JP2558567B2 - Continuous electrolyzed water generator with flow path switching valve device - Google Patents

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a continuous electrolyzed water generator for electrolyzing water to prepare alkaline water and acidic water, and in particular, an apparatus for electrolyzing water by switching the polarity of electrolysis voltage at predetermined intervals. Regarding

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A continuous electrolyzed water producing apparatus which uses electrodes for both cathode and anode and inverts the polarity of an applied voltage every predetermined time to produce electrolyzed water is disclosed, for example, in JP-A-64-39393. It is known. This type of electrolyzed water generator switches a pair of electrolyzed water drainage flow paths in conjunction with the polarity change of the applied voltage, and even if the polarity is reversed, water of the same nature is discharged from the intake faucet. .

[0003]

Since the flow path switching valve of the conventional device has only the function of switching a pair of drainage pipes to each other, for example, when alkaline water is used, the flow path switching valve is installed in the electrolytic cell or the pipe at the time of flow path switching. There was a problem that the remaining acidic water was discharged from the alkaline water intake faucet, and the alkaline water in the intake water was mixed with the acidic water.

[0004] A main object of the present invention is to provide a continuous electrolyzed water producing apparatus in which, when the polarity of the applied voltage is changed, the electrolyzed water before the conversion is drained to the drain and then the drainage flow path of the electrolyzed water is switched. .

Another object of the present invention is to switch the electrode polarity switch when a predetermined electrolysis cumulative time has elapsed, or when a predetermined electrolysis cumulative time has elapsed and the detection switch signal has turned off. At the same time, the washing and draining mechanism of the flow path switching valve device was activated, and after all the water drained from the electrolysis tank was drained to the drain, it was automatically controlled to switch the flow path of the electrolyzed water by back electrolysis. It is to provide a continuous electrolyzed water generator.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide the above-mentioned electrolyzed water producing apparatus in which water supply to the electrolyzer is controlled by a water level sensor of a tank provided at the tip of the electrolyzed water intake pipe.

[0007]

In order to achieve the above-mentioned first object, the present invention electrolyzes water supplied from a water supply pipe in an electrolyzer and produces a pair of electrolyzed alkaline water and acid water. In a continuous electrolyzed water generator that separately discharges water from a water drainage pipe, an electrolyzer capable of electrolyzing by changing the polarity of electrolysis voltage and a pair of electrolyzed water drainages provided on the drain side of the electrolyzer A flow path switching valve device, and a detection switch provided in the water supply pipe line or the drainage pipe line on the acidic water side, and a detection switch that outputs an electrolysis control signal by detecting the water flow or water pressure in these pipe lines, The flow path switching valve device is provided with a switching mechanism for switching a pair of electrolyzed water drainage channels and a cleaning / draining mechanism for draining all water discharged from the electrolytic cell to a drain.

A second object of the present invention is to provide a detection switch input circuit; an electrolysis integrating circuit; an electrode polarity switch switching circuit; and an electric valve control circuit for controlling a flow path switching valve device for a pair of drain pipes. When an electrolysis voltage is applied to the electrode of the electrolytic cell by an input signal of the detection switch and a predetermined electrolysis integration time has elapsed or a predetermined electrolysis integration time has elapsed and detection is performed. When the switch signal turns off, switch the electrode polarity switch with the application of electrolytic voltage stopped, drain the water from the electrolytic cell through the cleaning drainage mechanism for a predetermined time, and then This can be achieved by the above-mentioned electrolyzed water generating device in which the flow paths are switched.

[0009]

A flow path switching valve device for an electrolyzed water drainage pipe has a pair of left and right chambers that respectively communicate with a pair of electrode chambers of an electrolytic cell, and a pair of switching passages whose both ends are open. are doing. One of the switching passages is connected to the drainage pipe on the intake side, and the other switching passage is connected to the drainage pipe on the drain side. A total of 4 openings, which are independently opened and closed, are provided at both end openings of the pair of switching passages. On-off valves are provided. Therefore, the flow passage switching mechanism of the valve device operates by switching the pair of switching passages so as to selectively open and close to the pair of left and right chambers, and the flow passages of the pair of drainage pipelines are switched. On the other hand, if the opening / closing valves at both ends of the switching passage communicating with the intake side drainage pipe are closed and the opening / closing valves at both ends of the switching passage communicating with the drainage side drainage pipe are opened, the washing / draining mechanism of the valve device operates, and electrolysis is performed. All water from the tank is drained only to the drain side. Therefore, when the polarity of the electrode is changed, after activating the washing and draining mechanism for a predetermined time, by performing the electrolysis by switching the flow path, the target electrolyzed water is discharged after the residual electrolyzed water before the polarity change is drained to the drain. It will be discharged from the intake side drainage pipeline.

