JP2012223685A - Device for generating electrolyzed water and sink provided with device for generating electrolyzed water - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a device for generating electrolyzed water in which a sterilizing component amount contained in acid water is increased.SOLUTION: The device for generating electrolyzed water includes: a supply path 4 for supplying raw water from the outside; an electrolytic cell 12 into which water is introduced from the supply path 4 and which electrolyzes the water to generate alkaline ionized water and acid ionized water; a discharge path 17 for discharging the alkaline ionized water; a drainage path 18 for draining the acid ionized water; a control section 20 for controlling the electrolysis; and an agent addition section 23 for adding a sterilizing component-generating auxiliary agent to the water, wherein, when raw water supply resumes after being stopped for a set predetermined time, the control section 20 performs the electrolysis in the electrolytic cell 12 to mixed water to which the sterilizing component-generating auxiliary agent is added, generates acid water containing a sterilizing component, and performs control for a washing operation for passing the acid water to the discharge path 17.

Description

  The present invention relates to an electrolyzed water generating apparatus and a sink equipped with the electrolyzed water generating apparatus, and more particularly, to sterilization cleaning in the electrolyzed water generating apparatus.

  Conventionally, an electrolyzed water generating apparatus discharges a water purification unit that filters raw water, an electrolytic cell that electrolyzes water (purified water) filtered by the water purification unit, and water (ionic water) that is electrolyzed by purified water or an electrolytic cell. A water discharge channel and a control unit that controls electrolysis are provided.

  By the way, if the water is not used for a certain period of time after the water stoppage, bacteria and the like enter from the side of the discharge channel, etc., and the purified water whose sterilizing component (chlorine) has been reduced by filtration is contaminated with bacteria. May be discharged from the water discharge channel.

  Therefore, like the electrolyzed water generating apparatus shown in Patent Document 1 and the like, when the raw water is re-supplied, acidic water containing hypochlorous acid (hypochlorous acid water) is generated in the electrolytic cell, and the acidic water There are some which sterilize and wash the water discharge passage by passing the water through the water discharge passage. And in the said apparatus, when the water stop elapsed time from the time of water stop to the time of the start of water flow is within a predetermined time, a sterilization washing time proportional to the water stop elapsed time is set, and when the predetermined time is exceeded By setting a certain sterilization cleaning time, excessive consumption of water and time during cleaning is suppressed.

JP 2007-90183 A

  However, in the electrolyzed water generation measures as described above, hypochlorous acid (a sterilizing component) is generated from residual chlorine in the purified water. Therefore, in a device with a small electrolytic tank capacity or a device with a low voltage output, the sterilizing component is It is difficult to produce and may be insufficiently sterilized or disinfected with acidic water.

  Therefore, in view of this situation, it is an object to provide an electrolyzed water generating device that easily generates a sterilizing component and increases the amount of the sterilizing component contained in acidic water and a sink equipped with the electrolyzed water generating device. did.

  In order to solve the above-described problems, an electrolyzed water generating apparatus of the present invention includes a supply path to which raw water is supplied from the outside, and water is introduced from the supply path to electrolyze the water to generate alkaline ionized water and acidic ionized water. An electrolyzer that generates water, a water discharge channel that discharges the alkaline ionized water, a drainage channel that discharges the acidic ionized water, a control unit that controls the electrolysis, and a sterilizing component generation auxiliary agent added to the water And after the supply of the raw water is stopped, when the predetermined time after the stop state is set, when the supply is resumed, the control unit supplies the mixed water to which the sterilizing component generation auxiliary agent is added. The electrolysis is performed in the electrolytic cell to generate acidic water containing a sterilizing component, and control for a washing operation of passing the acidic water through the water discharge channel is performed.

  As the electrolyzed water generating device, it is preferable that the control unit performs ratio change control for changing a water amount ratio between the water flow rate of the water discharge channel and the water flow rate of the drainage channel during the control for the cleaning operation.

  As the electrolyzed water generation device, the agent addition unit stores an agent storage unit that stores the sterilization component generation auxiliary agent, and the sterilization component generation assist that is supplied from the agent storage unit to the supply water that is supplied from the electrolytic cell. A mixing section for mixing the agent and a water supply passage for circulating the supply water from the electrolytic cell to the mixing unit, wherein the water supply channel has an opening end on the electrolytic cell side above an opening end on the mixing unit side Preferably it is located.

  As the electrolyzed water generating device, an overflow mixed water discharge path is provided in the mixing section, and a connection port of the mixed water discharge path with the mixing section is below the opening end on the mixing section side of the water supply path. It is preferable that the opening area of the connection port is larger than the opening area of the opening end on the mixing unit side.

  As the electrolyzed water generating apparatus, it is preferable that a stirring unit that stirs and mixes the supply water and the sterilizing component generation auxiliary agent is provided in the mixing unit.

  As the electrolyzed water generating device, it is preferable that a water storage section for storing the mixed water is provided below the mixing section.

  As the electrolyzed water generating apparatus, it is preferable that the control unit performs a water storage portion rinsing control in which the alkaline ionized water is caused to flow from the electrolytic cell to the water storage portion after the cleaning operation using the acidic water.

  The electrolyzed water generating apparatus includes a notifying unit that notifies the execution of the cleaning operation to the outside, and the control unit causes the notifying unit to notify the execution of the cleaning operation when the cleaning operation is performed at the time of restart. It is preferable to perform advance control.

  As the electrolyzed water generating apparatus, a notification unit that notifies the end time of the cleaning operation to the outside is provided, and the control unit notifies the notification unit of the time when the cleaning operation is performed during the restart. It is preferable to carry out.

  The sink of the present invention includes any one of the above-described electrolyzed water generating apparatuses.

  By setting it as such a structure, it is easy to produce | generate a bactericidal component at the time of acidic water production | generation, and can make it easy to increase the quantity of the bactericidal component contained in acidic water.

