JP2012179567A - Electrolyzed water production device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an electrolyzed water production device that can carry out washing with a precise washing pattern more suitable for the use environment.SOLUTION: The electrolyzed water production device includes: an electrolysis vessel 2 which is provided with at least a pair of electrodes 2a, 2b, i.e., an anode and a cathode; a control unit 4 which controls the flow of electricity into the electrodes 2a, 2b; a storage unit 5 which stores multiple washing patterns with respect to at least one of washing frequency, washing time and washing strength for preventing the adhesion of scales onto the electrodes 2a, 2b; and an operation unit 6 which selects one washing pattern from the multiple washing patterns stored in the storage unit 5.

Description

  The present invention relates to an electrolyzed water generating device that generates electrolyzed water.

  Conventionally, the voltage generated between the electrodes and the current flowing between the electrodes are compared with the initial state before the scale is attached, and when the difference exceeds a predetermined value, the cleaning means is operated to adhere to the electrode surface. There is known a water conditioner that removes existing scale material (see Patent Document 1). According to such a water conditioner, even if the degree of scale adhesion and precipitation varies depending on the water quality and region, etc., it is cleaned under appropriate conditions to prevent deterioration due to over-cleaning or insufficient cleaning of the electrode and deterioration of function. be able to.

JP-A-6-254561

  However, since the conventional water conditioner is washed after the scale is attached to some extent, there is a problem in that the electrolysis efficiency is lowered and the stable performance is not obtained until washing.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide an electrolyzed water generating apparatus capable of performing cleaning with an accurate cleaning pattern corresponding to a use environment.

  The present invention is an electrolyzed water generating device for generating electrolyzed water, comprising an electrolytic cell comprising at least a pair of electrodes of an anode and a cathode, a control unit for controlling energization to the electrodes, and a scale attached to the electrodes. A storage unit that stores a plurality of cleaning patterns including at least one of a cleaning frequency, a cleaning time, and a cleaning strength for preventing, and a selection unit that selects any of the plurality of cleaning patterns stored in the storage unit It is characterized by providing.

  Further, in the present invention, a detection unit that detects a voltage value or a current value between the electrodes at the time of electrolyzed water generation is provided, and the control unit stores a plurality of data stored in the storage unit according to a detection value of the detection unit. Any one of the cleaning patterns may be selected.

  Further, in the present invention, the storage unit stores an initial value of a current value or a voltage value at the time of electrolyzed water generation, and the control unit is configured such that the detection value of the detection unit after cleaning is a voltage compared to the initial value. When the current is high or the current is low, a cleaning pattern that is one step stronger than the current cleaning pattern among the plurality of cleaning patterns stored in the storage unit may be selected as the next cleaning pattern.

  Further, in the present invention, when the detected value of the detection unit after cleaning is higher in voltage or less in current than the initial value, the control unit performs cleaning frequency, cleaning based on the detected value and the initial value. A new cleaning pattern may be selected by calculating either time or cleaning strength.

  Moreover, in this invention, when the said control part is equipped with the mode electrolyzed with a several different voltage, you may select a washing pattern according to the strength of the applied voltage at the time of electrolyzed water production | generation.

  Further, in the present invention, a calculation unit that calculates an electrode usage that is a value obtained by multiplying a value of a current flowing between the electrodes and a water flow amount or a water flow time is provided, and the control unit is calculated by the calculation unit. Cleaning may be performed when the electrode usage reaches a predetermined value.

  According to the present invention, since any one of a plurality of cleaning patterns stored in the storage unit is selected, an electrolyzed water generating device capable of performing cleaning with an accurate cleaning pattern corresponding to the use environment is provided. Is possible.

