JP2021094558A - Water using device - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a water using device that can continuously remove ionic substances in the feed water without replacing ion exchange resins or the like.SOLUTION: A water using device comprises: a water supply unit that supplies water; a water treatment unit that is connected to the water supply unit via piping and has a function of removing ionic substances contained in the water supply from the water supply unit by means of electrical ion removal; a water using unit that is connected to the water treatment unit via piping and uses water that has passed through the water treatment unit; a drainage pipe that drains water whose concentration has increased due to the ionic substances removed by the water treatment section; and a control unit that controls the flow of water supplied by the water supply unit to allow water whose concentration has been increased by ionic substances to be drained from the drain pipe. The control unit checks whether or not the water treatment unit is ready to perform an ion removal process at the time when the water using unit starts up.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

The present disclosure relates to a water use device provided with a water treatment unit capable of removing ionic substances in water.

Conventionally, in a water-using device using, for example, a humidifier, there has been a problem of scale precipitation caused by scale-like ions such as calcium ions or magnesium ions in water supply to the humidifier or the like. Therefore, for example, Patent Document 1 discloses a configuration including a water supply tank capable of efficiently removing hardness component ions in a humidifying device. The water supply tank has a tank body for storing water and a storage container arranged inside the tank body. The storage container contains a large number of spherical ion exchange resins that remove hardness component ions. In this humidifying device, the water stored in the tank body moves to the inside of the storage container and comes into contact with the ion exchange resin, so that the hardness component ions in the water are adsorbed on the ion exchange resin, and the ion exchange resin is separated from the water. Is a configuration in which is removed.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2011-43314

However, the humidifier disclosed in Patent Document 1 cannot remove more ionic substances when the amount of ion removal reaches the ion exchange capacity. Therefore, in the humidifying device, when the ion exchange is to be continuously performed, the ion exchange resin must be replaced with a new ion exchange resin, which causes a problem that labor and cost are required.

The present disclosure has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and provides a water-using device capable of continuously removing ionic substances in water supply without exchanging an ion exchange resin or the like. The purpose is.

The water-using device according to the present disclosure has an ion removing function of adsorbing an ionic substance contained in water supply on an electrode to remove it from water, and a regeneration function of releasing the ionic substance adsorbed on the electrode into water. In a water-using device provided with an electric ion removing means, a water supply unit for supplying water is connected to the water supply unit via a pipe, and is included in the water supply from the water supply unit by the electric ion removing means. A water treatment unit having a function of removing ionic substances, a water treatment unit that is connected to the water treatment unit via a pipe, and a water use unit that uses water that has passed through the water treatment unit, and the water treatment unit removes the water. The state of the water treatment unit regarding whether or not the ion removal step can be carried out through the drain pipe for draining the water whose concentration has increased due to the ionic substance and the flow path of the water supplied by the water supply unit, and The control unit includes a control unit that controls based on the state of the water use unit regarding whether or not it is activated to drain water whose concentration has been increased by an ionic substance from the drain pipe, and the control unit is the water. At the time of starting the used unit, it is confirmed whether or not the water treatment unit is in a state where the ion removing step can be performed.

According to the present disclosure, the flow path of the water supplied by the water supply unit is controlled, and the water whose concentration is increased by the ionic substance removed by the water treatment unit is drained from the drain pipe. There is no need for replacement, and ionic substances in the water supply can be continuously removed for a long period of time.

It is a schematic block diagram which shows typically the water use apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 1. FIG. It is a schematic block diagram which shows typically the water treatment part of the water use apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 1. FIG. It is a flowchart explaining the operation of the water use apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 1. FIG. It is a schematic block diagram which shows typically the modification of the water use apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 1. FIG. It is a schematic block diagram which shows typically the water use apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 2. It is a schematic block diagram which shows typically the water use apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 3.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In each figure, the same or corresponding parts are designated by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted or simplified as appropriate. In addition, the shape, size, arrangement, etc. of the configurations shown in each figure can be changed as appropriate.

Embodiment 1.
FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram schematically showing a water-using device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram schematically showing a water treatment unit of the water use device according to the first embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 1, the water use device 100 according to the first embodiment includes a water supply unit 1, a water treatment unit 2, a water use unit 3, a first three-way valve 4, and a second three-way valve 5. , And a control unit 6. The water supply unit 1 and the first three-way valve 4 are connected by a first pipe 10. The water supply unit 1 and the water treatment unit 2 are connected by a second pipe 11. The water treatment unit 2 and the second three-way valve 5 are connected by a third pipe 12. The first three-way valve 4 and the second three-way valve 5 are connected by a fourth pipe 13. The first three-way valve 4 and the water use unit 3 are connected by a fifth pipe 14. A drain pipe 15 is connected to the second three-way valve 5.

The water supply unit 1 supplies water to the water treatment unit 2 and the water use unit 3. The water supply unit 1 supplies water to the water treatment unit 2 via the second pipe 11. The water supply unit 1 supplies water to the water use unit 3 via the first pipe 10, the first three-way valve 4, and the fifth pipe 14. The flow path including the first pipe 10, the first three-way valve 4, and the fifth pipe 14 serves as a direct water supply flow path through which the water supplied from the water supply unit 1 flows directly to the water use unit 3.