An electric control circuit comprising: a detection switch input circuit; an electrolytic integration circuit; an electrode polarity switch switching circuit; an electric valve control circuit for controlling a flow path switching valve device of a pair of drainage pipes. The electrolyzed water generator applies an electrolysis voltage to the electrodes of the electrolytic cell by the input signal of the detection switch,
When a predetermined electrolysis cumulative time has elapsed, or when a predetermined electrolysis cumulative time has elapsed and the detection switch signal is O
When it reaches FF, the electrode polarity switch is switched with the application of the electrolysis voltage stopped, and the water from the electrolytic cell is drained through the washing and draining mechanism for a predetermined time, and then the pair of drainage pipes are cut off. Automatic control can be performed so as to change.

[0011]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 is a raw water such as tap water supplied from a water supply pipe 2 is introduced into an electrolysis tank 3 for electrolysis, and alkaline water and acid water generated in the electrolysis tank 3 are paired with a pair of drainage pipes 4. 5, that is, a continuous electrolyzed water generator that separately discharges the alkaline water drainage conduit 4 and the acidic water drainage conduit 5. Although illustration is omitted, the electrolytic cell 3 has a structure in which the electrodes disposed opposite to each other are partitioned into a pair of electrode chambers by an electrolytic diaphragm, and a DC electrolysis voltage is applied to both electrodes so that water passing through the interior is alkaline water. And it electrolyzes into acidic water.

In the embodiment shown in the figure, an electric water supply valve 6 such as an electromagnetic valve is provided in the water supply pipe line 2, and a flow of water in the water supply pipe line 2 is detected downstream of the electric water supply valve 6 to output an ON / OFF signal. A detection switch 7 such as a flow switch for outputting the pressure or a pressure switch for detecting a pressure fluctuation in the water supply conduit 2 and outputting a signal is provided.
The voltage application to the electrode is controlled to be turned on and off. Further, in the embodiment shown in the figure, a constant flow valve 8 and a purifying device 9 such as a water purifier or a microfilter are arranged in the water supply pipe line 2.

Since the embodiment of FIG. 1 exemplifies an electrolyzed water generator for the purpose of using alkaline water, an alkaline water tank 10 and a water pump unit 11 are installed in the alkaline water drainage pipe 4 on the water intake side. It is installed so that alkaline water is discharged through the water pump unit 11.
On the other hand, the acidic water drainage pipeline 5 is connected to the drain 13.

Electrolyzer 3 of electrolyzed water generator according to the present invention
Is an electrode capable of withstanding both the cathode and the anode (for example, an electrode made of a material having a titanium platinum surface treatment), and the polarity of the electrolysis voltage is changed every predetermined electrolysis time (for example, 3 to 10 hours) to perform normal operation. The electrolytic cell 3 that can be used is used, and the flow path switching valve device 14 that switches the flow path of the water discharged from the pair of electrode chambers is integrally assembled on the drain side of the electrolytic cell 3.

The flow path switching valve device 14 has a pair of chambers 15 and 1 which respectively communicate with a pair of electrode chambers inside the electrolytic cell 3.
6 and a pair of switching passages 17 and 18 with both ends facing both chambers 15 and 16, the alkaline water drainage pipeline 4 is connected to one of the switching passages 17, and the other passage 18 is provided. The acid water drainage pipe 5 is connected to the. Further, four opening / closing valves 19a, 19b, 20a, 20b are provided at the openings at both ends of the pair of switching passages 17, 18 to independently open and close these four openings.
Is provided. In the illustrated embodiment, these valves 19
a, 19b, 20a, 20b are composed of diaphragm valves, and the pressure of the fluid introduced from ports A, B, C, D closes the opening of the switching passage corresponding to each valve,
When the port is switched to the drain side, it operates to open the opening. With this configuration, when the alkaline water is flowing into the chamber 15 and the acidic water is flowing into the chamber 16, one switching passage 17 is opened on the alkaline water chamber 15 side,
When the acidic water chamber 16 side is closed, the alkaline water chamber 15 side of the other switching passage 18 is closed, and the acidic water chamber 16 side is opened, the alkaline water in the electrolytic cell 3 flows from the alkaline water drainage pipe 4 to the tank 10. The acidic water flows from the acidic water drainage pipe 5 to the drain 13. On the other hand, when the polarity of the voltage applied to the electrolytic cell 3 is reversed, the valves 19a, 19b, 2
When 0a and 20b are operated in the opposite manner, the flow paths of the pair of switching passages 17 and 18 are reversed. Therefore, even if the polarities of the electrodes are reversed, the alkaline water is discharged from the alkaline water drainage pipe 4 and the acidic water is discharged from the acidic water drainage pipe 5.