It is a block diagram of the electrolyzed water generating apparatus in 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the washing | cleaning pattern memorize | stored in the memory | storage part in 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the operation part in 1st Embodiment. It is a block diagram of the electrolyzed water generating apparatus in 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the washing | cleaning pattern memorize | stored in the memory | storage part in 2nd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the electrolyzed water generating apparatus in 2nd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the electrolyzed water generating apparatus in 3rd Embodiment. It is a block diagram of the electrolyzed water generating apparatus in 5th Embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the washing | cleaning pattern memorize | stored in the memory | storage part in 5th Embodiment.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of an electrolyzed water generating apparatus in the first embodiment. As shown in this figure, the electrolytic cell 2 is divided into two by a diaphragm 2c into a cathode chamber having a cathode 2a and an anode chamber having an anode 2b. When water flows into the electrolytic cell 2 from the raw water inlet 1 and a voltage is applied to the cathode 2a and the anode 2b, alkaline water is generated in the cathode chamber and acidic water is generated in the anode chamber. The alkaline water generated in this way is discharged from the alkaline water outlet 3a, and the acidic water is discharged from the acidic water outlet 3b. The control unit 4 is a microcomputer or the like that controls each process such as control of energization to the electrodes 2a and 2b. The storage unit 5 is a memory or the like that stores a plurality of cleaning patterns. The operation unit 6 is a group of operation buttons for selecting one of a plurality of cleaning patterns stored in the storage unit 5. The display unit 7 is a liquid crystal display or the like that displays operation details and the like.

  In such an electrolyzed water generating apparatus, adhesion of scales or the like to the electrodes 2a and 2b can be prevented by applying a voltage with the polarity reversed. Since the degree of adhesion of scales and the like varies depending on the water quality, a plurality of cleaning patterns are incorporated in the internal software in advance. Thereby, the user can select the cleaning pattern in accordance with the local environment where the device is used. The cleaning patterns include those that change the cleaning frequency, those that change the cleaning time, and those that change the cleaning strength (for example, the applied voltage value during cleaning). The higher the hardness, the easier the scale adheres. Therefore, it is preferable to increase the frequency of cleaning, increase the cleaning time, or increase the applied voltage value during cleaning. Thereby, it can wash | clean with the exact washing | cleaning pattern according to a use environment, and can prevent adhesion of a scale.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the cleaning pattern stored in the storage unit 5. As shown in this figure, the storage unit 5 stores a plurality of cleaning patterns. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 2A, three cleaning frequency patterns of “every 10 times water flow”, “every 5 times water flow”, and “every time” are stored. Further, as shown in FIG. 2B, three cleaning time patterns of “5 seconds”, “10 seconds”, and “15 seconds” are stored. Further, as shown in FIG. 2C, three applied voltage patterns “10V”, “20V”, and “30V” are stored. Here, three cleaning patterns are stored for all conditions of cleaning frequency, cleaning time, and cleaning strength, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, three cleaning patterns may be stored only for the cleaning time. Also, the number of cleaning patterns is not limited to three as long as it is plural.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of the operation unit 6. As shown in the figure, the operation unit 6 includes a return button 6a, a selection button 6b, and an enter button 6c. When the selection button 6b is pressed, the cleaning pattern is switched, and when the determination button 6c is pressed, the cleaning pattern being selected can be determined. The cleaning pattern determined (selected) in this way can be notified to the user by displaying it on the display unit 7 or making a buzzer sound. Of course, the shape of the operation part 6 is not limited to this, For example, the some button corresponding to each washing | cleaning pattern may be provided. Further, which cleaning mode is selected may be displayed on an LED near the operation unit 6.

  As described above, according to the electrolyzed water generating apparatus in the first embodiment, since any one of the plurality of cleaning patterns stored in the storage unit 5 is selected, the cleaning is performed with an accurate cleaning pattern corresponding to the use environment. It can be performed. As a result, when the hardness is high, the scale can be prevented from adhering to the surface, and excessive cleaning can be prevented to prevent the electrode from being consumed. Therefore, the electrode life can be extended.

(Second Embodiment)
FIG. 4 is a configuration diagram of the electrolyzed water generating device in the second embodiment. As shown in FIG. 4, the electrolyzed water generating device includes a detection unit 8 that detects a voltage value or a current value between the electrodes 2 a and 2 b during electrolyzed water generation. Then, the control unit 4 selects one of the plurality of cleaning patterns stored in the storage unit 5 according to the detection value of the detection unit 8. Specifically, the conductivity or electrolyte concentration is estimated from the voltage applied between the electrodes 2a and 2b and the flowing current. Then, as shown in FIG. 5, the estimated conductivity is applied to a previously stored cleaning pattern table to determine a cleaning pattern.