The water supply unit 1 may be any one that supplies water to the water treatment unit 2 and the water use unit 3, and is, for example, a tap or a water pipe that supplies tap water, industrial water, or the like. Further, the water supply unit 1 may be provided with a tank or the like and supply the water stored in the tank to the water treatment unit 2 or the water use unit 3. Further, the water supply unit 1 may include a transport means for transporting water such as a pump. Further, the water supply unit 1 may be composed of at least two or more. In this case, the water supply unit 1 is composed of a water supply unit for supplying water to the first pipe 10 and a water supply unit for supplying water to the water treatment unit 2 via the second pipe 11, and water having different water qualities. Can be watered.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the water treatment unit 2 is connected to the water supply unit 1 via the second pipe 11, and the ionic substance contained in the water supply from the water supply unit 1 is adsorbed by the electrode 22 by electrical means. It has a configuration having an ion removing function of adsorbing to the water and removing it from the water, and a regeneration function of releasing the ionic substance adsorbed on the electrode 22 into the water by electrical means. As an example, in the water treatment unit 2 shown in FIG. 2, the water treatment unit 2 removes an ionic substance by a capacitive deionization method.

As shown in FIG. 2, the water treatment unit 2 includes a DC power supply 20, a pair of current collectors 21, a pair of electrodes 22, and a separator 23. The DC power supply 20 is connected to the current collector 21. Electricity is applied to the electrode 22 by applying electricity from the DC power source 20 to the current collector 21. When the water treatment unit 2 removes an ionic substance in water, electricity is applied to the electrode 22 to adsorb the ionic substance contained in the water from the water supply unit 1 onto the electrode 22, and the ionic substance is formed. An ion removal step is carried out to remove the substance from the water. After performing the ion removal step, the water treatment unit 2 cancels the application of the DC voltage or current during the ion removal of the ionic substance adsorbed on the electrode 22, that is, stops the application of the DC voltage or current, and collects the current collector 21. A regeneration step of discharging into water by either a short circuit between them and an application of a direct current voltage or a direct current in the opposite direction to the ion removal step is carried out. The water whose concentration has been increased by the ionic substance released into the water in the regeneration step of the water treatment unit 2 is drained from the drain pipe 15. In the water treatment unit 2, the electrode 22 is washed by the regeneration step, and ions can be removed again.

The DC power supply 20 is connected to the control unit 6, and the electric application is controlled by the control unit 6. That is, the ion removal step and the regeneration step in the water treatment unit 2 are controlled by the control unit 6 according to the activation status of the water use unit 3. When the capacitive deionization method is used for the water treatment unit 2, the DC power supply 20 may be a DC power supply device or a regulated DC power supply device as long as it can supply DC electricity. Further, the DC power supply 20 may convert electricity from the outlet into DC by a converter or the like.

The current collector 21 applies electricity applied from the DC power supply 20 to the electrode 22, and collects electricity when discharging electricity from the electrode 22 in the regeneration process of the water treatment unit 2. As the material constituting the current collector 21, for example, a graphite sheet, a graphoil, a conductive rubber, or a metal sheet or plate sandwiched or coated with these materials is used. As described above, the current collector 21 is made of a conductive and flexible material. Although the current collector 21 has been shown as a pair, it may be composed of a plurality of pairs.

For the electrode 22, for example, in order to increase the capacity as a capacitor, a conductive material such as activated carbon, porous carbon, porous conductive beads or porous metal, which is conductive and has a large specific surface area, is used. The shape of these conductive materials includes powdery, granular or fibrous. When the shape of the conductive material is powdery or granular, the outer diameter thereof is 100 nm to 10 mm. When the conductive material has a fibrous shape, its thickness is 1 to 50 μm.

Further, as the electrode 22, a cloth or a filter formed by using the above-mentioned conductive material is also used. If there is a possibility that the electrode 22 may flow out from the water treatment unit 2, an outflow prevention member may be provided between the outlet of the water treatment unit 2 or between the water treatment unit 2 and the water use unit 3. When the outflow prevention member is provided, it is possible to prevent the constituent members of the water treatment section 2 such as the electrode material from flowing out to the water use section 3, and the constituent members of the water treatment section 2 flow out to the water use section 3. The adverse effect of can be reduced. Although the electrodes 22 are configured as a pair, they may be configured as a plurality of pairs.

The separator 23 is provided to prevent a short circuit between the electrodes 22. As the material constituting the separator 23, a material having electrical insulation that allows a liquid to pass through but does not allow a conductive material to pass through is used. Those having electrical insulation are, for example, filter papers, porous films, non-woven fabrics, foaming agents and the like. As shown in the figure, one separator 23 may be provided, or a plurality of separators 23 may be provided.

The performance of the water-using part 3 deteriorates due to scale precipitation of an ionic substance or the like. The water use unit 3 of the first embodiment is a humidifier that uses water that has passed through the water treatment unit 2 as an example. In the case of a humidifier, deterioration of humidifying performance can be reduced by suppressing scale precipitation on the humidifying material.

The control unit 6 determines switching between the ion removal process and the regeneration process of the water treatment unit 2 based on the state of the water treatment unit 2 and the state of the water use unit 3, and determines the switching between the first three-way valve 4 and the second three-way valve 5. And the DC power supply 20 is controlled. As the control unit 6, a PLC (Programmable Logical Controller), a sequencer, a numerical control device, or the like for operating the device according to a designated condition can be used. Further, the control unit 6 includes a storage unit that stores the execution history such as the past execution time of the ion removal step and the regeneration step, and the data initially input.

Next, the operation of the water use device 100 of the first embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the water-using device according to the first embodiment.

