JP2686208B2 - Ion water generator - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an ion water generator for electrolyzing continuously supplied tap water to generate alkaline water and acidic water.

2. Description of the Related Art In this type of device, a scale of calcium or the like is deposited and adheres to the surface of the electrodes during electrolysis to reduce the electrolysis capacity. Therefore, a DC voltage with reversed polarity is applied between the electrodes. It is known that the electrode can be cleaned (for example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2-7715).
Issue publication). Then, in these devices, in order to determine the cleaning start time of the electrode, a pressure type switch that turns on / off in conjunction with passing / stopping tap water is provided, and tap water is output based on the signal from this pressure switch. Obtain the cumulative time of water flow, determine the cleaning start time of the electrode based on this cumulative time, measure the cumulative amount of water with a water meter, etc.
Some of them start the cleaning operation of the electrode when the amount of water exceeds a predetermined value. On the other hand, when cleaning the electrode by reversing the polarity of the DC voltage applied to the electrode, it is not possible to know the exact cumulative flow rate of electrolyzed tap water, so whether the amount of scale removed has reached an appropriate value. That is, it was not possible to accurately determine whether or not the electrode cleaning was completed. Further, since the conventional device is not equipped with a backup means, when the power is cut off due to a power failure or the like, the above data for determining the cleaning start time and the cleaning end time is erased to be in the initial state and the electrode cleaning is performed. There was a risk of continued use in an incomplete state.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Therefore, the present invention has an object to solve the above-mentioned problems and provides an ion water generator capable of accurately determining the end time of electrode cleaning. .

A first aspect of the present invention is to continuously supply tap water to an electrolytic cell and apply a DC voltage between electrodes in the electrolytic cell to convert the tap water into alkaline water and acidic water. In an ionized water generator that is taken out while electrolyzing, an electrode cleaning unit that applies a reverse voltage between the electrodes to clean the electrodes, and a flow meter that detects the flow rate of tap water supplied to the electrolytic cell, An integrated flow rate detection means for obtaining an integrated flow rate of tap water supplied to the electrolytic cell based on the output of the flow meter, and tap water applying a reverse voltage between the electrodes based on the output of the integrated flow rate detection means. And a cleaning control means for stopping the reverse voltage application to the electrodes based on the output of the cleaning end timing determination means. Is. A second aspect of the present invention is the configuration of the cleaning control means according to the first aspect of the present invention, in which after a reverse voltage application to the electrodes is stopped, a predetermined amount of tap water is applied to the electrolytic cell without applying a voltage to the electrodes. It is configured to supply. According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, a backup means for holding the integrated flow rate of the tap water during a power failure is provided.

According to the first aspect of the invention, the cleaning end time of the electrode is
Since the determination is made based on the integrated flow rate of tap water supplied to the electrolytic cell during the application of the reverse voltage, the influence of water pressure fluctuation can be reduced, and the electrode cleaning can be completed while the scale removal state of the electrode surface is constant. According to the second aspect of the present invention, after the cleaning of the electrodes is completed, a predetermined amount of tap water is caused to flow into the electrolytic cell without applying a voltage to the electrodes, so that when the next use is performed, the scaled ion water or the like is removed. Can be prevented. According to the third aspect of the present invention, since data for determining the electrode cleaning time and the like is retained even when a power failure occurs, it is possible to accurately grasp the degree of contamination of the electrode cleaning before the power failure, the cleaning state before the power failure. You can