It is composition explanatory drawing of the electrolyzed water generating apparatus of a 1st embodiment. It is structure explanatory drawing of the mixing part periphery of an electrolyzed water generating apparatus same as the above. It is the (a) perspective view and (b) sectional drawing of the communicating path communication state of the stirring part and adjustment part of an electrolyzed water generating apparatus same as the above. It is the (a) perspective view and (b) front view of the communicating path obstruction | occlusion state of the stirring part and adjustment part of an electrolyzed water generating apparatus same as the above. It is the (a) top view and (b) side view of the 1st disk part of the adjustment part of an electrolyzed water generating apparatus same as the above. It is (a) top view and (b) side view of the 2nd disk part of the adjustment part of an electrolyzed water generating apparatus same as the above. It is the example which used the liquid crystal for the display part, (a) is a figure of water stop elapsed time information, (b) is a figure of a washing notice display, and (c) is a figure of remaining time information. It is the example which used the light emission part for the display part, (a) is a figure of water stop elapsed time alert | report, (b) is a figure of a washing | cleaning notice display, (c) is a figure of remaining time alert | report. It is composition explanatory drawing of the sink provided with the electrolyzed water generating apparatus of 1st Embodiment.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

(First embodiment)
As shown in FIG. 1, the electrolyzed water generating apparatus 1 of the first embodiment includes a water purification unit 5 that filters raw water supplied from the outside, and an electrolytic cell 12 that electrolyzes water filtered by the water purification unit 5. And a control unit 20 for controlling the electrolysis of the electrolytic cell 12. And the electrolyzed water production | generation apparatus 1 produced | generated by the electrolysis by the supply path 4 connected to the external raw | natural water pipe 2 and the purified water part 5, the purified water introduction path 6 which connects the purified water part 5 and the electrolytic cell 12, and electrolysis. The water discharge path 17 which flows out one side of ionic water outside, and the drainage path 18 which flows out the other side of ionic water outside are provided. The supply path 4 is connected to the raw water pipe 2 via the water tap 3, and the operation of switching between opening and closing the water tap 3 is performed by an external operation of the user. The switching operation of the faucet 3 may be controlled by the control unit 20 by providing a switching valve in the faucet 3.

  After the raw water is introduced from the supply path 4 and the raw water is filtered, the water purification unit 5 flows out the filtered water (purified water) to the purified water introduction path 6. And the water purification part 5 has as a filtration member, for example, activated carbon which adsorbs residual chlorine etc. from raw water, and a hollow fiber membrane module which removes impurities, bacteria, etc. from raw water, and distributes raw water to the filtration member, Filter raw water.

  The water purification introduction path 6 detects the presence / absence of water flow and the flow rate of water flow, and outputs the detection result to the control unit 20, and the electrical conductivity (conductivity) of the purified water provided downstream of the water flow sensor 9. And an agent supply unit 10 for supplying an electrolytic auxiliary agent for improving the water to purified water.

  And the purified water introduction path 6 has the connection part with the electrolytic cell 12 branched into the 1st introduction path 7 and the 2nd introduction path 8, and the 1st introduction path 7 and the 2nd introduction path 8 are each in the electrolytic cell 12. Connected. The first introduction path 7 is provided with a switching valve (introduction valve 11) for switching between opening and closing of the first introduction path 7 and a stepping motor (not shown) for changing the opening amount of the introduction valve 11. The switching operation of the introduction valve 11 is controlled by the control unit 20 via a stepping motor. Therefore, the control part 20 changes the water flow rate of the 1st introduction path 7 via the introduction valve 11, and the ratio which changes the water volume ratio of the water flow rate of the 1st introduction path 7 and the water flow rate of the 2nd introduction path Change control can be performed.

  The electrolytic cell 12 includes a diaphragm 16 that divides the electrolytic cell 12 into two electrolytic chambers (a first electrolytic chamber 13 and a second electrolytic chamber 14), and a pair of electrode plates 15 (a first electrode disposed in the electrolytic cell 12). Electrode plate 15a and second electrode plate 15b), and the diaphragm is permeable to ions and the like, and is impermeable to water.

  The first introduction path 7 is connected to the bottom side (upstream side) of the first electrolysis chamber 13, and the water discharge path 17 is connected to the first electrolysis chamber 13 on the ceiling side (downstream side). The second introduction path 8 is connected to the bottom side (upstream side) of the second electrolysis chamber 14, and the drain path 18 is connected to the ceiling side (downstream side) of the second electrolysis chamber 14.

  The electrolytic cell 12 has a first electrode plate 15a disposed in the first electrolysis chamber 13, a second electrode plate 15b disposed in the second electrolysis chamber 14, and an electrode in a state where purified water is introduced into each electrolysis chamber. By applying a voltage to the plate 15, the purified water in the electrolytic cell 12 is electrolyzed.

  In the electrolysis, for example, by applying a voltage to the electrode plate 15 so that the first electrode plate 15a is a cathode and the second electrode plate 15b is an anode, alkaline ionized water is generated in the first electrolysis chamber 13. Then, acidic ion water is generated in the second electrolysis chamber 14. Then, by switching the polarities of the first electrode plate 15 a and the second electrode plate 15 b, acidic ion water is generated in the first electrolysis chamber 13, and alkaline ion water is generated in the second electrolysis chamber 14.

  As described above, ionic water generated by electrolysis (electrolytic treatment) is generated in the first electrolysis chamber 13 as either alkali ion water or acidic ion water, and in the second electrolysis chamber 14 the alkali ion water. And the other of acidic ionic water are produced. And the ionic water produced | generated in the 1st electrolysis chamber 13 is discharged outside from the water discharge channel 17, and the ionic water produced | generated in the 2nd electrolysis chamber 14 is discharged | emitted from the drainage channel 18 outside. Furthermore, when the control unit 20 performs the ratio change control, the water amount ratio between the water discharge amount of the water discharge passage 17 and the water discharge amount of the drainage passage 18 is changed.