First, in step S101, the control unit 6 determines whether or not the water use unit 3 is activated. When the control unit 6 determines that the water use unit 3 has not been activated, the control unit 6 proceeds to step S102. In step S102, the control unit 6 switches the first three-way valve 4 to form a flow path through which water flows from the first pipe 10 to the fifth pipe 14. Further, the control unit 6 switches the second three-way valve 5 to form a flow path through which water flows from the third pipe 12 to the drain pipe 15. Then, the control unit 6 executes the regeneration process of the water treatment unit 2, and when the regeneration process is completed, the control unit 6 is in a standby state until the water use unit 3 is started. That is, in the regeneration process of the water treatment unit 2, water is supplied from the water supply unit 1 to the water use unit 3 via the first pipe 10, the first three-way valve 4, and the fifth pipe 14. Further, in the regeneration process of the water treatment unit 2, water is supplied to the water treatment unit 2 from the water supply unit 1 via the second pipe 11 to be regenerated. The drainage generated at this time is drained through the third pipe 12, the second three-way valve 5, and the drain pipe 15. After the reproduction is completed, the control unit 6 returns to step S101 and waits until the water use unit 3 starts without applying a DC voltage or current.

In step S101, when the control unit 6 determines that the water use unit 3 is activated, it proceeds to step S103 and determines whether or not the water treatment unit 2 is in a state where the ion removal step can be performed. Specifically, the control unit 6 is in a state where the ion removal step can be performed with the voltage between the current collectors 21 in the water treatment unit 2 in a state where no DC voltage or current is applied to the water treatment unit 2. Determine if it exists. The voltage between the current collectors 21 is measured by a voltmeter (not shown). The voltmeter is arranged so as to be connected to the water treatment unit 2 and the control unit 6 as an electric detection unit. When the voltage between the current collectors 21 is equal to or higher than an arbitrary reference value, the control unit 6 determines that the ionic substance in water is adsorbed on the electrode 22 and that the water treatment unit 2 needs to be regenerated. .. On the other hand, when the voltage between the current collectors 21 is lower than an arbitrary reference, the control unit 6 determines that the electrode 22 is in a state where it can adsorb an ionic substance, and the water treatment unit 2 removes ions. It is judged that the process can be carried out. The arbitrary standard is that the ion removal characteristics of the water treatment unit 2 are evaluated in advance by experiments or the like, the relationship between the ion removal status of the water treatment unit 2 and the voltage between the current collectors 21 is grasped, and the relationship is grasped. Set from the result. Further, an arbitrary reference may be set from the voltage profile between the current collectors 21 in the first ion removal step by the water treatment unit 2.

The determination of whether or not the water treatment unit 2 can carry out the ion removing step is not limited to the configuration based on the voltage between the current collectors 21 described above, and the execution time of the previous regeneration step and the previous ion. It may be judged from the execution time of the removal step, the execution history of the regeneration process, or the electrical state of the water treatment unit 2.

Here, a case will be described in which the water treatment unit 2 determines whether or not the ion removal step can be carried out by using the execution time of the previous regeneration step. The control unit 6 determines that the water treatment unit 2 is sufficiently regenerated and the ion removal step is possible when the execution time of the previous regeneration step is longer than an arbitrary time, and when it is shorter than the arbitrary time, the water treatment unit 6 treats the water. It is determined that the reproduction of part 2 is necessary.

The arbitrary time is set by evaluating the time required for regeneration of the water treatment unit 2 in advance by an experiment or the like, and recording the result in the control unit 6. The arbitrary time may be set as a time during which the voltage or current between the current collectors 21 during the regeneration process is measured and recorded in the control unit 6 and the voltage or current becomes constant. In this case, it is possible to measure the current flowing between the time measuring unit such as a timer that can measure the execution time of the regeneration process and the voltmeter or the current collector 21 that can measure the voltage between the current collector 21 of the water treatment unit 2. An electrical inspection unit such as an ammeter is connected to the water treatment unit 2 and the control unit 6, respectively.

Next, a case will be described in which the water treatment unit 2 determines whether or not the ion removal step can be carried out by using the execution time of the previous ion removal step. The control unit 6 determines that the water treatment unit 2 needs to be regenerated when the previous execution time of the ion removal step is longer than an arbitrary time, and when it is shorter than the arbitrary time, the water treatment unit 2 can perform the ion removal step. Judge that.

The arbitrary time is set by evaluating in advance an experiment the maximum time during which the ion removing step of the water treatment unit 2 is possible and recording it in the control unit 6. The arbitrary time may be set as a time during which the voltage or current between the current collectors 21 during the ion removal step is measured and recorded in the control unit 6 and the voltage or current becomes constant. .. In this case, the current flowing between the time measuring unit such as a timer that can measure the execution time of the ion removal step and the voltmeter or the current collector 21 that can measure the voltage between the current collector 21 of the water treatment unit 2 is measured. An electrical inspection unit such as a possible ammeter is connected to the water treatment unit 2 and the control unit 6, respectively.

Next, a case where the water treatment unit 2 determines whether or not the ion removing step can be carried out based on the execution history of the regeneration step will be described. When the execution time of the ion removal step after the execution of the previous regeneration step is less than an arbitrary time, the control unit 6 determines that the water treatment unit 2 can carry out the ion removal step, and executes the previous regeneration step. If the execution time of the ion removing step later is longer than an arbitrary time, it is determined that the water treatment unit 2 needs to be regenerated.

The arbitrary time is set by evaluating in advance an experiment the maximum time during which the ion removing step of the water treatment unit 2 is possible and recording it in the control unit 6. The arbitrary time may be set as a time during which the voltage or current between the current collectors 21 during the ion removal step is measured and recorded in the control unit 6 and the voltage or current becomes constant. .. In this case, the current flowing between the time measuring unit such as a timer that can measure the execution time of the ion removal step and the voltmeter or the current collector 21 that can measure the voltage between the current collector 21 of the water treatment unit 2 is measured. An electrical inspection unit such as a possible ammeter is connected to the water treatment unit 2 and the control unit 6, respectively.