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS First, the schematic construction of an ionized water generator of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. The generator body 1 includes a calcium cartridge part 2, a water purification cartridge part 3, and an electrolytic cell part 4.
It mainly consists of. Tap water is supplied to the main body 1 via a switching cock 6 attached to a tap 5 and a water conduit 7. The switching cock 6 can be run tap water directly from the faucet,
Or, it can be arbitrarily switched whether to flow to the main body 1 side. The water conduit 7 is connected to the suction port of the water purification cartridge unit 3 via the calcium cartridge unit 2. The calcium cartridge portion 2 is provided with a detachable cartridge containing a calcium compound such as calcium glycerophosphate, and has a structure for adding the compound to tap water.
The water purification cartridge unit 3 includes a removable cartridge that uses silver activated carbon 8, a hollow fiber membrane 9 and the like as a filter medium, and removes impurities, miscellaneous bacteria, chlorine, etc. in tap water and takes out purified tap water from an outlet. I am trying. The purified tap water is supplied to the electrolytic cell unit 4 via the connection pipe 10. The connection pipe 10 is equipped with a flow meter 11 which measures the flow rate of tap water passing through the connection pipe 10, and is composed of, for example, an impeller and a Hall element for detecting the number of rotations of the impeller. In the electrolytic cell part 4, a first electrode 13 made of stainless steel and a second electrode 14 made of titanium alloy are arranged with a diaphragm 12 interposed, and a first water pipe for supplying water near the first electrode to an outlet 15. 16 is connected, and the second water pipe 19 is connected so as to supply the water near the second electrode to the drain port 18. The second water pipe 19 is provided with a solenoid valve 20 for cutting off the flow of water therethrough. FIG. 2 shows a block diagram of a circuit unit housed in the main body 1. The circuit unit includes a control unit 21, a backup unit 22, an input unit 23, a display unit 24,
The power supply unit 25 is the main component. Control unit 21
Is composed of a microcomputer 26 in which a predetermined program is incorporated, an electrode control circuit 27 for controlling electrode switching and the like. The backup unit 22 is composed of a non-volatile memory such as an E ² PROM, and a memory area for storing three kinds of integrated flow rates is set therein. The first region 28 is a second region for determining the electrode cleaning start time.
The area 29 is set to store the cumulative flow rate for determining the cleaning end time, and the third area 30 for storing the water purification cartridge replacement time. Input unit 23
Is composed of a water selection switch 31 for cyclically selecting alkaline water, purified water, and acidic water, and a concentration selection switch 32 for selecting ion concentration in five stages. Display unit 2
Reference numeral 4 denotes a water selection display lamp 33 that displays the selection result of the selection switch 31, an ion concentration display lamp 34 that displays the selection result of the selection switch 32, and a cartridge replacement lamp 3
5, the cleaning lamp 36 and the like. The power supply unit 25 is a circuit power supply 37 that supplies power to each of the circuit parts.
And an electrolytic power supply 38 for supplying a DC power supply for electrolysis to the electrodes
And a switching circuit 39 for inverting the polarity of the output of the electrolysis power source 38 and supplying it to the electrodes. Further, the microcomputer 26 is programmed to obtain an integrated flow rate of tap water supplied into the electrolytic cell 4 based on the output of the flow meter 11. In addition, the electrode control circuit 27 is designed so as to perform on / off of the electrolytic power supply 38, switching of the output voltage, and switching control of the switching circuit 39 in accordance with instructions from the microcomputer 26. Next, the schematic operation will be described with reference to FIG. First, when the switching cock 6 is switched to the main body 1 side and the faucet 5 is opened, tap water having a predetermined water pressure is supplied to the main body 1 through the water conduit 7. The tap water supplied to the main body 1 passes through the calcium cartridge portion 2 to be added with calcium ions and then supplied to the purified water cartridge portion 3.
In the water purification cartridge part 3, minute impurities are removed from the silver activated carbon layer 8, and then the hollow fiber membrane part 9 is removed.
In, the microscopic minor bacteria are removed and purified water is taken out. The purified tap water is supplied to the electrolytic cell unit 4, and its flow rate is measured by the flow meter 11. The tap water supplied to the electrolyzer 4 is electrolyzed by the DC voltage applied between the electrodes, and is separated into alkaline water and acidic water by the diaphragm 12 while one is the first water pipe 16 and the other is the second water pipe. It is led to the water pipe 19. Here, when a voltage is applied with the first electrode 13 as a cathode and the second electrode 14 as an anode, alkaline water can be taken out from the outlet 15, and when an opposite voltage is applied, acidic water is taken out from the outlet 15. be able to. Further, when taking out the purified water, the voltage application to the electrodes is stopped and the electromagnetic valve 20 is closed to remove the purified water from the purified water cartridge portion 3 through the outlet 15
Can be taken out only from. Normally, a forward voltage is applied with the first electrode 13 serving as a cathode and the second electrode 14 serving as an anode so as to take out frequently used alkaline water from the outlet 15, so that the first electrode 13 serving as the cathode side. Metal ions such as calcium ions are attracted to and are deposited,
Scale adheres to the electrode surface. As a result, the electrolysis capacity of water decreases, and it becomes necessary to apply a reverse voltage between the electrodes periodically to remove the scale. Hereinafter, FIGS.
The operation including scale removal will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. When the power is turned on, as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 3, the microcomputer 26 determines whether or not there is a constant flow rate (about 1.5 L / min) (L indicates liter) according to the output of the flow meter 11 (stop). It is determined whether or not water has been applied. If the amount is less than a certain amount, voltage application to the electrodes is prohibited.
If the flow rate is equal to or more than a certain amount, it is determined whether or not the integrated flow rate for cleaning start timing determination (hereinafter referred to as the start integrated flow rate) stored in the first area 28 of the memory has reached 105L. The start integrated flow rate is based on the output of the flow meter 11,
The integrated flow rate during the application of the forward voltage between the electrodes (alkaline water extraction period) is obtained by the microcomputer and is sequentially stored in the first area of the memory. Further, since the contents of the memory 22 are saved even when the power supply is stopped, they are not initialized each time a power failure occurs. Then, if the start integrated flow rate has reached 105 L, it is determined that the scale attached to the electrode 13 has reached a level that requires cleaning, and the cleaning process is started. The cleaning process will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. In this step as well, the flow meter 11 first determines whether or not there is a fixed amount (about 1.5 L / min) of flow (whether water is not stopped), and if there is a flow of a certain value or more, water is not stopped. Then, the accumulated flow rate for determining the cleaning end time stored in the second area 29 of the memory 22 (hereinafter referred to as the accumulated cleaning flow rate) is the first.