  Moreover, the memory | storage part 5 may memorize | store the initial value of the electric current value or voltage value at the time of electrolyzed water production | generation. The initial value here means a value at the start of use. As a result, the control unit 4 determines that the current cleaning pattern among the plurality of cleaning patterns stored in the storage unit 5 when the detected value of the detection unit 8 after cleaning is higher than the initial value or when the current is small. A cleaning pattern that is one step stronger is selected as the next cleaning pattern.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of the electrolyzed water generating apparatus in the second embodiment. First, the current value a or the voltage value α between the electrodes 2a and 2b is detected within, for example, less than 2 seconds after the start of water flow, and the cleaning pattern X is determined (S1 → S2 → S3 → S4). Further, after the cleaning is completed, the current value b or the voltage value β between the electrodes 2a and 2b is detected (S5 → S6 → S7). When current value a> current value b or voltage value β> voltage value α, the cleaning pattern X + 1 that is one step stronger than the current cleaning pattern X is determined as the next cleaning pattern (S8 → S9). ). On the other hand, if the current value a <current value b or the voltage value β <voltage value α, the current cleaning pattern X is continuously determined as the next cleaning pattern (S8 → S10). Alternatively, the cleaning pattern X-1 that is one step weaker than the current cleaning pattern X may be determined as the next cleaning pattern (S8 → S10).

  As described above, according to the electrolyzed water generating device in the second embodiment, it is possible to perform cleaning with an accurate cleaning pattern corresponding to the use environment, as in the first embodiment. In addition, since the cleaning pattern is automatically selected, the user's hand is not bothered. Furthermore, it is possible to cope with the case where the hardness varies due to the season or the like.

(Third embodiment)
The block diagram of the electrolyzed water generating apparatus in 3rd Embodiment is the same as 2nd Embodiment (FIG. 4). As shown in FIG. 7, the control unit 4 in the present embodiment, when the detection value of the detection unit 8 after cleaning is higher than the initial value or when the current is small, based on the detection value and the initial value. Any one of the cleaning frequency, the cleaning time, and the cleaning intensity is calculated (S21), and a new cleaning pattern is selected (S22).

  That is, the resistance value between the electrodes 2 a and 2 b is measured from the voltage applied between the electrodes 2 a and 2 b in the initial stage of water flow and the flowing current, and is stored in the storage unit 5. And the resistance value between electrode 2a, 2b is measured with the same voltage after completion | finish of washing | cleaning, and it compares with the initial value of water flow. Here, if the electrolysis efficiency is worse than the initial value of water flow, a new cleaning pattern is calculated and the cleaning pattern is selected.

  For example, when the current value after cleaning is lower than the initial current value, the control unit 4 calculates a ratio that is reduced from the ratio between the two, and calculates a cleaning time that is obtained by adding a time corresponding to the ratio. More specifically, when the current value after cleaning is 80% of the initial current value, 100% / 80% = 1.25, and the cleaning time is 1.25 times the previous time. Then, the condition is selected as a new cleaning pattern, and cleaning is performed with the cleaning pattern at the next cleaning. If the current value after cleaning is the same as the initial current value, the cleaning pattern that has been executed is stored, and cleaning is performed with the cleaning pattern at the next cleaning.

  As described above, according to the electrolyzed water generating device in the third embodiment, the same effect as in the second embodiment can be obtained. In addition, since a new cleaning pattern is calculated based on the detection value and the like, it is possible to execute cleaning with an optimal cleaning pattern according to the use environment.

(Fourth embodiment)
The block diagram of the electrolyzed water generating apparatus in 4th Embodiment is the same as 2nd Embodiment (FIG. 4). When the control unit 4 according to the present embodiment includes a mode for electrolysis with a plurality of different voltages, the cleaning pattern is selected according to the strength of the applied voltage when the electrolyzed water is generated.

  That is, the degree of adhesion of the scale varies depending on the value of the current that flows when the electrolyzed water is generated, and the larger the current, the easier the adhesion. Therefore, in the electrolyzed water generating apparatus having a plurality of electrolysis modes with different voltages to be applied, the control unit 4 corresponds to the electrolysis mode used immediately before from the cleaning patterns stored in the storage unit 5 in advance. Select a cleaning pattern.

  As described above, according to the electrolyzed water generating device in the fourth embodiment, the cleaning pattern can be selected depending on the electrolysis mode. That is, since a washing pattern can be selected according to the quality of raw water and the flowing current, it is possible to exhibit stable electrolytic performance, and it is not necessary to perform excessive washing.