The electrical state of the water treatment unit 2 is the voltage between the current collectors 21 or the electrodes 22 of the water treatment unit 2, the current value that flows when the pair of current collectors 21 are short-circuited, or a pair of current values. This is the voltage between the current collectors 21 when the current collectors 21 are short-circuited.

In step S103, when the control unit 6 determines that the water treatment unit 2 is not in a state where the ion removing step can be performed, the control unit 6 proceeds to step S104. In step S104, the control unit 6 switches the first three-way valve 4 to form a flow path through which water flows from the first pipe 10 to the fifth pipe 14. Further, the control unit 6 switches the second three-way valve 5 to form a flow path through which water flows from the third pipe 12 to the drain pipe 15. Then, the control unit 6 carries out the regeneration step of the water treatment unit 2, and when the regeneration step is completed, the process proceeds to step S105.

On the other hand, in step S103, when the control unit 6 determines that the water treatment unit 2 is in a state where the ion removing step can be performed, the process proceeds to step S105. In step S105, the control unit 6 switches the first three-way valve 4 to form a flow path through which water flows from the fourth pipe 13 to the fifth pipe 14. Further, the control unit 6 switches the second three-way valve 5 to form a flow path through which water flows from the third pipe 12 to the fourth pipe 13. Then, the control unit 6 carries out the ion removal step of the water treatment unit 2.

Next, in step S106, the control unit 6 determines whether or not the water treatment unit 2 has performed the ion removal step for an arbitrary time. The arbitrary time is set by evaluating in advance the maximum time during which ions can be removed by the water treatment unit 2 in an experiment and recording it in the control unit 6. The arbitrary time may be set as a time during which the voltage or current between the current collectors 21 during the ion removal step is measured and recorded in the control unit 6 and the voltage or current becomes constant. .. In this case, the current flowing between the time measuring unit such as a timer that can measure the execution time of the ion removal step and the voltmeter or the current collector 21 that can measure the voltage between the current collector 21 of the water treatment unit 2 is measured. An electrical inspection unit such as a possible ammeter is connected to the water treatment unit 2 and the control unit 6, respectively.

When the control unit 6 determines that the ion removal step has not been performed for an arbitrary time, the control unit 6 proceeds to step S107 and continues the ion removal step. Then, the control unit 6 returns to step S106 again, and determines whether or not the water treatment unit 2 has performed the ion removal step for an arbitrary time.

On the other hand, when the control unit 6 determines that the ion removing step has been performed for an arbitrary time, the control unit 6 ends the ion removing step and proceeds to step S108. In step S108, the control unit 6 switches the first three-way valve 4 to form a flow path through which water flows from the first pipe 10 to the fifth pipe 14. Further, the control unit 6 switches the second three-way valve 5 to form a flow path through which water flows from the third pipe 12 to the drain pipe 15. Then, the control unit 6 carries out the regeneration process of the water treatment unit 2.

Next, in step S109, the control unit 6 determines whether or not the regeneration step of the water treatment unit 2 has been completed. The completion determination of the regeneration process of the water treatment unit 2 is carried out based on the elapsed time of the regeneration process. Specifically, the regeneration process is terminated when the elapsed time of the regeneration process reaches an arbitrary time. The elapsed time of the regeneration process is measured by a timer provided in the control unit 6. As the arbitrary time, the time required for the regeneration of the water treatment unit 2 is evaluated in advance by an experiment or the like, and the result is recorded in the control unit 6 and set. The arbitrary time may be set as a time during which the voltage or current between the current collectors 21 during the regeneration process is measured and recorded in the control unit 6 and the voltage or current becomes constant. In this case, it is possible to measure the current flowing between the time measuring unit such as a timer that can measure the execution time of the regeneration process and the voltmeter or the current collector 21 that can measure the voltage between the current collector 21 of the water treatment unit 2. An electrical inspection unit such as an ammeter is connected to the water treatment unit 2 and the control unit 6, respectively.

The completion of the regeneration step may be determined from the voltage between the current collectors 21 of the water treatment unit 2, the current value flowing when the pair of current collectors 21 are short-circuited, and the like. The control unit 6 determines that the timing at which the voltage or current between the current collectors 21 during the regeneration process becomes constant is the completion timing of the regeneration process. In this case, an electrical inspection unit such as a voltmeter capable of measuring the voltage between the current collectors 21 of the water treatment unit 2 or an ammeter capable of measuring the current flowing between the current collectors 21 is used as the water treatment unit 2 and the control unit. It is provided by connecting to each of 6.

When the control unit 6 determines that the regeneration process of the water treatment unit 2 has not been completed, the control unit 6 proceeds to step S110 and continues the execution of the regeneration process. Then, the control unit 6 returns to step S109 again and determines whether or not the regeneration process of the water treatment unit 2 is completed.

On the other hand, when the control unit 6 determines that the regeneration process of the water treatment unit 2 is completed, the control unit 6 shifts to the ion removal process if the water use unit 3 is in the activated state. When the water use unit 3 is stopped, the control unit 6 shifts to the regeneration process of the water treatment unit 2.

The end of the ion removal step is not limited to the configuration in which the determination is made based on the elapsed time. At the end of the ion removal step, for example, a water quality detection unit for detecting the water quality of the water supplied from the water supply unit 1 and the water discharged from the water treatment unit 2 is provided before and after the water treatment unit 2, and the detection result of this water quality detection unit 2 is provided. The determination may be made based on.