It is determined whether or not the standard value (about 2 L) has been reached. Then, until the first reference value is reached, the switching circuit 39 is operated to apply a reverse constant voltage (30 V) to the electrodes to clean the electrodes. Here, the integrated flow rate of cleaning is obtained by the microcomputer 26 based on the output of the flow meter 11 and is sequentially stored in the second area 29 of the memory 22. Further, this first reference value is a value obtained by an experiment, and it is possible to appropriately remove the scale adhering to the electrode when the alkaline water is taken out by electrolyzing about 105 L of tap water, and the electrode is This is equivalent to the cumulative flow rate of tap water that needs to be electrolyzed while applying a reverse voltage in order to prevent the dissolution. Then, when the cleaning integrated flow rate reaches the first reference value, the voltage application to the electrodes is stopped, and then the cleaning integrated flow rate reaches the second reference value (about 3
L) is determined. Since the inside of the electrolytic cell 4 is washed with purified water until the second reference value is reached, it is possible to prevent the removed scale from remaining in the electrolytic cell. Then, when the accumulated cleaning flow rate reaches the second reference value, the cleaning is completed and the accumulated cleaning flow rate in the second region 29 is reset. As shown in the main routine of FIG. 3, when the start integrated flow rate has not reached about 105 L, or when the cleaning process is completed, the process proceeds to the alkaline water process. The alkaline water process will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. Also in this step, first, the flow meter 11 determines whether or not there is a constant amount of flow (about 1.5 L / min) (whether the water is not stopped). When it is determined that there is no voltage, the switching circuit 39 is activated to apply a forward voltage to the electrodes. As a result, the alkaline water can be taken out from the outlet 15. Further, if the concentration selection switch 32 is operated during this step, the voltage applied to the electrodes can be adjusted in 5 steps (about 6 to 36 V) via the electrode control circuit 27, and the ion concentration (ph) can be adjusted to your liking. It can be set accordingly. During this step, the start cumulative flow rate is determined and stored in memory. Then, during this process, when the start integrated flow rate exceeds 105 L, the cleaning lamp 35 is turned on to inform the user that the electrode cleaning time has come. In response to it, tap 5
When the flowmeter 11 is closed and a certain amount of flow rate is no longer detected by the flowmeter 11, it is determined that the water flow is stopped, the flow returns to the position indicated by A in the main routine of FIG. 3, and the above-described cleaning process is executed.
When the water selection switch 31 is operated during the alkaline water process, it is determined that there is a selection of switching the purified water from the alkaline water, and the water purification process is executed. The water purification process will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. Even in this step, first, a certain amount (about 1.5 L / min) is measured by the flow meter 11.
It is judged whether there is a flow rate (whether the water is not stopped), and if there is a flow rate above a certain value, it is judged that the water is not stopped and the voltage application to the electrode is stopped, followed by the solenoid valve. Close. As a result, tap water purified by the water purification cartridge unit can be taken out from the outlet without electrolysis. When the water selection switch 31 is operated during the water purification process, it is determined that there is a selection of switching from purified water to acidic water, and the acidic water process is executed. The acidic water process will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. Also in this step, first, the flow meter 11 is used to set a fixed amount (about 1.
It is judged whether or not there is a flow rate of 5 L / min (whether or not the water is stopped), and if there is a flow rate of a certain value or more, it is judged that the water is not stopped and the solenoid valve 20 is opened first. Next, by operating the switching circuit 39 and applying a reverse voltage to the electrodes, the acidic water can be taken out from the outlet 15. The ion concentration of the acidic water can be switched as needed by operating the concentration selection switch 32. Returning to the main flow of FIG. 3, if the water selection switch 31 is operated during the acidic water process, the alkaline water is selected and the process returns to the alkaline water process. On the other hand, if there is no switch operation, the acidic process is continued, and the cumulative flow rate after the acidic process is started is the first specified value (about 2
L) is reached. If it has reached the specified value, it is determined that the scale adhering to the electrode has been removed by the acidic step, and the start integrated flow rate stored in the first region 28 of the memory 22 is reset. After that, if the switch from the acidic water to the alkaline water is not performed by the switch 31 and the water is not stopped, the acidic water is taken out during that time, but the accumulated flow rate after the start of the acidic step is the second specified value (about When it reaches 7 L), the acidic water process is forcibly terminated and alkaline water is executed in order to prevent dissolution of the electrode 13. Further, the microcomputer 26 also obtains the integrated flow rate of the tap water that has passed through the water purification cartridge unit 3 based on the output of the flow meter 11, and sequentially stores the integrated flow rate in the third area 30 of the memory. The cartridge replacement lamp 36 of the display unit 24 is turned on when it is determined that the predetermined value has been reached, and the cartridge replacement is prompted.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, the time when the cleaning of the electrode is completed is determined by the integrated flow rate of the tap water supplied to the electrolytic cell while the reverse voltage is being applied. The electrode cleaning can be completed when the scale removal state on the surface is constant. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the deterioration of the electrolysis capacity due to the small amount of scale adhering to the electrode, or the dissolution of the electrode due to overwashing. According to the second aspect of the present invention, after the cleaning of the electrodes is completed, a predetermined amount of tap water is caused to flow into the electrolytic cell without applying a voltage to the electrodes, so that when the next use is performed, the scaled ion water or the like is removed. Can be prevented. According to the third aspect of the present invention, it is possible to hold data for determining the electrode cleaning end time and the like even when a power failure occurs, and accurately grasp the degree of contamination of electrode cleaning and the cleaning state.