In the electrolyzed water producing apparatus of the present invention, the valves 19a, 19 are provided in order to prevent the acidic water remaining in the pipes from mixing into the alkaline water drainage pipe line 4 when the polarity is changed.
b, 20a, 20b can be operated independently of each other. The opening portions at both ends of one switching passage 17 are closed by operating the valves 19a, 19b, and the opening portions at both ends of the other switching passage 18 are closed. Valve 20a,
When opened by 20b, all the water discharged from the electrolyzer 3 is allowed to flow from the drain line 5 to the drain. . Therefore, after the valve operation is performed for a predetermined time (for example, 10 seconds) at the time of polarity switching, the flow path is switched and the electric water supply valve 6 is opened, so that a new reverse alkaline solution is discharged after the residual acidic water is completely discharged. Water will flow into the alkaline water drainage line 4.

The cathode chamber of the electrolytic cell 3 is supplied with minerals from a chemical tank 21 of minerals or the like via a pump 22. However, the electrode chambers of the electrolytic cell are reversed in polarity so that the electrolytic cell 3 has a reverse polarity. Is provided with a pair of replenishment ports E and F which communicate with the pair of electrode chambers separately, and the replenishment circuit is switched according to the polarity change of the electrodes.

Thus, the electrolyzed water producing device has a first position in which the electrolyzed water is produced by positive electrolysis for a predetermined time while replenishing the cathode chamber with minerals in a regular polarity; Position to drain all the wastewater from the acidic water drainage pipe 5 only to the drain; the voltage polarity is switched, and the mineral replenishment port is switched to operate electrolysis water generation by reverse electrolysis for a predetermined time. The third position and the fourth position in which the drainage from the electrolytic cell is drained from the drainage pipe 5 to the drain 18 again for a predetermined time after the reverse electrolysis are repeatedly performed.

Each valve 19a, 1 of the flow path switching valve device 14
9b, 20a, 20b are branch lines 2 from the water supply line 2
3 is a pilot valve using water supplied as a working fluid as a working fluid, and the motor valve 2 is formed so that the first position to the fourth position are interlocked with each other.
4, 25, and is controlled. still,
26 is a motor valve that controls the supply of minerals to the mineral supply port. These motor valves 24, 25,
26 are the switching positions of the four stages,
, And the motor 27 and the microswitch 28 sequentially switch from the first position of FIG. 1 to the fourth position.

FIG. 2 is an electric control block diagram for electrically operating the above device of the present invention. The electric circuits are a power supply circuit, a control circuit, a flow switch input circuit, an integrating circuit, a motor valve control circuit, and a polarity switching. It is equipped with a circuit, a voltage variable circuit, a mineral pump drive circuit, and the like. . The voltage variable circuit is used to gradually raise the electrolytic voltage at the initial stage of voltage application to stabilize it at a predetermined voltage, thereby protecting the electrodes.