  The voltage applied to the electrode plate 15 is controlled by the control unit 20 and supplied from the power supply unit 21 via the control unit 20. The power supply unit 21 has a connection end 21a that is electrically connected to an external power supply (not shown) such as a commercial power supply, and is supplied with power from the external power supply through the connection end 21a. For example, an AC voltage from the external power supply (Power) is converted into a DC voltage and then supplied to the control unit 20.

  Further, the electrolyzed water generating apparatus 1 generates normal cleaning water for discharging water (usually used) or purified water from the water discharge path 17, generates cleaning water having a sterilizing component, and passes the cleaning water to the water discharging path 17. It has a washing operation for irrigating and a standby operation that enters a dormant state when the supply of raw water is stopped. The normal operation includes a purified water mode in which purified water is discharged from the water discharge channel 17 without electrolysis, an alkaline ion water mode in which alkaline ion water is generated and discharged from the water discharge channel 17, and acidic ion water is generated and discharged from the water discharge channel 17. And an acidic ion water mode. Details of each mode of normal operation, cleaning operation, and standby operation will be described later together with the description of the control unit 20.

  Moreover, the wash water produced | generated by washing | cleaning operation | movement becomes the hypochlorous acid water which has sterilizing components, such as hypochlorous acid and a hypochlorite ion, and is acidic water. Therefore, in the cleaning operation mode, the first electrolysis chamber 13 is cleaned by electrolyzing water in the electrolytic cell 12 by applying a voltage so that the first electrode plate 15a serves as an anode and the second electrode plate 15b serves as a cathode. Water is generated, and the generated cleaning water is passed through the water discharge path 17 to sterilize and wash the water discharge path 17.

In addition, the reaction at the time of the production | generation of hypochlorous acid water is as follows, for example.
・ Anode side 2H ₂ O → 4H ⁺ + O ₂ + 4e ⁻
2Cl ⁻ → Cl ₂ + 2e ⁻
・ Cathode side 6H ₂ O + 6e ⁻ → 6OH ⁻ + 3H ₂
Cl ₂ + H ₂ O → HClO + HCl
The Cl ₂ produced on the anode side is further
HClO → ClO ⁻ + H ⁺
As described above, hypochlorous acid water (acidic) mainly composed of HClO (hypochlorous acid), HCl (hydrochloric acid), ClO ⁻ (hypochlorous acid ion), H ⁺ (hydrogen ion) Water) is produced.

  And the electrolyzed water production | generation apparatus 1 is equipped with the agent addition part 23 which adds a sterilization component production | generation auxiliary agent to the water for washing | cleaning water production | generation at the time of washing | cleaning operation | movement, and makes it easy to produce | generate a sterilization component at the time of electrolysis of purified water. The said bactericidal component production | generation adjuvant is the additive for hypochlorous acid production | generation (additive for acidic component production | generation), such as sodium chloride, for example. The sterilizing component generation auxiliary agent is not limited to the additive for generating acidic components, and the additive for generating acidic components is not limited to sodium chloride. Hereinafter, the bactericidal component production aid is referred to as an additive.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the agent addition unit 23 includes an agent storage unit 28 that stores the additive, a mixing unit 32 that mixes the additive and water from the agent storage unit 28, and a mixing unit 32. The main body is constituted by a water supply channel 24 for supplying water in the electrolytic cell 12.

  As shown in FIG. 1, in the water supply channel 24, one opening end (first opening end 25) is connected to the downstream side of the first electrolysis chamber 13, and the other opening end (second opening end 26) is added to the agent. It is connected to a mixing unit 32 (details will be described later) of the unit 23 and supplies water from the first electrolysis chamber 13 to the mixing unit 32. In the water supply channel 24, the opening end on the electrolytic cell 12 side, which is the first opening end 25, is located above the opening end on the mixing unit 32 side, which is the second opening end 26. Therefore, the water (supply water) introduced from the electrolytic cell 12 to the first opening end 25 easily flows through the water supply path 24 toward the second opening end 26 due to gravity.

  Further, the water supply passage 24 is provided with a switching valve (water supply valve 27) that switches between opening and closing of the water supply passage 24, and the switching operation of the water supply valve 27 is controlled by the control unit 20. The water supply valve 27 is closed during normal operation or standby operation, and closes the water supply path 24 during the operation. In addition, the water supply path 24 may be provided with the first opening end 25 in the water discharge path 17, branch from the water discharge path 17, and supply water to the mixing unit 32.

  The agent reservoir 28 has a bottomed cylindrical shape that opens upward, and the opening serves as an inlet into which the cleaning agent is introduced. The inlet is covered with a detachable lid 29. The agent storage unit 28 is disposed above the mixing unit 32. As shown in FIG. 2, the bottom 30 of the agent reservoir 28 has a conical shape convex upward, and a supply port 31 for supplying the additive to the mixing unit 32 is provided on the outer periphery of the bottom (lower end) of the cone. Have multiple. Therefore, the agent storage unit 28 drops the additive from the supply port 31 to supply it to the mixing unit 32, and makes it easy to introduce the additive into the supply port 31 by the inclination of the bottom 30 (conical circumferential surface). ing.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the mixing portion 32 is a bottomed cylindrical shape having an approximately the same diameter as the agent storage portion 28 and opened upward, and is disposed substantially concentrically with the agent storage portion 28. An overflow mixed water discharge passage 34 is connected in communication. The mixed water discharge channel 34 has a connection port 35 (upstream end) with the mixing unit 32 positioned below the second opening end 26 of the water supply channel 24, and a downstream end positioned below the mixing unit 32 to the drain channel 18. Communication connection is established. In the mixed water discharge path 34, the opening area of the connection port 35 is larger than the opening area of the second opening end 26 of the water supply path 24. Therefore, the mixing unit 32 becomes full when the water level reaches directly below the connection port 35, and the mixing unit 32 discharges water overflowing from the mixing unit 32 to the drainage channel 18 through the mixed water discharge channel 34 when the water level is full. Is done.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the mixing unit 32 is supplied with a stirring unit 41 that stirs and mixes the supply water and the additive in the mixing unit 32, and supply of the additive from the agent storage unit 28 to the mixing unit 32. An adjusting unit 44 for adjusting, a stirring unit 41 and a driving unit 38 for driving the adjusting unit 44 are provided.