As a specific example, there is a case where a conductivity meter for measuring the conductivity of water is used as a water quality detection unit. The conductivity meter is arranged on the second pipe 11 side of the water treatment unit 2 and on the third pipe 12 side of the water treatment unit 2. When the conductivity of the water discharged from the water treatment unit 2 becomes equal to or higher than an arbitrary standard in the ion removing step, the control unit 6 determines that the water treatment unit 2 needs to be regenerated and shifts to the regeneration step. The arbitrary standard may be less than or equal to the conductivity of the water supplied from the water supply unit 1, that is, less than or equal to the conductivity of the water entering the water treatment unit 2.

Further, the regeneration step ends when the value obtained by dividing the conductivity of the water discharged from the water treatment unit 2 by the conductivity of the water supplied from the water supply unit 1 to the water treatment unit 2 becomes equal to or less than an arbitrary reference. Any criterion is between 1 and 2. In the regeneration step, since the ionic substance is not removed, the conductivity of the water discharged from the water treatment unit 2 does not become less than the conductivity of the water entering the water treatment unit 2, and the conductivity of the water discharged from the water treatment unit 2 Is divided by the conductivity of the water supplied from the water supply unit 1 to the water treatment unit 2, and the value is never less than 1. Further, in the regeneration step, when the value obtained by dividing the conductivity of the water discharged from the water treatment unit 2 by the conductivity of the water supplied from the water supply unit 1 to the water treatment unit 2 is larger than 2, the electrode of the water treatment unit 2 The desorption of the ionic substance from 22 is insufficient, and the regeneration of the water treatment unit 2 is not completed. The value obtained by dividing the conductivity of the water discharged from the water treatment unit 2 measured by the conductivity meter by the conductivity of the water supplied from the water supply unit 1 is calculated by the control unit 6.

Further, the control unit 6 arranges the conductivity meter on the third pipe 12 side of the water treatment unit 2, and when the conductivity of the water discharged from the water treatment unit 2 becomes equal to or higher than the above-mentioned arbitrary reference, it is subjected to the regeneration step. It may be determined that the regeneration process is completed when the conductivity is increased once in the regeneration step and then falls below an arbitrary standard.

Next, FIG. 4 is a schematic configuration diagram schematically showing a modified example of the water use device according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 4, the water use device 100 according to the first embodiment may be configured to include a tank 9 for storing water from which ionic substances have been removed by the ion removing function of the water treatment unit 2. .. The tank 9 is arranged on the fourth pipe 13 together with the water transport device 90 as an example. The water transport device 90 is, for example, a pump or the like, and supplies the water stored in the tank 9 to the water use unit 3. As shown in FIG. 4, the water transport device 90 may be provided as a separate member from the tank or as a part of the tank. Further, the tank 9 is not limited to the configuration arranged on the fourth pipe 13, and may be provided by connecting to another pipe as long as water from which the ionic substance has been removed can be stored.

That is, in the water use device 100 shown in FIG. 4, a certain amount of water treated in the ion removing step can be stored in the tank 9, and the regeneration step can be performed using the water stored in the tank 9. When a certain amount of water treated in the ion removing step for the regeneration step is stored in the tank 9, the ion removing step may be carried out while the water use unit 3 is stopped. Therefore, by using the water treated by the water treatment unit 2 in the ion removal step in the regeneration step of the water treatment section 2, the water treatment section 2 can be regenerated with water having good water quality, so that the regeneration step can be shortened. ..

Further, when a tank 9 for storing a certain amount of water treated in the ion removal step is provided, the water treatment section 2 uses this tank 9 as a water supply section during the regeneration step, and the ion-removed water in the tank 9 is used as the water supply section. It may be supplied to the water use part 3 through one pipe 10, the first three-way valve 4, and the fifth pipe 14.

Further, in the water use device 100 according to the first embodiment, an example in which the capacitive deionization method is used in the water treatment unit 2 is shown, but for example, any device that can electrically control ion removal is sufficient. You may use dialysis or the like. When electrodialysis is used for the water treatment unit 2, the water treatment unit 2 is configured to include a pair of electrodes, a cation exchange membrane, and an anion exchange membrane. An ion exchange resin may be provided between the cation exchange membrane and the anion exchange membrane. Further, when electrodialysis is used in the water treatment unit 2, a drainage pipe is separately provided so that wastewater can always be discharged. Further, when electrodialysis is used in the water treatment unit 2, the regeneration step includes maintenance, electrode conversion, chemical cleaning, and the like, and unlike the capacitive deionization method, the regeneration step is not required every time after the ion removal step. If chemical cleaning is required, a chemical tank will be provided separately. When electrodialysis is used in the water treatment unit 2, a drain port for draining the ion-concentrated water generated by electrodialysis is provided in the water treatment unit 2. This drainage port may be connected to the drainage pipe 15 shown in FIG. When electrodialysis is used in the water treatment unit 2, unlike the capacitive deionization method, the regeneration step is not required and the ion removal step can always be carried out. Further, during the ion removing step, the ion-concentrated water is always drained through the drain port.

Further, in the water use device 100 according to the first embodiment, the water use unit 1 to the water supply unit 1 via the first pipe 10, the first three-way valve 4, and the fifth pipe 14 during the regeneration process of the water treatment unit 2. Although the first pipe 10 is connected to the first three-way valve 4 in order to supply water to 3, the first pipe 10 may be directly connected to the water use unit 3. In this case, the first three-way valve 4 can be omitted. The control unit 6 is connected to the water supply unit 1 and controls the water supply from the water supply unit 1 to the first pipe 10.

Further, in the water use device 100 according to the first embodiment, a water treatment unit may be additionally provided in the middle of the first pipe 10. In this case, when the water treatment unit 2 between the second pipe 11 and the third pipe 12 is in the regeneration process, the water treatment unit separately provided in the first pipe 10 can carry out the ion removal step, and the water can be removed. Water that has been ion-removed by the water treatment unit can always be supplied to the use unit 3. Further, in the water use device 100 according to the first embodiment, a plurality of water treatment units 2 may be provided in parallel between the second pipe 11 and the third pipe 12. That is, by providing the water treatment units 2 in parallel, when one water treatment unit is performing the regeneration process, the other water treatment unit can perform the ion removal step.

