromagnetic valve 30 is opened and drained, the residual water inside is introduced from the discharge pipe opening end 20 into the bypass pipe 23 via the first electrode chamber 14 and the first water supply branch pipe 8 of the electrolytic cell 11 and opened. It passes through the drainage control valve 30 in the state and is led to the drain pipe 19 to be drained. Further, a part of the water is introduced from the first water supply branch pipe 8 through the water supply pipe branching portion 7 to the second water supply branch pipe 9 and the second electrode chamber 16 to the drain pipe and drained. Since the time required for this series of drainage changes significantly depending on the apparatus piping structure and the like, it is preferable to set the drain waiting time T8 by confirming in advance the time for which drainage is sufficiently completed by a test or the like.

  The sink according to the present invention includes any one of the above electrolyzed water generating devices, the water channel switching valve 1 and the water faucet, and the water channel switching valve 1 supplies raw water to the electrolyzed water generating device side. It can be switched to the faucet side. For this reason, electrolyzed water can be obtained by the switching operation of the water channel switching valve 1.

It is a block piping figure in an example of an embodiment of the invention. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement same as the above. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement same as the above. It is a block piping figure in other examples. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement same as the above. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement same as the above. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement same as the above. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement same as the above.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Waterway switching valve 2 Water supply port 3 Water supply pipe 4 Water purifier 5 Pressure sensor 6 Control means 8 1st water supply branch pipe 9 2nd water supply branch pipe 10 Flow rate sensor 11 Electrolysis tank 14 1st electrolysis chamber 15 1st electrode 16 2nd electrolysis Chamber 17 Second electrode 22 Hypochlorous acid sensor 23 Bypass pipe 24 Restriction section 25 Operation display section 29 Chloride ion concentration sensor 30 Drain control valve 31 Timer

Claims (4)

A flow-through electrolytic cell equipped with an electrode for electrolyzing raw water, a control means for controlling application of a DC voltage to the electrode, a water supply pipe for supplying raw water to the electrolytic cell, and alkali ions generated in the electrolytic cell An electrolyzed water generating device having a water discharge pipe for discharging water or acidic ion water and a drain pipe for discharging, a hypochlorous acid concentration detecting means disposed in the water discharge pipe, and an electrolytic cell And a flow rate detecting means for detecting the amount of water introduced into the
The control means starts application of a DC voltage having a polarity to supply acidic ion water to the water discharge pipe in response to the start of water flow to the electrode, and the water discharge detected by the hypochlorous acid concentration detection means. When the product of the hypochlorous acid concentration and the cumulative water discharge amount from the start of water flow exceeds the preset lower limit washing amount, the voltage application to the electrode should be adapted to the target water quality An electrolyzed water generator characterized by the above. A flow-through electrolytic cell equipped with an electrode for electrolyzing raw water, a control means for controlling application of a DC voltage to the electrode, a water supply pipe for supplying raw water to the electrolytic cell, and alkali ions generated in the electrolytic cell An electrolyzed water generating device having a water discharge pipe for discharging water and acid ions and a drain pipe for discharging, and introduced into an electrolytic cell, a chlorine ion concentration detecting means provided in the middle of the water supply pipe. A flow rate detecting means for detecting the amount of water
The control means starts application of a polarity direct voltage to the electrode to supply acidic ion water to the water discharge pipe in response to the start of water flow, and the chlorine ion concentration detected by the chlorine ion concentration detection means Electrolyzed water generation characterized in that when the product of the integrated water discharge amount from the start of water flow exceeds a preset lower limit washing amount, voltage application to the electrode is adapted to the target water quality apparatus.   The water flow interval detecting means for measuring the water flow interval is provided, and the control means determines the lower limit washing amount according to the water flow interval time measured by the water flow interval measuring means. The electrolyzed water generating apparatus according to 1 or 2.   A sink provided with the electrolyzed water generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

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