  The drive unit 38 includes a drive source 39 such as a motor, and a drive transmission unit 40 such as a gear and a belt that transmits the drive of the drive source 39 to the stirring unit 41 and the adjustment unit 44. And the drive part 38 is the rotation direction (rotation direction) of the rotational drive transmitted to the stirring part 41 and the adjustment part 44 in the 1st direction which faces one side along a rotation circle (circumferential direction), and a rotation circle (circumferential direction). Along the first direction and the second direction facing the other direction. Note that the rotational drive and direction of the drive unit 38 (whether it rotates in the first direction or the second direction) is controlled by the control unit 20.

  The stirring portion 41 is mainly composed of a cylindrical shaft portion 42 disposed substantially concentrically in the mixing portion 32 and a spiral blade 43 integrally formed on the peripheral surface of the shaft portion 42. The stirring unit 41 is rotated about the axis of the shaft unit 42 by the driving unit 38, and the water (supply water) in the mixing unit 32 is stirred by the blades 43 by the rotation. Therefore, the supply water in the mixing unit 32 is mixed with the additive supplied from the supply port 31 to become mixed water to which the additive is added. In addition, since the additive dropped from the supply port 31 contacts the blade 43 in the stirring unit 41, for example, the movement time of the additive to reach the bottom 33 is longer than that which does not contact the blade 43, etc. It is easy to mix the additive with the feed water.

  As shown in FIGS. 4 to 6, the adjusting portion 44 is mainly composed of two disc portions (a first disc portion 45 and a second disc portion 47) having substantially the same concentric diameter. And both disc parts have the communication part 49 (49a, 49b) connected to the supply port 31 in the outer periphery while the axial part 42 is penetrated substantially concentrically.

  The first disc portion 45 has a shaft portion 42 passing through substantially the center of the plate surface, and the shaft portion 42 is fixed. When the driving portion 38 is driven, the first disc portion 45 and the stirring portion 41 are discs. Rotate in the circumferential direction. And the 1st disc part 45 has two communicating ports 49a in the outer periphery, as shown in FIG. Further, the first disc portion 45 has two columnar projections 46 on the lower surface (plate surface facing downward), the projections 46 are provided on the lower surface at substantially equal intervals in the circumferential direction, and the projections 46 are formed in the second circle. The plate part 47 is slidably inserted in the circumferential direction.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the second disc portion 47 has two communication ports 49 b on the outer periphery. The second disc portion 47 is provided with two arc-shaped elongated holes 48 that are substantially concentric with the plate surface and have a smaller diameter than the plate surface. It is located at approximately equal intervals in the direction. Further, as shown in FIGS. 3 to 4, one protrusion 46 is inserted into each of the long holes 48, and the protrusion 46 follows the arc of the long hole 48 when the first disc portion 45 rotates. Move (slide) in the long hole 48.

  Further, the second disc portion 47 has a shaft portion 42 passing through substantially the center of the plate surface and is rotatable around the axis of the shaft portion 42, and the projection 46 is long when the first disc portion 45 rotates. The second disk portion 47 can rotate together with the first disk portion 45 by contacting the circumferential end of the hole 48.

  Therefore, as shown in FIG. 3, the second disc portion 47 has the communication port 49 b in the first disc portion 45 in a state where the projection 46 is in contact with one end portion (first end) of the long hole 48. The communication port 49a communicates. And if the shaft part 42 rotates in the state which connected the said communicating port 49, the adjustment | control part 44 (1st disc part 45, 2nd disc part 47) will rotate maintaining a communication state. Further, when the rotation direction of the shaft portion 42 is switched to the second direction from the communication state, the second disc portion 47 is separated from the first end of the long hole 48 and the other along the arc of the long hole 46. As shown in FIG. 4, the protrusion 46 abuts on the second end.

  And in the state contact | abutted to the said 2nd end, while the communication port 49b is obstruct | occluded by the plate surface of the 1st disc part 45, the communication port 49a of the 1st disc part 45 is obstruct | occluded by a plate surface. Further, when the shaft portion 42 rotates in the second direction with the communication port 49 closed, the adjusting unit 44 rotates while maintaining the closed state. Further, when the rotation direction of the shaft portion 42 is switched to the first direction in the closed state, the protrusion 46 moves away from the second end, slides toward the first end, contacts the first end, and the adjustment portion 44 is Switch to connected state.

  As described above, in the electrolyzed water generating apparatus 1, for example, when the drive unit 38 is rotationally driven in the first direction, the adjustment unit 44 rotates in a state where the communication port 49 is communicated, and the agent storage unit 28 moves to the mixing unit 32. While supplying the additive, the stirring unit 41 stirs the water and the additive in the mixing unit 32. When the rotational drive of the drive unit 38 is switched from the first direction to the second direction, the stirring unit 41 continues stirring in the mixing unit 32, and the adjustment unit 44 switches to a state in which the communication port 49 is closed, and the additive Is stopped while rotating while maintaining the closed state.

  As shown in FIG. 1, below the mixing unit 32, a water storage unit 50 that stores mixed water and a mixed water introduction path 36 that introduces mixed water into the water storage unit 50 are arranged. One end of the mixed water discharge passage 34 is connected to the bottom 33 of the mixing portion 32, and the other end of the mixed water introduction passage 36 is connected to the water storage portion 50.

  Therefore, the mixing part 32 and the water storage part 50 are connected in communication via the mixed water introduction path 36, and the mixed water easily flows downward from the mixing part 32 (to the water storage part 50 side) by gravity. Further, the mixed water introduction path 36 is provided with a switching valve (water storage valve 37) that switches between opening and closing of the mixed water introduction path 36, and the switching operation of the water storage valve 37 is controlled by the control unit 20. The water storage valve 37 is closed during normal operation or standby operation, and closes the mixed water introduction path 36 during the operation.