In addition to the humidifier described above, the water use unit 3 may be an air conditioner, a water heater, a cooling facility, a boiler, or the like that uses water. If the water-using unit 3 is an air conditioner that uses water, scale precipitation can be suppressed in a portion of the pipe or the like that comes into contact with water, and performance deterioration can be reduced. If the water-using portion 3 is a water heater, scale precipitation can be suppressed in a portion of the pipe or the like that comes into contact with water, particularly high-temperature water, and performance deterioration can be reduced. If the water-using unit 3 is a cooling facility, scale precipitation in the pipe through which water passes can be suppressed, and performance deterioration can be reduced. If the water-using portion 3 is a boiler, scale precipitation in a portion where water is burned can be suppressed, and performance deterioration can be reduced.

As described above, the water use device 100 according to the first embodiment is connected to the water supply unit 1 for supplying water via the water supply unit 1 and the pipe 11, and is connected to the water supply unit 1 by the electric ion removing means. Water treatment unit 2 having a function of removing ionic substances contained in the water supply from the water, and water that is connected to the water treatment unit 2 via pipes (12, 13, 14) and has passed through the water treatment unit 2 are used. Ionicity by controlling the water use unit 3 to drain water, the drain pipe 15 for draining water whose concentration has increased due to the ionic substance removed by the water treatment unit 2, and the flow path of the water supplied by the water supply unit 1. It includes a control unit 6 for draining water whose concentration has increased due to a substance from the drain pipe 15. Therefore, the water use device 100 controls the flow path of the water supplied by the water supply unit 1 and drains the water whose concentration has been increased by the ionic substance removed by the water treatment unit 2 from the drain pipe 15. There is no need to replace the ion exchange resin or the like, and the ionic substances in the water supply can be continuously removed for a long period of time.

Further, the water treatment unit 2 has an ion removing function of adsorbing an ionic substance contained in the water supplied from the water supply unit 1 to the electrode and removing it from the water, and a regeneration function of releasing the ionic substance adsorbed on the electrode into the water. It has a function. The control unit 6 has a function of switching between the execution of ion removal and the execution of regeneration in the water treatment unit 2, and when the water treatment unit 2 performs ion removal, the water supplied from the water supply unit 1 is supplied. A flow path through which the water supplied from the water supply unit 1 flows to the drain pipe 15 through the water treatment unit 2 is formed when the water treatment unit 2 forms a flow path through the water treatment unit 2 and the water treatment unit 2 performs regeneration. Is formed to drain water whose concentration has been increased by an ionic substance from the drain pipe 15.

Therefore, the water-using device 100 according to the first embodiment regenerates the electrode even if the amount of the ionic substance adsorbed on the electrode 22 reaches the limit capacity of the water treatment unit 2 by performing ion removal. Since the ionic substance adsorbed on 22 can be released into water and the water having an increased concentration due to the ionic substance can be drained through the drain pipe 15, it can be continued for a long period of time without exchanging the ion exchange resin or the like. It is possible to remove the scale in the water supply.

Further, the water supply unit 1 and the water use unit 3 are connected by pipes (10, 14). The control unit 6 is configured to form a flow path through which the water supplied from the water supply unit 1 directly flows to the water use unit 3 when the water treatment unit 2 performs regeneration.

Therefore, the water use device 100 according to the first embodiment can supply the water supply from the water supply unit 1 to the water use unit 3 even during the regeneration of the water treatment unit 2, so that the water supply unit 1 can supply the water. The water supply unit 3 can be used continuously without interruption of water supply, and it is excellent in usability.

Further, in the ion removing function, the water treatment unit 2 has a configuration in which the ionic substance contained in the water from the water supply unit 1 is adsorbed on the electrode 22 by applying electricity to remove the ionic substance from the water. is there. Further, in the regeneration function, the water treatment unit 2 releases the ionic substance adsorbed on the electrode 22 into water by either stopping the application of electricity, short-circuiting, or applying electricity in the direction opposite to the ion removing step. It is a composition.

Therefore, the water use device 100 according to the first embodiment can carry out ion removal and regeneration with a simple structure, and can continuously remove scale in water supply for a long period of time.

The water treatment unit 2 has a configuration in which an ionic substance is removed by a capacitive deionization method. Granular activated carbon is used for the electrode 22. Therefore, the water-using device 100 according to the first embodiment uses granular activated carbon that is conductive and has a large specific surface area when the water treatment unit 2 removes an ionic substance by a capacitive deionization method. Since a certain gap is secured in the electrode 22, water easily flows and the pressure loss can be reduced.

Further, the water use device 100 according to the first embodiment includes a tank 9 for storing water from which ionic substances have been removed by the ion removing function of the water treatment unit 2. That is, in the water use device 100, the water treated in the ion removing step can be stored in the tank 9 and the regeneration step can be performed using the water, so that the water treatment unit 2 can be regenerated with water having good water quality. It can shorten the regeneration process. Further, when the water treatment unit 2 is performing the regeneration process, the tank 9 is used as a water supply unit, and the water in the tank 9 from which ions have been removed is used as the first pipe 10, the first three-way valve 4, and the fifth pipe 14. After that, it can be supplied to the water use unit 3.