[Brief description of the drawings]

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

FIG. 2 is a circuit block diagram of an ionized water generator according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the overall operation of the embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a partial operation (cleaning process) of the same embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a partial operation (alkaline water step) of the same example.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a partial operation (water purification process) of the same embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a partial operation (acidic water process) of the same example.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 Generator Main Body 4 Electrolyzer Section 11 Flowmeter 13 First Electrode 14 Second Electrode 15 Outlet 18 Drain 21 Control Unit 22 Backup Unit 23 Input Unit 24 Display Unit 25 Power Supply Unit

 ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of the front page (72) Inventor Junnosuke Ijiri 3-201 Minamiyoshikata, Tottori City, Tottori Prefecture Tottori Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Natsue Yamamoto 3-201 Minamiyoshikata, Tottori City, Tottori Prefecture In Tottori Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor, Ichizo Tanaka, 3-201 Minamiyoshikata, Tottori City, Tottori Prefecture In Tottori Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd. (72) Seiichiro Kobayashi, 3-201 Minamiyoshikata, Tottori City, Tottori Prefecture In Tottori Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Toru Matsui 3-201 Minamiyoshikata, Tottori City, Tottori Prefecture Tottori Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Yukio Ito 3-201 Minamiyoshikata, Tottori City Tottori Prefecture Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd. (56) Reference JP-A-4-284890 (JP, A) JP-A-5-285482 (JP, A) JP-A-1-203097 (JP, A) JP-A-1 207188 (JP, A) JP flat 5-253570 (JP, A) Tokuoyake flat 2-7715 (JP, B2)

Claims (3)

(57) [Claims] 1. An ion water generator in which tap water is continuously supplied to an electrolyzer and a DC voltage is applied between electrodes in the electrolyzer to take out tap water while electrolyzing the tap water into alkaline water and acidic water. , Applying a reverse voltage between the electrodes to wash the electrodes
An electrode cleaning means for cleaning, a flow meter for detecting the flow rate of tap water supplied to the electrolytic cell, and an integrated flow rate for obtaining an integrated flow rate of tap water supplied to the electrolytic cell based on the output of the flow meter. Based on the output of the detection means and the integrated flow rate detection means, the integrated flow rate of tap water while applying a reverse voltage between the electrodes is
Cleaning end time determination means for determining that a predetermined amount has been reached
And the electrode based on the output of the cleaning end time determination means.
An ion water generator characterized by comprising a cleaning control means for stopping application of a reverse voltage to the ion water. 2. The cleaning control means is configured to apply a reverse voltage to the electrode.
After stopping the pressure application, no voltage is applied to the electrodes.
The ion water generator according to claim 1 , wherein a predetermined amount of tap water is supplied to the electrolytic cell in a state . 3. The integrated flow rate of the tap water is maintained during a power outage.
Claim 1, characterized in that a backup means that
Serial ion water generator of the placement.