The electrical control of the device of FIG. 1 will be described with reference to the electrical circuit diagram of FIG. Feeding in said first position
The flow switch is turned on by opening the water supply valve 6 of the water conduit 2 , the signal from the flow switch input circuit is sent to the control circuit, and the electrolysis of the electrolytic cell 3 is started with a certain delay. In this case, when the electrolysis is started, the voltage variable circuit operates, the electrolysis voltage is gradually increased, and positive electrolysis is stably performed at a predetermined voltage. By using such a voltage variable circuit, the consumption of the electrode is prevented and the life of the electrode is extended. When operating in positive electrolysis for a certain period of time, a signal is output from the electrolysis integrating circuit to the control circuit, and the signal is transmitted from the control circuit to the motor valve control circuit.
5 and 26 are driven to the second position,
Polarity switch SW of electrolysis circuit with voltage application stopped
Are switched. In the second position the valves 19a, 19
Since b is closed and valves 20a and 20b are both open, all water from the electrolytic cell is discharged from the water distribution pipe 5. When a sufficient time (for example, 10 seconds) for draining water from the electrolyzer during positive electrolysis has passed, the motor valves 24 to 26 are driven to the third position by a signal from the control circuit, and the pair of drain pipes 4, 4. The water channel 5 is switched, and the voltage of the polarity reversal is applied to the electrode of the electrolytic cell 3 by the signal from the control circuit, so that the reverse charging is performed. When the reverse electrolysis is operated for a certain period of time, the control circuit operates by the signal from the integrating circuit, and the motor valves 24 to 26 are driven to the fourth position. The fourth position has the same action as the second position and causes all the water from the electrolytic cell 3 to flow into the drainage pipe 5 for a predetermined time. When a sufficient time for draining water from the electrolyzer during reverse electrolysis has passed, the motor valve 24 to
26 is driven to the first position to switch the drainage pipes 4 and 5, and the switch of the polarity switching circuit is switched by the signal from the control circuit to start the positive electrolysis. After that, the above operation is repeated. The motor valve 26 of the mineral chemical liquid pipe is driven in conjunction with the motor valves 24 and 25 of the flow path switching valve device 14, but the mineral pump drive circuit is delayed by the signal from the control circuit after the start of electrolysis. Then, it is desirable to operate the mineral pump 22.

The switching of the electrode polarity switch is performed by switching the O of the electrolysis integrating circuit when the predetermined electrolysis integrating time has elapsed as described above.
It is not limited to the case of operating by the N signal. For example, the polarity switch is switched when a predetermined electrolysis integration time has elapsed and the signal of the detection switch 7 has been turned off, that is, when the predetermined electrolysis time has passed and the production of electrolyzed water is stopped. You may The latter is
Continuing generation of electrolyzed water is given priority so that polarity switching is not performed during electrolysis water generation even after the electrolysis accumulated time has elapsed.

In any case, it is preferable that the polarity switch is switched while the application of the electrolytic voltage is stopped. This is to prevent sparking and heat generation at the time of switching the polarity switch, and also to prevent consumption of the electrode and prolong the life of the electrode by switching the polarity switch while the application of the electrolytic voltage is stopped. . Then, the above-mentioned specific means may be constructed by assembling the electric circuit so that the power supply circuit is once turned off by the control signal for switching the polarity switch.

There are various modes for electrolysis when all the water in the electrolytic cell is flowing to the drain, that is, for electrolysis in the second and fourth positions. For example, it may be in an electroless state while draining water to the drain (see claim 3), in which case it consumes less power. Also, 1
Of the 0 seconds, the first 5 seconds may be drained without electrolysis, and the remaining 5 seconds may be drained while electrolyzing with the polarity switched (see claim 4). At the same time as switching to the 4-position, the polarity may be switched and electrolysis may be performed to drain the water to the drain (see claim 5). In this case, there is an advantage that the electrolyzed alkaline water is obtained from the beginning of the switching of the electrolyzed water flow path, and the electroless residual water is not mixed with the alkaline water.

In the illustrated embodiment, the water level sensor 2 is installed in the tank 10.
9 is provided, and when the water level in the tank 10 drops to a predetermined level, the water supply valve 6 is opened by an ON signal, and when it reaches a predetermined level, the water supply valve 6 is closed by an OFF signal, and when the water level is below a predetermined level, water is supplied. The operation of the pump unit 11 is stopped. However, the tank 10 and the water level sensor 29 are not necessarily essential to the present invention. Further, in the embodiment shown in the figure, a water supply valve 6 is provided in the water supply pipe line 2, but an original stop type device is shown, but instead of this, a water intake faucet is provided in the water intake side drain pipe 4 and drain water is drained. A so-called first stop type electrolyzed water generating device in which an opening / closing valve that interlocks with the opening / closing of the faucet is provided in the pipe line 5 may be used.

[0026]

[Effect] According to the present invention, when the polarity of the electrode is changed, the flow path is switched after the electrolyzed water before the polarity change is discarded to the drain. Therefore, there is a disadvantage that acidic water is mixed with alkaline water by the flow path switching. It is possible to obtain high quality electrolyzed water.

By electrically controlling the valve operation of the flow path switching valve device, electrolytic control, and water supply detection, automatic operation in various modes becomes possible. In particular, by changing the polarity switch of the electrode while the application of the electrolytic voltage is stopped, or by using the voltage variable circuit that gradually increases the electrolytic voltage in the initial stage of the application of the electrolytic voltage, the consumption of the electrode is reduced and the life is shortened. It can be extended.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic overall configuration diagram of an electrolyzed water generator according to an embodiment of the present invention,

2 is a block diagram for explaining electric control of the device of the present invention, FIG.