  The water storage unit 50 stores the mixed water during normal operation or when the water is stopped, and when the cleaning operation is performed with the cleaning water during the cleaning operation, the stored mixed water is caused to flow into the electrolytic cell 12 and the mixed water is used. Allows generation of wash water. And the water storage part 50 is located under the purified water introduction path 6, and is stored in the purified water introduction path 6 in the vicinity of the first water passage 51 fed from the purified water introduction path 6 and the branch part downstream of the purified water introduction path 6. And a second water passage 53 for supplying water (mixed water) in 50. Therefore, the second water passage 53 and the first introduction passage 7 are communication passages that connect the electrolytic bath 12 and the water storage unit 50 to each other.

  The first water passage 51 is provided with a switching valve (first water valve 52) for switching the opening and closing of the first water passage 51, and the second water passage 53 is a switching valve for switching the opening and closing of the second water passage 53. (Second water valve 54) is provided, and the switching operation of the first water valve 52 and the second water valve 54 is controlled by the control unit 20. And the 1st water flow valve 52 and the 2nd water flow valve 54 are closed at the time of normal operation, standby operation, etc., and block the 1st water flow way 51 and the 2nd water flow way 53 at the time of the operation concerned.

  In addition, the water storage section 50 is connected to a lower portion, and a water storage section discharge path 55 that discharges the water in the water storage section 50 to the drain path 18 is connected to the water storage section 50. The water storage section discharge path 55 is connected to the drain path via the mixed water discharge path 34. 18 is connected. The water storage unit discharge path 55 is provided with a switching valve (drainage valve 56) that switches between opening and closing of the water storage unit discharge path 55, and the switching operation of the drainage valve 56 is controlled by the control unit 20. The drain valve 56 is closed during normal operation or standby operation, and closes the water reservoir discharge passage 55 during the operation.

  The control unit 20 is electrically connected to each switching valve, the driving unit 38, the operation unit 57, the display unit 58 (details will be described later) and the like via a signal line 65, and the above-described members such as the switching valve are connected to the signal line. The power is controlled and supplied through 65. The control unit 20 is electrically connected to the electrode plate 15 via the feeder line 64 and applies a voltage to the electrode plate 15 via the feeder line 64.

  Further, the control unit 20 is electrically connected to the water flow sensor 9 via the signal line 63, and the detection result of the water flow sensor 9 (the flow rate of the water purification introduction path 6) is transmitted to the control unit 20 via the signal line 63. Is input. And if the flow volume of the purified water introduction path 6 exceeds a fixed value, the control part 20 will judge with the water supply state in which raw | natural water is supplied. When the controller 20 determines that the water supply state is present, the controller 20 performs a predetermined cleaning operation (details will be described later) and then performs a normal operation.

  In normal operation, after introducing purified water into the electrolytic cell 12, if it is in the alkaline ionized water mode or the acidic ionized water mode, electrolysis is performed in the electrolytic cell 12 to generate desired ionic water in the first electrolytic chamber 13. The ion water is discharged from the water discharge path 17. In the water purification mode, purified water is discharged from the water discharge path 17 without being electrolyzed in the electrolytic cell 12.

  Moreover, when the flow rate of the purified water introduction path 6 becomes a certain value or less in the water supply state, the control unit 20 determines that the supply of raw water has been stopped and switched to the water stop state, and in the alkaline ion water mode or the acidic ion water mode. If there is, the voltage application to the electrode plate 15 is stopped. Then, when determining the water stoppage state, the control unit 20 controls each switching valve to open the first introduction path 7, the first water passage 51, the second water passage 53, and the water reservoir discharge path 55, and to discharge the water. Water in the water channel 17, the electrolytic cell 12, the introduction channel, and the water storage unit 50 is discharged to the drainage channel 18. When the voltage application is stopped, the polarity of the voltage applied to the electrode plate 15 is changed for a certain period of time, and the scales such as calcium deposited on the electrode plate 15 are peeled off. Preferably it is done.

  After determining the water stop state, the control unit 20 controls the preparatory operation (details will be described later) of the cleaning operation, and then starts the control for the standby operation, and the electrode plate 15, the drive unit 38, and the like. Reduce power consumption. Then, the standby operation is performed until the flow rate of the purified water introduction path 6 exceeds a certain value, and when the flow rate of the purified water introduction path 6 exceeds a certain value, the control unit 20 determines that the water supply state has been switched to the water supply state, and cleaning is performed. Control for actual operation (details will be described later) is started. In the case where the control unit 20 opens and closes the faucet, the control unit 20 may determine the water supply state and the water stop state by switching the faucet opening and closing.

  Moreover, the control part 20 measures the water stop elapsed time (elapsed time in a water stop state) until it switches to a water supply state next, when it judges with the above-mentioned water stop state. And the control part 20 judges the washing | cleaning operation | movement implemented when it switches to a water supply state from the following three according to the said water stop elapsed time.

  The control unit 20 has a case where the water stop elapsed time T is less than a predetermined first time T1 (T <T1) and a case where the water stop elapsed time T is equal to or greater than the first time T1 and less than a predetermined second time T2 (T1 ≦ T <T2). ) And the case of the second time T2 or more (T2 ≦ T), the cleaning operation to be performed is determined.

  In the case of T <T1, bacteria in the water discharge channel 17 and the like are in an initial state of bacterial growth that can be easily removed by passing alkaline ionized water or purified water as well as acidic ionized water. The first cleaning operation without the operation of generating cleaning water is performed.

  In the case of T1 ≦ T <T2, it is difficult to wash the water discharge channel 17 by passing water such as alkaline ionized water or purified water, and the amount of bacteria is likely to increase with time (before bacterial growth becomes saturated). Range). Therefore, the cleaning operation is a second cleaning operation that generates acidic water and passes the acidic water through the water discharge channel 17.