Embodiment 2.
Next, the water use device 101 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a schematic configuration diagram schematically showing the water use device according to the second embodiment. The same configuration as the water-using device 100 described in the first embodiment is designated by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

As shown in FIG. 5, the water use device 101 according to the second embodiment includes a water supply unit 1, a water treatment unit 2, a water use unit 3, a four-way valve 7, and a control unit 6. There is. The water supply unit 1 has a first water supply unit 1A and a second water supply unit 1B. The first water supply unit 1A and the four-way valve 7 are connected by a first pipe 10. The second water supply unit 1B and the water treatment unit 2 are connected by a second pipe 11. The water treatment unit 2 and the four-way valve 7 are connected by a third pipe 12. The four-way valve 7 and the water use unit 3 are connected by a fifth pipe 14. A drain pipe 15 is connected to the four-way valve 7.

As shown in FIG. 5, in the water use device 101 according to the second embodiment, the first water supply unit 1A supplies water to the first pipe 10, and the second water supply unit 1B supplies water to the second pipe 11. To do. Further, in the water use device 101 of the second embodiment, a four-way valve 7 is provided in place of the first three-way valve 4 and the second three-way valve 5 described in the first embodiment. The control unit 6 switches the four-way valve 7 to form a flow path through which water flows from the first pipe 10 to the fifth pipe 14. Further, the control unit 6 switches the four-way valve 7 to form a flow path through which water flows from the third pipe 12 to the fifth pipe 14. When the flow path is formed from the third pipe 12 to the fifth pipe 14, the control unit 6 stops the supply of water from the first water supply unit 1A to the first pipe 10. Further, when the flow path is formed from the first pipe 10 to the fifth pipe 14, the control unit 6 switches the four-way valve 7 from the second water supply unit 1B to the second pipe 11, the water treatment unit 2, and the second. 3 A flow path through which water flows to the pipe 12 and the drain pipe 15 is formed.

In the water use device 101 of the second embodiment, the control unit 6 controls to switch the four-way valve 7, but the present invention is not limited to this. The four-way valve 7 uses, for example, a valve that can control the flow path by the water pressure applied to the four-way valve 7 via the first pipe 10 after being supplied with water from the first water supply unit 1A in the ion removal step and the regeneration step of the water treatment unit 2. You may. Specifically, when water is supplied to the first pipe 10 and water pressure is applied to the four-way valve 7, a flow path through which water flows from the first pipe 10 to the fifth pipe 14 is formed. Further, when water is supplied to the first pipe 10 and water pressure is applied to the four-way valve 7, a flow path through which water flows from the third pipe 12 to the drain pipe 15 is formed.

When the control unit 6 determines that the water treatment unit 2 needs to carry out the regeneration process, the control unit 6 supplies water from the first water supply unit 1A to the four-way valve 7 via the first pipe 10 to supply water to the first pipe 10 A flow path through which water flows from the third pipe to the fifth pipe 14 is formed, and a flow path through which water flows from the third pipe 12 to the drain pipe 15 is formed. The wastewater in the regeneration process of the water treatment unit 2 is drained through the drain pipe 15. That is, even during the regeneration process, water can be supplied from the first water supply unit 1A to the water use unit 3 via the first pipe 10, the four-way valve 7, and the fifth pipe 14. When there is no water supply from the first water supply unit 1A, the control unit 6 forms a flow path through which water flows from the third pipe 12 to the fifth pipe 14 by the four-way valve 7.

In the second embodiment, the water supply unit 1 is divided into the first water supply unit 1A and the second water supply unit 1B. However, the water supply unit 1 is composed of one water supply unit 1 and a three-way valve inside the water supply unit 1. Etc. may be provided to control the water supply direction.

Further, although not shown, the water use device 101 according to the second embodiment may be configured to include a tank for storing water from which ionic substances have been removed by the ion removing function of the water treatment unit 2. Good. The tank is arranged on the third pipe 12 together with the water transport device as an example. However, the tank may be provided by connecting to another pipe as long as it can store water from which the ionic substance has been removed.

Therefore, the water-using device 101 according to the second embodiment also regenerates the electrode even if the amount of the ionic substance adsorbed on the electrode 22 reaches the limit capacity of the water treatment unit 2 by performing ion removal. Since the ionic substance adsorbed on 22 can be released into water and the water having an increased concentration due to the ionic substance can be drained through the drain pipe 15, it can be continued for a long period of time without exchanging the ion exchange resin or the like. It is possible to remove the scale in the water supply. Further, in the water use device 101, one four-way valve 7 can exert the functions of a plurality of three-way valves, so that the entire device can be miniaturized.

Further, the water supply unit 1 is composed of at least two or more. At least one of the plurality of water supply units 1 is connected to the water use unit 3 by pipes (10, 14). At least one of the plurality of water supply units 1 is connected to the water treatment unit 2 by a pipe 11. Therefore, when the water treatment unit 2 is carrying out the regeneration process, water can be supplied to the water use unit 3 from a water supply unit different from the water supply unit that supplies water to the water treatment unit 2, which is excellent in usability. There is.

Embodiment 3.
Next, the water use device 102 according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a schematic configuration diagram schematically showing the water use device according to the third embodiment. The same configuration as the water-using device 100 described in the first embodiment is designated by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

As shown in FIG. 6, the water use device 102 according to the third embodiment includes a water supply unit 1, a water treatment unit 2, a water use unit 3, a three-way valve 8, and a control unit 6. There is. The water supply unit 1 has a first water supply unit 1A and a second water supply unit 1B. The first water supply unit 1A and the water use unit 3 are connected by a first pipe 10. The second water supply unit 1B and the water treatment unit 2 are connected by a second pipe 11. The water treatment unit 2 and the three-way valve 8 are connected by a third pipe 12. The three-way valve 8 and the water use unit 3 are connected by a fifth pipe 14. Further, a drain pipe 15 is connected to the three-way valve 8.