[Explanation of symbols]

2 ... Water supply line, 3 ... Electrolyzer, 4, 5 ... Drainage line,
6 ... Water supply valve, 7 ... Detection switch, 8 ... Constant flow valve,
9 Purification device 10 ... Tank, 11 ... Water pump unit, 13 ... Drain, 14 ... Flow path switching valve device, 1
5, 16 ... Chamber, 17, 18 ... Switching passage, 19
a, 19b, 20a, 20b ... Open / close valve, 21 ... Chemical solution tank, 22 ... Pump, 23 ... Branch pipe line, 2
4, 25, 26 ... Motor valve, 29 ... Water level sensor.

Claims (5)

(57) [Claims] 1. A continuous electrolyzed water producing apparatus for electrolyzing water supplied from a water supply pipe in an electrolyzer and separately discharging generated alkaline water and acidic water from a pair of electrolyzed water drainage pipes. An electrolyzer capable of electrolyzing by changing the polarity of voltage, a flow path switching valve device provided on the drain side of the electrolyzer for switching the flow paths of alkaline water and acid water discharged from the electrolyzer, and the water supply A detection switch that is provided in a pipeline or an acidic water side drain pipeline from the flow path switching valve device, detects a water flow or water pressure in these pipelines, and outputs an electrolytic control signal; and an electrical control circuit, And a flow path switching valve device
Includes a switching mechanism for converting a pair of electrolytic water drainage, all water discharged from the electrolytic cell comprises a washing water discharge mechanism for discharging into the drain, the electric control circuit includes a detection switch input circuit; electrolyte An integrating circuit; an electrode polarity switch switching circuit; an electric valve control circuit for controlling the flow path switching valve device of the pair of drainage pipes; and an electrolytic voltage is applied to the electrode of the electrolytic cell by an input signal of the detection switch. Then, when the predetermined electrolysis accumulated time has elapsed, the electrode polarity switch is switched while the application of the electrolysis voltage is stopped, and after draining the water from the electrolytic cell through the cleaning drainage mechanism for a predetermined time,
A continuous electrolyzed water generator characterized in that an electrolytic voltage is applied to the electrodes by switching the flow paths of a pair of drainage pipes. 2. The continuous electrolyzed water generator according to claim 1, wherein the washing and draining mechanism of the flow path switching valve device is operated for a predetermined time when the polarity of the electrolysis voltage to the electrolysis cell is changed. 3. Water supplied from a water supply line is electrolyzed in an electrolytic cell.
The generated alkaline water and acidic water are discharged into a pair of electrolyzed water.
In the continuous electrolyzed water generator that discharges water from the water pipe separately
The electrolytic cell that can be operated by changing the polarity of the electrolysis voltage
And is provided on the drain side of the electrolyzer and is discharged from the electrolyzer.
Flow path switching valve device that switches the flow path of alkaline water and acidic water
And acid from the water supply line or the flow path switching valve device
Provided in the water side drainage pipelines, the flow of water in these pipelines or
Detection switch that detects water pressure and outputs electrolysis control signal
And an electric control circuit, the flow path switching valve device
Is a switching mechanism that switches a pair of electrolyzed water drainage channels,
Cleaning that drains all water discharged from the tank to the drain
A drainage mechanism is provided, and the electric control circuit includes a detection switch input circuit; an electrolysis integrating circuit; an electrode polarity switch switching circuit; and an electric valve control circuit for controlling a flow path switching valve device of a pair of drainage pipelines. ; and has a, when applied to the electrodes in the electrolytic cell voltage at the input signal of the detection switch, a predetermined electrolysis integration time has elapsed, it switches the polarity switch in a state of stopping the voltage application, a predetermined time electroless After draining the water from the electrolysis tank through the washing and draining mechanism, the electrolysis voltage is applied to electrolyze for a predetermined time to continue draining from the washing and draining mechanism, and then the pair of drainage pipes are cut off. Continuous electrolyzed water generator 4. The polarity switch is further switched while the application of the electrolytic voltage is stopped when a predetermined electrolytic accumulated time has elapsed and the signal of the detection switch is turned off. Item 1. Electrolyzed water generator 5. A continuous electrolytic water according to claim 1, 2, 3 or 4 wherein is gradually boosting the initial applied voltage of the voltage application, characterized by further comprising a voltage variable circuit for stabilizing a predetermined voltage Generator