  In the case of T2 ≦ T, it is difficult to wash the water discharge channel 17 by passing water such as alkaline ionized water or purified water, and the amount of bacteria does not substantially change over time (the range in which bacterial growth is substantially saturated). ). Therefore, the cleaning operation is the third cleaning operation in which acidic water is generated and the acidic water is passed through the water discharge channel 17 and the water passing time is longer than the second cleaning operation.

  Each of the three cleaning operations includes an actual operation for performing cleaning immediately after starting the raw water supply and a preparation operation for the next cleaning operation performed immediately after stopping the raw water supply (water stoppage).

  In the actual operation of the first cleaning operation, immediately after the raw water supply is started, the control unit 20 controls each switching valve to open the water supply passage 24 and the first introduction passage 7 to supply water to the mixing unit 32 and to discharge water. Water is passed through the water channel 17 to rinse and wash the bacteria in the water discharge channel 17 and the like. And at the time of the said rinsing washing | cleaning, the control part 20 opens the 1st water flow path 51 and the water storage part discharge path 55, passes water through the water storage part 50, and performs rinsing washing.

  Further, when the water supply to the mixing unit 32 and the rinsing washing of the water discharge channel 17 and the water storage unit 50 are completed, the control unit 20 starts the control for normal operation after discharging the water in the water storage unit 50. After performing the operation (after water stoppage), the control for the preparatory operation is started.

  In the preparatory operation, the drive unit 38 is driven, the adjustment unit 44 and the stirring unit 41 rotate in the first direction for a predetermined time (agent supply time), and the additive is added from the agent storage unit 28 to the water stored in the mixing unit 32. Is supplied and the water and the additive are stirred and mixed. Then, after the agent supply time has elapsed, the control unit 20 switches the rotation direction to the second direction, stops the supply of the additive, and continues stirring for a predetermined time (stirring time). The length of the agent supply time and the stirring time may be substantially the same time or may be different times. The amount of water stored in the mixing unit 32 or the water storage unit 50, the capacity of the electrolytic cell 12, the amount of additive, etc. It is appropriately set according to the type and the acidity of the washing water.

  During the driving of the drive unit 38, the control unit 20 opens the first introduction path 7, the first water passage 51, the second water passage 53, and the water reservoir discharge path 55, and the water discharge path 17, the electrolytic cell 12, and the purified water. Drain the introduction channel 6. Then, after a predetermined time (drainage time) when drainage is completed, the first introduction path 7, the first water path 51, the second water path 53, and the water reservoir discharge path 55 are closed.

  Further, after both the drainage time and the stirring time have elapsed, the control unit 20 opens the mixed water supply channel 4 and supplies the mixed water in the mixing unit 32 to the water storage unit 50, and then the mixed water supply channel 4. Then, the control is shifted from the control for the first cleaning operation (preparation operation) to the control for the standby operation. Note that the length of the stirring time and the drainage time may be substantially the same time, or may be different times as long as the above action (drainage or stirring) can be performed.

  Further, in the drainage of the electrolytic cell 12 during the preparation operation, the control unit 20 rinses and cleans the water storage unit 50 with the alkaline ionized water in the first electrolysis chamber 13 when the immediately preceding normal operation is the alkaline ionized water generation mode. Control for rinsing and cleaning the water storage section 50 is performed.

  In the control, when the second water passage 53 is opened while the drive unit 38 is driven, the first introduction passage 7 is closed, and the water in the second electrolysis chamber 14 is discharged before the water in the first electrolysis chamber 13. . Then, after discharging the water in the second electrolysis chamber 14, the first introduction path 7 is opened, the alkali ion water in the first electrolysis chamber 13 is circulated to the water storage section 50, and the water storage section 50 is rinsed and washed with the ion water. To do.

  The actual operation of the second cleaning operation is as follows. Immediately after starting the raw water supply, the control unit 20 opens the first water passage 51, the second water passage 53, and the first introduction passage 7, and the purified water and the mixed water of the water storage unit 50 Into the electrolytic cell 12. Then, the control unit 20 applies a voltage so that the first electrode plate 15a serves as an anode and the second electrode plate 15b serves as a cathode, and electrolyzes water in which purified water and mixed water are mixed in the electrolytic bath 12, Acidic water (hypochlorous acid water) is generated in the electrolysis chamber 13, and alkali ion water is generated in the second electrolysis chamber 14. The acidic water is circulated from the electrolytic cell 12 to the water discharge channel 17, and bacteria that may have grown in the water discharge channel 17 during the water stop before the actual operation are easily sterilized.

  Further, the passing time of the acidic water is set so as to increase with the increase of the water stop elapsed time T (substantially proportional to the water stop elapsed time), and the water passing time is stored in the control unit 20. ing. Then, after passing the water passing time, the control unit 20 supplies water to the mixing unit 32 in substantially the same manner as the first cleaning operation, then starts control for normal operation, performs normal operation, and after normal operation, A preparatory operation for the second cleaning operation is performed. The preparatory operation for the second cleaning operation is substantially the same as the first cleaning operation, and a description thereof will be omitted.

  The actual operation of the third cleaning operation is performed in substantially the same manner as the actual operation of the second cleaning operation except for the passing time of acidic water, and the passing time of the acidic water in the second cleaning operation is It is longer than the time and is substantially constant regardless of the water stop elapsed time T. The preparation operation for the third cleaning operation is substantially the same as the first cleaning operation, and a description thereof will be omitted.

  Moreover, the electrolyzed water generating apparatus 1 includes an operation unit 57 that is externally operated by the user via the control unit 20, and a display unit 58 that displays an operating mode and the like to the outside.

  The operation unit 57 selects water (water quality desired by the user) to be discharged from the water discharge channel 17 in normal operation, or performs an external operation to change the pH value of alkaline ionized water or acidic ionized water. And the operation part 57 is outputting the electric signal according to the said external operation to the control part 20, and the control part 20 performs control according to the said electric signal (operation content).