In the water use device 102 according to the third embodiment, the first water supply part 1A and the water use part 3 are directly connected by the first pipe 10. In the water use device 102, when the water treatment unit 2 is performing the ion removing step, the water from the second water supply unit 1B is supplied to the water treatment unit 2 via the second pipe 11 and treated by the water treatment unit 2. The water is supplied to the water use unit 3 via the third pipe 12, the three-way valve 8, and the fifth pipe 14. When the water treatment unit 2 requires a regeneration process, the control unit 6 switches the three-way valve 8 to form a flow path through which water flows from the third pipe 12 to the drainage pipe 15, and water treatment is performed in the water treatment process. The drainage discharged from the part 2 is drained from the drain pipe 15. At this time, when the water use unit 3 is activated, water is supplied from the first water supply unit 1A to the water use unit 3 via the first pipe 10.

In the third embodiment, the water supply unit 1 is divided into the first water supply unit 1A and the second water supply unit 1B. However, the water supply unit 1 is composed of one water supply unit 1 and a three-way valve inside the water supply unit 1. Etc. may be provided to control the water supply direction.

Further, although not shown, the water use device 102 according to the third embodiment may be configured to include a tank for storing water from which ionic substances have been removed by the ion removing function of the water treatment unit 2. Good. The tank is arranged on the third pipe 12 together with the water transport device as an example. However, the tank may be provided by connecting to another pipe as long as it can store water from which the ionic substance has been removed.

Therefore, the water-using device 102 according to the third embodiment also regenerates the electrode even if the amount of the ionic substance adsorbed on the electrode 22 reaches the limit capacity of the water treatment unit 2 by performing ion removal. Since the ionic substance adsorbed on 22 can be released into water and the water having an increased concentration due to the ionic substance can be drained through the drain pipe 15, it can be continued for a long period of time without exchanging the ion exchange resin or the like. It is possible to remove the scale in the water supply. Further, in the water use device 102, the size of the entire device can be reduced by reducing the number of three-way valves installed.

Although the water-using device (100, 101, 102) has been described above based on the embodiment, the water-using device (100, 101, 102) is not limited to the configuration of the above-described embodiment. For example, the water use device (100, 101, 102) is not limited to the above-mentioned contents, and may include other components. In short, the water use device (100, 101, 102) includes a range of design changes and application variations normally performed by those skilled in the art, as long as the technical idea is not deviated.

1 Water supply unit, 1A 1st water supply unit, 1B 2nd water supply unit, 2 water treatment unit, 3 water use unit, 4 1st 3-way valve, 5 2nd 3-way valve, 6 control unit, 7 4-way valve, 8 3-way valve, 9 tank, 10 1st pipe, 11 2nd pipe, 12 3rd pipe, 13 4th pipe, 14 5th pipe, 15 drain pipe, 20 DC power supply, 21 current collector, 22 electrodes, 23 separator, 90 water transport Equipment, 100, 101, 102 water-using equipment.

Claims (7)

It is provided with an electrical ion removing means having an ion removing function of adsorbing an ionic substance contained in water supply to an electrode and removing it from water, and a regeneration function of releasing the ionic substance adsorbed on the electrode into water. In water use equipment
The water supply unit that supplies water and
A water treatment unit that is connected to the water supply unit via a pipe and has a function of removing ionic substances contained in water supplied from the water supply unit by the electrical ion removing means.
A water use unit that is connected to the water treatment unit via a pipe and uses water that has passed through the water treatment unit.
A drainage pipe that drains water whose concentration has increased due to the ionic substance removed by the water treatment unit, and
The flow path of the water supplied by the water supply unit is controlled based on the state of the water treatment unit regarding whether or not the ion removal step can be performed and the state of the water use unit regarding whether or not the water supply unit is activated. Then, a control unit for draining water whose concentration has been increased by an ionic substance from the drain pipe is provided.
The control unit is a water use device that confirms whether or not the water treatment unit is in a state in which the ion removal step can be performed when the water use unit is started. The water treatment unit has an ion removing function of adsorbing an ionic substance contained in water supplied from the water supply unit to an electrode and removing the ionic substance from the water, and a regeneration function of releasing the ionic substance adsorbed on the electrode into water. Have,
The control unit has a function of switching between execution of ion removal and execution of regeneration in the water treatment unit, and when the water treatment unit performs ion removal, the water supplied from the water supply unit is released. A flow path in which water supplied from the water supply unit flows to the drain pipe through the water treatment unit when a flow path is formed through the water treatment unit and flows to the water use unit and the water treatment unit performs regeneration. The water-using device according to claim 1, wherein water having a concentration increased by an ionic substance is drained from the drain pipe. The water supply unit and the water use unit are connected by a pipe.
The water use device according to claim 2, wherein the control unit forms a flow path through which water supplied from the water supply unit directly flows to the water use unit when the water treatment unit performs regeneration. The water supply unit is composed of at least two or more.
At least one of the plurality of water supply units is connected to the water use unit by a pipe.
The water use device according to claim 3, wherein at least one of the plurality of water supply units is connected to the water treatment unit by a pipe. The water treatment unit
In the ion removing function, by applying electricity to the electrode, an ionic substance contained in water from the water supply unit is adsorbed on the electrode to remove the ionic substance from the water.
In the regeneration function, the ionic substance adsorbed on the electrode is released into water by stopping the application of electricity to the electrode, short-circuiting, or applying electricity in the opposite direction to the ion removal to the electrode. The water-using device according to any one of claims 2 to 4. The water-using device according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein granular activated carbon is used for the electrode. The water-using device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a tank for storing water from which ionic substances have been removed by the water treatment unit.

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