(Fifth embodiment)
FIG. 8 is a configuration diagram of the electrolyzed water generating device in the fifth embodiment. As shown in FIG. 8, the electrolyzed water generating apparatus includes a calculation unit 9 that calculates the electrode usage, which is a value obtained by multiplying the value of the current flowing between the electrodes 2 a and 2 b and the amount of water flow or the time of water flow. Yes. The control unit 4 performs cleaning when the electrode usage calculated by the calculation unit 9 reaches a predetermined value.

  That is, the degree of scale adhesion is affected by the value of current flowing between the electrodes 2a and 2b, the amount of water flow, or the time of water flow. The scale is more likely to adhere as the current value is higher, and the scale is more likely to adhere as the amount of water passing increases or the time for passing water increases. Accordingly, a value obtained by multiplying the current value by the amount of water flow or the water passage time is set as the electrode usage, and cleaning is performed when the electrode usage reaches a value set according to the water quality.

  In addition, regarding the voltage applied at the time of cleaning and the cleaning time, when the conductivity is high, a large amount of current flows even if the voltage value is small, so the voltage applied at the time of cleaning may be a small value. In addition, since the longer the cleaning time, the more effective, the higher the conductivity, the more effective the cleaning is for a longer time than when the conductivity is low. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 9, a section corresponding to the water quality is divided for each estimated conductivity, and the applied voltage and the cleaning time in the cleaning mode are set for each section. When the electrode usage reaches a predetermined value set in advance, cleaning is performed. The value of the electrode usage for performing cleaning may be made constant, the applied voltage or the cleaning time may be changed depending on the water quality, and the value of the electrode usage for cleaning may be changed depending on the water quality.

  As mentioned above, according to the electrolyzed water generating apparatus in 5th Embodiment, since it wash | cleans according to the use condition of an electrode, the stable electrolysis performance can be exhibited and it is not necessary to perform excessive washing | cleaning.

  In addition, although preferred embodiment was described above, this invention is not limited to the said embodiment, A various deformation | transformation is possible. For example, the electrolytic cell 2 only needs to include at least a pair of electrodes, and the configuration can be changed as appropriate.

2a, 2b Electrode 2 Electrolytic cell 4 Control part (selection part)
5 storage unit 6 operation unit (selection unit)
8 Detection unit 9 Calculation unit

Claims (6)

An electrolyzed water generating device for generating electrolyzed water,
An electrolytic cell comprising at least a pair of electrodes of an anode and a cathode;
A control unit for controlling energization to the electrodes;
A storage unit for storing a plurality of cleaning patterns including at least one of a cleaning frequency, a cleaning time, and a cleaning strength for preventing scales attached to the electrodes;
A selection unit for selecting any of a plurality of cleaning patterns stored in the storage unit;
An electrolyzed water generating apparatus comprising: A detection unit that detects a voltage value or a current value between the electrodes during electrolyzed water generation,
The electrolyzed water generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit selects any one of a plurality of cleaning patterns stored in the storage unit according to a detection value of the detection unit. The storage unit stores an initial value of a current value or a voltage value at the time of electrolyzed water generation,
When the detected value of the detection unit after cleaning is higher in voltage or less in current than the initial value, the control unit is more than the current cleaning pattern among the plurality of cleaning patterns stored in the storage unit. 3. The electrolyzed water generating apparatus according to claim 2, wherein a stepwise strong cleaning pattern is selected as the next cleaning pattern.   When the detected value of the detection unit after cleaning is higher than the initial value or when the current is low, the control unit may determine any of the cleaning frequency, the cleaning time, and the cleaning intensity based on the detected value and the initial value. The electrolyzed water generating apparatus according to claim 3, wherein a new cleaning pattern is selected by calculating the above.   The said control part selects the washing | cleaning pattern according to the strength of the applied voltage at the time of electrolyzed water production | generation, when it has the mode which electrolyzes with a several different voltage, The any one of Claims 2-4 characterized by the above-mentioned. The electrolyzed water generating apparatus according to one item. A calculation unit that calculates an electrode usage that is a value obtained by multiplying a current value flowing between the electrodes and a water flow amount or a water flow time;
The electrolyzed water generating apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the controller performs cleaning when the electrode usage calculated by the calculator reaches a predetermined value.

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