  Therefore, when the user selects a desired mode from the above-described three water quality (ion water and purified water) modes using the operation unit 57, an electrical signal corresponding to the selected mode is transmitted from the operation unit 57 to the control unit. 20 is input. Upon receiving the electrical signal, the control unit 20 performs the cleaning operation determined based on the elapsed time of the water stop and then starts a normal operation in a mode corresponding to the electrical signal to discharge water desired by the user. Discharge from the water channel 17.

  The display unit 58 is controlled by the control unit 20 and is, for example, a unit that displays characters such as the liquid crystal 59 or a unit that displays a combination of lighting and blinking of the light emitting unit 60 such as a light emitting diode. The mode display for displaying the mode selected by. Hereinafter, what displays characters is referred to as a character display type, and what is displayed in combination with lighting and flashing of the light emitting unit 60 is described as a lighting flashing type.

  In addition to the mode display, the display unit 58 functions as a notification unit that displays the elapsed time of water stop and notifies the outside, and performs a cleaning operation (second cleaning operation and third cleaning operation) with acidic water at the next water flow. It has a function as a notice section that gives notice when it is decided.

  If an alerting | reporting part is a character display type | formula, as shown to Fig.7 (a), a water stop elapsed time will be displayed with a character, for example. Moreover, if it is a lighting blinking type, as shown to Fig.8 (a), for example, as shown to Fig.8 (a), the light emission part 60 applicable to the said water stop elapsed time will be lighted or all the light emission parts 60 applicable to the said water stop elapsed time. By turning on, the water stoppage elapsed time is displayed.

  If the notice section is a character display type, for example, as shown in FIG. 7 (b), the character indicates that a cleaning operation using acidic water (denoted as sterilization cleaning in the figure) is performed at the next water passage. Then, the user is notified of the implementation of the cleaning operation. Moreover, if it is a lighting blink type, as shown in FIG.8 (b), the light emission part 60 which shows performing the washing | cleaning operation | movement using acidic water at the time of the next water flow is turned on, Inform the user that the cleaning operation will be performed. Note that the notice unit may also make a notice even when it is determined that the first cleaning operation is to be performed.

  Further, the display unit 58 further performs a remaining time display for displaying the remaining time until the water intake is possible (normal operation) when the washing operation is confirmed in the water stop state or during the washing operation. May be. In this case, if it is a character display type, for example, as shown in FIG. 7C, the remaining time until it becomes usable (water intake is possible) is displayed in characters. In the case of the lighting / flashing type, for example, as shown in FIG. 8C, the light emitting units 60 corresponding to the remaining time are turned on or all the light emitting units 60 corresponding to the remaining time are turned on. To display the remaining time.

  As described above, the electrolyzed water generating apparatus 1 is compared with the case where the amount of water (capacity) in the electrolyzer 12 and the voltage applied to the electrode plate 15 are substantially the same as those in which no additive is added (non-added). Thus, the sterilizing component in the acidic water can be increased. Therefore, the amount of water in the electrolytic cell 12 is reduced or the voltage to be applied is reduced as compared with the non-added one, and the acidic water having substantially the same amount of sterilizing component as the non-added one is generated. Can do.

  That is, by providing the above-described configuration, the electrolyzed water generating device 1 having a small volume of the electrolytic cell 12 and the electrolyzed water generating device 1 having a small voltage applied to the electrode plate 15 have a predetermined amount of sterilizing components (predetermined It can facilitate the production of acidic water (of acidic concentration). And by performing ratio change control in which the control unit 20 changes the water discharge ratio using the water discharge ratio variable unit, the water discharge ratio is lowered, the pH in the first electrolysis chamber 13 and the amount of sterilization component generation are increased, It is possible to reduce the amount of water discharged as waste water.

  In addition, since the first opening end 25 is provided above the second opening end 26 in the water supply channel 24, the supply water can be easily supplied to the mixing unit 32 without adding power for flowing the supply water such as a pump. It becomes easy to suppress the increase in size and cost of the apparatus. Further, by providing the mixed water drainage channel 18 that communicates with the mixing unit 32 below the second opening end 26, it is difficult for the supply water and mixed water of the mixing unit 32 to collect or flow in from the connection port 35. Thus, the water in the mixing unit 32 can be made difficult to enter the agent storage unit 28 and the drive unit 38. Furthermore, by providing the stirring unit 41 in the mixing unit 32, it becomes easy to dissolve the additive in the supply water, and it is difficult to cause clogging of the flow path due to the undissolved additive and malfunction of the switching valve. it can.

  Further, since the water storage unit 50 is arranged in communication below the mixing unit 32, the mixed water can be easily introduced into the water storage unit 50 without adding power for flowing the mixed water such as a pump. It becomes easy to suppress the increase in size and cost. Then, after sterilizing and washing using acidic water, the water storage unit 50 is rinsed and washed with alkaline ionized water, so that the acid water remaining in the water storage unit 50 after sterilization and washing and the additive deposited in the water storage can be easily discharged. Therefore, it is difficult for the additive to remain in the water storage unit 50, and it is difficult to cause clogging of the flow path due to the additive remaining in the water storage unit 50 at the next cleaning or the like, malfunction of the switching valve, and the like.

  In addition, when the control unit 20 determines that sterilization cleaning is performed at the next use (at the time of water intake) by causing the display unit 58 to function as a notice unit, the user before use (at the time of water stoppage) is determined. It is possible to notify the sterilization cleaning at the next use. Therefore, it becomes easy to suppress that a user takes acid water at the time of sterilization washing accidentally, and a user can start supply of raw water in consideration of waiting time by sterilization washing.

  Further, by causing the display unit 58 to function as a notification unit, it is possible to notify the user of the time until the next water intake is possible. Therefore, it becomes easy to suppress erroneous water intake of acidic water during sterilization and washing, and raw water supply can be started in consideration of waiting time until water can be taken.

  The notice part and the notice part are not limited to the visual notice and notice using the display unit 58, but may be an auditory notice or notice using sound or the like. It may be performed in combination with general notice or notification. Moreover, the electrolyzed water generating apparatus 1 may generate acidic ionic water (acidic water) with mixed water to which an additive is added at the time of normal operation acidic ionic water generation. In addition, the switching valve is preferably an electromagnetic valve that opens the flow path when power is supplied (energized) from the control unit 20 to reduce power consumption during the standby operation.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the electrolyzed water generating device 1 is preferably provided in a sink 80. For example, the electrolyzed water generating device 1 is placed on the upper surface 80 a of the sink 80. The sink 80 is a currant 82 that discharges raw water, a raw water pipe 81 that supplies raw water to the currant 82, a sink 83 that receives water from the electrolyzed water generator 1 or the currant 82, and water that is received by the sink 83 to the outside. And a discharge pipe 84 for discharging. One end of the discharge pipe 84 is connected to the bottom of the sink 83, the other end is connected to a drain pipe (not shown) outside, and a trap portion for preventing odor is provided in the middle of the pipe.

  Furthermore, the sink 80 includes a raw water pipe 81 and a water pipe 86 connected to the raw water pipe 81 through a water tap 85. The downstream side of the water pipe 86 is branched into a flow channel on the downstream side that communicates with the downstream side of the water pipe 86 and feeds raw water into the currant 82, and a device side flow path that feeds raw water into the electrolyzed water generator 1. The path is connected in communication with the supply path 4 of the electrolyzed water generating device 1. And the water flow pipe 86 has the flow-path switching valve 87 which switches the water supply to the currant 82 via a currant flow path, and the water supply to the electrolyzed water generating apparatus 1 via an apparatus flow path at the said branch point. And opening / closing of the flow path switching valve 87 is switched by an external operation of the user.

  As described above, in the sink 80, when the raw water pipe 81 communicates with the currant-side flow path of the water pipe 86, the raw water flows into the currant 82 and is discharged from the currant 82. When the raw water pipe 81 communicates with the apparatus-side flow path of the water pipe 86, the raw water flows into the electrolyzed water generating apparatus 1 and is discharged as purified water, ionic water, or acidic water in the electrolyzed water generating apparatus 1. Furthermore, the electrolyzed water generating device 1 having a small volume of the electrolytic cell 12 can be used by including the electrolyzed water generating device 1 of the first embodiment that easily generates acidic water having a predetermined amount of sterilizing component. It becomes easy to reduce the occupation area of the upper surface 80a by the said apparatus. Moreover, if the electrolyzed water generating apparatus 1 can generate an acid water by adding an additive during normal operation, the acid water can be used for kitchen utensils such as a cutting board or sterilizing and washing the sink 80.

  Note that the sink 80 may branch the raw water pipe 2 into a currant-side flow path and an apparatus-side flow path, and may be provided with faucets 3 and 85 in both flow paths, respectively. Moreover, the electrolyzed water generating apparatus 1 is not limited to the one provided in the sink 80.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Electrolyzed water production | generation apparatus 4 Supply path 12 Electrolytic tank 17 Water discharge path 18 Drainage path 20 Control part 23 Agent addition part 24 Water supply path 25 1st opening end (opening end by the side of an electrolytic cell)
26 Second opening end (opening end on the mixing unit side)
28 agent storage part 32 mixing part 34 mixed water discharge path 35 connection port 36 mixed water introduction path 41 agitation part 50 water storage part 58 display part 80 sink

Claims (10)

A supply path through which raw water is supplied from the outside, an electrolytic cell in which water is introduced from the supply path to electrolyze the water to produce alkali ion water and acidic ion water, and a water discharge path through which the alkali ion water is discharged And a drainage channel for discharging the acidic ion water, a control unit for controlling the electrolysis, and an agent addition unit for adding a sterilizing component generation auxiliary agent to the water,
When the control unit has stopped the supply of raw water and a predetermined time after the stop state has been set, when the supply is resumed, the electrolyzed mixed water to which the sterilizing component generation auxiliary agent is added in the electrolytic cell. An electrolyzed water generating device characterized in that it performs control for a cleaning operation of generating acidic water containing a sterilizing component and passing the acidic water through the water discharge channel.   2. The electrolysis according to claim 1, wherein the control unit performs ratio change control for changing a water amount ratio between a water flow rate of the water discharge channel and a water flow rate of the drainage channel during the control for the cleaning operation. Water generator. The agent addition unit stores an agent storage unit that stores the sterilization component generation auxiliary agent, and a mixing unit that mixes the sterilization component generation auxiliary agent supplied from the agent storage unit with the supply water supplied from the electrolytic cell. A water supply channel for circulating the supply water from the electrolytic cell to the mixing unit,
3. The electrolyzed water generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the water supply channel has an opening end on the electrolyzer side located above an opening end on the mixing unit side. Provide a mixed water discharge path for overflow in the mixing section,
The connection port with the mixing part of the mixed water discharge path is located below the opening end on the mixing part side of the water supply path,
The electrolyzed water generating apparatus according to claim 3, wherein an opening area of the connection port is larger than an opening area of the opening end on the mixing unit side.   The electrolyzed water generating apparatus according to claim 3 or 4, wherein a stirring unit that stirs and mixes the supply water and the sterilizing component generation auxiliary agent is provided in the mixing unit.   The electrolyzed water generating apparatus according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein a water storage section for storing the mixed water is provided below the mixing section.   7. The electrolyzed water generation according to claim 6, wherein the control unit performs rinsing control of the water storage unit that causes the alkaline ionized water to flow into the water storage unit from the electrolytic cell after the cleaning operation using the acidic water. apparatus. Provided with a notice section for notifying the outside of the implementation of the cleaning operation,
8. The control unit according to claim 1, wherein, when the cleaning operation is performed at the time of the restart, the control unit performs a notice control that causes the notice part to notify the execution of the cleaning operation. 9. Electrolyzed water generator. An informing unit for informing the outside of the cleaning operation end time;
The electrolyzed water generation according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the control unit performs notification control for notifying the notification unit of the time when the cleaning operation is performed at the time of restart. apparatus.   A sink provided with the electrolyzed water generating apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

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